The announcement that West Coast rap icon Snoop Dogg would be performing at the Crypto Ball—an event organized by Donald Trump associate David Sacks—took many by surprise. Joining him on stage will be rapper Nelly. This news prompted shock, confusion, and frustration among fans, many of whom struggled to comprehend why these artists would choose to associate with an event linked to Trump.

Snoop Dogg’s participation raised eyebrows, particularly given his 2017 music video “Lavender,” in which he parodied the former president. This stark contrast to his current involvement in an event supporting Trump left many puzzled.

A fan shared a screenshot from the parody video on X, showing Snoop aiming a pistol at a Trump impersonator, who is clad in clown makeup and sporting an overly orange complexion. When Snoop pulls the trigger, a flag reading “bang” emerges.

At the time of the parody’s release, Trump reacted strongly to how he was depicted, stating on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Can you imagine what the outcry would be if @SnoopDogg, failing career and all, had aimed and fired the gun at President Obama? Jail time!” as reported by The Mirror US.

There was a time when Snoop and Trump enjoyed a friendly relationship; Trump even praised the rapper’s music on The Apprentice in 2007. Snoop later participated in Trump’s Comedy Central roast in 2011, solidifying their amicable rapport.

Despite any apparent tensions, Snoop Dogg expressed his affection for Donald Trump last year, stating, “I have nothing but love for Donald Trump,” in an interview with The Sunday Times in 2024. He added, “Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has only done great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris.”

Michael “Harry-O” Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records—which Snoop now owns—plays a significant role in the rapper’s connection to the industry’s history. While their relationship has seen ups and downs, it’s evident that Snoop and Trump have reconciled, as demonstrated by the rapper’s scheduled performance at the upcoming pre-inaugural event.

India and the United States have formalized an agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration in cybercrime investigations, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This pact was signed just days before the Biden administration transitioned to the Trump administration.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was executed in Washington, D.C. on January 17, 2025, by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo, according to the MEA.

The agreement facilitates increased cooperation and training between the respective agencies of both nations concerning the use of cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics in criminal investigations.

In India, the implementation of the MoU falls under the purview of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alongside its agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Cyber Crimes Center (C3) of Homeland Security Investigations, will oversee its execution.

The MoU recognizes the complex relationship between cybercrime and the common security challenges shared by India and the U.S., which include terrorism, violent extremism, terror financing, drug trafficking, organized crime, human trafficking, illegal migration, money laundering, and transportation security.

By bolstering cooperation in cybercrime investigations, this agreement is expected to further strengthen security collaboration between India and the U.S., reinforcing their comprehensive global strategic partnership.

Barack Obama is not interested in the speculation surrounding his marriage. In the face of divorce rumours, the former President honoured his wife, Michelle Obama, with a heartfelt birthday post.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his affection on her 61st birthday, writing, “Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama. You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humour, and grace – and you look good doing it. I’m so lucky to take on life’s adventures with you. Love you!” This touching message was accompanied by a photo of the couple enjoying a quiet meal together, hand in hand and smiling warmly at the camera.

Speculation about their relationship intensified following Michelle’s absence from former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral and her decision to forgo attending President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. Reports suggested that her choice was driven by principles rather than personal issues, as she felt unable to “fake a smile” given Trump’s history of derogatory comments and actions towards the Obamas.

Barack Obama’s post elicited a variety of responses. One user commented, “Happy Birthday, Michelle Obama! Wishing you endless joy, success, and laughter. May your dreams come true today and always!”

Another person humorously remarked that the real adventure might have been getting a beautiful table down to the wine cellar. A third commenter admired the couple’s photo and speculated about several expensive wine bottles visible in the background, mentioning their aspirations to visit a winery in Italy. A fourth voice praised the Obamas as an exemplary family for others to emulate.

“So pathetic. Real men keep these things for themselves. You took her out for dinner and told her those things? That should end there. None of our business. If you feel the need to sell us your relationship it must be because it’s not how it appears…” another wrote on X.

Since their marriage in 1992 at Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ, Barack and Michelle Obama have fostered a strong partnership based on love and mutual respect, raising their daughters Malia and Sasha with great pride.