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Photos show every time Melania Trump has appeared at a public White House event this year

Melania Trump at the White House state dinner for the Crown Prince.
Melania Trump at the White House state dinner for the Crown Prince.
  • First lady Melania Trump is keeping a relatively low profile during President Trump’s second term.
  • She divides her time between homes in Florida, New York, and DC.
  • She most recently welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia to a state dinner.

It’s a refrain dating back to the first Trump White House: Where’s Melania?

First lady Melania Trump, who remained an enigmatic figure during President Donald Trump’s first term, has kept an even lower profile during his second.

Ahead of the inauguration, Melania Trump told Fox News that she planned to divide her time between the White House, Trump Tower in New York City, and Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

This schedule has made her an infrequent White House presence, with a select few appearances at public events each month, although September was a busier time for public appearances for the first lady, thanks in large part to the Trumps’ state visit to the UK.

The first lady’s recent muted fashion choices could also indicate her desire to remain out of the spotlight. At White House events, she has largely appeared wearing neutral basics in beige, cream, and gray. It’s a departure from the bold outfits she often chose during Donald Trump’s first term.

A spokesperson for the Office of the First Lady declined to comment.

Take a look at the first lady’s White House activities and appearances thus far.

January 20: Melania Trump attended the inauguration.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the 2025 inauguration.
US President Donald Trump (L) and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the Liberty inaugural ball in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025.

Melania Trump held the Bible as Donald Trump was sworn in for his second non-consecutive term, and the couple danced together at several inaugural balls later that evening.

For the swearing-in ceremony, Melania Trump wore a navy coat and skirt by Adam Lippes, an American designer. She accessorized with a matching wide-brimmed hat by Eric Javits.

Her black-and-white inaugural gown was designed by Hervé Pierre.

January 21: The president and first lady joined Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance at the National Day of Prayer Service.
Donald Trump, Melania Trump, JD Vance, and Usha Vance at the Washington National Cathedral.
U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance with second lady Usha attend the National Day of Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., January 21, 2025.

The service, the last of Donald Trump’s inaugural events, was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

January 24: Melania Trump and Donald Trump visited California and North Carolina to survey damage caused by natural disasters.
Melania Trump and Donald Trump visit the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend a briefing on wildfire damage as they visit the Pacific Palisades neighborhood that was damaged by the Palisades Fire, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 24, 2025.

Melania Trump joined Donald Trump to visit Los Angeles in the aftermath of multiple wildfires and neighborhoods in North Carolina damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Together, they met with first responders and residents who had lost their homes and businesses. Melania Trump was photographed hugging and shaking hands with those affected by the natural disasters.

February 22: Donald Trump and Melania Trump hosted the National Governors Association dinner at the White House.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the National Governors Association dinner at the White House.
US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the National Governors Association Evening Dinner and Reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 22, 2025.

Melania Trump wore a black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo, similar to the outfit she chose for her official White House portrait, while posing for photos with governors from across the US.

Donald Trump thanked Melania Trump in his speech, saying that she “made the evening beautiful.”

March 3: She participated in a roundtable discussion on the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act targeting revenge porn.
Melania Trump at a roundtable discussion on the Take It Down Act.
U.S. first lady Melania Trump, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Elliston Berry attend a roundtable discussion on the “Take it Down Act,” a legislation against revenge porn, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 3, 2025.

“TAKE IT DOWN” is an acronym for “Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks.”

The act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes, and requires websites to remove them.

“Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themself freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm,” Melania Trump said in her opening remarks.

She wore a tan three-piece suit by Ralph Lauren with a black tie.

March 4: Melania Trump attended Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress.
Melania Trump at Donald Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress.
First Lady of the U.S. Melania Trump waves on the day of U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress, in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 4, 2025.

The first lady’s guests included the families of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was fatally shot during an assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and Laken Riley, who was killed by a man who had entered the US illegally.

Melania Trump wore a gray skirt suit by Dior.

April 1: She attended the International Women of Courage Awards.
Melania Trump and Marco Rubio at the International Women of Courage Awards.
U.S. first lady Melania Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pose with Philippine marine activist Angelique Songco, known as Mama Ranger, an International Women of Courage Award recipient, during a ceremony at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 1, 2025.

Melania Trump, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presented awards to several notable women in a ceremony held at the State Department. She wore a leopard-print coat designed by Milly Park.

