Concern that President Donald Trump himself could be exposed to the coronavirus through contact with two Republican lawmakers loomed Monday as US stocks plummeted, feeding growing national anxiety.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-congressmen-exposed-to-coronavirus-before-meeting-trump-285349" hreflang="en">Two US congressmen exposed to coronavirus before meeting Trump</a>

Trump, who flew back to Washington after a weekend golfing at his Florida resort and having dinner with Brazil's right-wing president, has spent weeks dismissing the seriousness of the threat.

But after an emergency meeting with administration staff, he told journalists that he would propose "very substantial" economic measures to Congress on Tuesday. These will include tax relief and aid for workers in the gig economy who worry about calling in sick.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whole-of-italy-under-coronavirus-lockdown-public-gatherings-banned-285372" hreflang="en">Whole of Italy under coronavirus lockdown, public gatherings banned</a>

Trump said he would hold a press conference to discuss the measures on Tuesday, adding the coronavirus -- which has killed 26 people in the US -- has "blindsided the&nbsp;world."

The run on stock market prices robbed Trump of one of his main talking points ahead of the November presidential election. The Dow Jones closed 7.8 per cent lower in the worst session since 2008.

And with pictures of a virus-hit cruise ship constantly on live television, Trump's tweet Monday that "life &amp; the economy go on" seemed increasingly out of touch.

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So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life &amp; the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1237027356314869761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Alarm mounted further after at least two Republican lawmakers who recently met with the president announced they were going into self-quarantine, fearing that they were exposed to the virus at a conservative conference just outside Washington.

One of them, Representative Matt Gaetz, had travelled with Trump on Air Force One on Monday.

Another, Representative Doug Collins, was with Trump Friday during a coronavirus briefing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters.

Trump's incoming chief of staff, Mark Meadows, also went into self-quarantine Monday after learning he may also have been exposed at the same conference.

Although he is not exhibiting symptoms, and a precautionary test came back negative, "he'll be self-quarantined till the 14 day period passes Wednesday," his spokesman said on Twitter.

The spreading virus also raises&nbsp;questions over whether Trump will be able to continue holding the large rallies at the heart of his reelection campaign.

Trump has not been tested for the virus, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Monday evening.

"He has neither had prolonged close contact with any known confirmed COVID-19 patients, nor does he have any symptoms," she said in a statement.

Stories of new cases flooded in across the country -- from a Washington DC church rector to the head of New York's ports authority, while some stores ran out of hand sanitizer and masks.

On the West Coast -- where most of the US deaths have occurred -- the Grand Princess cruise ship docked at California's port of Oakland, for more than 2,400 passengers to be taken into treatment or placed in quarantine, in a delicate, days-long operation.

Grisham said there was no need for worry, denying reports that staff had been instructed to limit face-to-face meetings.

"While we have asked all Americans to exercise common-sense hygiene measures, we are conducting business as usual. I want to remind the media once again to be responsible with all reporting," Grisham said.

Trump himself appeared to be less than strict about sanitary guidelines, shaking hands with well-wishers while in Florida on Monday.

Since the epidemic began, Trump has veered between defending his government from accusations of incompetence to accusing Democrats and the media of exaggerating the outbreak in an attempt to hurt his standing.

The crisis has seen him struggle to retain control over his messaging that he will ride the booming economy to certain victory in November.

On Sunday, he retweeted a meme showing himself playing the violin and the caption: "My next piece is called nothing can stop what's coming."

Trump apparently meant the meme in jest and said himself he didn't know "what this means."

Critics quickly branded it the portrait of a modern Nero -- the mad emperor famous for fiddling while Rome burned.

Trump's "reckless statements are confusing people in this country and all over the&nbsp;world," Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders said on the campaign trail in Michigan.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at the White House press conference that there was no need for broader alarm, insisting that "the US has the most resilient economy in the&nbsp;world."

"We couldn't be more pleased that the president's economic programs of tax cuts, regulatory relief and trade have put the economy in a very good position," he said.

Trump has invited heads of major US financial institutions to a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the virus response, banking sources told AFP.

Concern that President Donald Trump himself could be exposed to the coronavirus through contact with two Republican lawmakers loomed Monday as US stocks plummeted, feeding growing national anxiety.

Concern that President Donald Trump himself could be exposed to the coronavirus through contact with two Republican lawmakers loomed Monday as US stocks plummeted, feeding growing national anxiety. Also read: Two US congressmen exposed to coronavirus before meeting Trump Trump, who flew back to Washington after a weekend golfing at his Florida resort and having dinner with Brazil's right-wing president, has spent weeks dismissing the seriousness of the threat. But after an emergency meeting with administration staff, he told journalists that he would propose "very substantial" economic measures to Congress on Tuesday. These will include tax relief and aid for workers in the gig economy who worry about calling in sick. Also read: Whole of Italy under coronavirus lockdown, public gatherings banned Trump said he would hold a press conference to discuss the measures on Tuesday, adding the coronavirus -- which has killed 26 people in the US -- has "blindsided the world." The run on stock market prices robbed Trump of one of his main talking points ahead of the November presidential election. The Dow Jones closed 7.8 per cent lower in the worst session since 2008. And with pictures of a virus-hit cruise ship constantly on live television, Trump's tweet Monday that "life & the economy go on" seemed increasingly out of touch. So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020 × Alarm mounted further after at least two Republican lawmakers who recently met with the president announced they were going into self-quarantine, fearing that they were exposed to the virus at a conservative conference just outside Washington. One of them, Representative Matt Gaetz, had travelled with Trump on Air Force One on Monday. Another, Representative Doug Collins, was with Trump Friday during a coronavirus briefing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters. Trump's incoming chief of staff, Mark Meadows, also went into self-quarantine Monday after learning he may also have been exposed at the same conference. Although he is not exhibiting symptoms, and a precautionary test came back negative, "he'll be self-quarantined till the 14 day period passes Wednesday," his spokesman said on Twitter. The spreading virus also raises questions over whether Trump will be able to continue holding the large rallies at the heart of his reelection campaign. Trump has not been tested for the virus, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Monday evening. "He has neither had prolonged close contact with any known confirmed COVID-19 patients, nor does he have any symptoms," she said in a statement. Stories of new cases flooded in across the country -- from a Washington DC church rector to the head of New York's ports authority, while some stores ran out of hand sanitizer and masks. On the West Coast -- where most of the US deaths have occurred -- the Grand Princess cruise ship docked at California's port of Oakland, for more than 2,400 passengers to be taken into treatment or placed in quarantine, in a delicate, days-long operation. Grisham said there was no need for worry, denying reports that staff had been instructed to limit face-to-face meetings. "While we have asked all Americans to exercise common-sense hygiene measures, we are conducting business as usual. I want to remind the media once again to be responsible with all reporting," Grisham said. Trump himself appeared to be less than strict about sanitary guidelines, shaking hands with well-wishers while in Florida on Monday. Since the epidemic began, Trump has veered between defending his government from accusations of incompetence to accusing Democrats and the media of exaggerating the outbreak in an attempt to hurt his standing. The crisis has seen him struggle to retain control over his messaging that he will ride the booming economy to certain victory in November. On Sunday, he retweeted a meme showing himself playing the violin and the caption: "My next piece is called nothing can stop what's coming." Trump apparently meant the meme in jest and said himself he didn't know "what this means." Critics quickly branded it the portrait of a modern Nero -- the mad emperor famous for fiddling while Rome burned. Trump's "reckless statements are confusing people in this country and all over the world," Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders said on the campaign trail in Michigan. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at the White House press conference that there was no need for broader alarm, insisting that "the US has the most resilient economy in the world." "We couldn't be more pleased that the president's economic programs of tax cuts, regulatory relief and trade have put the economy in a very good position," he said. Trump has invited heads of major US financial institutions to a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the virus response, banking sources told AFP.

Trump feels the heat as coronavirus stalks US

President Donald Trump parted ways on Friday with acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and replaced him with conservative lawmaker and close ally Mark Meadows, who was a strong Trump defender during the Democratic impeachment drive.

Representative Meadows takes over as the White House struggles to advance a consistent message about the coronavirus crisis and as Trump goes into a bruising re-election contest.

He becomes the fourth chief of staff in Trump's three years in office, tasked with attempting to bring order to a chaotic presidency.

Meadows is a member of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives from North Carolina and was a combative defender of the president during the impeachment saga, so much so that Trump singled him out for praise at a Feb. 6 event after the Republican-led Senate acquitted the president.

"He's a tremendously talented man, not just as a politician. As a human being, he's incredible," Trump said at the time.

Trump named Mulvaney to be his special US envoy to Northern Ireland, just as he prepares to welcome Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar to Washington for St. Patrick's Day ceremonies later this month.

A former senior administration official said the change had been a long time in the works and was a "done deal" some time ago.

Trump announced the Friday night move just after arriving at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, where he is spending the weekend.

"I am pleased to announce that Congressman Mark Meadows will become White House Chief of Staff. I have long known and worked with Mark, and the relationship is a very good one," Trump said on Twitter.

"I want to thank Acting Chief Mick Mulvaney for having served the Administration so well. He will become the United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. Thank you!" said Trump.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emboldened-donald-trump-defends-right-to-interfere-in-criminal-cases-280773">Emboldened, Donald Trump defends right to interfere in criminal cases</a>

Trump had long groused about Mulvaney, who angered the president last autumn by saying at a White House news conference that Trump had sought to persuade Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden by withholding US&nbsp;aid to Ukraine.

What Mulvaney said ran counter to the argument Trump was advancing - that there was no "quid pro quo" with Ukraine. Mulvaney quickly walked back the statement, but the damage was done.

Mulvaney, a conservative former South Carolina lawmaker, did last more than a year as acting chief of staff after replacing retired General John Kelly, who had succeeded Reince Priebus in the job.

A source familiar with Mulvaney's thinking said he had been discussing the issue with Trump for months and told the president he wanted to do more in Belfast after making a trip there last month. The position provides Mulvaney an official connection to the administration after his exit, something previous holders of the job under Trump have not gotten.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/enough-testimony-to-remove-donald-trump-from-office-nancy-pelosi-273832">Enough testimony to remove Donald Trump from office: Nancy Pelosi</a>

Still, another source familiar with the situation said both Mulvaney and Meadows flew aboard Air Force One with Trump to North Carolina on Monday and there was little warmth between the two men. Trump did not speak to Mulvaney, the source said.

Meadows announced in December he would not run for re-election this year in his North Carolina district.

"This was the most orchestrated personnel change so far. Since the Northern Ireland deal was announced at the same time, this was clearly a mutual decision," said Sean Spicer, Trump's former White House press secretary.

Spicer said Meadows had a clear understanding of Trump's style and agenda.

Meadows chaired the conservative House Freedom Caucus from 2017-2019.

Mulvaney was named acting chief of staff in December 2018 and Trump never made the appointment permanent.

President Donald Trump parted ways on Friday with acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and replaced him with conservative lawmaker and close ally Mark Meadows, who was a strong Trump defender during the Democratic impeachment drive.

President Donald Trump parted ways on Friday with acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and replaced him with conservative lawmaker and close ally Mark Meadows, who was a strong Trump defender during the Democratic impeachment drive. Representative Meadows takes over as the White House struggles to advance a consistent message about the coronavirus crisis and as Trump goes into a bruising re-election contest. He becomes the fourth chief of staff in Trump's three years in office, tasked with attempting to bring order to a chaotic presidency. Meadows is a member of the US House of Representatives from North Carolina and was a combative defender of the president during the impeachment saga, so much so that Trump singled him out for praise at a Feb. 6 event after the Republican-led Senate acquitted the president. "He's a tremendously talented man, not just as a politician. As a human being, he's incredible," Trump said at the time. Trump named Mulvaney to be his special US envoy to Northern Ireland, just as he prepares to welcome Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar to Washington for St. Patrick's Day ceremonies later this month. A former senior administration official said the change had been a long time in the works and was a "done deal" some time ago. Trump announced the Friday night move just after arriving at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, where he is spending the weekend. "I am pleased to announce that Congressman Mark Meadows will become White House Chief of Staff. I have long known and worked with Mark, and the relationship is a very good one," Trump said on Twitter. "I want to thank Acting Chief Mick Mulvaney for having served the Administration so well. He will become the United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. Thank you!" said Trump. Also Read: Emboldened, Donald Trump defends right to interfere in criminal cases Trump had long groused about Mulvaney, who angered the president last autumn by saying at a White House news conference that Trump had sought to persuade Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden by withholding US aid to Ukraine. What Mulvaney said ran counter to the argument Trump was advancing - that there was no "quid pro quo" with Ukraine. Mulvaney quickly walked back the statement, but the damage was done. Mulvaney, a conservative former South Carolina lawmaker, did last more than a year as acting chief of staff after replacing retired General John Kelly, who had succeeded Reince Priebus in the job. A source familiar with Mulvaney's thinking said he had been discussing the issue with Trump for months and told the president he wanted to do more in Belfast after making a trip there last month. The position provides Mulvaney an official connection to the administration after his exit, something previous holders of the job under Trump have not gotten. Also Read: Enough testimony to remove Donald Trump from office: Nancy Pelosi Still, another source familiar with the situation said both Mulvaney and Meadows flew aboard Air Force One with Trump to North Carolina on Monday and there was little warmth between the two men. Trump did not speak to Mulvaney, the source said. Meadows announced in December he would not run for re-election this year in his North Carolina district. "This was the most orchestrated personnel change so far. Since the Northern Ireland deal was announced at the same time, this was clearly a mutual decision," said Sean Spicer, Trump's former White House press secretary. Spicer said Meadows had a clear understanding of Trump's style and agenda. Meadows chaired the conservative House Freedom Caucus from 2017-2019. Mulvaney was named acting chief of staff in December 2018 and Trump never made the appointment permanent.

Trump replaces acting chief of staff Mulvaney with North Carolina lawmaker

President Donald Trump said on Thursday the US&nbsp;economy might take a hit from the coronavirus outbreak but predicted the challenge would eventually pass and defended his handling of the crisis.

Trump appeared at his first town hall meeting of the 2020 election season, an event conducted by Fox News Channel before an audience in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a battleground state that helped propel him to the White House in 2016.

The spreading coronavirus has led to a steep downturn in the stock market and fanned fears of an economic dip just as the Republican president asks Americans for a second term.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-poses-risks-to-fragile-recovery-in-global-economy-imf-281671">Coronavirus poses risks to fragile recovery in global economy: IMF</a>

Asked if the coronavirus outbreak hurt the economy, Trump said:&nbsp;It certainly might have an impact. At the same time, I have to say people are now staying in the United States spending their money in the US&nbsp;and I like that.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-biggest-economic-slowdown-since-2008-financial-crisis-284270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It’s going to all work out. Everybody has to be calm," he said. We have plans for every single possibility and I think that's what we have to do. We hope it doesn't last too long.

Trump repeated his assertion that the travel restrictions he imposed on China early in the crisis had helped limit the outbreak in the United States. The US&nbsp;death toll from the coronavirus rose to 12 on Thursday and 53 new cases broke out across the country. More than 3,200 people worldwide have died from the respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/stock-markets-climb-on-easing-economic-concerns-over-coronavirus-280339">Stock markets climb on easing economic concerns over coronavirus</a>

Trump has faced criticism from Democrats for not having the country properly prepared for the possibility of a pandemic.

"I think people are viewing us as having done a very good job. What we have to do is do a professional job. Nobody is blaming us for the virus," he said. "This started in China."

The US Senate on Thursday passed an $8.3 billion bill to combat the outbreak, a day after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved it. The bill now goes to Trump for his signature.

Asked about his reputation as a germophobe and how he is responding to doctors' recommendations to avoid shaking hands to guard against the spread of the coronavirus, Trump said nobody could operate as a politician without shaking people's hands.

"The bottom line is I shake anybody's hand now. I'm proud of it," Trump said. "You know, you're hearing a lot of stuff about trying not to shake hands. ... It hasn't stopped me at all."

Was all set for Bernie

Trump also weighed in on the race for the Democratic presidential nomination to face him in the Nov. 3 election. That contest took a sharp turn on Super Tuesday this week, with former Vice President Joe Biden surging ahead of Senator Bernie Sanders in what has become a two-man battle.

"I was all set for Bernie," Trump said, adding that Sanders would have benefited if fellow liberal Senator Elizabeth Warren had dropped out sooner. She withdrew from the race on Thursday.

Democratic moderates, including former presidential candidates Michael Bloomberg, Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg, have rallied behind Biden in recent days amid concerns that nominating Sanders, a self-avowed democratic socialist, would harm the party's chances in November.

Asked whether his polarizing style deepened the US&nbsp;political divide, Trump defended how he conducted his personal messaging through tweeting and the like.

"When they hit us, we have to hit back. I really feel that. ... I wouldn't be here if I had turned the other cheek," he said.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday the US economy might take a hit from the coronavirus outbreak but predicted the challenge would eventually pass and defended his handling of the crisis.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday the US economy might take a hit from the coronavirus outbreak but predicted the challenge would eventually pass and defended his handling of the crisis. Trump appeared at his first town hall meeting of the 2020 election season, an event conducted by Fox News Channel before an audience in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a battleground state that helped propel him to the White House in 2016. The spreading coronavirus has led to a steep downturn in the stock market and fanned fears of an economic dip just as the Republican president asks Americans for a second term. Also Read: Coronavirus poses risks to fragile recovery in global economy: IMF Asked if the coronavirus outbreak hurt the economy, Trump said: It certainly might have an impact. At the same time, I have to say people are now staying in the United States spending their money in the US and I like that. It’s going to all work out. Everybody has to be calm," he said. We have plans for every single possibility and I think that's what we have to do. We hope it doesn't last too long. Trump repeated his assertion that the travel restrictions he imposed on China early in the crisis had helped limit the outbreak in the United States. The US death toll from the coronavirus rose to 12 on Thursday and 53 new cases broke out across the country. More than 3,200 people worldwide have died from the respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia. Also Read: Stock markets climb on easing economic concerns over coronavirus Trump has faced criticism from Democrats for not having the country properly prepared for the possibility of a pandemic. "I think people are viewing us as having done a very good job. What we have to do is do a professional job. Nobody is blaming us for the virus," he said. "This started in China." The US Senate on Thursday passed an $8.3 billion bill to combat the outbreak, a day after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved it. The bill now goes to Trump for his signature. Asked about his reputation as a germophobe and how he is responding to doctors' recommendations to avoid shaking hands to guard against the spread of the coronavirus, Trump said nobody could operate as a politician without shaking people's hands. "The bottom line is I shake anybody's hand now. I'm proud of it," Trump said. "You know, you're hearing a lot of stuff about trying not to shake hands. ... It hasn't stopped me at all." Was all set for Bernie Trump also weighed in on the race for the Democratic presidential nomination to face him in the Nov. 3 election. That contest took a sharp turn on Super Tuesday this week, with former Vice President Joe Biden surging ahead of Senator Bernie Sanders in what has become a two-man battle. "I was all set for Bernie," Trump said, adding that Sanders would have benefited if fellow liberal Senator Elizabeth Warren had dropped out sooner. She withdrew from the race on Thursday. Democratic moderates, including former presidential candidates Michael Bloomberg, Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg, have rallied behind Biden in recent days amid concerns that nominating Sanders, a self-avowed democratic socialist, would harm the party's chances in November. Asked whether his polarizing style deepened the US political divide, Trump defended how he conducted his personal messaging through tweeting and the like. "When they hit us, we have to hit back. I really feel that. ... I wouldn't be here if I had turned the other cheek," he said.

