Mexican President Obrador accused the U.S. of treating Latin America and the Caribbean with disdain. It came during the initial meeting between Obrador & Biden during the "Three Amigos" summit.

WION Fineprint | Brusque exchange during U.S-Mexico summit

Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador challenged U.S. President Joe Biden to end an attitude of “abandonment” and “disdain” for Latin America and the Caribbean as the two leaders met on Monday.

Diplomatic tensions spark as Biden, Obrador sit down for talks

President Joe Biden walked a muddy stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border and inspected a busy port of entry Sunday on his first trip to the region after two years in office.

President Joe Biden visits US-Mexico border town

Biden makes first trip to US-Mexico border since taking office

United States President Joe Biden, on Thursday, signed a $1.7&nbsp;trillion funding bill which will keep the country’s federal government operating till the end of their federal budget year in September 2023. The 4000-page bill includes record military spending, funding for students with disabilities, affordable housing for families, and so on.&nbsp;

The bill was due for the presidential signature by late Friday and was signed hours before the deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. where Biden is currently vacationing.

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Today, I signed the bipartisan omnibus bill, ending a year of historic progress. 
 
It'll invest in medical research, safety, veteran health care, disaster recovery, VAWA funding – and gets crucial assistance to Ukraine. 
 
Looking forward to more in 2023. <a href="https://t.co/KTI1R9qMij">pic.twitter.com/KTI1R9qMij</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1608603506470010882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The legislation was passed in Congress last week with a Senate, bipartisan vote of 68-29, with the support of 18 of the 50 Senate Republicans. It was also passed in the Democrat-controlled House with Republican support 225-201, days before Christmas. At the time, Biden had said that this move shows that the two opposition parties can work together.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-17-trillion-spending-bill-including-45-bn-ukraine-aid-avoids-partial-shutdown-546204">US House passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, including $45 bn Ukraine aid, avoids partial shutdown</a>

However, House Republican Kevin McCarthy, who hopes to become the Speaker when his party takes over and Congress opens on January 3, called the bill a “monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I've ever seen in this body”, during the floor debate. Noting that the bill spends too much, but not enough to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the US.&nbsp;

Notably, the bill accounts for record military spending and emergency aid to Ukraine (amid its conflict with Russia), additional aid and funding for students with disabilities and protecting workers' rights which also includes more job-training resources, as well as affordable housing for families, veterans and those fleeing domestic violence.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-congress-passes-17-trillion-spending-bill-aims-at-averting-govt-shutdown-546216">US: Congress passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, aims at averting govt shutdown</a>

The “bipartisan omnibus bill”, as the US president called it, also includes at least a six per cent increase for domestic initiatives to $772.5 billion while the spending on defence has increased by 10 per cent to $858 billion.&nbsp;

Lawmakers also provided nearly $45 billion for Ukraine and its NATO allies which was more than what Biden had asked for and a $40 billion emergency spending to help communities across the country as they recover from natural disasters, like drought, hurricanes, and so on.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-reaches-all-time-high-of-31-trillion-by-2029-interest-payments-may-overtake-defence-expenditure-522565">US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure</a>

Notably, the bill also includes an overhaul of the 19th-century Electoral Count Act which is seemingly a direct response to former US President Donald Trump’s bid to persuade Republican lawmakers and then Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of incumbent president Biden’s win after the elections had concluded.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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United States President Joe Biden, on Thursday, signed a $1.7 trillion funding bill which will keep the country’s federal government operating till the end of their federal budget year in September 2023.

United States President Joe Biden, on Thursday, signed a $1.7 trillion funding bill which will keep the country’s federal government operating till the end of their federal budget year in September 2023. The 4000-page bill includes record military spending, funding for students with disabilities, affordable housing for families, and so on. The bill was due for the presidential signature by late Friday and was signed hours before the deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. where Biden is currently vacationing. Today, I signed the bipartisan omnibus bill, ending a year of historic progress. It'll invest in medical research, safety, veteran health care, disaster recovery, VAWA funding – and gets crucial assistance to Ukraine. Looking forward to more in 2023. pic.twitter.com/KTI1R9qMij — President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2022 × The legislation was passed in Congress last week with a Senate, bipartisan vote of 68-29, with the support of 18 of the 50 Senate Republicans. It was also passed in the Democrat-controlled House with Republican support 225-201, days before Christmas. At the time, Biden had said that this move shows that the two opposition parties can work together. ALSO READ | US House passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, including $45 bn Ukraine aid, avoids partial shutdown However, House Republican Kevin McCarthy, who hopes to become the Speaker when his party takes over and Congress opens on January 3, called the bill a “monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I've ever seen in this body”, during the floor debate. Noting that the bill spends too much, but not enough to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the US. Notably, the bill accounts for record military spending and emergency aid to Ukraine (amid its conflict with Russia), additional aid and funding for students with disabilities and protecting workers' rights which also includes more job-training resources, as well as affordable housing for families, veterans and those fleeing domestic violence. ALSO WATCH | US: Congress passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, aims at averting govt shutdown The “bipartisan omnibus bill”, as the US president called it, also includes at least a six per cent increase for domestic initiatives to $772.5 billion while the spending on defence has increased by 10 per cent to $858 billion. Lawmakers also provided nearly $45 billion for Ukraine and its NATO allies which was more than what Biden had asked for and a $40 billion emergency spending to help communities across the country as they recover from natural disasters, like drought, hurricanes, and so on. ALSO READ | US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure Notably, the bill also includes an overhaul of the 19th-century Electoral Count Act which is seemingly a direct response to former US President Donald Trump’s bid to persuade Republican lawmakers and then Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of incumbent president Biden’s win after the elections had concluded. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Biden signs $1.7 trillion government spending bill for upcoming fiscal year

In a statement released on Thursday, Russia said that the supply of US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, which had been announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington, would neither contribute to a settlement of the crisis nor hinder Russia's objectives. In addition to this, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that&nbsp;Russia will find an 'antidote' to US Patriot missiles in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Dmitry Peskov,&nbsp;the spokesperson for the Kremlin, claimed that throughout Zelensky's visit, there had been no indication of willingness for peace negotiations, demonstrating that the United States and Russia were engaged in a proxy conflict "until the last Ukrainian."

