Legions of K-pop fans and TikTok users are taking credit for upending Donald Trump's weekend rally after block-reserving tickets with no intention to attend an event that was beset by an embarrassingly low turnout. 
 
Prior to the event in Tulsa, Oklahoma -- hyped as a major relaunch ahead of the November election -- Trump's campaign chairman tweeted that more than a million tickets had been requested. 
 
But according to the local fire department, just 6,200 people attended. 
 
Viral posts on TikTok and Twitter revealed that plans to reserve tickets en masse had been circulating for days, racking up hundreds of thousands of views. 
 
One video urged fans of the South Korean "K-pop" sensation BTS -- one of the world's most popular bands, with more than 21 million Twitter followers -- to participate in the plot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/k-pop-fans-and-tiktok-users-played-trump-hundreds-of-seats-remain-empty-in-tulsa-rally-307532" hreflang="en">K-Pop fans and TikTok users played Trump; hundreds of seats remain empty in Tulsa rally</a>

"Oh no, I signed up for a Trump rally, and I can't go," said one woman who coughed sarcastically in a separate TikTok video. 
 
Brad Parscale, Trump's campaign manager, blamed "radical protestors" for "interfering" with the rally. 
 
But Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 30-year-old leftist congresswoman from New York, clapped back: "You just got ROCKED by teens on TikTok." 
 
"KPop allies, we see and appreciate your contributions in the fight for justice too," she added. 
 
- 'Socially conscious' fans - 
 
Though ascertaining the concrete impact of the viral campaign on the rally's attendance is near impossible, the action spotlighted K-pop's tradition as a politically engaged fandom. 
 
Just in the past month, fans of the globally dominant pop genre -- which was born approximately 25 years ago in South Korea -- co-opted the hashtag #WhiteLivesMatter by flooding it with K-pop related imagery to drown out racist tweets. 
"K-pop has a culture of being responsible," said CedarBough Saeji, an academic expert of the genre based out of Indiana University. 
 
"K-pop fans in general are outward-looking, socially conscious people and K-pop in the United States is very heavily supported by people of color, by people who identify as being LGBTQ," she told AFP. 
 
K-pop superstars, known as idols, are expected to be role models, Saeji explained, and often inspire ardent fandoms. 
Though adorers would often send gifts to their favorite performers, many stars instead ask support be sent to charities instead. 
 
After BTS dropped $1 million behind the Black Lives Matter movement, a fan collective charity -- known as One in An ARMY -- raised another million to match. 
 
"BTS songs have played a role in motivating us to be confident with ourselves, to be kind to others, and to be there for one another," said Dawnica Nadora, a 27-year-old volunteer for the charity's US arm. 
 
In 2018 the powerhouse boy band addressed the United Nations, urging young people to engage their own convictions. 
Seiji pointed to a "messaging of positivity" behind the current activism from fans. 
 
"K-pop attracts people who like this kind of music but also who want to make the world a better place." 
 
- 'Powerful flex' - 
 
That socially conscious attitude coupled with internet savvy makes K-pop fandom a mighty force. 
 
"Fans are online all the time... K-pop organizers are primarily on Twitter," said Seiji, who said fans' understanding of internet algorithms makes them a powerful group when it comes to online organizing. 
 
According to the social media platform, #KpopTwitter posted a record 6.1 billion tweets in 2019. 
 
"We are very lucky that ARMYs support one another, despite often being thousands of miles away from each other," volunteer and BTS fan Nadora told AFP. 
 
And though some political analysts cast the viral effort to rain on Trump's parade as just a prank, a number of commentators including Seiji said it amounts to much more. 
 
"They corrupted all of this data that the Trump campaign was trying to collect," she said. "They basically showed the campaign, you're not going to be able to trust any of your numbers in the future." 
 
"That is a powerful flex." 
 
Seiji also said the action gave youth online evidence of their own agency to provoke change. 
 
"If they believe they can make a difference, they're also going to believe that voting is worthwhile."

&nbsp;

Legions of K-pop fans and TikTok users are taking credit for upending Donald Trump's weekend rally after block-reserving tickets with no intention to attend an event that was beset by an embarrassingly low turnout.

Legions of K-pop fans and TikTok users are taking credit for upending Donald Trump's weekend rally after block-reserving tickets with no intention to attend an event that was beset by an embarrassingly low turnout. Prior to the event in Tulsa, Oklahoma -- hyped as a major relaunch ahead of the November election -- Trump's campaign chairman tweeted that more than a million tickets had been requested. But according to the local fire department, just 6,200 people attended. Viral posts on TikTok and Twitter revealed that plans to reserve tickets en masse had been circulating for days, racking up hundreds of thousands of views. One video urged fans of the South Korean "K-pop" sensation BTS -- one of the world's most popular bands, with more than 21 million Twitter followers -- to participate in the plot. K-Pop fans and TikTok users played Trump; hundreds of seats remain empty in Tulsa rally "Oh no, I signed up for a Trump rally, and I can't go," said one woman who coughed sarcastically in a separate TikTok video. Brad Parscale, Trump's campaign manager, blamed "radical protestors" for "interfering" with the rally. But Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 30-year-old leftist congresswoman from New York, clapped back: "You just got ROCKED by teens on TikTok." "KPop allies, we see and appreciate your contributions in the fight for justice too," she added. - 'Socially conscious' fans - Though ascertaining the concrete impact of the viral campaign on the rally's attendance is near impossible, the action spotlighted K-pop's tradition as a politically engaged fandom. Just in the past month, fans of the globally dominant pop genre -- which was born approximately 25 years ago in South Korea -- co-opted the hashtag #WhiteLivesMatter by flooding it with K-pop related imagery to drown out racist tweets. "K-pop has a culture of being responsible," said CedarBough Saeji, an academic expert of the genre based out of Indiana University. "K-pop fans in general are outward-looking, socially conscious people and K-pop in the United States is very heavily supported by people of color, by people who identify as being LGBTQ," she told AFP. K-pop superstars, known as idols, are expected to be role models, Saeji explained, and often inspire ardent fandoms. Though adorers would often send gifts to their favorite performers, many stars instead ask support be sent to charities instead. After BTS dropped $1 million behind the Black Lives Matter movement, a fan collective charity -- known as One in An ARMY -- raised another million to match. "BTS songs have played a role in motivating us to be confident with ourselves, to be kind to others, and to be there for one another," said Dawnica Nadora, a 27-year-old volunteer for the charity's US arm. In 2018 the powerhouse boy band addressed the United Nations, urging young people to engage their own convictions. Seiji pointed to a "messaging of positivity" behind the current activism from fans. "K-pop attracts people who like this kind of music but also who want to make the world a better place." - 'Powerful flex' - That socially conscious attitude coupled with internet savvy makes K-pop fandom a mighty force. "Fans are online all the time... K-pop organizers are primarily on Twitter," said Seiji, who said fans' understanding of internet algorithms makes them a powerful group when it comes to online organizing. According to the social media platform, #KpopTwitter posted a record 6.1 billion tweets in 2019. "We are very lucky that ARMYs support one another, despite often being thousands of miles away from each other," volunteer and BTS fan Nadora told AFP. And though some political analysts cast the viral effort to rain on Trump's parade as just a prank, a number of commentators including Seiji said it amounts to much more. "They corrupted all of this data that the Trump campaign was trying to collect," she said. "They basically showed the campaign, you're not going to be able to trust any of your numbers in the future." "That is a powerful flex." Seiji also said the action gave youth online evidence of their own agency to provoke change. "If they believe they can make a difference, they're also going to believe that voting is worthwhile."

Online disruption of Donald Trump's rally highlights K-pop's political hustle

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The biggest increase was from North and South America with over 116,000 new cases, according to a daily report.&nbsp;

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According to Brazil's Ministry of Health, the country reported 641 new deaths in 24 hours taking the death toll to 50,617 with 1,085,038 recorded infections.

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The statue shows Roosevelt on a horse, with a Native American man and an African man by his side. It stands prominently on a plinth outside the museum's main entrance, overlooking Central Park.

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On Sunday, South Korea had reported 17 COVID-19 cases which was a drop from over 20 cases which the country had been reporting for the past one month.

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The Ishigaki City Council will change the administrative status of the island group known as Senkakus in Japan, and as Diaoyus in China.

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The United Nations estimates that more than a million Muslims have been detained in camps there. The State Department has accused China of subjecting Muslims to torture and abuse.

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On Saturday, two women came forward and accused Bieber of sexually assaulting them. One recalled the incident took place in 2015 and the other stated that it happened in 2014.

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A man recently triggered diuresis, but did not acknowledge it, causing him to end up in the hospital with a ruptured bladder.

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Responding to this mishap, a German financial watchdog Bafin called the incident a 'total disaster'.

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The Arena holds the capacity of 19,000, and according to Trump's campaign, 12,000 people attended the rally. But the actual figures were only 6,200, as per Tulsa fire department said.

WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases The biggest increase was from North and South America with over 116,000 new cases, according to a daily report.

WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases The biggest increase was from North and South America with over 116,000 new cases, according to a daily report. Brazil crosses 50,000 deaths due to novel coronavirus According to Brazil's Ministry of Health, the country reported 641 new deaths in 24 hours taking the death toll to 50,617 with 1,085,038 recorded infections. Trump against removal of Theodore Roosevelt's statue from outside Museum of Natural History The statue shows Roosevelt on a horse, with a Native American man and an African man by his side. It stands prominently on a plinth outside the museum's main entrance, overlooking Central Park. Coronavirus second wave triggered by May holiday: South Korea On Sunday, South Korea had reported 17 COVID-19 cases which was a drop from over 20 cases which the country had been reporting for the past one month. Japan changes administrative status of disputed islands, China dispatches ships The Ishigaki City Council will change the administrative status of the island group known as Senkakus in Japan, and as Diaoyus in China. Trump held off Xinjiang sanctions due to US-China trade talks The United Nations estimates that more than a million Muslims have been detained in camps there. The State Department has accused China of subjecting Muslims to torture and abuse. Justin Bieber denies sexual assault allegations, says he will take legal action On Saturday, two women came forward and accused Bieber of sexually assaulting them. One recalled the incident took place in 2015 and the other stated that it happened in 2014. Chinese man passes out after drinking 10 beers, wakes up with ruptured bladder A man recently triggered diuresis, but did not acknowledge it, causing him to end up in the hospital with a ruptured bladder. 'Total disaster' after Germany's Wirecard claims $2.1b was 'never there' Responding to this mishap, a German financial watchdog Bafin called the incident a 'total disaster'. Campaign manager Brad Parscale feels president's wrath after sparse crowd shows up for Trump's Tulsa rally The Arena holds the capacity of 19,000, and according to Trump's campaign, 12,000 people attended the rally. But the actual figures were only 6,200, as per Tulsa fire department said.

Top 10 world news today: Trump's failed rally, Wirecard fraud, S Korea's second wave of COVID and more

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After this statement, the White House had to clear the air and an official later told local media that Trump was joking.

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Local media reports reveal that the suspect arrested by police is a Libyan national in his twenties.

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As of now, there has been no indication that the shooting was related to the ongoing anti-racism protests, of which Minneapolis has been the origin.

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The annular solar eclipse, popularly known as the 'ring of fire' captivated several countries today. This rare celestial event coincided with the longest day today. This was the first solar eclipse of 2020.&nbsp;

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Matt Hancock has also said that there is a possibility people might have to register their details before entering such social spaces.

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Donald Trump, addressing his first election rally in three months on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said that COVID-19 is a disease which has more names than any other disease in history.

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The tests are done on samples collected from multiple people in one test tube, enabling the city to get results from almost 1 million people daily.

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Local authorities have rescued nearly 21 people till now, but it was not immediately clear how many people had been inside when the blast happened.

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He said: "It's not just Black lives matter, white lives matter, Chinese lives matter, all lives matter, and everybody’s life matters. God loves everyone — he never singled anyone out. Killing is wrong no matter who it is."

'Slow the testing down please': Trump's solution to end COVID-19 After this statement, the White House had to clear the air and an official later told local media that Trump was joking.

'Slow the testing down please': Trump's solution to end COVID-19 After this statement, the White House had to clear the air and an official later told local media that Trump was joking. UK: Reading stabbing attack declared a 'terrorist incident'; investigations continue Local media reports reveal that the suspect arrested by police is a Libyan national in his twenties. US: One dead and at least 11 injured in Minneapolis shooting As of now, there has been no indication that the shooting was related to the ongoing anti-racism protests, of which Minneapolis has been the origin. Ring of fire: Solar eclipse 2020 darkens skies around world The annular solar eclipse, popularly known as the 'ring of fire' captivated several countries today. This rare celestial event coincided with the longest day today. This was the first solar eclipse of 2020. UK to start easing lockdown soon; plans to be revealed this week: Health Minister Matt Hancock has also said that there is a possibility people might have to register their details before entering such social spaces. Donald Trump again blames China for COVID-19, terms it ‘Kung flu' Donald Trump, addressing his first election rally in three months on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said that COVID-19 is a disease which has more names than any other disease in history. COVID 19: Beijing to test one million people daily The tests are done on samples collected from multiple people in one test tube, enabling the city to get results from almost 1 million people daily. New York shooting: Nine wounded at Syracuse 'celebration' Of the nine victims, one was a 17-year-old boy in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head and eight others — ranging in age from 18 to 53 — were expected to survive. Ukraine gas explosion kills one, 21 residents evacuated Local authorities have rescued nearly 21 people till now, but it was not immediately clear how many people had been inside when the blast happened. Muhammad Ali's son says dad wouldn't have supported protests over George Floyd's death He said: "It's not just Black lives matter, white lives matter, Chinese lives matter, all lives matter, and everybody’s life matters. God loves everyone — he never singled anyone out. Killing is wrong no matter who it is."

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Amid the escalating tensions between India and China on the border, the Trump administration has said that the US president is aware of it and Washington is monitoring the situation.&nbsp;

"The president is aware of it. We're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters, as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-galwan-valley-has-become-the-flashpoint-in-india-china-conflict-once-again-306607">Why Galwan Valley has become the flashpoint in India-China conflict once again?</a>

"We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-border-dispute-what-happened-in-nathu-la-in-1967-306590">India-China border dispute: What happened in Nathu La in 1967</a>

As many as 20 Indian Army personnel were killed following a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley late on Monday.&nbsp;

The situation remains on the boil as this was the first time after the war in 1962 that soldiers of two Asian giants were killed in clashes on the India-China border in Ladakh.&nbsp;

The White House official also rejected the idea of the US acting as a mediator, which US President Donald Trump intended a few weeks ago.&nbsp;

"No formal plans on that beyond what I already said in expressing our absolute condolences to the Indian soldiers that died as a result of today's confrontation. We extend our deepest condolences there," McEnany said. 
&nbsp;

Amid the escalating tensions between India and China on the border, the Trump administration has said that the US president is aware of it and Washington is monitoring the situation.

Amid the escalating tensions between India and China on the border, the Trump administration has said that the US president is aware of it and Washington is monitoring the situation. "The president is aware of it. We're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters, as quoted by PTI. Also read | Why Galwan Valley has become the flashpoint in India-China conflict once again? "We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that." Also read | India-China border dispute: What happened in Nathu La in 1967 As many as 20 Indian Army personnel were killed following a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley late on Monday. The situation remains on the boil as this was the first time after the war in 1962 that soldiers of two Asian giants were killed in clashes on the India-China border in Ladakh. The White House official also rejected the idea of the US acting as a mediator, which US President Donald Trump intended a few weeks ago. "No formal plans on that beyond what I already said in expressing our absolute condolences to the Indian soldiers that died as a result of today's confrontation. We extend our deepest condolences there," McEnany said.

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The Trump administration aims to reinterpret a Cold War-era arms agreement between 34 nations with the goal of allowing US defence contractors to sell more American-made drones to a wide array of nations.

The policy change, which has not been previously reported, could open up sales of armed US drones to less stable governments such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates that in the past have been forbidden from buying them under the 33-year-old Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), said the US official, a former US official and one of the executives. It could also undermine longstanding MTCR compliance from countries such as Russia, said the US official, who has direct knowledge of the policy shift.

Reinterpreting the MTCR is part of a broader Trump administration effort to sell more weapons overseas. It has overhauled a broad range of arms export regulations and removed the US from international arms treaties including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty.

Sidestepping the accord would allow US defence contractors General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc and Northrop Grumman Corp to break into new markets currently dominated by less sophisticated offerings from China and Israel, which do not participate in the MTCR.

It's being said the US military is eager to see drone sales expanded to more countries. Such sales would bolster the militaries of allies and replace drones sales from other nations.

The drones would help allies fight terrorism, establish border control and generally help stop threats before they reach the United States.

US agencies including the departments of Commerce, Energy, Justice and Homeland Security agreed to the change in May, and the State Department is expected to approve the first drone sales under the new interpretation as soon as this summer, said the US official and industry executives.

The change is scheduled for a review by the White House National Security Council at its June 16 meeting, said one of the executives and a former US official with knowledge of the internal policy discussions. The council is expected to support the policy change and discuss a possible White House announcement.

The Trump administration is pressing ahead with its revamp of drone export policy under pressure from American manufacturers and despite objections from human rights advocates, who warn of the risk of fueling instability in hot spots including the Middle East and South Asia.

Expanded sales of armed drones could increase global conflicts, said Rachel Stohl, a weapons expert at the Stimson Center in Washington, a think tank focused on security issues that opposes weapons proliferation.

Under the State Department's current interpretation of the MTCR, all sales of large drones are subject to what is known as a "strong presumption of denial," which has made approvals rare. But the high bar to get a deal greenlighted will be removed, signaling to previously forbidden customers that their orders have much better chance of approval, according to the official, the former official and one of the defense executives.

Until now, only England, France and Australia have been allowed to buy large, armed drones from US manufacturers, according to data collected by The Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College in New York state.

The US official and the former official said any country where US forces are operating drones in the counterterrorism fight, such as Kuwait, could be a potential customer for lethal drones

US drone manufacturers, face growing competition overseas especially from Chinese and Israeli rivals who have far fewer rules limiting sales.The defense contractors are vying for a larger share of the global military drone market, which the Teal Group, a market research firm, forecast annual sales, research and development will rise from $15.8 billion in 2020 to nearly $20 billion by 2029.