Trump says US economy could take hit from coronavirus

American media personality Kim Kardashian West on Wednesday made another White House visit to talk criminal justice reform.

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Meet Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz and Tynice Nichole Hall. 
 
At the recommendation of <a href="https://twitter.com/AliceMarieFree?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AliceMarieFree</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KimKardashian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KimKardashian</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/cut_50?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cut_50</a> team, these 3 mothers were granted clemency by <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> last month and are already using their second chance to pay it forward! <a href="https://t.co/4ysQku3Mag">pic.twitter.com/4ysQku3Mag</a>
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1235269870457163776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Two anonymous officials who spoke to news&nbsp; on Wednesday said that U.S President Donald Trump will host Kim at the White House along with three women who were granted clemency last month by Trump administration.

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> granted clemency to 3 moms—Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz, and Tynice Nichole Hall! 
 
Today, they met with the President in the Oval Office along with <a href="https://twitter.com/AliceMarieFree?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AliceMarieFree</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/KimKardashian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KimKardashian</a>. <a href="https://t.co/9pGp71BUOF">pic.twitter.com/9pGp71BUOF</a>
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1235374931610923008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The socialite-actress took to Twitter to share that she would be heading to the White House for another discussion on the justice system, along with Tynice Nichole Hall, Crystal Munoz and Judith Negron"White House here we come!!!," Kim captioned the post.

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> granted clemency to 3 moms—Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz, and Tynice Nichole Hall! 
 
Today, they met with the President in the Oval Office along with <a href="https://twitter.com/AliceMarieFree?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AliceMarieFree</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/KimKardashian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KimKardashian</a>. <a href="https://t.co/9pGp71BUOF">pic.twitter.com/9pGp71BUOF</a>
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1235374931610923008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kardashian looked gorgeous in a white suit designed by Dior`s Kim Jones.Ivanka Trump also posted an image on Twitter with those attending the meeting with Kardashian."Meet Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz and Tynice Nichole Hall. 
 
At the recommendation of @AliceMarieFree, @KimKardashian and the @cut_50 team, these 3 mothers were granted clemency by @realDonaldTrump last month and are already using their second chance to pay it forward!" read the caption.

American media personality Kim Kardashian West on Wednesday made another White House visit to talk criminal justice reform. Meet Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz and Tynice Nichole Hall.

American media personality Kim Kardashian West on Wednesday made another White House visit to talk criminal justice reform. Meet Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz and Tynice Nichole Hall. At the recommendation of @AliceMarieFree, @KimKardashian and the @cut_50 team, these 3 mothers were granted clemency by @realDonaldTrump last month and are already using their second chance to pay it forward! pic.twitter.com/4ysQku3Mag — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) March 4, 2020 × Two anonymous officials who spoke to news on Wednesday said that U.S President Donald Trump will host Kim at the White House along with three women who were granted clemency last month by Trump administration. President @realDonaldTrump granted clemency to 3 moms—Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz, and Tynice Nichole Hall! Today, they met with the President in the Oval Office along with @AliceMarieFree and @KimKardashian. pic.twitter.com/9pGp71BUOF — The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 5, 2020 × The socialite-actress took to Twitter to share that she would be heading to the White House for another discussion on the justice system, along with Tynice Nichole Hall, Crystal Munoz and Judith Negron"White House here we come!!!," Kim captioned the post. President @realDonaldTrump granted clemency to 3 moms—Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz, and Tynice Nichole Hall! Today, they met with the President in the Oval Office along with @AliceMarieFree and @KimKardashian. pic.twitter.com/9pGp71BUOF — The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 5, 2020 × Kardashian looked gorgeous in a white suit designed by Dior`s Kim Jones.Ivanka Trump also posted an image on Twitter with those attending the meeting with Kardashian."Meet Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz and Tynice Nichole Hall. At the recommendation of @AliceMarieFree, @KimKardashian and the @cut_50 team, these 3 mothers were granted clemency by @realDonaldTrump last month and are already using their second chance to pay it forward!" read the caption.

Kim Kardashian West makes another White House visit to talk criminal justice reform

Amid the growing concerns over the coronavirus, US President Donald Trump had a lighter moment when he shared that he has not touched his face in weeks. And Trump misses it!

The incident happened when the US president held a meeting with airlines CEOs to discuss measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx was elaborating on the need of frequent hand-washing and avoiding touching one's own face.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/john-oliver-trolls-donald-trump-for-lying-about-the-spread-of-a-deadly-disease-283768">John Oliver trolls Donald Trump for 'lying about the spread of a deadly disease'</a>

"I haven't touched my face in weeks. It’s been weeks! I miss it," Trump responded to&nbsp;Birx's statements.

Trump's witty comments were, however, immediately fact-checked by the netizens who shared posts where Trump touched his face.&nbsp;

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Today Donald Trump claimed that he hasn’t touched his face in weeks. 
 
FACT CHECK: photographs show him touching his face three days ago 
 
What else is he lying to us about? 
 
cc <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNN</a> <a href="https://t.co/KTdvfxZjM8">pic.twitter.com/KTdvfxZjM8</a>
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattWalshBlog/status/1235262735522418689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Here’s President Trump on Monday during a coronavirus meeting <a href="https://t.co/yA7mJ2qjBL">https://t.co/yA7mJ2qjBL</a> <a href="https://t.co/kM4e4aDqdU">pic.twitter.com/kM4e4aDqdU</a>
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On Wednesday, the death toll from coronavirus infections jumped to 11 in the United States. In the US, the state of Washington has been the worst affected as 10 people have died from the COVID-19.&nbsp;

Amid the growing concerns over the coronavirus, US President Donald Trump had a lighter moment when he shared that he has not touched his face in weeks. And Trump misses it!

Amid the growing concerns over the coronavirus, US President Donald Trump had a lighter moment when he shared that he has not touched his face in weeks. And Trump misses it! The incident happened when the US president held a meeting with airlines CEOs to discuss measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx was elaborating on the need of frequent hand-washing and avoiding touching one's own face. Also read: John Oliver trolls Donald Trump for 'lying about the spread of a deadly disease' "I haven't touched my face in weeks. It’s been weeks! I miss it," Trump responded to Birx's statements. Trump's witty comments were, however, immediately fact-checked by the netizens who shared posts where Trump touched his face. Today Donald Trump claimed that he hasn’t touched his face in weeks. FACT CHECK: photographs show him touching his face three days ago What else is he lying to us about? cc @CNN pic.twitter.com/KTdvfxZjM8 — Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) March 4, 2020 × Here’s President Trump on Monday during a coronavirus meeting https://t.co/yA7mJ2qjBL pic.twitter.com/kM4e4aDqdU — Tyler Bartlam (@tylerbartlam5) March 4, 2020 × On Wednesday, the death toll from coronavirus infections jumped to 11 in the United States. In the US, the state of Washington has been the worst affected as 10 people have died from the COVID-19.

Donald Trump claims he hasn't touched his face in weeks

Hours after Trump call, Taliban attacks kill 20 in Afghanistan

The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials said, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-trump-call-taliban-attacks-kill-20-in-afghanistan-officials-284194">Read More</a>&nbsp;

WHO warns of global shortage of medical equipment to fight coronavirus

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday warned of a global shortage and price gouging for protective equipment to fight the fast-spreading coronavirus and asked companies and governments to increase production by 40&nbsp;per cent as the death toll from the respiratory illness mounted. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-of-global-shortage-of-medical-equipment-to-fight-coronavirus-284068">Read More</a>

21 dead and 32 missing as torrential rain hits Brazil

At least 21 people have been killed in torrential rain that hit the Brazilian states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, triggering flash floods and destroying homes, authorities said.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/21-dead-and-32-missing-as-torrential-rain-hits-brazil-284087"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/21-dead-and-32-missing-as-torrential-rain-hits-brazil-284087">Read More</a>

Joe Biden seizes momentum in US presidential race with strong Super Tuesday

Joe Biden seized the momentum in the race to become the Democratic challenger to President Donald Trump with a string of Super Tuesday victories against leftist rival Bernie Sanders after his candidacy had seemed close to collapse.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-seizes-momentum-in-us-presidential-race-with-strong-super-tuesday-284205"> Read More</a>

NBC Universal sells record $1.25 billion in Tokyo Olympic advertisements

Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal said it had sold more than $1.25 billion in national advertising for the Tokyo Olympics, a new record for any broadcaster for the games. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nbcuniversal-sells-record-125-billion-in-tokyo-olympic-advertisements-284070">Read More</a>

First time in 11 days of truce, US hits Taliban with air strike

The US hit Taliban fighters with an airstrike for the first time in 11 days in response to an insurgent attack on Afghan forces in southern Helmand province, an American military spokesman said. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nbcuniversal-sells-record-125-billion-in-tokyo-olympic-advertisements-284070">Read More</a>

Tornadoes tear through Tennessee, 25 dead

Tornadoes ripped through Tennessee early Tuesday, leaving at least 25 people dead, destroying buildings and toppling power lines hours before the southern US state voted in Super Tuesday primaries.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tornadoes-tear-though-tennessee-25-dead-284076"> Read More</a>

Greek police fire tear gas at migrants on Turkish border

The clash occurred along the Greek and Turkish sides of the Kastanies border crossing as authorities fired tear gas at the migrants. The area has become the scene of frequent clashes. At least one person was injured in the clash even as Turkish officials claimed that one migrant was killed. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-police-fire-tear-gas-at-migrants-on-turkish-border-284256">Read More</a>

Germany: Amid coronavirus fear, minister rejects handshake with Chancellor Angela Merkel

At a meeting on migration, Merkel extended her head in exchange of pleasantries to Seehofer during which he refused&nbsp;to shake hands. Both leaders can be seen laughing during the awkward interaction in a video which is being widely shared on social media. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-amid-coronavirus-fear-minister-rejects-handshake-with-chancellor-angela-merkel-284213">Read More</a>

Ukrainian PM Oleksiy Honcharuk resigns after six months

Ukraine's Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk has resigned after six months in the job and will be replaced by one of his deputies, according to members of parliament. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-pm-oleksiy-honcharuk-resigns-after-six-months-284078">Read More</a> 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Hours after Trump call, Taliban attacks kill 20 in Afghanistan The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials said, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief.

Hours after Trump call, Taliban attacks kill 20 in Afghanistan The Taliban killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of overnight attacks, government officials said, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good" chat with the insurgents' political chief. Read More WHO warns of global shortage of medical equipment to fight coronavirus The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday warned of a global shortage and price gouging for protective equipment to fight the fast-spreading coronavirus and asked companies and governments to increase production by 40 per cent as the death toll from the respiratory illness mounted. Read More 21 dead and 32 missing as torrential rain hits Brazil At least 21 people have been killed in torrential rain that hit the Brazilian states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, triggering flash floods and destroying homes, authorities said. Read More Joe Biden seizes momentum in US presidential race with strong Super Tuesday Joe Biden seized the momentum in the race to become the Democratic challenger to President Donald Trump with a string of Super Tuesday victories against leftist rival Bernie Sanders after his candidacy had seemed close to collapse. Read More NBC Universal sells record $1.25 billion in Tokyo Olympic advertisements Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal said it had sold more than $1.25 billion in national advertising for the Tokyo Olympics, a new record for any broadcaster for the games. Read More First time in 11 days of truce, US hits Taliban with air strike The US hit Taliban fighters with an airstrike for the first time in 11 days in response to an insurgent attack on Afghan forces in southern Helmand province, an American military spokesman said. Read More Tornadoes tear through Tennessee, 25 dead Tornadoes ripped through Tennessee early Tuesday, leaving at least 25 people dead, destroying buildings and toppling power lines hours before the southern US state voted in Super Tuesday primaries. Read More Greek police fire tear gas at migrants on Turkish border The clash occurred along the Greek and Turkish sides of the Kastanies border crossing as authorities fired tear gas at the migrants. The area has become the scene of frequent clashes. At least one person was injured in the clash even as Turkish officials claimed that one migrant was killed. Read More Germany: Amid coronavirus fear, minister rejects handshake with Chancellor Angela Merkel At a meeting on migration, Merkel extended her head in exchange of pleasantries to Seehofer during which he refused to shake hands. Both leaders can be seen laughing during the awkward interaction in a video which is being widely shared on social media. Read More Ukrainian PM Oleksiy Honcharuk resigns after six months Ukraine's Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk has resigned after six months in the job and will be replaced by one of his deputies, according to members of parliament. Read More

Top 10 world news today: WHO warning on Coronavirus, Greece migrant crisis & more!

This is the crossover that no one saw coming. Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh shared an image of Ivanka Trump and himself at the Taj Mahal. The hilariously photoshopped image has the two seated with the Taj looming in the backdrop.&nbsp; 
 
Diljit captioned the image as, "Me and Ivanka. Piche hee pey aaee, kehndi Taj Mahal kana, Taj Mahal jana... Mai fer ley geya hor ki karda (She was after my life to take her to Taj Mahal. So I took her, what else could I have done)?"

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Me &amp; Ivanka 
 
Piche hee Pey Gaee Kehndi Taj Mahal Jana Taj Mahal Jana.. 😜 
 
Mai Fer Ley Geya Hor Ki Karda 😎 <a href="https://t.co/Pnztfxz7m0">pic.twitter.com/Pnztfxz7m0</a>
— DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) <a href="https://twitter.com/diljitdosanjh/status/1234043152861822976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While Twitter had a good laugh over the photo, what surprised everyone was when Ivanka retweeted Diljit and replied to him. "Thank you for taking me to the spectacular Taj Mahal, @diljitdosanjh! It was an experience I will never forget!"

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Thank you for taking me to the spectacular Taj Mahal, <a href="https://twitter.com/diljitdosanjh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@diljitdosanjh</a>! 😉 
 
It was an experience I will never forget! <a href="https://t.co/VgqFuYBRIg">https://t.co/VgqFuYBRIg</a>
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1234101140138217473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Naturally, Diljit couldn't contain his excitement as he then wrote, "Sado HUN SADO Mere ton ... Jehde Photoshop Keh Rahe c ..Aa Geya @ivankatrump Da Jawab EH DOSANJHANWALA BUGGE. (Whosoever was claiming the picture was photoshopped, here, I have received her reply)."

<img alt="d" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="731ae492-1e6e-4271-9adb-842e1c3bb8f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-03-02T090519.754.jpg" />

He then tried replied to Ivanka saying, "Thx @IvankaTrump &nbsp;I Tried Explaining Everybody that it’s not a Photoshop Face with tears of joy rolling on the floor laughing See You Soon ... Next Visit LUDHIANA For Sure Smiling face with smiling eyes"

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OMG 🤗🙏🏾 अथिति देवो भव: 
 
Thx <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IvankaTrump</a> I Tried Explaining Everybody that it’s not a Photoshop 😂🤣 See You Soon ... Next Visit LUDHIANA For Sure 😊 
 
HUN KARO GAL 😎🦾 <a href="https://t.co/VD8wvMgDHP">https://t.co/VD8wvMgDHP</a>
— DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) <a href="https://twitter.com/diljitdosanjh/status/1234103376771768320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ivanka-trump-opts-for-indian-designer-rohit-bals-anarkali-for-rashtrapati-bhavan-dinner-282834">Also see:&nbsp;Ivanka Trump opts for Indian designer Rohit Bal's anarkali for Rashtrapati Bhavan dinner</a>

Turns out Diljit was not the only one who wanted to take Ivanka to Taj Mahal. There were others too who had some funny photoshop images to share with the senior advisor to the Trump administration. The US president's daughter was sporting enough to share some of the images on Twitter and wrote,"I appreciate the warmth of the Indian people. ...I made many new friends!!!"

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I appreciate the warmth of the Indian people. 
 
...I made many new friends!!! <a href="https://t.co/MXz5PkapBg">https://t.co/MXz5PkapBg</a>
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1234101581064417280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Dosanjh is known to be a big fan of Kylie Jenner and actress Gal Gadot and&nbsp;often comments on their Twitter posts. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ivanka-trump-dons-indian-designer-anita-dongre-sherwani-for-rashtrapati-bhavan-visit-282620">Ivanka had visited India</a> along with her father, US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump on February 24-25. Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner too had accompanied her to India and the couple had taken photos at the Taj Mahal during their visit.&nbsp;

This is the crossover that no one saw coming. Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh shared an image of Ivanka Trump and himself at the Taj Mahal. The hilariously photoshopped image has the two seated with the Taj looming in the backdrop.