Invoking the fights against the Nazis in World War II&nbsp;to urge more support in the war against Russia, Zelensky told the US Congress on Wednesday that help to his country was an investment in democracy.

A further $1.85 billion in military assistance from the United States was announced for Ukraine, including the Patriot air defence system to help it fight off Russian missile barrages. The Patriot system, according to Zelensky, was a crucial component in building an air shield.

“This is the only way that we can deprive the terrorist state of its main instrument of terror — the possibility to hit our cities, our energy,” Zelensky told a White House news conference, standing next to President Joe Biden.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a statement released on Thursday, Russia said that the supply of US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, which had been announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington, would neither contribute to a settlement of the crisis nor hinder Russia's objectives.

In a statement released on Thursday, Russia said that the supply of US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, which had been announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington, would neither contribute to a settlement of the crisis nor hinder Russia's objectives. In addition to this, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia will find an 'antidote' to US Patriot missiles in Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, claimed that throughout Zelensky's visit, there had been no indication of willingness for peace negotiations, demonstrating that the United States and Russia were engaged in a proxy conflict "until the last Ukrainian." Invoking the fights against the Nazis in World War II to urge more support in the war against Russia, Zelensky told the US Congress on Wednesday that help to his country was an investment in democracy. A further $1.85 billion in military assistance from the United States was announced for Ukraine, including the Patriot air defence system to help it fight off Russian missile barrages. The Patriot system, according to Zelensky, was a crucial component in building an air shield. “This is the only way that we can deprive the terrorist state of its main instrument of terror — the possibility to hit our cities, our energy,” Zelensky told a White House news conference, standing next to President Joe Biden. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin claims Russia will find an ‘antidote’ to US Patriot missiles given to Ukraine for air defence

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill banning private ownership of tigers and other big cats along with "cub petting." This bill aims to limit the ownership of tigers, lions, jaguars and other big cats to zoos, sanctuaries, universities and agencies. The bill was previously passed by the US Congress and was made into law after Biden signed it. Animal advocacy groups and conservationists alike have hailed the move which protects wildlife creatures.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/americans-cant-stand-their-families-for-more-than-four-hours-survey-545037">Americans can't stand their families for more than four hours: Survey</a>

Big Cat Public Safety Act

This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including restricting direct contact between the public and big cats, as per US Congress.&nbsp;

The bill prohibits direct contact between the public and big cats as seen in Netflix series "Tiger King," which featured the exploits of a flamboyant private zoo owner named Joe Exotic. It is an American true crime documentary streaming television series about the life of Joe. Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joe Maldonado-Passage, was sentenced in January 2020 to 22 years in prison for attempting to kill a rival animal refuge owner, Carole Baskin. The series focuses on the small but deeply interconnected society of big cat conservationists such as Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue, and collectors such as Exotic, whom Baskin accuses of abusing and exploiting wild animals. 
&nbsp;

Current owners of big cats&nbsp;

Current owners of big cats are exempted but will have to register the animals with the US Fish &amp; Wildlife Service.

PETA applauds POTUS signing the bill&nbsp;

After Biden signed the bill that became a law, animal advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has applauded the move. The group said that after this landmark move, now Tiger Kings can no longer cash in on the suffering of big-cat cubs removed from their caged mothers.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-militants-attack-police-station-in-south-wazirstan-constable-injured-in-firing-544925">Pakistan: Militants attack police station in South Wazirstan, constable injured in firing</a>

"This law caps off years of PETA legal actions that resulted in the rescue of 75 big cats, took down Tiger King villains Tim Stark and Jeff Lowe, and established that big-cat cub petting violates the Endangered Species Act. PETA has now set its sights on ending photo ops with baby bears, otters, sloths, and other exploited animals who deserve to be with their families, and it urges everyone never to give a dime to animal exploiters," PETA Foundation General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet said in a statement.&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill banning private ownership of tigers and other big cats along with "cub petting." This bill aims to limit the ownership of tigers, lions, jaguars and other big cats to zoos, sanctuaries, universities and agencies.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill banning private ownership of tigers and other big cats along with "cub petting." This bill aims to limit the ownership of tigers, lions, jaguars and other big cats to zoos, sanctuaries, universities and agencies. The bill was previously passed by the US Congress and was made into law after Biden signed it. Animal advocacy groups and conservationists alike have hailed the move which protects wildlife creatures. ALSO READ | Americans can't stand their families for more than four hours: Survey Big Cat Public Safety Act This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including restricting direct contact between the public and big cats, as per US Congress. The bill prohibits direct contact between the public and big cats as seen in Netflix series "Tiger King," which featured the exploits of a flamboyant private zoo owner named Joe Exotic. It is an American true crime documentary streaming television series about the life of Joe. Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joe Maldonado-Passage, was sentenced in January 2020 to 22 years in prison for attempting to kill a rival animal refuge owner, Carole Baskin. The series focuses on the small but deeply interconnected society of big cat conservationists such as Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue, and collectors such as Exotic, whom Baskin accuses of abusing and exploiting wild animals. Current owners of big cats Current owners of big cats are exempted but will have to register the animals with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. PETA applauds POTUS signing the bill After Biden signed the bill that became a law, animal advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has applauded the move. The group said that after this landmark move, now Tiger Kings can no longer cash in on the suffering of big-cat cubs removed from their caged mothers. WATCH | Pakistan: Militants attack police station in South Wazirstan, constable injured in firing "This law caps off years of PETA legal actions that resulted in the rescue of 75 big cats, took down Tiger King villains Tim Stark and Jeff Lowe, and established that big-cat cub petting violates the Endangered Species Act. PETA has now set its sights on ending photo ops with baby bears, otters, sloths, and other exploited animals who deserve to be with their families, and it urges everyone never to give a dime to animal exploiters," PETA Foundation General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet said in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Biden signs 'Tiger King' bill banning big cats ownership

The US-China war has been escalating. In recent, Biden has blacklisted Chinese top chip maker and 21 other major firms. US fears that YMTC will divert American technology to Chinese firms.

