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Woman showcases her post-breakup transformation as she sheds 9st and drops from a size 22 to a size 6 thanks to a gastric sleeve

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Amy Salmon spent years trapped in a cycle of comfort eating, watching her weight climb to 18st, but is now a size 6

A woman has revealed her remarkable post-break-up transformation which saw her drop from a size 22 to a size 6.

Amy Salmon spent years trapped in a cycle of comfort eating, watching her weight climb to 18st despite trying endless diets.

But when her relationship ended in 2023, the mother of two from Hertfordshire, decided it was finally time to put herself first.

Two years on, Amy has lost an astonishing 9st and now wears a size 6. She says the biggest change has been her confidence rather than her appearance. 

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Thanks to a gastric sleeve surgery she underwent in 2024, a rigid diet of protein and whole foods, and a little help from cosmetic ‘tweakments’ to enhance her facial features, the 31-year-old no longer shies away from photos and social situations.

She said: ‘Life has changed massively. I finally feel confident in myself, and I no longer hide away in photos or avoid social situations.

‘I struggled with my confidence for a long time, and food became something I turned to when I was stressed, overwhelmed or unhappy.

‘Looking back, I realise I wasn’t just carrying extra weight physically, I was carrying a lot emotionally too.’

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Amy Salmon spent years trapped in a cycle of comfort eating, watching her weight climb to 18st, but is now a size 6 

The mother-of-two was a size 22 two years ago, due to a diet of chocolate, sweets and takeaways, including McDonald's and pizzas

The mother-of-two was a size 22 two years ago, due to a diet of chocolate, sweets and takeaways, including McDonald’s and pizzas

According to  the aesthetics practitioner, the pressures of motherhood, a demanding schedule and an unhappy relationship caused her to turn to comfort in food.  

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Chocolate, sweets, takeaways, including McDonald’s and pizzas, became routine for Amy, with large portions and little thought given to nutrition. 

Although she repeatedly attempted various diets and weight-loss programmes, including Slimming World and meal replacement shakes, the results never lasted. 

It was only when her relationship ended that she decided enough was enough.  

Amy said: ‘I reached a point where I realised I wasn’t living the life I wanted. I wanted to be healthier, more confident and, most importantly, able to keep up with my children as they grew up.

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‘I knew something had to change, not just for how I looked, but for how I felt.’

After struggling to achieve lasting results through dieting alone, Amy travelled to Egypt in June 2024 to undergo gastric sleeve surgery.

Within just a year, her weight had dropped from 18st to 9st. 

She explained: ‘I always say that the operation was a tool, not a magic fix. It still required a huge amount of commitment, learning healthier habits and changing my mindset.’ 

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‘During this time I focused on prioritising protein, exercising regularly, building muscle and creating sustainable habits rather than chasing quick fixes.’

Although Amy repeatedly attempted various diets and weight-loss programmes, including Slimming World and meal replacement shakes, the results never lasted

Although Amy repeatedly attempted various diets and weight-loss programmes, including Slimming World and meal replacement shakes, the results never lasted

After her relationship ended, Amy decided that her life had to change, so she flew to Egypt for gastric band surgery

After her relationship ended, Amy decided that her life had to change, so she flew to Egypt for gastric band surgery

The mother-of-two's weight peaked at 18st

The mother-of-two’s weight peaked at 18st

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Amy now follows a strict diet of protein and whole foods, with chicken salad for lunch and lean meat for dinner

Amy now follows a strict diet of protein and whole foods, with chicken salad for lunch and lean meat for dinner  

Amy said: 'I reached a point where I realised I wasn’t living the life I wanted. I wanted to be healthier, more confident and, most importantly, able to keep up with my children as they grew up'

Amy said: ‘I reached a point where I realised I wasn’t living the life I wanted. I wanted to be healthier, more confident and, most importantly, able to keep up with my children as they grew up’ 

Today, Amy’s meals primarily revolve around lean protein and whole foods.   

Breakfast typically consists of eggs on sourdough, or Greek yoghurt with added protein and berries, while lunch might be chicken salad or an omelette. Dinner usually includes lean meat or fish with vegetables. 

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While Amy still enjoys treats from time to time, she revealed her relationship with food has completely changed, adding that she now ‘eats to fuel my body rather than to cope with my emotions’. 

The transformation has had a huge impact on nearly every aspect of her life. 

