First Lady Melania Trump has defended her White House renovations in an outgoing essay. AFP
First Lady Melania Trump has defended her White House renovations in an outgoing essay. AFP
First Lady Melania Trump has defended her White House renovations in an outgoing essay. AFP
First Lady Melania Trump has defended her White House renovations in an outgoing essay. AFP

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Melania Trump defends White House renovations as she prepares to step down as first lady

First lady leaves her role with lower approval rating, at 47 per cent, than her recent predecessors

Farah Andrews
Farah Andrews
Dubai

April 30, 2021

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Latest: Petition urges Jill Biden to undo Melania Trump's changes to the White House Rose Garden

As the first lady, Melania Trump, prepares to leave the White House, she has defended the renovations she has made on the "People's House" in an 850-word message posted to the White House website.

During her four years as the first lady, Melania has taken on a number of renovation projects. Most notably, she has redesigned the White House's bowling alley, tennis pavilion and Rose Garden, and faced criticism for each.

"The projects that I have overseen during the last four years are ones which I believe will not only preserve the house’s heritage but enhance the experience of its beauty and solemnity for generations to come," she wrote.

"Through a team of dedicated advisers whose passion rose above mere cosmetic alterations, my attention was brought to areas of the house which were in great need of structural restoration and preservation."

Hinting that incoming first lady Jill Biden may not complete the work she has started, Melania wrote: "The restoration and conservation of the priceless Zuber wallpaper in the Family Dining Room, perhaps the most ambitious project of the administration, remains to be completed, and will be, I hope, admired by all who see its beauty."

Melania leaves the White House with lower approval rating than a number of her predecessors. She currently has a 47 per cent approval rating, compared with Michelle Obama's 69 per cent, Laura Bush's 67 per cent and Hillary Clinton's 56 per cent, according to a CNN poll.

Her approval rating is, however, higher than that of her husband, departing resident Donald Trump, who rings in with 33 per cent.

Scroll through the gallery below to see images of the White House Rose Garden:

Flowers are in full bloom in the White House Rose Garden, Washington, DC, on April 27, 1963. Getty Images
Flowers are in full bloom in the White House Rose Garden, Washington, DC, on April 27, 1963. Getty Images
General George Patton and President Harry Truman walking together at White House Rose Garden in Washington, District of Columbia, 1945. Getty Images
General George Patton and President Harry Truman walking together at White House Rose Garden in Washington, District of Columbia, 1945. Getty Images
View of American politicians, Vice President Lyndon B Johnson (1908 - 1973) and President John F Kennedy (1917 - 1963), as they meet with the press in the White House Rose Garden, Washington DC, March 6, 1961. Getty Images
View of American politicians, Vice President Lyndon B Johnson (1908 - 1973) and President John F Kennedy (1917 - 1963), as they meet with the press in the White House Rose Garden, Washington DC, March 6, 1961. Getty Images
Lady Bird Johnson is shown in the White House rose garden with her grandson Patrick Lyndon Nugent, Lynda Bird Robb and an Easter Bunny. 10th April 1968. Getty Images
Lady Bird Johnson is shown in the White House rose garden with her grandson Patrick Lyndon Nugent, Lynda Bird Robb and an Easter Bunny. 10th April 1968. Getty Images
After taking their vows, Edward Finch Cox and Tricia Nixon Cox walk through rows of flowers past their guests en route to the White House for the reception, following their wedding in the White House rose garden. The bride is the daughter of president Richard Nixon.
After taking their vows, Edward Finch Cox and Tricia Nixon Cox walk through rows of flowers past their guests en route to the White House for the reception, following their wedding in the White House rose garden. The bride is the daughter of president Richard Nixon.
President Reagan in a meeting with reporters in the Rose Garden of the White House, says he is 'prepared to go the extra mile' in reaching an acceptable compromise with Congress on the 1983 budget. Getty Images
President Reagan in a meeting with reporters in the Rose Garden of the White House, says he is 'prepared to go the extra mile' in reaching an acceptable compromise with Congress on the 1983 budget. Getty Images
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan feeds some White House squirrels (not shown) with acorns collected for Camp David. The photo was taken outside the Oval Office adjacent to the Rose Garden. Getty Images
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan feeds some White House squirrels (not shown) with acorns collected for Camp David. The photo was taken outside the Oval Office adjacent to the Rose Garden. Getty Images
Russian President Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin (1931 - 2007), left, stands next to US President George HW Bush (1924 - 2018) at the White House's Rose Garden, Washington, DC, June 16, 1992. Getty Images
Russian President Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin (1931 - 2007), left, stands next to US President George HW Bush (1924 - 2018) at the White House's Rose Garden, Washington, DC, June 16, 1992. Getty Images
U.S. President George Bush gestures toward reporters during an outdoor press conference in the White House Rose Garden 10 April, 1992. Standing next to a magnolia tree in full bloom, President Bush said he has ordered his campaign workers to "stay out of the sleaze business". AFP
U.S. President George Bush gestures toward reporters during an outdoor press conference in the White House Rose Garden 10 April, 1992. Standing next to a magnolia tree in full bloom, President Bush said he has ordered his campaign workers to "stay out of the sleaze business". AFP
US President George Bush gives French oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau a tour of the White House Rose Garden, 24 April 1992. AFP
US President George Bush gives French oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau a tour of the White House Rose Garden, 24 April 1992. AFP
President Clinton and visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto walk through the Rose Garden on their way to lunch April 11 1995 at the White House.
President Clinton and visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto walk through the Rose Garden on their way to lunch April 11 1995 at the White House.
President Clinton Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat leave the Rose Garden of the White House October 15 1999. Reuters
President Clinton Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat leave the Rose Garden of the White House October 15 1999. Reuters
US President Bill Clinton and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud walk through the Rose Garden 24 September 1998 at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
US President Bill Clinton and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud walk through the Rose Garden 24 September 1998 at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
US President Bill Clinton, using his crutch as a pointer, shows Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto various flowers and trees during a tour of the Rose Garden at the White House 25 April. AFP
US President Bill Clinton, using his crutch as a pointer, shows Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto various flowers and trees during a tour of the Rose Garden at the White House 25 April. AFP
President George W. Bush makes a statement from the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008. Bush said the election of Barack Obama as president of the U.S. is a 'dream fulfilled' for the civil rights movement and a victory for all Americans. Getty Images
President George W. Bush makes a statement from the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008. Bush said the election of Barack Obama as president of the U.S. is a 'dream fulfilled' for the civil rights movement and a victory for all Americans. Getty Images
President Barack Obama speaks about rising gas prices and oil company tax breaks during a statement in the Rose Garden at the White House on March 29, 2012 in Washington, DC. Getty Images
President Barack Obama speaks about rising gas prices and oil company tax breaks during a statement in the Rose Garden at the White House on March 29, 2012 in Washington, DC. Getty Images
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha pose for a family portrait with their pets Bo and Sunny in the Rose Garden of the White House on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 in Washington, DC. Getty Images
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha pose for a family portrait with their pets Bo and Sunny in the Rose Garden of the White House on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 in Washington, DC. Getty Images

This is not the first time Melania has defended her work at the White House. In March, she retweeted images of the tennis pavilion, with the message: "I encourage everyone who chooses to be negative and question my work at the White House to take time and contribute something good and productive in their own communities. #BeBest".

"Be Best" is a reference to the public awareness campaign promoted by the first lady, focusing on well-being for youth and cracking down on cyberbullying.

The essay was released on the same day as a video message from the first lady.

"I ask all Americans to use caution and common sense to protect the vulnerable, as millions of vaccines are now being delivered," Melania said. "In the midst of hardship, we have seen the best of America shine through."

She also touched on the recent violence in Washington and the Capitol riots, without directly referencing them, by saying: "Violence is never the answer and will never be justified."

Watch First Lady Melania Trump's farewell video message here:

The video, encouraging people to "be best" and to "choose love", comes after the first lady was criticised for refusing to give Dr Biden a tour of the White House, failing to take part in a tradition that has run for more than 100 years.