US: Biden blacklists Chinese top chip maker and 21 other major firms

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (December 14) announced a new agreement that seeks to strengthen trade ties between the US and the African continent. The US focus on Africa is being considered to be a counter to greater Chinese influence in the continent.&nbsp;

"The United States is 'all in' on Africa's future," Biden told African leaders attending a three-day summit in Washington.

When it comes to Africa, the US appears to lag China with respect to trade, financial and developmental ties. Chinese trade with the continent is four times that of the US. China has sought to expand its influence by funding infrastructure projects. China is also an important creditor of African nations with terms of credit often less stringent than Western lendors.

Gravitas: Biden hosts 50 African leaders for a summit

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Biden said a new US&nbsp;agreement with the African Continental Free Trade Area will give American companies access to 1.3 billion people and a market valued at $3.4 trillion. He listed companies that had made deals at the summit, including General Electric Co and Cisco Systems Inc.

"When Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds. Quite frankly, the whole world succeeds as well," the president said.

Delegations from 49 countries and the African Union, including 45 African national leaders, are attending the three-day summit, which began on Tuesday, the first and is the first of its kind since 2014. Washington has offered $55 billion in support for Africa under the Biden administration for food security, climate change, trade partnerships and other issues.

After his remarks, Biden viewed some of the World Cup semifinal match between Morocco and France with Morocco's prime minister, Aziz Akhannouch, and other leaders attending the summit, the White House said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (December 14) announced a new agreement that seeks to strengthen trade ties between the US and the African continent. The US focus on Africa is being considered to be a counter to greater Chinese influence in the continent.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (December 14) announced a new agreement that seeks to strengthen trade ties between the US and the African continent. The US focus on Africa is being considered to be a counter to greater Chinese influence in the continent. "The United States is 'all in' on Africa's future," Biden told African leaders attending a three-day summit in Washington. When it comes to Africa, the US appears to lag China with respect to trade, financial and developmental ties. Chinese trade with the continent is four times that of the US. China has sought to expand its influence by funding infrastructure projects. China is also an important creditor of African nations with terms of credit often less stringent than Western lendors. Gravitas: Biden hosts 50 African leaders for a summit × Biden said a new US agreement with the African Continental Free Trade Area will give American companies access to 1.3 billion people and a market valued at $3.4 trillion. He listed companies that had made deals at the summit, including General Electric Co and Cisco Systems Inc. "When Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds. Quite frankly, the whole world succeeds as well," the president said. Delegations from 49 countries and the African Union, including 45 African national leaders, are attending the three-day summit, which began on Tuesday, the first and is the first of its kind since 2014. Washington has offered $55 billion in support for Africa under the Biden administration for food security, climate change, trade partnerships and other issues. After his remarks, Biden viewed some of the World Cup semifinal match between Morocco and France with Morocco's prime minister, Aziz Akhannouch, and other leaders attending the summit, the White House said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Seeking to counter China, Biden says US is 'all in' in Africa's future

President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday (13 December) that although there is still work to be done, the inflation rate in the United States is decreasing and things are moving in the right direction.

"It will take time to get inflation back to normal levels, I want to be clear about that. We could have setbacks when we go from unstable growth to one that is more steady. There is nothing we should take for granted "he stated.

“We learned last month that the inflation rate came down, down more than experts expected,” Biden said, speaking from the White House. “In a world where inflation is rising in double digits in many major economies around the world, inflation is coming down in America.”

The core consumer price index, which economists consider to be the main indicator of inflation and exclude the cost of food and energy, increased just 0.2 per cent&nbsp;in November. The monthly gain is the smallest in over a year. Core CPI expenses were up 6 per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier, according to the Labor Department's report, which was issued on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-men-released-after-serving-25-years-in-jail-after-true-crime-podcast-challenges-conviction-542704">US jail releases two men after serving 25 years in jail as true crime podcast challenges conviction</a>

Food and energy are included in the overall CPI, which increased by 7.1 per cent&nbsp;over the last 12 months and 0.1 per cent from the previous month.

The Fed may be able to accomplish the desired "soft landing" and prevent a significant economic recession as a result of the easing, which shows that the Fed's interest rate rises may be having the desired effect.

The study is probably going to reassure the Fed and Jerome Powell, the head of the central bank. The Fed is anticipated to only raise interest rates by a half-point at the end of its meeting on Wednesday, as compared to the three-quarter point raises it has implemented this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-conducts-successful-test-of-hypersonic-missile-says-air-force-542489">US conducts successful test of hypersonic missile, says air force</a>

Standing with Cecilia Rouse, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Brian Deese, Director of the National Economic Council, Biden expressed his expectation that prices will return to normal by the end of the year, if not before. But he emphasised that he was unable to forecast that.

The president admitted that many Americans are now having financial difficulties. He urged Americans to stick with their current course, saying that the good economic news proves that his economic policies are effective.

(With inputs from agencies)

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President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday (13 December) that although there is still work to be done, the inflation rate in the United States is decreasing and things are moving in the right direction.