“These extraordinary women illuminate the transformative power of love in shaping our world,” she said in her remarks at the event. “Their journeys remind us that true courage is born from a deep commitment to others, showing that love fuels the call for justice.”

April 21: She appeared alongside Donald Trump at the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Melania Trump and Donald Trump at the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll.
U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. first lady Melania Trump attend the annual White House Easter Egg Roll event, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 21, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

Melania Trump read the book “Bunny with a Big Heart” to a group of children at the event while wearing a cream Mackage trench coat.

April 25: Donald Trump and Melania Trump departed the White House together to travel to Pope Francis’ funeral.
Donald Trump speaks to the press as Melania Trump stands in the background.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media next to first lady Melania Trump as they depart for Rome, Italy, to attend Pope Francis’ funeral, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 25, 2025.

The president and first lady were among several world leaders who attended the late pope’s funeral in Vatican City.

May 8: She hosted an event for military mothers and unveiled a US postage stamp honoring Barbara Bush at the White House.
Melania Trump unveils a postage stamp of Barbara Bush at the White House.
U.S. first lady Melania Trump speaks during an unveiling of a U.S. postage stamp honoring former first lady Barbara Bush, in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 8, 2025.

“I applaud Mrs. Bush’s mark defending our society’s vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker,” Melania Trump said at the unveiling. “We have, can, and will build better families and run innovative businesses at the same time, ultimately shaping a brighter future.”

She wore a white suit jacket paired with a black pencil skirt.

May 19: Melania Trump spoke at the signing ceremony for the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act in the Rose Garden.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump arrive at the Rose Garden.
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 19: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at the signing ceremony for the TAKE IT DOWN Act in the Rose Garden of the White House on May 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The first lady made the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act a priority, traveling to Capitol Hill to lobby lawmakers and show her support for the legislation, which addresses non-consensual intimate imagery, or “revenge porn,” and artificial intelligence deepfakes posted online and to social media.

The bill, which was first presented to Congress in 2024 before Donald Trump took office, received widespread bipartisan support.

Artificial intelligence and social media are the digital candy for the next generation: sweet, addictive, and engineered to have an impact on the cognitive development of our children,” Melania Trump said in her remarks at the signing ceremony.

The first lady wore a gray Prada suit for the event.

May 20: Melania Trump hosted a Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event for children in the Kennedy Garden.
Melania Trump hosts an event with children at the White House.
U.S. first lady Melania Trump hosts a Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 20, 2025.

The first lady greeted the children of White House staffers as they participated in an arts-and-crafts activity.

“It is always special to see children’s creativity and spirit on display, especially here at the White House where so many hardworking men and women support the success of our nation every day,” she said in a White House statement.

She wore a white Dolce & Gabbana button-down shirt and a patterned skirt by Michael Kors.

May 21: She spoke at the Senate Spouses Luncheon held at the National Gallery of Art.
Melania Trump at the Senate Spouses Luncheon at the National Gallery of Art.
Melania Trump at the Senate Spouses Luncheon at the National Gallery of Art.

Melania Trump, wearing a white skirt suit, spoke about her Be Best platform, which focuses on children’s well-being, and her Fostering the Future initiative, which supports children transitioning out of foster care.

“Together, we will uplift and empower our children, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive,” the first lady wrote in a post on X. “Let’s continue this vital mission and inspire a brighter future for all!”

June 11: She accompanied Donald Trump to the opening night of “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the Kennedy Center.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend “Les Miserables” opening night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 11, 2025.

Melania Trump wore a black midi dress designed by Bottega Veneta, while Donald Trump wore a black tuxedo.

Second lady Usha Vance and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s wife Cheryl Hines wore midi dresses similar to Melania Trump’s.

June 12: She greeted attendees at the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House.
Melania Trump shakes hands with a woman at the Congressional Picnic.
US President Donald Trump (2L) and US First Lady Melania Trump greet attendees as they arrive at the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 12, 2025.

Melania Trump shook hands and took selfies with members of Congress and their families at the annual White House event. She paired a basic white shirt with vibrant floral pants by Dolce & Gabbana.

June 14: Melania Trump attended the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade alongside Donald Trump.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the Army 250th Anniversary Parade.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Trump’s long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army.

The military parade featured 150 Army vehicles, 50 aircraft, and around 6,600 troops in uniform making their way down Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, to mark the US Army’s historic anniversary. June 14 was also Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

Melania Trump escorted Donald Trump onstage for his remarks at the event, but did not issue any statement of her own. She wore a pinstriped ivory skirt suit by Adam Lippes.