This is the crossover that no one saw coming. Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh shared an image of Ivanka Trump and himself at the Taj Mahal. The hilariously photoshopped image has the two seated with the Taj looming in the backdrop. Diljit captioned the image as, "Me and Ivanka. Piche hee pey aaee, kehndi Taj Mahal kana, Taj Mahal jana... Mai fer ley geya hor ki karda (She was after my life to take her to Taj Mahal. So I took her, what else could I have done)?" Me & Ivanka Piche hee Pey Gaee Kehndi Taj Mahal Jana Taj Mahal Jana.. 😜 Mai Fer Ley Geya Hor Ki Karda 😎 pic.twitter.com/Pnztfxz7m0 — DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) March 1, 2020 × While Twitter had a good laugh over the photo, what surprised everyone was when Ivanka retweeted Diljit and replied to him. "Thank you for taking me to the spectacular Taj Mahal, @diljitdosanjh! It was an experience I will never forget!" Thank you for taking me to the spectacular Taj Mahal, @diljitdosanjh! 😉 It was an experience I will never forget! https://t.co/VgqFuYBRIg — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) March 1, 2020 × Naturally, Diljit couldn't contain his excitement as he then wrote, "Sado HUN SADO Mere ton ... Jehde Photoshop Keh Rahe c ..Aa Geya @ivankatrump Da Jawab EH DOSANJHANWALA BUGGE. (Whosoever was claiming the picture was photoshopped, here, I have received her reply)." He then tried replied to Ivanka saying, "Thx @IvankaTrump I Tried Explaining Everybody that it’s not a Photoshop Face with tears of joy rolling on the floor laughing See You Soon ... Next Visit LUDHIANA For Sure Smiling face with smiling eyes" OMG 🤗🙏🏾 अथिति देवो भव: Thx @IvankaTrump I Tried Explaining Everybody that it’s not a Photoshop 😂🤣 See You Soon ... Next Visit LUDHIANA For Sure 😊 HUN KARO GAL 😎🦾 https://t.co/VD8wvMgDHP — DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) March 1, 2020 × Also see: Ivanka Trump opts for Indian designer Rohit Bal's anarkali for Rashtrapati Bhavan dinner Turns out Diljit was not the only one who wanted to take Ivanka to Taj Mahal. There were others too who had some funny photoshop images to share with the senior advisor to the Trump administration. The US president's daughter was sporting enough to share some of the images on Twitter and wrote,"I appreciate the warmth of the Indian people. ...I made many new friends!!!" I appreciate the warmth of the Indian people. ...I made many new friends!!! https://t.co/MXz5PkapBg — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) March 1, 2020 × Dosanjh is known to be a big fan of Kylie Jenner and actress Gal Gadot and often comments on their Twitter posts. Ivanka had visited India along with her father, US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump on February 24-25. Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner too had accompanied her to India and the couple had taken photos at the Taj Mahal during their visit.

Diljit Dosanjh shares a hilarious photoshop image with Ivanka Trump, she replies with a 'Thank you'

The United States has decided to postpone a meeting with leaders of Southeast Asian countries it had planned to host on March 14 due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, two US&nbsp;officials familiar with the matter said on Friday.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had invited leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to meet in Las Vegas after he did not attend a summit with the group in Bangkok in November.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/un-chief-recommends-ministers-diplomats-skip-travelling-to-meeting-due-to-coronavirus-risks-283430"> U.N. chief recommends ministers, diplomats skip travelling to meeting due to coronavirus risks</a>

“As the international community works together to defeat the novel coronavirus, the United States, in consultation with ASEAN partners, has made the difficult decision to postpone the ASEAN leaders meeting,” one of the sources, a senior administration official, told Reuters.

The official added that the United States values its relationships with ASEAN member nations and looks forward to future meetings.

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-crash-as-global-markets-dive-over-spread-of-coronavirus-283314"> Sensex, Nifty crash as global markets dive over spread of coronavirus</a>

The US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The decision comes amid growing fears that the virus will spread in the United States as countries report new infections, companies announce curbs on employees’ travel and global stock markets continue to plummet.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday preparations for the meeting were going ahead in spite of the coronavirus outbreak.

The United States has decided to postpone a meeting with leaders of Southeast Asian countries it had planned to host on March 14 due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, two US officials familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The United States has decided to postpone a meeting with leaders of Southeast Asian countries it had planned to host on March 14 due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, two US officials familiar with the matter said on Friday. US President Donald Trump had invited leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to meet in Las Vegas after he did not attend a summit with the group in Bangkok in November. Also read: U.N. chief recommends ministers, diplomats skip travelling to meeting due to coronavirus risks “As the international community works together to defeat the novel coronavirus, the United States, in consultation with ASEAN partners, has made the difficult decision to postpone the ASEAN leaders meeting,” one of the sources, a senior administration official, told Reuters. The official added that the United States values its relationships with ASEAN member nations and looks forward to future meetings. Also see: Sensex, Nifty crash as global markets dive over spread of coronavirus The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The decision comes amid growing fears that the virus will spread in the United States as countries report new infections, companies announce curbs on employees’ travel and global stock markets continue to plummet. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday preparations for the meeting were going ahead in spite of the coronavirus outbreak.

US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report

Presidential contender Joe Biden told South Carolina’s Democrats on Friday that they can take control of the White House if they pick “the right nominee” to face President Donald Trump.

“If you send me out of here with a victory that’s significant then I think I’m going to be the next nominee,” he said at Wofford College in Spartanburg. “We really can’t afford to let Donald Trump have four more years.”

It was a message of hope for Democrats who widely dislike the sitting president, but also for a campaign much in need of hope.

A win in South Carolina’s fourth in the nation nominating contest on Saturday would be a big boost to Biden’s chances of being the Democratic nominee to run against Trump on Nov. 3. Biden faces candidates including front-runner Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist.

At a rally in North Charleston, Trump urged his Republican supporters to vote in the Democratic primary to ensure he faces the weakest possible opponent, which is allowed in South Carolina.

“Who the hell is easier to beat?” Trump asked of the crowd. He ultimately said the answer was Sanders.

<div>Here’s what else happened on the campaign trail on Friday:</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rivals-question-front-runner-sanders-electability-at-rowdy-south-carolina-democratic-debate-282776">Rivals question front-runner Sanders' electability at rowdy South Carolina Democratic debate</a> 
&nbsp;</div>

<div>FIRST IN LINE</div>

<div>
Before Trump took the stage in North Charleston, his fiercest supporters had been waiting for hours - even days.

Packing blankets, chairs and coolers, thousands waited to enter the rally, some of them having camped out to attend.

Richard Snowden was in his usual place, first in line. Dressed in a crisp suit and tie, the 68-year-old retired restaurant and nightclub businessman from Florida said he arrived on Tuesday for what would be his 66th Trump rally.

“I’m competitive, obviously. And I like being number one,” he said.

Trump decided to hold a rally here even though the state’s Republican Party canceled its nominating contest to ensure the president faced no opposition as he seeks re-election.

The evening marked the third Trump event for Snowden’s girlfriend, Trish Asselta, who said she’s already hooked.

“The energy that everyone portrays is just a feeling that you just can’t explain. I mean, he energizes everyone,” she said.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oysters-and-politics-on-the-menu-in-south-carolina-282932">Oysters and politics on the menu in South Carolina</a>

CORONAVIRUS CRITICISM

Earlier in the day, Biden, Sanders and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg joined the chorus of prominent Democrats criticizing the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, which expanded to six new countries and sent global stock markets tumbling again on Friday.

At a campaign event in Sumter, South Carolina, Biden accused Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is overseeing the government response to the outbreak, of misleading the American public about the virus threat.

“Trump and Pence decided that the public health experts cannot inform the public on their own what’s going on,” Biden said. “Now the president won’t let other people tell the truth.”

Sanders slammed Trump for holding the North Charleston rally rather than remaining in Washington to address the situation.

“Why is he here? He’s here to try and disrupt the Democratic primary,” Sanders said in St. George. “How pathetic and how petty can you be?”

Bloomberg pointed to the sharp stock market drop as a sign of concern about Trump’s competence.

“The stock market has plunged partly out of fear (about the virus) but also because investors have no confidence that this president is capable of managing the crisis,” Bloomberg said in Memphis, Tennessee.

Bloomberg, a late entrant in the race for the White House, has not competed in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina, and is pinning his hopes on Super Tuesday nominating contests next week in Tennessee and 13 other states.

There are 62 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States, including people repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, U.S. officials said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-appoints-vice-president-mike-pence-man-in-charge-of-coronavirus-response-282971">Donald Trump appoints Vice-President Mike Pence man in charge of coronavirus response</a>

COUNTING ON SOUTH CAROLINA

Biden continued to show signs of growing strength ahead of Saturday.

His campaign celebrated a $1.2 million one-day online fundraising haul, the most contributed by small-dollar internet donors since his campaign launch last year, when similar contributions added up to more than $6 million.

A Monmouth University poll released on Thursday showed Biden with heavy support from black South Carolina voters, who make up about 60% of the state’s Democratic electorate.

He was buoyed as well by an endorsement from U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who was the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee under Hillary Clinton. Virginia votes on Tuesday.

In Sumter, undecided voter Marybeth Berry, 44, told Biden that she sees a “fire” in some of his rivals and asked what drives him.

He responded “decency and honor” and added that he hates to see the “abuse of power” against vulnerable people.

Berry said she thought Biden’s answer was “very, very good” and “powerful,” and that she was leaning toward him after hearing him speak, but added she was also considering Sanders.

<div>Her husband, Christopher, an Army veteran who met Biden when he served in Iraq, was already convinced. He voted for Trump in 2016 but is supporting Biden this time.</div>

Biden had poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire and finished a distant second place in Nevada.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bernie-sanders-scores-decisive-win-in-nevada-biden-heading-to-second-place-282175">Bernie Sanders scores decisive win in Nevada, Biden heading to second place</a>
</div>

Presidential contender Joe Biden told South Carolina’s Democrats on Friday that they can take control of the White House if they pick “the right nominee” to face President Donald Trump.

Presidential contender Joe Biden told South Carolina’s Democrats on Friday that they can take control of the White House if they pick “the right nominee” to face President Donald Trump. “If you send me out of here with a victory that’s significant then I think I’m going to be the next nominee,” he said at Wofford College in Spartanburg. “We really can’t afford to let Donald Trump have four more years.” It was a message of hope for Democrats who widely dislike the sitting president, but also for a campaign much in need of hope. A win in South Carolina’s fourth in the nation nominating contest on Saturday would be a big boost to Biden’s chances of being the Democratic nominee to run against Trump on Nov. 3. Biden faces candidates including front-runner Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist. At a rally in North Charleston, Trump urged his Republican supporters to vote in the Democratic primary to ensure he faces the weakest possible opponent, which is allowed in South Carolina. “Who the hell is easier to beat?” Trump asked of the crowd. He ultimately said the answer was Sanders. Here’s what else happened on the campaign trail on Friday: Also read: Rivals question front-runner Sanders' electability at rowdy South Carolina Democratic debate FIRST IN LINE Before Trump took the stage in North Charleston, his fiercest supporters had been waiting for hours - even days. Packing blankets, chairs and coolers, thousands waited to enter the rally, some of them having camped out to attend. Richard Snowden was in his usual place, first in line. Dressed in a crisp suit and tie, the 68-year-old retired restaurant and nightclub businessman from Florida said he arrived on Tuesday for what would be his 66th Trump rally. “I’m competitive, obviously. And I like being number one,” he said. Trump decided to hold a rally here even though the state’s Republican Party canceled its nominating contest to ensure the president faced no opposition as he seeks re-election. The evening marked the third Trump event for Snowden’s girlfriend, Trish Asselta, who said she’s already hooked. “The energy that everyone portrays is just a feeling that you just can’t explain. I mean, he energizes everyone,” she said. Also see: Oysters and politics on the menu in South Carolina CORONAVIRUS CRITICISM Earlier in the day, Biden, Sanders and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg joined the chorus of prominent Democrats criticizing the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, which expanded to six new countries and sent global stock markets tumbling again on Friday. At a campaign event in Sumter, South Carolina, Biden accused Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is overseeing the government response to the outbreak, of misleading the American public about the virus threat. “Trump and Pence decided that the public health experts cannot inform the public on their own what’s going on,” Biden said. “Now the president won’t let other people tell the truth.” Sanders slammed Trump for holding the North Charleston rally rather than remaining in Washington to address the situation. “Why is he here? He’s here to try and disrupt the Democratic primary,” Sanders said in St. George. “How pathetic and how petty can you be?” Bloomberg pointed to the sharp stock market drop as a sign of concern about Trump’s competence. “The stock market has plunged partly out of fear (about the virus) but also because investors have no confidence that this president is capable of managing the crisis,” Bloomberg said in Memphis, Tennessee. Bloomberg, a late entrant in the race for the White House, has not competed in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina, and is pinning his hopes on Super Tuesday nominating contests next week in Tennessee and 13 other states. There are 62 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States, including people repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, U.S. officials said. Also read: Donald Trump appoints Vice-President Mike Pence man in charge of coronavirus response COUNTING ON SOUTH CAROLINA Biden continued to show signs of growing strength ahead of Saturday. His campaign celebrated a $1.2 million one-day online fundraising haul, the most contributed by small-dollar internet donors since his campaign launch last year, when similar contributions added up to more than $6 million. A Monmouth University poll released on Thursday showed Biden with heavy support from black South Carolina voters, who make up about 60% of the state’s Democratic electorate. He was buoyed as well by an endorsement from U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who was the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee under Hillary Clinton. Virginia votes on Tuesday. In Sumter, undecided voter Marybeth Berry, 44, told Biden that she sees a “fire” in some of his rivals and asked what drives him. He responded “decency and honor” and added that he hates to see the “abuse of power” against vulnerable people. Berry said she thought Biden’s answer was “very, very good” and “powerful,” and that she was leaning toward him after hearing him speak, but added she was also considering Sanders. Her husband, Christopher, an Army veteran who met Biden when he served in Iraq, was already convinced. He voted for Trump in 2016 but is supporting Biden this time. Biden had poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire and finished a distant second place in Nevada. Also see: Bernie Sanders scores decisive win in Nevada, Biden heading to second place

On the trail: Biden aims for 'significant' South Carolina win, Trump urges supporters to intervene

A federal appeals court Friday blocked a key asylum policy of Donald Trump's administration which has forced many applicants to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed, delivering a blow to the US president's signature crackdown on migration at the southern border.

The policy, known as "Remain in Mexico," has been used to send tens of thousands of asylum seekers from Central America back to Mexico, but was placed on hold by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

The court ruled that the policy "is invalid in its entirety" under US law concerning migrant rights and UN refugee protocols, and should be blocked "in its entirety."

The White House blasted the ruling, warning it could "flood the nation's immigration system" and "present unchecked coronavirus entry risk."

The San Francisco court had originally allowed the policy to go-ahead last year, pending the appeal, overruling a district judge who had ruled against the measure.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-set-to-sign-troop-withdrawal-deal-as-pompeo-lands-in-doha-283470">US-Taliban set to sign troop withdrawal deal as Pompeo lands in Doha</a>

The district judge had heard evidence that migrants returned to Mexico under the policy faced discrimination, physical violence, sexual assault, corruption and lack of food and shelter.

Over 60,000 people have been returned to Mexico under the program since it was introduced in January 2019, according to the White House.

The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups that challenged the policy in court, welcomed the ruling Friday.

"The court forcefully rejected the Trump administration's assertion that it could strand asylum seekers in Mexico and subject them to grave danger," said attorney Judy Rabinovitz in a statement.

"It's time for the administration to follow the law and stop putting asylum seekers in harm's way."

"The policy is facially and flatly illegal," tweeted Harvard Law School constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-picks-up-steam-outside-china-as-us-reports-2-cases-of-unknown-origin-of-virus-283452">Coronavirus picks up steam outside China as US reports 2 cases of unknown origin of virus&nbsp;</a>

'Hugely successful'

But a Department of Justice spokesman said the Trump administration had "acted faithfully" and slammed the ruling which "highlights the consequences and impropriety of nationwide injunctions."

The court's decision "not only ignores the Constitutional authority of Congress and the administration for a policy in effect for over a year but also extends relief beyond the parties before the court."

The White House said it was "considering all available legal options to seek further review of this decision," and called the asylum policy "hugely successful."

The number of detained migrants soared in recent years as hundreds of thousands of people, mostly from Central America, poured into the United States, with many seeking asylum.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-head-towards-europe-border-after-reports-claim-that-turkey-opens-gates-283266">Hundreds head towards Europe border after reports claim that Turkey 'opens gates'</a>

A crackdown including the "Remain in Mexico" policy has seen border apprehensions plunge in recent months.

The figure stood at fewer than 37,000 last month, from more than 58,000 a year earlier.

But Refugee International warned Friday that the asylum policy "means the difference between life and death" for migrants "cruelly pushed into harm and deprivation in Mexico."

In a separate ruling Friday, the same appeals court also struck down the Trump policy of blocking anyone entering illegally without going through an official port of entry from applying for asylum.

"Together, the two decisions represent a significant setback for the Trump administration's efforts to restrict asylum applications," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a Cornell Law School professor.

"This issue is surely headed to the Supreme Court," he added.

A federal appeals court Friday blocked a key asylum policy of Donald Trump's administration which has forced many applicants to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed, delivering a blow to the US president's signature crackdown on migration at the southern border.