President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday (13 December) that although there is still work to be done, the inflation rate in the United States is decreasing and things are moving in the right direction. "It will take time to get inflation back to normal levels, I want to be clear about that. We could have setbacks when we go from unstable growth to one that is more steady. There is nothing we should take for granted "he stated. “We learned last month that the inflation rate came down, down more than experts expected,” Biden said, speaking from the White House. “In a world where inflation is rising in double digits in many major economies around the world, inflation is coming down in America.” The core consumer price index, which economists consider to be the main indicator of inflation and exclude the cost of food and energy, increased just 0.2 per cent in November. The monthly gain is the smallest in over a year. Core CPI expenses were up 6 per cent from a year earlier, according to the Labor Department's report, which was issued on Tuesday. Also read | US jail releases two men after serving 25 years in jail as true crime podcast challenges conviction Food and energy are included in the overall CPI, which increased by 7.1 per cent over the last 12 months and 0.1 per cent from the previous month. The Fed may be able to accomplish the desired "soft landing" and prevent a significant economic recession as a result of the easing, which shows that the Fed's interest rate rises may be having the desired effect. The study is probably going to reassure the Fed and Jerome Powell, the head of the central bank. The Fed is anticipated to only raise interest rates by a half-point at the end of its meeting on Wednesday, as compared to the three-quarter point raises it has implemented this year. Also read | US conducts successful test of hypersonic missile, says air force Standing with Cecilia Rouse, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Brian Deese, Director of the National Economic Council, Biden expressed his expectation that prices will return to normal by the end of the year, if not before. But he emphasised that he was unable to forecast that. The president admitted that many Americans are now having financial difficulties. He urged Americans to stick with their current course, saying that the good economic news proves that his economic policies are effective. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: President Biden lauds declining inflation rates; defends his economic strategies

‘Economic plan is working’ to slow inflation, says Biden

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (December 13) signed into law a bill, granting federal protections to same-sex marriage. The legislative milestone was reached in presence of a large crowd of guests gathered at the White House.

During his tenure as vice-president, Biden had taken a public stand and backed same-sex unions much before 2015 Supreme Court decision making such marriages legal throughout the country.

"America takes a vital step toward equality, for liberty and justice, not just for some, but for everyone," he said during the signing ceremony Tuesday afternoon.

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&nbsp;

The US Supreme Court now has a majority of conservative-leaning judges. After it overturned landmark judgement on abortion rights last June, lawmakers from the left and right came together to prevent any subsequent move to curb same-sex marriage rights.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-capitol-attack-probe-panel-will-release-final-report-on-december-21-542827">US Capitol attack: Probe panel will release final report on December 21</a>

The legislation's final adoption by Congress last week marked a rare show of bipartisanship in deeply divided Washington.

In celebration, Biden gathered with a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the White House grounds, along with advocates and plaintiffs in marriage equality cases across the country.

Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay US senator, described signing of the bill as a historical moment. She helped draft the law in Congress.

"Today, we are making history and making a difference for millions of Americans," she said in a statement.

"We are telling the millions of same-sex and interracial couples that we see them and we respect them."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (December 13) signed into law a bill, granting federal protections to same-sex marriage. The legislative milestone was reached in presence of a large crowd of guests gathered at the White House.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (December 13) signed into law a bill, granting federal protections to same-sex marriage. The legislative milestone was reached in presence of a large crowd of guests gathered at the White House. During his tenure as vice-president, Biden had taken a public stand and backed same-sex unions much before 2015 Supreme Court decision making such marriages legal throughout the country. "America takes a vital step toward equality, for liberty and justice, not just for some, but for everyone," he said during the signing ceremony Tuesday afternoon. × The US Supreme Court now has a majority of conservative-leaning judges. After it overturned landmark judgement on abortion rights last June, lawmakers from the left and right came together to prevent any subsequent move to curb same-sex marriage rights. Also Read | US Capitol attack: Probe panel will release final report on December 21 The legislation's final adoption by Congress last week marked a rare show of bipartisanship in deeply divided Washington. In celebration, Biden gathered with a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the White House grounds, along with advocates and plaintiffs in marriage equality cases across the country. Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay US senator, described signing of the bill as a historical moment. She helped draft the law in Congress. "Today, we are making history and making a difference for millions of Americans," she said in a statement. "We are telling the millions of same-sex and interracial couples that we see them and we respect them." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: President Biden signs same-sex marriage protections bill into law

President Joe Biden&nbsp;is set to play host to dozens of African leaders in Washington this week as the White House looks to narrow a gaping trust gap with Africa — one that has grown wider over years of frustration about America’s commitment to the continent.

In the lead-up to the three-day&nbsp;US-Africa Leaders Summit&nbsp;that begins Tuesday, Biden administration officials played down their&nbsp;increasing concern&nbsp;about the clout of&nbsp;China&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in Africa, which is home to more than 1.3 billion people. Instead, administration officials tried to put the focus on their efforts to improve cooperation with African leaders.

“This summit is an opportunity to deepen the many partnerships we have on the African continent,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when asked about the shadow that China and Russia cast on the meetings. “We will focus on our efforts to strengthen these partnerships across a wide range of sectors spanning from businesses to health to peace and security, but our focus will be on Africa next week.”

To that end, White House officials said that “major deliverables and initiatives” — diplomatic speak for big announcements — will be peppered throughout the meetings. The White House previewed one&nbsp;major summit<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-g-20-summit-africa-us-national-security-council-united-states-government-ecbff4ac4c0051cecd7d1c1e8fe451bf"> </a>announcement&nbsp;on Friday, saying that Biden would use the gathering to declare his support for adding the African Union as a permanent member of the&nbsp;Group of 20&nbsp;nations.

The summit will be the biggest international gathering in Washington since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local officials are warning residents to brace for road blocks and intensified security as 49 invited heads of states and leaders — and Biden — whiz around the city.

Talks are expected to center on the coronavirus, climate change, the impact of&nbsp;Russia’s invasion of<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine"> </a>Ukraine&nbsp;on Africa, trade and more, according to White House officials. Biden is set to deliver remarks at a U.S.-Africa business forum, hold small group meetings with leaders, host a leaders’ dinner at the White House and take part in other sessions with leaders during the gathering.

Biden has spent much of his first two years in office trying to assuage&nbsp;doubters on the international stage<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-nations-general-assembly-taiwan-biden-health-9b1b11a721705d0ea3d3c85141f2f968"> </a>about American leadership&nbsp;after four years of Donald Trump’s&nbsp;“America First” foreign policy. With this summit — a follow-up to the first such gathering held eight years ago by President Barack Obama — Biden has an opportunity to assuage concerns in Africa about whether the U.S. is serious about tending to the relationship.

