From calling his indictment a 'sham' to calling US President Joe Biden the most corrupt leader in the history of the country, Donald Trump's war of words has been a constant hue and cry in US politics lately. The former president has been making outlandish claims pertaining to the classified documents case, with the latest being a declaration&nbsp;that the boxes seized by the FBI in fact contained clothes and he wanted to sort them but could not do so as he was "busy".

Trump made these comments at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Tuesday night, during his first speech following his arrest and arraignment on federal criminal charges, something which was severely criticised by his supporters.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lg-reviews-amarnath-yatra-arrangements-in-pahalgam-over-60k-troops-to-be-deployed-for-security-604339">India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security</a>

The former president pleaded not guilty to 37 federal felony counts at a Miami court on Tuesday.&nbsp;In an unproven claim, Trump said that he wished to keep the boxes as they had his personal stuff, including his clothes in them.&nbsp;

According to a report by The Independent news portal, Trump said the seized boxes "were containing all types of personal belongings – many, many things, shirts and shoes, everything”.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shark-that-ate-russian-tourist-on-camera-to-be-mummified-put-on-display-604333">Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display</a>

Once Trump came out of the courtroom, it was expected that a huge number of his supporters will gather in a show of protest against his arrest.&nbsp;However, it was not the case as not many came. One of the protesters tried to disrupt the Trump motorcade by jumping in front of it.&nbsp;

Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead

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Ahead of his birthday, which is today, June 14, Trump stopped by the famous Cuban restaurant Versailles where his supporters gathered to sing him ‘Happy Birthday'.

<h2>Political backlash</h2>

Trump, after he left the courtroom, said he will go after "Biden crime family" once he is back in a position of power.&nbsp;“I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family. Name a special prosecutor," Trump said.&nbsp;

The crowd of his supporters along the same vein chanted slogans - "lock him up".&nbsp;“I will totally obliterate the deep state. We know who they are. I know exactly who they are. They want to take away my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedom," Trump said.&nbsp;

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From calling his indictment a 'sham' to calling US President Joe Biden the most corrupt leader in the history of the country, Donald Trump's war of words has been a constant hue and cry in US politics lately.

From calling his indictment a 'sham' to calling US President Joe Biden the most corrupt leader in the history of the country, Donald Trump's war of words has been a constant hue and cry in US politics lately. The former president has been making outlandish claims pertaining to the classified documents case, with the latest being a declaration that the boxes seized by the FBI in fact contained clothes and he wanted to sort them but could not do so as he was "busy". Trump made these comments at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Tuesday night, during his first speech following his arrest and arraignment on federal criminal charges, something which was severely criticised by his supporters. Also Read | India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security The former president pleaded not guilty to 37 federal felony counts at a Miami court on Tuesday. In an unproven claim, Trump said that he wished to keep the boxes as they had his personal stuff, including his clothes in them. According to a report by The Independent news portal, Trump said the seized boxes "were containing all types of personal belongings – many, many things, shirts and shoes, everything”. Also Read | Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display Once Trump came out of the courtroom, it was expected that a huge number of his supporters will gather in a show of protest against his arrest. However, it was not the case as not many came. One of the protesters tried to disrupt the Trump motorcade by jumping in front of it. Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead × Ahead of his birthday, which is today, June 14, Trump stopped by the famous Cuban restaurant Versailles where his supporters gathered to sing him ‘Happy Birthday'. Political backlash Trump, after he left the courtroom, said he will go after "Biden crime family" once he is back in a position of power. “I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family. Name a special prosecutor," Trump said. The crowd of his supporters along the same vein chanted slogans - "lock him up". “I will totally obliterate the deep state. We know who they are. I know exactly who they are. They want to take away my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedom," Trump said. 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. ×

Trump's strange claim on seized boxes in post-arrest speech: They contained clothes

Nearly a month after Former United States President Donald Trump was found guilty of sexual abuse and defamation of magazine writer E. Jean Carroll by a US court, his lawyers on Thursday (June 8) asked for a new trial in the civil case. This also comes after the nine-member jury in Manhattan federal court awarded about $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages to Carroll.&nbsp;

<h2>What have Trump’s lawyers said?</h2>

According to Reuters, the request was filed at the Manhattan federal court where Trump’s lawyers called the jury’s $2 million award for the sexual abuse portion of the verdict “excessive” as the six-men and the three-women jury had found that Carroll was not raped.&nbsp;

Additionally, the conduct Carroll alleged did not cause any diagnosed mental injury, the court filing by the former US president’s lawyers said. Trump should also pay around $2 million in damages for her civil battery claim, the jury had found last month.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-jury-finds-trump-sexually-abused-writer-e-jean-carroll-rejects-claim-of-rape-in-civil-case-590769">US jury holds Trump guilty of sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll, orders him to pay $5mn damages</a>

The former president was asked to pay nearly $2.7 million in damages to Carroll, the jury found, after she successfully proved her defamation claim against him. The jury has awarded a total of about $5 million to the writer, in what was being viewed as a significant defeat for the former president.

However, Trump’s lawyers&nbsp;said that the $2.7 million awarded to Carroll for the defamation claim was “based upon pure speculation.” This also comes as the former president has denied these allegations and has appealed the verdict.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Double recovery’: Trump’s lawyers on&nbsp;second lawsuit</h2>

The former president’s lawyers have also said that Carroll is seeking “double recovery” with the second lawsuit and argued jury’s awards were out of proportion to similar cases asking US District Judge Lewis Kaplan to at least reduce the amount if he chooses to reject their bid for a new trial.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-jean-carroll-might-sue-trump-over-cnn-town-hall-remarks-591474">E. Jean Carroll might sue Trump over CNN town hall remarks</a>

This comes as Carroll had filed a separate lawsuit in 2019 accusing Trump of defamation and it was not until last year that a second lawsuit for both defamation and battery was filed after New York passed a law which granted sexual assault victims more time to sue even if the statute of limitations had passed.

Meanwhile, Carroll, late last month had sought to amend the 2019 lawsuit with a claim for $10 million in additional damages over Trump’s comments during a CNN town hall where he was yet again, insulting and demeaning Carroll and her experience.&nbsp;

During the CNN event, the former president called the account of a sexual assault a “fake” and “made-up story,” while referring to it as “hanky-panky”. The several disparaging comments elicited applause and laughter from the audience which consisted of Republicans and independent voters.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the former US president accused of?</h2>

The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York, back in the 1990s.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-grab-em-by-the-py-remark-during-civil-rape-trial-589043">Donald Trump defends ‘Grab ‘em by the p***y’ remark during civil rape trial</a> 
 
Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. Carroll had sued Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. Carroll denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal,” during the cross-examination, last month.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Nearly a month after Former United States President Donald Trump was found guilty of sexual abuse and defamation of magazine writer E. Jean Carroll by a US court, his lawyers on Thursday (June 8) asked for a new trial in the civil case.

Nearly a month after Former United States President Donald Trump was found guilty of sexual abuse and defamation of magazine writer E. Jean Carroll by a US court, his lawyers on Thursday (June 8) asked for a new trial in the civil case. This also comes after the nine-member jury in Manhattan federal court awarded about $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages to Carroll. What have Trump’s lawyers said? According to Reuters, the request was filed at the Manhattan federal court where Trump’s lawyers called the jury’s $2 million award for the sexual abuse portion of the verdict “excessive” as the six-men and the three-women jury had found that Carroll was not raped. Additionally, the conduct Carroll alleged did not cause any diagnosed mental injury, the court filing by the former US president’s lawyers said. Trump should also pay around $2 million in damages for her civil battery claim, the jury had found last month. ALSO READ | US jury holds Trump guilty of sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll, orders him to pay $5mn damages The former president was asked to pay nearly $2.7 million in damages to Carroll, the jury found, after she successfully proved her defamation claim against him. The jury has awarded a total of about $5 million to the writer, in what was being viewed as a significant defeat for the former president. However, Trump’s lawyers said that the $2.7 million awarded to Carroll for the defamation claim was “based upon pure speculation.” This also comes as the former president has denied these allegations and has appealed the verdict. ‘Double recovery’: Trump’s lawyers on second lawsuit The former president’s lawyers have also said that Carroll is seeking “double recovery” with the second lawsuit and argued jury’s awards were out of proportion to similar cases asking US District Judge Lewis Kaplan to at least reduce the amount if he chooses to reject their bid for a new trial. ALSO READ | E. Jean Carroll might sue Trump over CNN town hall remarks This comes as Carroll had filed a separate lawsuit in 2019 accusing Trump of defamation and it was not until last year that a second lawsuit for both defamation and battery was filed after New York passed a law which granted sexual assault victims more time to sue even if the statute of limitations had passed. Meanwhile, Carroll, late last month had sought to amend the 2019 lawsuit with a claim for $10 million in additional damages over Trump’s comments during a CNN town hall where he was yet again, insulting and demeaning Carroll and her experience. During the CNN event, the former president called the account of a sexual assault a “fake” and “made-up story,” while referring to it as “hanky-panky”. The several disparaging comments elicited applause and laughter from the audience which consisted of Republicans and independent voters. What was the former US president accused of? The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York, back in the 1990s. ALSO READ | Donald Trump defends ‘Grab ‘em by the p***y’ remark during civil rape trial Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. Carroll had sued Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. Carroll denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal,” during the cross-examination, last month. (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.

Former US president Trump asks for new trial in E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case

Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate in the race for the US White House, has criticised her two contenders, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for their stance on Ukraine's conflict with Russia.&nbsp;

Haley, who previously served as the UN ambassador under Trump, took issue with their refusal to express a clear position on whether they want Ukraine to succeed in its war against Russia.&nbsp;

<h2>What is their stand?</h2>

In a recent statement, Trump stated that he wanted the war to end and that he would assist in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

DeSantis too has expressed his support for a settlement to the war and said he hoped for an end to the fighting by the time he becomes the president in January 2025.&nbsp;

Haley, during a CNN town hall event in Iowa, criticized DeSantis for referring to the conflict as a "territorial dispute," a statement he has since retracted.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-defence-minister-says-war-with-us-would-be-unbearable-disaster-seeks-dialogue-600646">Chinese defence minister says war with US would be 'unbearable disaster', seeks dialogue</a>

"For them to sit there and say that this is a territorial dispute - that's just not the case, or to say that we should stay neutral," she told voters.

She argued that it is in the best interest of national security for Ukraine to win the conflict. The issue of Ukraine tends to divide Republicans due to varying positions on isolationism among primary voters.&nbsp;

<h2>Republican contenders</h2>

In the upcoming elections the number of Republican contenders will this week reach double digits, reports Reuters.

Despite being among the Republican contenders, Haley faces strong competition from Trump, who leads the field with 49 per cent support, and DeSantis, who follows with 19 per cent support in Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll conducted in May.&nbsp;

<h2>The race for White House</h2>

As per Reuters, Haley and other candidates polling in the single digits are attempting to differentiate themselves from DeSantis in the hopes that he stumbles, allowing them to emerge as the primary alternative to Trump.&nbsp;

Some candidates, including Haley, have also started criticising Trump directly, a departure from their previous reluctance to do so out of fear of alienating his loyal supporters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/109-navalny-supporters-including-underage-child-arrested-by-russian-police-600624">Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's 109 supporters, including underage child arrested by Russian police</a>

Haley also reportedly criticised Trump for congratulating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after the country was elected to the executive board of the World Health Organization, calling Kim a "thug" and expressing opposition to congratulating dictators.&nbsp;

DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence also criticised Trump for congratulating Kim during separate events in Iowa.

Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate in the race for the US White House, has criticised her two contenders, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for their stance on Ukraine's conflict with Russia.

Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate in the race for the US White House, has criticised her two contenders, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for their stance on Ukraine's conflict with Russia. Haley, who previously served as the UN ambassador under Trump, took issue with their refusal to express a clear position on whether they want Ukraine to succeed in its war against Russia. What is their stand? In a recent statement, Trump stated that he wanted the war to end and that he would assist in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. DeSantis too has expressed his support for a settlement to the war and said he hoped for an end to the fighting by the time he becomes the president in January 2025. Haley, during a CNN town hall event in Iowa, criticized DeSantis for referring to the conflict as a "territorial dispute," a statement he has since retracted. Also read | Chinese defence minister says war with US would be 'unbearable disaster', seeks dialogue "For them to sit there and say that this is a territorial dispute - that's just not the case, or to say that we should stay neutral," she told voters. She argued that it is in the best interest of national security for Ukraine to win the conflict. The issue of Ukraine tends to divide Republicans due to varying positions on isolationism among primary voters. Republican contenders In the upcoming elections the number of Republican contenders will this week reach double digits, reports Reuters. Despite being among the Republican contenders, Haley faces strong competition from Trump, who leads the field with 49 per cent support, and DeSantis, who follows with 19 per cent support in Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll conducted in May. The race for White House As per Reuters, Haley and other candidates polling in the single digits are attempting to differentiate themselves from DeSantis in the hopes that he stumbles, allowing them to emerge as the primary alternative to Trump. Some candidates, including Haley, have also started criticising Trump directly, a departure from their previous reluctance to do so out of fear of alienating his loyal supporters. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's 109 supporters, including underage child arrested by Russian police Haley also reportedly criticised Trump for congratulating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after the country was elected to the executive board of the World Health Organization, calling Kim a "thug" and expressing opposition to congratulating dictators. DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence also criticised Trump for congratulating Kim during separate events in Iowa.

Presidential candidate Nikki Haley criticises fellow Republicans Trump and DeSantis over Ukraine war

At a recent press conference, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro called former US president Donald Trump as a 'stupid' man. De Niro was addressing a press conference and promoting his new film Killers of the Flower Moon at the Cannes Film Festival 2023. De Niro compared Trump to the twisted power player he portrays in Martin Scorsese`s crime epic. 
 
De Niro admitted that he struggled to connect with his character William Hale, saying,&nbsp;"I don`t understand a lot about my character. Part of him is sincere. The other part, where he`s betraying (the Osage tribe), there`s a feeling of entitlement. We became a lot more aware (of that dichotomy) after George Floyd with systemic racism." 
 
De Niro drew parallels between his character and Donald Trump, whose name the actor initially refused to say out loud at the press conference. 
 
"That guy is stupid," he said referring to the former&nbsp;president. Lily Gladstone, who stars as Osage tribe member Mollie Burkhart, pointed out that Osage members still attended the funeral of William Hale, in denial about his involvement in the brutal murders of tribe members. 
 
De Niro, again, evoked Trump in response to that kind of blind loyalty to evil men. 
 
"There are people who still think he can do a good job. Imagine how insane that is." 
 
In the case of Killers of the Flower Moon, Scorsese`s long-time collaborator DiCaprio praised the director`s ability to capture that kind of banality of evil. "What Marty does so incredibly well is he`s able to expose the humanity of even the most twisted, sinister characters you could ever imagine." 
 
Killers of the Flower Moon&nbsp;one of the starriest movies to play at this year`s Cannes Film Festival, tells the story of the murders that took place in the early 1920s after major oil deposits were discovered on the Osage tribe`s land. It also depicts how the newly formed FBI investigated the killings.

(With agency inputs) 
&nbsp;

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At a recent press conference, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro called former US president Donald Trump as a 'stupid' man. De Niro was addressing a press conference and promoting his new film Killers of the Flower Moon at the Cannes Film Festival 2023.

At a recent press conference, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro called former US president Donald Trump as a 'stupid' man. De Niro was addressing a press conference and promoting his new film Killers of the Flower Moon at the Cannes Film Festival 2023. De Niro compared Trump to the twisted power player he portrays in Martin Scorsese`s crime epic. De Niro admitted that he struggled to connect with his character William Hale, saying, "I don`t understand a lot about my character. Part of him is sincere. The other part, where he`s betraying (the Osage tribe), there`s a feeling of entitlement. We became a lot more aware (of that dichotomy) after George Floyd with systemic racism." De Niro drew parallels between his character and Donald Trump, whose name the actor initially refused to say out loud at the press conference. "That guy is stupid," he said referring to the former president. Lily Gladstone, who stars as Osage tribe member Mollie Burkhart, pointed out that Osage members still attended the funeral of William Hale, in denial about his involvement in the brutal murders of tribe members. De Niro, again, evoked Trump in response to that kind of blind loyalty to evil men. "There are people who still think he can do a good job. Imagine how insane that is." In the case of Killers of the Flower Moon, Scorsese`s long-time collaborator DiCaprio praised the director`s ability to capture that kind of banality of evil. "What Marty does so incredibly well is he`s able to expose the humanity of even the most twisted, sinister characters you could ever imagine." Killers of the Flower Moon one of the starriest movies to play at this year`s Cannes Film Festival, tells the story of the murders that took place in the early 1920s after major oil deposits were discovered on the Osage tribe`s land. It also depicts how the newly formed FBI investigated the killings. (With agency inputs)

Robert De Niro refers to Donald Trump as stupid: It's insane people think he could do a good job

Former United States President Donald Trump&nbsp;sexually abused magazine writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s and then defamed her by calling&nbsp;her a liar, the&nbsp;jurors decided on Tuesday (May 9). The nine-member jury in Manhattan&nbsp;federal court awarded about $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages to Carroll.&nbsp;

The jury’s decision

The decision was made&nbsp;by a six-men and three-women jury, which was required to reach a unanimous verdict. According to reports, the unanimous verdict was reached&nbsp;in just less&nbsp;than three hours.&nbsp;However, the jurors did not agree with Carroll’s allegation that the former president raped her, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-writer-e-jean-carroll-testifies-in-her-lawsuit-against-donald-trump-586495">US writer E. Jean Carroll testifies in her lawsuit against Donald Trump</a> 
 
The former president&nbsp;should pay nearly $3 million in damages to Carroll, the jury found, after she&nbsp;successfully proved her defamation claim against him. Trump should also pay around&nbsp;$2 million in damages for her civil battery claim. In line with this, the jury has awarded&nbsp;a total of about $5 million to the writer, in what is being viewed as a significant defeat for the former president.&nbsp; 
 
What happened in the court?