A federal appeals court Friday blocked a key asylum policy of Donald Trump's administration which has forced many applicants to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed, delivering a blow to the US president's signature crackdown on migration at the southern border. The policy, known as "Remain in Mexico," has been used to send tens of thousands of asylum seekers from Central America back to Mexico, but was placed on hold by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. The court ruled that the policy "is invalid in its entirety" under US law concerning migrant rights and UN refugee protocols, and should be blocked "in its entirety." The White House blasted the ruling, warning it could "flood the nation's immigration system" and "present unchecked coronavirus entry risk." The San Francisco court had originally allowed the policy to go-ahead last year, pending the appeal, overruling a district judge who had ruled against the measure. Also read: US-Taliban set to sign troop withdrawal deal as Pompeo lands in Doha The district judge had heard evidence that migrants returned to Mexico under the policy faced discrimination, physical violence, sexual assault, corruption and lack of food and shelter. Over 60,000 people have been returned to Mexico under the program since it was introduced in January 2019, according to the White House. The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups that challenged the policy in court, welcomed the ruling Friday. "The court forcefully rejected the Trump administration's assertion that it could strand asylum seekers in Mexico and subject them to grave danger," said attorney Judy Rabinovitz in a statement. "It's time for the administration to follow the law and stop putting asylum seekers in harm's way." "The policy is facially and flatly illegal," tweeted Harvard Law School constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe. Also see: Coronavirus picks up steam outside China as US reports 2 cases of unknown origin of virus 'Hugely successful' But a Department of Justice spokesman said the Trump administration had "acted faithfully" and slammed the ruling which "highlights the consequences and impropriety of nationwide injunctions." The court's decision "not only ignores the Constitutional authority of Congress and the administration for a policy in effect for over a year but also extends relief beyond the parties before the court." The White House said it was "considering all available legal options to seek further review of this decision," and called the asylum policy "hugely successful." The number of detained migrants soared in recent years as hundreds of thousands of people, mostly from Central America, poured into the United States, with many seeking asylum. Also read: Hundreds head towards Europe border after reports claim that Turkey 'opens gates' A crackdown including the "Remain in Mexico" policy has seen border apprehensions plunge in recent months. The figure stood at fewer than 37,000 last month, from more than 58,000 a year earlier. But Refugee International warned Friday that the asylum policy "means the difference between life and death" for migrants "cruelly pushed into harm and deprivation in Mexico." In a separate ruling Friday, the same appeals court also struck down the Trump policy of blocking anyone entering illegally without going through an official port of entry from applying for asylum. "Together, the two decisions represent a significant setback for the Trump administration's efforts to restrict asylum applications," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a Cornell Law School professor. "This issue is surely headed to the Supreme Court," he added.

US court blocks Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' asylum policy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taj-mahal-a-testament-to-rich-and-diverse-beauty-of-indian-culture-donald-trump-282461">US President Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday said that the coronavirus is "very much under control" in the United States. "The coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries," Trump, who is on a state visit to India, posted on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-feels-love-how-international-media-reported-on-us-presidents-india-visit-282483" hreflang="en">'Trump feels love': How int'l media reported on US President's India visit</a>&nbsp;

Trump praised the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their massive and "smart" efforts in preventing the novel coronavirus outbreak, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, from becoming a global menace."CDC and World Health have been working hard and very smart.

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The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries. CDC &amp; World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1232058127740174339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Stock Market starting to look very good to me!" Trump said.This tweet comes at the backdrop of Monday`s 1,000 points point fall of US stocks as novel coronavirus cases were documented by health officials.Stocks closed with the Dow Jones Industrial Average index down by 1,031.61, the S&amp;P 500 index down by 111.86 and the Nasdaq Composite index down by 355.31 points.Meanwhile, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday there were 53 confirmed cases of the virus in the US.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the coronavirus is "very much under control" in the United States. "The coronavirus is very much under control in the USA.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the coronavirus is "very much under control" in the United States. "The coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries," Trump, who is on a state visit to India, posted on Twitter. Also read: 'Trump feels love': How int'l media reported on US President's India visit Trump praised the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their massive and "smart" efforts in preventing the novel coronavirus outbreak, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, from becoming a global menace."CDC and World Health have been working hard and very smart. The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries. CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2020 × × Stock Market starting to look very good to me!" Trump said.This tweet comes at the backdrop of Monday`s 1,000 points point fall of US stocks as novel coronavirus cases were documented by health officials.Stocks closed with the Dow Jones Industrial Average index down by 1,031.61, the S&P 500 index down by 111.86 and the Nasdaq Composite index down by 355.31 points.Meanwhile, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday there were 53 confirmed cases of the virus in the US.

'The coronavirus is very much under control in USA', says Donald Trump

When the American President, Donald Trump, addressing a 50,000 strong Indian - American crowd in Houston said, “I am so thrilled to be here at the great state of Texas with one of America’s greatest, most devoted and loyal friends, Prime Minister Modi”, the words and its associated impact, reverberated across the globe.&nbsp;

This camaraderie has come full circle with 'Namaste Trump', where Trump’s opening remarks are seemingly manifested in his, “… America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.”Such emphatic words are not entirely uncommon in Trump’s oration. However, the understated importance that his words carry for India and the Indian- American diaspora in this backdrop is laced with ambivalence. &nbsp;

The point of interest, in his speech at Motera, is when he can be heard saying, “In America, we have come to know of the splendour of Indian culture through its 4 million Indian-Americans living in the United States. They are truly spectacular people. Indian Americans enrich every aspect of our national life. They are titans of business, pioneers of Science, masters of art, innovation and technology.” The Trump-Modi show, without a doubt, has loomed larger than life, but the underlined question remains: Who and what are both Modi and Trump, openly serenading? Answer to this stays with the political capital that the Indian- American diaspora brings to US-India ties.&nbsp;

A value analysis of the diaspora optics makes for a moot point, in that, for a developing-world country like India, to be able to even get into the game of even, with the most enterprising nation in the world is in itself a huge plus for New Delhi and its current dispensation, catapulting Modi to a higher political stratosphere.&nbsp;

In Howdy, Modi, the optics and crowd size appeared to be Trump’s main motivations to take the unprecedented step of attending a large ethnic rally for a foreign leader. In the same fashion, Namaste Trump follows suit, in what appears as though Indian side thinks of the optics (and) the event mobilisation as something of a deliverable.&nbsp;

The Modi rally in Houston was an opportunity for Trump to present himself as a supporter of legal immigrants while opposing illegal immigration - "We are proud to have you as Americans," Trump said, praising the Indian diaspora for accepting American values. This, I think, makes for an interesting observation. He seems to send across a view of holding this diaspora as the kind of immigrants he would like for America. Indian Americans comprise the second biggest sub-group of Asian immigrants after the Chinese. According to the Pew Research Centre, Indians are the highest-earning ethnic group in the US, with a median income of $100,000, which is almost double that of the national median, and also the highest of any ethnic group in the US. &nbsp;

Stands in juxtaposition to Trump’s glorification of the Indian-American diaspora is his immigration policies. 'Namaste Trump' which was predicated on 'Howdy Modi', has garnered enough pomp, but has it managed to walk the talk, is something one needs to closely understand. The Indian-American community is currently suffering the brunt of the US’ tightened policy on the H1B visa, a non-immigrant document for temporary workers, of which they are the largest beneficiary – nearly 76 per cent of all H1B holders are Indian. In addition to it, Trump’s affirmations to revoke the H-4 work permit for the spouses of H1B visa holders, which will render thousands of Indians unable to work in the US.&nbsp;

A sharp decline in US visas provided to highly skilled workers can be seen affecting the diaspora adversely. The point of contention here is, Trump’s rhetoric of pitting one “model” minority against another does not and will not bode well with the community. Trump has billed Asians and Indians as model minorities who were “skilled” and had entered the country the legal way, as opposed to others, mostly from Central and Latin America, who did so illegally.&nbsp;

That said, there is enough reason to believe that a bulk of the Indian-American community loves Modi, as evidenced by how actively the community supported him earlier this year when he was seeking re-election. As US citizens, they could not vote, but that did not stop them from campaigning hard, with some travelling to India. In trying to tie the two subsets together with an overarching structure, it compels us to look at the diaspora diplomacy in the backdrop of a larger Modi-Trump narrative vis-à-vis Indian – Americans as agents of mobilisation. 
 
Both 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump', have all the bearings of a changing world order that’s marked more by symbiotic compulsions rather than a Big Brother’s one-upmanship that the globe is currently witnessing. Since Indian-Americans are overwhelmingly a Democrat, the fact that they can be supportive of Hindu supremacists while dissenting against right-wing White Supremacists (in the US) is telling of a diaspora who is not overtly subservient to the larger politics at play. &nbsp;

Add to that, a programme arranged entirely by and for the Indian diaspora in America, to offer a public podium to a visiting prime minister, had well and truly transcended the protocol-bound, dogmatic plane of diplomacy and immersed itself into a celebration of Indo-US ties, whereby, the holders of the highest public offices in the world’s largest and oldest democracies not only walked in terms of their shared concerns for areas of common interests, but were also seen holding hands, literally, for much of their public appearance together. 
 
All is not white and black for this subgroup, but due credit can be attested to the diaspora, who has worked tirelessly in ensuring their status quo and keeping at it, while the future inroads and crossroads made with events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' dictate a different tomorrow for India-US ties. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

When the American President, Donald Trump, addressing a 50,000 strong Indian - American crowd in Houston said, “I am so thrilled to be here at the great state of Texas with one of America’s greatest, most devoted and loyal friends, Prime Minister Modi”, the words and its associated impact, reverberated across the globe.

When the American President, Donald Trump, addressing a 50,000 strong Indian - American crowd in Houston said, “I am so thrilled to be here at the great state of Texas with one of America’s greatest, most devoted and loyal friends, Prime Minister Modi”, the words and its associated impact, reverberated across the globe. This camaraderie has come full circle with 'Namaste Trump', where Trump’s opening remarks are seemingly manifested in his, “… America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.”Such emphatic words are not entirely uncommon in Trump’s oration. However, the understated importance that his words carry for India and the Indian- American diaspora in this backdrop is laced with ambivalence. The point of interest, in his speech at Motera, is when he can be heard saying, “In America, we have come to know of the splendour of Indian culture through its 4 million Indian-Americans living in the United States. They are truly spectacular people. Indian Americans enrich every aspect of our national life. They are titans of business, pioneers of Science, masters of art, innovation and technology.” The Trump-Modi show, without a doubt, has loomed larger than life, but the underlined question remains: Who and what are both Modi and Trump, openly serenading? Answer to this stays with the political capital that the Indian- American diaspora brings to US-India ties. A value analysis of the diaspora optics makes for a moot point, in that, for a developing-world country like India, to be able to even get into the game of even, with the most enterprising nation in the world is in itself a huge plus for New Delhi and its current dispensation, catapulting Modi to a higher political stratosphere. In Howdy, Modi, the optics and crowd size appeared to be Trump’s main motivations to take the unprecedented step of attending a large ethnic rally for a foreign leader. In the same fashion, Namaste Trump follows suit, in what appears as though Indian side thinks of the optics (and) the event mobilisation as something of a deliverable. The Modi rally in Houston was an opportunity for Trump to present himself as a supporter of legal immigrants while opposing illegal immigration - "We are proud to have you as Americans," Trump said, praising the Indian diaspora for accepting American values. This, I think, makes for an interesting observation. He seems to send across a view of holding this diaspora as the kind of immigrants he would like for America. Indian Americans comprise the second biggest sub-group of Asian immigrants after the Chinese. According to the Pew Research Centre, Indians are the highest-earning ethnic group in the US, with a median income of $100,000, which is almost double that of the national median, and also the highest of any ethnic group in the US. Stands in juxtaposition to Trump’s glorification of the Indian-American diaspora is his immigration policies. 'Namaste Trump' which was predicated on 'Howdy Modi', has garnered enough pomp, but has it managed to walk the talk, is something one needs to closely understand. The Indian-American community is currently suffering the brunt of the US’ tightened policy on the H1B visa, a non-immigrant document for temporary workers, of which they are the largest beneficiary – nearly 76 per cent of all H1B holders are Indian. In addition to it, Trump’s affirmations to revoke the H-4 work permit for the spouses of H1B visa holders, which will render thousands of Indians unable to work in the US. A sharp decline in US visas provided to highly skilled workers can be seen affecting the diaspora adversely. The point of contention here is, Trump’s rhetoric of pitting one “model” minority against another does not and will not bode well with the community. Trump has billed Asians and Indians as model minorities who were “skilled” and had entered the country the legal way, as opposed to others, mostly from Central and Latin America, who did so illegally. That said, there is enough reason to believe that a bulk of the Indian-American community loves Modi, as evidenced by how actively the community supported him earlier this year when he was seeking re-election. As US citizens, they could not vote, but that did not stop them from campaigning hard, with some travelling to India. In trying to tie the two subsets together with an overarching structure, it compels us to look at the diaspora diplomacy in the backdrop of a larger Modi-Trump narrative vis-à-vis Indian – Americans as agents of mobilisation. Both 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump', have all the bearings of a changing world order that’s marked more by symbiotic compulsions rather than a Big Brother’s one-upmanship that the globe is currently witnessing. Since Indian-Americans are overwhelmingly a Democrat, the fact that they can be supportive of Hindu supremacists while dissenting against right-wing White Supremacists (in the US) is telling of a diaspora who is not overtly subservient to the larger politics at play. Add to that, a programme arranged entirely by and for the Indian diaspora in America, to offer a public podium to a visiting prime minister, had well and truly transcended the protocol-bound, dogmatic plane of diplomacy and immersed itself into a celebration of Indo-US ties, whereby, the holders of the highest public offices in the world’s largest and oldest democracies not only walked in terms of their shared concerns for areas of common interests, but were also seen holding hands, literally, for much of their public appearance together. All is not white and black for this subgroup, but due credit can be attested to the diaspora, who has worked tirelessly in ensuring their status quo and keeping at it, while the future inroads and crossroads made with events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' dictate a different tomorrow for India-US ties. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Diaspora dynamics in 'Howdy Modi' to 'Namaste Trump'

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he wants 'countries to be healthy and happy' while referring to the coronavirus. He was speaking at CEO meet in New Delhi.

Earlier on Tuesday, he tweeted that the coronavirus is "very much under control" in the United States.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-south-korea-iran-worst-hit-from-covid-19-who-warns-of-pandemic-282538">China, South Korea, Iran worst-hit from COVID-19, WHO warns of pandemic</a>

"The coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries," Trump, who is on a state visit to India, posted on Twitter.

Watch: Trump-Modi meet: Donald Trump confirms $3 billion helicopter deal

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While addressing business leaders in New Delhi he said that China is working very hard, I have spoken to President Xi. It looks like China is getting it under control.

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1232245622461173760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he wants 'countries to be healthy and happy' while referring to the coronavirus. He was speaking at CEO meet in New Delhi.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he wants 'countries to be healthy and happy' while referring to the coronavirus. He was speaking at CEO meet in New Delhi. Earlier on Tuesday, he tweeted that the coronavirus is "very much under control" in the United States. Also read: China, South Korea, Iran worst-hit from COVID-19, WHO warns of pandemic "The coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries," Trump, who is on a state visit to India, posted on Twitter. Watch: Trump-Modi meet: Donald Trump confirms $3 billion helicopter deal While addressing business leaders in New Delhi he said that China is working very hard, I have spoken to President Xi. It looks like China is getting it under control. #WATCH live from Delhi: US President Donald Trump addresses media https://t.co/1ctunru0fX — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2020 ×

We want countries to be happy and healthy, says Trump on coronavirus outbreak

Donald Trump sided with India on tackling terrorism, mentioning that Delhi and Washington are committed to fighting terrorists.

"India and the US are committed to fight terrorists and their ideology; that is why my government is working with Pakistan to crack down on terror groups," Trump said as he addressed a huge gathering at 'Namaste Trump' event at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/latest-india-news/ddlj-spinning-charkha-and-garba-dance-five-developments-from-donald-trumps-india-visit-so-far-narendra-modi-282417">DDLJ, spinning charkha and Garba dance: Five developments from Donald Trump's India visit so far</a>

Trump also said that the US will always be a faithful and loyal friend of India. "Thank you for the spectacular welcome," he added.

Watch:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NamasteTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NamasteTrump</a> | Here's more of <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>'s speech from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoteraStadium?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoteraStadium</a> in case you missed it!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaWelcomesTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaWelcomesTrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpInIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpIndiaVisit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpIndiaVisit</a> <a href="https://t.co/TipynBKHjj">pic.twitter.com/TipynBKHjj</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1231885227569614848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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De-escalating tensions on trade friction, Trump also said that both US and India are working on a "fantastic trade" deal, and described Modi as a "tough negotiator".&nbsp;

The US president also spoke highly on PM Narendra Modi's humble background as a tea-seller, adding that PM Modi is a "living proof" of what an Indian could achieve from hard work. &nbsp;

"There is a difference between a nation that rises by coercion and one that rises by setting its people free -- that is India. India and the US have natural and enduring friendship," Trump said.

Trump also announced that a defence deal with India worth USD 3 billion would be signed tomorrow and said that the US looks forward to sell India with some of the best and most feared military equipment. &nbsp;

Heaping praise on films such as Sholay and DDLJ, Trump called Bollywood a "hub of genius and creativity". &nbsp;

"All over the planet people take great joy in scenes of bhangra, music and dance, romance and drama, and classic Indian films like 'DDLJ' and 'Sholay'," the US president said.

(with PTI inputs) 
&nbsp;

Donald Trump sided with India on tackling terrorism, mentioning that Delhi and Washington are committed to fighting terrorists. "India and the US are committed to fight terrorists and their ideology; that is why my government is working with Pakistan to crack down on terror groups," Trump said as he addressed a huge gathering at 'Namaste Trump' event at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad.