Biden’s effort to draw African nations closer to the U.S. comes at a complicated moment, as his administration has made plain that it believes that Chinese and Russian activity in Africa is a serious concern to U.S. and African interests.

In its&nbsp;sub-Saharan Africa strategy&nbsp;unveiled in August, the Biden administration warned that China, which has pumped billions into African energy, infrastructure and other projects, sees the region as an arena where Beijing can “challenge the rules-based international order, advance its own narrow commercial and geopolitical interests, undermine transparency and openness.”

The administration also argues that Russia, the preeminent arms dealer in Africa, views the continent as a permissive environment for Kremlin-connected oligarchs and private military companies to focus on fomenting instability for their own strategic and financial benefit.

Still, administration officials are emphasizing that concerns about China and Russia will not be central to the talks.

“The United States prioritizes our relationship with Africa for the sake of our mutual interests and our partnership in dealing with global challenges,” Molly Phee, assistant secretary of state for African affairs,&nbsp;told<a href="https://www.state.gov/digital-press-briefing-with-u-s-department-of-states-bureau-of-african-affairs-assistant-secretary-molly-phee-and-national-security-council-senior-director-for-african-affairs-judd-devermont/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a>reporters before the summit.&nbsp;“We are very conscious, again, of the Cold War history, we’re conscious, again, of the deleterious impact of colonialism on Africa, and we studiously seek to avoid repeating some of the mistakes of those earlier eras.”

The administration has been disappointed that much of the continent has declined to follow the US&nbsp;in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but Biden is not expected to dwell on differences publicly.

The president is expected to participate with leaders in a session on promoting food security and food systems resilience. Africa has been disproportionately impacted by the global rise in food prices that has been caused in part by the drop in shipments from major grain exporter Ukraine.

“One of the unique aspects of this summit is the collateral damage that the Russian war has inflicted on Africa in terms of food supply and the diversion of development assistance to Ukraine. The opportunity costs of the invasion have been very high in Africa,” said John Stremlau, a visiting professor of international relations at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

Four countries that were suspended from the African Union — Guinea, Sudan, Mali and Burkina Faso— were not invited to the summit because coups in those nations led to unconstitutional changes in power. The White House also did not invite the East African nation of Eritrea; Washington does not have full diplomatic relations with the country.

Biden’s decision to invite several leaders to the summit who have questionable records on human rights and democracy is looming large ahead of the gathering.

Equatorial Guinea was invited despite the State Department stating that it held&nbsp;“serious doubts”&nbsp;about&nbsp;last<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-equatorial-guinea-malabo-government-and-politics-teodoro-obiang-nguema-mbasogo-f221186f2e29fc68e4371a13835e1918"> </a>month’s election&nbsp;in the tiny Central African nation. Opposition parties “made credible allegations of significant election-related irregularities, including documented instances of fraud, intimidation, and coercion,” according to the department. Election officials reported that President Teodoro Obiang’s ruling party won nearly 95% of the vote.

Zimbabwe, which has faced years of U.S. and Western sanctions over poor governance, human rights abuses and widespread corruption, also was invited.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who seized power from longtime ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017, has sought to cast himself as a reformer, but local and international human rights campaigners accuse him of repression that is just as bad or even worse than Mugabe’s.

Although Mnangagwa enjoys cozy relations with China and Russia, as did Mugabe, he has also sought to make friends with the U.S. and other Western countries in an effort to bolster his legitimacy.

In a national address that he delivered in November in a new Chinese-gifted multimillion-dollar parliament building, Mnangagwa held out the invitation to the U.S.-Africa summit as a sign of his administration’s success. He said the southern African country welcomed the invitation, but he also called for the “unconditional” removal of sanctions that he blames for Zimbabwe’s debilitating economic woes.

“Emphasis remains on dialogue,” Mnangagwa said.

Ethiopia received an invitation even though Biden late last last year announced he was&nbsp;cutting out the country<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-africa-united-states-global-trade-a3e49884bef0edb51bb9d8020f2b899b"> </a>from a US&nbsp;trade program,&nbsp;known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, over Ethiopia’s failure to end a war in the Tigray region that led to “gross violations” of human rights. A peace deal was signed last month, but implementation faces major challenges such as the continued presence of troops from neighboring Eritrea.

Analysts say that African leaders will be looking for Biden to make some major commitments during the summit, including announcing his first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa, efforts to bolster the continent’s economy through private sector investment and trade and more.

Perhaps most importantly, it could be an opportunity for Biden to demonstrate that Africa is more than a battleground in its economic and military competition with Beijing and Moscow.

“I do strongly believe that the United States is still seen as a superpower from the African perspective, but most African leaders do not want to align with its promotion of democracy,” said Abraham Kuol Nyuon, a political analyst and associate professor of political science at the University of Juba in South Sudan. “They need the support of America but not the system of America.”

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President Joe Biden is set to play host to dozens of African leaders in Washington this week as the White House looks to narrow a gaping trust gap with Africa — one that has grown wider over years of frustration about America’s commitment to the continent.

