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Trump’s White House downplayed the Capitol riot as a mob stormed the building, with Ivanka Trump calling it ‘an optics issue,’ a new book says

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  • As the Capitol riot unfolded, Trump’s White House did not immediately take the violence seriously.

  • Ivanka Trump called the scene “an optics issue.”

  • The moment is described in a forthcoming book by the author Michael Wolff.

As a violent mob sieged the Capitol on January 6, former President Donald Trump and some of his aides at the White House did not take the chaos seriously at first, according to a forthcoming book.

Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and then-senior advisor, described the ongoing riot as “an optics issue.” Instead of addressing the news or treating the situation with more gravity, she had been busy talking about her children’s acceptance into a private school in Florida with a “variety of people.”

That’s according to an excerpt of “Landslide: The Final Days of the Trump Presidency,” by the journalist and author Michael Wolff that was published in New York magazine on Monday.

Eventually, at 3:15 p.m., Ivanka called on the rioters – whom she called “American patriots” – to “be peaceful” in a tweet that was deleted shortly after.

Wolff went on to describe how Trump similarly downplayed the severity of the riot and debated with his aides for nearly an hour on whether he should speak publicly about it.

He first tweeted for the mob to “stay peaceful” nearly 25 minutes after they breached the Capitol. Yet some of his advisors began pressing Trump to make a stronger statement, presenting him with two different tweets he could put out, Wolff reported.

But Trump refused.

The proposed tweets accused “crazed leftists” and “ANTIFA” of staging the assault on the Capitol and urged Trump’s supporters to “head home,” according to Wolff. (The FBI has found no evidence of the rioters belonging to antifa or leftist groups.)

Trump instead tweeted, roughly 35 minutes after his first post, for his supporters to once again “remain peaceful.” This, after they had already broken into the building, interrupted lawmakers who were certifying the 2020 election results, and forced Congress and former Vice President Mike Pence to evacuate.

It wasn’t until 4:17 p.m., about two hours after the violence had begun, that Trump told the mob to go home, in a since-deleted video on Twitter.

Trump grew increasingly confused at the riot as time went on, Wolff reported. That evening, he wrote, Trump told an aide on the phone: “This looks terrible. This is really bad. Who are these people? These aren’t our people, these idiots with these outfits. They look like Democrats.”

Wolff’s book, which covers several other tumultuous moments in the last months of Trump’s presidency, comes out on July 27.

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Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

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When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

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Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

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Omambala Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Mother’s Day Event

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – May 5, 2025 — The Omambala Cultural Association in Houston hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall on Creekbend. The event brought together families and community members to honor the enduring strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers within the Igbo community.

Led by the association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, the gathering featured prayers, cultural music, dance, and speeches dedicated to celebrating motherhood. Awkuzu described the event as a moment of reflection and appreciation for mothers, emphasizing their central role in shaping families and preserving cultural values.

The association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, addressing the group.

 

Celebrants celebrate at the Omambala Cultural Association’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall in Houston.

 

Celebrants

“Mothers are the heartbeat of our homes and the foundation of our culture,” Awkuzu said, urging attendees to honor and support mothers every day, not just on special occasions.

The celebration included lively performances of traditional Igbo music and dance, homemade meals prepared by members, and the presentation of thoughtful gifts to each mother in attendance. Vice President Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka, known as Omemma Igbo, also delivered remarks, recognizing the vital role of mothers in nurturing future generations.

Photo from left_ Vice President of the group, Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka – Omemma Igbo, and the President, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland.

The evening was filled with laughter, music, and shared memories, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the Omambala Cultural Association. Elders and youth alike participated in storytelling sessions and interactive cultural activities, creating a multigenerational experience that underscored the importance of preserving Igbo heritage. Several attendees expressed appreciation for the sense of belonging and cultural pride the event fostered.

The Omambala Cultural Association Inc. is a community-based organization representing people from the Old Anambra Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It remains committed to promoting cultural education, unity, and socio-economic development for Igbo people in the diaspora and beyond.

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