According to media reports, Carroll was seen holding hands with&nbsp;her lawyers as the verdict was being read and smiled after Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. She was later seen leaving the courthouse&nbsp;with her lawyer Roberta Kaplan&nbsp;smiling and wearing sunglasses and left without addressing the reporters gathered outside.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-us-president-donald-trump-to-not-testify-in-new-york-rape-defamation-trial-590122">Ex-US president Donald Trump to not testify in New York rape, defamation trial</a> 
 
Meanwhile, before&nbsp;dismissing the jury, Judge Lewis Kaplan&nbsp;told them that while they are now allowed to&nbsp;identify themselves publicly, he advised them not to. "My advice to you is not to identify yourselves. Not now and not for a long time," said Kaplan, as quoted by CNN.&nbsp; 
 
He added, "If you're one who elects to speak to others and to identify yourselves to others, I direct you not to identify anyone else who sat on this jury."&nbsp; 
 
Trump reacts&nbsp; 
 
After the decision, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social and called the verdict a "disgrace". He also reiterated his claim that he has "absolutely no idea" who Carroll is.&nbsp;The former&nbsp;president wrote:&nbsp;"I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHO THIS WOMAN IS. THIS VERDICT IS A DISGRACE - A CONTINUATION OF THE GREATEST WITCH HUNT OF ALL TIME!" &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-grab-em-by-the-py-remark-during-civil-rape-trial-589043">Donald Trump defends ‘Grab ‘em by the p***y’ remark during civil rape trial</a> 
 
A spokesperson for his 2024 Republican presidential campaign, in a statement, said, "Make no mistake, this entire bogus case is a political endeavour targeting President Trump because he is now an overwhelming front-runner to be once again elected President of the United States." &nbsp; 
 
"This case will be appealed, and we will ultimately win,"&nbsp;The Guardian quoted him as saying. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Trump chose not to attend the civil trial and was absent when the verdict was read.&nbsp; 
 
About the trial and allegations 
 
The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-woman-accuses-trump-of-sexual-assault-at-trial-e-jean-carrolls-friend-testifies-588352">Another woman accuses Trump of sexual assault; E. Jean Carroll’s friend testifies at trial</a> 
 
Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. Carroll had sued&nbsp;Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. Carroll denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal,” during the cross-examination, earlier this month.&nbsp; 
 
Trump, meanwhile, said in his deposition taken back in October and recently released to the public,&nbsp;that the columnist made it up and called Carroll’s allegations politically motivated.&nbsp; 
 
Trump called it “a false, disgusting lie” delivered by a “nut job” who was trying to stoke sales of her book.&nbsp;He also went on to call Carroll’s lawyer, “You’re a political operative also. You’re a disgrace,” in the deposition taken at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-e-jean-carrolls-rape-claim-ridiculous-disgusting-story-in-video-testimony-at-trial-588675">Trump calls E. Jean Carroll’s rape claim ‘ridiculous, disgusting story’ in video testimony at trial</a> 
 
Jurors of the civil case were&nbsp;tasked with deciding whether Trump raped, sexually abused or forcibly touched Carroll, any one of which would have&nbsp;satisfied&nbsp;her claim of battery, while the defamation claim was to be separately deliberated. However, since this is a civil case the former president will not face any&nbsp;criminal consequences.&nbsp; 
 
Trump’s lawyer said the former president has decided against testifying.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was given until 5:00&nbsp;pm Sunday by&nbsp;Judge&nbsp;Kaplan to file a request to testify. Nothing was filed.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Former United States President Donald Trump sexually abused magazine writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s and then defamed her by calling her a liar, the jurors decided on Tuesday (May 9).

Former United States President Donald Trump sexually abused magazine writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s and then defamed her by calling her a liar, the jurors decided on Tuesday (May 9). The nine-member jury in Manhattan federal court awarded about $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages to Carroll. The jury’s decision The decision was made by a six-men and three-women jury, which was required to reach a unanimous verdict. According to reports, the unanimous verdict was reached in just less than three hours. However, the jurors did not agree with Carroll’s allegation that the former president raped her, reported Reuters. ALSO WATCH | US writer E. Jean Carroll testifies in her lawsuit against Donald Trump The former president should pay nearly $3 million in damages to Carroll, the jury found, after she successfully proved her defamation claim against him. Trump should also pay around $2 million in damages for her civil battery claim. In line with this, the jury has awarded a total of about $5 million to the writer, in what is being viewed as a significant defeat for the former president. What happened in the court? According to media reports, Carroll was seen holding hands with her lawyers as the verdict was being read and smiled after Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. She was later seen leaving the courthouse with her lawyer Roberta Kaplan smiling and wearing sunglasses and left without addressing the reporters gathered outside. ALSO READ | Ex-US president Donald Trump to not testify in New York rape, defamation trial Meanwhile, before dismissing the jury, Judge Lewis Kaplan told them that while they are now allowed to identify themselves publicly, he advised them not to. "My advice to you is not to identify yourselves. Not now and not for a long time," said Kaplan, as quoted by CNN. He added, "If you're one who elects to speak to others and to identify yourselves to others, I direct you not to identify anyone else who sat on this jury." Trump reacts After the decision, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social and called the verdict a "disgrace". He also reiterated his claim that he has "absolutely no idea" who Carroll is. The former president wrote: "I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHO THIS WOMAN IS. THIS VERDICT IS A DISGRACE - A CONTINUATION OF THE GREATEST WITCH HUNT OF ALL TIME!" ALSO READ | Donald Trump defends ‘Grab ‘em by the p***y’ remark during civil rape trial A spokesperson for his 2024 Republican presidential campaign, in a statement, said, "Make no mistake, this entire bogus case is a political endeavour targeting President Trump because he is now an overwhelming front-runner to be once again elected President of the United States." "This case will be appealed, and we will ultimately win," The Guardian quoted him as saying. Meanwhile, Trump chose not to attend the civil trial and was absent when the verdict was read. About the trial and allegations The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York. ALSO READ | Another woman accuses Trump of sexual assault; E. Jean Carroll’s friend testifies at trial Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. Carroll had sued Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. Carroll denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal,” during the cross-examination, earlier this month. Trump, meanwhile, said in his deposition taken back in October and recently released to the public, that the columnist made it up and called Carroll’s allegations politically motivated. Trump called it “a false, disgusting lie” delivered by a “nut job” who was trying to stoke sales of her book. He also went on to call Carroll’s lawyer, “You’re a political operative also. You’re a disgrace,” in the deposition taken at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. ALSO READ | Trump calls E. Jean Carroll’s rape claim ‘ridiculous, disgusting story’ in video testimony at trial Jurors of the civil case were tasked with deciding whether Trump raped, sexually abused or forcibly touched Carroll, any one of which would have satisfied her claim of battery, while the defamation claim was to be separately deliberated. However, since this is a civil case the former president will not face any criminal consequences. Trump’s lawyer said the former president has decided against testifying. Trump was given until 5:00 pm Sunday by Judge Kaplan to file a request to testify. Nothing was filed. (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 jury holds Trump guilty of sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll, orders him to pay $5mn damages

Tesla CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;has said&nbsp;that if Donald Trump gets indicted by Manhattan prosecutors, he will be re-elected as president of the United States in a "landslide victory".

Musk was reacting to news reports that Trump would be charged as early&nbsp;as next week. "If this happens, Trump will be re-elected in a landslide victory," Musk tweeted.&nbsp;It is to be noted that Musk&nbsp;said it in reaction to a Fox News report that described how Trump might be "cuffed," "fingerprinted and processed," and "escorted into the courtroom", reported NDTV.

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If this happens, it will be the beginning of Trump’s reelection. <a href="https://t.co/sQJsHsrib0">https://t.co/sQJsHsrib0</a>
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Trump himself wrote on his Truth Social platform that he expects to be arrested on Tuesday, adding that his fans should "protest" to "take our nation back".

He said,&nbsp;"Illegal leaks from a corrupt &amp; highly political Manhattan District Attorney's office. The far &amp; away leading Republican candidate &amp; former President of the United States of America, will be arrested on Tuesday of next week. Protest, take our nation back!"

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gop-silence-is-deafening-vivek-ramaswamy-calls-for-support-against-trumps-possible-indictment-573479">&nbsp;US Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy calls for support against Trump's possible indictment</a>

"They're killing our nation as we sit back &amp; watch. We must save America! Protest, protest, protest!!!," he added.

The 76-year-old Trump would become the first former president to be charged with a crime in the US if the Manhattan district attorney files an indictment against him.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump says he expects to be arrested

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According to a report in the Independent, a spokeswoman for Trump emphasised that there is currently no information available regarding the actual timing of any indictment.

"There has been no notification, other than illegal leaks from the Justice Department&nbsp;and the DA's office, to NBC and other fake news carriers, that the George Soros-funded Radical Left Democrat prosecutor in Manhattan has decided to take his witch-hunt to the next level. President Trump is rightfully highlighting his innocence and the weaponisation of our injustice system. He will be in Texas next weekend for a giant rally. Make America Great Again!" the spokesperson said in a statement. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that if Donald Trump gets indicted by Manhattan prosecutors, he will be re-elected as president of the United States in a "landslide victory".

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that if Donald Trump gets indicted by Manhattan prosecutors, he will be re-elected as president of the United States in a "landslide victory". Musk was reacting to news reports that Trump would be charged as early as next week. "If this happens, Trump will be re-elected in a landslide victory," Musk tweeted. It is to be noted that Musk said it in reaction to a Fox News report that described how Trump might be "cuffed," "fingerprinted and processed," and "escorted into the courtroom", reported NDTV. If this happens, it will be the beginning of Trump’s reelection. https://t.co/sQJsHsrib0 — Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) March 17, 2023 × Trump himself wrote on his Truth Social platform that he expects to be arrested on Tuesday, adding that his fans should "protest" to "take our nation back". He said, "Illegal leaks from a corrupt & highly political Manhattan District Attorney's office. The far & away leading Republican candidate & former President of the United States of America, will be arrested on Tuesday of next week. Protest, take our nation back!" ALSO READ | US Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy calls for support against Trump's possible indictment "They're killing our nation as we sit back & watch. We must save America! Protest, protest, protest!!!," he added. The 76-year-old Trump would become the first former president to be charged with a crime in the US if the Manhattan district attorney files an indictment against him. ALSO WATCH | Former US President Donald Trump says he expects to be arrested According to a report in the Independent, a spokeswoman for Trump emphasised that there is currently no information available regarding the actual timing of any indictment. "There has been no notification, other than illegal leaks from the Justice Department and the DA's office, to NBC and other fake news carriers, that the George Soros-funded Radical Left Democrat prosecutor in Manhattan has decided to take his witch-hunt to the next level. President Trump is rightfully highlighting his innocence and the weaponisation of our injustice system. He will be in Texas next weekend for a giant rally. Make America Great Again!" the spokesperson said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Donald Trump will be re-elected in a ‘landslide victory’ in 2024 if indicted: Elon Musk

The US Air Force on Friday (March 10) discarded the colour palette chosen by former president Donald Trump for Air Force One and unveiled a new colour scheme for the presidential aircraft. President Joe Biden is going ahead with a classic blue-and-white colour scheme for the jets which are under construction. This means that the design that dates back to John Kennedy administration will be retained.

Former president Trump, who left office in January 2021, wanted a bolder red, white and blue design, and kept a scale model bearing those colors on a coffee table in the Oval Office.

Trump's design called for a deep red stripe down the middle of the aircraft and a dark blue underbelly.

The colours presented challenges to engineers, however, and a Friday statement from the secretary of the Air Force cited possible delays and tests to deal with "the added heat" from the darker shade of blue.

The new Air Force One aircraft will instead closely resemble the aging current one, although the light blue will be a "more modern tone" than the existing robin's egg blue, and there will be no polished metal on the fuselage "because modern commercial aircraft skin alloys don't allow for it," it said.

The replacement aircraft are projected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028, so the winner of the 2024 elections will be the first to take off in the new jets.

The Boeing aircraft are not like commercial airliners. Each includes high-tech communication facilities, a medical bay and a self-defence system.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Air Force on Friday (March 10) discarded the colour palette chosen by former president Donald Trump for Air Force One and unveiled a new colour scheme for the presidential aircraft.

The US Air Force on Friday (March 10) discarded the colour palette chosen by former president Donald Trump for Air Force One and unveiled a new colour scheme for the presidential aircraft. President Joe Biden is going ahead with a classic blue-and-white colour scheme for the jets which are under construction. This means that the design that dates back to John Kennedy administration will be retained. Former president Trump, who left office in January 2021, wanted a bolder red, white and blue design, and kept a scale model bearing those colors on a coffee table in the Oval Office. Trump's design called for a deep red stripe down the middle of the aircraft and a dark blue underbelly. The colours presented challenges to engineers, however, and a Friday statement from the secretary of the Air Force cited possible delays and tests to deal with "the added heat" from the darker shade of blue. The new Air Force One aircraft will instead closely resemble the aging current one, although the light blue will be a "more modern tone" than the existing robin's egg blue, and there will be no polished metal on the fuselage "because modern commercial aircraft skin alloys don't allow for it," it said. The replacement aircraft are projected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028, so the winner of the 2024 elections will be the first to take off in the new jets. The Boeing aircraft are not like commercial airliners. Each includes high-tech communication facilities, a medical bay and a self-defence system. (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 ×

President Biden junks Air Force One paint scheme chosen by predecessor Trump

Trump Organization, Capitol Hill and more: Former US Prez Donald Trump and the investigations into him

Former US President Donald Trump has been sued for defamation a second time. On Thursday former Elle magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll accused him of lying by denying that he had raped her 27 years back.

The writer has filed the complaint with a federal court in Manhattan under New York's Adult Survivors Act. The new rule gives victims of sexual assault a year to file a lawsuit against their alleged abusers, even if the incident took place in the past and the statute of limitations has run out.&nbsp;Survivors can sue their alleged abusers starting Thanksgiving Day (November 24th).

Watch |&nbsp;Will Trump return to Twitter? Twitter CEO Elon Musk goes on a meme-posting spree

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Reuters reports that in her complaint, Carroll has also charged Trump with battery in an alleged encounter at the Bergdorf Goodman store in Manhattan.

She claimed that Trump's battery left her with psychological damage, unable to maintain a romantic relationship, which she used as evidence for her battery claim.

This is Carroll's second defamation case against Trump, the first one was filed in 2019 after the billionaire initially denied the accusation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-see-you-in-court-mr-trump-rape-accuser-carroll-files-another-lawsuit-against-former-president-535336">'I will see you in court, Mr. Trump!': Rape accuser Carroll files another lawsuit against former president</a>

Donald Trump has repeatedly denied raping Carroll or even knowing her back then. He dismissed the accusation saying "she's not my type". He also took to his social media platform 'Truth Social' and called the writer's claims lies and "hoax".

Both parties are awaiting the outcome of an appeals court case that will address Trump's claim that his remarks as president rendered him immune from Carroll's initial lawsuit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/weisselberg-testifies-trumps-played-role-in-defrauding-tax-authorities-535148">Trump Org ex-CFO Weisselberg testifies Trumps played role in defrauding tax authorities</a>

Carroll's first complaint risks getting dismissed if judges decided that the United States government, which enjoys sovereign immunity from defamation charges, could be used in place of Trump as a defendant.

However, even if the dismissal were to happen it would not affect her latest complaint as having left the White House in January 2021, Trump is now a private citizen.

The first lawsuit is due to go to trial on February 6, 2023, before US District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan, but as per Reuters, this is likely to be postponed due to the appeals process.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former US President Donald Trump has been sued for defamation a second time. On Thursday former Elle magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll accused him of lying by denying that he had raped her 27 years back.