Bart Roper, Senior Vice President for Strategic Development at General Atomics, said the firm has been limited under current policy and that a liberalization of the rules could result in "hundreds" of new sales. Roper, who did not confirm the policy change, said there is strong interest from Middle East and Southeast Asian customers that have been forced to purchase aircraft from the Chinese because of a lack of US alternatives.

A Northrop Grumman spokesman added that increased drone exports would lead to closer work on the technology with allies, helping keep US drones state-of-the-art.

MISSILE PACT

The MTCR agreement -- originally signed in 1987 by the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Britain -- focusses on stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The pact has been credited with slowing or stopping missile programs in countries such as Egypt, Argentina and Iraq.&nbsp;

The MTCR policy shift has been under consideration by the Trump administration since 2017, but has been delayed several times as the United States has grappled with objections within the government and from other nations in the agreement.

The MTCR currently classifies such drones as cruise missiles - and therefore subject to high export restrictions - because of the technical specifications for unpiloted aircraft in the 1987 pact. Under the reinterpretation, the United States will treat these drones as if they belong in a lower category that falls outside MTCR jurisdiction.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The Trump administration aims to reinterpret a Cold War-era arms agreement between 34 nations with the goal of allowing US defence contractors to sell more American-made drones to a wide array of nations.

The Trump administration aims to reinterpret a Cold War-era arms agreement between 34 nations with the goal of allowing US defence contractors to sell more American-made drones to a wide array of nations. The policy change, which has not been previously reported, could open up sales of armed US drones to less stable governments such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates that in the past have been forbidden from buying them under the 33-year-old Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), said the US official, a former US official and one of the executives. It could also undermine longstanding MTCR compliance from countries such as Russia, said the US official, who has direct knowledge of the policy shift. Reinterpreting the MTCR is part of a broader Trump administration effort to sell more weapons overseas. It has overhauled a broad range of arms export regulations and removed the US from international arms treaties including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty. Sidestepping the accord would allow US defence contractors General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc and Northrop Grumman Corp to break into new markets currently dominated by less sophisticated offerings from China and Israel, which do not participate in the MTCR. It's being said the US military is eager to see drone sales expanded to more countries. Such sales would bolster the militaries of allies and replace drones sales from other nations. The drones would help allies fight terrorism, establish border control and generally help stop threats before they reach the United States. US agencies including the departments of Commerce, Energy, Justice and Homeland Security agreed to the change in May, and the State Department is expected to approve the first drone sales under the new interpretation as soon as this summer, said the US official and industry executives. The change is scheduled for a review by the White House National Security Council at its June 16 meeting, said one of the executives and a former US official with knowledge of the internal policy discussions. The council is expected to support the policy change and discuss a possible White House announcement. The Trump administration is pressing ahead with its revamp of drone export policy under pressure from American manufacturers and despite objections from human rights advocates, who warn of the risk of fueling instability in hot spots including the Middle East and South Asia. Expanded sales of armed drones could increase global conflicts, said Rachel Stohl, a weapons expert at the Stimson Center in Washington, a think tank focused on security issues that opposes weapons proliferation. Under the State Department's current interpretation of the MTCR, all sales of large drones are subject to what is known as a "strong presumption of denial," which has made approvals rare. But the high bar to get a deal greenlighted will be removed, signaling to previously forbidden customers that their orders have much better chance of approval, according to the official, the former official and one of the defense executives. Until now, only England, France and Australia have been allowed to buy large, armed drones from US manufacturers, according to data collected by The Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College in New York state. The US official and the former official said any country where US forces are operating drones in the counterterrorism fight, such as Kuwait, could be a potential customer for lethal drones US drone manufacturers, face growing competition overseas especially from Chinese and Israeli rivals who have far fewer rules limiting sales.The defense contractors are vying for a larger share of the global military drone market, which the Teal Group, a market research firm, forecast annual sales, research and development will rise from $15.8 billion in 2020 to nearly $20 billion by 2029. Bart Roper, Senior Vice President for Strategic Development at General Atomics, said the firm has been limited under current policy and that a liberalization of the rules could result in "hundreds" of new sales. Roper, who did not confirm the policy change, said there is strong interest from Middle East and Southeast Asian customers that have been forced to purchase aircraft from the Chinese because of a lack of US alternatives. A Northrop Grumman spokesman added that increased drone exports would lead to closer work on the technology with allies, helping keep US drones state-of-the-art. MISSILE PACT The MTCR agreement -- originally signed in 1987 by the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Britain -- focusses on stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The pact has been credited with slowing or stopping missile programs in countries such as Egypt, Argentina and Iraq. The MTCR policy shift has been under consideration by the Trump administration since 2017, but has been delayed several times as the United States has grappled with objections within the government and from other nations in the agreement. The MTCR currently classifies such drones as cruise missiles - and therefore subject to high export restrictions - because of the technical specifications for unpiloted aircraft in the 1987 pact. Under the reinterpretation, the United States will treat these drones as if they belong in a lower category that falls outside MTCR jurisdiction. (with inputs from Reuters)

Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones

Thousands of Israelis took to streets to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu's plan to extend sovereignty over parts of the occupied West Bank, de-facto annexation of land that the Palestinians seek for a state.

The decision by the controversial Prime Minister has not gone well with all communities of Israel.

With the banner of&nbsp;"No to annexation, no to occupation, yes to peace and democracy", a lot of protestors also waved the Palestinian flag.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/israel-caught-in-the-middle-of-intensifying-rivalry-between-us-and-china-302292">Also read:&nbsp;Israel caught in the middle of intensifying rivalry between US and China</a>

The protests, organised&nbsp;&nbsp;by left-wing groups, paid heed to the precautions of coronavirus. Majority protestors were spotted wearing face masks, while some also wore gloves. Roads were marked with squares to guide people where to stand to maintain proper social distance.

The guidelines were followed keeping in mind the rising number of coronavirus positive cases in the country, post the lifting of lockdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-lawmaker-who-was-spotted-without-masks-tests-positive-700-employees-quarantined-303293">Also read:&nbsp;Israel's lawmaker who was spotted without masks tests positive; 700 employees quarantined</a>

While the protest saw&nbsp;attendance of thousands of people, a recent opinion poll has revealed around half of Israelis support annexation.

A video address by US Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders was also screened by the organisers in which Sanders called for justice and said,&nbsp;"It has never been more important to stand up for justice, and to fight for the future we all deserve. It’s up to all of us to stand up to authoritarian leaders and to build a peaceful future for every Palestinian and every Israeli."

The US President Donald Trump&nbsp;has unveiled a peace plan that requires Palestinians to establish&nbsp;a state under stringent conditions, but Israelis get to retain their establishments.

Israel's PM has, meanwhile,&nbsp;set July 1 as the date to begin advancing his plan. Palestinians have rejected his plan.

Some European and Arab states, along with the United Nations, have voiced concerns against this plan, calling it illegal, and have also warned Israel of possible violence in the country, and diplomatic repercussions.

(With inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

Thousands of Israelis took to streets to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to extend sovereignty over parts of the occupied West Bank, de-facto annexation of land that the Palestinians seek for a state.

Thousands of Israelis took to streets to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to extend sovereignty over parts of the occupied West Bank, de-facto annexation of land that the Palestinians seek for a state. The decision by the controversial Prime Minister has not gone well with all communities of Israel. With the banner of "No to annexation, no to occupation, yes to peace and democracy", a lot of protestors also waved the Palestinian flag. Also read: Israel caught in the middle of intensifying rivalry between US and China The protests, organised by left-wing groups, paid heed to the precautions of coronavirus. Majority protestors were spotted wearing face masks, while some also wore gloves. Roads were marked with squares to guide people where to stand to maintain proper social distance. The guidelines were followed keeping in mind the rising number of coronavirus positive cases in the country, post the lifting of lockdown. Also read: Israel's lawmaker who was spotted without masks tests positive; 700 employees quarantined While the protest saw attendance of thousands of people, a recent opinion poll has revealed around half of Israelis support annexation. A video address by US Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders was also screened by the organisers in which Sanders called for justice and said, "It has never been more important to stand up for justice, and to fight for the future we all deserve. It’s up to all of us to stand up to authoritarian leaders and to build a peaceful future for every Palestinian and every Israeli." The US President Donald Trump has unveiled a peace plan that requires Palestinians to establish a state under stringent conditions, but Israelis get to retain their establishments. Israel's PM has, meanwhile, set July 1 as the date to begin advancing his plan. Palestinians have rejected his plan. Some European and Arab states, along with the United Nations, have voiced concerns against this plan, calling it illegal, and have also warned Israel of possible violence in the country, and diplomatic repercussions. (With inputs from Reuters)

Israel: Thousands march against PM Benjamin Netanyahu's plans

As Donald Trump's posts gained criticism from the protesters of 'Black lives matter', Facebook too came under the knife for leaving&nbsp;up controversial posts by President Donald Trump.

"We're going to review our policies allowing discussion and threats of state use of force to see if there are any amendments we should adopt," he wrote. "We're going to review potential options for handling violating or partially-violating content aside from the binary leave-it-up or take-it-down decisions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-place-state-media-labels-on-russian-chinese-outlets-303466">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets</a>

President Donald Trump had last week said 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' which gathered a lot of criticism for the insensitivity of the topic.

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I just shared the following note with our employees, and I want to share it with all of you as well. --- As we...
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Former Facebook employees accused Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg of always trying to find a way out of such situations, and avoid going against the Trump.

Reportedly, in a staff meeting, employees questioned&nbsp;Zuckerberg's stance on Trump's post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-bans-use-of-boogaloo-that-hints-towards-potential-us-civil-war-303469">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook bans use of 'Boogaloo' that hints towards potential US civil war</a>

He has assured that the social media giant&nbsp;will be more transparent about its decision-making on whether to take down posts, review policies on posts that could cause voter suppression and would look to build software to advance racial justice, led by important lieutenants.

Zuckerberg finally admitted that Trump's comments were 'deeply offensive'. However, he&nbsp;is still maintaining his stance that the comments did&nbsp;not violate company policy against incitements to violence.

While he has now assured exploring other options of content policing, he added&nbsp;"I worry that this approach has a risk of leading us to editorialize on content we don`t like even if it doesn't violate our policies."&nbsp;

As Donald Trump's posts gained criticism from the protesters of 'Black lives matter', Facebook too came under the knife for leaving up controversial posts by President Donald Trump.

As Donald Trump's posts gained criticism from the protesters of 'Black lives matter', Facebook too came under the knife for leaving up controversial posts by President Donald Trump. "We're going to review our policies allowing discussion and threats of state use of force to see if there are any amendments we should adopt," he wrote. "We're going to review potential options for handling violating or partially-violating content aside from the binary leave-it-up or take-it-down decisions." Also read: Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets President Donald Trump had last week said 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' which gathered a lot of criticism for the insensitivity of the topic. I just shared the following note with our employees, and I want to share it with all of you as well. --- As we... Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Friday, June 5, 2020 × Former Facebook employees accused Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg of always trying to find a way out of such situations, and avoid going against the Trump. Reportedly, in a staff meeting, employees questioned Zuckerberg's stance on Trump's post. Also read: Facebook bans use of 'Boogaloo' that hints towards potential US civil war He has assured that the social media giant will be more transparent about its decision-making on whether to take down posts, review policies on posts that could cause voter suppression and would look to build software to advance racial justice, led by important lieutenants. Zuckerberg finally admitted that Trump's comments were 'deeply offensive'. However, he is still maintaining his stance that the comments did not violate company policy against incitements to violence. While he has now assured exploring other options of content policing, he added "I worry that this approach has a risk of leading us to editorialize on content we don`t like even if it doesn't violate our policies."

Facebook will review its content policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash

US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose tariffs on European Union cars if the bloc does not drop its tariff on American lobsters, naming White House trade adviser Peter Navarro the "lobster king" in charge of talks.

Trump, speaking at an event with commercial fishermen, also asked Navarro to identify Chinese products to hit with tariffs unless Beijing dropped its duties on American lobsters.

"If the European Union doesn't drop that tariff immediately, we're going to put a tariff on their cars, which will be equivalent," Trump said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-goes-against-environment-reopens-commercial-fishing-at-northeast-canyons-303741">Also read:&nbsp;Trump goes against environment; reopens commercial fishing at Northeast Canyons</a>

"Peter Navarro is going to be the lobster king now," he added after putting the adviser in charge of talks, promising the fishermen the tariffs on American lobsters would be dropped quickly by the EU.

No comment was immediately available from the US Trade Representative's office or the EU's delegation in Washington. The Chinese embassy had no immediate response.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-donald-trump-justify-branding-protesters-as-terrorists-303725">Also read:&nbsp;Can Donald Trump justify branding protesters as terrorists?</a>

Trump's top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, had proposed a mini-deal with the EU last year that would have reduced barriers for US lobsters, but it never gained traction.

Talks between the two sides have struggled in recent months despite repeated visits by the EU's new trade commissioner, Phil Hogan. Sources close to both sides, speaking on condition of anonymity, say they do not expect to make much headway this year.

Trump has previously made threats to place duties on European automobile imports, with the intent of receiving better terms in the US-Europe trade relationship. He has delayed imposing the tariffs a number of times.

US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose tariffs on European Union cars if the bloc does not drop its tariff on American lobsters, naming White House trade adviser Peter Navarro the "lobster king" in charge of talks.

US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose tariffs on European Union cars if the bloc does not drop its tariff on American lobsters, naming White House trade adviser Peter Navarro the "lobster king" in charge of talks. Trump, speaking at an event with commercial fishermen, also asked Navarro to identify Chinese products to hit with tariffs unless Beijing dropped its duties on American lobsters. "If the European Union doesn't drop that tariff immediately, we're going to put a tariff on their cars, which will be equivalent," Trump said. Also read: Trump goes against environment; reopens commercial fishing at Northeast Canyons "Peter Navarro is going to be the lobster king now," he added after putting the adviser in charge of talks, promising the fishermen the tariffs on American lobsters would be dropped quickly by the EU. No comment was immediately available from the US Trade Representative's office or the EU's delegation in Washington. The Chinese embassy had no immediate response. Also read: Can Donald Trump justify branding protesters as terrorists? Trump's top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, had proposed a mini-deal with the EU last year that would have reduced barriers for US lobsters, but it never gained traction. Talks between the two sides have struggled in recent months despite repeated visits by the EU's new trade commissioner, Phil Hogan. Sources close to both sides, speaking on condition of anonymity, say they do not expect to make much headway this year. Trump has previously made threats to place duties on European automobile imports, with the intent of receiving better terms in the US-Europe trade relationship. He has delayed imposing the tariffs a number of times.

Donald Trump threatens EU and China with tarrif in American lobster war

State-backed hackers from China and Iran have targeted staffers working on the US&nbsp;presidential campaign of Democratic candidate Joe Biden and US President Donald respectively according to&nbsp;a senior Google security official.

The announcement, made on Twitter by the head of Google's Threat Analysis Group, Shane Huntley, is the latest indication of the digital spying routinely aimed at top politicians of all stripes.

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Recently TAG saw China APT group targeting Biden campaign staff &amp; Iran APT targeting Trump campaign staff with phishing. No sign of compromise. We sent users our govt attack warning and we referred to fed law enforcement. <a href="https://t.co/ozlRL4SwhG">https://t.co/ozlRL4SwhG</a>
— Shane Huntley (@ShaneHuntley) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneHuntley/status/1268589219842109440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Huntley said there was "no sign of compromise" of either campaign.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-approval-rating-dips-currently-trails-behind-biden-polls-298359">Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls</a>

Iranian attempts to break into Trump campaign officials' emails have been documented before. Last year, Microsoft Corp announced that a group often nicknamed Charming Kitten had tried to break into email accounts belonging to an unnamed US&nbsp;presidential campaign that sources identified as Trump's.

Earlier this year, the threat intelligence company Area1 said that Russian hackers had targeted companies tied to a Ukrainian gas firm where Biden's son once served on the board.

Google declined to offer details beyond Huntley's tweets, but the unusually public attribution is a sign of how sensitive Americans have become to digital espionage efforts aimed at political campaigns.

State-backed hackers from China and Iran have targeted staffers working on the US presidential campaign of Democratic candidate Joe Biden and US President Donald respectively according to a senior Google security official.

State-backed hackers from China and Iran have targeted staffers working on the US presidential campaign of Democratic candidate Joe Biden and US President Donald respectively according to a senior Google security official. The announcement, made on Twitter by the head of Google's Threat Analysis Group, Shane Huntley, is the latest indication of the digital spying routinely aimed at top politicians of all stripes. Recently TAG saw China APT group targeting Biden campaign staff & Iran APT targeting Trump campaign staff with phishing. No sign of compromise. We sent users our govt attack warning and we referred to fed law enforcement. https://t.co/ozlRL4SwhG — Shane Huntley (@ShaneHuntley) June 4, 2020 × Huntley said there was "no sign of compromise" of either campaign. Also read: Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls Iranian attempts to break into Trump campaign officials' emails have been documented before. Last year, Microsoft Corp announced that a group often nicknamed Charming Kitten had tried to break into email accounts belonging to an unnamed US presidential campaign that sources identified as Trump's. Earlier this year, the threat intelligence company Area1 said that Russian hackers had targeted companies tied to a Ukrainian gas firm where Biden's son once served on the board. Google declined to offer details beyond Huntley's tweets, but the unusually public attribution is a sign of how sensitive Americans have become to digital espionage efforts aimed at political campaigns.

Biden and Trump's campaigns targeted by Chinese and Iranian hackers: Google

Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done.

The move of the employees,&nbsp;critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is&nbsp;reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google over sexual harassment.

As protests and rioting over the death in police custody of Floyd&nbsp;spread through several American cities this weekend, Zuckerberg was forced to defend Facebook’s position as, in his words, ''an institution committed to free expression.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-will-not-be-arbiters-of-truth-says-zuckerberg-after-trump-threat-301827">Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat</a>

Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook’s News Feed design team, tweeted:&nbsp;

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Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind.
— Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanchris/status/1267252760182788096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jason Toff, who joined Facebook as a director of product management a year ago, pointed to a broader upsurge of employee activism inside the company.