She said: ‘I have so much more energy, I can be far more active with my children and everyday tasks that once felt exhausting are now effortless.

‘I spend less on takeaways – they were costing me a fortune – and my mood is happier as I feel better in my own skin.

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‘My confidence has completely transformed and that’s had a huge impact on both my personal life and my career.

‘It’s also inspired the mission behind my [aesthetics] business, because I know what it’s like to lack confidence and I love helping other women feel better about themselves too.’

Amy has since documented her journey on TikTok, where her videos have amassed more than one million views. 

And while many followers have been blown away by her dramatic weight loss, other eagle-eyed viewers have noticed the changes to her facial appearance. 

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While the aesthetics practitioner has undergone dramatic weight loss, she’s also made major changes to her facial appearance with the help of regular cosmetic tweakments 

Despite the striking physical transformation, Amy insists the emotional changes have had more of an impact on her

Despite the striking physical transformation, Amy insists the emotional changes have had more of an impact on her

Amy, who has candidly opened up about the treatments she ‘religiously’ receives, says she undergoes aesthetic ‘tweakments’ every four weeks to maintain her new look. 

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Her skincare routine includes skin boosters with hyaluronic acid injections, polynucleotide treatments – commonly referred to as ‘salmon sperm facials’ – beneath her eyes, across her lower face and neck.

She also regularly has Botox injected throughout her face, as well as filler in her lip and chin. 

Amy said: ‘I went from looking completely unhealthy. [I was] physically overweight, my face looked puffy and tired, and overall I feel it made me look older than I actually was.

‘To now [I’m] looking a lot healthier, more put together and less tired. People have also said I look younger.’

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Despite the striking physical transformation, Amy insists the emotional changes have had more of an impact on her. 

She said: ‘If there’s one thing I’d want people to know, it’s that losing weight doesn’t automatically fix every problem in your life – but it can give you the confidence to start changing everything else.

‘The physical transformation is obvious, but the mental transformation has been even bigger.

‘I’m proud of the weight I’ve lost, but I’m even prouder of the woman I’ve become through the process.

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‘And if sharing my story helps even one person believe that change is possible, then it’s worth it.’

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Delta cancels all flights to one Caribbean destination starting next month

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Delta cancels all flights to one Caribbean destination starting next month

Delta Air Lines is ending service to the Caribbean nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines next month, with no plans to resume the route.

The airline’s final flight to Argyle International Airport on St. Vincent will depart September 5 from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a Delta spokesperson told Channel 2 Action News Monday. Delta said it is working to rebook passengers who had flights scheduled after that date.

The route was originally expected to pause for the season and resume December 19, but Delta has since confirmed it will be permanently discontinued. According to the St. Vincent Times, the decision to remove the route from Delta’s system was officially made May 23.

“The final scheduled flight will operate on Sept. 5, 2026, and the route will not return as previously planned on Dec. 19, 2026,” Delta told Channel 2 Action News in a statement. “Customers with affected bookings will be contacted directly about alternate travel options, and Delta apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.”

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The airline did not provide a specific reason for canceling the St. Vincent route, saying it “routinely evaluates a variety of factors when making network decisions, including customer demand, seasonality, aircraft availability, operating costs and broader operational considerations.”

Delta did not give a specific reason for ending the route, which served a destination known for its beaches, rainforests and volcanic landscapes
Delta did not give a specific reason for ending the route, which served a destination known for its beaches, rainforests and volcanic landscapes (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Independent has contacted Delta for comment.

Delta launched nonstop flights from Atlanta to St. Vincent in December 2025, initially offering daily service before reducing flights to five times a week during the slower fall season.

Delta will continue operating flights to other Caribbean destinations, including Nassau, Punta Cana, Curaçao and Grenada.

U.S. travelers can still reach Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through several airlines serving Argyle International. American Airlines has frequent nonstop flights from Miami and seasonal nonstop service from Charlotte. JetBlue also operates nonstop flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport multiple times a week.

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Caribbean Airlines offers additional options from New York and Miami, though its flights typically require a connection through Caribbean hubs such as Trinidad or Barbados rather than nonstop service.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is known for its beaches, rainforests and volcanic peaks. Tourism is a major part of the nation’s economy, with visitors drawn to activities such as snorkeling, diving, hiking and sailing.

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‘I’ve killed her’ – husband’s harrowing call to police after death of his wife

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Wales Online

Anthony Buxton rang police to confess to killing Michelle, before two bodies were found at their home

A man rang the police to admit to killing his wife before taking his own life, an inquest heard.