July 3: She visited Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, ahead of July Fourth.
First lady Melania Trump me children at Children's National Hospital on July 3, 2025, in Washington, DC.
First lady Melania Trump me children at Children’s National Hospital on July 3, 2025, in Washington, DC.

After arriving at the hospital carrying toys for children, the first lady chatted with patients, took part in July Fourth-themed crafts, and visited the hospital’s healing garden, which features a rose bush from the White House.

July 4: Melania Trump appeared beside her husband at Fourth of July events at the White House.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch fireworks during a Fourth of July celebration at the White House on July 4, 2025 in Washington, DC.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch fireworks during a Fourth of July celebration at the White House on July 4, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The first couple watched the July Fourth fireworks display from the White House. They also hosted a military family picnic on the South Lawn earlier in the day.

Also that day, Donald Trump signed his tax and spending bill, which he dubbed his “Big Beautiful Bill,” after it was passed by the House of Representatives on July 3.

She wore a white shirtdress by Thom Browne.

July 11: The president and first lady visited central Texas towns devastated by flash flooding.
Melania Trump and Donald Trump visit Kerrville, Texas, after deadly flooding.
Melania Trump and Donald Trump visited Kerrville, Texas, after deadly flooding.

The first couple visited Texas a week after the Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes as rain battered the region, leaving more than 130 dead. The Trumps met with families of victims, first responders, and local officials.

“It’s a horrible thing, it’s a horrible thing,” Donald Trump told the press as he departed the White House on July 11. “Nobody can even believe it — that much water that fast.”

At a press conference in Texas, Melania Trump said, “My deepest sympathy to all of the parents who lost beautiful young souls — deepest sympathy from all of us to the community, to everybody who lost a loved one. We are grieving with you. Our nation is grieving with you.”

July 13: They attended the FIFA Club World Cup final, which Melania Trump watched from behind a striking pair of Dior sunglasses.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump join FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Leena Al Ashqar react following Chelsea FC victory following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
The Trumps joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Leena Al Ashqar at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump watched Chelsea defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Donald Trump, who received both cheers and boos at the game, called it “a great match.”

Melania Trump watched the game from behind her bright-white Dior sunglasses, which resembled the Vuarnet glasses worn by Sam Altman at Sun Valley just days earlier. She wore them with a black-and-white Michael Kors outfit.

September 4: Melania Trump attended a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education.
Melania Trump at a White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence meeting.
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 04: U.S. first lady Melania Trump (C) arrives with (L-R) Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios and Education Secretary Linda McMahon for a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education in the East Room of the White House on September 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. This was the second meeting of the task force since it was created as a part of President Donald Trump’s April executive order “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education For American Youth.”

The task force was created in April as part of Donald Trump’s executive order, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education For American Youth.”

“Our future is no longer science fiction,” Melania Trump said at the meeting. “During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance.”

The first lady wore a gray striped suit with a white shirt and belt.

September 4: After her task force meeting, she joined Donald Trump for a White House dinner with tech and business leaders.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump at a White House dinner for tech and business leaders.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at a dinner at the State Dining Room of the White House on September 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump hosted tech and business leaders for dinner after they joined the first lady’s meeting of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education Task Force at the White House this afternoon.

The guest list included Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, and Tim Cook among over a dozen tech and AI executives. Elon Musk was not in attendance, though he sent a representative to the event.

During the dinner, Altman called Donald Trump a “pro-business, pro-innovation president,” and Cook thanked the president for “helping companies around the world” and the first lady for “focusing on education.”

Melania Trump changed into a black outfit for the gathering.

September 11: The president and first lady attended a ceremony at the Pentagon on the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Melania Trump and Donald Trump at a ceremony for 9/11.
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – SEPTEMBER 11: U.S. President Donald Trump observes a moment of silence with first lady Melania Trump during a September 11th observance event in the courtyard of the Pentagon September 11, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Today marks the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people.

They observed a moment of silence in memory of those who were killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks.

September 16: She joined Donald Trump on a state visit to the UK.
Melania Trump and Donald Trump arrive in the UK for their state visit.
STANSTED, ESSEX – SEPTEMBER 16: U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One after arriving at London Stansted Airport for a state visit on September 16, 2025 in Stansted, Essex. President Trump is in England from Sept. 16-18 on his second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump disembarked from Air Force One at London Stansted Airport and were greeted by British soldiers and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

September 17: They received a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Melania Trump and Donald Trump with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
WINDSOR, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: First Lady Melania Trump, US President Donald Trump, King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England.