According to Biden staff, the incoming first family will be greeted at the White House by an usher.

Track Melania Trump's style evolution here: 

Donald Trump and Melania Trump, then known as Melania Knauss, in New York City on September 28, 1998. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, then known as Melania Knauss, in New York City on September 28, 1998. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melanie Knauss, in a blue sequinned gown, arrive for VH1's Divas Live concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on April 13, 1999. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melanie Knauss, in a blue sequinned gown, arrive for VH1's Divas Live concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on April 13, 1999. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a metallic beaded dress, at the Aida opening in New York City on March 23, 2000. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a metallic beaded dress, at the Aida opening in New York City on March 23, 2000. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a black slip dress and coat, arrive for the premiere of 'I Dreamed of Africa' on April 18, 2000 at Sony Theatres Lincoln Square in New York City. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a black slip dress and coat, arrive for the premiere of 'I Dreamed of Africa' on April 18, 2000 at Sony Theatres Lincoln Square in New York City. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a LBD, at the launch of 'Gotham' magazine, at Cipriani in New York City on March 1, 2001. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a LBD, at the launch of 'Gotham' magazine, at Cipriani in New York City on March 1, 2001. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a beaded white gown, arrive for the 73rd annual Academy Awards on March 25, 2001 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a beaded white gown, arrive for the 73rd annual Academy Awards on March 25, 2001 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in white suiting, arrive for the premiere of 'Moulin Rouge' on April 17, 2001 at the Paris Theatre in New York City. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in white suiting, arrive for the premiere of 'Moulin Rouge' on April 17, 2001 at the Paris Theatre in New York City. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in pastel separates, at the Oscar de la Renta fashion show during New York Fashion Week on September 15, 2003. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in pastel separates, at the Oscar de la Renta fashion show during New York Fashion Week on September 15, 2003. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a fur coat, at the opening of the new Asprey flagship store in New York City on December 8, 2003. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a fur coat, at the opening of the new Asprey flagship store in New York City on December 8, 2003. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a blazer, attend a game between Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, US, on December 17, 2004. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss, in a blazer, attend a game between Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, US, on December 17, 2004. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a spaghetti-strapped scarlet dress, attend the International Red Cross Ball on January 29, 2005, in Palm Beach, US. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a spaghetti-strapped scarlet dress, attend the International Red Cross Ball on January 29, 2005, in Palm Beach, US. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a hot-pink halter dress, arrive at the birthday party of Shaquille O'Neal at Hotel Victoria in Miami Beach, US, on March 5, 2005. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a hot-pink halter dress, arrive at the birthday party of Shaquille O'Neal at Hotel Victoria in Miami Beach, US, on March 5, 2005. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a fur coat, attend a reception in honour of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at The Museum of Modern Art in New York on November 1, 2005. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a fur coat, attend a reception in honour of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at The Museum of Modern Art in New York on November 1, 2005. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a turtleneck knit, attend a New York Knicks game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on November 4, 2005 in New York. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a turtleneck knit, attend a New York Knicks game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on November 4, 2005 in New York. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, with their son Barron William Trump, watch Andy Roddick play Roger Federer at the US Open in New York on September 10, 2006. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, with their son Barron William Trump, watch Andy Roddick play Roger Federer at the US Open in New York on September 10, 2006. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a corseted blue gown, arrive at the 64th annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, US, on January 15, 2007. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a corseted blue gown, arrive at the 64th annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, US, on January 15, 2007. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a fur-trimmed cape, at the Michael Kors show during New York Fashion Week in New York City on February 7, 2007. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a fur-trimmed cape, at the Michael Kors show during New York Fashion Week in New York City on February 7, 2007. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in neutral knits, at the US Open tennis championship at the USTA National Tennis Centre in New York, US, on September 8, 2010. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in neutral knits, at the US Open tennis championship at the USTA National Tennis Centre in New York, US, on September 8, 2010. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a white gown with black ribbons, arrive at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington DC, US, on April 30, 2011. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in a white gown with black ribbons, arrive at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington DC, US, on April 30, 2011. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Reem Acra, arrive at the annual Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2011. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Reem Acra, arrive at the annual Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2011. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in classic tailoring, at the Ryder Cup in Illinois, US, on September 27, 2012. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in classic tailoring, at the Ryder Cup in Illinois, US, on September 27, 2012. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in white tailoring, at the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Centre in New York, US, on September 8, 2015. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in white tailoring, at the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Centre in New York, US, on September 8, 2015. EPA
US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Herve Pierre, arrive at the Liberty Ball after being sworn in as the 45th President of the US in Washington DC, US, on January 20, 2017. EPA
US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Herve Pierre, arrive at the Liberty Ball after being sworn in as the 45th President of the US in Washington DC, US, on January 20, 2017. EPA
US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Ralph Lauren, during the Inaugural Parade after he was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington DC, US, on January 20, 2017. EPA
US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Ralph Lauren, during the Inaugural Parade after he was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington DC, US, on January 20, 2017. EPA
Melania Trump, in Dolce & Gabbana, arrives at Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City on May 24, 2017. EPA
Melania Trump, in Dolce & Gabbana, arrives at Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City on May 24, 2017. EPA