Former US President Donald Trump has been sued for defamation a second time. On Thursday former Elle magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll accused him of lying by denying that he had raped her 27 years back. The writer has filed the complaint with a federal court in Manhattan under New York's Adult Survivors Act. The new rule gives victims of sexual assault a year to file a lawsuit against their alleged abusers, even if the incident took place in the past and the statute of limitations has run out. Survivors can sue their alleged abusers starting Thanksgiving Day (November 24th). Watch | Will Trump return to Twitter? Twitter CEO Elon Musk goes on a meme-posting spree Reuters reports that in her complaint, Carroll has also charged Trump with battery in an alleged encounter at the Bergdorf Goodman store in Manhattan. She claimed that Trump's battery left her with psychological damage, unable to maintain a romantic relationship, which she used as evidence for her battery claim. This is Carroll's second defamation case against Trump, the first one was filed in 2019 after the billionaire initially denied the accusation. Also read | 'I will see you in court, Mr. Trump!': Rape accuser Carroll files another lawsuit against former president Donald Trump has repeatedly denied raping Carroll or even knowing her back then. He dismissed the accusation saying "she's not my type". He also took to his social media platform 'Truth Social' and called the writer's claims lies and "hoax". Both parties are awaiting the outcome of an appeals court case that will address Trump's claim that his remarks as president rendered him immune from Carroll's initial lawsuit. Also read | Trump Org ex-CFO Weisselberg testifies Trumps played role in defrauding tax authorities Carroll's first complaint risks getting dismissed if judges decided that the United States government, which enjoys sovereign immunity from defamation charges, could be used in place of Trump as a defendant. However, even if the dismissal were to happen it would not affect her latest complaint as having left the White House in January 2021, Trump is now a private citizen. The first lawsuit is due to go to trial on February 6, 2023, before US District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan, but as per Reuters, this is likely to be postponed due to the appeals process. (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.

E. Jean Carroll files second case against Donald Trump, accuses him of battery and defamation

Former US President Donald Trump on Friday was served a subpoena by a nine-member House of Representatives committee to testify and provide documents related to the January 6 US Capitol riots, allegedly started by his supporters.

Former US President Donald Trump on Friday was served a subpoena by a nine-member House of Representatives committee to testify and provide documents related to the January 6 US Capitol riots, allegedly started by his supporters. In a letter written to Trump, the committee summoned the Republican leader and alleged that he was the one pulling the strings. "As demonstrated in our hearings, we have assembled overwhelming evidence, including from dozens of your former appointees and staff, that you personally orchestrated and oversaw a multi-part effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election and to obstruct the peaceful transition of power," read the letter. WATCH | Jan 6 Capitol Riots Probe: Former President Donald Trump's tweet blamed for inciting violence × The committee also said that it would not be a new precedent that a former or sitting president had been called for a congressional hearing. Citing instances of Abraham Lincoln and Gerald Ford attending the Congressional testimony, the panel added that Trump was at the forefront of trying to overturn elections. "In short, you were at the center of the first and only effort by any US president to overturn an election and obstruct the peaceful transition of power, ultimately culminating in a bloody attack on our own Capitol and on the Congress itself," it read further. Read more: Donald Trump 'wanted to join US Capitol riot', says former White House top aide According to experts, Trump is highly unlikely to attend the hearing. He will attempt to run the clock and wait for the November midterm elections as several reports suggest that Republicans are in with a chance to win the House which will end the current committee's mandate by early next year. As reported extensively by WION, in the aftermath of the US presidential elections, Trump supporters allegedly attempted to overturn the results. The Republican leader was accused of posting messages online to incite violence. The committee believes that Trump was the one that egged his legion of followers to march on the Capitol. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

House panel summons Trump to testify in relation to January 6 US Capitol riot

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) on Monday in a new court filing asked a federal judge to sentence Steve Bannon, the former aide of Donald Trump, to six months in prison in addition to a fine of $200,000 for being convicted on two counts of contempt of Congress.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) on Monday in a new court filing asked a federal judge to sentence Steve Bannon, the former aide of Donald Trump, to six months in prison in addition to a fine of $200,000 for being convicted on two counts of contempt of Congress. The Justice Department said that since the case began, Bannon had attempted a strategy of defiance and contempt while adding that he ignored the prosecution's subpoena's demands repeatedly. "From the moment that the Defendant, Stephen K. Bannon, accepted service of a subpoena from the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, he has pursued a bad-faith strategy of defiance and contempt." "The Committee sought documents and testimony from the Defendant relevant to a matter of national importance: the circumstances that led to a violent attack on the Capitol and disruption of the peaceful transfer of power. In response, the Defendant flouted the Committee's authority and ignored the subpoena's demands," it added. The court will announce the sentencing on Friday. After the prosecution's filing, Banon's lawyers are also expected to submit their sentencing memo. Read more: Ex-Trump aide Steve Bannon found guilty of contempt of Congress As reported by WION, Bannon, in July was found guilty of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena to testify before lawmakers investigating the assault on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, even after being found guilty, Bannon's rhetoric remained on the same lines, prior to the judgement. "I want to start by thanking the jury. We respect their jury decision today," said Bannon after the hearing adding, "the prosecutor missed one very important phrase. I stand with Trump and the Constitution and I will never back off that, ever." Read more: Former US president Donald Trump's top strategist Steve Bannon indicted for fraud The jury deliberated for less than three hours before finding Bannon guilty of both misdemeanour charges. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Steve Bannon: US Justice Department seeks six-month prison term for former Trump aide

In the aftermath of the chaotic events of January 6, 2021, former US President Donald Trump was barred from most social media platforms. Nearly two years down the line, Meta&nbsp;(more colloquially known as Facebook) is expected to decide on whether to reinstate the Republican leader on the platform or not.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, has been charged with the duty to decide if Trump can return to Facebook and Instagram in 2023. The top Meta official, at a recent public event, stated he will make the final call in consultation with CEO Mark Zuckerberg.&nbsp;

“It’s not a capricious decision. We will look at the signals related to real-world harm to make a decision whether at the two-year point which is early January next year whether Trump gets reinstated to the platform,” said Clegg.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that Trump was banned from nearly every major social media platform in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots where Trump supporters allegedly attempted to overturn the election results. The Republican leader was accused of posting messages online to incite violence.

While Twitter banned the Republican leader for perpetuity, Facebook imposed a two-year ban to be later re-evaluated. However, since the ban was imposed, much water has flown under the bridge.

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Trump has formed his own social media platform called Truth Social where he routinely gives an unabridged piece of his mind. While Trump has not commented on a return to Facebook, he has made it clear that he is not returning to the microblogging platform Twitter.&nbsp;

“I am not going on Twitter, I am going to stay on Truth. I hope Elon buys Twitter because he’ll make improvements to it and he is a good man, but I am going to be staying on Truth. The bottom line is, no, I am not going back to Twitter,” Trump said in an interview earlier this year.

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/is-donald-trumps-social-media-platform-in-financial-trouble-510513">&nbsp;Is Donald Trump's social media platform in financial trouble?</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the aftermath of the chaotic events of January 6, 2021, former US President Donald Trump was barred from most social media platforms. Nearly two years down the line, Meta (more colloquially known as Facebook) is expected to decide on whether to reinstate the Republican leader on the platform or not.

In the aftermath of the chaotic events of January 6, 2021, former US President Donald Trump was barred from most social media platforms. Nearly two years down the line, Meta (more colloquially known as Facebook) is expected to decide on whether to reinstate the Republican leader on the platform or not. Reportedly, Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, has been charged with the duty to decide if Trump can return to Facebook and Instagram in 2023. The top Meta official, at a recent public event, stated he will make the final call in consultation with CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “It’s not a capricious decision. We will look at the signals related to real-world harm to make a decision whether at the two-year point which is early January next year whether Trump gets reinstated to the platform,” said Clegg. It is pertinent to note that Trump was banned from nearly every major social media platform in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots where Trump supporters allegedly attempted to overturn the election results. The Republican leader was accused of posting messages online to incite violence. While Twitter banned the Republican leader for perpetuity, Facebook imposed a two-year ban to be later re-evaluated. However, since the ban was imposed, much water has flown under the bridge. × Trump has formed his own social media platform called Truth Social where he routinely gives an unabridged piece of his mind. While Trump has not commented on a return to Facebook, he has made it clear that he is not returning to the microblogging platform Twitter. “I am not going on Twitter, I am going to stay on Truth. I hope Elon buys Twitter because he’ll make improvements to it and he is a good man, but I am going to be staying on Truth. The bottom line is, no, I am not going back to Twitter,” Trump said in an interview earlier this year. Read more: Is Donald Trump's social media platform in financial trouble? (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top Meta official to decide if Trump can return to Facebook & Instagram in 2023

During their search of former President Donald Trump's Florida resort, FBI agents discovered "top secret" papers, according to documents made public Friday.&nbsp;

AFP reports that according to the warrant, the unprecedented search was prompted in part by concerns of violations of the US Espionage Act, including the unauthorised removal of classified records from the White House as the former President prepared to leave office in January 2021.

Watch |&nbsp;US justice department moves to unseal warrant for search of Trump residence

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The warrant and supporting materials, which were unsealed by a Florida judge, revealed that agents retrieved&nbsp;a significant number of secret files.</div>

As per the unsealed seven-page federal court document stated that some of the documents were labelled "top secret" and were "meant to be only available in special government facilities."

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Unsealed FBI search warrant for former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. <a href="https://t.co/WwrMoDKXTs">pic.twitter.com/WwrMoDKXTs</a>
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Washington Post citing unidentified individuals close to the investigation reported that sensitive documents linked to nuclear weapons were among the files seized during the raid.&nbsp;Trump attempted to dismiss the claim. He said&nbsp;that the "nuclear weapons issue is a hoax" and even insinuated&nbsp;that the FBI was "planting information".

According to the Wall Street Journal, among the 20 boxes of items hauled away by FBI investigators were photo binders, a handwritten message, and Trump's grant of amnesty to Roger Stone, a former president's ally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-searched-for-classified-nuclear-documents-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-home-report-506107">FBI searched for classified nuclear documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home: Report</a>

Trump declared in a statement on Thursday that his attorneys were "cooperating fully" and "the government could have had whatever they wanted, if we had it."

On Friday, the Justice Department sought a federal judge to unseal the search warrant, overruling Trump's objections.&nbsp;

Trump, who is mulling a presidential run in 2024, said he would not obstruct the release of the warrant while lamenting the "unprecedented political weaponization of law enforcement" by "radical left Democrats and possible future political opponents, who have a strong and powerful vested interest in attacking me, much as they have done for the last 6 years."

(With inputs from agencies)

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During their search of former President Donald Trump's Florida resort, FBI agents discovered "top secret" papers, according to documents made public Friday. AFP reports that according to the warrant, the unprecedented search was prompted in part by concerns of violations of the US Espionage Act, including the unauthorised removal of classified records from the White House as the former President prepared to leave office in January 2021.

During their search of former President Donald Trump's Florida resort, FBI agents discovered "top secret" papers, according to documents made public Friday. AFP reports that according to the warrant, the unprecedented search was prompted in part by concerns of violations of the US Espionage Act, including the unauthorised removal of classified records from the White House as the former President prepared to leave office in January 2021. Watch | US justice department moves to unseal warrant for search of Trump residence The warrant and supporting materials, which were unsealed by a Florida judge, revealed that agents retrieved a significant number of secret files. As per the unsealed seven-page federal court document stated that some of the documents were labelled "top secret" and were "meant to be only available in special government facilities." Unsealed FBI search warrant for former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. pic.twitter.com/WwrMoDKXTs — Mike Eckel (@Mike_Eckel) August 12, 2022 × Washington Post citing unidentified individuals close to the investigation reported that sensitive documents linked to nuclear weapons were among the files seized during the raid. Trump attempted to dismiss the claim. He said that the "nuclear weapons issue is a hoax" and even insinuated that the FBI was "planting information". According to the Wall Street Journal, among the 20 boxes of items hauled away by FBI investigators were photo binders, a handwritten message, and Trump's grant of amnesty to Roger Stone, a former president's ally. Also read | FBI searched for classified nuclear documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home: Report Trump declared in a statement on Thursday that his attorneys were "cooperating fully" and "the government could have had whatever they wanted, if we had it." On Friday, the Justice Department sought a federal judge to unseal the search warrant, overruling Trump's objections. Trump, who is mulling a presidential run in 2024, said he would not obstruct the release of the warrant while lamenting the "unprecedented political weaponization of law enforcement" by "radical left Democrats and possible future political opponents, who have a strong and powerful vested interest in attacking me, much as they have done for the last 6 years." (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.

'Top secret' documents 'linked to nuclear weapons' seized in raid on Donald Trump's home

For those looking in from the outside, the popularity that former US president Donald Trump commands might seem surprising and at times downright flabbergasting. The businessman-turned-politician has a knack for making bizarre comments and had his fair share of controversies. Yet he remains the Republicans' "chosen one" and even a huge part of the public continues to fawn over him. Have you ever wondered why this is the case?

An analyst may have an answer for us.&nbsp;Kyle Kondik, the managing editor of "Sabato's Crystal Ball," a nonpartisan periodical published by the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, thinks it's because of Trump's "enemies".

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is Trump being subjected to a 'witch-hunt'?

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He says that Trump's standing in the Republican party remains strong and may even get a boost for the 2024 elections following the FBI raid on his Florida home,&nbsp;reports&nbsp;Reuters.

When the news of the raid first surfaced, a lot of Republicans jumped to Trump's defence, "even though we really don't know what the raid was necessarily about," which as per Kondik is one indication of Trump's popularity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-fbi-raid-on-donald-trumps-residence-an-attempt-to-stop-him-from-becoming-president-again-505357" hreflang="en">Was FBI raid on Donald Trump’s residence an attempt to stop him from becoming US president again?</a>

According to Kondik, the FBI is one of Trump's "right enemies from the Republican perspective," which is why&nbsp;"so much of Trump's popularity and strength"&nbsp;stays&nbsp;strong within the Republican Party.

The government investigation into whether Trump improperly removed records from the White House as he was leaving office in January 2021 has intensified with the unprecedented search of a former president's house.&nbsp;

Ahead of the November midterm elections that will determine control of the US Congress, Trump attempted to portray the search of Mar-a-Lago as a politically motivated action by the Biden administration.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-testify-in-ny-investigation-on-wednesday-505637" hreflang="en">Donald Trump invokes the Fifth Amendment, refuses to answer questions in NY investigation</a>

Even though Trump has not made it clear whether he would run for president again in 2024, he continues to publicly toss around the idea.

Kondik claimed that because the FBI and Department of Justice frequently keep their investigations "tight-lipped," Trump has the advantage of being able to control the narrative surrounding the search.&nbsp;

"Trump and Republicans can fill that vacuum by basically casting this as some sort of witch hunt, which you know maybe it is, but in all likelihood it's not," he commented.

(With inputs from agencies)

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For those looking in from the outside, the popularity that former US president Donald Trump commands might seem surprising and at times downright flabbergasting.

For those looking in from the outside, the popularity that former US president Donald Trump commands might seem surprising and at times downright flabbergasting. The businessman-turned-politician has a knack for making bizarre comments and had his fair share of controversies. Yet he remains the Republicans' "chosen one" and even a huge part of the public continues to fawn over him. Have you ever wondered why this is the case? An analyst may have an answer for us. Kyle Kondik, the managing editor of "Sabato's Crystal Ball," a nonpartisan periodical published by the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, thinks it's because of Trump's "enemies". Watch | Gravitas: Is Trump being subjected to a 'witch-hunt'? He says that Trump's standing in the Republican party remains strong and may even get a boost for the 2024 elections following the FBI raid on his Florida home, reports Reuters. When the news of the raid first surfaced, a lot of Republicans jumped to Trump's defence, "even though we really don't know what the raid was necessarily about," which as per Kondik is one indication of Trump's popularity. Also read | Was FBI raid on Donald Trump’s residence an attempt to stop him from becoming US president again? According to Kondik, the FBI is one of Trump's "right enemies from the Republican perspective," which is why "so much of Trump's popularity and strength" stays strong within the Republican Party. The government investigation into whether Trump improperly removed records from the White House as he was leaving office in January 2021 has intensified with the unprecedented search of a former president's house. Ahead of the November midterm elections that will determine control of the US Congress, Trump attempted to portray the search of Mar-a-Lago as a politically motivated action by the Biden administration. Also read | Donald Trump invokes the Fifth Amendment, refuses to answer questions in NY investigation Even though Trump has not made it clear whether he would run for president again in 2024, he continues to publicly toss around the idea. Kondik claimed that because the FBI and Department of Justice frequently keep their investigations "tight-lipped," Trump has the advantage of being able to control the narrative surrounding the search. "Trump and Republicans can fill that vacuum by basically casting this as some sort of witch hunt, which you know maybe it is, but in all likelihood it's not," he commented. (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.