A horse-drawn carriage ride transported them to Windsor Castle, where troops were assembled in a Guard of Honor. Afterward, they viewed items from the Royal Collection and toured St George’s Chapel.

Melania Trump accessorized her Dior skirt suit with a purple hat that matched Donald Trump’s tie.

September 17: Later that evening, Melania Trump wore a yellow Carolina Herrera gown to a state banquet at St George’s Hall.
Melania Trump and Queen Camilla at a state dinner.
WINDSOR, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Queen Camilla, First Lady Melania Trump, Paula Reynolds, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Trump is in England from Sept. 16-18 on his second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term.

Donald Trump was escorted into dinner by King Charles, and Queen Camilla entered with Melania Trump.

September 18: Charles and Camilla said farewell to Donald Trump and Melania Trump on the final day of their state visit.
Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump, and Melania Trump.
WINDSOR, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump pose with King Charles and Queen Camilla as they bid their farewells at Windsor Castle during the U.S. Presidents state visit, on September 18, 2025 in Windsor, England. Trump next travels to Chequers for a meeting with the prime minister. This is the final day of President Trump’s second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term.

“He’s a great gentleman and a great king,” Donald Trump said of Charles after their formal goodbye at Windsor Castle.

September 18: Melania Trump visited Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House with Queen Camilla and Frogmore Gardens with Kate Middleton.
Kate Middleton and Melania Trump in Frogmore Gardens.
WINDSOR, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Catherine, Princess of Wales (left) and First Lady Melania Trump in Frogmore Gardens during the State visit by the President of the United States of America and U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, on September 18, 2025 in Windsor, England.

Melania Trump changed from a tan skirt suit to a tan jacket and cream slacks, which were better suited for playing lawn games with children from the Scouts’ Squirrels program at Frogmore Gardens.

September 23: The first lady launched a new project at the United Nations General Assembly.
Melania Trump speaks at the UN.
First Lady Melania Trump speaks during an event tittle “Forms Fostering the Future Together: A Global Coalition” on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2025.

Back in the US, Melania Trump launched a global coalition called “Fostering the Future Together” dedicated to “enhancing the well-being of children through the promotion of education, innovation, and technology,” the White House said.

October 5: She joined Donald Trump to mark the Navy’s 250th anniversary.
Melania Trump and Donald Trump with Navy sailors.
TOPSHOT – US President Donald Trump (C-R) and First Lady Melania Trump (C-L) pose as they greet sailors during a visit to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier which is out at sea near Norfolk, Virginia, October 5, 2025, as part of the US Navy’s 250th anniversary celebration, “America’s Navy 250: Titans of the Sea – A Salute to the Fleet.”

The president and first lady greeted sailors and observed demonstrations during a visit to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in Norfolk, Virginia.

October 10: Melania Trump spoke about her connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin that helped reunite displaced children.
Melania Trump speaks at the White House.
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 10: First lady Melania Trump delivers remarks in the Grand Foyer at the White House on October 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. The first lady announced she and Russian President Vladimir Putin have an “open channel of communication” to help reunite Ukrainian children displaced by the Russian-Ukraine war with their families.

Melania Trump wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in August, urging him to end the war in Ukraine to restore the “melodic laughter” of children displaced by the conflict.

In October, she announced that her “open channel of communication” with Putin had helped reunite eight Ukrainian children with their families.

October 30: The president and first lady handed out candy at the White House for Halloween.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump hand out candy at the White House for Halloween.
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 30: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump handout candy to children during the annual Halloween at the White House event on the South Lawn of the White House on October 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. The President and first lady welcomed military, law enforcement, and foster and adoptive families, as well as administration officials and their children, to the annual trick-or-treat celebration on the White House grounds.

Neither dressed up in a Halloween costume — Donald Trump wore one of his signature red hats, and Melania Trump wore a brown coat with orange trim by Marni.

November 13: Melania Trump launched a new “Fostering the Future” initiative.
President Trump and Melania Trump sign an executive order to strengthen the foster care system, as part of the first lady's "Fostering the Future" initiative in the White House.
President Trump and Melania Trump sign an executive order to strengthen the foster care system, as part of the first lady’s “Fostering the Future” initiative in the White House.