Donald Trump sided with India on tackling terrorism, mentioning that Delhi and Washington are committed to fighting terrorists. "India and the US are committed to fight terrorists and their ideology; that is why my government is working with Pakistan to crack down on terror groups," Trump said as he addressed a huge gathering at 'Namaste Trump' event at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad. Also read: DDLJ, spinning charkha and Garba dance: Five developments from Donald Trump's India visit so far Trump also said that the US will always be a faithful and loyal friend of India. "Thank you for the spectacular welcome," he added. Watch: #NamasteTrump | Here's more of @realDonaldTrump's speech from the #MoteraStadium in case you missed it!#IndiaWelcomesTrump #TrumpInIndia #TrumpIndiaVisit pic.twitter.com/TipynBKHjj — WION (@WIONews) February 24, 2020 × De-escalating tensions on trade friction, Trump also said that both US and India are working on a "fantastic trade" deal, and described Modi as a "tough negotiator". The US president also spoke highly on PM Narendra Modi's humble background as a tea-seller, adding that PM Modi is a "living proof" of what an Indian could achieve from hard work. "There is a difference between a nation that rises by coercion and one that rises by setting its people free -- that is India. India and the US have natural and enduring friendship," Trump said. Trump also announced that a defence deal with India worth USD 3 billion would be signed tomorrow and said that the US looks forward to sell India with some of the best and most feared military equipment. Heaping praise on films such as Sholay and DDLJ, Trump called Bollywood a "hub of genius and creativity". "All over the planet people take great joy in scenes of bhangra, music and dance, romance and drama, and classic Indian films like 'DDLJ' and 'Sholay'," the US president said. (with PTI inputs)

India, US committed to fighting terrorism, says President Trump

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a favourite in the White House. Donald Trump, in his speech at the Motera Stadium in Ahemadabad, mentioned the impact that Bollywood films have all over the world and the joy cult classics like DDLJ and Solay bring to people's lives.&nbsp; 
 
"People take great joy in scenes of bhangra, music, dance, romance and drama and classic Indian films like DDLJ and 'Sholay',"Said Trump in his speech as he thanked people for the welcome and praised PM Modi for his leadership.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/donald-trump-in-india-gujarati-delicacy-khaman-masala-chai-served-to-president-of-united-states-282341">Gujarati delicacy Khaman, masala chai served to President of United States</a>

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"People take great joy nd scene of bangara music dance romance nd drama at classic Indian films like DDLJ nd Shah Rukh Khan" ...Donald Trump 🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/tjCDwZ5pqw">pic.twitter.com/tjCDwZ5pqw</a>
— ✨ arth ✨ (@officiallArth2) <a href="https://twitter.com/officiallArth2/status/1231865198245564416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time that DDLJ has been mentioned by an American leader. Five years ago, when Obama, who was then the President of US, had visited India, he had quoted a famous line from SRK's film during an event in New Delhi. While answering a question addressed to him, Obama had said, "Senorita, Bade Bade Desho Me...' to thunderous applause.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/day-1-donald-trumps-india-visit-live-updates-news-wion-trump-us-president-pm-modis-ivanka-jared-kushner-ahmedabad-motera-modi-taj-mahal-PM-modi-tweets-in-hindi-hours-before-reaching-india-282262">Catch all the live updates of Trumps Ahmedabad visit here.&nbsp;</a> 
 
Trump's mention of the film on Monday, too got a similar response as the crowd went mad cheering at the mention of their two favourites Bollywood films of all time.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/melania-trump-ivanka-stun-in-spring-fashion-as-they-arrive-in-india-282340">Melania Trump, Ivanka stun in spring fashion as they arrive in India</a> 
 
Producers of DDLJ, Yash Raj Films, also celebration the mention with a quirky tweet.

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DDLJ trumps!
— Yash Raj Films (@yrf) <a href="https://twitter.com/yrf/status/1231867042396917760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Fans of the film shared clips on Twitter of both Trump and Obama quoting DDLJ and called the film timeless.&nbsp;

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2015 : Obama Used DDLJ Dialogue 
In His Speech. 
 
2020: Trump Mentioned DDLJ And 
Shah Rukh Khan" 
 
President Of United States Donald Trump At The Motera Stadium In Ahmedabad!.. 
 
Bollywood Is Not Bollywood Without <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a> ❤❤ 
 
Proud Of You SRK ❤❤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpIndiaVisit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpIndiaVisit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpInIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/He0H865qqR">pic.twitter.com/He0H865qqR</a>
— 😎SOURAV SRKIAN DAS😎 (@SrkianDas03) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrkianDas03/status/1231883331911999489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The 44th president of USA Barak Obama said a dialogue from a movie, the 45th president of USA Donald Trump mentioned the name of a movie in his speech. Presidents changed, movie remained the same. DDLJ 🔥 
 
There is NO ONE who can match the stardom of SRK❤️<a href="https://t.co/1He8GpN3Hs">pic.twitter.com/1He8GpN3Hs</a>
— ᴇxᴄᴀʟɪʙᴜʀ🍻 (@EXCAL1BU7) <a href="https://twitter.com/EXCAL1BU7/status/1231872995154526208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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No matter how many films Bollywood or Hollywood makes, DDLJ is the winner for decades to come. Period. From Obama to Trump, DDLJ has always been getting the special mention. All countries in the world have FANs of DDLJ and they play music of DDLJ everywhere <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NamasteyTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NamasteyTrump</a> <a href="https://t.co/PjtN68Swc3">pic.twitter.com/PjtN68Swc3</a>
— Neel Joshi (@iEmN3El) <a href="https://twitter.com/iEmN3El/status/1231880220560547843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Then Obama ......Now Trump Mentioned <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDLJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDLJ</a> In Their Speech 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a> biggest global star 🙏🙏🔥😎 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NamasteTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NamasteTrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpInIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ydz4TGhxR3">pic.twitter.com/Ydz4TGhxR3</a>
— King Vizag ✍️ (@IamLucky509) <a href="https://twitter.com/IamLucky509/status/1231877593583906817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On a two-day visit to India, Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday and will be visiting the Taj Mahal with his family later in the day. On Tuesday, he will be in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a favourite in the White House. Donald Trump, in his speech at the Motera Stadium in Ahemadabad, mentioned the impact that Bollywood films have all over the world and the joy cult classics like DDLJ and Solay bring to people's lives.

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a favourite in the White House. Donald Trump, in his speech at the Motera Stadium in Ahemadabad, mentioned the impact that Bollywood films have all over the world and the joy cult classics like DDLJ and Solay bring to people's lives. "People take great joy in scenes of bhangra, music, dance, romance and drama and classic Indian films like DDLJ and 'Sholay',"Said Trump in his speech as he thanked people for the welcome and praised PM Modi for his leadership. Gujarati delicacy Khaman, masala chai served to President of United States "People take great joy nd scene of bangara music dance romance nd drama at classic Indian films like DDLJ nd Shah Rukh Khan" ...Donald Trump 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/tjCDwZ5pqw — ✨ arth ✨ (@officiallArth2) February 24, 2020 × This is not the first time that DDLJ has been mentioned by an American leader. Five years ago, when Obama, who was then the President of US, had visited India, he had quoted a famous line from SRK's film during an event in New Delhi. While answering a question addressed to him, Obama had said, "Senorita, Bade Bade Desho Me...' to thunderous applause. Catch all the live updates of Trumps Ahmedabad visit here. Trump's mention of the film on Monday, too got a similar response as the crowd went mad cheering at the mention of their two favourites Bollywood films of all time. Melania Trump, Ivanka stun in spring fashion as they arrive in India Producers of DDLJ, Yash Raj Films, also celebration the mention with a quirky tweet. DDLJ trumps! — Yash Raj Films (@yrf) February 24, 2020 × Fans of the film shared clips on Twitter of both Trump and Obama quoting DDLJ and called the film timeless. 2015 : Obama Used DDLJ Dialogue In His Speech. 2020: Trump Mentioned DDLJ And Shah Rukh Khan" President Of United States Donald Trump At The Motera Stadium In Ahmedabad!.. Bollywood Is Not Bollywood Without @iamsrk ❤❤ Proud Of You SRK ❤❤#TrumpIndiaVisit #TrumpInIndia pic.twitter.com/He0H865qqR — 😎SOURAV SRKIAN DAS😎 (@SrkianDas03) February 24, 2020 × The 44th president of USA Barak Obama said a dialogue from a movie, the 45th president of USA Donald Trump mentioned the name of a movie in his speech. Presidents changed, movie remained the same. DDLJ 🔥 There is NO ONE who can match the stardom of SRK❤️pic.twitter.com/1He8GpN3Hs — ᴇxᴄᴀʟɪʙᴜʀ🍻 (@EXCAL1BU7) February 24, 2020 × No matter how many films Bollywood or Hollywood makes, DDLJ is the winner for decades to come. Period. From Obama to Trump, DDLJ has always been getting the special mention. All countries in the world have FANs of DDLJ and they play music of DDLJ everywhere #NamasteyTrump pic.twitter.com/PjtN68Swc3 — Neel Joshi (@iEmN3El) February 24, 2020 × Then Obama ......Now Trump Mentioned #DDLJ In Their Speech 🔥@iamsrk biggest global star 🙏🙏🔥😎 #NamasteTrump #TrumpInIndia pic.twitter.com/Ydz4TGhxR3 — King Vizag ✍️ (@IamLucky509) February 24, 2020 × On a two-day visit to India, Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday and will be visiting the Taj Mahal with his family later in the day. On Tuesday, he will be in New Delhi.

Donald Trump pulls an Obama, mentions Shah Rukh Khan's DDLJ in his speech at Motera stadium

When US President Donald Trump lands in India, it's going to be like one of those great Indian weddings - probably the grandest of them all, one that will culminate in the biggest cricket stadium in the world.

But what cannot be brushed under the red carpet being rolled out to Trump is the fact that the trade deal with India is still not done.

Trump is busy bragging how many millions are going to gather when he lands - seven million. Even by Trump's standards, this is an exaggeration.

It's another matter that the total population of Ahmedabad city is about 5 and a half million, but the President is not known to be bothered with facts very much.&nbsp;

And this latest one made in India could turn out to be very expensive because Trump brings with him zero clarity on the biggest issue on the table - the trade deal - which has been stuck in limbo for a while now.

India made a valiant attempt in September last year, sending Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to the UNGA in New York at the last moment, just to see if the momentum around the 'Howdy Modi' event could lead to a deal - it didn't.

And now it's time for 'Namaste Trump' already. As he comes calling - the question is - do India and the United States have any chances of hammering out a trade deal?

The US trade representative &nbsp;- Robert Lighthizer - has already cancelled his India visit, despite some major concessions being proposed - no breakthroughs have been reported so far in the negotiations.

Trump has been complaining about Indian tariffs for the whole of last year, and that stance doesn't seem to have changed - he has effectively ruled out a bilateral trade deal.

At least until his possible re-election in November. "We can have a trade deal with India, but I’m really saving the big deal for later on, we’re doing a very big trade deal with India. We’ll have it. I don’t know if it’ll be done before the election, but we’ll have a very big deal with India," Trump's comments and the lukewarm efforts at negotiation raise a bigger question.

Is this visit more about optics than actual bilateral business?

Trump seems more excited about the massive roadshow and the event at Sardar Patel Stadium than about bilateral trade, and defence cooperation.

The trade deal might not come through before the elections, but Trump certainly has a lot to gain in the meantime. Gujarati-Americans have considerable clout in the United States of America.

And they will be an important vote bank for Trump in the election in&nbsp;November - members of US delegation have already started arriving in India.

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla met with the American Congressional delegation. The chairman of the sub-committee on Asia-Pacific Affairs was leading it.

Members of the India Caucus were also present at the meeting. According to the sources in the Indian government, India's counter to Trump's high tariff complaint is Korea and Japan who levy higher tariffs than India.

The sources have also said that no big-ticket announcements should be expected during Trump's visit- now that certainly sets the expectations right for Trump's trip. 
&nbsp;

When US President Donald Trump lands in India, it's going to be like one of those great Indian weddings - probably the grandest of them all, one that will culminate in the biggest cricket stadium in the world.

When US President Donald Trump lands in India, it's going to be like one of those great Indian weddings - probably the grandest of them all, one that will culminate in the biggest cricket stadium in the world. But what cannot be brushed under the red carpet being rolled out to Trump is the fact that the trade deal with India is still not done. Trump is busy bragging how many millions are going to gather when he lands - seven million. Even by Trump's standards, this is an exaggeration. It's another matter that the total population of Ahmedabad city is about 5 and a half million, but the President is not known to be bothered with facts very much. And this latest one made in India could turn out to be very expensive because Trump brings with him zero clarity on the biggest issue on the table - the trade deal - which has been stuck in limbo for a while now. India made a valiant attempt in September last year, sending Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to the UNGA in New York at the last moment, just to see if the momentum around the 'Howdy Modi' event could lead to a deal - it didn't. And now it's time for 'Namaste Trump' already. As he comes calling - the question is - do India and the United States have any chances of hammering out a trade deal? The US trade representative - Robert Lighthizer - has already cancelled his India visit, despite some major concessions being proposed - no breakthroughs have been reported so far in the negotiations. Trump has been complaining about Indian tariffs for the whole of last year, and that stance doesn't seem to have changed - he has effectively ruled out a bilateral trade deal. At least until his possible re-election in November. "We can have a trade deal with India, but I’m really saving the big deal for later on, we’re doing a very big trade deal with India. We’ll have it. I don’t know if it’ll be done before the election, but we’ll have a very big deal with India," Trump's comments and the lukewarm efforts at negotiation raise a bigger question. Is this visit more about optics than actual bilateral business? Trump seems more excited about the massive roadshow and the event at Sardar Patel Stadium than about bilateral trade, and defence cooperation. The trade deal might not come through before the elections, but Trump certainly has a lot to gain in the meantime. Gujarati-Americans have considerable clout in the United States of America. And they will be an important vote bank for Trump in the election in November - members of US delegation have already started arriving in India. India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla met with the American Congressional delegation. The chairman of the sub-committee on Asia-Pacific Affairs was leading it. Members of the India Caucus were also present at the meeting. According to the sources in the Indian government, India's counter to Trump's high tariff complaint is Korea and Japan who levy higher tariffs than India. The sources have also said that no big-ticket announcements should be expected during Trump's visit- now that certainly sets the expectations right for Trump's trip.

Here's why no trade deal should be expected during Donald Trump's India visit

Several high profile Indians will be accompanying US President Donald Trump during his visit to India.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-in-ahemdabad-in-full-swing-ahead-of-trumps-maiden-visit-to-india-280972">Ahmedabad: Preparations in full swing ahead of Trump's maiden visit to India</a>

Indian-Americans in top government positions view Trump’s India visit as an opportunity to send a message to the immigrant community in the US.

Indian Americans that are most likely to accompany the US president are Rita Baranwal, Prem Parameswaran, Bimal Patel, Manisha Singh, Ajit Pai, Seema Verma, Kash Patel and Sampat Shivangi.

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This is an election year for Trump and he is likely to use the optics around his Delhi and Ahmedabad visits to reach out to the Indian-American electorate back home.

The members who are set to be in Trump's visit include:&nbsp;Rita Baranwal&nbsp;Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy,&nbsp;Prem Parameswaran 
Member, Asian Americans Advisory Commission,&nbsp;Bimal Patel&nbsp;Assistant Secretary, Treasury for Financial Institutions,&nbsp;Manisha Singh 
Assistant Secretary, Economic &amp; Business affairs bureau,&nbsp;Ajit Pai&nbsp;Chairman, Federal Communications Commission,&nbsp;Seema Verma 
Administrator, centres for Medicaid Services,&nbsp;Kash Patel&nbsp;Adviser, National Security Council &amp;&nbsp;Sampat Shivangi&nbsp;Republican fundraiser.

&nbsp;

Several high profile Indians will be accompanying US President Donald Trump during his visit to India. Also read- Ahmedabad: Preparations in full swing ahead of Trump's maiden visit to India Indian-Americans in top government positions view Trump’s India visit as an opportunity to send a message to the immigrant community in the US.

Several high profile Indians will be accompanying US President Donald Trump during his visit to India. Also read- Ahmedabad: Preparations in full swing ahead of Trump's maiden visit to India Indian-Americans in top government positions view Trump’s India visit as an opportunity to send a message to the immigrant community in the US. Indian Americans that are most likely to accompany the US president are Rita Baranwal, Prem Parameswaran, Bimal Patel, Manisha Singh, Ajit Pai, Seema Verma, Kash Patel and Sampat Shivangi. × This is an election year for Trump and he is likely to use the optics around his Delhi and Ahmedabad visits to reach out to the Indian-American electorate back home. The members who are set to be in Trump's visit include: Rita Baranwal Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Prem Parameswaran Member, Asian Americans Advisory Commission, Bimal Patel Assistant Secretary, Treasury for Financial Institutions, Manisha Singh Assistant Secretary, Economic & Business affairs bureau, Ajit Pai Chairman, Federal Communications Commission, Seema Verma Administrator, centres for Medicaid Services, Kash Patel Adviser, National Security Council & Sampat Shivangi Republican fundraiser.

Several Indian-Americans to accompany President Trump during India visit

Iran elections come at a time when the Islamic Republic is most vulnerable, both from the inside and from the outside. American sanctions have crippled the economy and public anger against the regime has raged on unabated.

Iranians will vote for the first time since US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Nuclear Deal. Whether they turn out in big numbers or not will be a referendum in itself.

This Parliamentary election of Iran is a litmus test of the people's faith in the state. It comes at a time when the sentiment against the regime is at its worst.

The confrontation with America, the economic hardship and an airline tragedy - the people's confidence in Iran's leaders is battered 
and that is set to pose the biggest problem for the authorities in this election. &nbsp;

Four years ago, things looked very different - Hassan Rouhani and his allies won big. Hopes were high that the 2015 nuclear deal would pull Iran out of political isolation, and more importantly boost the economy.

But now, the vote to pick 290 lawmakers comes after the US pulled out of the deal. Sanctions have sent the economy on a swift downward spiral over the last 2 years and the standard of living has dipped.&nbsp;

In November 2019, protests exploded across the country against fuel price hikes. Those protests turned political, with demonstrators demanding a regime change.

A crackdown by the revolutionary guards killed hundreds and thousands of others were arrested. The regime also faced major flack for the poor handling of slain General Qasem Soleimani's funeral. The stampede which occurred during his funeral killed over 50 people and more than 200 were injured.

The public is also livid over the accidental downing of the Ukrainian passenger plane last month, which killed all 176 people aboard - mainly Iranians.

After days of denial, Tehran finally put the blame on the revolutionary guards. The people of Iran are exhausted by a string of crises.&nbsp;

Around 58 million Iranians are eligible to vote - the turnout in 2012 was 66 per cent, in 2016, it reduced to 62 per cent and in 2020, it is expected to drop significantly.

Nearly half of the candidates, with moderate political views, have been rejected. Ayatollah Khamenei has ensured that hardliners dominate the field. He is Iran's highest authority and has tried to drum up the nationalistic sentiment to secure a strong turnout.

Whatever be the turnout, Iran's foreign policy or nuclear policy will remain the same because it will be Khamenei's loyalists who will be in Parliament.

Iran elections come at a time when the Islamic Republic is most vulnerable, both from the inside and from the outside. American sanctions have crippled the economy and public anger against the regime has raged on unabated.