The mental health of Anthony Buxton, 71, had been declining in the months before he strangled 69-year-old Michelle.

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Cornwall Coroner’s Court heard Mr Buxton had alerted the ambulance service after attacking his wife on the evening of September 24 last year. When the police forced entry to their home on Treclago View, Camelford, they discovered the pair with fatal injuries, reports CornwallLive.

Both were declared dead a short time later by paramedics. PC Jacob Double, who was one of the first officers on the scene, said he and a colleague were responding to a 999 call from a man stating “he had killed his wife”.

“As we were travelling further information came to light, which stated in the call to ambulance a female voice could be heard groaning and saying, ‘help’, and a male voice was heard saying, ‘I’ve done it, no one can stop me, I’ve killed her’,” Pc Double said in a written statement.

The officer and his colleagues forced entry to the property and found the couple unresponsive inside. Paramedics declared them both dead a short time later.

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Post-mortem examinations found Mrs Buxton had died from compression of the neck, while Mr Buxton died from a stab wound to his chest. The couple’s son, Daniel, told the inquest his father had become unusually quiet in the months before his death and was becoming paranoid.

“Eventually it got to the point where mum seemed to be struggling and dad was getting quite anxious and really not wanting to tell us any information and would get defensive when pressed,” Mr Buxton, a civilian police worker, said.

“It was anxiety trying to assuage any fears he might have. We installed CCTV cameras in the house because he was concerned there was an overarching delusion he had.

“He had this idea or beliefs that an organised crime gang was targeting him and had access to the house and had bugged the house with microphones and cameras, and his family were in danger. The overarching goal of this crime gang was to exhort Mum and Dad for police secrets from me because I work for the police.”

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Georgina Clark, from the Cornwall Partnership Mental Health Trust, said Mr Buxton had been referred to them by his GP on August 29 and an assessment was carried out on September 2.

“Because of Mr Buxton’s age and the possibility of an organic cause, as there had also been mention from the GP of short-term memory loss over the past couple of years, it was felt it should be discussed with the dementia and older people’s service first,” she said.

“The assessing clinician took that to the duty worker and had that discussion and what they said was that he noted to be presenting with severe anxiety and that would need to be treated first as someone who is very anxious that can affect their ability to retain memory.”

Andrew Cox, senior coroner for Cornwall, asked Ms Clark: “Mr Buxton was not a natural fit for any service because he is not typically presenting as a dementia patient, and he is too old to fit into the early intervention for psychosis?

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“You are left with having to make a best fit where there isn’t an obvious pathway for him to follow? Is that fair?”

She replied: “To a degree. I think that service would be offered by the community mental health team.”

The inquest heard Mr Buxton was referred to the community mental health team who felt talking therapies would be appropriate to deal with his anxiety. Detective Constable Tom Graham, who investigated both deaths, said there was no evidence of third party involvement.

Mr Cox returned a conclusion of unlawful killing for Mrs Buxton and said her husband had taken his own life. “I think what has become apparent subsequent to these events is that no one had the full picture,” he said.

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“What is abundantly clear from the papers is that no one, family members or mental health practitioners, seriously felt that Michelle was at risk of harm from her husband Anthony. I have accepted as fact that on September 24 Anthony strangled his wife, and I’m also further going to accept the evidence from the police that having done that he’s then stabbed himself in the chest.

“If Anthony had survived, he would inevitably have been charged with a homicide offence.”

Addressing the family, the coroner added: “This is a dreadful set of circumstances, completely unexpected, and you have my deepest sympathies for what has occurred.”

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Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman’s death in Breightmet

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Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman's death in Breightmet

Officers were called to Yewdale Avenue in Breightmet at around 3.30am on Tuesday, August 4.

There they found a woman with ‘significant injuries’, who was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A spokesperson said: “Officers responded to reports of an assault on Yewdale Avenue, Bolton at around 3.15am this morning.

“Upon attendance, they located a woman, aged in her 40s, unresponsive with significant injuries.

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Crime Scene Investigation officers were at the scene (Image: Phil Taylor)

“Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“One man, aged 36, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.

“A scene will remain in place, and we will have an increased police presence in the area as enquiries continue.”

The North West Ambulance Service confirmed that they were also called to Yewdale Avenue in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

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A house was taped off (Image: Phil Taylor)

A spokesperson said: “We were called at around 3.15am to a private address.”