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I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard.
— Jason Toff (@jasontoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasontoff/status/1267318891203530752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Andrew Crow, head of design for Facebook’s Portal video-conferencing device, tweeted:

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Censoring information that might help people see the complete picture *is* wrong. But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if it’s newsworthy. I disagree with Mark’s position and will work to make change happen.
— Andrew (@AndrewCrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewCrow/status/1267313197377187842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jason Stirman, a member of the company’s R&amp;D team and the former chief executive of the “mental training” app Lucid, also posted on Twitter, saying:

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I don't know what to do, but I know doing nothing is not acceptable. I'm a FB employee that completely disagrees with Mark's decision to do nothing about Trump's recent posts, which clearly incite violence. I'm not alone inside of FB. There isn't a neutral position on racism.
— Stirman (@stirman) <a href="https://twitter.com/stirman/status/1266876587472896000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Some appealed to the company’s oversight board, a quasi-independent body that Facebook has funded to act as a ''supreme court''&nbsp;capable of ruling on difficult questions around content moderation.

But on Saturday, the board said it would not be able to intervene in time, but was ''working hard to set the board up to begin operating later this year.'

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There are many significant issues relating to online content that we recognize people want the Board to consider. We're working hard to set the Board up to begin operating later this year so it can start considering cases referred by users and Facebook.
— Oversight Board (@OversightBoard) <a href="https://twitter.com/OversightBoard/status/1266736657509875718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It was a rare case of staff publicly taking their CEO to task, with one employee tweeting that thousands participated. Among them were all seven engineers on the team maintaining the React code library which supports Facebook's apps.

Facebook Inc will allow employees participating in the protest to take the time off without drawing down their vacation days, spokesman Andy Stone said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-checking-doesnt-make-twitter-arbiter-of-truth-jack-dorseys-retort-to-donald-trump-301527">Fact-checking doesn't make Twitter 'arbiter of truth': Jack Dorsey's retort to Donald Trump</a>

Separately, online therapy company Talkspace said it ended partnership discussions with Facebook. Talkspace CEO Oren Frank tweeted he would "not support a platform that incites violence, racism, and lies.''

Executives and companies across the tech industry, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Netflix, as well as Salesforce, Slack, Uber and Twitter, expressed their support for anti-racism and criminal justice campaigns, through messages to employees, on their homepages or through official social media accounts.

Tech workers at companies including Facebook, Google, and Amazon.com Inc&nbsp;have pursued social justice issues in recent years, urging the companies to change policies.

Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing US President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done.

Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing US President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done. The move of the employees, critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's Google over sexual harassment. As protests and rioting over the death in police custody of Floyd spread through several American cities this weekend, Zuckerberg was forced to defend Facebook’s position as, in his words, ''an institution committed to free expression.'' Also read: Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook’s News Feed design team, tweeted: Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind. — Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) June 1, 2020 × Jason Toff, who joined Facebook as a director of product management a year ago, pointed to a broader upsurge of employee activism inside the company. I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard. — Jason Toff (@jasontoff) June 1, 2020 × Andrew Crow, head of design for Facebook’s Portal video-conferencing device, tweeted: Censoring information that might help people see the complete picture *is* wrong. But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if it’s newsworthy. I disagree with Mark’s position and will work to make change happen. — Andrew (@AndrewCrow) June 1, 2020 × Jason Stirman, a member of the company’s R&D team and the former chief executive of the “mental training” app Lucid, also posted on Twitter, saying: I don't know what to do, but I know doing nothing is not acceptable. I'm a FB employee that completely disagrees with Mark's decision to do nothing about Trump's recent posts, which clearly incite violence. I'm not alone inside of FB. There isn't a neutral position on racism. — Stirman (@stirman) May 30, 2020 × Some appealed to the company’s oversight board, a quasi-independent body that Facebook has funded to act as a ''supreme court'' capable of ruling on difficult questions around content moderation. But on Saturday, the board said it would not be able to intervene in time, but was ''working hard to set the board up to begin operating later this year.' There are many significant issues relating to online content that we recognize people want the Board to consider. We're working hard to set the Board up to begin operating later this year so it can start considering cases referred by users and Facebook. — Oversight Board (@OversightBoard) May 30, 2020 × It was a rare case of staff publicly taking their CEO to task, with one employee tweeting that thousands participated. Among them were all seven engineers on the team maintaining the React code library which supports Facebook's apps. Facebook Inc will allow employees participating in the protest to take the time off without drawing down their vacation days, spokesman Andy Stone said. Also read: Fact-checking doesn't make Twitter 'arbiter of truth': Jack Dorsey's retort to Donald Trump Separately, online therapy company Talkspace said it ended partnership discussions with Facebook. Talkspace CEO Oren Frank tweeted he would "not support a platform that incites violence, racism, and lies.'' Executives and companies across the tech industry, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Netflix, as well as Salesforce, Slack, Uber and Twitter, expressed their support for anti-racism and criminal justice campaigns, through messages to employees, on their homepages or through official social media accounts. Tech workers at companies including Facebook, Google, and Amazon.com Inc have pursued social justice issues in recent years, urging the companies to change policies.

Facebook employees walk out after accusing Zuckerberg of 'inadequate policing'

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has little choice but to stick with his Phase 1 China trade deal despite his anger at Beijing over the coronavirus pandemic, new Hong Kong security rules, and dwindling hopes China can meet U.S. goods purchase targets, people familiar with his administration's deliberations say.&nbsp;

The US-China trade negotiations took more than two years, heaped tariffs on $370 billion of Chinese products, whipsawed financial markets and dimmed global growth prospects well before the coronavirus outbreak crushed them.

In recent weeks, suggestions that Trump may cancel the deal have emanated from the White House almost daily, and businesses, investors, and China trade watchers are hanging on to every word and tweet.

But on Friday, when Trump said the United States would start dismantling trade and travel privileges for Hong Kong, he did not mention the deal. Stock markets heaved a sigh of relief, with the S&amp;P 500 reversing losses.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-supremacists-or-antifa-or-multiple-theories-float-on-who-caused-violence-in-us-302348" hreflang="en">White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US</a>

Talking tough on China and criticizing the Obama administration's more measured approach is a key part of Trump's re-election strategy. Sticking with the pact may mean accepting that China is likely to fall short of purchase commitments for US&nbsp;agricultural goods, manufactured products, energy and services - goals that many said were unrealistic&nbsp;even before the pandemic.

Canceling the deal, though, would reignite the nearly two-year US-China trade war at a time US&nbsp;unemployment is at its worst since the 1930s Great Depression.

The next US&nbsp;step would likely be reviving previously planned but canceled tariffs on some $165 billion worth of Chinese consumer goods, including Apple cellphones and computers, toys and clothing - all ultimately paid by US&nbsp;companies and passed on to consumers. Beijing would retaliate with tariffs on US&nbsp;goods, fueling more market turmoil and delaying recovery.

"He's stuck with a lemon. He gets an empty agreement if he sticks with it, and he gets more actions that create an economic drag and more volatility if he abandons it," said one person briefed on the administration's trade deliberations.

US&nbsp;goods exports&nbsp;to China in the first quarter were down $4 billion from the trade war-damaged levels a year earlier, according to US&nbsp;Census Bureau data.

The Peterson Institute of International Economics estimates&nbsp;that during the first quarter, China made only about 40% of the purchases it needed to stay on target for a first-year increase of $77 billion over 2017 levels, implying an extremely steep climb in the second half.

Leaving the deal now would not buy a lasting political bounce for Trump in manufacturing-heavy swing states with five months to go before the presidential election, analysts say.

Complex relationship

Trump blames China for failing to contain the coronavirus and has repeatedly said the deal, including its pledges to boost US&nbsp;exports to China by $200 billion over two years, no longer means as much to him with US&nbsp;coronavirus deaths now over 100,000 and job losses piling up.

Trump said on Friday that China was "absolutely smothering Hong Kong’s freedom," but refrained from harsh sanctions that could put the trade deal in jeopardy, taking milder steps to revoke the territory's separate travel and customs benefits from China.&nbsp;

Claire Reade, a former US&nbsp;trade negotiator, said Trump's "peripheral steps" would not deter Beijing from proceeding with the security law, as it regards Hong Kong as a core national security issue.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalists-covering-us-protests-face-the-ire-of-police-demonstrators-302331" hreflang="en">Journalists covering US protests face the ire of police, demonstrators</a>

"Probably the most significant thing from the trade perspective is that the Phase 1 trade deal is – for now anyway - unaffected," said Reade, senior counsel with Arnold and Porter law firm in Washington.&nbsp;

White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow criticized Beijing last week, but on trade told CNBC: "It’s a complex relationship. The China Phase 1 trade deal does continue to go on for the moment and we may be making progress there."&nbsp;

US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has recently cited&nbsp;"continuing progress" in the deal, after China welcomed US&nbsp;blueberries, barley, beef and dairy products. He has touted the deal's dispute settlement mechanism, which provides for regular consultations on compliance with Beijing's commitments on intellectual property protections, financial services, agriculture standards and purchases.&nbsp;

US-China flashpoints on Hong Kong, Taiwan and other issues did not derail negotiations that resulted in new concessions from China, said Jamieson Greer, who served as Lighthizer's chief of staff until April.

"Some of these security and human rights challenges have certainly complicated the atmosphere, but the trade agreement can still provide a set of rules governing important aspects of the trade relationship," said Greer, now an international trade partner at the King and Spalding law firm.

Another person familiar with USTR thinking said the agency "needs to make Phase 1 look good. They want to show that progress is being made. The president looks at the China relationship much more broadly."

US President Donald Trump has little choice but to stick with his Phase 1 China trade deal despite his anger at Beijing over the coronavirus pandemic, new Hong Kong security rules, and dwindling hopes China can meet U.

US President Donald Trump has little choice but to stick with his Phase 1 China trade deal despite his anger at Beijing over the coronavirus pandemic, new Hong Kong security rules, and dwindling hopes China can meet U.S. goods purchase targets, people familiar with his administration's deliberations say. The US-China trade negotiations took more than two years, heaped tariffs on $370 billion of Chinese products, whipsawed financial markets and dimmed global growth prospects well before the coronavirus outbreak crushed them. In recent weeks, suggestions that Trump may cancel the deal have emanated from the White House almost daily, and businesses, investors, and China trade watchers are hanging on to every word and tweet. But on Friday, when Trump said the United States would start dismantling trade and travel privileges for Hong Kong, he did not mention the deal. Stock markets heaved a sigh of relief, with the S&P 500 reversing losses. Also read: White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US Talking tough on China and criticizing the Obama administration's more measured approach is a key part of Trump's re-election strategy. Sticking with the pact may mean accepting that China is likely to fall short of purchase commitments for US agricultural goods, manufactured products, energy and services - goals that many said were unrealistic even before the pandemic. Canceling the deal, though, would reignite the nearly two-year US-China trade war at a time US unemployment is at its worst since the 1930s Great Depression. The next US step would likely be reviving previously planned but canceled tariffs on some $165 billion worth of Chinese consumer goods, including Apple cellphones and computers, toys and clothing - all ultimately paid by US companies and passed on to consumers. Beijing would retaliate with tariffs on US goods, fueling more market turmoil and delaying recovery. "He's stuck with a lemon. He gets an empty agreement if he sticks with it, and he gets more actions that create an economic drag and more volatility if he abandons it," said one person briefed on the administration's trade deliberations. US goods exports to China in the first quarter were down $4 billion from the trade war-damaged levels a year earlier, according to US Census Bureau data. The Peterson Institute of International Economics estimates that during the first quarter, China made only about 40% of the purchases it needed to stay on target for a first-year increase of $77 billion over 2017 levels, implying an extremely steep climb in the second half. Leaving the deal now would not buy a lasting political bounce for Trump in manufacturing-heavy swing states with five months to go before the presidential election, analysts say. Complex relationship Trump blames China for failing to contain the coronavirus and has repeatedly said the deal, including its pledges to boost US exports to China by $200 billion over two years, no longer means as much to him with US coronavirus deaths now over 100,000 and job losses piling up. Trump said on Friday that China was "absolutely smothering Hong Kong’s freedom," but refrained from harsh sanctions that could put the trade deal in jeopardy, taking milder steps to revoke the territory's separate travel and customs benefits from China. Claire Reade, a former US trade negotiator, said Trump's "peripheral steps" would not deter Beijing from proceeding with the security law, as it regards Hong Kong as a core national security issue. Also read: Journalists covering US protests face the ire of police, demonstrators "Probably the most significant thing from the trade perspective is that the Phase 1 trade deal is – for now anyway - unaffected," said Reade, senior counsel with Arnold and Porter law firm in Washington. White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow criticized Beijing last week, but on trade told CNBC: "It’s a complex relationship. The China Phase 1 trade deal does continue to go on for the moment and we may be making progress there." US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has recently cited "continuing progress" in the deal, after China welcomed US blueberries, barley, beef and dairy products. He has touted the deal's dispute settlement mechanism, which provides for regular consultations on compliance with Beijing's commitments on intellectual property protections, financial services, agriculture standards and purchases. US-China flashpoints on Hong Kong, Taiwan and other issues did not derail negotiations that resulted in new concessions from China, said Jamieson Greer, who served as Lighthizer's chief of staff until April. "Some of these security and human rights challenges have certainly complicated the atmosphere, but the trade agreement can still provide a set of rules governing important aspects of the trade relationship," said Greer, now an international trade partner at the King and Spalding law firm. Another person familiar with USTR thinking said the agency "needs to make Phase 1 look good. They want to show that progress is being made. The president looks at the China relationship much more broadly."

'Lemon' or not, Trump is stuck with Phase 1 China trade deal

Women's World Cup star Megan Rapinoe, long an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, says she wouldn't rule out running for America's highest office herself one day.

In excerpts from an interview with Vice TV that were released on Tuesday, Rapinoe branded Trump a "white nationalist" and said she didn't think his policies had helped Americans.

"Now, obviously, we have a white nationalist -- I think -- in the White House and the spewing of hate and the 'othering' of the rest of the country has only led to more rift between people and more despair and more anxiety and more fear going forward," Rapinoe said. "There's been no sort of path forward."

Rapinoe, who starred in the United States' 2019 World Cup triumph, said inclusion -- of racial minorities and women -- is key to progress.

She has been a vocal advocate for women's and LGBTQ rights and has joined in the demonstrations of kneeling for the US national anthem to protest racial inequality.

Asked if she would consider running for office herself, Rapinoe admitted it would be a departure.

"I'm not totally shutting the door, but it seems wild," she said.

She said her dream job would be "President, of course.

"If I'm going to do it, I want the biggest, baddest post," she said with a laugh, although she added she would "pick everyone else who's way smarter and way more qualified and way better at everything to actually do the thing.

"I'm not here being like 'I’m the smartest, I should be the president,'" she said. "I’m actually, like, 'I'm wholly unqualified for probably any position in government', but I've got that little bit of humility where I can be, like, 'You're smarter, you do this, you do this, you do this.'"

Women's World Cup star Megan Rapinoe, long an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, says she wouldn't rule out running for America's highest office herself one day.

Women's World Cup star Megan Rapinoe, long an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, says she wouldn't rule out running for America's highest office herself one day. In excerpts from an interview with Vice TV that were released on Tuesday, Rapinoe branded Trump a "white nationalist" and said she didn't think his policies had helped Americans. "Now, obviously, we have a white nationalist -- I think -- in the White House and the spewing of hate and the 'othering' of the rest of the country has only led to more rift between people and more despair and more anxiety and more fear going forward," Rapinoe said. "There's been no sort of path forward." Rapinoe, who starred in the United States' 2019 World Cup triumph, said inclusion -- of racial minorities and women -- is key to progress. She has been a vocal advocate for women's and LGBTQ rights and has joined in the demonstrations of kneeling for the US national anthem to protest racial inequality. Asked if she would consider running for office herself, Rapinoe admitted it would be a departure. "I'm not totally shutting the door, but it seems wild," she said. She said her dream job would be "President, of course. "If I'm going to do it, I want the biggest, baddest post," she said with a laugh, although she added she would "pick everyone else who's way smarter and way more qualified and way better at everything to actually do the thing. "I'm not here being like 'I’m the smartest, I should be the president,'" she said. "I’m actually, like, 'I'm wholly unqualified for probably any position in government', but I've got that little bit of humility where I can be, like, 'You're smarter, you do this, you do this, you do this.'"

US World Cup star Megan Rapinoe blasts Donald Trump, doesn't rule out run for office

American authorities approved an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients, as more US states eased pandemic lockdowns despite another spike in deaths from the disease.

The approval is the latest step in a global push to find viable treatments and a vaccine for the coronavirus, which has left half of humanity under some form of lockdown, hammered the world economy, and infected more than 3.3 million people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-nears-65000-in-us-as-malls-theatres-open-in-texas-296215">Coronavirus death toll nears 65,000 in US as malls, theatres open in Texas</a>

Remdesivir, an antiviral drug initially developed to treat Ebola, was given the green light on Friday after a major trial found that it boosted recovery in serious COVID-19 patients.

"It's really a very promising situation," President Donald Trump said on Friday at the White House, where he was joined by Daniel O'Day, CEO of Gilead Sciences, which developed Remdesivir.

Remdesivir incorporates itself into the virus's genome, short-circuiting its replication process.

The drug approval came as the US leaders struggled with growing pressure from citizens wearying of stay-at-home orders.

With about 1.1 million confirmed coronavirus cases, nearly 65,000 of them fatal, the United States has the highest tolls of any country, and Trump is keen for a turnaround as the world's largest economy reels with tens of millions left jobless.

"Hopefully, we're going to come in below that 100,000 lives lost, which is a horrible number nevertheless," said Trump, after suggesting earlier in the week the country could expect 60,000 or 70,000 fatalities.

Texas became the largest US state yet to ease curbs, while anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in several states -- including California, where officials had re-closed beaches beginning Friday to avoid a repeat of last weekend when crowds flocked to the shoreline.

There were protests in 11 cities in California -- where more than 50,000 coronavirus cases have been reported -- with people chanting against the lockdown.

In Huntington Beach, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of Los Angeles, several thousand people rallied to denounce Governor Gavin Newsom's beach shutdown order.

"It was the straw that broke the camel's back," protester Monica Beilhard fumed.