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Delpozo, arrive at Hamburg Airport for the Hamburg G20 economic summit on July 6, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. Getty Images
Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Delpozo, arrive at Hamburg Airport for the Hamburg G20 economic summit on July 6, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. Getty Images
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Michael Kors, arrive at the Elbphilharmonie philharmonic concert hall on the first day of the G20 economic summit on July 7, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. Getty Images
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Michael Kors, arrive at the Elbphilharmonie philharmonic concert hall on the first day of the G20 economic summit on July 7, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Dior, and French First Lady Brigitte Macron leave the dock after a boat ride on the Seine river on July 13, 2017 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Dior, and French First Lady Brigitte Macron leave the dock after a boat ride on the Seine river on July 13, 2017 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in a Balmain shirt, plants vegetables with students from the Boys and Girls Club of Washington DC on the grounds of the White House, in Washington DC, US, on September 22, 2017. EPA
Melania Trump, in a Balmain shirt, plants vegetables with students from the Boys and Girls Club of Washington DC on the grounds of the White House, in Washington DC, US, on September 22, 2017. EPA
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Ralph Lauren, with Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, at the White House in Washington DC, US, on October 11, 2017. EPA
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Ralph Lauren, with Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, at the White House in Washington DC, US, on October 11, 2017. EPA
Melania Trump, in Delpozo, during a welcoming ceremony held at the presidential Blue House on November 7, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Delpozo, during a welcoming ceremony held at the presidential Blue House on November 7, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea. Getty Images
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Gucci, arrive for a state dinner at the Great Hall of the People on November 9, 2017 in Beijing, China. Getty Images
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Gucci, arrive for a state dinner at the Great Hall of the People on November 9, 2017 in Beijing, China. Getty Images
Melania Trump, wearing a Zara jacket that reads 'I Really Don't Care. Do U?', returns to Washington from a visit to the US-Mexico border area in Texas, US, on June 21, 2018. Reuters.
Melania Trump, wearing a Zara jacket that reads 'I Really Don't Care. Do U?', returns to Washington from a visit to the US-Mexico border area in Texas, US, on June 21, 2018. Reuters.
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Calvin Klein, attend the evening reception and dinner at the 2018 Nato Summit on July 11, 2018 in Brussels, Belgium. Getty Images
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Calvin Klein, attend the evening reception and dinner at the 2018 Nato Summit on July 11, 2018 in Brussels, Belgium. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in J Mendel, arrives at Blenheim Palace on July 12, 2018 in Woodstock, England. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in J Mendel, arrives at Blenheim Palace on July 12, 2018 in Woodstock, England. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Victoria Beckham, at Royal Hospital Chelsea on July 13, 2018 in London, England. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Victoria Beckham, at Royal Hospital Chelsea on July 13, 2018 in London, England. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Ralph Lauren, visits the Giza Pyramids in Giza, Egypt, on October 6, 2018. EPA
Melania Trump, in Ralph Lauren, visits the Giza Pyramids in Giza, Egypt, on October 6, 2018. EPA
Melania Trump, in Dior, with First Lady of Argentina, Juliana Awada, during a guided visit to Malba as part of G20 Partners’ Programme on December 1, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Dior, with First Lady of Argentina, Juliana Awada, during a guided visit to Malba as part of G20 Partners’ Programme on December 1, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Getty Images
Akie Abe and Melania Trump, in Loro Piana, visit the Mori Building Digital Art Museum on May 26, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. Getty Images
Akie Abe and Melania Trump, in Loro Piana, visit the Mori Building Digital Art Museum on May 26, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Carolina Herrera, and Akie Abe at the State Guest House on May 27, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Carolina Herrera, and Akie Abe at the State Guest House on May 27, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. Getty Images
President Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth II, Melania Trump, in Dior, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
President Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth II, Melania Trump, in Dior, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II, President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Dolce & Gabbana, during a welcome ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II, President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Dolce & Gabbana, during a welcome ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
French President Emmanuel Macron, Brigitte Macron, President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Gucci, at the Biarritz lighthouse on August 24, 2019 in Biarritz, France. Getty Images
French President Emmanuel Macron, Brigitte Macron, President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Gucci, at the Biarritz lighthouse on August 24, 2019 in Biarritz, France. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Melania Trump, in Valentino, attend a reception for Nato leaders hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on December 3, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Melania Trump, in Valentino, attend a reception for Nato leaders hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on December 3, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
Melania Trump, in Atelier Caito for Herve Pierre, waves after arriving at the airport in New Delhi, India, on February 24, 2020. EPA
Melania Trump, in Atelier Caito for Herve Pierre, waves after arriving at the airport in New Delhi, India, on February 24, 2020. EPA
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind with President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Carolina Herrera, at a state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, India, on February 25, 2020. Reuters
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind with President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Carolina Herrera, at a state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, India, on February 25, 2020. Reuters
Melania Trump, in Alexander McQueen, walks down the Colonnade to deliver a speech during the second night of the Republican National Convention at the White House in Washington DC, US, on August 25, 2020. EPA
Melania Trump, in Alexander McQueen, walks down the Colonnade to deliver a speech during the second night of the Republican National Convention at the White House in Washington DC, US, on August 25, 2020. EPA
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Jason Wu, on the third night of the Republican National Convention, at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, US, on August 26, 2020. EPA
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Jason Wu, on the third night of the Republican National Convention, at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, US, on August 26, 2020. EPA
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Valentino, on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention, in Washington DC, US, on August 27, 2020. AP
President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, in Valentino, on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention, in Washington DC, US, on August 27, 2020. AP
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3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