Residents in the largely residential street said that they had seen the police at work for hours throughout the day as an investigation got under way.

UPDATES – Murder arrest after woman found dead as neighbours ‘shell-shocked’

A resident said: “About 4am this morning, police came flying down Yewdale Avenue, I came out of my house, saw a gentleman on the floor being cuffed.

“I’ve been here since 4am, there’s a crime scene here at the moment.

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A cordon was in place (Image: Phil Taylor)

“There were at least eight or nine units that turned out.

“There’s been a shift change where some units have left and other units have turned up.

“I’ve spoken to some of the neighbours and they’re shell-shocked that it’s happened.”

Another woman said she looked to see what was happening that morning.

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She said: “It was then that they turned up, there was screaming.”

She added: “The front was all barricaded up so they had to go around the back.”

The woman said that an ambulance had been on the scene for a few minutes earlier in the morning.

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Tragedy as Brit mum-of-three dead after becoming trapped in raging Spain wildfires

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Daily Mirror

Lisa Fryett and her partner Simon Batchelor, both from Essex, were hospitalised with life-threatening injuries after becoming caught in a devastating Spanish wildfire last month.

A British woman has died in Spain just weeks after a devastating wildfire left her and her partner in critical condition.

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Lisa Fryett and Simon Batchelor, both from Essex, were staying near Bédar and Los Gallardos in Spain when the blaze broke out in nearby villages.

The couple were rescued from the fire and rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries following the blaze on July 14, with a GoFundMe update from a page set up to support the family confirming that Lisa has since passed away, surrounded by her family in Spain.

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Four men arrested after alleged waste dumping at Wigan site

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Four men arrested after alleged waste dumping at Wigan site

The arrests relate to activity at the Bolton House Road site in Wigan, which has long been a source of complaints from residents about foul odours.

The four individuals arrested include a 41-year-old and a 35-year-old from Wigan, a 24-year-old from Leeds, and a 59-year-old from Liverpool.

The man from Leeds was also arrested in connection with waste dumping at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Shawell in Leicestershire.

Residents have long complained about foul odours coming from the site (Image: Supplied)

Last year, a fire at the site forced the closure of nearby schools.

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The incident took a week to bring under control, highlighting the serious risks posed by the illegal waste operations.

Sue Longstone, director of operations for the North at the Environment Agency, said: “The illegal dumping at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits are atrocious attacks on our communities, and we share the public’s utter disgust at these horrendous crimes.

“Our teams have been working relentlessly on these investigations, and our arrests are a vital step in collecting new evidence and progressing it further.”

The Environment Agency announced the arrests as part of an ongoing investigation, supported by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and police forces from Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and West Yorkshire.

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The investigation is part of wider efforts to tackle organised waste crime.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the impact of the crimes as “shocking” and commended the joint action taken by the Environment Agency and police.

Mr Burnham said: “I have stood on Bolton House Road and seen what local people have had to live with.

“It is shocking – an ocean of rubbish piled up next to a primary school, and families unable to escape the smell in their own homes.”

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He said the arrests represent the beginning of tougher action against waste crime gangs.

Mr Burnham said: “This is not fly tipping.

“This is organised crime, and it is local communities that are paying the price.

“For too long, this issue has been ignored. But not on my watch.

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“Today’s action by the Environment Agency and the police is just the start of our plans.

“The days of making easy money from waste are over.”

The government has pledged to fully fund the clean-up of the Wigan site and is working with the council to recruit a specialist contractor for the job.

To prevent further illegal dumping, Wigan Council has installed concrete blocks at the entrance to the site.

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Any information can be reported to the Environment Agency via its 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 807060 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

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Lifestyle brand inspired by Korean trends opens ‘bigger, better’ Scottish store

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Daily Record

The new store is said to offer “an enhanced shopping experience.”

There’s some exciting news for West Lothian shoppers. A well-loved lifestyle brand has just relocated its only store in the UK to a larger venue following high demand.

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Mumuso is currently available to shop in Livingston’s The Centre. Now opposite Hays Travel, it has moved to a “bigger, better” site within the massive shopping destination that boasts over 150 places to shop and eat.

Said to provide “an enhanced shopping experience”, the new store provides customers with even more products to browse. There’s also additional space to browse the retailer’s vast range of products.