In the East Room of the White House, President Trump signed an executive order intended to strengthen the foster care system as part of Melania Trump’s new “Fostering the Future” initiative.

The program, an offshoot of the first lady’s “Be Best” campaign, seeks to improve opportunities for young people in foster care, including connecting them with educational and employment resources.

“This Executive Order, ‘Fostering the Future for American Children and Families’ gives me tremendous pride,” Melania Trump wrote on X. “It is both, empathetic and strategic. It will certainly be impactful.”

November 18: Melania Trump and the president welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia to a state dinner.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump welcomed Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman to a state dinner at the White House.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump welcomed Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman to a state dinner at the White House.

The couple welcomed the prince, who had met with President Trump earlier in the day, to a state dinner at the White House.

The first lady wore a floor-length Elie Saab gown in what The New York Times dubbed “Saudi green,” noting it was a similar hue to the green of Saudi Arabia’s flag.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Meet Target’s incoming CEO, who worked his way up after starting as a finance intern

Michael Fiddelke sitting in a red chair in front of a plant looking at the camera
Michael Fiddelke is Target’s new CEO.
  • Michael Fiddelke will be Target’s new CEO, starting February 1.
  • He joined the company as a finance intern in 2003 and has been with the company ever since.
  • He previously worked in merchandising and HR, and has been CFO and COO.

Target’s new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, is the latest intern to rise to the top job.

The retailer announced in August that Fiddelke — currently the chief operating officer — would succeed Brian Cornell on February 1, more than two decades after Fiddelke joined as an intern.

“I’ve been fortunate to serve in a broad range of roles and functions over my 20 years here,” Fiddelke said at the time. “I’ve learned from every one of these experiences, with each giving me a deeper appreciation for the specific ways that Target is special and strategically distinct in a crowded retail landscape.”

Fiddelke, 49, grew up in Iowa, where his first job was waking up before dawn to do chores on the family farm. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in industrial engineering in 1999, he got a job with Deloitte.

He later left his role at the Big Four firm to pursue an MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, during which he joined Target as a finance intern.

He got his first permanent position as an analyst in the financial unit in 2004.

Since then, he’s worked for Target’s merchandising, finance, operations, and human resources. He was chief financial officer from 2019 to 2024, when he became chief operating officer.

Michael Fiddelke wering a suit looking at the camera
Michael Fiddelke

In that job, Fiddelke was tasked with overseeing Target’s nearly 2,000 stores throughout the US, including leading its global supply chain network, fulfillment services, network capacity planning, enterprise operations, and delivery services.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Fiddelke sits on the boards of the Minnesota Children’s Museum and Shipt, a personal shopping and delivery service owned by Target.

When the company announced its first-quarter results in May, it said Fiddelke would lead a “multi-year Enterprise Acceleration Office” tasked with delivering $2 billion of efficiencies across the company, which has lost out to rivals as more customers have shifted to budget alternatives like Walmart.

Fiddelke said in August that his work with the acceleration office has given him a fresh perspective on where the company is now and how it needs to grow.

Addressing a group of summer interns two months ago, Fiddelke’s advice was, “Be relentlessly curious. Slow down and ask questions. Embrace feedback. And make the most of the moment by making connections at Target and with your fellow interns.”

Fiddelke says his top priority is getting Target ‘back to growth as quickly as possible’

In the quarter following his announcement, Fiddelke has wasted no time setting in motion several key strategies aimed at improving the company’s performance.

Even though he won’t officially assume the role until February 1, when CEO Cornell steps down, Fiddelke led Target’s third-quarter earnings call.

“We’re far from satisfied with our current results, and we won’t be satisfied until we’re operating at our full potential,” he said.

On the call, he said Target will increase its annual capital expenditures from $4 billion to $5 billion to invest in remodeling and refreshing its store fleet, including the biggest changes to its merchandise assortment and floor plans that the company has seen in nearly a decade.

The company also announced a partnership with OpenAI to include a Target shopping app in ChatGPT that will allow shoppers to order multiple items for pickup or delivery using simple conversational language.

In addition, Fiddelke led the testing of a new way for stores in a common geography to fulfill e-commerce orders, which rolls out to 35 more markets this year.

The moves are part of Fiddelke’s three-part strategy to get Target back on track, including a renewed focus on a “style and design North Star,” an elevated and consistent shopping experience, and stronger investments in technology throughout the organization.

Analysts have been skeptical that an internal CEO hire would address Target’s persistent problems, as well as the highly influential role that Cornell could play as executive chairman.