"It was uncalled for, unnecessary and people out here are making that known," she said. "And we're also very much saying enough is enough, we have the right to work... and it's time for the governor to allow the healthy to be able to get back to business."

'Slow, phased' reopening&nbsp;

Like the United States, governments around the world are struggling to balance the immense political and economic pressure to ease lockdowns with the need for public health measures against the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 236,000 people.

Several European countries, including Austria, have begun to ease restrictions with authorities in some of the hardest-hit parts like Spain reporting signs that the pandemic there was slowing.

Britain announced that it had hit its target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests a day, a step toward eventually lifting lockdown rules in the UK -- which this week overtook Spain to record the world's third-highest death toll.

Ireland, however, extended its lockdown by two weeks to May 18, with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar saying the nation will reopen "in a slow, phased, staged way" after that.

Meanwhile in South Asia, India announced that the lockdown on its 1.3 billion people -- the world's biggest -- would continue for two more weeks from May 4.

The virus restrictions also put a damper on May Day celebrations worldwide on Friday, with many labor unions delaying their rallies and some holding online events, while a determined few hit the streets in face masks in defiance of lockdown orders.

In Cuba's capital Havana, where around a million workers and their families take part in the annual May Day march, the image of Che Guevara gazed down on an eerily silent Revolution Square.

Sharp rhetoric &nbsp;

May Day carried extra significance this year because of the staggering number of people put out of work by the pandemic, with the global economy in a tailspin and facing its worst downturn since the Great Depression.

Stock markets tumbled again on Friday after President Trump's unproven allegation that the virus may have come from a lab in Wuhan -- the central Chinese city where the disease first emerged late last year.

Beijing has rejected the accusation, and scientists believe the virus jumped from animals to humans.

The White House has accused Chinese authorities of mishandling the outbreak, "slow-walking" coronavirus data, and putting the US lives at risk.

The disease overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure when it hit the United States, putting immense pressure on doctors, nurses, and emergency responders.

Some US medics relied on past experience in other countries to fight the virus.

David Callaway, a doctor, and academic who has worked in the past on diseases in conflict-hit nations such as South Sudan and Iraq, said he found overseas epidemics easier to handle in some ways.

"Family and loved ones, you can put them in a box and you use them as a source of motivation and inspiration when things get rough, but you know they are safe," he told AFP.

"A pandemic at home, you know that your family and your loved ones are still at risk, their lives hang on the line."

American authorities approved an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients, as more US states eased pandemic lockdowns despite another spike in deaths from the disease.

American authorities approved an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients, as more US states eased pandemic lockdowns despite another spike in deaths from the disease. The approval is the latest step in a global push to find viable treatments and a vaccine for the coronavirus, which has left half of humanity under some form of lockdown, hammered the world economy, and infected more than 3.3 million people. Also read | Coronavirus death toll nears 65,000 in US as malls, theatres open in Texas Remdesivir, an antiviral drug initially developed to treat Ebola, was given the green light on Friday after a major trial found that it boosted recovery in serious COVID-19 patients. "It's really a very promising situation," President Donald Trump said on Friday at the White House, where he was joined by Daniel O'Day, CEO of Gilead Sciences, which developed Remdesivir. Remdesivir incorporates itself into the virus's genome, short-circuiting its replication process. The drug approval came as the US leaders struggled with growing pressure from citizens wearying of stay-at-home orders. With about 1.1 million confirmed coronavirus cases, nearly 65,000 of them fatal, the United States has the highest tolls of any country, and Trump is keen for a turnaround as the world's largest economy reels with tens of millions left jobless. "Hopefully, we're going to come in below that 100,000 lives lost, which is a horrible number nevertheless," said Trump, after suggesting earlier in the week the country could expect 60,000 or 70,000 fatalities. Texas became the largest US state yet to ease curbs, while anti-lockdown demonstrations were held in several states -- including California, where officials had re-closed beaches beginning Friday to avoid a repeat of last weekend when crowds flocked to the shoreline. There were protests in 11 cities in California -- where more than 50,000 coronavirus cases have been reported -- with people chanting against the lockdown. In Huntington Beach, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of Los Angeles, several thousand people rallied to denounce Governor Gavin Newsom's beach shutdown order. "It was the straw that broke the camel's back," protester Monica Beilhard fumed. "It was uncalled for, unnecessary and people out here are making that known," she said. "And we're also very much saying enough is enough, we have the right to work... and it's time for the governor to allow the healthy to be able to get back to business." 'Slow, phased' reopening Like the United States, governments around the world are struggling to balance the immense political and economic pressure to ease lockdowns with the need for public health measures against the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 236,000 people. Several European countries, including Austria, have begun to ease restrictions with authorities in some of the hardest-hit parts like Spain reporting signs that the pandemic there was slowing. Britain announced that it had hit its target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests a day, a step toward eventually lifting lockdown rules in the UK -- which this week overtook Spain to record the world's third-highest death toll. Ireland, however, extended its lockdown by two weeks to May 18, with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar saying the nation will reopen "in a slow, phased, staged way" after that. Meanwhile in South Asia, India announced that the lockdown on its 1.3 billion people -- the world's biggest -- would continue for two more weeks from May 4. The virus restrictions also put a damper on May Day celebrations worldwide on Friday, with many labor unions delaying their rallies and some holding online events, while a determined few hit the streets in face masks in defiance of lockdown orders. In Cuba's capital Havana, where around a million workers and their families take part in the annual May Day march, the image of Che Guevara gazed down on an eerily silent Revolution Square. Sharp rhetoric May Day carried extra significance this year because of the staggering number of people put out of work by the pandemic, with the global economy in a tailspin and facing its worst downturn since the Great Depression. Stock markets tumbled again on Friday after President Trump's unproven allegation that the virus may have come from a lab in Wuhan -- the central Chinese city where the disease first emerged late last year. Beijing has rejected the accusation, and scientists believe the virus jumped from animals to humans. The White House has accused Chinese authorities of mishandling the outbreak, "slow-walking" coronavirus data, and putting the US lives at risk. The disease overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure when it hit the United States, putting immense pressure on doctors, nurses, and emergency responders. Some US medics relied on past experience in other countries to fight the virus. David Callaway, a doctor, and academic who has worked in the past on diseases in conflict-hit nations such as South Sudan and Iraq, said he found overseas epidemics easier to handle in some ways. "Family and loved ones, you can put them in a box and you use them as a source of motivation and inspiration when things get rough, but you know they are safe," he told AFP. "A pandemic at home, you know that your family and your loved ones are still at risk, their lives hang on the line."

US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown

After nearly three weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind have been unfollowed by the White House on Twitter.&nbsp;

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On April 10, the official Twitter handle of the White House had followed the PM Modi and President Kovind making them the only world leaders to be followed by the account. The White House had also followed President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn), PM Modi's personal Twitter handle, the Prime Minister's Office (@PMO) and the Indian embassy in Washington DC (@IndianEmbassyUS) taking the toll of the 'following' to 19.&nbsp;

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The handle decided to unfollow all the non-US accounts and now is following 13 accounts and has more than 22 million followers.&nbsp;

<img alt="cx" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00afabc2-1214-4a94-b956-d67880af9d85" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_7.JPG" />

India-US friendship hit a speedbump when India refused to lift a ban on hydroxychloroquine and Trump threatened India of 'retaliation'. But agreed to lift the ban and export the medicine to the US.

The significance of the move is unknown to all, although Donald Trump shared a warm tweet thanking PM Modi and India for agreeing on exporting the hydroxychloroquine calling him a "close friend".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1247950299408498693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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But due to Trump's unpredictable nature, it could also signify bitterness.&nbsp;

Both countries are currently fighting against the global pandemic of coronavirus, the United States remains the worst-hit whereas India's COVID response was lauded by WHO.&nbsp;

After nearly three weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind have been unfollowed by the White House on Twitter. Also read: Coronavirus antibody tests may give false positives, says new research On April 10, the official Twitter handle of the White House had followed the PM Modi and President Kovind making them the only world leaders to be followed by the account.

After nearly three weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind have been unfollowed by the White House on Twitter. Also read: Coronavirus antibody tests may give false positives, says new research On April 10, the official Twitter handle of the White House had followed the PM Modi and President Kovind making them the only world leaders to be followed by the account. The White House had also followed President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn), PM Modi's personal Twitter handle, the Prime Minister's Office (@PMO) and the Indian embassy in Washington DC (@IndianEmbassyUS) taking the toll of the 'following' to 19. Also read: US registers its one-millionth positive case; Europe heading towards to "normal" The handle decided to unfollow all the non-US accounts and now is following 13 accounts and has more than 22 million followers. India-US friendship hit a speedbump when India refused to lift a ban on hydroxychloroquine and Trump threatened India of 'retaliation'. But agreed to lift the ban and export the medicine to the US. The significance of the move is unknown to all, although Donald Trump shared a warm tweet thanking PM Modi and India for agreeing on exporting the hydroxychloroquine calling him a "close friend". Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2020 × But due to Trump's unpredictable nature, it could also signify bitterness. Both countries are currently fighting against the global pandemic of coronavirus, the United States remains the worst-hit whereas India's COVID response was lauded by WHO.

White House's official Twitter handle unfollows Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The US Congress and President Donald Trump have enacted a historic $2 trillion&nbsp;stimulus bill to address the dramatic economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The package includes&nbsp;direct payments, an unprecedented expansion in unemployment benefits and $350 billion benefits in small business loans.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-reoccur-in-2024-social-distancing-should-continue-in-us-for-two-years-harvard-study-292950" hreflang="en">Coronavirus could reoccur in 2024, social distancing should continue in US for two years: Harvard study</a>

But while people need the help immediately, the government is taking its sweet time to get everything moving.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-expands-coronavirus-emergency-nationwide-amid-spike-in-cases-292928" hreflang="en">Japan expands coronavirus emergency nationwide amid spike in cases</a>

Why? Because the 73-year-old president of a country that is dealing with unprecedented health and economic disaster has demanded his name to appear on the stimulus cheques. The funds, which are meant for struggling citizens in America will be delayed for an absurd request by their president.

Now before we give you the details of what exactly is happening at the US Treasury department and why is the internal revenue service delaying the whole process.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-in-spain-crosses-19000-casualties-may-be-higher-say-reports-292918" hreflang="en">Coronavirus death toll in Spain crosses 19,000; casualties may be higher, say reports</a>

At the latest White House briefing on coronavirus pandemic, &nbsp;a reporter asked the reason for&nbsp;adding Trump's name on the coronavirus relief cheques, Trump immediately dismissed the question by saying that he doesn't know too much about it.

However, he did confirm that his name will be on the cheques.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-g20-agrees-to-provide-debt-relief-to-poorest-countries-292917" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: G20 agrees to provide debt relief to poorest countries</a>

"I don't know too much about it, but I understand that my name will be there. I don't know where they are going, how they are going. But I do understand that it is not delaying anything. And I'm satisfied with that. I can't imagine it to be a big deal. I am sure the people will be happy to receive a big fat beautiful cheque with my name on it", the president answered.

While the internal revenue service is rushing to send the checks millions of Americans, the US&nbsp;Treasury Department has ordered president Trump’s name printed on them.&nbsp;

A process that will delay the delivery by a few days. This will be the first time a president’s name will appear on an IRS disbursement, another sign of Trump’s effort to cast his response to the pandemic in political terms.

But the president of the United States is not an authorized signer for legal disbursements by the treasury. It is a standard practice for a civil servant to sign checks issued by the Treasury Department. &nbsp;A standard procedure to ensure that the government payments are non-partisan. So, the checks will instead bear Trump’s name in the memo line.

The paper checks are scheduled to be issued at a rate of 5 million each week until September.

The US Congress and President Donald Trump have enacted a historic $2 trillion stimulus bill to address the dramatic economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The US Congress and President Donald Trump have enacted a historic $2 trillion stimulus bill to address the dramatic economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The package includes direct payments, an unprecedented expansion in unemployment benefits and $350 billion benefits in small business loans. Also read: Coronavirus could reoccur in 2024, social distancing should continue in US for two years: Harvard study But while people need the help immediately, the government is taking its sweet time to get everything moving. Also read: Japan expands coronavirus emergency nationwide amid spike in cases Why? Because the 73-year-old president of a country that is dealing with unprecedented health and economic disaster has demanded his name to appear on the stimulus cheques. The funds, which are meant for struggling citizens in America will be delayed for an absurd request by their president. Now before we give you the details of what exactly is happening at the US Treasury department and why is the internal revenue service delaying the whole process. Also read: Coronavirus death toll in Spain crosses 19,000; casualties may be higher, say reports At the latest White House briefing on coronavirus pandemic, a reporter asked the reason for adding Trump's name on the coronavirus relief cheques, Trump immediately dismissed the question by saying that he doesn't know too much about it. However, he did confirm that his name will be on the cheques. Also read: Coronavirus: G20 agrees to provide debt relief to poorest countries "I don't know too much about it, but I understand that my name will be there. I don't know where they are going, how they are going. But I do understand that it is not delaying anything. And I'm satisfied with that. I can't imagine it to be a big deal. I am sure the people will be happy to receive a big fat beautiful cheque with my name on it", the president answered. While the internal revenue service is rushing to send the checks millions of Americans, the US Treasury Department has ordered president Trump’s name printed on them. A process that will delay the delivery by a few days. This will be the first time a president’s name will appear on an IRS disbursement, another sign of Trump’s effort to cast his response to the pandemic in political terms. But the president of the United States is not an authorized signer for legal disbursements by the treasury. It is a standard practice for a civil servant to sign checks issued by the Treasury Department. A standard procedure to ensure that the government payments are non-partisan. So, the checks will instead bear Trump’s name in the memo line. The paper checks are scheduled to be issued at a rate of 5 million each week until September.

People will be happy to receive big, fat cheque with my name on it: Trump

US President Donald Trump's decision to stop all funding to the World Health Organization amid pandemic has not gone down well with several celebrities. 
 
The United States is the WHO's largest donor, and the State Department had previously planned to provide the organization $893 million in the current two-year funding period. According to Trump, the money saved will go to areas that "most need it". 
 
Several stars have slammed Trump's move pointing out that defunding at a time when there is a global pandemic, is "sick".

“Trump doesn’t like the World Health Organization for telling him to stop politicizing this virus, so he’s threatening to defund them! How sick,” wrote Barbra Streisand just before the announcement was made.

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Trump doesn’t like the World Health Organization for telling him to stop politicizing this virus, so he’s threatening to defund them! 
How sick. <a href="https://t.co/R9R5iZ6bur">https://t.co/R9R5iZ6bur</a>
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarbraStreisand/status/1249444709984014337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Did the president just say he would withhold aid?" Jamie Lee Curtis tweeted.

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Did the president just say he would withhold aid?
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamieleecurtis/status/1250180963574808576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"WHO warns Trump of impending Pandemic. Trump mocks virus as hoax. Virus washes onto our shores. WHO offers tests. Trump tells them says no. Many Americans still can’t get tested. WHO works to help find treaments &amp; vaccine with global support. Trumps cuts funding to WHO," wrote Josh Gad.

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WHO warns Trump of impending Pandemic. Trump mocks virus as hoax. Virus washes onto our shores. WHO offers tests. Trump tells them says no. Many Americans still can’t get tested. WHO works to help find treaments &amp; vaccine with global support. Trumps cuts funding to WHO. <a href="https://t.co/Zu0szpvsUg">https://t.co/Zu0szpvsUg</a>
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshgad/status/1250199347775471617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"2000+ are dying everyday and our President ends funding to the World Health Organization during a worldwide pandemic," wrote actor Wendell Pierce.

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2000+ are dying everyday and our President ends funding to the World Health Organization during a worldwide pandemic.
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) <a href="https://twitter.com/WendellPierce/status/1250189937447784448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs @WHO now more than ever," Bill Gates wrote.

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Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> now more than ever.
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates/status/1250292126643941376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"So, to clarify—Donald Trump takes no responsibility for all the states in the country he was elected to represent, yet the World Health Org is to blame. So, don’t look to your president. Blame a global organization that is crucial to preventing the spread of covid-19," Chelsea Handler added.

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So, to clarify—Donald Trump takes no responsibility for all the states in the country he was elected to represent, yet the World Health Org is to blame. So, don’t look to your president. Blame a global organization that is crucial to preventing the spread of covid-19.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) <a href="https://twitter.com/chelseahandler/status/1250416146588659712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The novel coronavirus has infected more than 1,996,681 people across 185 countries and territories, resulting in over 127,590 deaths. US is said to be the most effected with over&nbsp; 6 lakh cases and at least 26,059 deaths.

US President Donald Trump's decision to stop all funding to the World Health Organization amid pandemic has not gone down well with several celebrities. The United States is the WHO's largest donor, and the State Department had previously planned to provide the organization $893 million in the current two-year funding period.

US President Donald Trump's decision to stop all funding to the World Health Organization amid pandemic has not gone down well with several celebrities. The United States is the WHO's largest donor, and the State Department had previously planned to provide the organization $893 million in the current two-year funding period. According to Trump, the money saved will go to areas that "most need it". Several stars have slammed Trump's move pointing out that defunding at a time when there is a global pandemic, is "sick". “Trump doesn’t like the World Health Organization for telling him to stop politicizing this virus, so he’s threatening to defund them! How sick,” wrote Barbra Streisand just before the announcement was made. Trump doesn’t like the World Health Organization for telling him to stop politicizing this virus, so he’s threatening to defund them! How sick. https://t.co/R9R5iZ6bur — Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) April 12, 2020 × "Did the president just say he would withhold aid?" Jamie Lee Curtis tweeted. Did the president just say he would withhold aid? — Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) April 14, 2020 × "WHO warns Trump of impending Pandemic. Trump mocks virus as hoax. Virus washes onto our shores. WHO offers tests. Trump tells them says no. Many Americans still can’t get tested. WHO works to help find treaments & vaccine with global support. Trumps cuts funding to WHO," wrote Josh Gad. WHO warns Trump of impending Pandemic. Trump mocks virus as hoax. Virus washes onto our shores. WHO offers tests. Trump tells them says no. Many Americans still can’t get tested. WHO works to help find treaments & vaccine with global support. Trumps cuts funding to WHO. https://t.co/Zu0szpvsUg — Josh Gad (@joshgad) April 14, 2020 × "2000+ are dying everyday and our President ends funding to the World Health Organization during a worldwide pandemic," wrote actor Wendell Pierce. 2000+ are dying everyday and our President ends funding to the World Health Organization during a worldwide pandemic. — Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) April 14, 2020 × "Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs @WHO now more than ever," Bill Gates wrote. Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs @WHO now more than ever. — Bill Gates (@BillGates) April 15, 2020 × "So, to clarify—Donald Trump takes no responsibility for all the states in the country he was elected to represent, yet the World Health Org is to blame. So, don’t look to your president. Blame a global organization that is crucial to preventing the spread of covid-19," Chelsea Handler added. So, to clarify—Donald Trump takes no responsibility for all the states in the country he was elected to represent, yet the World Health Org is to blame. So, don’t look to your president. Blame a global organization that is crucial to preventing the spread of covid-19. — Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) April 15, 2020 × The novel coronavirus has infected more than 1,996,681 people across 185 countries and territories, resulting in over 127,590 deaths. US is said to be the most effected with over 6 lakh cases and at least 26,059 deaths.

