News for 'White House East Room'

Trump renews push for secure ballroom at White House after dinner shooting

Trump renews push for secure ballroom at White House after dinner shooting

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has renewed his call for a high-security ballroom at the White House, citing security concerns after a shooting incident near a journalists' dinner he attended.

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday as he boasted about the United States' ongoing operation in Iran.

Trump Ticks Off Zelenskyy In Heated White House Meeting

Trump Ticks Off Zelenskyy In Heated White House Meeting

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

US President Donald Trump cut short discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday after he and Vice President JD Vance confronted Ukraine's leader in a tense Oval Office exchange.

Joe, Kamala Celebrate White House Diwali

Joe, Kamala Celebrate White House Diwali

Rediff.com25 Oct 2022

Jill and Joe Biden hosted a reception on Monday, October 24, 2022, in the East Room at the White House to celebrate Diwali.

Obamas Are Back In The White House!

Obamas Are Back In The White House!

Rediff.com8 Sep 2022

Retired POTUS Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama visited the White House for the unveiling of their official portraits on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, more than five years after they left their home on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Biden celebrates Diwali at Whited House, Desis in attendance

Biden celebrates Diwali at Whited House, Desis in attendance

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

United States President Joe Biden on Monday hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House that was attended by more than 600 eminent Indian Americans, including Congressmen, officials, and corporate executives, from across the country.

Trump to host Pakistan Army chief at White House today

Trump to host Pakistan Army chief at White House today

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

United States President Donald Trump will host Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for lunch at the White House on Wednesday.

Report reveals US-Israel regime change plan in Iran

Report reveals US-Israel regime change plan in Iran

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A media report suggests the US and Israel considered installing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran's president as part of regime change plans.

Bidens host largest-ever Diwali reception at White House

Bidens host largest-ever Diwali reception at White House

Rediff.com25 Oct 2022

United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden on Monday hosted a Diwali reception at the White House in what they called the largest since the People's House started celebrating the festival during the George Bush administration.

'America the Beautiful': Melania unveils last Christmas decorations in White House

'America the Beautiful': Melania unveils last Christmas decorations in White House

Rediff.com2 Dec 2020

All of the halls, from the East Room to the Red Room, were decked by over 125 volunteers.

PHOTOS: Christmas at the White House

PHOTOS: Christmas at the White House

Rediff.com3 Dec 2016

Christmas is around the corner and the White House is all ready to bring in the festival with lights and decorations. This year's holiday decorations at the White House, the Obamas' last, have the theme 'The Gift of the Holidays.'

Christmas with the Trumps at the White House

Christmas with the Trumps at the White House

Rediff.com30 Nov 2018

'Tis the season to be jolly! And to celebrate the festive season, the White House has been decorated for Christmas with care and United States First Lady Melania Trump has unveiled its patriotic theme, which contain nods to the first family's various interests, the US president's love of buildings, her 'Be Best' campaign and Barron Trump's love of soccer. Take a look at the decorations.

Deal vs War: Trump-Netanyahu Clash on Iran in Tense Call

Deal vs War: Trump-Netanyahu Clash on Iran in Tense Call

Rediff.com21 May 2026

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a tense phone call over the future course of the war on Iran, with Washington favouring a deal instead of resuming strikes, according to US media reports.

Rain pushes PM's White House reception indoors

Rain pushes PM's White House reception indoors

Rediff.com24 Nov 2009

Compared to the South Lawn that can accommodate over 400 people, the East Room has a much smaller capacity which would obviously result in a very restricted and truncated ceremony for the visiting leader in terms of who all can get inside

Obamas endorse Kamala Harris' White House bid

Obamas endorse Kamala Harris' White House bid

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

Kamala Harris will be a 'fantastic President of the United States', former president Barack Obama said on Friday, as he and his wife Michelle endorsed her and vowed to do 'everything we can' to enable her to win the high-stakes elections against Donald Trump in November.

Thousands gather outside White House to welcome Modi

Thousands gather outside White House to welcome Modi

Rediff.com23 Jun 2023

Slogans like 'Vande Mataram', 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Modi, Modi' went up the air amid a mood of cheer.

When White House swayed to 'bhangra' beats

When White House swayed to 'bhangra' beats

Rediff.com25 May 2010

On Monday, the White House witnessed a reception to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which was marked by the rhythms of bhangra music mixed by the effervescent DJ Rekha (Malhotra).In his welcoming remarks, President Obama said to loud applause and to peals of laughter, "I want to thank DJ Rekha who's been spinning a little East Room Bhangra for everybody -- mixing a hip-hop beat with the sounds of her heritage; making a uniquely American sound."