Iran elections come at a time when the Islamic Republic is most vulnerable, both from the inside and from the outside. American sanctions have crippled the economy and public anger against the regime has raged on unabated. Iranians will vote for the first time since US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Nuclear Deal. Whether they turn out in big numbers or not will be a referendum in itself. This Parliamentary election of Iran is a litmus test of the people's faith in the state. It comes at a time when the sentiment against the regime is at its worst. The confrontation with America, the economic hardship and an airline tragedy - the people's confidence in Iran's leaders is battered and that is set to pose the biggest problem for the authorities in this election. Four years ago, things looked very different - Hassan Rouhani and his allies won big. Hopes were high that the 2015 nuclear deal would pull Iran out of political isolation, and more importantly boost the economy. But now, the vote to pick 290 lawmakers comes after the US pulled out of the deal. Sanctions have sent the economy on a swift downward spiral over the last 2 years and the standard of living has dipped. In November 2019, protests exploded across the country against fuel price hikes. Those protests turned political, with demonstrators demanding a regime change. A crackdown by the revolutionary guards killed hundreds and thousands of others were arrested. The regime also faced major flack for the poor handling of slain General Qasem Soleimani's funeral. The stampede which occurred during his funeral killed over 50 people and more than 200 were injured. The public is also livid over the accidental downing of the Ukrainian passenger plane last month, which killed all 176 people aboard - mainly Iranians. After days of denial, Tehran finally put the blame on the revolutionary guards. The people of Iran are exhausted by a string of crises. Around 58 million Iranians are eligible to vote - the turnout in 2012 was 66 per cent, in 2016, it reduced to 62 per cent and in 2020, it is expected to drop significantly. Nearly half of the candidates, with moderate political views, have been rejected. Ayatollah Khamenei has ensured that hardliners dominate the field. He is Iran's highest authority and has tried to drum up the nationalistic sentiment to secure a strong turnout. Whatever be the turnout, Iran's foreign policy or nuclear policy will remain the same because it will be Khamenei's loyalists who will be in Parliament.

US pullout from nuclear deal makes Iran elections even more crucial

Donald Trump's 'The beast' shines at Daytona 500 racing circuit

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;military on Monday disclosed a&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;50 per cent&nbsp;jump in cases of traumatic&nbsp;brain&nbsp;injury stemming&nbsp;from&nbsp;Iran's missile&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on a base in Iraq last month, with the number of service members&nbsp;diagnosed&nbsp;climbing to over&nbsp;100.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi2tbXNu8jnAhUdxzgGHe_UDCA4ChAWMAV6BAgEEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw05eSIcZyp9AkiUmmYhaEGN" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884" target="_blank">The killing of&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;General Qasem Soleimani and its consequences</a>

No&nbsp;US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;were killed or faced immediate bodily injury when&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;fired missiles at the Ain al-Asad base in Iraq in retaliation for the&nbsp;US&nbsp;killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike at the Baghdad airport on January&nbsp;3.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Iran fires 'more than a dozen' ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq</a>

The missile&nbsp;attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December. Both sides have refrained&nbsp;from&nbsp;further military escalation, but the mounting number of&nbsp;US&nbsp;casualties could increase scrutiny on the Trump administration's approach to&nbsp;Iran.

Reuters was first to report earlier on Monday that there were over&nbsp;100&nbsp;cases of TBI, up&nbsp;from&nbsp;the 64 previously reported last month.

The Pentagon, in a statement, confirmed that so far 109&nbsp;US&nbsp;service members had been&nbsp;diagnosed&nbsp;with mild traumatic&nbsp;brain&nbsp;injury. It added that 76 of them had returned to duty.

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The&nbsp;US&nbsp;military in the past had said to expect an increase in numbers in the weeks after the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;because symptoms can take time to manifest and&nbsp;troops&nbsp;can sometimes take longer to report them.

Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last month that the service members suffering&nbsp;from&nbsp;traumatic&nbsp;brain&nbsp;injuries&nbsp;had been&nbsp;diagnosed&nbsp;with mild cases. He added that the diagnosis could change as time passed.

Symptoms of concussive&nbsp;injuries&nbsp;include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea.

Pentagon officials have repeatedly said there has been no effort to minimize or delay information on concussive&nbsp;injuries. But the disclosures following Tehran's&nbsp;attack&nbsp;have renewed questions over the&nbsp;US&nbsp;military's policy regarding how it internally reports suspected&nbsp;brain&nbsp;injuries&nbsp;and whether they are treated publicly with the same urgency as loss of limb or life.

US&nbsp;Republican Senator Joni Ernst said&nbsp;more&nbsp;answers were needed.

"I've called on the Pentagon to ensure the safety &amp; care of our deployed forces who may be exposed to blast&nbsp;injuries&nbsp;in Iraq," Ernst said on Twitter.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump appeared to play down the&nbsp;brain&nbsp;injuries&nbsp;last month, saying he "heard that they had headaches and a couple of other things" following the&nbsp;attack, prompting criticism&nbsp;from&nbsp;lawmakers and a&nbsp;US&nbsp;veterans group.

Various health and medical groups&nbsp;for years have been trying to raise awareness about the seriousness of&nbsp;brain&nbsp;injuries, including concussions.

Since 2000, about 408,000 service members have been&nbsp;diagnosed&nbsp;with traumatic&nbsp;brain&nbsp;injury, according to Pentagon data.

The US military on Monday disclosed a more than 50 per cent jump in cases of traumatic brain injury stemming from Iran's missile attack on a base in Iraq last month, with the number of service members diagnosed climbing to over 100.

The US military on Monday disclosed a more than 50 per cent jump in cases of traumatic brain injury stemming from Iran's missile attack on a base in Iraq last month, with the number of service members diagnosed climbing to over 100. Also read: The killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and its consequences No US troops were killed or faced immediate bodily injury when Iran fired missiles at the Ain al-Asad base in Iraq in retaliation for the US killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike at the Baghdad airport on January 3. Also read: Iran fires 'more than a dozen' ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq The missile attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December. Both sides have refrained from further military escalation, but the mounting number of US casualties could increase scrutiny on the Trump administration's approach to Iran. Reuters was first to report earlier on Monday that there were over 100 cases of TBI, up from the 64 previously reported last month. The Pentagon, in a statement, confirmed that so far 109 US service members had been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury. It added that 76 of them had returned to duty. × The US military in the past had said to expect an increase in numbers in the weeks after the attack because symptoms can take time to manifest and troops can sometimes take longer to report them. Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last month that the service members suffering from traumatic brain injuries had been diagnosed with mild cases. He added that the diagnosis could change as time passed. Symptoms of concussive injuries include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea. Pentagon officials have repeatedly said there has been no effort to minimize or delay information on concussive injuries. But the disclosures following Tehran's attack have renewed questions over the US military's policy regarding how it internally reports suspected brain injuries and whether they are treated publicly with the same urgency as loss of limb or life. US Republican Senator Joni Ernst said more answers were needed. "I've called on the Pentagon to ensure the safety & care of our deployed forces who may be exposed to blast injuries in Iraq," Ernst said on Twitter. US President Donald Trump appeared to play down the brain injuries last month, saying he "heard that they had headaches and a couple of other things" following the attack, prompting criticism from lawmakers and a US veterans group. Various health and medical groups for years have been trying to raise awareness about the seriousness of brain injuries, including concussions. Since 2000, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury, according to Pentagon data.

More than 100 US troops diagnosed with brain injuries from Iran missile attack

Prosecutors asked a federal judge on Monday to sentence&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;longtime&nbsp;adviser&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Stone&nbsp;to between seven and nine&nbsp;years&nbsp;in&nbsp;prison, saying such a&nbsp;term&nbsp;would "accurately reflect the seriousness of his crimes and promote respect for the law."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-adviser-roger-stone-found-guilty-of-lying-to-congress-obstruction-witness-tampering-262459">Trump adviser Roger Stone found guilty of lying to Congress, obstruction, witness tampering</a>

Stone&nbsp;is due to face sentencing by&nbsp;US&nbsp;District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson on February&nbsp;20, after a jury in November found the self-proclaimed “dirty trickster” guilty on seven counts of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-trump-adviser-roger-stone-arrested-on-indictment-by-robert-mueller-report-192764">Former Trump adviser Roger Stone arrested after indictment by Robert Mueller</a>

The government said that under&nbsp;US&nbsp;sentencing guidelines, he faces a range of seven&nbsp;years&nbsp;and three months to up to nine&nbsp;years, and told Jackson he "should be punished in accord" with those.

Stone&nbsp;is one of several people close to Trump who faced charges stemming from then-Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

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During the trial, prosecutors pressed their case that&nbsp;Stone&nbsp;lied to lawmakers about his outreach to WikiLeaks - the website that disclosed many hacked Democratic emails ahead of the 2016&nbsp;US&nbsp;election that proved embarrassing to Trump’s Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton - to protect Trump from looking bad.

Stone, who has labelled himself an “agent provocateur” and famously has the face of former President Richard Nixon tattooed on his back, was charged with obstructing justice, witness tampering and lying to the&nbsp;US&nbsp;House of Representatives' Intelligence Committee during its investigation into Russian election interference.

Stone's colourful trial featured references to the film “The Godfather Part II,” an impression of Senator Bernie Sanders by prosecution witness Randy Credico, and testimony by political heavyweights including former Trump campaign chief executive Steve Bannon and former Trump deputy campaign chairman Rick Gates.

Those witnesses said they believed&nbsp;Stone&nbsp;had inside information about when WikiLeaks might release more damaging emails about Clinton. In truth, he had no such information.

Stone&nbsp;was also accused of tampering with Credico's testimony when Credico was summoned to testify before Congress and speak with the FBI. In emails and texts,&nbsp;Stone&nbsp;told Credico among other things: “Prepare to die,” “You’re a rat. A stoolie,” and “Stonewall it.”

Prosecutors asked a federal judge on Monday to sentence US President Donald Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone to between seven and nine years in prison, saying such a term would "accurately reflect the seriousness of his crimes and promote respect for the law.

Prosecutors asked a federal judge on Monday to sentence US President Donald Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone to between seven and nine years in prison, saying such a term would "accurately reflect the seriousness of his crimes and promote respect for the law." Also read: Trump adviser Roger Stone found guilty of lying to Congress, obstruction, witness tampering Stone is due to face sentencing by US District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson on February 20, after a jury in November found the self-proclaimed “dirty trickster” guilty on seven counts of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering. Also read: Former Trump adviser Roger Stone arrested after indictment by Robert Mueller The government said that under US sentencing guidelines, he faces a range of seven years and three months to up to nine years, and told Jackson he "should be punished in accord" with those. Stone is one of several people close to Trump who faced charges stemming from then-Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. × During the trial, prosecutors pressed their case that Stone lied to lawmakers about his outreach to WikiLeaks - the website that disclosed many hacked Democratic emails ahead of the 2016 US election that proved embarrassing to Trump’s Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton - to protect Trump from looking bad. Stone, who has labelled himself an “agent provocateur” and famously has the face of former President Richard Nixon tattooed on his back, was charged with obstructing justice, witness tampering and lying to the US House of Representatives' Intelligence Committee during its investigation into Russian election interference. Stone's colourful trial featured references to the film “The Godfather Part II,” an impression of Senator Bernie Sanders by prosecution witness Randy Credico, and testimony by political heavyweights including former Trump campaign chief executive Steve Bannon and former Trump deputy campaign chairman Rick Gates. Those witnesses said they believed Stone had inside information about when WikiLeaks might release more damaging emails about Clinton. In truth, he had no such information. Stone was also accused of tampering with Credico's testimony when Credico was summoned to testify before Congress and speak with the FBI. In emails and texts, Stone told Credico among other things: “Prepare to die,” “You’re a rat. A stoolie,” and “Stonewall it.”

US seeks prison term of 7-9 years for Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone

US President Donald Trump late on Tuesday will deliver the annual State of the Union speech to Congress just ahead of the verdict on his impeachment trial.&nbsp;

The State of the Union is a grand political event in the United States, where foes observe a truce while the president lays out a vision for the future.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/state-of-the-union-the-women-in-white-stole-trumps-night-195958">State of the Union: The women in white stole Trump’s night</a>

So, what exactly is the State of the Union and what is its significance? Let's find out.&nbsp;

What is the State of the Union?

George Washington on April 30, 1789, combined the inaugural address with the annual address.&nbsp;

The US Constitution lays out the basics of the State of the Union address.&nbsp;

The president “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient,” says Article II, Section 3, Clause 1 of the Constitution.

With time, the yearly message has gone through name changes. From 1790 to 1946, it was formally known as the Annual Message. It was described informally as the "state of the Union" message/address from 1942 to 1946. From 1947, it is officially known as the State of the Union address.&nbsp;

What is included in the address?

Earlier, the annual address focussed on budget requests and the state of the economy. In the 20th century, Congress required more-specialised reports on these two areas, separate from the annual message.&nbsp;

With Woodrow Wilson's address in 1913, the content of the message has changed as it now is a platform for the president to rally support for his agenda. Wilson also revived the practice of the address in person to the joint session of Congress. Since Wilson, all American presidents (except Herbert Hoover) have chosen to go before Congress to address their annual message.&nbsp;

What Trump can speak on the State of the Union?

The annual speech themed as "The Great American Comeback" could be an opportunity for Trump to reach out to the nation whose anger is growing over mistrust. He could also express regret for what even his Republican senators agree as a wrongful behaviour to push Ukraine for opening 
a probe against his main Democratic presidential opponent Joe Biden. Trump can also avoid touching impeachment, just as Bill Clinton did post his impeachment in 1999.&nbsp;

Trump has earlier said that his speech would present an optimistic vision for the US.&nbsp;However, as the crucial elections will be held this year, Trump could also use this speech to lash out at his Democratic rivals.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump late on Tuesday will deliver the annual State of the Union speech to Congress just ahead of the verdict on his impeachment trial. The State of the Union is a grand political event in the United States, where foes observe a truce while the president lays out a vision for the future.

US President Donald Trump late on Tuesday will deliver the annual State of the Union speech to Congress just ahead of the verdict on his impeachment trial. The State of the Union is a grand political event in the United States, where foes observe a truce while the president lays out a vision for the future. Also read: State of the Union: The women in white stole Trump’s night So, what exactly is the State of the Union and what is its significance? Let's find out. What is the State of the Union? George Washington on April 30, 1789, combined the inaugural address with the annual address. The US Constitution lays out the basics of the State of the Union address. The president “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient,” says Article II, Section 3, Clause 1 of the Constitution. With time, the yearly message has gone through name changes. From 1790 to 1946, it was formally known as the Annual Message. It was described informally as the "state of the Union" message/address from 1942 to 1946. From 1947, it is officially known as the State of the Union address. What is included in the address? Earlier, the annual address focussed on budget requests and the state of the economy. In the 20th century, Congress required more-specialised reports on these two areas, separate from the annual message. With Woodrow Wilson's address in 1913, the content of the message has changed as it now is a platform for the president to rally support for his agenda. Wilson also revived the practice of the address in person to the joint session of Congress. Since Wilson, all American presidents (except Herbert Hoover) have chosen to go before Congress to address their annual message. What Trump can speak on the State of the Union? The annual speech themed as "The Great American Comeback" could be an opportunity for Trump to reach out to the nation whose anger is growing over mistrust. He could also express regret for what even his Republican senators agree as a wrongful behaviour to push Ukraine for opening a probe against his main Democratic presidential opponent Joe Biden. Trump can also avoid touching impeachment, just as Bill Clinton did post his impeachment in 1999. Trump has earlier said that his speech would present an optimistic vision for the US. However, as the crucial elections will be held this year, Trump could also use this speech to lash out at his Democratic rivals.

EXPLAINED: What is the State of the Union address

The real issue with US President Donald Trump’s Israel-Palestinian peace plan is not whether it stands a chance of resolving one of the world’s most intractable conflicts or not. More important is the fact that Israel will, in violation of international law, be empowered to unilaterally annexe occupied territory and take steps towards creating an ethnically more homogenous state by transferring a significant proportion of the Jewish state’s Israeli Palestinian population to what the plan envisions as a future Palestinian entity.

Trump, by endorsing annexation and populations transfers that violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, has put Israel at the cutting edge of an emerging new world order dominated by civilizationalist leaders.

These leaders think in terms of might is right rather than adherence to international law. They envision civilisational states that define themselves and their boundaries on the basis of a specific civilization as opposed to nation-states that are determined by internationally recognised borders, population and language and have little time for the rule of law.

In doing so Trump, like many other likeminded civilizationalist leaders is contributing to a world in which mass migration, radicalisation and increased political violence will likely pose threats on a far larger scale than they do today.

If Israel indeed moves ahead with implementation of Trump’s plan, it will likely find itself at the forefront of the civilizationalist effort to shape a new world order that pays little heed to human and minority rights anchored in international law and that rejects agreements on the status of occupied land and people that were forged in the wake of the 20th century’s devastating world wars.

Becoming a flashpoint in the struggle for the shape of a new world could prove to be&nbsp;more of a curse than a blessing for Israel.

It could turn Israel into yet another but nonetheless the prime example of what civilizationalist politics is likely to produce: A illiberal, if not authoritarian state, whose policies are at best controversial rather than, as Israel likes to see itself - the Middle East’s shining and only real democracy,

Few in the international community, including a majority of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s civilizationalist counterparts, with the exception of Trump and potentially Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Hungary’s Victor Orban, would recognise Israel’s unilaterally declared post-annexation borders.

Responding to Trump’s plan, conservative Gulf states praised US efforts to achieve peace and called for negotiations but were careful not to endorse Trump’s blueprint while the Arab League that groups all Arab states outright rejected the proposal.

This did not stop Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s post-popular revolt Sovereignty Council who has close ties to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, from meeting Netanyahu a day later in Uganda.

Nonetheless, few in the international community would endorse the deprival of citizenship of some 300,000 Palestinian Israelis and their transfer together with their lands in what is known as the Triangle in central Israel to a future Palestinian state.

Only 13 per cent of Israeli Palestinians surveyed last year by the Israel Democracy Institute defined themselves as first and foremost being Palestinian while 38 per cent said their primary identity was Arab.

Meanwhile, 65 per cent said they were “proud to be Israelis.” An even larger number, 83 per cent, said they strived to be full members of Israeli society.