Inspired by Korean lifestyle trends, Mumuso has become a “much-loved” retailer for its ever-changing range of beauty, homeware, accessories, gifts and everyday essentials. It has become known for offering high quality products at affordable prices.

According to the brand’s website, its motto is about “bringing joy and simplicity to everyday life through beautifully designed items”. Mixing modern aesthetics with practical value, it caters to customers who appreciate “a touch of fun in their daily essentials.”

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The Livingston branch is the only Mumuso store in the UK. However, it is a globally loved lifestyle brand that is said to operate around 2,800 stores across a total of 40 countries.

It is also said to boast more than 300 international buyers, with a vision to emerge as “a reputable fast fashion brand throughout the world”. It is primarily aimed at the younger generation that it aims to “connect” with.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We’re excited to see MUMUSO move into its new, larger store, creating an even more enjoyable shopping experience for our customers with more space, greater choice and even more products to discover.”

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This is just the latest addition to Livingston’s The Centre. Ranked as the “28th largest shopping centre in the UK”, it spans a staggering one million sq. ft in total and is said to welcome more than 15.8 million visitors every year.

In 2024, the destination was purchased by LCP UK, part of M Core, and has been undergoing a massive transformation, bringing to life its vision of a vibrant ‘shop, eat and play’ destination to life. This has included store expansions, ongoing improvements and new retailers.

Just some of its recent additions include Starbucks, Wingstop, MINISO, Søstrene Grene, Flying Tiger and the first ArrowHeadz store in Scotland. It has also just become home to the largest JD Sports store in Scotland.

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Following strong customer demand, the sportswear brand has relocated to a spacious 15,500 sq. ft venue that can be found near the entrance to the shopping centre. It provides shoppers with more space to shop a range of brands, such as Nike, PUMA, New Balance and more.

Grape Tree is also another addition, with the health and wellbeing store opening its doors at the end of July. Encouraging healthy eating, it offers everything from nuts and seeds to protein powders and supplements.

A massive Hollywood Bowl venue is also due to open sometime this autumn. Set to span a staggering 26,500 sq. ft, the venue will be home to 22 lanes, an arcade, pool tables, alongside a bar and diner.

Over at the adjoining sister shopping mall the Designer Outlet, which is the largest in Scotland, a brand new Nike will be opening in a much larger unit sometime in September, with the new unit set to measure 11,409. sq. ft.

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Signs teasing the upgraded unit have already been spotted at the new location. This looks to be the former Next outlet that has also recently moved to a new space within the busy shopping centre.

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Donald Trump has made US$2.2 billion in his second term. How does that stack up against other US presidents?

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Donald Trump has made US$2.2 billion in his second term. How does that stack up against other US presidents?

At the end of June – in the run-up to America’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – President Donald Trump staged the White House’s first-ever professional sporting event. And while the UFC Freedom 250 evening of mixed martial arts was ostensibly part of the July 4 jamboree, Trump took the opportunity to promote his family’s business interests.

Fighters were paid bonuses in US$1 stablecoins, the cryptocurrency owned by the Trump family, while the event itself cost a reported US$60 million, much of which was taxpayers’ money.

The US president’s ability to make money while in office has been a focus of attention since his financial reports for 2025 were made public at the end of June. His reported revenue jumped from US$622 million in 2024 to US$2.2 billion in 2025, the first year of his second term.

While he and his family claim that there is no conflict of interest, there is little doubt that Trump has been able to profit from his position. But how does his financial gain as president stack up with some of his recent predecessors?

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The Kennedy family were famously wealthy. The family’s patriarch, Joseph Kennedy, put some of his money into trusts for his children, allowing John Fitzgerald, Robert Francis and generations of future Kennedys to pursue politics without financial worry or conflicts between business and public service.

Kennedy’s successor Lyndon B. Johnson owned significant land and a small media empire in Austin, Texas with his wife Lady Bird, all of which was put into a blind trust and officially controlled without the Johnsons’ involvement while he was in office.

During the 1972 election cycle, Time magazine reported that incumbent president, Richard Nixon had improved his finances by just over US$300,000 during his first presidential term, noting that he was “not yet a millionaire”. Most of Nixon’s financial assets were tied up in property and his civil service pension.

Jimmy Carter’s famous peanut farm assets were put into a trust when he won office, and he left the presidency in $1m of debt following droughts in Georgia. Ronald Reagan, who succeeded Carter and was not a businessmen but a film actor-turned-politician, came to office with some assets. His assets – valued in 1981 at about US$4 million, mainly made up of his two properties – were also held in trust while he was in office.