Are his 'enemies' what make Donald Trump popular in spite of the many controversies?

An FBI raid on Donald Trump’s palatial Florida residence on Tuesday marked an escalation of legal probes into the former US president. The raid, which came just as Trump was weighing another White House run, has sparked a political firestorm in the already bitterly divided country. Top Republican leaders have flung their support behind the 45th US president, and several former advisers urged him to immediately announce his candidacy for the 2024 elections.

Republicans were quick to allege foul play. Senator Lindsey Graham reportedly said that&nbsp;a probe into a past president so close to an election&nbsp;“is beyond problematic”. However, Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic House Speaker, said “no person is above the law”.

Republicans disagree.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Former US President Donald Trump says his Florida home "under siege"

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Former vice president&nbsp;Mike Pence voiced “deep concern” and claimed the Justice Department’s raid reeked of “partisanship”.

Another Republican, Kevin McCarthy, accused the justice department of “weaponised politicisation”.&nbsp;Yet another Republican Elise Stefanik referred to it as a “dark day in American history”.

“If the FBI can raid a US President, imagine what they can do to you,” Stefanik tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tax-returns-of-donald-trump-must-be-turned-over-to-congressional-committee-appeals-court-rules-505341" hreflang="en">Tax returns of Donald Trump must be turned over to congressional committee, appeals court rules</a>

To which Democratic Representative Ted Lieu replied: “Why can’t the FBI investigate a US President? We're not Russia, where the law doesn't apply to the head of state and his cronies.”

Trump himself has also denounced the raid, which was conducted by the FBI that is currently headed by one of his appointees Christopher Wray.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-children-at-risk-from-elon-musks-self-driving-technology-group-claims-software-will-mow-kids-down-505353" hreflang="en">Are children at risk from Elon Musk's self-driving technology? Group claims software will 'mow' kids down</a>

Calling the raid a weaponisation of the justice system by "Radical Left Democrats who desperately don't want me to run for President in 2024," he said that nothing of this sort has ever happened to a US president before.

AFP reported that FBI chief Wray has declined to provide a reason for the raid.

However, US media said that agents were carrying out a court-authorized search in relation to the alleged improper handling of confidential information delivered to Mar-a-Lago after Trump departed the White House in January 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An FBI raid on Donald Trump’s palatial Florida residence on Tuesday marked an escalation of legal probes into the former US president. The raid, which came just as Trump was weighing another White House run, has sparked a political firestorm in the already bitterly divided country.

An FBI raid on Donald Trump’s palatial Florida residence on Tuesday marked an escalation of legal probes into the former US president. The raid, which came just as Trump was weighing another White House run, has sparked a political firestorm in the already bitterly divided country. Top Republican leaders have flung their support behind the 45th US president, and several former advisers urged him to immediately announce his candidacy for the 2024 elections. Republicans were quick to allege foul play. Senator Lindsey Graham reportedly said that a probe into a past president so close to an election “is beyond problematic”. However, Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic House Speaker, said “no person is above the law”. Republicans disagree. Watch | WION Fineprint: Former US President Donald Trump says his Florida home "under siege" Former vice president Mike Pence voiced “deep concern” and claimed the Justice Department’s raid reeked of “partisanship”. Another Republican, Kevin McCarthy, accused the justice department of “weaponised politicisation”. Yet another Republican Elise Stefanik referred to it as a “dark day in American history”. “If the FBI can raid a US President, imagine what they can do to you,” Stefanik tweeted. Also read | Tax returns of Donald Trump must be turned over to congressional committee, appeals court rules To which Democratic Representative Ted Lieu replied: “Why can’t the FBI investigate a US President? We're not Russia, where the law doesn't apply to the head of state and his cronies.” Trump himself has also denounced the raid, which was conducted by the FBI that is currently headed by one of his appointees Christopher Wray. Also read | Are children at risk from Elon Musk's self-driving technology? Group claims software will 'mow' kids down Calling the raid a weaponisation of the justice system by "Radical Left Democrats who desperately don't want me to run for President in 2024," he said that nothing of this sort has ever happened to a US president before. AFP reported that FBI chief Wray has declined to provide a reason for the raid. However, US media said that agents were carrying out a court-authorized search in relation to the alleged improper handling of confidential information delivered to Mar-a-Lago after Trump departed the White House in January 2021. (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.

Was FBI raid on Donald Trump’s residence an attempt to stop him from becoming US president again?

The congressional committee looking into the January 6 assault on the US Capitol Hill put out a damning indictment of Donald Trump on Thursday, insisting that he should be held legally responsible for a shameful breach&nbsp;of his presidential duties. The panel, comprised of seven Democrats and two Republicans who had also voted for Trump's impeachment following the bloody uprising, is holding its eighth public hearing into the Capitol incident. As per an AFP report, at the televised finish of a series of public hearings on the attack, committee chairman Bennie Thompson claimed Trump "recklessly blazed a path of lawlessness and corruption" as he worked to invalidate the results of the 2020 US election.

Watch |&nbsp;Jan 6 riots committee aims to detail what Trump did during the 187 minutes in the oval office

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Thompson, who had tested positive for COVID-19, addressed the committee virtually, and said there needed to be "accountability" for what he called an assault on democracy.

According to Thompson, "the select committee has told a story of a president who did everything in his power to overturn an election." He broke his oath, lied, and used intimidation.

"He lied, he bullied, he betrayed his oath."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1-in-5-americans-believe-violence-is-justified-to-serve-political-ends-says-survey-499444">1 in 5 Americans believe violence is justified to serve political ends, says survey</a>

"He tried to destroy our democratic institutions," said Thompson adding, "there needs to be accountability... all the way up to the Oval Office."

Several White House employees have also revealed that the former president watched the attack unfold on television for about three hours in a private dining room. Republican committee member Adam Kinzinger shared snippets of their testimony on Twitter.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/johnson-to-earn-more-after-being-ousted-here-are-some-heads-of-states-their-salaries-while-in-office-after-498475">Johnson to earn more after being ousted. Here are some heads of States, their salaries while in office &amp; after</a>

Lawmakers are looking into Trump's conduct that day.&nbsp;From his fiery speech to his supporters outside the White House, in which he claimed the upcoming election in November 2020 was rigged, to the point when he told the rioters they were "very special" but needed to go home.

AFP reports that a&nbsp;damning revelation by the chief lawyer for the White House Pat Cipollone disclosed to the committee that the president was even urged by advisers to release a statement ordering people out of the Capitol.

"I think I was pretty clear there needed to be an immediate and forceful response statement, public statement that people need to leave the Capitol."

Further hearings into the horrific assault, according to committee members, will take place in September.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The congressional committee looking into the January 6 assault on the US Capitol Hill put out a damning indictment of Donald Trump on Thursday, insisting that he should be held legally responsible for a shameful breach of his presidential duties.

The congressional committee looking into the January 6 assault on the US Capitol Hill put out a damning indictment of Donald Trump on Thursday, insisting that he should be held legally responsible for a shameful breach of his presidential duties. The panel, comprised of seven Democrats and two Republicans who had also voted for Trump's impeachment following the bloody uprising, is holding its eighth public hearing into the Capitol incident. As per an AFP report, at the televised finish of a series of public hearings on the attack, committee chairman Bennie Thompson claimed Trump "recklessly blazed a path of lawlessness and corruption" as he worked to invalidate the results of the 2020 US election. Watch | Jan 6 riots committee aims to detail what Trump did during the 187 minutes in the oval office Thompson, who had tested positive for COVID-19, addressed the committee virtually, and said there needed to be "accountability" for what he called an assault on democracy. According to Thompson, "the select committee has told a story of a president who did everything in his power to overturn an election." He broke his oath, lied, and used intimidation. "He lied, he bullied, he betrayed his oath." Also read | 1 in 5 Americans believe violence is justified to serve political ends, says survey "He tried to destroy our democratic institutions," said Thompson adding, "there needs to be accountability... all the way up to the Oval Office." Several White House employees have also revealed that the former president watched the attack unfold on television for about three hours in a private dining room. Republican committee member Adam Kinzinger shared snippets of their testimony on Twitter. Also read | Johnson to earn more after being ousted. Here are some heads of States, their salaries while in office & after Lawmakers are looking into Trump's conduct that day. From his fiery speech to his supporters outside the White House, in which he claimed the upcoming election in November 2020 was rigged, to the point when he told the rioters they were "very special" but needed to go home. AFP reports that a damning revelation by the chief lawyer for the White House Pat Cipollone disclosed to the committee that the president was even urged by advisers to release a statement ordering people out of the Capitol. "I think I was pretty clear there needed to be an immediate and forceful response statement, public statement that people need to leave the Capitol." Further hearings into the horrific assault, according to committee members, will take place in September. (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.

'He lied, he bullied, he betrayed his oath', Jan 6 committee says Trump needs to be held accountable

Ripudaman Singh Malik, the acquitted suspect in the 1985 Air India bombings in which 331 people died&nbsp;was shot dead in Canada. In other news, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has claimed that he&nbsp;knows how to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and that he will be sharing the information with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-to-open-airspace-to-all-including-israel-us-hails-decision-as-result-of-bidens-persistent-diplomacy-497478">Saudi to open airspace to all including Israel, US hails decision as result of Biden's 'persistent diplomacy'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/15/279293-new-wion-39.png" />Saudi Arabia has declared that it will ease restrictions on "all carriers" operating in&nbsp;its airspace. US President Joe Biden who will be visiting the Kingdom soon welcomed the "historic" decision as an attempt at defusing tensions with Israel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-pm-mario-draghi-resigns-as-coalition-party-withdrew-its-support-in-confidence-vote-497437">Italian PM says he will resign amid political crisis; president refuses to accept Draghi's resignation</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/14/279248-italian-prime-minister-mario-draghi.png" />

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday (July 14) said that he will resign from the post. Amid political crisis, Draghi told his cabinet: "I want to announce that this evening I will hand in my resignation to the president."&nbsp;

But the&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;President Sergio Mattarella has refused to consider the resignation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-jair-bolsonaro-says-he-knows-how-the-russia-ukraine-war-could-be-resolved-497471">Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro says he knows how the Russia-Ukraine war could be resolved</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/24/192592-untitled-design-39.jpg" />

&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday (July 14) said that he knows how the war between Russia and Ukraine could be "resolved". The Brazilian President said that he will pitch his suggestions to the Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-ripudaman-singh-malik-1985-air-india-bombing-suspect-and-sikh-philanthropist-shot-dead-in-canada-497470">Who is Ripudaman Singh Malik? Acquitted suspect in 1985 Air India bombing shot dead in Canada</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/15/279282-ripudaman-singh-malik.png" />

Ripudaman Singh Malik, the acquitted suspect in the 1985 Air India bombings was shot dead in Canada, news agencies reported on Thursday (July 14) quoting local media. The apparent targeted shooting killed the founder of Khalsa Credit Union in Vancouver while he was on his way to his office.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lankans celebrate ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation

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Ripudaman Singh Malik, the acquitted suspect in the 1985 Air India bombings in which 331 people died was shot dead in Canada. In other news, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has claimed that he knows how to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and that he will be sharing the information with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ripudaman Singh Malik, the acquitted suspect in the 1985 Air India bombings in which 331 people died was shot dead in Canada. In other news, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has claimed that he knows how to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and that he will be sharing the information with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Click on the headlines to read more: Saudi to open airspace to all including Israel, US hails decision as result of Biden's 'persistent diplomacy' Saudi Arabia has declared that it will ease restrictions on "all carriers" operating in its airspace. US President Joe Biden who will be visiting the Kingdom soon welcomed the "historic" decision as an attempt at defusing tensions with Israel. Italian PM says he will resign amid political crisis; president refuses to accept Draghi's resignation Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday (July 14) said that he will resign from the post. Amid political crisis, Draghi told his cabinet: "I want to announce that this evening I will hand in my resignation to the president." But the Italian President Sergio Mattarella has refused to consider the resignation. Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro says he knows how the Russia-Ukraine war could be resolved Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday (July 14) said that he knows how the war between Russia and Ukraine could be "resolved". The Brazilian President said that he will pitch his suggestions to the Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. Who is Ripudaman Singh Malik? Acquitted suspect in 1985 Air India bombing shot dead in Canada Ripudaman Singh Malik, the acquitted suspect in the 1985 Air India bombings was shot dead in Canada, news agencies reported on Thursday (July 14) quoting local media. The apparent targeted shooting killed the founder of Khalsa Credit Union in Vancouver while he was on his way to his office. Watch | Sri Lankans celebrate ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation

Morning news brief: Italy's president refuses PM Draghi's resignation, Saudi opens airspace to Israel, & more

A nationwide curfew has been imposed until Thursday morning in Sri Lanka in the wake of intensifying protests against the government. In other news, the United States saw a new high for inflation in June of 9.1 per cent.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-sri-lanka-crisis-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-flees-to-maldives-india-denies-felicitating-escape-496863">Live Sri Lanka crisis: Rajapaksa to depart from Maldives for Singapore in private jet - Report</a>

&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/13/278907-00032ec2vr.jpg" />Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flew out of the country early Wednesday in a military plane heading to the neighbouring Maldives, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has confirmed. According to reports, the president, his wife and two bodyguards have landed in Male.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-witnesses-40-year-high-spike-in-customer-prices-497175">US witnesses 40 year high spike in customer prices</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/14/279033-new-wion-31.png" />

The US Labor Department has reported that this 9.1 per cent CPI spike over the past 12 months to June was the fastest increase in 40 years, the last such increase was witnessed in November 1981. The fast-rising costs have placed an excessive burden on American families and jeopardised US President Joe Biden's already shaky approval ratings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/amber-heards-demand-for-a-new-trial-with-johnny-depp-rejected-by-us-judge-497153">Amber Heard's demand for a new trial with Johnny Depp rejected by US judge</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/14/279015-amber-heard.png" />

Hollywood actress Amber Heard's demand for a new trial in her defamation case with ex-husband Johnny Depp has been rejected by a Virginia judge on Wednesday (July 13).&nbsp;

The "Aquaman" actress Heard lost the defamation case with Depp in June and was ordered to pay $10.35 million in damages to her ex-husband. She had "defamed" the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star in a newspaper article, jury in Fairfax County had ruled.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UK: 6 candidates advance to next round of Tory leadership race

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Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka on edge after President Gotabaya flees | Crisis triggers chaos in Colombo again

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A nationwide curfew has been imposed until Thursday morning in Sri Lanka in the wake of intensifying protests against the government. In other news, the United States saw a new high for inflation in June of 9.

A nationwide curfew has been imposed until Thursday morning in Sri Lanka in the wake of intensifying protests against the government. In other news, the United States saw a new high for inflation in June of 9.1 per cent. Click on headlines to read: Live Sri Lanka crisis: Rajapaksa to depart from Maldives for Singapore in private jet - Report Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa flew out of the country early Wednesday in a military plane heading to the neighbouring Maldives, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has confirmed. According to reports, the president, his wife and two bodyguards have landed in Male. US witnesses 40 year high spike in customer prices The US Labor Department has reported that this 9.1 per cent CPI spike over the past 12 months to June was the fastest increase in 40 years, the last such increase was witnessed in November 1981. The fast-rising costs have placed an excessive burden on American families and jeopardised US President Joe Biden's already shaky approval ratings. Amber Heard's demand for a new trial with Johnny Depp rejected by US judge Hollywood actress Amber Heard's demand for a new trial in her defamation case with ex-husband Johnny Depp has been rejected by a Virginia judge on Wednesday (July 13). The "Aquaman" actress Heard lost the defamation case with Depp in June and was ordered to pay $10.35 million in damages to her ex-husband. She had "defamed" the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star in a newspaper article, jury in Fairfax County had ruled. Watch | UK: 6 candidates advance to next round of Tory leadership race Watch | Sri Lanka on edge after President Gotabaya flees | Crisis triggers chaos in Colombo again

Morning news brief: Gotabaya Rajapaksa to fly off to Singapore, Amber Heard’s request rejected & more

Former US president Donald Trump campaigned Saturday in Alaska for Sarah Palin, the northern state's former governor whose ascendency many view as the populist precursor to Trump's anti-elite movement.

The two firebrand politicians have both been key figures in the Republican party's shift over the past decade to target the aggrieved working class.

They both have also touted unfounded claims that there was widespread election fraud in the 2020 election, at least in those key states that Trump lost.

"In Alaska, we didn't have to worry about it, because we won," Trump told the stadium crowd.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-poll-shows-71-americans-do-not-want-biden-to-run-for-re-election-494404">New poll shows 71% Americans do not want Biden to run for re-election</a>

Palin was catapulted into the limelight when she was chosen by the late Arizona senator John McCain as his running mate in the 2008 presidential election.

A Christian conservative who leaned hard into her outsider status, Palin's rise during the 2008 campaign is widely seen as paving the way for businessman Donald Trump to successfully take the White House eight years later.