Cornell told the analyst call on Wednesday that he is focused on supporting Fiddelke’s transition.

“While we’re not there yet, I’m confident we’re on the right path, and Michael is the right person to lead the next chapter of Target’s growth,” he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Trump says ABC’s license should be revoked after reporter’s Epstein files question

Donald Trump
Trump said that ABC should have its license revoked after facing a question about the Epstein files.
  • Trump called on Tuesday for ABC to have its broadcast license revoked.
  • It came after an ABC reporter asked him a question about the release of the Epstein files.
  • The House is set to vote on Tuesday to order the release of the files.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that ABC News should have its broadcast license revoked after one of the network’s reporters asked him about the Jeffrey Epstein files.

“I think the license should be taken away from ABC,” Trump said in the Oval Office, seated beside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “Because your news is so fake, and it’s so wrong.”

He added that Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr should “look at” revoking ABC’s license because the network is “97% negative to Trump” and is “not credible.”

Trump’s comments came after the reporter asked him why he would not order his administration to release the Epstein files, even as he’s called on members of Congress to vote for a bill that would compel his administration to release those same documents.

Earlier, that same reporter had also asked Trump about his family’s business dealings in Saudi Arabia, and had asked the country’s crown prince about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

Trump called the network “fake news” and accused the reporter of trying to embarrass the crown prince.

The Oval Office press conference took place shortly before an expected vote in the House to release the files, which was originally prompted by an effort by Democrats and a small group of Republicans against Trump’s wishes.

The president reversed his position on the vote over the weekend after initially trying to quash the effort, and on Monday, he told reporters that he would sign the bill if it passes the Senate and reaches his desk.

Spokespeople for the Walt Disney Company, the parent company of ABC News, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has previously called for the network to have its license revoked, and Carr faced criticism for appearing to pressure the network to take comedian Jimmy Kimmel off the air following comments he made about Charlie Kirk.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Trump makes another big move to shut down the Department of Education

President Donald Trump and Education Sec. Linda McMahon
President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon are moving forward with the administration’s goal to dismantle the Department of Education.
  • The Department of Education is moving more of its work to other federal agencies.
  • It’s a big step toward fulfilling Trump’s goal of dismantling the department.
  • Officially closing the federal agency would still require congressional approval.

President Donald Trump’s administration is taking a major step toward fulfilling its goal of dismantling the Department of Education.

On Tuesday, the Department of Education announced that it has entered into six agreements to move programs to other federal agencies.

The announcement includes a partnership with the Department of Labor to take on elementary and secondary education programs and institution-level higher education grants; a partnership with the Department of Interior to take on Indian education programs; a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services to take on childcare programs and foreign medical accreditation programs; and a partnership with the State Department to oversee international education programs.

A senior Department of Education official told reporters on a Tuesday press call that oversight over those programs will remain in the Department of Education, and that the department has broad authority to contract with other federal agencies to carry out services.

The official added that employees working on the affected programs have the option to transfer to the partnering agency to continue their work.

“The Trump Administration is taking bold action to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states,” Linda McMahon, Trump’s education secretary, said in a statement. “Cutting through layers of red tape in Washington is one essential piece of our final mission.”

These actions represent a major escalation in carrying out Trump’s goal to close the Department of Education. In March, Trump signed an executive order calling on McMahon to eliminate the department. McMahon has repeatedly said that her goal is to be the last education secretary, which she said could be accomplished by transferring the department’s responsibilities to other federal agencies and ensuring states can make decisions about their students’ education.

Still, she has acknowledged that eliminating an agency cannot be done without congressional approval. While previous GOP presidential administrations have supported eliminating the department, the idea has not gained sufficient support from Congress. Some Republican lawmakers have been supportive this time around, though; Sen. Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate education committee, introduced a bill to shut down the agency.

The Department of Education has already started outsourcing some of its work. It moved its career, technical, and adult education grants to the Department of Labor, saying in a September press release that the Labor Department will serve as a “centralized hub” for federal workforce programs while remaining under the Education Department’s oversight.

McMahon said during a September conversation hosted by The Federalist Society, a conservative legal advocacy group, that “what we’re trying to do is to show how we can move different parts of the Department of Education to show that they can be more efficiently operating in other agencies.”

Trump and McMahon have also suggested moving the student-loan portfolio to another federal agency, but specific plans on that transition have yet to be announced.