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George W. Bush made almost US$15m selling his stake in the Dallas-based Texas Rangers baseball franchise in 1998, while he served as governor of Texas. Barack Obama earned money from royalties on book sales while in office, but both he and Bill Clinton have amassed considerable wealth since leaving office.

None of these presidents appeared to leverage their presidency or their image to earn money while in office in the way that Trump has during his second term. Instead, they tended towards waiting until the post-presidency years.

Lucrative memoirs

Making money post-presidency is hardly a new story– the likes of James Buchanan and Ulysses S. Grant penned memoirs to earn money as far back as the 19th century. Nixon penned a well-paid memoir and made a lucrative and famous series of television interviews with David Frost in 1977 that earned him a base payment of $600,000 – over $3 million in 2026.

Perhaps the most lucrative of these post-presidential careers has belonged to Bill Clinton. Still a relatively young man of 54 when he left office, he moved into a public speaking and advising career. By 2016, he had made US$189m, US$38m of which had come from memoirs and other writing projects.

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Barack Obama followed suit, pre-selling the rights to his memoirs immediately after leaving office for in a combined book deal with his wife Michelle reported to be US$60m.

Donald Trump and former US presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton with their wives at President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in January 2025.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Obama waited until he had officially stepped down before publicly concluding negotiations with Penguin Random House, taking the same pains as his predecessors to avoid the accusation of conflicting interests between his public service and private business.

Cashing in on the presidency?

No modern president has come close to Trump’s earnings, either while in office or after leaving.

In his first term Trump made attempts to differentiate his businessman persona from his new profession. Sean Spicer, his first White House press secretary, announced in 2017 that Trump was donating his first quarter earnings to the National Park service, a tradition he continued throughout his presidency. But he still amassed business revenues of US$2.4b – more than his predecessors by a considerable margin.

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But even this could well be dwarfed by the amount of money Trump stands to make in his second term, if the first year is any guide. The 47th US president continues to argue that he follows the same path as other presidents and that his wealth is managed at arms’s length by external trusts and partnerships.

But the recent launch of Truth API – a paid-for data feed which gives access in “milliseconds” to posts on TruthSocial, a social media platform launched by Trump in February 2022 – has led to calls from his political opponents for the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate. Posts by the president and other powerful people on the platform are known to move markets.

A recent poll by CNN has found that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that Trump has gone too far in pursuing his personal business interests while serving as president. Whether this will hurt his party’s prospects in the midterm elections in November is yet to be seen. But what is clear is that the immense amount of money the US president has earned – and the power he wields over regulatory systems – now blurs the lines between public office and private business in a way that few other American leaders have.

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Meghan makes a splash for her 45th! Duchess of Sussex celebrates her milestone birthday with new photos of her diving into a pool while holding a bunch of balloons

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Meghan has thanked her followers 'for the birthday love' as she celebrated turning 45 by jumping into a pool

Meghan has thanked her followers ‘for the birthday love’ as she celebrated turning 45 by jumping into a pool.

Taking to Instagram, the Duchess of Sussex posted a black and white photo of herself in a swimsuit, plunging into the water excitedly while holding onto balloons – sunglasses on and her hair up in a ponytail.

Meanwhile, her lifestyle brand As Ever also congratulated the mother-of-two with a sleek snap of the founder wearing a designer striped shirt from Céline and white Anine Bing ‘Brie’ jeans.

It also included a sweet throwback photo of a young Meghan sporting pigtails and a white turtleneck, seated in what looks to be her childhood bedroom. 

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‘Lighting No. 084 to celebrate!’ the caption read, featuring the products in another glossy shot of products from the collection.

The celebrations come after Meghan recently showcased her impressive jewellery collection during her latest As Ever promotional footage over the weekend.

On Sunday, she shared the recipe for her ‘favorite ice cream sundae’, made by placing her raspberry spread into a glass before adding vanilla ice cream, crumbled shortbread and flower sprinkles.

But royal fans couldn’t take their eyes off the former actress’ dazzling rings, which were on full display as she created the dessert.