'How sick!': Barbra Streisand, Bill Gates and other celebrities slam Trump for halting WHO funding

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a suspension of US funding to the World Health Organisation because he said it had covered up the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak in China before it spread around the world.

Trump told a press conference he was instructing his administration to halt funding while "a review is conducted to assess the World Health Organisation's role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-governor-says-hospitalization-covid-19-infections-down-while-taking-a-dig-at-king-trump-292515" hreflang="en">New York governor says COVID-19 infections down; takes a dig at 'King Trump'</a>

According to Trump, the WHO prevented transparency over the outbreak and the United States, the UN body's biggest funder which provided $400 million last year, will now "discuss what we do with all that money that goes to the WHO."

"With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have deep concerns whether America's generosity has been put to the best use possible."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-trump-has-little-power-to-restart-us-economy-292451" hreflang="en">Experts say Trump has little power to restart US&nbsp;economy</a>

Trump's attack on the WHO reflects his belief that the organisation is biased toward China and colluded to prevent the United States' main economic rival from having to be open about the unfolding health disaster.

He says this cost other countries crucial time to prepare and delayed decisions to stop international travel.

"The WHO's attack on travel restrictions put political correctness above life-saving measures," he said.

"Had the WHO done its job to get medical experts into China to objectively assess the situation on the ground and to call out China's lack of transparency, the outbreak could have been contained at its source with very little death," he said.&nbsp;

"This would have saved thousands of lives and avoided worldwide economic damage. Instead, the WHO willingly took China's assurances to face value... and defended the actions of the Chinese government," he said.

Critics have pointed out that for weeks after the coronavirus epidemic began unfolding, Trump frequently praised Beijing's response and downplayed the danger it posed at home.

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a suspension of US funding to the World Health Organisation because he said it had covered up the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak in China before it spread around the world.

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a suspension of US funding to the World Health Organisation because he said it had covered up the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak in China before it spread around the world. Trump told a press conference he was instructing his administration to halt funding while "a review is conducted to assess the World Health Organisation's role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus." Also read: New York governor says COVID-19 infections down; takes a dig at 'King Trump' According to Trump, the WHO prevented transparency over the outbreak and the United States, the UN body's biggest funder which provided $400 million last year, will now "discuss what we do with all that money that goes to the WHO." "With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have deep concerns whether America's generosity has been put to the best use possible." Also read: Experts say Trump has little power to restart US economy Trump's attack on the WHO reflects his belief that the organisation is biased toward China and colluded to prevent the United States' main economic rival from having to be open about the unfolding health disaster. He says this cost other countries crucial time to prepare and delayed decisions to stop international travel. "The WHO's attack on travel restrictions put political correctness above life-saving measures," he said. "Had the WHO done its job to get medical experts into China to objectively assess the situation on the ground and to call out China's lack of transparency, the outbreak could have been contained at its source with very little death," he said. "This would have saved thousands of lives and avoided worldwide economic damage. Instead, the WHO willingly took China's assurances to face value... and defended the actions of the Chinese government," he said. Critics have pointed out that for weeks after the coronavirus epidemic began unfolding, Trump frequently praised Beijing's response and downplayed the danger it posed at home.

Trump announces funding halt to World Health Organisation

US President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to temporarily halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-funding-halt-to-world-health-organisation-292533">Also read: Trump announces funding halt to World Health Organisation</a>

Trump said the WHO had "failed in its basic duty and it must be held accountable". He said it promoted China's "disinformation" about the virus that likely led to a wider outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-governor-says-hospitalization-covid-19-infections-down-while-taking-a-dig-at-king-trump-292515" hreflang="en">New York governor says COVID-19 infections down; takes a dig at 'King Trump'</a>

The United States is the biggest overall donor to the Geneva-based WHO, contributing more than $400 million in 2019, roughly 15% of its budget.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-trump-has-little-power-to-restart-us-economy-292451" hreflang="en">Experts say Trump has little power to restart US&nbsp;economy</a>

CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY&nbsp;

China urged the United States to fulfil its obligations to the WHO. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected nearly 2 million people globally, was at a critical stage and that the US decision would affect all countries.&nbsp;

GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER HEIKO MAAS

"Apportioning blame doesn't help. The virus knows no borders," Maas said on Twitter on Wednesday.

"We have to work closely together against #COVID19. One of the best investments is to strengthen the @UN, especially the under-funded @WHO, for example for developing and distributing tests and vaccines."&nbsp;

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Dr Patrice Harris called it "a dangerous step in the wrong direction that will not make defeating COVID-19 easier" and urged Trump to reconsider. UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES 
"Not the time" to reduce resources for WHO operations. 
"Now is the time for unity and the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences," he said.&nbsp;

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR HEALTH SECURITY

"The move sends the wrong message during the middle of a pandemic," said Dr Amesh Adalja, an infectious diseases expert and senior scholar.

Adalja said the WHO does make mistakes, as it did in delaying the response to the Ebola outbreak in 2013 and 2014 in West Africa. He said reforms may be needed, but that work needs to take place after the pandemic has passed.

"It's not the middle of a pandemic that you do this type of thing," he said.

Adalja said the WHO collects information about where the virus is active in every county in the world, which the United States needs to help guide decisions about when to open borders.&nbsp;

US CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION&nbsp;

Directed requests for comment to the White House.&nbsp;

&nbsp;PROTECT OUR CARE&nbsp;

"This is nothing more than a transparent attempt by President Trump to distract from his history downplaying the severity of the coronavirus crisis and his administration’s failure to prepare our nation," said Chair Leslie Dach, who served as the global Ebola coordinator for the US Department of Health and Human Services.

"To be sure, the World Health Organization is not without fault but it is beyond irresponsible to cut its funding at the height of a global pandemic. This move will undoubtedly make Americans less safe." 
Protect Our Care is a US organisation working to protect affordable coverage for all Americans.&nbsp;

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

"This virus doesn't need passports. In a few short months, it has travelled to all of the continents of the world except Antarctica. If there were ever an event that showed us how we need to work tougher as a global community, this is it," said Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert.&nbsp;

CHAIRMAN, US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

"With each passing day of this worsening crisis, the president is showing us his political playbook: blame the WHO, blame China, blame his political opponents, blame his predecessors - do whatever it takes to deflect from the fact that his administration mismanaged this crisis and it’s now costing thousands of American lives," Democratic representative Eliot Engel.&nbsp;

NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN

"At a time like this when we need to be sharing information and we need to have advice we can rely on, the WHO has provided that. We will continue to support it and continue to make our contributions," she said.&nbsp;

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON

Morrison said he sympathised with Trump's criticisms of the WHO, especially its support of re-opening China's "wet markets", where freshly slaughtered animals are sold and where the outbreak first appeared in the city of Wuhan late last year.

"But that said, the WHO also as an organisation does a lot of important work including here in our region in the Pacific and we work closely with them," Morrison said.

"We are not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater here, but they are also not immune from criticism and immune from doing things better."

US President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to temporarily halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to temporarily halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Trump announces funding halt to World Health Organisation Trump said the WHO had "failed in its basic duty and it must be held accountable". He said it promoted China's "disinformation" about the virus that likely led to a wider outbreak. Also read: New York governor says COVID-19 infections down; takes a dig at 'King Trump' The United States is the biggest overall donor to the Geneva-based WHO, contributing more than $400 million in 2019, roughly 15% of its budget. Also read: Experts say Trump has little power to restart US economy CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY China urged the United States to fulfil its obligations to the WHO. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected nearly 2 million people globally, was at a critical stage and that the US decision would affect all countries. GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER HEIKO MAAS "Apportioning blame doesn't help. The virus knows no borders," Maas said on Twitter on Wednesday. "We have to work closely together against #COVID19. One of the best investments is to strengthen the @UN, especially the under-funded @WHO, for example for developing and distributing tests and vaccines." AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Dr Patrice Harris called it "a dangerous step in the wrong direction that will not make defeating COVID-19 easier" and urged Trump to reconsider. UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES "Not the time" to reduce resources for WHO operations. "Now is the time for unity and the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences," he said. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR HEALTH SECURITY "The move sends the wrong message during the middle of a pandemic," said Dr Amesh Adalja, an infectious diseases expert and senior scholar. Adalja said the WHO does make mistakes, as it did in delaying the response to the Ebola outbreak in 2013 and 2014 in West Africa. He said reforms may be needed, but that work needs to take place after the pandemic has passed. "It's not the middle of a pandemic that you do this type of thing," he said. Adalja said the WHO collects information about where the virus is active in every county in the world, which the United States needs to help guide decisions about when to open borders. US CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION Directed requests for comment to the White House. PROTECT OUR CARE "This is nothing more than a transparent attempt by President Trump to distract from his history downplaying the severity of the coronavirus crisis and his administration’s failure to prepare our nation," said Chair Leslie Dach, who served as the global Ebola coordinator for the US Department of Health and Human Services. "To be sure, the World Health Organization is not without fault but it is beyond irresponsible to cut its funding at the height of a global pandemic. This move will undoubtedly make Americans less safe." Protect Our Care is a US organisation working to protect affordable coverage for all Americans. VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER "This virus doesn't need passports. In a few short months, it has travelled to all of the continents of the world except Antarctica. If there were ever an event that showed us how we need to work tougher as a global community, this is it," said Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert. CHAIRMAN, US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE "With each passing day of this worsening crisis, the president is showing us his political playbook: blame the WHO, blame China, blame his political opponents, blame his predecessors - do whatever it takes to deflect from the fact that his administration mismanaged this crisis and it’s now costing thousands of American lives," Democratic representative Eliot Engel. NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN "At a time like this when we need to be sharing information and we need to have advice we can rely on, the WHO has provided that. We will continue to support it and continue to make our contributions," she said. AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON Morrison said he sympathised with Trump's criticisms of the WHO, especially its support of re-opening China's "wet markets", where freshly slaughtered animals are sold and where the outbreak first appeared in the city of Wuhan late last year. "But that said, the WHO also as an organisation does a lot of important work including here in our region in the Pacific and we work closely with them," Morrison said. "We are not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater here, but they are also not immune from criticism and immune from doing things better."

Dangerous step in the wrong direction: Global reaction to Trump withdrawing WHO funding

Hours after the US President Donald Trump claimed that it was his decision when to reopen the US economy, which has been largely shut down to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, legal experts say a US president has quite limited power to order citizens back to their places of employment, or cities to reopen government buildings, transportation, or local businesses.

Hours after the US President Donald Trump claimed that it was his decision when to reopen the US economy, which has been largely shut down to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, legal experts say a US president has quite limited power to order citizens back to their places of employment, or cities to reopen government buildings, transportation, or local businesses. Here is why. What does the Constitution say about who makes decisions about public welfare? The United States is a federalist system, meaning power is shared between national and state governments. Under the 10th Amendment of the US Constitution, state governments have the power to police citizens and regulate public welfare. In the country's early years, it was up to state and local authorities to lead the response to the yellow fever epidemic, not the federal government. Reflecting these principles, "disaster response and aid are typically state-led and federally supported," said Steve Bunnell, the former top lawyer at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a partner at O'Melveny & Myers. This bottom-up, rather than top-down, approach to disaster relief makes sense from a policy perspective, said John Cohen, a former DHS official who teaches at Georgetown University. "Usually, state and local officials on the ground have the best understanding of the issues affecting people in their states," Reuters report quoting Cohen stated. Can a US president override state-mandated "shelter in place" orders? No. The Trump administration can issue nationwide guidance, but it would be unconstitutional for the president to override stay-at-home orders from governors, said Robert Chesney, a professor of national security law at the University of Texas. Mayors or county commissioners are on the same footing as governors, he said. "This is Federalism 101: The president can advocate his heart’s content, but he can’t commandeer the state governments to make them change their policies," Chesney said. "He has no such inherent authority, nor is there any federal statute that purports to give him such authority." (With inputs from Reuters)

Experts say Trump has little power to restart US economy

The new coronavirus isn't biased about who it infects -- so why does data emerging from some states suggest that&nbsp;African-Americans are bearing the brunt of the pandemic in the US?

Experts say African-Americans are disproportionately impacted by underlying health conditions linked to poverty, face discrimination in medical care, and are more likely to work jobs that require them to leave their home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-exploit-coronavirus-pandemic-for-sea-disputes-us-warns-china-291057" hreflang="en">Don't 'exploit' coronavirus pandemic for sea disputes: US warns China</a>

"We know that African&nbsp;Americans are more likely to have diabetes, heart disease, lung disease," the nation's top doctor, Surgeon General Jerome Adams told CBS News on Tuesday.

These chronic illnesses, which are in turn linked to poverty and structural racism, can lead to more serious forms of the COVID-19 disease.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-drugs-to-life-saving-paraphernalia-how-the-dark-web-is-capitalising-on-pandemic-panic-291049" hreflang="en">From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic!</a>

Adams, who is himself African-American&nbsp;and has high blood pressure and asthma, added,&nbsp;"I represent that legacy of growing up poor and black in America.&nbsp;

"And I, and many black Americans, are at higher risk for COVID."

There is no nationwide data available on COVID-19 cases by race, but a pattern of over-representation by African&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;has emerged in states or jurisdictions that are sharing the numbers.

Sixty-eight per cent of coronavirus deaths in Chicago have been among&nbsp;African&nbsp;Americans, who make up just 30 per cent of the city's population.

"Those numbers take your breath away," the city's mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday at a coronavirus briefing. "This is a call to action for all of us."

The trend is repeated in North Carolina, Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and the capital Washington.

Doctor Georges Benjamin, executive director of the&nbsp;American&nbsp;Public Health Association, told AFP the issue was also linked to social class, with African-Americans people more likely to work jobs deemed essential that expose them to potential infection.

"That population is more public-facing," he said. "More bus drivers, more people taking public transportation to work, more people providing services in nursing homes, more folks working in grocery stores."

The problem is compounded by implicit and explicit bias that&nbsp;African&nbsp;Americans face in the medical system.

The new coronavirus isn't biased about who it infects -- so why does data emerging from some states suggest that African-Americans are bearing the brunt of the pandemic in the US?

The new coronavirus isn't biased about who it infects -- so why does data emerging from some states suggest that African-Americans are bearing the brunt of the pandemic in the US? Experts say African-Americans are disproportionately impacted by underlying health conditions linked to poverty, face discrimination in medical care, and are more likely to work jobs that require them to leave their home. Also read: Don't 'exploit' coronavirus pandemic for sea disputes: US warns China "We know that African Americans are more likely to have diabetes, heart disease, lung disease," the nation's top doctor, Surgeon General Jerome Adams told CBS News on Tuesday. These chronic illnesses, which are in turn linked to poverty and structural racism, can lead to more serious forms of the COVID-19 disease. Also read: From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic! Adams, who is himself African-American and has high blood pressure and asthma, added, "I represent that legacy of growing up poor and black in America. "And I, and many black Americans, are at higher risk for COVID." There is no nationwide data available on COVID-19 cases by race, but a pattern of over-representation by African Americans has emerged in states or jurisdictions that are sharing the numbers. Sixty-eight per cent of coronavirus deaths in Chicago have been among African Americans, who make up just 30 per cent of the city's population. "Those numbers take your breath away," the city's mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday at a coronavirus briefing. "This is a call to action for all of us." The trend is repeated in North Carolina, Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and the capital Washington. Doctor Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, told AFP the issue was also linked to social class, with African-Americans people more likely to work jobs deemed essential that expose them to potential infection. "That population is more public-facing," he said. "More bus drivers, more people taking public transportation to work, more people providing services in nursing homes, more folks working in grocery stores." The problem is compounded by implicit and explicit bias that African Americans face in the medical system.

Why African Americans are dying at higher rates from COVID-19?

The US naval commander whose widely publicized plea for help for his coronavirus-affected crew led to his dismissal has reportedly himself tested positive for the disease.

Captain Brett Crozier's COVID-19 test result was reported Sunday by the New York Times, just hours after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper defended the captain's firing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-urges-govts-to-protect-women-as-domestic-violence-soars-due-to-lockdown-290738" hreflang="en">UN chief urges govts to protect women as domestic violence soars due to lockdown</a>

Esper told ABC that Navy Secretary Thomas Modly had "made a tough decision, tough call" in deciding to fire Crozier from his command of the aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt, now docked in Guam.

Asked about a report that President Donald Trump wanted Crozier fired, Esper replied, "This was the secretary's call. He came and briefed me ... It was the secretary's call. I told him I would support it."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-hit-us-girds-for-pearl-harbour-moment-as-death-toll-spikes-290736" hreflang="en">Virus-hit US girds for 'Pearl Harbour moment' as death toll spikes</a>

The firing was widely condemned as a callous and unfair punishment of a respected officer who was looking out for the welfare of his crew when he implored his superiors to let him quickly vacate the ship after it docked in Guam.

"We are not at war," Crozier wrote in a letter that leaked to the press. "Sailors do not need to die."&nbsp;

But some senior Pentagon officials said Crozier erred by letting his plea go public.

Crozier "demonstrated extremely poor judgment in the middle of a crisis," needlessly worrying family members and undermining the chain of command, Modly said.

Trump, speaking in a news conference Saturday, supported the dismissal. “He shouldn’t be talking that way in a letter,” he said of Crozier. ''I&nbsp;thought it was terrible what he did.''

