Lada Gaga's multiple fashion reveals were a big moment at the Met Gala. They were also a sweet one for her friend Brandon Maxwell.
Maxwell was the designer by her side who peeled off all her layers on the pink carpet. He created the look and is also one of the judges on the revived 17th season of "Project Runway" on Bravo.
He admits to some nerves at the May gala, considered fashion's biggest night, but told The Associated Press he knew his famous friend had his back. He says he felt calm every time he looked over the pop star.
FILE - This May 6, 2019 file photo shows Lady Gaga, right, and designer Brandon Maxwell at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" exhibition in New York. Maxwell created the look that had her transitioning from a huge pink gown to black bra and panties, including glittery sky-high boots, at the May gala, considered fashion’s biggest night. (Photo by Evan AgostiniInvisionAP, File)
Of his new stint on TV, Maxwell says he can relate with the design contestants. He's had his own womenswear brand for about four years. He knows firsthand the pressures they're feeling on the series.
FILE - This May 6, 2019 file photo shows Lady Gaga, right, and designer Brandon Maxwell at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" exhibition in New York. Maxwell created the look that had her transitioning from a huge pink gown to black bra and panties, including glittery sky-high boots, at the May gala, considered fashion’s biggest night. (Photo by Evan AgostiniInvisionAP, File)
FILE - This May 6, 2019 file photo shows Lady Gaga at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" exhibition in New York. Designer Brandon Maxwell created the look that had her transitioning from a huge pink gown to black bra and panties, including glittery sky-high boots, at the May gala, considered fashion’s biggest night. (Photo by Evan AgostiniInvisionAP, File)
FILE - This May 6, 2019 file photo shows Lady Gaga at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" exhibition in New York. Designer Brandon Maxwell created the look that had her transitioning from a huge pink gown to black bra and panties, including glittery sky-high boots, at the May gala, considered fashion’s biggest night. (Photo by Evan AgostiniInvisionAP, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has told key lawmakers it is sending a new package of more than $1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel, three congressional aides said Tuesday.
It's the first arms shipment to Israel to be announced by the administration since it put another arms transfer — consisting of 3,500 bombs — on hold this month. The administration has said it paused that earlier transfer to keep Israel from using the bombs in its growing offensive in the crowded southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The White House has come under criticism from both sides of the political spectrum in the U.S. over its military support for Israel's now seven-month war against Hamas in Gaza. Some of President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats have pushed him to limit transfers of offensive weapons to Israel to pressure the U.S. ally to do more to protect Palestinian civilians. Many Republicans condemn any lessening of military backing to Israel.
The package being sent includes about $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds, the congressional aides said. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an arms transfer that has not yet been made public.
There was no immediate indication when the arms would be sent. It’s not clear if this shipment is part of the long-delayed foreign aid package that Congress passed and Biden signed last month, a tranche from existing arms sale or a new sale.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the plans to move the package.
House Republicans were planning this week to advance a bill to mandate the delivery of offensive weaponry for Israel. Following Biden’s move to put a pause on bomb shipments last week, Republicans have been swift in their condemnation, arguing it represents the abandonment of the closest U.S. ally in the Middle East.
The White House said Tuesday that Biden would veto the bill if it were to pass Congress. The bill also has practically no chance in the Democratic-controlled Senate. But House Democrats are somewhat divided on the issue, and roughly two dozen have signed onto a letter to the Biden administration saying they were “deeply concerned about the message” sent by pausing the bomb shipment.
One of the letter’s signers, New York Rep. Ritchie Torres, said he would likely vote for the bill, despite the White House’s opposition.
“I have a general rule of supporting pro-Israel legislation unless it includes a poison pill — like cuts to domestic policy,” he said.
In addition to the written veto threat, the White House has been in touch with various lawmakers and congressional aides about the legislation, according to an administration official.
“We strongly, strongly oppose attempts to constrain the President’s ability to deploy U.S. security assistance consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said this week, adding that the administration plans to spend “every last cent” appropriated by Congress in the national security supplemental package that was signed into law by Biden last month.
Associated Press writers Stephen Groves and Lisa Mascaro contributed.
President Joe Biden arrives to speak in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, announcing plans to impose major new tariffs on electric vehicles, semiconductors, solar equipment and medical supplies imported from China. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
President Joe Biden speaks at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies' 30th annual gala, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