"Peace is made with the enemy. We are residents of the state, and we are not the enemy. The prime minister wants to save his skin at the expense of inciting hatred against the Arab population," said Shuaa Massarweh Mansour, the mayor of Taiibeh, a town of 50,000 Israeli Palestinians that was included in the plan’s suggestion for a population transfer.

Mansour was referring to last month’s indictment of Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases.

Demonstrations on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip in response to the Trump plan were fairly muted but that is no guarantee that implementation will not provoke wide-spread protest directed not only against Israel and the United States but also the Palestine Authority.

Those protests would likely spread to Israeli Palestinians resident within Israeli borders prior to the 1967 Middle East war in which Israel conquered the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights that were annexed before Trump endorsed their incorporation into Israel, and Gaza.

An Israeli crackdown on the protesters would only add to problems created by the implementation of the Trump plan.

The plan appears to be designed to pre-empt what would be a worst-case civilizationalist scenario in which continued Israeli occupation would force Israel to choose between being a democracy and a Jewish state because of demographics that would likely see Palestinians becoming a majority of the population.

The irony is that the implementation of the plan without Palestinian consent and cooperation could produce the same dilemma.

As a result, Trump’s civilizational approach towards solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Netanyahu’s enthusiastic embrace of the plan threatens to not only put Israel on&nbsp;the cutting edge of the struggle to shape a new world order, but also risks turning Israel into a poster child of everything that is wrong with civilisationalism.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The real issue with US President Donald Trump’s Israel-Palestinian peace plan is not whether it stands a chance of resolving one of the world’s most intractable conflicts or not.

The real issue with US President Donald Trump’s Israel-Palestinian peace plan is not whether it stands a chance of resolving one of the world’s most intractable conflicts or not. More important is the fact that Israel will, in violation of international law, be empowered to unilaterally annexe occupied territory and take steps towards creating an ethnically more homogenous state by transferring a significant proportion of the Jewish state’s Israeli Palestinian population to what the plan envisions as a future Palestinian entity. Trump, by endorsing annexation and populations transfers that violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, has put Israel at the cutting edge of an emerging new world order dominated by civilizationalist leaders. These leaders think in terms of might is right rather than adherence to international law. They envision civilisational states that define themselves and their boundaries on the basis of a specific civilization as opposed to nation-states that are determined by internationally recognised borders, population and language and have little time for the rule of law. In doing so Trump, like many other likeminded civilizationalist leaders is contributing to a world in which mass migration, radicalisation and increased political violence will likely pose threats on a far larger scale than they do today. If Israel indeed moves ahead with implementation of Trump’s plan, it will likely find itself at the forefront of the civilizationalist effort to shape a new world order that pays little heed to human and minority rights anchored in international law and that rejects agreements on the status of occupied land and people that were forged in the wake of the 20th century’s devastating world wars. Becoming a flashpoint in the struggle for the shape of a new world could prove to be more of a curse than a blessing for Israel. It could turn Israel into yet another but nonetheless the prime example of what civilizationalist politics is likely to produce: A illiberal, if not authoritarian state, whose policies are at best controversial rather than, as Israel likes to see itself - the Middle East’s shining and only real democracy, Few in the international community, including a majority of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s civilizationalist counterparts, with the exception of Trump and potentially Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Hungary’s Victor Orban, would recognise Israel’s unilaterally declared post-annexation borders. Responding to Trump’s plan, conservative Gulf states praised US efforts to achieve peace and called for negotiations but were careful not to endorse Trump’s blueprint while the Arab League that groups all Arab states outright rejected the proposal. This did not stop Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s post-popular revolt Sovereignty Council who has close ties to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, from meeting Netanyahu a day later in Uganda. Nonetheless, few in the international community would endorse the deprival of citizenship of some 300,000 Palestinian Israelis and their transfer together with their lands in what is known as the Triangle in central Israel to a future Palestinian state. Only 13 per cent of Israeli Palestinians surveyed last year by the Israel Democracy Institute defined themselves as first and foremost being Palestinian while 38 per cent said their primary identity was Arab. Meanwhile, 65 per cent said they were “proud to be Israelis.” An even larger number, 83 per cent, said they strived to be full members of Israeli society. "Peace is made with the enemy. We are residents of the state, and we are not the enemy. The prime minister wants to save his skin at the expense of inciting hatred against the Arab population," said Shuaa Massarweh Mansour, the mayor of Taiibeh, a town of 50,000 Israeli Palestinians that was included in the plan’s suggestion for a population transfer. Mansour was referring to last month’s indictment of Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. Demonstrations on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip in response to the Trump plan were fairly muted but that is no guarantee that implementation will not provoke wide-spread protest directed not only against Israel and the United States but also the Palestine Authority. Those protests would likely spread to Israeli Palestinians resident within Israeli borders prior to the 1967 Middle East war in which Israel conquered the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights that were annexed before Trump endorsed their incorporation into Israel, and Gaza. An Israeli crackdown on the protesters would only add to problems created by the implementation of the Trump plan. The plan appears to be designed to pre-empt what would be a worst-case civilizationalist scenario in which continued Israeli occupation would force Israel to choose between being a democracy and a Jewish state because of demographics that would likely see Palestinians becoming a majority of the population. The irony is that the implementation of the plan without Palestinian consent and cooperation could produce the same dilemma. As a result, Trump’s civilizational approach towards solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Netanyahu’s enthusiastic embrace of the plan threatens to not only put Israel on the cutting edge of the struggle to shape a new world order, but also risks turning Israel into a poster child of everything that is wrong with civilisationalism. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Donald Trump's peace plan puts Israel on the cutting edge

Donald Trump is known for mocking his political rivals, and the eve of the Democratic Party's Iowa caucuses gave him fresh ammunition.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-on-the-campaign-trail-democrats-deliver-closing-arguments-with-dogs-comedians-and-planes-278114">On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes</a>

"I have little nicknames for all of them," the US president told pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity, the night before Democrats vote for their nominee in the Midwestern state, to officially start the presidential election season.

Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-presidential-elections-2020-which- democratic-contender-stands-where-277723">Bernie Sanders</a> holds a narrow lead among the Democratic contenders.

"I think he's a communist," said Trump, for whom name-calling and character smearing are an integral part of his campaign for re-election in November this year.

Trump added: "I think of Bernie sort of as a socialist but far beyond a socialist."

Sanders describes himself as a democratic socialist.

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"At least he's true to what he believes," Trump said, in contrast to Senator Elizabeth Warren, Sanders' fellow progressive in the race.

She is "not true to it," Trump said, before returning to "crazy Bernie" -- a moniker Trump has regularly used for Sanders.

The Democrats are "now sort of rigging the election against him," the president said.

Joe Biden, over whom Sanders holds a narrow lead, makes Trump "think of sleepy."

"I just watch him. He's sleepy. Sleepy Joe," said Trump, repeating a sobriquet he has previously used for Barack Obama's former vice president.

As for former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, he is "very little."

"You know, now he wants a box for the debates to stand on," Trump said of his fellow New York billionaire.

"There's nothing wrong. You can be short... He wants a box for the debates. Why should he be entitled to that?"

Bloomberg's team fired back at Trump's comments.

"The president is lying," said campaign spokeswoman Julie Wood in a statement. "He is a pathological liar who lies about everything: his fake hair, his obesity, and his spray-on tan."

Donald Trump is known for mocking his political rivals, and the eve of the Democratic Party's Iowa caucuses gave him fresh ammunition. Also read- On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes "I have little nicknames for all of them," the US president told pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity, the night before Democrats vote for their nominee in the Midwestern state, to officially start the presidential election season.

Donald Trump is known for mocking his political rivals, and the eve of the Democratic Party's Iowa caucuses gave him fresh ammunition. Also read- On the campaign trail: Democrats deliver closing arguments with dogs, comedians and planes "I have little nicknames for all of them," the US president told pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity, the night before Democrats vote for their nominee in the Midwestern state, to officially start the presidential election season. Senator Bernie Sanders holds a narrow lead among the Democratic contenders. "I think he's a communist," said Trump, for whom name-calling and character smearing are an integral part of his campaign for re-election in November this year. Trump added: "I think of Bernie sort of as a socialist but far beyond a socialist." Sanders describes himself as a democratic socialist. × "At least he's true to what he believes," Trump said, in contrast to Senator Elizabeth Warren, Sanders' fellow progressive in the race. She is "not true to it," Trump said, before returning to "crazy Bernie" -- a moniker Trump has regularly used for Sanders. The Democrats are "now sort of rigging the election against him," the president said. Joe Biden, over whom Sanders holds a narrow lead, makes Trump "think of sleepy." "I just watch him. He's sleepy. Sleepy Joe," said Trump, repeating a sobriquet he has previously used for Barack Obama's former vice president. As for former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, he is "very little." "You know, now he wants a box for the debates to stand on," Trump said of his fellow New York billionaire. "There's nothing wrong. You can be short... He wants a box for the debates. Why should he be entitled to that?" Bloomberg's team fired back at Trump's comments. "The president is lying," said campaign spokeswoman Julie Wood in a statement. "He is a pathological liar who lies about everything: his fake hair, his obesity, and his spray-on tan."

Trump mocks 'communist' Bernie and 'Sleepy Joe' before Iowa

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-virus-death-toll-passes-100-as-us-canada- issue-travel-warning-276958">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment trial was expected to be a mere formality, but the Republican-dominated Senate has virtually ruled out removing their President. Or so it seemed before Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton dropped a bombshell in the form of evidence that cuts directly at the root of Trump's defence. The President's lawyers have argued that he never leveraged aid to Ukraine to acquire damaging information against Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">Also read: US top court sides with Trump on immigrant welfare benefits</a>

But from a leaked page of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-had-ukraine-aid-withheld-reveals-boltons -new-book-276814">John Bolton</a>'s upcoming book, it seems the president told his top aide that aid to Ukraine will be withheld. This has increased pressure on Republican senators to give in to the demand for new witnesses, especially since Bolton had expressed his desire to testify, given how the Democrats need only 4 Republicans to join them for a bipartisan majority. Republican senators Mitt Romney and Susan Collins said the leaked excerpts highlight the necessity of witness testimony from individuals such as John Bolton.

Trump's team largely avoided the Bolton issue on the floor of the Senate, stating that there was nothing new in the former NSA's leaked accounts. The possibility of Trump's team trying to prevent Bolton from testifying and also discrediting his public comments is plausible. Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani was called a 'human hand grenade' in the Ukraine scandal by former National Security Advisor John Bolton.&nbsp;

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These claims were dismissed by Jane Raskin, Donald Trump's impeachment attorney who called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-caught-saying-get-rid-of-ukraine- ambassador-on-tape-report-276592">Giuliani</a> a "colourful distraction, a household name, a legendary federal prosecutor who took down the mafia, corrupt public officials, wall street racketeers. Crime busting mayor, who cleaned up new york and turned it around. A national hero. America's mayor after 9/11. And after that, an internationally recognized expert on fighting corruption."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../white-house-lawyers-say-voters-should-decide- trumps-fate-276578">Joe Biden</a>'s son, Hunter Biden also received a lot of hostility from the President's team, who said that Hunter's decision to join a Ukraine-based company had raised many eyebrows. Pam Bondi, an attorney on Trump's legal team said that "Hunter Biden's decision to join Burma raised flags almost immediately. One article from may 2014 stated the appointment of Joe Biden's son to the board of Ukrainian gas firm Burisma has raised eyebrows the world over. Even an outlet with a bias for Democrats pointed out Hunter Biden's activities created a conflict of interest for Joe Biden. The article stated the move raises questions about a potential conflict of interest for Joe Biden."&nbsp;

But this leak could not have come at a better time for the Democrats, as it helps them to push their case for including new testimonies in the trial. So far the Senate Republicans have rejected this orthodox approach along partisan lines. "I certainly hope so. There seems to be a real shift in where the Republican senators are, and I think it's very hard for them to maintain that they wanted a fair trial. Wanted to know all the facts when there's a witness who said, I'm ready, I've got something to say. We have an outline of what he has to say. It's really hard to say we're not going to hear that," said Adam Schiff, lead House Impeachment Manager.

Donald Trump's impeachment trial was expected to be a mere formality, but the Republican-dominated Senate has virtually ruled out removing their President. Or so it seemed before Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton dropped a bombshell in the form of evidence that cuts directly at the root of Trump's defence.

Donald Trump's impeachment trial was expected to be a mere formality, but the Republican-dominated Senate has virtually ruled out removing their President. Or so it seemed before Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton dropped a bombshell in the form of evidence that cuts directly at the root of Trump's defence. The President's lawyers have argued that he never leveraged aid to Ukraine to acquire damaging information against Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Also read: US top court sides with Trump on immigrant welfare benefits But from a leaked page of John Bolton's upcoming book, it seems the president told his top aide that aid to Ukraine will be withheld. This has increased pressure on Republican senators to give in to the demand for new witnesses, especially since Bolton had expressed his desire to testify, given how the Democrats need only 4 Republicans to join them for a bipartisan majority. Republican senators Mitt Romney and Susan Collins said the leaked excerpts highlight the necessity of witness testimony from individuals such as John Bolton. Trump's team largely avoided the Bolton issue on the floor of the Senate, stating that there was nothing new in the former NSA's leaked accounts. The possibility of Trump's team trying to prevent Bolton from testifying and also discrediting his public comments is plausible. Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani was called a 'human hand grenade' in the Ukraine scandal by former National Security Advisor John Bolton. × These claims were dismissed by Jane Raskin, Donald Trump's impeachment attorney who called Giuliani a "colourful distraction, a household name, a legendary federal prosecutor who took down the mafia, corrupt public officials, wall street racketeers. Crime busting mayor, who cleaned up new york and turned it around. A national hero. America's mayor after 9/11. And after that, an internationally recognized expert on fighting corruption." Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden also received a lot of hostility from the President's team, who said that Hunter's decision to join a Ukraine-based company had raised many eyebrows. Pam Bondi, an attorney on Trump's legal team said that "Hunter Biden's decision to join Burma raised flags almost immediately. One article from may 2014 stated the appointment of Joe Biden's son to the board of Ukrainian gas firm Burisma has raised eyebrows the world over. Even an outlet with a bias for Democrats pointed out Hunter Biden's activities created a conflict of interest for Joe Biden. The article stated the move raises questions about a potential conflict of interest for Joe Biden." But this leak could not have come at a better time for the Democrats, as it helps them to push their case for including new testimonies in the trial. So far the Senate Republicans have rejected this orthodox approach along partisan lines. "I certainly hope so. There seems to be a real shift in where the Republican senators are, and I think it's very hard for them to maintain that they wanted a fair trial. Wanted to know all the facts when there's a witness who said, I'm ready, I've got something to say. We have an outline of what he has to say. It's really hard to say we're not going to hear that," said Adam Schiff, lead House Impeachment Manager.

Impeachment trial of Donald Trump: All-Star Defence team scared of going near Bolton

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-anti-abortion-rally-trump-assails-democrats-draws-applause-276481">US Supreme Court</a> on Monday allowed the Trump administration to proceed with a rule that aims to deny permanent residency and citizenship to immigrants who claim welfare benefits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-detains-800-central-american-migrants-headed-to-united-states-276281">Mexico detains 800 Central American migrants headed to&nbsp;United States</a> 
&nbsp;

The top chamber's five conservative justices outvoted their four progressive colleagues to support a request by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-had-ukraine-aid-withheld-reveals-boltons -new-book-276814">President Donald Trump</a> to lift a New York court injunction that had blocked the rule's application.

Trump has made clamping down on immigrants a cornerstone of his presidency, and Monday's ruling is the latest by the Supreme Court in favour of his migrant-related policies.

"Today the Court (rightly) grants a stay, allowing the government to pursue (for now) its policy everywhere save Illinois," the Supreme Court ruling said.

The White House lauded the ruling, calling it a "massive win for American taxpayers, American workers, and the American Constitution" in a statement.

Announcing last August a new definition of the longstanding "public charge" law, Trump said that "to protect benefits for American citizens, immigrants must be financially self-sufficient."

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The new rules threatened to set back the citizenship hopes of millions of mostly Hispanic migrants who work for low wages and depend in part on public services to get by.

Under the changes, the 22 million non-citizen residents of the United States using food stamps, public healthcare and other welfare will not be able to obtain green cards or US citizenship, according to the White House.

Additionally, hopeful migrants will not be granted resident visas if they are deemed too poor and likely to need public assistance.

'Activist' judges

Immigration officials will have more leeway to deny the entry of immigrants or to grant a certain migrant status to those receiving public assistance.

A coalition of states in August quickly sued Trump's administration over the rule. They said it was unconstitutional and disproportionately targeted non-white immigrants.

Ken Cuccinelli, acting Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, welcomed Monday's ruling.

He said the Supreme Court "is fed up" with injunctions by judges whom he said are trying to impose policy rather than enforce the law.

"I hope some of these activist district court judges finally get the message that they need to deal with the law, not their policy preferences. If they want to do that, get out and run for Congress," he said.

The Democratic National Committee, charged with the process of choosing the party's challenger to Trump in this year's elections, countered that "it's sickening to see the United States Supreme Court rubber-stamp Trump's extreme, anti-immigrant, xenophobic agenda."

In September, the Supreme Court said Trump could enact severe restrictions on asylum seekers.

That followed a July ruling backing the president's move to divert billions of dollars in Pentagon funds for extending or rebuilding stretches of the wall on the Mexican border.

The US Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to proceed with a rule that aims to deny permanent residency and citizenship to immigrants who claim welfare benefits.