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Meghan has thanked her followers ‘for the birthday love’ as she celebrated turning 45 by jumping into a pool

Taking to Instagram, the Duchess of Sussex posted a black and white photo of herself in a swimsuit, plunging into the water excitedly

Taking to Instagram, the Duchess of Sussex posted a black and white photo of herself in a swimsuit, plunging into the water excitedly

Prince Harry‘s wife wore her wedding ring, as well as a giant diamond pear band, thought to be worth $250,000 and once dubbed ‘an engagement ring upgrade’ by jewellery experts.

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She also wore a new, unidentified gold band on her right hand, and Princess Diana‘s Cartier Tank Française watch, worth £17,800 ($24,020), which was gifted to her after she married the Duke of Sussex.

Meghan was also seen wearing her £2,370 ($3,197) Jennifer Meyer mini bezel tennis bracelet, which is handcrafted from polished 18-carat yellow gold and was designed by Tobey Maguire‘s ex-wife.

However, despite the enviable jewellery collection on display, there was one item noticeably absent – the Duchess’ £120,000 ($161,922) engagement ring.

The Suits star is believed to have not worn the sparkler in over four months; the last time she was pictured with the jewel was in February 2026 when she wore it to an NBA game in California. 

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Harry proposed to Meghan in 2017 – enlisting the late Queen Elizabeth II’s regular jeweller, Cleave & Company, to design a unique jewel for his bride-to-be. 

The prince had even snuck a ring from Meghan’s jewellery box so that the designers knew her size and, in a particularly touching tribute to his late mother, asked them to ‘harvest’ the diamonds from one of Diana’s bracelets.  

Since the proposal in Nottingham Cottage, it is believed the ring has been altered four times.

At Trooping the Colour in June 2019, Meghan was spotted wearing the ring with a thinner band than its original design.

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She also had little diamonds set down the sides of the ring, worth around £126,000 ($150,000), in what jewellery expert Arabel Lebrusan suggested was a more American style.

In his book Finding Freedom, royal expert Omid Scobie noted the decision to resize and reset the engagement ring with a new diamond band in 2019 was Harry’s idea.

In the biography, jeweller-to-the-stars Lorraine Schwartz reportedly said of the prince: ‘He’s the loveliest person ever. So romantic, so thoughtful.’

Meanwhile, her lifestyle brand As Ever also congratulated the the mother-of-two with a sleek snap of the founder wearing a striped shirt and white trousers, along with a sweet throwback photo

Meanwhile, her lifestyle brand As Ever also congratulated the the mother-of-two with a sleek snap of the founder wearing a striped shirt and white trousers, along with a sweet throwback photo

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As Ever shared a sweet throwback photo of Meghan

As Ever shared a sweet throwback photo of Meghan

'Lighting No. 084 to celebrate!' the caption read

‘Lighting No. 084 to celebrate!’ the caption read

The authors continued: ‘(So much so that Harry also thought to have Lorraine resize and reset Meghan’s engagement ring with a new diamond band.)’

In 2022, there was further speculation that Meghan altered the ring for a second time when she attended the Invictus Games in The Hague, and it appeared that she had added additional diamonds to the setting surrounding the central diamond.

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The ring was notably absent during several of Meghan’s appearances in 2023, when a loose stone was reportedly being repaired – in what some believed was a third alteration.

In 2025, eagle-eyed royal fans noted that the ring’s central diamond looked more like an emerald cut than the original cushion cut when it was seen in a trailer for Meghan’s Netflix series.

While some suggested it had been the latest, fourth iteration of the ring, others speculated it may have been a replica of her original to avoid any possible damage to it while cooking.

Meanwhile, the five-carat sparkler with a pear-cut diamond on her right hand that Meghan sported in the clip was first debuted in October 2025 at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival in New York City.

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Jewellery expert Trang Do previously told the Daily Mail that ‘wearing a significant ring on the right hand often symbolises independence, self-love, and personal power’, adding the big, pear-shaped diamond could ‘point to an upgrade or evolution of her engagement ring story’.

Trang said: ‘Many clients today are choosing to refresh their rings to mark milestones, whether an anniversary, a personal achievement or a new chapter, rather than waiting for a traditional proposal moment.’

While sharing her latest promotional clip, Meghan also took to her own personal Instagram account to share a video of her flower arranging. 

The Duchess was seen walking through a garden before showcasing a vase filled with the flowers she’d picked. It’s thought the arrangement was placed in her kitchen at her Montecito home. 