The Times, in reporting Crozier's test result, cited two of his former classmates at the US Naval Academy. It said he had begun exhibiting symptoms before leaving the ship on Thursday.

Hundreds of sailors cheered Crozier as he left the ship, as seen in video that quickly went viral. Some called him a hero.

Democrats have also sharply criticized the dismissal.

Joe Biden, the leading Democratic candidate for president, condemned the firing on Sunday, telling ABC it was "close to criminal."&nbsp;

The US naval commander whose widely publicized plea for help for his coronavirus-affected crew led to his dismissal has reportedly himself tested positive for the disease.

The US naval commander whose widely publicized plea for help for his coronavirus-affected crew led to his dismissal has reportedly himself tested positive for the disease. Captain Brett Crozier's COVID-19 test result was reported Sunday by the New York Times, just hours after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper defended the captain's firing. Also read: UN chief urges govts to protect women as domestic violence soars due to lockdown Esper told ABC that Navy Secretary Thomas Modly had "made a tough decision, tough call" in deciding to fire Crozier from his command of the aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt, now docked in Guam. Asked about a report that President Donald Trump wanted Crozier fired, Esper replied, "This was the secretary's call. He came and briefed me ... It was the secretary's call. I told him I would support it." Also read: Virus-hit US girds for 'Pearl Harbour moment' as death toll spikes The firing was widely condemned as a callous and unfair punishment of a respected officer who was looking out for the welfare of his crew when he implored his superiors to let him quickly vacate the ship after it docked in Guam. "We are not at war," Crozier wrote in a letter that leaked to the press. "Sailors do not need to die." But some senior Pentagon officials said Crozier erred by letting his plea go public. Crozier "demonstrated extremely poor judgment in the middle of a crisis," needlessly worrying family members and undermining the chain of command, Modly said. Trump, speaking in a news conference Saturday, supported the dismissal. “He shouldn’t be talking that way in a letter,” he said of Crozier. ''I thought it was terrible what he did.'' The Times, in reporting Crozier's test result, cited two of his former classmates at the US Naval Academy. It said he had begun exhibiting symptoms before leaving the ship on Thursday. Hundreds of sailors cheered Crozier as he left the ship, as seen in video that quickly went viral. Some called him a hero. Democrats have also sharply criticized the dismissal. Joe Biden, the leading Democratic candidate for president, condemned the firing on Sunday, telling ABC it was "close to criminal."

US navy captain fired for voicing virus concern tests positive: Report

The Democratic Party on Thursday postponed its US&nbsp;presidential nominating convention by a month until August, citing the coronavirus health crisis that has upended daily life and caused many states to postpone their primaries.

Democrats will use the convention in Milwaukee - now scheduled for the week of August&nbsp;17 - to formally pick their nominee to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November election. It had previously been scheduled for July.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-trump-and-biden-heading-for-a-near-tie-situation-in-presidential-polls-289426">Are Trump and Biden heading for a 'near-tie' situation in presidential polls?</a>

The pandemic already has forced Democratic front-runner Joe Biden and rival Bernie Sanders off the campaign trail, and more than a dozen states have delayed their nominating contests due to worries about public health risks.

"In our current climate of uncertainty, we believe the smartest approach is to take additional time to monitor how this situation unfolds," said Joe Solmonese, chief executive of the Democratic National Convention Committee.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-coronavirus-outbreak-force-a-postponement-of-us-presidential-elections-289942">Will coronavirus outbreak force a postponement of US Presidential elections?</a>

The convention will be held in Wisconsin, a state that Trump narrowly won in 2016 and which is seen as a key battleground state for the 2020 presidential contest.

Biden on Wednesday called for delaying the convention, speaking in a television interview from what he called a "makeshift studio" in the recreation room of his Wilmington, Delaware, home.

Biden, who was vice president under President Barack Obama, currently leads the Democratic nominating contest against Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont.

White House medical experts have forecast that even if Americans hunker down in their homes to slow the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, some 100,000 to 240,000 people could die from the disease.

Already, some 5,340 Americans have died and over 225,510 cases have been confirmed, according to a Reuters tally.

The Republican Party had already planned to hold their nominating convention in August, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Republican National Committee spokesman Rick Gorka said the party was making sure state party organizations had the resources needed for their nomination contests, which are seen as a formality given widespread support in the party for Trump.

"We are fully committed to holding the Republican convention in Charlotte as planned and re-nominating President Trump,” Gorka said.

The Democratic Party on Thursday postponed its US presidential nominating convention by a month until August, citing the coronavirus health crisis that has upended daily life and caused many states to postpone their primaries.

The Democratic Party on Thursday postponed its US presidential nominating convention by a month until August, citing the coronavirus health crisis that has upended daily life and caused many states to postpone their primaries. Democrats will use the convention in Milwaukee - now scheduled for the week of August 17 - to formally pick their nominee to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November election. It had previously been scheduled for July. Also read: Are Trump and Biden heading for a 'near-tie' situation in presidential polls? The pandemic already has forced Democratic front-runner Joe Biden and rival Bernie Sanders off the campaign trail, and more than a dozen states have delayed their nominating contests due to worries about public health risks. "In our current climate of uncertainty, we believe the smartest approach is to take additional time to monitor how this situation unfolds," said Joe Solmonese, chief executive of the Democratic National Convention Committee. Also read: Will coronavirus outbreak force a postponement of US Presidential elections? The convention will be held in Wisconsin, a state that Trump narrowly won in 2016 and which is seen as a key battleground state for the 2020 presidential contest. Biden on Wednesday called for delaying the convention, speaking in a television interview from what he called a "makeshift studio" in the recreation room of his Wilmington, Delaware, home. Biden, who was vice president under President Barack Obama, currently leads the Democratic nominating contest against Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont. White House medical experts have forecast that even if Americans hunker down in their homes to slow the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, some 100,000 to 240,000 people could die from the disease. Already, some 5,340 Americans have died and over 225,510 cases have been confirmed, according to a Reuters tally. The Republican Party had already planned to hold their nominating convention in August, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Republican National Committee spokesman Rick Gorka said the party was making sure state party organizations had the resources needed for their nomination contests, which are seen as a formality given widespread support in the party for Trump. "We are fully committed to holding the Republican convention in Charlotte as planned and re-nominating President Trump,” Gorka said.

Democrats delay presidential convention until August, citing coronavirus

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would issue a travel warning for the hard-hit New York area to limit the spread of the coronavirus, backing off from an earlier suggestion that he might try to cut off the region entirely.

"A quarantine will not be necessary," he said on Twitter.

Trump's announcement came as the U.S. death count crossed 2,100, more than double the level from two days ago. The United States has now recorded more than 122,000 cases of the respiratory virus, the most of any country in the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-global-cases-rise-past-600000-says-johns-hopkins-university-289135" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Global cases rise past 600,000, says Johns Hopkins University</a>

Since the virus first appeared in the United States in late January, Trump has vacillated between playing down the risks of infection and urging Americans to take steps to slow its spread.

Trump said on Saturday afternoon that he might impose a ban on travel in and out of New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, the U.S. epicenter of the disease, to protect other states that have yet to bear the brunt. He offered few specifics.

Critics promptly called the idea unworkable, saying it would cause chaos in a region that serves as the economic engine of the eastern United States, accounting for 10 percent of the population and 12 percent of GDP.

"If you started walling off areas all across the country it would be totally bizarre, counter-productive, anti-American," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on CNN.

Hours later, Trump dropped the idea, saying he would instead ask the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a "strong Travel Advisory" that would be administered by the three states' governors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rips-into-lamestream-media-amid-rising-covid-19-cases-in-us-289147" hreflang="en">Trump rips into 'lamestream media' amid rising COVID-19 cases in US</a>

The CDC later warned the states' residents against non-essential domestic travel for 14 days. It said the warning did not apply to employees of "critical infrastructure industries" including trucking, public health and financial services.

It was the latest reversal for Trump, who has been reluctant to order U.S. companies to produce much-needed medical supplies, despite the pleas of governors and hospital workers.

Tests to track the disease's progress also remain in short supply, despite repeated White House promises that they would be widely available.

On Saturday, Trump appeared to soften his previous comments calling for the U.S. economy to be reopened by mid-April. "We'll see what happens," he said.

Though Trump has apparently opted not to impose checkpoints on highways and airports leading out of New York, some states have imposed limits of their own.

New Yorkers arriving in Florida and Rhode Island face orders to self-isolate if they intend to stay, and the governors of Pennsylvania and West Virginia have asked visiting New Yorkers to voluntarily self-quarantine.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu on Saturday asked all visitors to his state who don't come for work reasons to voluntarily self-quarantine.

New coronavirus cases in China levelled off after the government imposed a strict lockdown of Wuhan, the epicentre&nbsp;of the disease.

The body count continues to climb in Italy, where authorities have blocked travel across the country and prevented people from leaving their houses for all but essential reasons.

Any travel restrictions, voluntary or not, might be too late.

The number of coronavirus patients in California hospitals increased by more than one-third overnight, Governor Gavin Newsom said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-may-quarantine-new-york-new-jersey-289166" hreflang="en">Trump says he may quarantine New York, New Jersey</a>

Officials in Louisiana, where Mardi Gras celebrations late last month in New Orleans fuelled an outbreak, reported 17 additional deaths and 569 new cases on Saturday.

The disease has proven most fatal among the elderly, but Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said on Saturday that an infant had died in his state.

American healthcare workers are appealing for more protective gear and equipment as they face a surge of patients.

Doctors are also especially concerned about a shortage of ventilators, breathing machines needed for those suffering from COVID-19, the pneumonia-like respiratory ailment caused by the highly contagious novel coronavirus.

Hospitals have also sounded the alarm about scarcities of drugs, oxygen tanks and trained staff.

On Saturday, nurses protested outside the Jacobi Medical Center in New York, saying supervisors asked them to reuse their masks, putting their own health at risk.

One medical trainee at New York Presbyterian Hospital said they were given just one mask.

"It's not the people who are making these decisions that go into the patients' rooms," said the trainee, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would issue a travel warning for the hard-hit New York area to limit the spread of the coronavirus, backing off from an earlier suggestion that he might try to cut off the region entirely.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would issue a travel warning for the hard-hit New York area to limit the spread of the coronavirus, backing off from an earlier suggestion that he might try to cut off the region entirely. "A quarantine will not be necessary," he said on Twitter. Trump's announcement came as the U.S. death count crossed 2,100, more than double the level from two days ago. The United States has now recorded more than 122,000 cases of the respiratory virus, the most of any country in the world. Also read: COVID-19: Global cases rise past 600,000, says Johns Hopkins University Since the virus first appeared in the United States in late January, Trump has vacillated between playing down the risks of infection and urging Americans to take steps to slow its spread. Trump said on Saturday afternoon that he might impose a ban on travel in and out of New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, the U.S. epicenter of the disease, to protect other states that have yet to bear the brunt. He offered few specifics. Critics promptly called the idea unworkable, saying it would cause chaos in a region that serves as the economic engine of the eastern United States, accounting for 10 percent of the population and 12 percent of GDP. "If you started walling off areas all across the country it would be totally bizarre, counter-productive, anti-American," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on CNN. Hours later, Trump dropped the idea, saying he would instead ask the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a "strong Travel Advisory" that would be administered by the three states' governors. Also read: Trump rips into 'lamestream media' amid rising COVID-19 cases in US The CDC later warned the states' residents against non-essential domestic travel for 14 days. It said the warning did not apply to employees of "critical infrastructure industries" including trucking, public health and financial services. It was the latest reversal for Trump, who has been reluctant to order U.S. companies to produce much-needed medical supplies, despite the pleas of governors and hospital workers. Tests to track the disease's progress also remain in short supply, despite repeated White House promises that they would be widely available. On Saturday, Trump appeared to soften his previous comments calling for the U.S. economy to be reopened by mid-April. "We'll see what happens," he said. Though Trump has apparently opted not to impose checkpoints on highways and airports leading out of New York, some states have imposed limits of their own. New Yorkers arriving in Florida and Rhode Island face orders to self-isolate if they intend to stay, and the governors of Pennsylvania and West Virginia have asked visiting New Yorkers to voluntarily self-quarantine. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu on Saturday asked all visitors to his state who don't come for work reasons to voluntarily self-quarantine. New coronavirus cases in China levelled off after the government imposed a strict lockdown of Wuhan, the epicentre of the disease. The body count continues to climb in Italy, where authorities have blocked travel across the country and prevented people from leaving their houses for all but essential reasons. Any travel restrictions, voluntary or not, might be too late. The number of coronavirus patients in California hospitals increased by more than one-third overnight, Governor Gavin Newsom said. Also read: Trump says he may quarantine New York, New Jersey Officials in Louisiana, where Mardi Gras celebrations late last month in New Orleans fuelled an outbreak, reported 17 additional deaths and 569 new cases on Saturday. The disease has proven most fatal among the elderly, but Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said on Saturday that an infant had died in his state. American healthcare workers are appealing for more protective gear and equipment as they face a surge of patients. Doctors are also especially concerned about a shortage of ventilators, breathing machines needed for those suffering from COVID-19, the pneumonia-like respiratory ailment caused by the highly contagious novel coronavirus. Hospitals have also sounded the alarm about scarcities of drugs, oxygen tanks and trained staff. On Saturday, nurses protested outside the Jacobi Medical Center in New York, saying supervisors asked them to reuse their masks, putting their own health at risk. One medical trainee at New York Presbyterian Hospital said they were given just one mask. "It's not the people who are making these decisions that go into the patients' rooms," said the trainee, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump drops idea of New York lockdown as US death count crosses 2,000

A vaccine row has erupted between the US and Germany. This as Berlin hit back at Donald Trump over allegations that the US President tried to buy exclusive rights of a possible coronavirus vaccine being developed by a German firm.

A German paper has reported that Berlin is trying to fight off Trump's attempt to create a monopoly over a Covid-19 vaccine.

The report said that Trump has offered billions of dollars to German firm cure-vac to secure a possible vaccine "only for the United States".

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-scientist-makes-breakthrough-as-race-for-coronavirus-vaccine-picks-up-278859">British scientist makes breakthrough as race for coronavirus vaccine picks up</a>

German lawmakers have accused the US President of using the epidemic for electoral gains. The coronavirus outbreak has&nbsp;emerged&nbsp;as Trump's biggest challenge in the election year.

The country's economy minister hit out Trump saying that Germany is not for sale.

German biotech firm Curevac announced that it is working on a coronavirus vaccine which can come into use by June.

Chief production officer and co-founder of Curevac, Florian von der Muelbe, said: "We have already been able to collect experience with other prophylactic vaccines, for example, rabies vaccines, and saw very good results."

"And on this basis, we are now building that new vaccine. We now have a platform process where we can quickly respond to new threats, so we believe that this technology is a very good way to quickly provide solutions."

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-german-firm-is-developing-a-possible-vaccine-286603"> Coronavirus: German firm is developing a possible vaccine</a>

Concerns over US interests on the&nbsp;vaccine were raised after Curevac removed its CEO who had recently met Trump.

The German government has said that it will not allow monopoly over the vaccine and will resist foreign takeovers.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Washington has denied allegations saying that it was not seeking to keep any potential vaccine for itself.

An American official said that the US has been in touch with over 25 firms which are working on a vaccine.

Meanwhile, the US government is starting a Covid-19 vaccine trial. The first participant in the clinical trial is expected to receive an experimental dose today.

A vaccine row has erupted between the US and Germany. This as Berlin hit back at Donald Trump over allegations that the US President tried to buy exclusive rights of a possible coronavirus vaccine being developed by a German firm.

A vaccine row has erupted between the US and Germany. This as Berlin hit back at Donald Trump over allegations that the US President tried to buy exclusive rights of a possible coronavirus vaccine being developed by a German firm. A German paper has reported that Berlin is trying to fight off Trump's attempt to create a monopoly over a Covid-19 vaccine. The report said that Trump has offered billions of dollars to German firm cure-vac to secure a possible vaccine "only for the United States". Also Read: British scientist makes breakthrough as race for coronavirus vaccine picks up German lawmakers have accused the US President of using the epidemic for electoral gains. The coronavirus outbreak has emerged as Trump's biggest challenge in the election year. The country's economy minister hit out Trump saying that Germany is not for sale. German biotech firm Curevac announced that it is working on a coronavirus vaccine which can come into use by June. Chief production officer and co-founder of Curevac, Florian von der Muelbe, said: "We have already been able to collect experience with other prophylactic vaccines, for example, rabies vaccines, and saw very good results." "And on this basis, we are now building that new vaccine. We now have a platform process where we can quickly respond to new threats, so we believe that this technology is a very good way to quickly provide solutions." Also Read: Coronavirus: German firm is developing a possible vaccine Concerns over US interests on the vaccine were raised after Curevac removed its CEO who had recently met Trump. The German government has said that it will not allow monopoly over the vaccine and will resist foreign takeovers. Meanwhile, Washington has denied allegations saying that it was not seeking to keep any potential vaccine for itself. An American official said that the US has been in touch with over 25 firms which are working on a vaccine. Meanwhile, the US government is starting a Covid-19 vaccine trial. The first participant in the clinical trial is expected to receive an experimental dose today.

Trump, Germany row erupts over coronavirus vaccine

President Donald Trump declared a U.S. national emergency over the quickly spreading coronavirus on Friday, opening the door to more government aid to combat a pathogen that has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and leftover 5,000 dead.

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"The spirit and the will of our nation is unbreakable. We will defeat this threat. When America is tested, America rises to the occasion." <a href="https://t.co/67rS4XBE5J">pic.twitter.com/67rS4XBE5J</a>
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The impact of the coronavirus on everyday life deepened around the world. It was detected for the first time in several countries, with the World Health Organization (WHO) calling Europe the pandemic's current epicentre.

More schools and businesses closed, the global sporting calendar was left in tatters, and people faced greater restrictions on where they could go.

"To unleash the full power of the federal government to this effort today, I am officially declaring a national emergency to very big words," Trump said in remarks at the White House Rose Garden, adding that the U.S. situation could worsen and "the next eight weeks are critical."