Obama lights up Diwali celebrations in White House

Obama lights up Diwali celebrations in White House

Rediff.com15 Oct 2009

United States President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali in the East Room of the White House on October 14 by lighting a 'diya' accompanied by Vedic chants by a Hindu priest.

Trump unlikely to accept Iran's peace plan to end war: Report

Trump unlikely to accept Iran's peace plan to end war: Report

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump is inclined to reject Iran's latest diplomatic proposal, which suggests restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear programme concerns, according to CNN. Concerns remain over Iran's nuclear enrichment and internal government fractures.

Melania's White House Christmas decorations are magical!

Melania's White House Christmas decorations are magical!

Rediff.com29 Nov 2017

United States First Lady Melania Trump unveiled this year's White House Christmas decorations, choosing the theme 'Time-honoured traditions' -- a nod to 200 years of traditions at the executive mansion -- for her design aesthetic. The decorations include 53 Christmas trees, 71 Christmas wreaths, more than 12,000 ornaments and a 160 kg gingerbread reproduction of the White House.

Trump warns Iran of 'bigger', 'better' shooting if peace deal violated

Trump warns Iran of 'bigger', 'better' shooting if peace deal violated

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential escalation despite a recent ceasefire agreement, stating that US forces will remain in the region until a 'real agreement' is reached.

Melania Trump shows off White House Christmas decor

Melania Trump shows off White House Christmas decor

Rediff.com4 Dec 2019

United States First Lady Melania Trump has officially decked the halls of the White House. This year, the theme is "The Spirit of America." The 2019 decorative approach features glittery patriotism throughout 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

White House reception done, Modi-Biden get down to brass tacks

White House reception done, Modi-Biden get down to brass tacks

Rediff.com22 Jun 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual and global interests, aimed at further boosting the Indo-US strategic relations in areas like defence, space, clean energy and critical technologies.

Trump celebrates Diwali at White House, hails Indian-Americans

Trump celebrates Diwali at White House, hails Indian-Americans

Rediff.com18 Oct 2017

Trump said he was deeply honoured to be joined by so many administration officials and leaders of the Indian-American community in celebrating Diwali -- the festival of lights.

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively pushing Trump to take the war to its bitter finish and 'erase' Iran's presence in the geopolitics of the region. Simply put, the two most powerful Sunni Arab oligarchies are on the same page as Israel. Such interference increases the risk of a breakdown in dialogue between the US and Iran, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Obama shuts down White House heckler: 'You're in my house!'

Obama shuts down White House heckler: 'You're in my house!'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2015

United States President Obama shut down a heckler during the White House's LGBT Pride Month celebration on Wednesday.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Trump Has Forced The World Into New Reality

Trump Has Forced The World Into New Reality

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

America's population and its media and its democratic structures seem fine with this, which is why Trump continues as he does, asserts Aakar Patel.

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The US blockade on Iranian ports is aimed to curb Iranian energy exports, thereby crippling its economy to force Iran back to the negotiating table, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

'15 out of 10': Trump rates US war performance against Iran

'15 out of 10': Trump rates US war performance against Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Trump claims the United States is performing exceptionally well in its ongoing conflict with Iran, citing weakened Iranian military capabilities and a strong US position.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Chaffing under public ridicule in the US as well as internationally for having 'lost' the war, Trump is under immense pressure to do something, cautions Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'End of war on women's sports'

'End of war on women's sports'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Trump signs order banning participation of transgender athletes

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Trump may strike. He may announce productive talks and extend again. He may do both at the same time. Iran will not open the Strait on someone else's terms, so no matter what happens, that problem will remain unsolved. And the IRGC will still be collecting its $2 million toll from every ship bold enough to ask permission to pass.

With 'bit of bittersweetness', Obama hosts final musical event at White House

With 'bit of bittersweetness', Obama hosts final musical event at White House

Rediff.com22 Oct 2016

Obama and his wife Michelle began the annual event eight years ago to celebrate music that has helped shape the US.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

US expands travel ban, restrictions to 20 more nations. Check list

US expands travel ban, restrictions to 20 more nations. Check list

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Trump administration has expanded its travel ban and restrictions to 20 additional nations as well as the Palestinian Authority, citing national security concerns.

UNSC approves Trump's Gaza peace plan

UNSC approves Trump's Gaza peace plan

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a draft resolution endorsing United States President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan and authorising the establishment of an international stabilisation force in the enclave, with the American leader describing it as a 'moment of true historic proportion'.