Their norm-busting brands stood in direct opposition to previous Republican standard-bearers Mitt Romney and McCain, who this week received a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

Palin, an early supporter of Trump's 2016 campaign, told the audience she was partly drawn to the New Yorker because he had supported her when she and her family were the subject of intense media attention.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conservative-firebrand-sarah-palin-announces-bid-for-us-congress-467901">Conservative firebrand Sarah Palin announces bid for US Congress</a>

"He would write me a note and he would say 'hang in there,'" she said.

The 58-year-old Palin is seeking to succeed Republican Don Young who died unexpectedly last month after serving in the US House for 49 years.

The US midterm elections, in which all 435 House seats are up for grabs, are set for November 8.

While the largest US state by area, Alaska has only one representative in the House due to its sparse population.

Trump has sought to reaffirm his grip over the Republican party through selective endorsements of candidates in primary elections, the winners of which will stand in the midterms this November.

The former president's picks, almost all of whom support his unfounded claims of rampant election fraud in the 2020 election, have had mixed success in the Republican primaries.

Also speaking at Trump's Alaska rally was Kelly Tshibaka, whom Trump endorsed to unseat Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski.

Trump called Murkowski, who voted to impeach him following the January 6th assault on the US Capitol, "worse than a Democrat."

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Former US president Donald Trump campaigned Saturday in Alaska for Sarah Palin, the northern state's former governor whose ascendency many view as the populist precursor to Trump's anti-elite movement.

Former US president Donald Trump campaigned Saturday in Alaska for Sarah Palin, the northern state's former governor whose ascendency many view as the populist precursor to Trump's anti-elite movement. The two firebrand politicians have both been key figures in the Republican party's shift over the past decade to target the aggrieved working class. They both have also touted unfounded claims that there was widespread election fraud in the 2020 election, at least in those key states that Trump lost. "In Alaska, we didn't have to worry about it, because we won," Trump told the stadium crowd. Also read | New poll shows 71% Americans do not want Biden to run for re-election Palin was catapulted into the limelight when she was chosen by the late Arizona senator John McCain as his running mate in the 2008 presidential election. A Christian conservative who leaned hard into her outsider status, Palin's rise during the 2008 campaign is widely seen as paving the way for businessman Donald Trump to successfully take the White House eight years later. Their norm-busting brands stood in direct opposition to previous Republican standard-bearers Mitt Romney and McCain, who this week received a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Joe Biden, a Democrat. Palin, an early supporter of Trump's 2016 campaign, told the audience she was partly drawn to the New Yorker because he had supported her when she and her family were the subject of intense media attention. Also read | Conservative firebrand Sarah Palin announces bid for US Congress "He would write me a note and he would say 'hang in there,'" she said. The 58-year-old Palin is seeking to succeed Republican Don Young who died unexpectedly last month after serving in the US House for 49 years. The US midterm elections, in which all 435 House seats are up for grabs, are set for November 8. While the largest US state by area, Alaska has only one representative in the House due to its sparse population. Trump has sought to reaffirm his grip over the Republican party through selective endorsements of candidates in primary elections, the winners of which will stand in the midterms this November. The former president's picks, almost all of whom support his unfounded claims of rampant election fraud in the 2020 election, have had mixed success in the Republican primaries. Also speaking at Trump's Alaska rally was Kelly Tshibaka, whom Trump endorsed to unseat Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski. Trump called Murkowski, who voted to impeach him following the January 6th assault on the US Capitol, "worse than a Democrat." 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.

Donald Trump campaigns with right-wing precursor Sarah Palin

18 House Republicans on Friday (April 22) sent a letter to the board members of Twitter to preserve all records about Elon Musk's offer to buy the company.

According to a report by CNBC, the letter was led by the United States representative for Ohio, Jim Jordan.

“As Congress continues to examine Big Tech and how to best protect Americans’ free speech rights, this letter serves as a formal request that you preserve all records and materials relating to Musk’s offer to purchase Twitter, including Twitter’s consideration and response to this offer, and Twitter’s evaluation of its shareholder interests with respect to Musk’s offer,” the letter stated.

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“You should construe this preservation notice as an instruction to take all reasonable steps to prevent the destruction or alteration, whether intentionally or negligently, of all documents, communications, and other information, including electronic information and metadata, that is or may be potentially responsive to this congressional inquiry,” said the letter.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has raised $46.5 billion in debt and equity financing to buy Twitter Inc.

The South African billionaire has already presented a "best and final" cash offer of $43 billion to Twitter's board of directors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-after-poison-pill-tactic-billionaire-elon-musk-hopes-to-take-over-twitter-says-will-defeat-spam-bots-472953" hreflang="en">Even after 'poison pill' tactic, Elon Musk hopes to take over Twitter, says will try to defeat spam bots</a>

In response, a Twitter representative said, "As previously announced and communicated to Mr. Musk directly, the board is committed to conducting a careful, comprehensive, and deliberate review to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interest of the company and all Twitter stockholders."&nbsp;

Musk, who is the world's richest man, has described himself as a “free speech absolutist.” He believes Twitter is not living up to free speech principles.

His opinion is shared by former US President Donald Trump and several right-wing political figures who have accused Twitter of unfairly removing or moderating posts on ideological grounds.

Twitter had banned Trump for inciting riots and violence at the US Capitol and posting material that violated its privacy policy.

Political analysts have predicted that if Republicans retake control of the House of Representatives in the November elections, they will open a formal investigation against Twitter. It can also potentially subpoena records from Tesla. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

18 House Republicans on Friday (April 22) sent a letter to the board members of Twitter to preserve all records about Elon Musk's offer to buy the company. According to a report by CNBC, the letter was led by the United States representative for Ohio, Jim Jordan.

18 House Republicans on Friday (April 22) sent a letter to the board members of Twitter to preserve all records about Elon Musk's offer to buy the company. According to a report by CNBC, the letter was led by the United States representative for Ohio, Jim Jordan. “As Congress continues to examine Big Tech and how to best protect Americans’ free speech rights, this letter serves as a formal request that you preserve all records and materials relating to Musk’s offer to purchase Twitter, including Twitter’s consideration and response to this offer, and Twitter’s evaluation of its shareholder interests with respect to Musk’s offer,” the letter stated. “You should construe this preservation notice as an instruction to take all reasonable steps to prevent the destruction or alteration, whether intentionally or negligently, of all documents, communications, and other information, including electronic information and metadata, that is or may be potentially responsive to this congressional inquiry,” said the letter. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has raised $46.5 billion in debt and equity financing to buy Twitter Inc. The South African billionaire has already presented a "best and final" cash offer of $43 billion to Twitter's board of directors. Also read | Even after 'poison pill' tactic, Elon Musk hopes to take over Twitter, says will try to defeat spam bots In response, a Twitter representative said, "As previously announced and communicated to Mr. Musk directly, the board is committed to conducting a careful, comprehensive, and deliberate review to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interest of the company and all Twitter stockholders." Musk, who is the world's richest man, has described himself as a “free speech absolutist.” He believes Twitter is not living up to free speech principles. His opinion is shared by former US President Donald Trump and several right-wing political figures who have accused Twitter of unfairly removing or moderating posts on ideological grounds. Twitter had banned Trump for inciting riots and violence at the US Capitol and posting material that violated its privacy policy. Political analysts have predicted that if Republicans retake control of the House of Representatives in the November elections, they will open a formal investigation against Twitter. It can also potentially subpoena records from Tesla. (With inputs from agencies)

House Republicans send letter to Twitter's board members to preserve all records about Musk's offer

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday that Iran may "shortly" agree a new nuclear deal with major powers but warned it will be "weaker" than the original 2015 agreement.&nbsp;

"We may see an agreement shortly. The new agreement that appears will be made is shorter and weaker than the previous one," Bennett said before a weekly cabinet meeting, adding that Israel was "organising and preparing for the day after, in all dimensions".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-talks-us-hopeful-of-building-on-negotiations-progress-this-week-442369">Also read |&nbsp;Iran nuclear talks: US hopeful of building on negotiations progress this week</a>

Robert Malley, who leads the indirect US talks with Iran in Vienna, has suggested that securing the nuclear pact is unlikely unless Tehran releases four US citizens Washington says it is holding hostage.

The 2015 deal between Iran and major powers limited Iran’s enrichment of uranium to make it harder for Tehran to develop material for nuclear weapons, in return for a lifting of international sanctions against Tehran.

But it has eroded since 2018 when then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States and reimposed far-reaching sanctions on Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-says-iran-nuclear-deal-within-grasp-predicts-a-major-crisis-if-agreement-isnt-reached-453893">Also read |&nbsp;France says Iran nuclear deal 'within grasp', predicts a major crisis if agreement isn't reached</a>

Tehran has since breached the deal's limits and gone well beyond, rebuilding stockpiles of enriched uranium, refining it to higher fissile purity and installing advanced centrifuges to speed up output.

Both Tehran and Washington have described the nuclear talks as constructive since last week, when the negotiations resumed after a 10-day pause. However, they have also said that tough political decisions needed to be taken to overcome the remaining differences.

After 10 months of talks, one of the remaining differences is Iran’s demand for a US guarantee of no more sanctions or other punitive steps in future, and also how and when to restore verifiable restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activity. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday that Iran may "shortly" agree a new nuclear deal with major powers but warned it will be "weaker" than the original 2015 agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday that Iran may "shortly" agree a new nuclear deal with major powers but warned it will be "weaker" than the original 2015 agreement. "We may see an agreement shortly. The new agreement that appears will be made is shorter and weaker than the previous one," Bennett said before a weekly cabinet meeting, adding that Israel was "organising and preparing for the day after, in all dimensions". Also read | Iran nuclear talks: US hopeful of building on negotiations progress this week Robert Malley, who leads the indirect US talks with Iran in Vienna, has suggested that securing the nuclear pact is unlikely unless Tehran releases four US citizens Washington says it is holding hostage. The 2015 deal between Iran and major powers limited Iran’s enrichment of uranium to make it harder for Tehran to develop material for nuclear weapons, in return for a lifting of international sanctions against Tehran. But it has eroded since 2018 when then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States and reimposed far-reaching sanctions on Iran. Also read | France says Iran nuclear deal 'within grasp', predicts a major crisis if agreement isn't reached Tehran has since breached the deal's limits and gone well beyond, rebuilding stockpiles of enriched uranium, refining it to higher fissile purity and installing advanced centrifuges to speed up output. Both Tehran and Washington have described the nuclear talks as constructive since last week, when the negotiations resumed after a 10-day pause. However, they have also said that tough political decisions needed to be taken to overcome the remaining differences. After 10 months of talks, one of the remaining differences is Iran’s demand for a US guarantee of no more sanctions or other punitive steps in future, and also how and when to restore verifiable restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activity. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel sees Iran nuclear deal 'shortly,' warns it may be 'weaker': Naftali Bennett

Washington and Tehran had so far failed to produce "balance" in their commitments during the Vienna talks as per Iran's top security official.

"Despite limited progress in the #ViennaTalks, we are still far from achieving the necessary balance in the commitments of the parties," Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani said in a Twitter post.

"Political decisions in #Washington are requirements for the balance of commitments to reach a good agreement."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-waives-sanctions-on-irans-civilian-nuclear-programme-450734">Also read |&nbsp;United States waives sanctions on Iran's civilian nuclear programme</a>

The Biden administration has restored some sanctions relief to Iran’s atomic programme as talks aimed at salvaging the languishing 2015 nuclear deal enter a critical phase.

“We did precisely what the last administration did: permit our international partners to address growing nuclear nonproliferation and safety risks in Iran,” said US State Department spokesman Ned Price.

"The lifting of some sanctions can in itself translate into good faith,” Hossein Amirabdollahian said in comments reported by Iranian media.

"While what is on paper is good, but it’s not enough,” he added.

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Amirabdollahian said one of the major issues in the Vienna talks was getting “guarantees, especially from the West, to fulfill their obligations.”

“We demand guarantees in the political, legal and economic spheres. Certain agreements have already been reached,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said in a post on Twitter: "Iran's legal right to continue research and development and maintain its peaceful nuclear capabilities and achievements, side by side with its security ... cannot be curbed by any agreement."

The waivers are ultimately intended to entice Iran back to the 2015 deal that it has been violating since former President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed US sanctions.&nbsp;

In the short term, the waivers will exempt foreign countries and companies that work in Iran’s civilian nuclear sector from American penalties.

The United States and Iran have held eight rounds of indirect talks in Vienna since April aimed at reinstating the pact with major powers, the United States, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain, which lifted sanctions against Tehran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.

After Trump pulled the United States out of the deal and reimposed harsh sanctions, Iran gradually started violating the pact's nuclear curbs. Tehran insists its nuclear programme is purely for peaceful purposes. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Washington and Tehran had so far failed to produce "balance" in their commitments during the Vienna talks as per Iran's top security official. "Despite limited progress in the #ViennaTalks, we are still far from achieving the necessary balance in the commitments of the parties," Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani said in a Twitter post.

Washington and Tehran had so far failed to produce "balance" in their commitments during the Vienna talks as per Iran's top security official. "Despite limited progress in the #ViennaTalks, we are still far from achieving the necessary balance in the commitments of the parties," Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani said in a Twitter post. "Political decisions in #Washington are requirements for the balance of commitments to reach a good agreement." Also read | United States waives sanctions on Iran's civilian nuclear programme The Biden administration has restored some sanctions relief to Iran’s atomic programme as talks aimed at salvaging the languishing 2015 nuclear deal enter a critical phase. “We did precisely what the last administration did: permit our international partners to address growing nuclear nonproliferation and safety risks in Iran,” said US State Department spokesman Ned Price. "The lifting of some sanctions can in itself translate into good faith,” Hossein Amirabdollahian said in comments reported by Iranian media. "While what is on paper is good, but it’s not enough,” he added. Amirabdollahian said one of the major issues in the Vienna talks was getting “guarantees, especially from the West, to fulfill their obligations.” “We demand guarantees in the political, legal and economic spheres. Certain agreements have already been reached,” he added. Meanwhile, Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said in a post on Twitter: "Iran's legal right to continue research and development and maintain its peaceful nuclear capabilities and achievements, side by side with its security ... cannot be curbed by any agreement." The waivers are ultimately intended to entice Iran back to the 2015 deal that it has been violating since former President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed US sanctions. In the short term, the waivers will exempt foreign countries and companies that work in Iran’s civilian nuclear sector from American penalties. The United States and Iran have held eight rounds of indirect talks in Vienna since April aimed at reinstating the pact with major powers, the United States, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain, which lifted sanctions against Tehran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. After Trump pulled the United States out of the deal and reimposed harsh sanctions, Iran gradually started violating the pact's nuclear curbs. Tehran insists its nuclear programme is purely for peaceful purposes. (With inputs from agencies)

Vienna talks 'far from balance in commitments,' says Iran's top security official

Republicans believe they have a good shot at taking Congress next year. But there’s a catch.

The GOP’s ambitions of ending unified Democratic control in Washington in 2022 are colliding with a considerable force that has the ability to sway tens of millions of votes: former President Donald Trump’s increasingly vocal demands that members of his party remain in a permanent state of obedience, endorsing his false claims of a stolen election or risking his wrath.

In a series of public appearances and statements over the past week, Trump has signalled not only that he plans to work against Republicans he deems disloyal, but also that his meritless claims that widespread voter fraud cost him the White House in 2020 will be his litmus test, going so far as to threaten that his voters will sit out future elections.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2024-former-us-president-donald-trump-favourite-candidate-biden-lagging-behind-420648" hreflang="en">US election 2024: Former US President Donald Trump favourite candidate, Biden lagging behind</a>

“If we don’t solve the Presidential Election Fraud of 2020,” Trump said in a statement last week, “Republicans will not be voting in ’22 or ’24. It’s the single most important thing for Republicans to do.”

The former president’s fixation on disproved conspiracy theories is frustrating to many in his party who see it as needlessly divisive at a time when Republicans feel they are poised to take back the House of Representatives and perhaps the Senate in the 2022 midterm elections. They worry he could cost Republicans otherwise winnable seats in Congress and complicate the party’s more immediate goal of winning the governor’s race in Virginia next month.

The concern over Trump’s attempts to make all federal elections a referendum on him points to the larger debate among Republicans over what his role should be, as someone who remains singularly popular with the party’s base but is also a liability with swing voters and a motivator for Democrats to turn out.

Some rising stars in the Republican Party — like Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, who ousted Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming from a House leadership post in a bitter intraparty fight over the Jan. 6 riots and Trump’s attempts to downplay them — have been clear: They want Trump to play a role in the 2022 midterms. Stefanik called him “an asset to Republicans on the ballot” at a fundraiser last week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hows-biden-doing-do-you-miss-me-yet-trump-pokes-fun-at-us-president-420630" hreflang="en">'How's Biden doing? 'Do you miss me yet?': Trump pokes fun at US President</a>

And top party strategists said they expected the former president to remain front and center&nbsp;in the Republicans’ campaign to retake control of the House. “He’s the leader of the party,” said Corry Bliss, a consultant to Republicans on congressional races. “The more energized and engaged he is, the better we’ll do.”