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-state-of-emergency-declared-in-san-francisco-282798"> Coronavirus outbreak: State of emergency declared in San Francisco</a>

Trump, whose action makes available $50 billion in federal aid to states and localities, had faced criticism from some experts for being slow and ineffective in his response to the crisis and playing down the threat.

The latest steps came two days after Trump announced travel restrictions blocking U.S. entry for most people from continental Europe. While Britain was among the countries exempted, Trump said on Friday that might change because infections there had risen "precipitously."

The president, who was photographed last Saturday at his private Florida club with a Brazilian official who has tested positive for the coronavirus, said he himself likely would be tested "fairly soon," a reversal of his previous stance. But Trump, 73, said he did not plan to isolate himself, noting he was suffering no symptoms.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-declares-coronavirus-emergency-halts-official-visits-to-mainland-china-276488"> Coronavirus outbreak: Hong Kong declares virus emergency as 41 die in China</a>

Travel bans have hammered airlines and travel companies worldwide, while financial markets have been hit by panic selling this week.

The three major U.S. stock indexes rallied more than 9% on Friday, rebounding from Wall Street's biggest daily drop since 1987. But the indexes were still about 20% below record highs hit in mid-February.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Europe now had more reported cases and deaths than the rest of world combined, apart from China, where the coronavirus originated but where new cases have slowed to a trickle. The WHO called the death toll reaching 5,000 globally "a tragic milestone."

The WHO's top emergency expert, Mike Ryan, said social distancing was a "tried and tested method" to slow the spread of a virus but "not a panacea" that would stop transmission.

"Blanket travel measures in their own right will do nothing to protect an individual state," Ryan said.

CULTURAL LANDMARKS

More cultural landmarks were shuttered to try to stop the spread of the virus. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and the Moulin Rouge cabaret closed their doors. The Smithsonian museums in Washington were preparing to do so on Saturday and Broadway theatres in New York went dark.

The kissing of the Blarney Stone, one of Ireland's oldest tourist traditions, was suspended.

Central banks worldwide acted to shore up money markets after cratering share prices drove a rush for cash, hitting many regional currencies and threatening a surge in short-term borrowing costs.

In China, which bore the brunt of the economic fallout from the coronavirus in the first few months of 2020, authorities late on Friday cut banks' reserve requirements for the second time this year.

The U.S. Federal Reserve followed suit with $37 billion of Treasury bond purchases, accelerating the enhanced market liquidity measures announced on Thursday.

Japan's central bank pledged to buy 200 billion yen ($1.90 billion) of five to 10 year Japanese government bonds and also inject an additional 1.5 trillion yen in two-week loans.

The European Union proposed a 37 billion euro ($41 billion)investment initiative as part of a package to cushion the bloc's economies from the coronavirus impact.

In Italy, which after China has been hardest hit by the respiratory illness, the death toll jumped by 250 to 1,266 in the last 24 hours, authorities said. The total number of cases also rose to 17,660 from a previous 15,113, despite draconian measures to restrict the movement of people.

In the northern region of Lombardy, at the heart of Italy's coronavirus epidemic, authorities asked for even stricter steps.

In hard-hit Iran, security forces will empty the streets in cities across the country, state television reported.

NEW COUNTRIES RECORD CASES

The virus continued its persistent march across the globe. Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Guinea all confirmed their first cases, giving the disease a foothold in 18 countries on the African continent.

Kosovo, Venezuela and Kazakhstan also confirmed their first cases, and Spain declared a state of emergency.

World leaders, sports stars and actors were among the tens of thousands of people hit by the virus. Golf's crown jewel, The Masters, England's top-flight soccer Premier League, and the Boston and London marathons joined the long list of elite sporting events to be cancelled or postponed.

But sport's biggest showpiece, the Olympics, will proceed as planned, according to Tokyo organizers.

President Donald Trump declared a U.S. national emergency over the quickly spreading coronavirus on Friday, opening the door to more government aid to combat a pathogen that has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and leftover 5,000 dead.

President Donald Trump declared a U.S. national emergency over the quickly spreading coronavirus on Friday, opening the door to more government aid to combat a pathogen that has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and leftover 5,000 dead. "The spirit and the will of our nation is unbreakable. We will defeat this threat. When America is tested, America rises to the occasion." pic.twitter.com/67rS4XBE5J — The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 13, 2020 × The impact of the coronavirus on everyday life deepened around the world. It was detected for the first time in several countries, with the World Health Organization (WHO) calling Europe the pandemic's current epicentre. More schools and businesses closed, the global sporting calendar was left in tatters, and people faced greater restrictions on where they could go. "To unleash the full power of the federal government to this effort today, I am officially declaring a national emergency to very big words," Trump said in remarks at the White House Rose Garden, adding that the U.S. situation could worsen and "the next eight weeks are critical." Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: State of emergency declared in San Francisco Trump, whose action makes available $50 billion in federal aid to states and localities, had faced criticism from some experts for being slow and ineffective in his response to the crisis and playing down the threat. The latest steps came two days after Trump announced travel restrictions blocking U.S. entry for most people from continental Europe. While Britain was among the countries exempted, Trump said on Friday that might change because infections there had risen "precipitously." The president, who was photographed last Saturday at his private Florida club with a Brazilian official who has tested positive for the coronavirus, said he himself likely would be tested "fairly soon," a reversal of his previous stance. But Trump, 73, said he did not plan to isolate himself, noting he was suffering no symptoms. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: Hong Kong declares virus emergency as 41 die in China Travel bans have hammered airlines and travel companies worldwide, while financial markets have been hit by panic selling this week. The three major U.S. stock indexes rallied more than 9% on Friday, rebounding from Wall Street's biggest daily drop since 1987. But the indexes were still about 20% below record highs hit in mid-February. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Europe now had more reported cases and deaths than the rest of world combined, apart from China, where the coronavirus originated but where new cases have slowed to a trickle. The WHO called the death toll reaching 5,000 globally "a tragic milestone." The WHO's top emergency expert, Mike Ryan, said social distancing was a "tried and tested method" to slow the spread of a virus but "not a panacea" that would stop transmission. "Blanket travel measures in their own right will do nothing to protect an individual state," Ryan said. CULTURAL LANDMARKS More cultural landmarks were shuttered to try to stop the spread of the virus. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and the Moulin Rouge cabaret closed their doors. The Smithsonian museums in Washington were preparing to do so on Saturday and Broadway theatres in New York went dark. The kissing of the Blarney Stone, one of Ireland's oldest tourist traditions, was suspended. Central banks worldwide acted to shore up money markets after cratering share prices drove a rush for cash, hitting many regional currencies and threatening a surge in short-term borrowing costs. In China, which bore the brunt of the economic fallout from the coronavirus in the first few months of 2020, authorities late on Friday cut banks' reserve requirements for the second time this year. The U.S. Federal Reserve followed suit with $37 billion of Treasury bond purchases, accelerating the enhanced market liquidity measures announced on Thursday. Japan's central bank pledged to buy 200 billion yen ($1.90 billion) of five to 10 year Japanese government bonds and also inject an additional 1.5 trillion yen in two-week loans. The European Union proposed a 37 billion euro ($41 billion)investment initiative as part of a package to cushion the bloc's economies from the coronavirus impact. In Italy, which after China has been hardest hit by the respiratory illness, the death toll jumped by 250 to 1,266 in the last 24 hours, authorities said. The total number of cases also rose to 17,660 from a previous 15,113, despite draconian measures to restrict the movement of people. In the northern region of Lombardy, at the heart of Italy's coronavirus epidemic, authorities asked for even stricter steps. In hard-hit Iran, security forces will empty the streets in cities across the country, state television reported. NEW COUNTRIES RECORD CASES The virus continued its persistent march across the globe. Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Guinea all confirmed their first cases, giving the disease a foothold in 18 countries on the African continent. Kosovo, Venezuela and Kazakhstan also confirmed their first cases, and Spain declared a state of emergency. World leaders, sports stars and actors were among the tens of thousands of people hit by the virus. Golf's crown jewel, The Masters, England's top-flight soccer Premier League, and the Boston and London marathons joined the long list of elite sporting events to be cancelled or postponed. But sport's biggest showpiece, the Olympics, will proceed as planned, according to Tokyo organizers.

Coronavirus chaos spreads globally, Trump declares US emergency

US President Donald Trump has agreed to take the test for the COVID19&nbsp; but kept it secret.

Asked by a reporter who accused him on Friday of being "selfish" for not getting himself tested after been seen in the company of someone who had been infected with the virus, Trump said that he will "most likely".

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-chaos-spreads-globally-trump-declares-us-emergency-286308">Coronavirus chaos spreads globally, Trump declares US emergency</a>

But he added that he won't react to the accusation that he was being selfish, alleged&nbsp;by the reporter.

"Not for that reason, but because I think I will do it anyway. Fairly soon."

The President`s physician Sean Conley later issued a letter that Trump however, did not need a test or a quarantine.

Trump had posed for a picture at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last week with Fabio Wajngarten, the communications chief of visiting Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, at a dinner.

Wajngarten was later found to be infected with COVID-19. Bolsonaro shot down rumours that he was also infected with the virus, tweeting that a test had cleared him.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-spread-not-inevitable-mulls-new-travel-bans-donald-trump-282969">US coronavirus spread 'not inevitable,' mulls new travel bans: Donald Trump</a>

Conley said there was no need for Trump to be quarantined because his interactions were considered low-risk under the guidelines of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

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&nbsp;

Referring to the Brazilian official, Conley said it was only a brief contact "photograph, handshake".

Conley said that they had learned on Friday evening that another person who had shared the dinner table with Trump and the White House delegation had shown COVID-19 symptoms, but only on Friday morning.

The person has not been identified.

Conley added that since Trump does not have any symptoms, he did not need to be tested.

Trump and medical staff with him have said that people should undergo tests only when a doctor advises them to take them.

While there is a claim for tests amid a shortage of test kits, doctors and officials have been saying people that they need to be tested only on the advice of doctors.

US President Donald Trump has agreed to take the test for the COVID19 but kept it secret. Asked by a reporter who accused him on Friday of being "selfish" for not getting himself tested after been seen in the company of someone who had been infected with the virus, Trump said that he will "most likely".

US President Donald Trump has agreed to take the test for the COVID19 but kept it secret. Asked by a reporter who accused him on Friday of being "selfish" for not getting himself tested after been seen in the company of someone who had been infected with the virus, Trump said that he will "most likely". Also Read: Coronavirus chaos spreads globally, Trump declares US emergency But he added that he won't react to the accusation that he was being selfish, alleged by the reporter. "Not for that reason, but because I think I will do it anyway. Fairly soon." The President`s physician Sean Conley later issued a letter that Trump however, did not need a test or a quarantine. Trump had posed for a picture at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last week with Fabio Wajngarten, the communications chief of visiting Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, at a dinner. Wajngarten was later found to be infected with COVID-19. Bolsonaro shot down rumours that he was also infected with the virus, tweeting that a test had cleared him. Also Read: US coronavirus spread 'not inevitable,' mulls new travel bans: Donald Trump Conley said there was no need for Trump to be quarantined because his interactions were considered low-risk under the guidelines of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Letter from the White House doctor: pic.twitter.com/SretJtufHD — Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) March 14, 2020 × Referring to the Brazilian official, Conley said it was only a brief contact "photograph, handshake". Conley said that they had learned on Friday evening that another person who had shared the dinner table with Trump and the White House delegation had shown COVID-19 symptoms, but only on Friday morning. The person has not been identified. Conley added that since Trump does not have any symptoms, he did not need to be tested. Trump and medical staff with him have said that people should undergo tests only when a doctor advises them to take them. While there is a claim for tests amid a shortage of test kits, doctors and officials have been saying people that they need to be tested only on the advice of doctors.

Donald Trump says he is ready to get tested for COVID-19

Iran on Friday warned US President Donald Trump on Friday against taking "dangerous actions" after Washington carried out a series of air strikes that targetted Iran-backed militia group in Iraq.&nbsp;

Five security personnel and one civilian were killed in strikes, Iraqi military said.&nbsp;

"The United States cannot blame others... for the consequences of its illegal presence in Iraq and the nation's reaction to the assassination and killing of Iraqi commanders and fighters," said Abbas Mousavi, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/east-syria-strike-kills-26-iraqi-fighters-monitor-285947">East Syria strike kills 26 Iraqi fighters: Monitor</a>

"Instead of dangerous actions and baseless accusations, Mr Trump should reconsider the presence and behaviour of his troops in the area," he said.&nbsp;

Earlier today, Pentagon confirmed that US had launched strikes against the Kataeb Hezbollah armed group.&nbsp;

Washington said the strikes targetted five weapons storage facilities across Iraq.

Iraqi military said that the strikes hit four locations in Iraq that housed formal Iraqi police and military units, in addition to the paramilitary forces.&nbsp;The US military did not comment on how many people have been killed in the strikes.&nbsp;

In a statement, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the US is prepared to respond again if needed.&nbsp;

"We will take any action necessary to protect our forces in Iraq and the region," Esper said.

The air strikes were the response from US military following Wednesday's attack in Iraq, in which militants launched dozens of 107 mm Katyusha rockets from a truck, targetting Iraq's Taji military camp north of Baghdad.

One British and two US military personnel were killed in attack.&nbsp;

It was the third time in recent months the US military carried out an assault against Kataeb Hezbollah. In December, more than two dozen of its militants were killed when Washington responded to an attack on an Iraqi base that killed a US contractor.

Also, in the same drone strike that assassinated high profile Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, Kataeb Hezbollah founder Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was also killed.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Iran on Friday warned US President Donald Trump on Friday against taking "dangerous actions" after Washington carried out a series of air strikes that targetted Iran-backed militia group in Iraq.

Iran on Friday warned US President Donald Trump on Friday against taking "dangerous actions" after Washington carried out a series of air strikes that targetted Iran-backed militia group in Iraq. Five security personnel and one civilian were killed in strikes, Iraqi military said. "The United States cannot blame others... for the consequences of its illegal presence in Iraq and the nation's reaction to the assassination and killing of Iraqi commanders and fighters," said Abbas Mousavi, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman. Also read: East Syria strike kills 26 Iraqi fighters: Monitor "Instead of dangerous actions and baseless accusations, Mr Trump should reconsider the presence and behaviour of his troops in the area," he said. Earlier today, Pentagon confirmed that US had launched strikes against the Kataeb Hezbollah armed group. Washington said the strikes targetted five weapons storage facilities across Iraq. Iraqi military said that the strikes hit four locations in Iraq that housed formal Iraqi police and military units, in addition to the paramilitary forces. The US military did not comment on how many people have been killed in the strikes. In a statement, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the US is prepared to respond again if needed. "We will take any action necessary to protect our forces in Iraq and the region," Esper said. The air strikes were the response from US military following Wednesday's attack in Iraq, in which militants launched dozens of 107 mm Katyusha rockets from a truck, targetting Iraq's Taji military camp north of Baghdad. One British and two US military personnel were killed in attack. It was the third time in recent months the US military carried out an assault against Kataeb Hezbollah. In December, more than two dozen of its militants were killed when Washington responded to an attack on an Iraqi base that killed a US contractor. Also, in the same drone strike that assassinated high profile Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, Kataeb Hezbollah founder Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was also killed. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq

After all the rancour of the Democratic presidential race, front-runner Joe Biden has a chance in Sunday's debate to extend an olive branch to rival Bernie Sanders and his fervent liberal supporters in a bid for party unity before the general election fight.

Biden and Sanders will square off in what may be the final debate of the Democratic nominating contest. Biden leads Sanders in delegates after a string of primary victories, and next week's nominating contests could put the former vice president on a nearly unstoppable path to the nomination.

The centrist Biden may now be in a position to try to find common ground with Sanders, a democratic socialist, a move that could help mend the fissure in the party between moderates and progressives, Democratic Party veterans say.

“Sunday’s debate could be an important step to heal and strengthen the party," said Hari Sevugan, recently a top aide to former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. “A measured, respectful conversation could go a long way.”

The winner of the Democratic primary contest will face Republican President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 election.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-bernie-sanders-announces-2020-presidential-bid-198358">At 77, US Senator Bernie Sanders announces 2020 presidential bid</a>

Biden is not prone to conflict with fellow Democrats. The question remains whether the pugnacious Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, would follow suit or keep trying to draw a clear contrast between the two candidates.

Some Democrats say lingering tensions between Sanders and rival Hillary Clinton in 2016 played a role in her upset loss to Trump.

After being routed by Biden in Michigan and other primaries on Tuesday, Sanders seemed to signal he was less interested in attacking Biden personally and more intent on pushing him to address issues such as universal healthcare coverage, college affordability, climate change and poverty.

The coronavirus pandemic will likely add a level of solemnity to the debate, which may also minimize conflict between the two, strategists said. The debate was moved to Washington from Arizona and will have no live audience due to concerns about the outbreak.

For Biden, the challenge may be figuring out how to thread the needle of expressing support for Sanders' efforts without aligning himself with his policies.

Biden can say that "while they share the same goals, they differ on the prescription," Sevugan said.

'AN OPEN HAND'

Biden’s team is under pressure from allies of Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren, another former presidential candidate, to adopt policies popular with progressives such as a wealth tax, a stepped-up estate tax and an equal-pay plan, according to several strategists familiar with the conversations.

A wealth tax "one, is supported by both Senators Sanders and Warren and two, speaks to the fundamentals of who the Democratic Party should be making clear they fight for,” said a Democratic strategist who was close to Warren's campaign.

A similar dynamic played out between Sanders and Clinton in the 2016 primary, when Sanders said he would not drop out even after it became clear she would be the nominee.

The progressive wing of the party then successfully pushed for the addition of policies, including a $15-an-hour minimum wage, to the party’s convention platform. Sanders ultimately endorsed her.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-seizes-momentum-in-us-presidential-race-with-strong-super-tuesday-284205">Joe Biden seizes momentum in US presidential race with strong Super Tuesday</a>

Brian Fallon, Clinton's spokesman in 2016, said that while Sanders’ supporters were unlikely to be “fully transferrable” to Biden, Biden’s team must work to earn the support of as many as possible to avoid the narrow loss Clinton suffered.

“It begins with rhetorically stretching out an open hand,” Fallon said.

Biden has been resistant to Sanders’ Medicare for All plan, which would replace private health insurance, arguing it is too costly and that many Americans prefer to keep their current insurance.