President Joe Biden is set to play host to dozens of African leaders in Washington this week as the White House looks to narrow a gaping trust gap with Africa — one that has grown wider over years of frustration about America’s commitment to the continent. In the lead-up to the three-day US-Africa Leaders Summit that begins Tuesday, Biden administration officials played down their increasing concern about the clout of China and Russia in Africa, which is home to more than 1.3 billion people. Instead, administration officials tried to put the focus on their efforts to improve cooperation with African leaders. “This summit is an opportunity to deepen the many partnerships we have on the African continent,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when asked about the shadow that China and Russia cast on the meetings. “We will focus on our efforts to strengthen these partnerships across a wide range of sectors spanning from businesses to health to peace and security, but our focus will be on Africa next week.” To that end, White House officials said that “major deliverables and initiatives” — diplomatic speak for big announcements — will be peppered throughout the meetings. The White House previewed one major summit announcement on Friday, saying that Biden would use the gathering to declare his support for adding the African Union as a permanent member of the Group of 20 nations. The summit will be the biggest international gathering in Washington since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local officials are warning residents to brace for road blocks and intensified security as 49 invited heads of states and leaders — and Biden — whiz around the city. Talks are expected to center on the coronavirus, climate change, the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Africa, trade and more, according to White House officials. Biden is set to deliver remarks at a U.S.-Africa business forum, hold small group meetings with leaders, host a leaders’ dinner at the White House and take part in other sessions with leaders during the gathering. Biden has spent much of his first two years in office trying to assuage doubters on the international stage about American leadership after four years of Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign policy. With this summit — a follow-up to the first such gathering held eight years ago by President Barack Obama — Biden has an opportunity to assuage concerns in Africa about whether the U.S. is serious about tending to the relationship. Biden’s effort to draw African nations closer to the U.S. comes at a complicated moment, as his administration has made plain that it believes that Chinese and Russian activity in Africa is a serious concern to U.S. and African interests. In its sub-Saharan Africa strategy unveiled in August, the Biden administration warned that China, which has pumped billions into African energy, infrastructure and other projects, sees the region as an arena where Beijing can “challenge the rules-based international order, advance its own narrow commercial and geopolitical interests, undermine transparency and openness.” The administration also argues that Russia, the preeminent arms dealer in Africa, views the continent as a permissive environment for Kremlin-connected oligarchs and private military companies to focus on fomenting instability for their own strategic and financial benefit. Still, administration officials are emphasizing that concerns about China and Russia will not be central to the talks. “The United States prioritizes our relationship with Africa for the sake of our mutual interests and our partnership in dealing with global challenges,” Molly Phee, assistant secretary of state for African affairs, told reporters before the summit. “We are very conscious, again, of the Cold War history, we’re conscious, again, of the deleterious impact of colonialism on Africa, and we studiously seek to avoid repeating some of the mistakes of those earlier eras.” The administration has been disappointed that much of the continent has declined to follow the US in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but Biden is not expected to dwell on differences publicly. The president is expected to participate with leaders in a session on promoting food security and food systems resilience. Africa has been disproportionately impacted by the global rise in food prices that has been caused in part by the drop in shipments from major grain exporter Ukraine. “One of the unique aspects of this summit is the collateral damage that the Russian war has inflicted on Africa in terms of food supply and the diversion of development assistance to Ukraine. The opportunity costs of the invasion have been very high in Africa,” said John Stremlau, a visiting professor of international relations at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Four countries that were suspended from the African Union — Guinea, Sudan, Mali and Burkina Faso— were not invited to the summit because coups in those nations led to unconstitutional changes in power. The White House also did not invite the East African nation of Eritrea; Washington does not have full diplomatic relations with the country. Biden’s decision to invite several leaders to the summit who have questionable records on human rights and democracy is looming large ahead of the gathering. Equatorial Guinea was invited despite the State Department stating that it held “serious doubts” about last month’s election in the tiny Central African nation. Opposition parties “made credible allegations of significant election-related irregularities, including documented instances of fraud, intimidation, and coercion,” according to the department. Election officials reported that President Teodoro Obiang’s ruling party won nearly 95% of the vote. Zimbabwe, which has faced years of U.S. and Western sanctions over poor governance, human rights abuses and widespread corruption, also was invited. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who seized power from longtime ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017, has sought to cast himself as a reformer, but local and international human rights campaigners accuse him of repression that is just as bad or even worse than Mugabe’s. Although Mnangagwa enjoys cozy relations with China and Russia, as did Mugabe, he has also sought to make friends with the U.S. and other Western countries in an effort to bolster his legitimacy. In a national address that he delivered in November in a new Chinese-gifted multimillion-dollar parliament building, Mnangagwa held out the invitation to the U.S.-Africa summit as a sign of his administration’s success. He said the southern African country welcomed the invitation, but he also called for the “unconditional” removal of sanctions that he blames for Zimbabwe’s debilitating economic woes. “Emphasis remains on dialogue,” Mnangagwa said. Ethiopia received an invitation even though Biden late last last year announced he was cutting out the country from a US trade program, known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, over Ethiopia’s failure to end a war in the Tigray region that led to “gross violations” of human rights. A peace deal was signed last month, but implementation faces major challenges such as the continued presence of troops from neighboring Eritrea. Analysts say that African leaders will be looking for Biden to make some major commitments during the summit, including announcing his first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa, efforts to bolster the continent’s economy through private sector investment and trade and more. Perhaps most importantly, it could be an opportunity for Biden to demonstrate that Africa is more than a battleground in its economic and military competition with Beijing and Moscow. “I do strongly believe that the United States is still seen as a superpower from the African perspective, but most African leaders do not want to align with its promotion of democracy,” said Abraham Kuol Nyuon, a political analyst and associate professor of political science at the University of Juba in South Sudan. “They need the support of America but not the system of America.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden aims to narrow trust gap with US-Africa leaders summit

US President Joe Biden, during his Saudi Arabia visit months ago, did not hold back in expressing his confidence that Saudi Arabia would act to increase the oil supply in the upcoming weeks. However, the little rise in oil output was only embarrassing since it was far insufficient to meet US demand. But it wasn't everything. After Biden's visit to the Kingdom, the OPEC+ group's decision to reduce crude oil output by two million barrels per day in October gave a massive setback to the US and Saudi Arabian ties.&nbsp;

The world was closely watching the Biden-MBS meet, especially after Biden had declared Saudi Arabia a pariah post Khashoggi's killing in 2018 and the meeting was anticipated to reset the ties between the two nations. MBS, as per Biden, denied involvement in the murder during their meeting in Riyadh. "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it," Biden said over the crown prince's response during their meeting. "I indicated that I thought he was."