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Last week, it was revealed the Duchess has seemingly invested in a popular smart ring and a matching £2,100 gold case encrusted with diamonds as she attended a screening of Cookie Queens, a documentary about Girl Scouts in America, on Tuesday.

Worn on her left hand, Meghan flaunted a glittering ‘sleeve’ for her Oura ring – a trendy fitness tracker that measures its wearer’s vitals, sleep quality, and stress levels that Prince Harry also swears by – as well as a new unidentified gold band on her right hand. 

It comes as Meghan introduced a new fruit spread after teasing the launch with a video of her picking blackberries on Instagram.

The flavour was unveiled as ‘our newest pantry favourite’ on Tuesday with a photo of the jar on As Ever’s social media page.

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‘Made with beautifully ripe blackberries for a rich, vibrant flavour that brings a little taste of the season to your table,’ the caption read.

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‘Heroic’ neighbours tried to help woman who died in house fire on quiet Cambridgeshire street

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Cambridgeshire Live

A woman in her 60s died after a house fire

Residents of a “quiet” street where a woman died in a house fire have described her death as “tragic”. Emergency services were called to a house fire in Eagles Lane in Little Downham at around 6pm on Friday, July 31.

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A woman in her 60s was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbours have said they heard sirens on the night of the fire.

A couple, who wished to remain anonymous, said they assumed the fire was in a field at the bottom of the road. They said: “We only heard the sirens as we were in the back garden. This is a quiet road, and nothing extreme like this has ever happened. It’s very tragic.”

The couple said they did not know the woman who died, but said they “used to see her go past in her mobility scooter”. They added: “We heard the neighbours tried to help, but I think they are traumatised by it.”

One man, who also asked not to be named, wasn’t there at the time of the fire, but arrived back home later that night when a police cordon was still in place. He said: “We know most people around here, but we didn’t know the lady. She was inside a lot. I feel very sad for her family.”

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The man also praised the actions of neighbours who tried to help. He added: “The people who helped, they were very brave. I feel really sorry for those people who were there at the time. They went to extreme measures.”

A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she saw fire engines “fly past” her window. She added: “The sirens were very loud.

“I only heard about the lady that died a few days after. It’s very sad. However, the neighbours that tried to help, it was a very heroic thing for them to do.”

A Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson confirmed the fire was accidental. Police also confirmed that it was “non-suspicious”.

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Man, 44, arrested after early hours fire rips through beloved John Bull Chophouse in Wigan

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Manchester Evening News

He remains in custody for questioning after emergency services were called at around 4am on Tuesday

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a beloved Wigan pub.

Firefighters worked to dampen the blaze as large plumes of smoke billowed from the John Bull Chophouse in Wigan town centre after emergency services were called at around 4am on Tuesday (August 4).. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed no one was hurt.

A 44-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary and possession of class A drugs. He is currently in custody for questioning, police say.

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A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Officers responded to reports of a fire at a business property on Coopers Row, Wigan at around 4am this morning (04/08/26).

“Thankfully, no injuries were sustained. One man, aged 44, has been arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary and possession of class A drugs. He remains in custody for questioning

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

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Reacting to the blaze, owners of the John Bull, Thwaites, has vowed to restore the pub back to its ‘former glory’. A spokesperson from Thwaites said: “Fire services were called to a blaze at The John Bull Chop House in Wigan in the early hours of the morning.

“While a cause has yet to be confirmed, the fire is now contained, with everyone safe and no injuries reported.

“We’re working closely with the fire and police services to assist with the ongoing investigation, as well as with Pete and Vicky – our tenants at the pub – to offer our full support.

“Whilst it’s very early days, The John Bull Chop House is a much-loved pub in the local community and it’s very much our intention to restore the pub back to its former glory.”

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A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At approximately 4am on Tuesday, August 4, four fire engines from Wigan, Atherton and Leigh fire stations were called to attend a fire at a pub on Coopers Row, Wigan.

“Crews arrived quickly and used breathing apparatus, three hose reels, one hose reel jet and other specialist equipment to extinguish the fire.

“Firefighters remain in attendance at this time.” The fire service added no-one was injured.

Wigan Council said on X at 7.28am: “Manchester fire are currently tackling a blaze at the John Bull pub in Wigan. A 50-metre exclusion zone has been set up to keep the public safe. Please avoid the area if possible.”

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An update at 8.40am form the council said: “The fire has now been extinguished. The cordon will be lifted shortly.”

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