But party officials believe Trump’s threat about his supporters staying home en masse is real. And the potency of his false claims about 2020 caught even some of his staunchest allies in the party off guard.

The stakes are amplified by Trump’s increasingly pointed hints that he plans to be the party’s nominee in 2024.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has supported exhaustive audits of the 2020 results to look for evidence of voting irregularities that repeated reviews have failed to produce. Still, she has told colleagues that she was surprised by a recent survey of Republican voters in her district, according to one person who spoke with her about it.

The internal survey found that 5% of Republican voters said they would sit out the 2022 election if the state of Georgia did not conduct a forensic audit of the 2020 election — a demand that some of Trump’s hard-core supporters have made. Another 4% said they would consider sitting out the election absent an audit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/56-in-us-feel-cheating-affected-2020-presidential-election-outcome-says-poll-420060" hreflang="en">56% in US feel cheating affected 2020 presidential election outcome, says poll</a>

The possibility that nearly 10% of Republicans could sit out any election — even one in a solidly red district like the one held by Taylor Greene — was something Republican strategists said they found alarming.

Since Trump left office, polls have repeatedly shown that large majorities of Republican voters want him to run in 2024. And roughly 40% of Republicans say they consider themselves to be primarily his supporters rather than supporters of the party — about the same share who said so last November, according to the political research firm Echelon Insights.

Many Republicans don’t seem to want to hear anything critical about him. A recent poll by the Pew Research Center, for instance, highlighted the lack of an appetite for much dissent. Nearly two-thirds of Republicans, Pew found, said their party should not be accepting of elected officials who criticize Trump.

Trump’s recent interference in the Virginia contest — where polls show the Republican candidate, Glenn Youngkin, narrowly trailing his Democratic rival, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe — worried advisers to Youngkin’s campaign. They watched as their carefully scripted plan to keep the race focused on their candidate and on claims that Democrats have veered too far left became engulfed by news coverage of the former president praising Youngkin at a political rally last week.

Some Republicans said they feared they were watching a preview of the awkward and unpleasant dilemma their candidates would face for the foreseeable future, as Trump remains the most popular figure in their party, determining what candidates say and how voters think.

“Here is where Trump is so destructive,” said Barbara Comstock, a former Republican member of Congress who lost her seat in suburban Virginia in 2018. That year, voters in swing districts across the country turned against centrist incumbents like her in a repudiation of Trump.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-tiger-and-cheetah-furs-a-mess-of-trump-gift-exchanges-419921" hreflang="en">White tiger and cheetah furs: A mess of Trump gift exchanges</a>

“He doesn’t want other people to win without groveling to him. That’s the threat,” Comstock added. “It’s not about winning. It’s all about him. And that’s what’s so stupid about Republicans even trying to deal with him, because you never know when he’ll drive the car off the cliff.”

One of the most concerned is Sen. Mitch McConnell, the minority leader.

McConnell has told colleagues that he is concerned Trump’s campaign to relitigate the 2020 election could depress confidence among Republican voters and hurt the party’s chances at winning back the majority it lost this year after Democrats captured Georgia’s two Senate seats. Republican leaders warned Trump at the time that by blaming fraud for his loss, he would convince many of his supporters in Georgia that their votes in the Senate runoff election on Jan. 5 wouldn’t count, deterring them from participating.

Republican critics of Trump said that history was repeating itself. “Republicans should have learned this lesson after the Georgia debacle,” said Scott Reed, a veteran party strategist who has worked to elect Republicans to the Senate for three decades.

Reed said that the former president’s comments about Republicans not voting “should warrant a sanction from the Republican National Committee.” He warned, “It will impact the 2022 midterms severely.”

The tension between McConnell and Trump has escalated lately, as the former president has ratcheted up his attacks on the minority leader, accusing McConnell of “folding” to Democrats in a recent agreement to raise the nation’s debt ceiling. He called for the leader’s ouster in a recent interview with Fox News, saying, “Mitch is not the guy.”

Trump’s allies did not deny that he was content to see Republicans pay the ultimate political price for what he and a significant portion of his voters saw as disloyalty.

“President Trump is saying: ‘Hey, I’m putting you guys on notice. My people aren’t coming out,’” said Steve Bannon, the former chief White House strategist, who has been using his podcast to further amplify Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election. “There could not be a bigger shot across the establishment bow.”

But the harder Trump’s allies push their election fraud claims, the harder it becomes to satisfy their most hard-core followers. Even Taylor Greene, who is as far-right and pro-Trump as they come in the Republican Party, cannot seem to always please the fringe. Lately, she has been feuding online with L. Lin Wood, an Atlanta attorney who helped Trump sow doubts over his loss in Georgia, over which of them truly represents the Trump movement. Wood has accused her of not doing enough to uncover instances of voter fraud. She has said that Wood is “not one of us.”

Such radicalization comes at a cost, said David Jolly, a former Republican congressman from Florida who is critical of the former president. At a time when the larger political trends are pointing toward trouble for the Democratic Party in 2022, he said, Trump’s actions risk interfering with what should be a good environment for Republicans.

“This should be a 100%, straight-up referendum on Biden,” Jolly said. “Instead, you have Trump the narcissist trying to inject himself into what should be a glide path for Republicans to an incredibly successful election, by making it all about him.”

Republicans believe they have a good shot at taking Congress next year. But there’s a catch. The GOP’s ambitions of ending unified Democratic control in Washington in 2022 are colliding with a considerable force that has the ability to sway tens of millions of votes: former President Donald Trump’s increasingly vocal demands that members of his party remain in a permanent state of obedience, endorsing his false claims of a stolen election or risking his wrath.

Republicans believe they have a good shot at taking Congress next year. But there’s a catch. The GOP’s ambitions of ending unified Democratic control in Washington in 2022 are colliding with a considerable force that has the ability to sway tens of millions of votes: former President Donald Trump’s increasingly vocal demands that members of his party remain in a permanent state of obedience, endorsing his false claims of a stolen election or risking his wrath. In a series of public appearances and statements over the past week, Trump has signalled not only that he plans to work against Republicans he deems disloyal, but also that his meritless claims that widespread voter fraud cost him the White House in 2020 will be his litmus test, going so far as to threaten that his voters will sit out future elections. Also read | US election 2024: Former US President Donald Trump favourite candidate, Biden lagging behind “If we don’t solve the Presidential Election Fraud of 2020,” Trump said in a statement last week, “Republicans will not be voting in ’22 or ’24. It’s the single most important thing for Republicans to do.” The former president’s fixation on disproved conspiracy theories is frustrating to many in his party who see it as needlessly divisive at a time when Republicans feel they are poised to take back the House of Representatives and perhaps the Senate in the 2022 midterm elections. They worry he could cost Republicans otherwise winnable seats in Congress and complicate the party’s more immediate goal of winning the governor’s race in Virginia next month. The concern over Trump’s attempts to make all federal elections a referendum on him points to the larger debate among Republicans over what his role should be, as someone who remains singularly popular with the party’s base but is also a liability with swing voters and a motivator for Democrats to turn out. Some rising stars in the Republican Party — like Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, who ousted Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming from a House leadership post in a bitter intraparty fight over the Jan. 6 riots and Trump’s attempts to downplay them — have been clear: They want Trump to play a role in the 2022 midterms. Stefanik called him “an asset to Republicans on the ballot” at a fundraiser last week. Also read | 'How's Biden doing? 'Do you miss me yet?': Trump pokes fun at US President And top party strategists said they expected the former president to remain front and center in the Republicans’ campaign to retake control of the House. “He’s the leader of the party,” said Corry Bliss, a consultant to Republicans on congressional races. “The more energized and engaged he is, the better we’ll do.” But party officials believe Trump’s threat about his supporters staying home en masse is real. And the potency of his false claims about 2020 caught even some of his staunchest allies in the party off guard. The stakes are amplified by Trump’s increasingly pointed hints that he plans to be the party’s nominee in 2024. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has supported exhaustive audits of the 2020 results to look for evidence of voting irregularities that repeated reviews have failed to produce. Still, she has told colleagues that she was surprised by a recent survey of Republican voters in her district, according to one person who spoke with her about it. The internal survey found that 5% of Republican voters said they would sit out the 2022 election if the state of Georgia did not conduct a forensic audit of the 2020 election — a demand that some of Trump’s hard-core supporters have made. Another 4% said they would consider sitting out the election absent an audit. Also read | 56% in US feel cheating affected 2020 presidential election outcome, says poll The possibility that nearly 10% of Republicans could sit out any election — even one in a solidly red district like the one held by Taylor Greene — was something Republican strategists said they found alarming. Since Trump left office, polls have repeatedly shown that large majorities of Republican voters want him to run in 2024. And roughly 40% of Republicans say they consider themselves to be primarily his supporters rather than supporters of the party — about the same share who said so last November, according to the political research firm Echelon Insights. Many Republicans don’t seem to want to hear anything critical about him. A recent poll by the Pew Research Center, for instance, highlighted the lack of an appetite for much dissent. Nearly two-thirds of Republicans, Pew found, said their party should not be accepting of elected officials who criticize Trump. Trump’s recent interference in the Virginia contest — where polls show the Republican candidate, Glenn Youngkin, narrowly trailing his Democratic rival, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe — worried advisers to Youngkin’s campaign. They watched as their carefully scripted plan to keep the race focused on their candidate and on claims that Democrats have veered too far left became engulfed by news coverage of the former president praising Youngkin at a political rally last week. Some Republicans said they feared they were watching a preview of the awkward and unpleasant dilemma their candidates would face for the foreseeable future, as Trump remains the most popular figure in their party, determining what candidates say and how voters think. “Here is where Trump is so destructive,” said Barbara Comstock, a former Republican member of Congress who lost her seat in suburban Virginia in 2018. That year, voters in swing districts across the country turned against centrist incumbents like her in a repudiation of Trump. Also read | White tiger and cheetah furs: A mess of Trump gift exchanges “He doesn’t want other people to win without groveling to him. That’s the threat,” Comstock added. “It’s not about winning. It’s all about him. And that’s what’s so stupid about Republicans even trying to deal with him, because you never know when he’ll drive the car off the cliff.” One of the most concerned is Sen. Mitch McConnell, the minority leader. McConnell has told colleagues that he is concerned Trump’s campaign to relitigate the 2020 election could depress confidence among Republican voters and hurt the party’s chances at winning back the majority it lost this year after Democrats captured Georgia’s two Senate seats. Republican leaders warned Trump at the time that by blaming fraud for his loss, he would convince many of his supporters in Georgia that their votes in the Senate runoff election on Jan. 5 wouldn’t count, deterring them from participating. Republican critics of Trump said that history was repeating itself. “Republicans should have learned this lesson after the Georgia debacle,” said Scott Reed, a veteran party strategist who has worked to elect Republicans to the Senate for three decades. Reed said that the former president’s comments about Republicans not voting “should warrant a sanction from the Republican National Committee.” He warned, “It will impact the 2022 midterms severely.” The tension between McConnell and Trump has escalated lately, as the former president has ratcheted up his attacks on the minority leader, accusing McConnell of “folding” to Democrats in a recent agreement to raise the nation’s debt ceiling. He called for the leader’s ouster in a recent interview with Fox News, saying, “Mitch is not the guy.” Trump’s allies did not deny that he was content to see Republicans pay the ultimate political price for what he and a significant portion of his voters saw as disloyalty. “President Trump is saying: ‘Hey, I’m putting you guys on notice. My people aren’t coming out,’” said Steve Bannon, the former chief White House strategist, who has been using his podcast to further amplify Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election. “There could not be a bigger shot across the establishment bow.” But the harder Trump’s allies push their election fraud claims, the harder it becomes to satisfy their most hard-core followers. Even Taylor Greene, who is as far-right and pro-Trump as they come in the Republican Party, cannot seem to always please the fringe. Lately, she has been feuding online with L. Lin Wood, an Atlanta attorney who helped Trump sow doubts over his loss in Georgia, over which of them truly represents the Trump movement. Wood has accused her of not doing enough to uncover instances of voter fraud. She has said that Wood is “not one of us.” Such radicalization comes at a cost, said David Jolly, a former Republican congressman from Florida who is critical of the former president. At a time when the larger political trends are pointing toward trouble for the Democratic Party in 2022, he said, Trump’s actions risk interfering with what should be a good environment for Republicans. “This should be a 100%, straight-up referendum on Biden,” Jolly said. “Instead, you have Trump the narcissist trying to inject himself into what should be a glide path for Republicans to an incredibly successful election, by making it all about him.”

As Trump thunders about last election, Republicans worry about the next one

Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cosy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship.

As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges.

So, on Sunday, after the BBC had asked for suggestions as to the most sought-after facetimes, Kyrgios was quick to respond.

"Rafa lets do Instagram live together.&nbsp;I am down with it. Rafael Nadal let's do it," wrote the Australian on Instagram.

Kyrgios and Nadal have endured a bitter relationship on court.

Last year, the 19-time Grand Slam winner accused the Australian of "lacking respect" after Kyrgios won a stormy encounter in Mexico.

Kyrgios responded by claiming the Spanish world number two was "super-salty".

They met again at Wimbledon last summer when Nadal won but fumed after the Australian appeared to spear a ball directly at him.

Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cosy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship. As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges.

Australian tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios invited Rafael Nadal to take part in a cosy video chat on Sunday despite their stormy on-court relationship. As the coronavirus has sent the tennis season into hibernation until July 13 at the earliest, a host of players have recently taken to social media for face-to-face exchanges. So, on Sunday, after the BBC had asked for suggestions as to the most sought-after facetimes, Kyrgios was quick to respond. "Rafa lets do Instagram live together. I am down with it. Rafael Nadal let's do it," wrote the Australian on Instagram. Kyrgios and Nadal have endured a bitter relationship on court. Last year, the 19-time Grand Slam winner accused the Australian of "lacking respect" after Kyrgios won a stormy encounter in Mexico. Kyrgios responded by claiming the Spanish world number two was "super-salty". They met again at Wimbledon last summer when Nadal won but fumed after the Australian appeared to spear a ball directly at him.

North Korea warns of 'security crisis' over US-Seoul drills

Signaling that the U.S.-European alliance remained strong after the tension of the Trump era, President Joe Biden and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany on Thursday stressed their shared values, even as both acknowledged differences on a major Russian pipeline and how best to approach China.

During meetings at the White House, Biden’s agenda included several of his most pressing geopolitical priorities, such as restraining Chinese influence, curbing Russian aggression and waiving intellectual property restrictions on coronavirus vaccine manufacturers.

While there were no apparent breakthroughs, the visit was a way to show a unified front after President Donald Trump’s hostile exchanges with Merkel over NATO contributions, trade and multilateralism badly frayed relations. The meeting also comes before the chancellor’s term ends and a new German government will be sworn in after elections on Sept. 26.

“Good friends can disagree,” said Biden, who appeared alongside Merkel at a news conference in the East Room after the meeting.

For the most part, the trip appeared to be a triumph of the personal over policy. Biden joked that Merkel, who has worked with four U.S. presidents, “knows the Oval Office as well as I do.” The chancellor referred to the president as “dear Joe” several times as she extolled their friendly relationship, which has endured since his time in the Senate.

But the warmth could not cloak the fact that neither leader had shifted from their most substantive areas of disagreement.

Biden said he broached the contentious issue of the $11 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a natural gas conduit being built between Germany and Russia that is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The president and his predecessors have assailed the project as little more than a coercive tool against Ukraine and other allies.

“We’ve come to different assessments,” Merkel said of the project.

Biden said the two had agreed that they were “united in our conviction that Russia should not be able to use energy as a weapon.”

The president waived congressional sanctions this year on the Russian company building the pipeline and its German chief executive, effectively conceding that an effort to halt the project was not worth the expected cost to U.S.-German relations.

Merkel kept her comments nonspecific on countering China, whose influence Biden believes poses an existential threat to American democracy.

“There is a lot of common understanding that China in many areas is our competitor,” the chancellor said, careful not to run afoul of Germany’s largest trading partner. She added that “trade with China needs to rest on the assumption that we have a level playing field.”

The two leaders also signaled that they remained apart on their approach to containing the pandemic. Merkel did not commit to the lifting of patents for coronavirus vaccines, and Biden did not raise the issue in front of reporters. Merkel said she had asked the president if his administration would end a travel ban against Europeans, but he did not commit to ending it.

“I did raise the issue,” the chancellor said, “and got the same answer that the president gave you: The COVID team is evaluating the matter.”

Still, the leaders repeatedly emphasized their one-on-one relationship in their public appearances, a sharp divergence from Merkel’s chilly and stilted interactions with Trump, who maligned her as “captive to Russia.” When asked to compare Biden’s leadership style with his predecessor’s, the chancellor was characteristically restrained, emphasizing that she and Biden had a “very friendly exchange.”