Wendell Potter, a former healthcare executive who now works as an advocate for a government-run plan, said Biden must at least concede “the problems of our healthcare system are more severe than he’s acknowledging.”

Exit polls of Democratic voters from recent primaries showed strong support for Medicare for All.

Earlier this week, Biden praised the passion of Sanders and his supporters and promised to deliver a “bold, progressive vision to the American people.”

But his campaign has yet to indicate it would be inclined to embrace any of Sanders’ signature proposals. Biden's agenda in its current form would already make him the most progressive Democrat in history if elected, a campaign aide said.

Matt Bennett, a vice president for Third Way, a Democratic think tank that advocates for centrist policies, said Biden could not afford to break leftward after moderates in the party coalesced around him.

“The guy who comes in second doesn’t get concessions,” Bennett said. “The problem with Bernie is that his ideas are so huge, they are sinking his campaign. Biden can’t take those on.”

After all the rancour of the Democratic presidential race, front-runner Joe Biden has a chance in Sunday's debate to extend an olive branch to rival Bernie Sanders and his fervent liberal supporters in a bid for party unity before the general election fight.

After all the rancour of the Democratic presidential race, front-runner Joe Biden has a chance in Sunday's debate to extend an olive branch to rival Bernie Sanders and his fervent liberal supporters in a bid for party unity before the general election fight. Biden and Sanders will square off in what may be the final debate of the Democratic nominating contest. Biden leads Sanders in delegates after a string of primary victories, and next week's nominating contests could put the former vice president on a nearly unstoppable path to the nomination. The centrist Biden may now be in a position to try to find common ground with Sanders, a democratic socialist, a move that could help mend the fissure in the party between moderates and progressives, Democratic Party veterans say. “Sunday’s debate could be an important step to heal and strengthen the party," said Hari Sevugan, recently a top aide to former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. “A measured, respectful conversation could go a long way.” The winner of the Democratic primary contest will face Republican President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 election. Also Read: At 77, US Senator Bernie Sanders announces 2020 presidential bid Biden is not prone to conflict with fellow Democrats. The question remains whether the pugnacious Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, would follow suit or keep trying to draw a clear contrast between the two candidates. Some Democrats say lingering tensions between Sanders and rival Hillary Clinton in 2016 played a role in her upset loss to Trump. After being routed by Biden in Michigan and other primaries on Tuesday, Sanders seemed to signal he was less interested in attacking Biden personally and more intent on pushing him to address issues such as universal healthcare coverage, college affordability, climate change and poverty. The coronavirus pandemic will likely add a level of solemnity to the debate, which may also minimize conflict between the two, strategists said. The debate was moved to Washington from Arizona and will have no live audience due to concerns about the outbreak. For Biden, the challenge may be figuring out how to thread the needle of expressing support for Sanders' efforts without aligning himself with his policies. Biden can say that "while they share the same goals, they differ on the prescription," Sevugan said. 'AN OPEN HAND' Biden’s team is under pressure from allies of Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren, another former presidential candidate, to adopt policies popular with progressives such as a wealth tax, a stepped-up estate tax and an equal-pay plan, according to several strategists familiar with the conversations. A wealth tax "one, is supported by both Senators Sanders and Warren and two, speaks to the fundamentals of who the Democratic Party should be making clear they fight for,” said a Democratic strategist who was close to Warren's campaign. A similar dynamic played out between Sanders and Clinton in the 2016 primary, when Sanders said he would not drop out even after it became clear she would be the nominee. The progressive wing of the party then successfully pushed for the addition of policies, including a $15-an-hour minimum wage, to the party’s convention platform. Sanders ultimately endorsed her. Also Read: Joe Biden seizes momentum in US presidential race with strong Super Tuesday Brian Fallon, Clinton's spokesman in 2016, said that while Sanders’ supporters were unlikely to be “fully transferrable” to Biden, Biden’s team must work to earn the support of as many as possible to avoid the narrow loss Clinton suffered. “It begins with rhetorically stretching out an open hand,” Fallon said. Biden has been resistant to Sanders’ Medicare for All plan, which would replace private health insurance, arguing it is too costly and that many Americans prefer to keep their current insurance. Wendell Potter, a former healthcare executive who now works as an advocate for a government-run plan, said Biden must at least concede “the problems of our healthcare system are more severe than he’s acknowledging.” Exit polls of Democratic voters from recent primaries showed strong support for Medicare for All. Earlier this week, Biden praised the passion of Sanders and his supporters and promised to deliver a “bold, progressive vision to the American people.” But his campaign has yet to indicate it would be inclined to embrace any of Sanders’ signature proposals. Biden's agenda in its current form would already make him the most progressive Democrat in history if elected, a campaign aide said. Matt Bennett, a vice president for Third Way, a Democratic think tank that advocates for centrist policies, said Biden could not afford to break leftward after moderates in the party coalesced around him. “The guy who comes in second doesn’t get concessions,” Bennett said. “The problem with Bernie is that his ideas are so huge, they are sinking his campaign. Biden can’t take those on.”

Debate offers Biden, Sanders a chance to bridge Democratic Party's divide

The US Department of Defense said Thursday it wants to reconsider its decision to award a multi-billion-dollar military cloud computing contract to Microsoft in a bidding process Amazon claims was tainted by politics.

A judge last month issued an order at Amazon's request temporarily blocking the US military from starting work on the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract, or JEDI.

In a filing late Thursday in a federal court, government attorneys asked for the matter to be "remanded," or sent back, to the Pentagon "for 120 days to reconsider certain aspects of the challenged agency decision."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-amazon-wants-trump-esper-to-testify-in-fight-for-10-billion-pentagon-contract-279956">Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract</a>

It is up to the court whether the case is remanded or proceeds.

The DoD attorneys said the move came in response to the judge stalling the awarding of the JEDI contract on the grounds Amazon Web Services (AWS) would "likely be able to show" that the department erred in evaluating its proposal.

"We are pleased that the DoD has acknowledged 'substantial and legitimate' issues that affected the JEDI award decision, and that corrective action is necessary," an AWS spokesperson said in a statement.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-amazon-win-tussle-against-trump-over-major-defence-contract-280612">Amazon wins as US court blocks Microsoft's Pentagon cloud contract</a>

"We look forward to complete, fair, and effective corrective action that fully insulates the re-evaluation from political influence and corrects the many issues affecting the initial flawed award."

Amazon argues it was shut out of the deal because of President Donald Trump's vendetta against the company and its chief executive Jeff Bezos.&nbsp;

It is seeking testimony from the president and other top officials on the reasons for awarding the $10 billion, 10-year US military cloud computing contract to Microsoft.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tech-events-cancelled-across-the-world-over-coronavirus-concerns-286017">Tech events cancelled across the world over coronavirus concerns</a>

"DoD wishes to reconsider its award decision in response to the other technical challenges presented by AWS," the government attorneys said in the filing.

"A remand here is in the interests of justice because it will provide the agency with an opportunity to reconsider the award decision at issue in light of AWS's allegations, this court's opinion, and any new information gathered."

The JEDI program will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a cloud-based system boosted by artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/after-amazon-walmarts-flipkart-challenges-india-antitrust-probe-282034">After Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart challenges India antitrust probe</a>

An earlier court filing by Amazon detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its AWS cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Bezos.

Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, is a frequent target of the US president, who claims the newspaper is biased against him.

Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government agencies including the CIA.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-looks-for-defence-to-putins-invincible-hypersonic-missiles-277593">Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles</a>

Amazon argued in court documents that the Pentagon's choice of Microsoft was mystifying if not for Trump's repeated "expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon.'"

The protest filed in the US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated.

The US Department of Defense said Thursday it wants to reconsider its decision to award a multi-billion-dollar military cloud computing contract to Microsoft in a bidding process Amazon claims was tainted by politics.

The US Department of Defense said Thursday it wants to reconsider its decision to award a multi-billion-dollar military cloud computing contract to Microsoft in a bidding process Amazon claims was tainted by politics. A judge last month issued an order at Amazon's request temporarily blocking the US military from starting work on the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract, or JEDI. In a filing late Thursday in a federal court, government attorneys asked for the matter to be "remanded," or sent back, to the Pentagon "for 120 days to reconsider certain aspects of the challenged agency decision." Also read: Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract It is up to the court whether the case is remanded or proceeds. The DoD attorneys said the move came in response to the judge stalling the awarding of the JEDI contract on the grounds Amazon Web Services (AWS) would "likely be able to show" that the department erred in evaluating its proposal. "We are pleased that the DoD has acknowledged 'substantial and legitimate' issues that affected the JEDI award decision, and that corrective action is necessary," an AWS spokesperson said in a statement. Also see: Amazon wins as US court blocks Microsoft's Pentagon cloud contract "We look forward to complete, fair, and effective corrective action that fully insulates the re-evaluation from political influence and corrects the many issues affecting the initial flawed award." Amazon argues it was shut out of the deal because of President Donald Trump's vendetta against the company and its chief executive Jeff Bezos. It is seeking testimony from the president and other top officials on the reasons for awarding the $10 billion, 10-year US military cloud computing contract to Microsoft. Also read: Tech events cancelled across the world over coronavirus concerns "DoD wishes to reconsider its award decision in response to the other technical challenges presented by AWS," the government attorneys said in the filing. "A remand here is in the interests of justice because it will provide the agency with an opportunity to reconsider the award decision at issue in light of AWS's allegations, this court's opinion, and any new information gathered." The JEDI program will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a cloud-based system boosted by artificial intelligence. Also see: After Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart challenges India antitrust probe An earlier court filing by Amazon detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its AWS cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Bezos. Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, is a frequent target of the US president, who claims the newspaper is biased against him. Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government agencies including the CIA. Also read: Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles Amazon argued in court documents that the Pentagon's choice of Microsoft was mystifying if not for Trump's repeated "expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon.'" The protest filed in the US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated.

Pentagon 'wishes to reconsider' awarding JEDI contract to Microsoft

The fight in this week’s Democratic primaries may have been about who confronts Donald J Trump in November’s US presidential election, Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden. But irrespective of who wins the primaries and the election, one thing is certain: the next American leader will preside over fundamental changes in the US military commitment to the Gulf and what a new regional security architecture will look like.

No doubt, a President Sanders, based on his electoral campaign promises, would likely oversee the most fundamental shift in US policy towards the Gulf and the rest of the Middle East in decades.

Yet, even if Sanders fails to become the Democratic candidate in the November election, or loses to Trump, significant elements of his thinking are certain to be at the core of the next administration’s policy, reflecting a broader trend in US attitudes towards foreign engagements in general and the Middle East in particular.

It’s hard to think of anything that Sanders and Trump would agree on. And even if there is something, like a reduced commitment to Gulf security, they would do everything to deny that there is any common ground.

Yet, that is perhaps the only thing they agree on.

However, the difference between the two men is that Trump, who lacks a policy vision that goes beyond slogans like “Make America Great Again” and “Why should the United States shoulder the responsibility of others?”, has no issue with repeatedly reversing himself and sees Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel as his guardrails.

Irrespective of whether one agrees with Sanders or not, or how realistic one thinks his vision is, it is beyond doubt that he has thought through a concept of what American policy towards the Middle East should be.

As a result, a Sanders presidency, viewed with apprehension by countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, whom the Democrats’ most left-wing hopeful has targetted, could prove to be either the most constructive US government in changing the region’s political landscape or the most divisive and destructive.

The changing landscape is likely to be driven by the US desire to reduce its military commitment and nagging Gulf doubts about US reliability. Doubts that began with US President Barak Obama’s support for the 2011 popular Arab revolts and his nuclear deal with Iran and were later reinforced by Trump’s unpredictability and refusal to respond forcefully to multiple Iranian provocations, including last September’s attack on two key Saudi oil facilities.

The killing in January by US drones of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was seen by Gulf states as the welcome taking out of a feared and wily opponent but also as an operation that risked dragging the region into a full-fledged war.

Trump has further raised questions with his insistence that his withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal that curbed Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions-driven maximum pressure campaign are producing results.

As a result, a move towards a multilateral security architecture looks increasingly attractive given the regional uncertainty about the outcome of the US election and the fact that neither China nor Russia is willing or capable on their own of replacing the US as the Gulf’s security guarantor.

While Biden has ruffled few Middle Eastern feathers even though he is expected to hue closer to&nbsp;Obama’s approach,&nbsp;Sanders has raised alarms in Riyadh and Jerusalem with his campaign promise to re-join the nuclear agreement on the first day of his presidency even though, in theory, a return could facilitate achieving some kind of regional non-aggression understanding.

Such an understanding is at the core of Russian and Iranian proposals for a multilateral arrangement that would embed the current unipolar US defence umbrella that was designed to protect the conservative Gulf states against Iran.

The degree to which Sanders’ intention to revive the agreement with Iran facilitates a broader agreement or complicates a transition to a multilateral arrangement is nonetheless likely to depend on whether and how Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE respond to&nbsp;Sanders’ policy.

The glass is half full or half empty on that count.

The Saudis, Emiratis, and Israelis were opposed to the original agreement.

A sense in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi that Saudi and UAE interests had been ignored during the negotiations with Iran and that the US could no longer be fully trusted prompted them to embark on a series of reckless policies. That perception of mistrust sparked the disastrous war in Yemen and persuaded them to forge close albeit informal ties with Israel, which views the regime in Tehran as an existential threat.

A Sanders administration that takes the Gulf states to task on human rights issues, and targets economic structures that enable the oil-rich states’ dollar diplomacy—even if it embraces Palestinian national rights—could convince them to do what it takes to counter the new president and thwart his initiatives.

By the same token, Trump’s perceived unreliability prompted the UAE and Saudi Arabia to reach out to Iran. The Emiratis appear to have made progress in lowering tensions while indirect Saudi-Iranian contacts broke down with the Soleimani killing.

A progressive US military disengagement from the Gulf and Iraq, as well as, a halt to support of the Saudi engagement in Yemen under Sanders could blow new life into regional efforts to create an environment conducive to a rejiggered security architecture.

(This was first published on <a href="https://insidearabia.com/biden-sanders-or-trump-us-policy-towards-the-gulf-will-change-regardless/">Inside Arabia</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The fight in this week’s Democratic primaries may have been about who confronts Donald J Trump in November’s US presidential election, Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden.

The fight in this week’s Democratic primaries may have been about who confronts Donald J Trump in November’s US presidential election, Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden. But irrespective of who wins the primaries and the election, one thing is certain: the next American leader will preside over fundamental changes in the US military commitment to the Gulf and what a new regional security architecture will look like. No doubt, a President Sanders, based on his electoral campaign promises, would likely oversee the most fundamental shift in US policy towards the Gulf and the rest of the Middle East in decades. Yet, even if Sanders fails to become the Democratic candidate in the November election, or loses to Trump, significant elements of his thinking are certain to be at the core of the next administration’s policy, reflecting a broader trend in US attitudes towards foreign engagements in general and the Middle East in particular. It’s hard to think of anything that Sanders and Trump would agree on. And even if there is something, like a reduced commitment to Gulf security, they would do everything to deny that there is any common ground. Yet, that is perhaps the only thing they agree on. However, the difference between the two men is that Trump, who lacks a policy vision that goes beyond slogans like “Make America Great Again” and “Why should the United States shoulder the responsibility of others?”, has no issue with repeatedly reversing himself and sees Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel as his guardrails. Irrespective of whether one agrees with Sanders or not, or how realistic one thinks his vision is, it is beyond doubt that he has thought through a concept of what American policy towards the Middle East should be. As a result, a Sanders presidency, viewed with apprehension by countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, whom the Democrats’ most left-wing hopeful has targetted, could prove to be either the most constructive US government in changing the region’s political landscape or the most divisive and destructive. The changing landscape is likely to be driven by the US desire to reduce its military commitment and nagging Gulf doubts about US reliability. Doubts that began with US President Barak Obama’s support for the 2011 popular Arab revolts and his nuclear deal with Iran and were later reinforced by Trump’s unpredictability and refusal to respond forcefully to multiple Iranian provocations, including last September’s attack on two key Saudi oil facilities. The killing in January by US drones of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was seen by Gulf states as the welcome taking out of a feared and wily opponent but also as an operation that risked dragging the region into a full-fledged war. Trump has further raised questions with his insistence that his withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal that curbed Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions-driven maximum pressure campaign are producing results. As a result, a move towards a multilateral security architecture looks increasingly attractive given the regional uncertainty about the outcome of the US election and the fact that neither China nor Russia is willing or capable on their own of replacing the US as the Gulf’s security guarantor. While Biden has ruffled few Middle Eastern feathers even though he is expected to hue closer to Obama’s approach, Sanders has raised alarms in Riyadh and Jerusalem with his campaign promise to re-join the nuclear agreement on the first day of his presidency even though, in theory, a return could facilitate achieving some kind of regional non-aggression understanding. Such an understanding is at the core of Russian and Iranian proposals for a multilateral arrangement that would embed the current unipolar US defence umbrella that was designed to protect the conservative Gulf states against Iran. The degree to which Sanders’ intention to revive the agreement with Iran facilitates a broader agreement or complicates a transition to a multilateral arrangement is nonetheless likely to depend on whether and how Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE respond to Sanders’ policy. The glass is half full or half empty on that count. The Saudis, Emiratis, and Israelis were opposed to the original agreement. A sense in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi that Saudi and UAE interests had been ignored during the negotiations with Iran and that the US could no longer be fully trusted prompted them to embark on a series of reckless policies. That perception of mistrust sparked the disastrous war in Yemen and persuaded them to forge close albeit informal ties with Israel, which views the regime in Tehran as an existential threat. A Sanders administration that takes the Gulf states to task on human rights issues, and targets economic structures that enable the oil-rich states’ dollar diplomacy—even if it embraces Palestinian national rights—could convince them to do what it takes to counter the new president and thwart his initiatives. By the same token, Trump’s perceived unreliability prompted the UAE and Saudi Arabia to reach out to Iran. The Emiratis appear to have made progress in lowering tensions while indirect Saudi-Iranian contacts broke down with the Soleimani killing. A progressive US military disengagement from the Gulf and Iraq, as well as, a halt to support of the Saudi engagement in Yemen under Sanders could blow new life into regional efforts to create an environment conducive to a rejiggered security architecture. (This was first published on Inside Arabia) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump, US policy towards the Gulf will change regardless

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