SHOW COURTS ORDER OF PLAY

Centre Court (4pm UAE/12pm GMT)
Victoria Azarenka (BLR) v Heather Watson (GBR)
Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) v Karen Khachanov (RUS x30)
Andy Murray (GBR x1) v Fabio Fognini (ITA x28)

Court 1 (4pm UAE)
Steve Johnson (USA x26) v Marin Cilic (CRO x7)
Johanna Konta (GBR x6) v Maria Sakkari (GRE)
Naomi Osaka (JPN) v Venus Williams (USA x10)

Court 2 (2.30pm UAE)
Aljaz Bedene (GBR) v Gilles Muller (LUX x16)
Peng Shuai (CHN) v Simona Halep (ROM x2)
Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x13) v Camila Giorgi (ITA)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x12) v Sam Querrey (USA x24)

Court 3 (2.30pm UAE)
Kei Nishikori (JPN x9) v Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x18)
Carina Witthoeft (GER) v Elina Svitolina (UKR x4)

Court 12 (2.30pm UAE)
Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x8) v Ana Konjuh (CRO x27)
Kevin Anderson (RSA) v Ruben Bemelmans (BEL)

Court 18 (2.30pm UAE)
Caroline Garcia (FRA x21) v Madison Brengle (USA)
Benoit Paire (FRA) v Jerzy Janowicz (POL)

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