In the latest, however,&nbsp;after the Biden administration stated that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be granted head-of-state protection, a federal court in the nation's capital decided to dismiss a civil action against him for the murder of author Jamal Khashoggi. Biden visited Israel and the West Bank on his tour to the Middle East, which started on 13 July and finished on 16 July. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the severe energy crisis it caused for European nations, Biden paid a visit with some hope. He saw that he needed to change the US strategy of leaving the Middle East and try to rebalance his relationships with regional leaders. But how effective was the visit in the end? Not so much.&nbsp;

The stark contrast: Xi’s red-carpet welcome&nbsp;

The visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese president Xi Jinping will be very different from that of President Joe Biden. It appears that the Gulf Arab nations have intensified their independent-minded approach. They have recently started veering away from US foreign policy, after decades. For China, the Gulf has disregarded several US cautions regarding expanding alliances with Beijing and Chinese businesses, citing human rights abuses of Uyghur minorities in the Xinjiang region.

To the dismay of the US, the military relationship of Saudi Arabia with China is also changing. When the US threatened to supply UAE with F-35 combat fighters over Saudi Arabia's 5G arrangement with Chinese tech giant Huawei, Abu Dhabi stood by the contract.

The pomp and circumstance surrounding Xi's travel to Saudi Arabia is sending an implicit message to the US. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a United Arab Emirates expert and visiting senior fellow at Harvard University, told CNN that this is a new Saudi Arabia, a new Gulf and a new reality. “The new reality is that China is rising and Asia is rising and whether the US likes it or not, we have to deal with China," he added.&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden, during his Saudi Arabia visit months ago, did not hold back in expressing his confidence that Saudi Arabia would act to increase the oil supply in the upcoming weeks.

US President Joe Biden, during his Saudi Arabia visit months ago, did not hold back in expressing his confidence that Saudi Arabia would act to increase the oil supply in the upcoming weeks. However, the little rise in oil output was only embarrassing since it was far insufficient to meet US demand. But it wasn't everything. After Biden's visit to the Kingdom, the OPEC+ group's decision to reduce crude oil output by two million barrels per day in October gave a massive setback to the US and Saudi Arabian ties. The world was closely watching the Biden-MBS meet, especially after Biden had declared Saudi Arabia a pariah post Khashoggi's killing in 2018 and the meeting was anticipated to reset the ties between the two nations. MBS, as per Biden, denied involvement in the murder during their meeting in Riyadh. "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it," Biden said over the crown prince's response during their meeting. "I indicated that I thought he was." In the latest, however, after the Biden administration stated that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be granted head-of-state protection, a federal court in the nation's capital decided to dismiss a civil action against him for the murder of author Jamal Khashoggi. Biden visited Israel and the West Bank on his tour to the Middle East, which started on 13 July and finished on 16 July. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the severe energy crisis it caused for European nations, Biden paid a visit with some hope. He saw that he needed to change the US strategy of leaving the Middle East and try to rebalance his relationships with regional leaders. But how effective was the visit in the end? Not so much. The stark contrast: Xi’s red-carpet welcome The visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese president Xi Jinping will be very different from that of President Joe Biden. It appears that the Gulf Arab nations have intensified their independent-minded approach. They have recently started veering away from US foreign policy, after decades. For China, the Gulf has disregarded several US cautions regarding expanding alliances with Beijing and Chinese businesses, citing human rights abuses of Uyghur minorities in the Xinjiang region. To the dismay of the US, the military relationship of Saudi Arabia with China is also changing. When the US threatened to supply UAE with F-35 combat fighters over Saudi Arabia's 5G arrangement with Chinese tech giant Huawei, Abu Dhabi stood by the contract. The pomp and circumstance surrounding Xi's travel to Saudi Arabia is sending an implicit message to the US. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a United Arab Emirates expert and visiting senior fellow at Harvard University, told CNN that this is a new Saudi Arabia, a new Gulf and a new reality. “The new reality is that China is rising and Asia is rising and whether the US likes it or not, we have to deal with China," he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

A New Gulf? Biden's fistbump 'disaster' vs. Saudi Arabia's grandiose welcome for Xi

The Republicans plan to question three Twitter executives in congress over the suppression during the 2020 US election of data from a laptop belonging to Hunter Biden.

Biden family most corrupt in history, claim Republicans

US President Joe Biden on Monday (December 6) invited Brazil's president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to visit the White House. Lula da Silva may visit US after he assumes offic on January 1.

US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan met Lula in Brasilia. Both discussed strengthening democracy in the Americas combating climate change and addressing the situation in Haiti and Venezuela.

On behalf of Biden, Sullivan extended the invitation to visit Washington

"He congratulated the President-elect on his election victory and discussed the importance of keeping open channels of communication between the two countries during the transition," said White House in a statement. No exact date has been announced.

Lula welcomed the invite on social media.

"I am excited to talk with President Biden and deepen the relationship between our countries," he tweeted.

Even though Lula has yet to be inaugurated, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said it made sense to invite him now.

"We want to hit the ground running with that relationship, that important bilateral relationship that we have with Brazil," she told reporters during a briefing.

The leftist leader won Brazil's presidential election in October, defeating far-right incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, who was an ally of former President Donald Trump and was the last G20 leader to recognize Biden's 2020 victory.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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US President Joe Biden on Monday (December 6) invited Brazil's president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to visit the White House. Lula da Silva may visit US after he assumes offic on January 1.

US President Joe Biden on Monday (December 6) invited Brazil's president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to visit the White House. Lula da Silva may visit US after he assumes offic on January 1. US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan met Lula in Brasilia. Both discussed strengthening democracy in the Americas combating climate change and addressing the situation in Haiti and Venezuela. On behalf of Biden, Sullivan extended the invitation to visit Washington "He congratulated the President-elect on his election victory and discussed the importance of keeping open channels of communication between the two countries during the transition," said White House in a statement. No exact date has been announced. Lula welcomed the invite on social media. "I am excited to talk with President Biden and deepen the relationship between our countries," he tweeted. Even though Lula has yet to be inaugurated, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said it made sense to invite him now. "We want to hit the ground running with that relationship, that important bilateral relationship that we have with Brazil," she told reporters during a briefing. The leftist leader won Brazil's presidential election in October, defeating far-right incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, who was an ally of former President Donald Trump and was the last G20 leader to recognize Biden's 2020 victory. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden invites Brazil president-elect Lula to visit White House

After over nine months into the Ukraine war, the West has finally reached an agreement that intends to deny Russia of war resources. The G7 and EU agreed to a 60 US dollar per barrel price cap on Russian crude oil.