It’s not just outsourcing; the Supreme Court in July gave the department the green light to move forward with its plan to terminate over 1,300 of the agency’s employees.

McMahon wrote in a recent opinion piece that the government shutdown provided further evidence that the Department of Education is not necessary.

“The 43-day shutdown, which came smack in the middle of the fall semester, showed every family how unnecessary the federal education bureaucracy is to their children’s education,” she wrote. “Students kept going to class. Teachers continued to get paid. There were no disruptions in sports seasons or bus routes.”

Still, education policy experts and teachers have raised concerns about the future of education in the US without a centralized agency to manage it. Heather Stambaugh, a high school social studies teacher, previously told Business Insider that gutting the agency could put funding at risk.

“It feels a bit like we’re being thrown into a chaos loop,” Stambaugh said.

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Wall Street analysts are still bullish on Nvidia heading into Q3 earnings, even as investors turn skittish

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaking at an event.
  • Nvidia will report Q3 earnings after the closing bell on November 18.
  • The AI leader has been under pressure as investors question the strength of the AI trade.
  • But Wall Street analysts are optimistic that Nvidia’s AI-fueled growth is poised to continue

Nvidia will be the last of the Magnificent Seven companies to report earnings for the third quarter, delivering results after the bell on Wednesday. To say the stakes are high would be an understatement.

Investors are highly anxious heading into the report as the broader AI trade has come under pressure in the last month. The chip titan’s stock is still up 37% year-to-date, but it has fallen by about 5% in the last five days.

Its decline has led the broader tech sector lower, and investors are increasingly questioning whether the premium valuations commanded by top AI names are justified.

The implications of Nvidia’s coming earnings report are significant, not just for Nvidia but for many of its tech peers. Valuations, concerns about returns on AI capex, and the overall demand picture for expensive GPUs are top of mind for investors. Meanwhile, SoftBank and Thiel Macro, the hedge fund of Peter Thiel, have sold off their entire Nvidia stakes recently, while “The Big Short” investor Michal Burry has revealed he’s betting against it.

Wall Street analysts, however, seem more bullish than their buyside peers. The mood heading into the report is bullish, and banks expect Nvidia to continue dominating the AI hardware trade in the coming quarters.

Wall Street estimates that Nvidia will report about $55 billion in revenue and earnings per share of $1.25 for the third quarter. Revenue in its key data center unit is expected to be about $49 billion.

Here’s what analysts are saying ahead of the highly anticipated report.

Bank of America

Bank of America still sees Nvidia as undervalued relative to its dominance of AI hardware. Analyst Vivek Arya reaffirmed a buy rating and updated the bank’s forecast to reflect that his team has updated its per-share estimates for the coming fiscal year to $4.56, $7.02, and $9.15 per share.

While Arya notes that Nvidia may flick at a complicated macro outlook in the earnings call, he expects the micro outlook to remain solid. Additionally, his team is optimistic that Nvidia’s product pipeline, the Blackwell, Blackwell Ultra, and Vera Rubin chips, will help drive growth in 2026.

“NVDA valuation remains compelling at 27x/21x PE our CY26/27E, essentially a market multiple for the leading franchise in the fastest growth cycle globally trading ~0.6x CY27 PEG on ~40% EPS growth vs. SPX ~2x. Our $275 PO is now based on 30x CY27E vs. 44x CY26E as we extend model forward.”

The bank maintains a bullish price target of $270, implying a gain of about 50%.

UBS

UBS analyst Timothy Arcuri predicts that Nvidia’s revenue will come in slightly above Wall Street estimates at $56 billion. His team predicts Nvidia’s calendar EPS will reach $7.75 per share in 2026 and could go as high as $9.50 per share in 2027.

Arcuri noted that while some investors have expressed concern regarding Nvidia’s gross margins, UBS is confident that the company can keep margins high, forecasting 73.5% for Q3 and 75% for Q4.

“A big focus of the call will clearly be how quickly all of this AI infrastructure can be installed and any customer concentration risks that may develop.”

The analyst urged investors to “stay the course” with Nvidia stock, maintaining a price target of $230, 28% higher than current levels.

DA Davidson

In DA Davidson’s Nvidia earnings preview, analyst Gill Luria made it clear that his team doesn’t think AI demand is set to slow in the coming year.

He said that despite negative speculation and jitters around valuations, the firm believes Nvidia will maintain its dominance, even if competition rises and trade tensions with China persist.