“We are not only partners and allies,” Merkel said, “but we are very close friends.”

The president began the event by offering his condolences to Germans for the loss of life and property caused by recent floods. He went on to thank the chancellor for “an exemplary life of groundbreaking service to Germany.”

Biden was asked to confront cases of diplomatic turmoil closer to home, including protests in Cuba and unrest after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti. He told a reporter that beyond dispatching Marines to guard the U.S. Embassy there, he was not considering sending U.S. troops.

Addressing a wave of demonstrations across Cuba, Biden accused its government of being a “failed state” that was “repressing their citizens” and said he would not end rules against payments Americans can make to their Cuban relatives because he could not be sure that the government would not take them.

“I would not do that now,” he said, “because the fact is, it is highly likely that the regime would confiscate those remittances, or big chunks.”

The president grew testy when he was asked about his top domestic economic priorities. When asked if he was confident that a $3.5 trillion budget framework drawn up by Democrats would be enough to pass with every Democratic senator on board, Biden chastised the news media as preemptively suggesting that the plan, along with negotiations over an infrastructure deal, was headed for failure.

“I am supremely confident that everything is going to work out perfectly,” he said dryly. “I have watched and listened to the press declare my initiative dead at least 10 times so far. I don’t think it is dead. I think it is still alive.”

Aside from more thorny policy issues, Merkel’s visit was a diplomatic victory lap of sorts before her term expires. She started her day with a cheese soufflé breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Later in the day, the chancellor received an honorary doctorate from Johns Hopkins University, adding to her collection of degrees from Harvard and Stanford. Once she arrived at the White House, Merkel and the president exchanged compliments in the Oval Office.

Though the exchange was not overly warm, it was leagues more collegial than Merkel’s past meetings in the Oval Office. When she asked Trump in 2017, “Do you want to have a handshake?” Trump apparently did not.

Just as Merkel spent years responding mildly to Trump, she has not always been overeager to accept Biden’s entreaties that the U.S.-German relationship had been restored to a sense of normalcy. During the virtual Munich Security Conference held this year, she said of the U.S. relationship that “our interests will not always converge.”

By the time of the news conference on Thursday, Biden and Merkel seemed more interested in continuing her farewell party than discussing what divided them.

After the news conference, they attended dinner with longtime allies, including Hillary Clinton. Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, the House minority leader, was also scheduled to attend after a trip earlier in the day to see Trump at his golf club in New Jersey.

After the two leaders fielded questions, Biden steered Merkel away from reporters.

“If we don’t leave right now,” he told her, “we are going to miss dinner.”

Signaling that the U.S.-European alliance remained strong after the tension of the Trump era, President Joe Biden and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany on Thursday stressed their shared values, even as both acknowledged differences on a major Russian pipeline and how best to approach China.

Signaling that the U.S.-European alliance remained strong after the tension of the Trump era, President Joe Biden and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany on Thursday stressed their shared values, even as both acknowledged differences on a major Russian pipeline and how best to approach China. During meetings at the White House, Biden’s agenda included several of his most pressing geopolitical priorities, such as restraining Chinese influence, curbing Russian aggression and waiving intellectual property restrictions on coronavirus vaccine manufacturers. While there were no apparent breakthroughs, the visit was a way to show a unified front after President Donald Trump’s hostile exchanges with Merkel over NATO contributions, trade and multilateralism badly frayed relations. The meeting also comes before the chancellor’s term ends and a new German government will be sworn in after elections on Sept. 26. “Good friends can disagree,” said Biden, who appeared alongside Merkel at a news conference in the East Room after the meeting. For the most part, the trip appeared to be a triumph of the personal over policy. Biden joked that Merkel, who has worked with four U.S. presidents, “knows the Oval Office as well as I do.” The chancellor referred to the president as “dear Joe” several times as she extolled their friendly relationship, which has endured since his time in the Senate. But the warmth could not cloak the fact that neither leader had shifted from their most substantive areas of disagreement. Biden said he broached the contentious issue of the $11 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a natural gas conduit being built between Germany and Russia that is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The president and his predecessors have assailed the project as little more than a coercive tool against Ukraine and other allies. “We’ve come to different assessments,” Merkel said of the project. Biden said the two had agreed that they were “united in our conviction that Russia should not be able to use energy as a weapon.” The president waived congressional sanctions this year on the Russian company building the pipeline and its German chief executive, effectively conceding that an effort to halt the project was not worth the expected cost to U.S.-German relations. Merkel kept her comments nonspecific on countering China, whose influence Biden believes poses an existential threat to American democracy. “There is a lot of common understanding that China in many areas is our competitor,” the chancellor said, careful not to run afoul of Germany’s largest trading partner. She added that “trade with China needs to rest on the assumption that we have a level playing field.” The two leaders also signaled that they remained apart on their approach to containing the pandemic. Merkel did not commit to the lifting of patents for coronavirus vaccines, and Biden did not raise the issue in front of reporters. Merkel said she had asked the president if his administration would end a travel ban against Europeans, but he did not commit to ending it. “I did raise the issue,” the chancellor said, “and got the same answer that the president gave you: The COVID team is evaluating the matter.” Still, the leaders repeatedly emphasized their one-on-one relationship in their public appearances, a sharp divergence from Merkel’s chilly and stilted interactions with Trump, who maligned her as “captive to Russia.” When asked to compare Biden’s leadership style with his predecessor’s, the chancellor was characteristically restrained, emphasizing that she and Biden had a “very friendly exchange.” “We are not only partners and allies,” Merkel said, “but we are very close friends.” The president began the event by offering his condolences to Germans for the loss of life and property caused by recent floods. He went on to thank the chancellor for “an exemplary life of groundbreaking service to Germany.” Biden was asked to confront cases of diplomatic turmoil closer to home, including protests in Cuba and unrest after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti. He told a reporter that beyond dispatching Marines to guard the U.S. Embassy there, he was not considering sending U.S. troops. Addressing a wave of demonstrations across Cuba, Biden accused its government of being a “failed state” that was “repressing their citizens” and said he would not end rules against payments Americans can make to their Cuban relatives because he could not be sure that the government would not take them. “I would not do that now,” he said, “because the fact is, it is highly likely that the regime would confiscate those remittances, or big chunks.” The president grew testy when he was asked about his top domestic economic priorities. When asked if he was confident that a $3.5 trillion budget framework drawn up by Democrats would be enough to pass with every Democratic senator on board, Biden chastised the news media as preemptively suggesting that the plan, along with negotiations over an infrastructure deal, was headed for failure. “I am supremely confident that everything is going to work out perfectly,” he said dryly. “I have watched and listened to the press declare my initiative dead at least 10 times so far. I don’t think it is dead. I think it is still alive.” Aside from more thorny policy issues, Merkel’s visit was a diplomatic victory lap of sorts before her term expires. She started her day with a cheese soufflé breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris. Later in the day, the chancellor received an honorary doctorate from Johns Hopkins University, adding to her collection of degrees from Harvard and Stanford. Once she arrived at the White House, Merkel and the president exchanged compliments in the Oval Office. Though the exchange was not overly warm, it was leagues more collegial than Merkel’s past meetings in the Oval Office. When she asked Trump in 2017, “Do you want to have a handshake?” Trump apparently did not. Just as Merkel spent years responding mildly to Trump, she has not always been overeager to accept Biden’s entreaties that the U.S.-German relationship had been restored to a sense of normalcy. During the virtual Munich Security Conference held this year, she said of the U.S. relationship that “our interests will not always converge.” By the time of the news conference on Thursday, Biden and Merkel seemed more interested in continuing her farewell party than discussing what divided them. After the news conference, they attended dinner with longtime allies, including Hillary Clinton. Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, the House minority leader, was also scheduled to attend after a trip earlier in the day to see Trump at his golf club in New Jersey. After the two leaders fielded questions, Biden steered Merkel away from reporters. “If we don’t leave right now,” he told her, “we are going to miss dinner.”

Acknowledging disagreements, Biden and Merkel signal warmer US-German ties

Global views about China have remained broadly negative and confidence in its leader Xi Jinping near historic lows as per a&nbsp;survey of 17 advanced economies released on Wednesday.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the image of the United States has rebounded since President Joe Biden replaced Donald Trump.

The survey by the US-based Pew Research Center found China scored higher marks for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic than the United States, however, while ratings on this for both had improved substantially since last year.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-blames-the-world-for-eating-disorders-394784/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Overall, unfavorable views of China had remained at or near historic highs, largely unchanged since last year, a summary of the survey said.

Last year, Pew found few had confidence that either Xi or Trump would "do the right thing" in world affairs, although in Western Europe more had confidence in the Chinese leader.

This year, confidence in Xi remained at or near historic lows, while "in contrast, views of Biden are much more positive than they were of Trump." The summary said that in all places, "a majority say they have confidence in Biden to do what is right in world affairs."

"Views of Xi continue to be widely negative," it said. "In all but one of the 17 publics surveyed, majorities say they have little or no confidence in him."

In Australia, France, Sweden and Canada, half or more said they had no confidence in Xi at all, it said.

The economies surveyed were Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the United States.

Pew found that with the exception of Singapore and New Zealand, more than half of those surveyed in each place said it was more important to have strong economic ties with the United States than with China.

In many advanced economies though, assessments of China's handling of the pandemic had "improved precipitously" and a median of 49% said it had done a good job, compared with 37% who rated the U.S. response positively.

Europeans approved of China's response much more than those in the Asia-Pacific, while in both regions, few thought China respected the personal freedoms of its people, the survey found.

Across the Asia-Pacific, however, opinions were mixed as to whether it was more important to try to promote human rights in China, even if this harmed economic ties, or whether economic relations should be prioritized.

Majorities in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan and a plurality in Taiwan prioritized human rights, while majorities in South Korea and Singapore prioritized economic relations.

In the Asia-Pacific, majorities in all but Singapore said they had little or no confidence in Xi's handling of world affairs, with the most - 86 percent - expressing that view in Japan. In Singapore, 70 percent expressed confidence in Xi.

Pew said the non-US&nbsp;data came from 16,254 adults polled between March 12 and May 26. That from the United States came from 2,596 adults surveyed from February&nbsp;1-7.

(With inputs from agencies)

Global views about China have remained broadly negative and confidence in its leader Xi Jinping near historic lows as per a survey of 17 advanced economies released on Wednesday.

Global views about China have remained broadly negative and confidence in its leader Xi Jinping near historic lows as per a survey of 17 advanced economies released on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the image of the United States has rebounded since President Joe Biden replaced Donald Trump. The survey by the US-based Pew Research Center found China scored higher marks for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic than the United States, however, while ratings on this for both had improved substantially since last year. Overall, unfavorable views of China had remained at or near historic highs, largely unchanged since last year, a summary of the survey said. Last year, Pew found few had confidence that either Xi or Trump would "do the right thing" in world affairs, although in Western Europe more had confidence in the Chinese leader. This year, confidence in Xi remained at or near historic lows, while "in contrast, views of Biden are much more positive than they were of Trump." The summary said that in all places, "a majority say they have confidence in Biden to do what is right in world affairs." "Views of Xi continue to be widely negative," it said. "In all but one of the 17 publics surveyed, majorities say they have little or no confidence in him." In Australia, France, Sweden and Canada, half or more said they had no confidence in Xi at all, it said. The economies surveyed were Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the United States. Pew found that with the exception of Singapore and New Zealand, more than half of those surveyed in each place said it was more important to have strong economic ties with the United States than with China. In many advanced economies though, assessments of China's handling of the pandemic had "improved precipitously" and a median of 49% said it had done a good job, compared with 37% who rated the U.S. response positively. Europeans approved of China's response much more than those in the Asia-Pacific, while in both regions, few thought China respected the personal freedoms of its people, the survey found. Across the Asia-Pacific, however, opinions were mixed as to whether it was more important to try to promote human rights in China, even if this harmed economic ties, or whether economic relations should be prioritized. Majorities in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan and a plurality in Taiwan prioritized human rights, while majorities in South Korea and Singapore prioritized economic relations. In the Asia-Pacific, majorities in all but Singapore said they had little or no confidence in Xi's handling of world affairs, with the most - 86 percent - expressing that view in Japan. In Singapore, 70 percent expressed confidence in Xi. Pew said the non-US data came from 16,254 adults polled between March 12 and May 26. That from the United States came from 2,596 adults surveyed from February 1-7. (With inputs from agencies)

New survey reveals ratings of Chinese leader Xi Jinping near historic lows

The Canadian government has added&nbsp;the US&nbsp;right-wing militia group Three Percenters a terrorist entity on Friday, saying it posed a "significant threat" to Canadian domestic security.

Earlier this month US&nbsp;prosecutors obtained a conspiracy indictment against six men associated with the Three Percenters, the latest in a series of such charges arising from the January&nbsp;6 riot at the US&nbsp;Capitol by former President Donald Trump's supporters.

Canadian Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said the group had an active presence in Canada and were interested in recruiting members of the police and people with military training. He&nbsp;cited the January&nbsp;6 riot in their listing.

"We monitor their activities in Canada with growing concern," he told a news conference.

Ottawa also put leading neo-Nazi activist James Mason and British group Aryan Strikeforce on the list on Friday.

Earlier this month a man rammed his truck into a Muslim family in the city of London, Ontario, killing four of them, in what police called a racist attack.

"Recent events should remove any doubts about the serious threat posed by ideologically motivated violent extremism. ... Intolerance and hate have no place in our society," said Blair.

Founded in 2008, the Three Percenters is a loosely organized anti-government group that takes its name from the idea that only 3 per cent&nbsp;of American colonists took up arms against the British in the 18th-century American Revolution.

The group's assets can now be frozen by banks and financial institutions, and it is a crime for Canadians to knowingly deal with assets of a listed entity. Anyone belonging to such a group can be blocked from entering Canada.

In February, Canada named the far-right Proud Boys a terrorist entity, saying it posed a "pivotal role" in the attack on the US&nbsp;Capitol.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Canadian government has added the US right-wing militia group Three Percenters a terrorist entity on Friday, saying it posed a "significant threat" to Canadian domestic security.

The Canadian government has added the US right-wing militia group Three Percenters a terrorist entity on Friday, saying it posed a "significant threat" to Canadian domestic security. Earlier this month US prosecutors obtained a conspiracy indictment against six men associated with the Three Percenters, the latest in a series of such charges arising from the January 6 riot at the US Capitol by former President Donald Trump's supporters. Canadian Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said the group had an active presence in Canada and were interested in recruiting members of the police and people with military training. He cited the January 6 riot in their listing. "We monitor their activities in Canada with growing concern," he told a news conference. Ottawa also put leading neo-Nazi activist James Mason and British group Aryan Strikeforce on the list on Friday. Earlier this month a man rammed his truck into a Muslim family in the city of London, Ontario, killing four of them, in what police called a racist attack. "Recent events should remove any doubts about the serious threat posed by ideologically motivated violent extremism. ... Intolerance and hate have no place in our society," said Blair. Founded in 2008, the Three Percenters is a loosely organized anti-government group that takes its name from the idea that only 3 per cent of American colonists took up arms against the British in the 18th-century American Revolution. The group's assets can now be frozen by banks and financial institutions, and it is a crime for Canadians to knowingly deal with assets of a listed entity. Anyone belonging to such a group can be blocked from entering Canada. In February, Canada named the far-right Proud Boys a terrorist entity, saying it posed a "pivotal role" in the attack on the US Capitol. (With inputs from agencies)

Citing risk of violent extremism, Canada officially names US Three Percenters militia 'terrorist entity'

The former US President, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump?page=1">Donald Trump</a>, is once again in news and this time it is his own security detail’s expenditure that has caught the eye of experts.

As per a new report, since leaving the White House in January, Trump has billed more than $40,000 for a room for his own security detail, show records obtained by the Washington Post.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-orange-donald-trump-appears-on-walls-of-national-portrait-gallery-385208" hreflang="en">'Not orange': Donald Trump appears on walls of National Portrait Gallery</a>

The secret Service has been guarding the former president at his famous Mar-a-Lago resort, where he shifted in January after losing the US election 2020 to Joe Biden.

As per the records, the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach has been charging $396.15 every night since Janaury 20, which has totalled up to reach nearly $40,011.15 by April 30. &nbsp;

While the charges could still be passed as a standard rate of stay, what surprised the experts was the fact that these charges were for a single room which was being used as a workstation for the Secret Service at the Mar-a-lago resort.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-resume-political-rallies-from-next-month-reports-385268" hreflang="en">Donald Trump to resume political rallies from next month: Reports</a>

The records have also revealed that the Secret Service has spent more money on stays in the Mar-a-Lago resort this year in comparison to what it had to pay in 2018 and 2019.

While it is common for former presidents to receive life-long protection, it is unheard of any of the former leaders billing the Secret Service such a high amount.