Russia Ukraine War: US' White House says no talks with Russian President Putin

President of the United States Joe Biden said that he does not intend to speak to his Russian president or Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin about ending the Ukraine war. This comes the day after Biden showed his willingness to open talks only if he was ready to end the war.

Biden-Putin Meet: Talks will take place in consultation with NATO allies

Is the US still trying to convince China to convince Russia to back-off? What does Xi Jinping's "US doesn't know how to get along with the world" remark mean? Here's what happened in the opening notes when US President Biden met China's Xi for the first time

Truth behind US-China handshake

The US President Joe Biden had his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron hail the essential Washington and Paris ties. Watch this video to know more.

US, France can 'Succeed Together, Not Against Each Other', says Macron

US President Joe Biden said that he would be willing to speak to Vladimir Putin for the first time since the Ukraine invasion if the Russian leader truly wants to end the war.

Biden: Ready to speak to Putin if he is looking for way to end war

Macron, Biden pledge to hold Russia accountable for 'war crimes'

US President Joe Biden says that he would be ready to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin but only "if he is looking for a way to end the war."

Biden: Ready to speak to Putin 'if he is looking for a way to end the war'

Just a day after United States President Joe Biden left Nantucket after his thanksgiving weekend, cars hired by his Secret Service detail caught fire in the airport parking lot.

As per reports, no one from Biden's family or team was injured as the fire happened after the cars had been returned. The cars were a Chevy Suburban, a Ford Explorer, a Ford Expedition, a Jeep Gladiator, and an Infiniti QX80.

Watch | US will not be held hostage in chip supply, says Joe Biden during Michigan speech

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However, it has still flamed up a lot of controversy theories.

The Nantucket Current posted photos and videos of the burned-out cars on social media.&nbsp;

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A large car fire involving multiple rental vehicles at Nantucket Memorial Airport is now out. There were no injuries reported but at least four cars sustained significant damage. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nantucket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nantucket</a> <a href="https://t.co/VF7Zh7qoot">pic.twitter.com/VF7Zh7qoot</a>
— Nantucket Current (@ACKCurrent) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACKCurrent/status/1597193896014278656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On Twitter, the publication wrote, "The cars were owned by Hertz, and had just been returned by members of the Secret Service who had been using them during President Biden’s visit, sources said."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-beefs-up-security-due-to-letter-bombs-ukraine-ambassador-pohoreltsev-blames-russia-539178">Spain beefs up security due to letter bombs; Ukraine ambassador Pohoreltsev blames Russia</a>

"Something very fishy going on," commented one user on the Youtube video.

Another wrote, "No freakin' way was this a coincidence. Absolutely no way".

“I feel like the fact that 5 of President Biden’s Secret Service rental cars suddenly burst into flames in the Nantucket Airport parking lot less than 24 hours after they were returned should maybe be a slightly bigger story,” said one user on Twitter.

“Biden’s secret service rented vehicles burst into flames! Terrorism? 5 vehicles caught fire. Something is very wrong here,”&nbsp;said another.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-on-the-menu-biden-welcomes-macron-for-white-house-state-dinner-539176">What's on the menu? Biden welcomes Macron to White House state dinner</a>

As per Forbes an investigation of the incident is underway. The current popular theory is that the fire began in a Ford Expedition, which has been under a safety recall since May because of a defective battery junction box known to cause fires.

However, as per the Daily Beast, the car company Hertz is investigating the fire. Anthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesman said that they had no issues while driving the vehicles and that the cars were returned without incident.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Just a day after United States President Joe Biden left Nantucket after his thanksgiving weekend, cars hired by his Secret Service detail caught fire in the airport parking lot.

Just a day after United States President Joe Biden left Nantucket after his thanksgiving weekend, cars hired by his Secret Service detail caught fire in the airport parking lot. As per reports, no one from Biden's family or team was injured as the fire happened after the cars had been returned. The cars were a Chevy Suburban, a Ford Explorer, a Ford Expedition, a Jeep Gladiator, and an Infiniti QX80. Watch | US will not be held hostage in chip supply, says Joe Biden during Michigan speech However, it has still flamed up a lot of controversy theories. The Nantucket Current posted photos and videos of the burned-out cars on social media. A large car fire involving multiple rental vehicles at Nantucket Memorial Airport is now out. There were no injuries reported but at least four cars sustained significant damage. #nantucket pic.twitter.com/VF7Zh7qoot — Nantucket Current (@ACKCurrent) November 28, 2022 × On Twitter, the publication wrote, "The cars were owned by Hertz, and had just been returned by members of the Secret Service who had been using them during President Biden’s visit, sources said." Also read | Spain beefs up security due to letter bombs; Ukraine ambassador Pohoreltsev blames Russia "Something very fishy going on," commented one user on the Youtube video. Another wrote, "No freakin' way was this a coincidence. Absolutely no way". “I feel like the fact that 5 of President Biden’s Secret Service rental cars suddenly burst into flames in the Nantucket Airport parking lot less than 24 hours after they were returned should maybe be a slightly bigger story,” said one user on Twitter. “Biden’s secret service rented vehicles burst into flames! Terrorism? 5 vehicles caught fire. Something is very wrong here,” said another. Also read | What's on the menu? Biden welcomes Macron to White House state dinner As per Forbes an investigation of the incident is underway. The current popular theory is that the fire began in a Ford Expedition, which has been under a safety recall since May because of a defective battery junction box known to cause fires. However, as per the Daily Beast, the car company Hertz is investigating the fire. Anthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesman said that they had no issues while driving the vehicles and that the cars were returned without incident. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Controversy theories erupt after cars used by Joe Biden and his Secret service in Nantucket catch fire

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