“We would point towards recent guidance given by management during NVIDIA GTC D.C. that has Blackwell/Rubin generations amounting to $500B of revenue off of 20M GPUs sold with 30% of that already being shipped,” Luria stated.

Davidson has a $250 price target for Nvidia, valuing the stock at 42 times estimated 2026 earnings and implying a jump of about 39%.

CFRA Research

CFRA Research also expects Nvidia to beat estimates and point to more progress to come in 2026.

In its earnings preview, CFRA forecasts 18% year-over-year growth and 18% quarterly acceleration, the highest since early 2024. It maintains that Nvidia will need to post revenue of $61 billion and EPS of $1.42 for the January quarter, which its analysts think is achievable.

“We believe consensus long-term projections remain reasonable, while NVDA’s valuation at about 22x CY 27 basis is enticing given growth prospects and management’s blue sky TAM vision of $3T-$4T by decade’s end,” stated equity analyst Angelo Zino.

CFRA reiterates its strong buy rating for Nvidia and maintains its bullish $270 price target.

Deepwater Asset Management

Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, says Wall Street might actually be underestimating Nvidia’s strength. He’s bullish on the chip company, despite recent downbeat sentiment from investors.

In his Nvidia earnings preview, Munster noted that he believed some Wall Street analysts are not properly accounting for CEO Jensen Huang’s positive projections for its 2026 product lineup, and are not factoring in his most recent comments on soaring demand and a surge in orders for its GPUs. Jensen Huang said at the company’s recent GTC conference that Nvidia had booked $500 billion of orders in 2025 and 2026.

“Jensen gave a Blackwell and Rubin revenue target that suggested there is more than 10% upside through the end of CY26. I expect CY26 revenue forecasts to increase from the current 39% outlook to 45%,” Munster said.

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A federal judge rules Meta isn’t a monopoly, keeping its social media empire intact

Mark Zuckerberg with a phone displaying Meta's logo
Meta plans to reward employees that use AI to drive impact.
  • Meta wins antitrust lawsuit as judge rules the FTC failed to prove monopoly claims.
  • The FTC alleged Meta’s Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions harmed social networking competition.
  • The judge cited the evolving market and competition from TikTok in the decision.

Mark Zuckerberg has one less problem to worry about.

A federal judge dealt a blow to the Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday, ruling against the agency in a blockbuster antitrust lawsuit against Meta.

US District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the FTC failed to prove Meta formed a monopoly through its purchases of Instagram and WhatsApp.

The ruling means that Meta will not be forced to divest from the two social media apps, as FTC lawyers had requested.

“The Court ultimately concludes that the agency has not carried its burden: Meta holds no monopoly in the relevant market,” Boasberg wrote. “Judgment must therefore be entered in its favor.”

The FTC’s lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleged Meta’s ownership of Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook meant the company illegally dominated the “personal social networking services” market — a subset of social media apps that allow users to share content with friends and family. Government lawyers argued the company’s $1 billion acquisition of Instagram in 2012 and $19 billion purchase of WhatsApp in 2014 were part of Meta’s “buy or bury” strategy to maintain market dominance.

Meta maintained that the market was too ill-defined and that the company faces intense competition from apps like TikTok and YouTube.

Boasberg agreed with Meta.

“The Court’s two Opinions on motions to dismiss did not even mention the word ‘TikTok,'” Boasberg wrote. “Today, that app holds center stage as Meta’s fiercest rival.”

Boasberg pointed to a 2021 Meta outage, India’s TikTok ban, and a half-day TikTok shutdown in the US just before a potential nationwide ban in January as real-world tests showing users moving easily among TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. That behavior, he wrote, undercut the FTC’s core argument that Meta operates in a distinct “personal social networking” market.

“Whether or not Meta enjoyed monopoly power in the past, though, the agency must show that it continues to hold such power now,” he wrote. “The Court’s verdict today determines that the FTC has not done so.”

The FTC’s case first began at the end of President Donald Trump’s first term and forged ahead under former President Joe Biden.

The landmark antitrust trial, held this Spring, saw hours of testimony from Zuckerberg. While on the stand in the Washington, DC federal courtroom, he said Facebook had greatly evolved since he launched the platform more than 20 years ago and that its main purpose wasn’t really to connect with friends anymore.

“The Court’s decision today recognizes that Meta faces fierce competition,” a Meta spokesperson said following the ruling. “Our products are beneficial for people and businesses and exemplify American innovation and economic growth.”

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