This is not the first time a bump has been found in the relations between the Trump family and the Secret Service.

A recent report had also revealed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-children-cost-taxpayers-140000-in-a-month-383882">Trump’s adult ‘children’ have cost taxpayers $140,000</a> in Secret Service security in the month Donald Trump left the White House, after Trump issued a directive to extend post-presidency protection by six months.

It has also been alleged in a book, titled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-family-got-inappropriately-close-to-secret-service-agent-book-384427">'Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service'</a>, that Vanessa Trump, then-wife of Donald Trump Jr — former president’s oldest son — had "started dating one of the agents who had been assigned to her family".

In addition to Vanessa, Trump’s daughter,&nbsp;Tiffany Trump, was also spotted getting unusually close to an agent after she broke up with her then-boyfriend. As per the sources, Tiffany "began spending an unusual amount of time alone with a Secret Service agent on her detail".

The former US President, Donald Trump, is once again in news and this time it is his own security detail’s expenditure that has caught the eye of experts. As per a new report, since leaving the White House in January, Trump has billed more than $40,000 for a room for his own security detail, show records obtained by the Washington Post.

The former US President, Donald Trump, is once again in news and this time it is his own security detail’s expenditure that has caught the eye of experts. As per a new report, since leaving the White House in January, Trump has billed more than $40,000 for a room for his own security detail, show records obtained by the Washington Post. Also read | 'Not orange': Donald Trump appears on walls of National Portrait Gallery The secret Service has been guarding the former president at his famous Mar-a-Lago resort, where he shifted in January after losing the US election 2020 to Joe Biden. As per the records, the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach has been charging $396.15 every night since Janaury 20, which has totalled up to reach nearly $40,011.15 by April 30. While the charges could still be passed as a standard rate of stay, what surprised the experts was the fact that these charges were for a single room which was being used as a workstation for the Secret Service at the Mar-a-lago resort. Also read | Donald Trump to resume political rallies from next month: Reports The records have also revealed that the Secret Service has spent more money on stays in the Mar-a-Lago resort this year in comparison to what it had to pay in 2018 and 2019. While it is common for former presidents to receive life-long protection, it is unheard of any of the former leaders billing the Secret Service such a high amount. This is not the first time a bump has been found in the relations between the Trump family and the Secret Service. A recent report had also revealed that Trump’s adult ‘children’ have cost taxpayers $140,000 in Secret Service security in the month Donald Trump left the White House, after Trump issued a directive to extend post-presidency protection by six months. It has also been alleged in a book, titled 'Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service', that Vanessa Trump, then-wife of Donald Trump Jr — former president’s oldest son — had "started dating one of the agents who had been assigned to her family". In addition to Vanessa, Trump’s daughter, Tiffany Trump, was also spotted getting unusually close to an agent after she broke up with her then-boyfriend. As per the sources, Tiffany "began spending an unusual amount of time alone with a Secret Service agent on her detail".

Donald Trump has billed $40,000 for Secret Service since January: Report

Donald Trump encouraged the Capitol rioters and so earned his Facebook ban, but the social media giant's rules are in "shambles" and need fixing, the co-chair of the network's oversight panel said Sunday.

The panel agreed just days ago that Facebook was right to oust the ex-president for his comments regarding the deadly January 6 rampage, though it sidestepped an overall decision on whether he will ever be allowed back.

"He issued these statements which were just egging on -- with perfunctory asking for peace -- but mostly he was just egging them on to continue," oversight body co-chair Michael McConnell told Fox News Sunday.

Trump was suspended from Facebook and Instagram after posting a video during the attack by his fired-up supporters challenging his election loss, in which he told them: "We love you, you're very special."

"He (Trump) bears responsibility for his situation. He put himself in this bed and he can sleep in it," McConnell added.

However, the panel gave the company six months to justify why his ban should be permanent -- leaving a grenade in Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's lap on the issue of free speech, and spotlighting weaknesses in the platform's plan for self-regulation.

"We gave them (Facebook) a certain amount of time to get... their house in order," McConnell said. "They needed some time because their rules are shambles... They are unclear, they are internally inconsistent."

McConnell, a constitutional law professor at Stanford, noted that the social media giant was not violating Trump's free speech rights.

- 'Facebook is not a government' -

"The simple willing answer is private companies are not bound by the First Amendment," he said referring to the US constitution. "He's a customer. Facebook is not a government, and he is not a citizen of Facebook."

In its ruling, the oversight board -- envisioned by Zuckerberg as the equivalent of a "supreme court" for thorny content decisions -- made additional recommendations on dealing with potentially harmful content from world leaders.

The panel "called on Facebook to address widespread confusion about how decisions relating to influential users are made" and said, "considerations of newsworthiness should not take priority when urgent action is needed to prevent significant harm."

Twitter has permanently suspended Trump after the Capitol riot, saying there was a risk he would further incite violence, due to his multiple tweets disputing Joe Biden's presidential election victory.

Twitter on Thursday confirmed that it had pulled the plug on several Trump-linked accounts trying to skirt the ban.

Social media had been key to Trump's political success, letting him fire off comments without having to explain or back claims.

At a recent hearing on Capitol Hill, US lawmakers unleashed criticism at the leaders of the top social networks and promised new regulations.

Zuckerberg, Twitter's Jack Dorsey, and Google's Sundar Pichai faced questions from lawmakers who blamed their platforms for political extremism, drug abuse, teen suicides and more.

Zuckerberg reiterated his belief that private companies should not be the judges of truth when it comes to what people say.

Donald Trump encouraged the Capitol rioters and so earned his Facebook ban, but the social media giant's rules are in "shambles" and need fixing, the co-chair of the network's oversight panel said Sunday.

Donald Trump encouraged the Capitol rioters and so earned his Facebook ban, but the social media giant's rules are in "shambles" and need fixing, the co-chair of the network's oversight panel said Sunday. The panel agreed just days ago that Facebook was right to oust the ex-president for his comments regarding the deadly January 6 rampage, though it sidestepped an overall decision on whether he will ever be allowed back. "He issued these statements which were just egging on -- with perfunctory asking for peace -- but mostly he was just egging them on to continue," oversight body co-chair Michael McConnell told Fox News Sunday. Trump was suspended from Facebook and Instagram after posting a video during the attack by his fired-up supporters challenging his election loss, in which he told them: "We love you, you're very special." "He (Trump) bears responsibility for his situation. He put himself in this bed and he can sleep in it," McConnell added. However, the panel gave the company six months to justify why his ban should be permanent -- leaving a grenade in Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's lap on the issue of free speech, and spotlighting weaknesses in the platform's plan for self-regulation. "We gave them (Facebook) a certain amount of time to get... their house in order," McConnell said. "They needed some time because their rules are shambles... They are unclear, they are internally inconsistent." McConnell, a constitutional law professor at Stanford, noted that the social media giant was not violating Trump's free speech rights. - 'Facebook is not a government' - "The simple willing answer is private companies are not bound by the First Amendment," he said referring to the US constitution. "He's a customer. Facebook is not a government, and he is not a citizen of Facebook." In its ruling, the oversight board -- envisioned by Zuckerberg as the equivalent of a "supreme court" for thorny content decisions -- made additional recommendations on dealing with potentially harmful content from world leaders. The panel "called on Facebook to address widespread confusion about how decisions relating to influential users are made" and said, "considerations of newsworthiness should not take priority when urgent action is needed to prevent significant harm." Twitter has permanently suspended Trump after the Capitol riot, saying there was a risk he would further incite violence, due to his multiple tweets disputing Joe Biden's presidential election victory. Twitter on Thursday confirmed that it had pulled the plug on several Trump-linked accounts trying to skirt the ban. Social media had been key to Trump's political success, letting him fire off comments without having to explain or back claims. At a recent hearing on Capitol Hill, US lawmakers unleashed criticism at the leaders of the top social networks and promised new regulations. Zuckerberg, Twitter's Jack Dorsey, and Google's Sundar Pichai faced questions from lawmakers who blamed their platforms for political extremism, drug abuse, teen suicides and more. Zuckerberg reiterated his belief that private companies should not be the judges of truth when it comes to what people say.

Donald Trump 'egged on' US Capitol rioters: Facebook oversight panel co-chair

The Biden administration has disclosed a set of rules secretly issued by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> in 2017 for counterterrorism "direct action" operations — like drone strikes and commando raids outside conventional war zones — which the White House has suspended as it weighs whether and how to tighten the guidelines.

While the Biden administration censored some passages, the visible portions show that in the Trump era, commanders in the field were given latitude to make decisions about attacks so long as they fit within broad sets of "operating principles," including that there should be "near certainty"&nbsp;that civilians "will not be injured or killed in the course of operations."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/father-of-vaccine-immigration-and-2024-presidential-run-donald-trump-attacks-biden-381492" hreflang="en">'Father of vaccine', immigration and 2024 presidential run: Donald Trump attacks Biden</a>

At the same time, however, the Trump-era rules were flexible about permitting exceptions to that and other standards, saying that "variations"&nbsp;could be made "where necessary" so long as certain bureaucratic procedures were followed in approving them.

In October, Judge Edgardo Ramos of the Southern District of New York had ordered the government turn over the 11-page document in response to Freedom of Information Act lawsuits filed by The New York Times and by the American Civil Liberties Union. The Biden administration inherited that case and sought a delay but has now complied, providing a copy to both plaintiffs late Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oversight-board-delays-decision-on-donald-trumps-facebook-ban-378147" hreflang="en">Oversight Board delays decision on Donald Trump's Facebook ban</a>

The Biden administration suspended the Trump-era rules on its first day in office and imposed an interim policy of requiring White House approval for proposed strikes outside of the war zones of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. At the same time, the Biden team began a review of how both Obama- and Trump-era policies had worked — both on paper and in practice — with an eye toward developing its own policy.

The review, officials said, discovered that Trump-era principles to govern strikes in certain countries often made an exception to the requirement of "near certainty" that there would be no civilian casualties. While it kept that rule for women and children, it permitted a lower standard of merely "reasonable certainty"&nbsp;when it came to civilian adult men.

Thomas P. Bossert, who helped oversee interagency development of the Trump-era rules in 2017 when he was a top counterterrorism adviser to Trump, said he was proud of them and argued that the policy "should not be dismissed or replaced without careful consideration and an examination of the results it produced."

The Biden administration has disclosed a set of rules secretly issued by President Donald Trump in 2017 for counterterrorism "direct action" operations — like drone strikes and commando raids outside conventional war zones — which the White House has suspended as it weighs whether and how to tighten the guidelines.

The Biden administration has disclosed a set of rules secretly issued by President Donald Trump in 2017 for counterterrorism "direct action" operations — like drone strikes and commando raids outside conventional war zones — which the White House has suspended as it weighs whether and how to tighten the guidelines. While the Biden administration censored some passages, the visible portions show that in the Trump era, commanders in the field were given latitude to make decisions about attacks so long as they fit within broad sets of "operating principles," including that there should be "near certainty" that civilians "will not be injured or killed in the course of operations." Also read | 'Father of vaccine', immigration and 2024 presidential run: Donald Trump attacks Biden At the same time, however, the Trump-era rules were flexible about permitting exceptions to that and other standards, saying that "variations" could be made "where necessary" so long as certain bureaucratic procedures were followed in approving them. In October, Judge Edgardo Ramos of the Southern District of New York had ordered the government turn over the 11-page document in response to Freedom of Information Act lawsuits filed by The New York Times and by the American Civil Liberties Union. The Biden administration inherited that case and sought a delay but has now complied, providing a copy to both plaintiffs late Friday. Also read | Oversight Board delays decision on Donald Trump's Facebook ban The Biden administration suspended the Trump-era rules on its first day in office and imposed an interim policy of requiring White House approval for proposed strikes outside of the war zones of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. At the same time, the Biden team began a review of how both Obama- and Trump-era policies had worked — both on paper and in practice — with an eye toward developing its own policy. The review, officials said, discovered that Trump-era principles to govern strikes in certain countries often made an exception to the requirement of "near certainty" that there would be no civilian casualties. While it kept that rule for women and children, it permitted a lower standard of merely "reasonable certainty" when it came to civilian adult men. Thomas P. Bossert, who helped oversee interagency development of the Trump-era rules in 2017 when he was a top counterterrorism adviser to Trump, said he was proud of them and argued that the policy "should not be dismissed or replaced without careful consideration and an examination of the results it produced."

Trump’s secret rules for drone strikes outside war zones are disclosed

Known to be a Republican supporter, country singer Garth Brooks has surprised one and all after it was announced on Monday that he would be performing at the inauguration ceremony for US President-elect Joe Biden.&nbsp; 
 
Brooks join a bevvy of stars like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez who would be performing at the ceremony.&nbsp; 
 
The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced on Monday Brooks name in the list of performers for the swearing-in ceremony for the 46th president of the United States.&nbsp; 
 
The Committee said future first lady, Dr Jill Biden, personally reached out to Brooks. The singer reportedly joked that he’ll likely be "the only Republican at the ceremony."&nbsp; 
 
The singer added that his presence at the ceremony was to bring people together, not politics.&nbsp; 
 
On a zoom call announcing the news, Brooks told reporters that he found the recent violence that broke out at the US Capitol on January 6 to be "disturbing and sad."&nbsp; 
 
Outgoing President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump will not be attending the ceremony on January 20th.&nbsp; 
 
Interestingly, Brooks had also performed at Barack Obama’s 2008 swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp; 
 
"I've played for every president there is, since Carter, with the exception of Reagan. This is an honour for me to get to serve... and it's one of the things that, if my family is around, no matter who the president-elect is, it's an honour to be asked," he told reporters during a virtual press conference.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier, last week the Inaugural Committee announced that Tom Hanks will host a 90-minute special that will lead into the ceremony.&nbsp; 
While many fans were excited to learn that the star would be offering up his talents for the ceremony, there are others who are not sure if Brooks has made the right move.&nbsp; 
 
"Apparently, Garth Brooks has some friends in high places too!" said a Twitter user. "Looking forward to his performance during our virtual inauguration celebration, for our very real President, Biden and Vice President, Harris." 
 
"Me reading garth brooks is playing at @JoeBiden's inauguration," said another alongside a video clip of a man jumping and clicking his heels together. 
 
Another said, "Awesome. Love Garth!"&nbsp; 
 
However, not everyone seemed to be happy with the news.&nbsp; 
 
"Garth brooks playing the Biden inauguration as a republican, putting a new spin on 'friends in low places,'" wrote one follower.&nbsp; 
 
"Biden isn't good," said another. "We're divided because people like Garth Brooks were willing to be divided when they were told to be." 
 
There were some who claimed to have 'unfollowed' the musician following the announcement.&nbsp;

Known to be a Republican supporter, country singer Garth Brooks has surprised one and all after it was announced on Monday that he would be performing at the inauguration ceremony for US President-elect Joe Biden.

Known to be a Republican supporter, country singer Garth Brooks has surprised one and all after it was announced on Monday that he would be performing at the inauguration ceremony for US President-elect Joe Biden. Brooks join a bevvy of stars like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez who would be performing at the ceremony. The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced on Monday Brooks name in the list of performers for the swearing-in ceremony for the 46th president of the United States. The Committee said future first lady, Dr Jill Biden, personally reached out to Brooks. The singer reportedly joked that he’ll likely be "the only Republican at the ceremony." The singer added that his presence at the ceremony was to bring people together, not politics. On a zoom call announcing the news, Brooks told reporters that he found the recent violence that broke out at the US Capitol on January 6 to be "disturbing and sad." Outgoing President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump will not be attending the ceremony on January 20th. Interestingly, Brooks had also performed at Barack Obama’s 2008 swearing-in ceremony. "I've played for every president there is, since Carter, with the exception of Reagan. This is an honour for me to get to serve... and it's one of the things that, if my family is around, no matter who the president-elect is, it's an honour to be asked," he told reporters during a virtual press conference. Earlier, last week the Inaugural Committee announced that Tom Hanks will host a 90-minute special that will lead into the ceremony. While many fans were excited to learn that the star would be offering up his talents for the ceremony, there are others who are not sure if Brooks has made the right move. "Apparently, Garth Brooks has some friends in high places too!" said a Twitter user. "Looking forward to his performance during our virtual inauguration celebration, for our very real President, Biden and Vice President, Harris." "Me reading garth brooks is playing at @JoeBiden's inauguration," said another alongside a video clip of a man jumping and clicking his heels together. Another said, "Awesome. Love Garth!" However, not everyone seemed to be happy with the news. "Garth brooks playing the Biden inauguration as a republican, putting a new spin on 'friends in low places,'" wrote one follower. "Biden isn't good," said another. "We're divided because people like Garth Brooks were willing to be divided when they were told to be." There were some who claimed to have 'unfollowed' the musician following the announcement.

Country singer Garth Brooks jokes at being the 'only Republican' performing at Joe Biden's inauguration

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