The US Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to proceed with a rule that aims to deny permanent residency and citizenship to immigrants who claim welfare benefits. Also read: Mexico detains 800 Central American migrants headed to United States The top chamber's five conservative justices outvoted their four progressive colleagues to support a request by President Donald Trump to lift a New York court injunction that had blocked the rule's application. Trump has made clamping down on immigrants a cornerstone of his presidency, and Monday's ruling is the latest by the Supreme Court in favour of his migrant-related policies. "Today the Court (rightly) grants a stay, allowing the government to pursue (for now) its policy everywhere save Illinois," the Supreme Court ruling said. The White House lauded the ruling, calling it a "massive win for American taxpayers, American workers, and the American Constitution" in a statement. Announcing last August a new definition of the longstanding "public charge" law, Trump said that "to protect benefits for American citizens, immigrants must be financially self-sufficient." × The new rules threatened to set back the citizenship hopes of millions of mostly Hispanic migrants who work for low wages and depend in part on public services to get by. Under the changes, the 22 million non-citizen residents of the United States using food stamps, public healthcare and other welfare will not be able to obtain green cards or US citizenship, according to the White House. Additionally, hopeful migrants will not be granted resident visas if they are deemed too poor and likely to need public assistance. 'Activist' judges Immigration officials will have more leeway to deny the entry of immigrants or to grant a certain migrant status to those receiving public assistance. A coalition of states in August quickly sued Trump's administration over the rule. They said it was unconstitutional and disproportionately targeted non-white immigrants. Ken Cuccinelli, acting Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, welcomed Monday's ruling. He said the Supreme Court "is fed up" with injunctions by judges whom he said are trying to impose policy rather than enforce the law. "I hope some of these activist district court judges finally get the message that they need to deal with the law, not their policy preferences. If they want to do that, get out and run for Congress," he said. The Democratic National Committee, charged with the process of choosing the party's challenger to Trump in this year's elections, countered that "it's sickening to see the United States Supreme Court rubber-stamp Trump's extreme, anti-immigrant, xenophobic agenda." In September, the Supreme Court said Trump could enact severe restrictions on asylum seekers. That followed a July ruling backing the president's move to divert billions of dollars in Pentagon funds for extending or rebuilding stretches of the wall on the Mexican border.

US top court sides with Trump on immigrant welfare benefits

President Trump's impeachment trial has been frequently compared to that of Bill Clinton. In 1998, Bill Clinton was impeached as a president. The affair of Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton was the driving force for the impeachment.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-lawyers-say-voters-should-decide-trumps-fate-276578">White House lawyers say voters should decide Trump's fate</a>

Monica Lewinsky has urged political analysts not to use her name while making comparisons. As a 'gentle reminder' Monica offered alternative names who played a role in the 1998 saga. As alternatives, she suggested the Starr Investigation, the 1998 Impeachment, the Scandal of 1998, or the Clinton Impeachment.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="Monica Lewinsky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cdd4076e-d62a-420b-8c9c-d7f2ff7ce686" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/____.jpg" /> 
Monica Lewinsky's tweet | Twitter/ @MonicaLewinsky</h6>

Democratic President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../sparks-fly-as-trump-impeachment-trial-opens- 275837">Bill Clinton</a> was impeached by the House of Representatives under the Republicans but was cleared off by House of Senate under Democrats.&nbsp;

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President Bill Clinton was accused of having a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky which took place between 1995 and 1997 and came into light in 1998. Clinton ended a televised speech in late January 1998 with the statement that he "did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms Lewinsky."

But eventually, Clinton admitted in taped grand jury testimony on August 17, 1998, that he had engaged in an "improper physical relationship" with Lewinsky.

Trump will be looking forward to a similar procedure for his impeachment trial. He has been impeached by the House of Representatives led by Democrats and will be looking to get clearance by the House of Senate under the Republicans.

His trial in the House of Senate began on Saturday.

President Trump's impeachment trial has been frequently compared to that of Bill Clinton. In 1998, Bill Clinton was impeached as a president. The affair of Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton was the driving force for the impeachment.

President Trump's impeachment trial has been frequently compared to that of Bill Clinton. In 1998, Bill Clinton was impeached as a president. The affair of Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton was the driving force for the impeachment. Also read: White House lawyers say voters should decide Trump's fate Monica Lewinsky has urged political analysts not to use her name while making comparisons. As a 'gentle reminder' Monica offered alternative names who played a role in the 1998 saga. As alternatives, she suggested the Starr Investigation, the 1998 Impeachment, the Scandal of 1998, or the Clinton Impeachment. Monica Lewinsky's tweet | Twitter/ @MonicaLewinsky Democratic President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives under the Republicans but was cleared off by House of Senate under Democrats. × President Bill Clinton was accused of having a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky which took place between 1995 and 1997 and came into light in 1998. Clinton ended a televised speech in late January 1998 with the statement that he "did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms Lewinsky." But eventually, Clinton admitted in taped grand jury testimony on August 17, 1998, that he had engaged in an "improper physical relationship" with Lewinsky. Trump will be looking forward to a similar procedure for his impeachment trial. He has been impeached by the House of Representatives led by Democrats and will be looking to get clearance by the House of Senate under the Republicans. His trial in the House of Senate began on Saturday.

Monica Lewinsky offers 'Gentle Reminder' not to use her name in 1998 impeachment comparisons

Lawyers for US President Donald Trump will begin his defence at the Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, offering a rebuttal to Democratic charges that he abused his power and previewing more detailed arguments planned for next week.

In a shortened session, Trump's lawyers will begin three days of arguments to counter Democratic assertions that he should be removed from office for pressuring Ukraine to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden, a 2020 Democratic presidential contender, and then trying to cover it up by impeding a congressional investigation. Trump has denied wrongdoing.

Given that the defence presentation will open on a Saturday, what the Republican president in a tweet called "Death Valley on TV," the bulk of the arguments will be saved for early next week, Trump's lawyers said.

The US television audience for Democrats' arguments declined on Thursday to roughly 7.8 million viewers during live daytime coverage, according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency - a 29% drop from Tuesday afternoon.

The Trump legal team said it would bring up Biden's efforts to get Ukraine's former top prosecutor dismissed on corruption concerns. Trump, without providing evidence, has charged that Biden acted to head off an investigation into a Ukrainian energy company on whose board his son Hunter Biden served.

Government witnesses told the impeachment inquiry last year that Biden was carrying out official US policy.

"Why they opened up the door as wide as a double door on the Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Burisma issue. I guess they figured that was their way of getting ahead of it. We will address it," Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's defence attorneys, told reporters.

The Senate session will convene at 10 am ET (1500 GMT) and run for several hours, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. The Trump legal team will have up to 24 hours over three days to make its case.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said his defence team should "just tell the truth" and accused Democrats of "telling so many lies, so many fabrications, so much exaggeration. And this is not impeachable."

The Democratic-led House of Representatives impeached Trump last month on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, setting the stage for the trial in the Republican-led Senate on whether to remove him from office before he seeks re-election in November.

It is the third Senate presidential impeachment trial in US history.

The president is expected to be acquitted in the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required to convict and remove a president from office. No Republican senator has voiced any support for his ouster.

In wrapping up the opening arguments, Representative Adam Schiff urged Republican senators to show "real political courage" and support a Democratic motion later in the trial for more witnesses.

He warned that Trump would abuse his power again unless he is removed from office.

"If it meets the standard of impeachable conduct, as we have proved, it doesn't matter whether you like him. It doesn't matter whether you dislike him," said Schiff, who made the final presentation in the House prosecutors' case.

"What matters is whether he is a danger to the country, because he will do it again. And none of us can have confidence, based on his record, that he will not do it again, because he is telling us every day that he will," Schiff said.

Lawyers for US President Donald Trump will begin his defence at the Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, offering a rebuttal to Democratic charges that he abused his power and previewing more detailed arguments planned for next week.

Lawyers for US President Donald Trump will begin his defence at the Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, offering a rebuttal to Democratic charges that he abused his power and previewing more detailed arguments planned for next week. In a shortened session, Trump's lawyers will begin three days of arguments to counter Democratic assertions that he should be removed from office for pressuring Ukraine to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden, a 2020 Democratic presidential contender, and then trying to cover it up by impeding a congressional investigation. Trump has denied wrongdoing. Given that the defence presentation will open on a Saturday, what the Republican president in a tweet called "Death Valley on TV," the bulk of the arguments will be saved for early next week, Trump's lawyers said. The US television audience for Democrats' arguments declined on Thursday to roughly 7.8 million viewers during live daytime coverage, according to data from the Nielsen ratings agency - a 29% drop from Tuesday afternoon. The Trump legal team said it would bring up Biden's efforts to get Ukraine's former top prosecutor dismissed on corruption concerns. Trump, without providing evidence, has charged that Biden acted to head off an investigation into a Ukrainian energy company on whose board his son Hunter Biden served. Government witnesses told the impeachment inquiry last year that Biden was carrying out official US policy. "Why they opened up the door as wide as a double door on the Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Burisma issue. I guess they figured that was their way of getting ahead of it. We will address it," Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's defence attorneys, told reporters. The Senate session will convene at 10 am ET (1500 GMT) and run for several hours, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. The Trump legal team will have up to 24 hours over three days to make its case. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said his defence team should "just tell the truth" and accused Democrats of "telling so many lies, so many fabrications, so much exaggeration. And this is not impeachable." The Democratic-led House of Representatives impeached Trump last month on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, setting the stage for the trial in the Republican-led Senate on whether to remove him from office before he seeks re-election in November. It is the third Senate presidential impeachment trial in US history. The president is expected to be acquitted in the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required to convict and remove a president from office. No Republican senator has voiced any support for his ouster. In wrapping up the opening arguments, Representative Adam Schiff urged Republican senators to show "real political courage" and support a Democratic motion later in the trial for more witnesses. He warned that Trump would abuse his power again unless he is removed from office. "If it meets the standard of impeachable conduct, as we have proved, it doesn't matter whether you like him. It doesn't matter whether you dislike him," said Schiff, who made the final presentation in the House prosecutors' case. "What matters is whether he is a danger to the country, because he will do it again. And none of us can have confidence, based on his record, that he will not do it again, because he is telling us every day that he will," Schiff said.

Trump's legal team to begin defence arguments at US Senate impeachment trial

From politicians to tech titans, Mohammed bin Salman meets array of VIPs

Democrats&nbsp;accused President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kem-chho-trump-us-president-to-visit-ahmedabad-delhi-in-february-275056">Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;at his&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;trial&nbsp;on Wednesday of a&nbsp;corrupt&nbsp;scheme&nbsp;to&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;to help him get re-elected and warned that America's global prestige would suffer if the US&nbsp;Senate acquits him.

The Republican&nbsp;Trump, who has denied wrongdoing, sounded a defiant note, telling reporters in Switzerland the&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;did not have enough evidence to find him guilty and remove him from office.

In a two-hour opening argument for the prosecution after days of procedural wrangling, US&nbsp;Representative Adam Schiff said&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had pushed Ukrainian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mike-pompeo-to-meet-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-on-friday-271101">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a> to investigate former Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-unveils-17-trillion-climate-plan-to-end-us-carbon-emissions-by-2050-224374">Joe Biden</a> and Biden's son on unsubstantiated&nbsp;corruption charges last year.

<img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3739d001-a792-432b-a9c2-3951a11ce9d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2858%29_0.jpg" />

"To implement this&nbsp;corrupt&nbsp;scheme, President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;pressured the president of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;to publicly announce investigations into two discredited allegations that would benefit President&nbsp;Trump's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/giuliani-says-trump-did-not-pay-for-his-push-for-biden-probe-252746">2020 presidential campaign</a>," said Schiff, leading the House&nbsp;Democrats' prosecution team of “managers."

The Democratic team pressed its case against&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in eight hours of arguments, which will resume on Thursday.

They contend that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was trying to find dirt on Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination for the November election, and his son Hunter Biden who had served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company, to help the president win a second term.

Trump&nbsp;was impeached last month by the Democratic-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-curbs-trumps-war-power-amid-iran-tensions-273283">House of Representatives</a> on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for his dealings with&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and impeding the inquiry into the matter.

Trump&nbsp;is almost certain to be acquitted by the Republican-controlled 100-member Senate, where a two-thirds majority is needed to remove him from office. But the&nbsp;trial's effect on his re-election bid is unclear.

His fellow Republicans in the Senate say his behavior does not fit the description of "high crimes and misdemeanors" outlined in the US&nbsp;Constitution as a reason to oust a US&nbsp;president.

"We believe without question that the president will be acquitted,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;lawyer Jay Sekulow told reporters at the end of Wednesday's session.

Democrats&nbsp;have two more days to make their case.&nbsp;Trump's defense team will have three days after that for rebuttal in a&nbsp;trial&nbsp;that could potentially conclude next week.

<img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88829e2f-5219-4d3c-8206-ec5e3cf93062" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2857%29_1.jpg" />

The case against&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;is focused on a July 25 telephone call in which he asked Zelenskiy to open a&nbsp;corruption investigation into the Bidens as well as a discredited theory that&nbsp;Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 US&nbsp;election. US&nbsp;military aid to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;was frozen for a period of time.

"We have the evidence to prove President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;ordered the aid withheld, he did so to force&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;to help his re-election campaign ... we can and will prove President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;guilty of this conduct and of obstructing the investigation into his conduct," Schiff said as the day concluded.

Making references to 18th century US&nbsp;founding father Alexander Hamilton and the late Republican President Ronald Reagan, Schiff said the world was watching.

"For how can any country trust the United States as a model of governance if it's one that sanctions precisely the political&nbsp;corruption and invitation to foreign meddling that we have long sought to eradicate in burgeoning democracies around the world?"

He said senators would "also undermine our global standing" if they did not oust&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;three years into his tumultuous presidency.

<img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8dea501e-b2f9-4a95-ad1c-6dff40ab11be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2856%29_2.jpg" />

Tuesday's start of the&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;trial&nbsp;drew about 11 million TV viewers, according to Nielsen ratings data, a figure that fell short of the roughly 13.8 million who watched last November for the first day of the House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;inquiry into&nbsp;Trump.

It is the third presidential&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;trial&nbsp;in US&nbsp;history. The opening days have been dominated by arguments over Democratic requests for more witnesses and records.

The&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;administration has not complied with subpoenas for documents and has urged officials like former national security adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo not to participate in the&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;investigation.

A Reuters-Ipsos poll released on Wednesday found a bipartisan majority of Americans wanting to see new witnesses testify in the&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;trial.

It said about 72&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;agreed that the&nbsp;trial&nbsp;"should allow witnesses with firsthand knowledge of the&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;charges to testify," including 84&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;and 69 per cent&nbsp;of Republicans.

In Davos, Switzerland,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;told reporters at the World Economic Forum that he was happy with the way the&nbsp;trial&nbsp;was going.

"I thought our team did a very good job. But honestly, we have all the material. They don't have the material,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said.

Democratic US&nbsp;Representative Val Demings, one of the House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;managers, said&nbsp;Trump's comment amounted to boasting about obstruction of Congress.

"This morning, the president not only confessed to it, but he also bragged about it: 'Honestly, we have all the material. They don't have the material,'" she said.

But a senior administration official asked to explain what&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was referring to, said: "What he's clearly saying is we have all the facts on our side, and those facts prove he's done nothing wrong."

Trump&nbsp;said allowing Bolton to testify at the&nbsp;trial&nbsp;would present national security concerns.

"He knows some of my thoughts, he knows what I think about leaders. What happens if he reveals what I think about a certain leader and it's not very positive?"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said.

Bolton, a foreign policy hawk who was fired by&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;last year, has disdainfully described the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;campaign as a "drug deal" and testimony from him could be awkward for the president.

A parade of current and former officials spoke at House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;hearings last year of a coordinated&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;effort to&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;Ukraine.

But those televised hearings did little to change support for and against&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;impeachment. Reuters/Ipsos polling since the inquiry began shows&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;and Republicans responding largely along party lines.

Democrats accused President Donald Trump at his impeachment trial on Wednesday of a corrupt scheme to pressure Ukraine to help him get re-elected and warned that America's global prestige would suffer if the US Senate acquits him.

Democrats accused President Donald Trump at his impeachment trial on Wednesday of a corrupt scheme to pressure Ukraine to help him get re-elected and warned that America's global prestige would suffer if the US Senate acquits him. The Republican Trump, who has denied wrongdoing, sounded a defiant note, telling reporters in Switzerland the Democrats did not have enough evidence to find him guilty and remove him from office. In a two-hour opening argument for the prosecution after days of procedural wrangling, US Representative Adam Schiff said Trump had pushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and Biden's son on unsubstantiated corruption charges last year. "To implement this corrupt scheme, President Trump pressured the president of Ukraine to publicly announce investigations into two discredited allegations that would benefit President Trump's 2020 presidential campaign," said Schiff, leading the House Democrats' prosecution team of “managers." The Democratic team pressed its case against Trump in eight hours of arguments, which will resume on Thursday. They contend that Trump was trying to find dirt on Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination for the November election, and his son Hunter Biden who had served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company, to help the president win a second term. Trump was impeached last month by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for his dealings with Ukraine and impeding the inquiry into the matter. Trump is almost certain to be acquitted by the Republican-controlled 100-member Senate, where a two-thirds majority is needed to remove him from office. But the trial's effect on his re-election bid is unclear. His fellow Republicans in the Senate say his behavior does not fit the description of "high crimes and misdemeanors" outlined in the US Constitution as a reason to oust a US president. "We believe without question that the president will be acquitted," Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow told reporters at the end of Wednesday's session. Democrats have two more days to make their case. Trump's defense team will have three days after that for rebuttal in a trial that could potentially conclude next week. The case against Trump is focused on a July 25 telephone call in which he asked Zelenskiy to open a corruption investigation into the Bidens as well as a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 US election. US military aid to Ukraine was frozen for a period of time. "We have the evidence to prove President Trump ordered the aid withheld, he did so to force Ukraine to help his re-election campaign ... we can and will prove President Trump guilty of this conduct and of obstructing the investigation into his conduct," Schiff said as the day concluded. Making references to 18th century US founding father Alexander Hamilton and the late Republican President Ronald Reagan, Schiff said the world was watching. "For how can any country trust the United States as a model of governance if it's one that sanctions precisely the political corruption and invitation to foreign meddling that we have long sought to eradicate in burgeoning democracies around the world?" He said senators would "also undermine our global standing" if they did not oust Trump three years into his tumultuous presidency. Tuesday's start of the impeachment trial drew about 11 million TV viewers, according to Nielsen ratings data, a figure that fell short of the roughly 13.8 million who watched last November for the first day of the House impeachment inquiry into Trump. It is the third presidential impeachment trial in US history. The opening days have been dominated by arguments over Democratic requests for more witnesses and records. The Trump administration has not complied with subpoenas for documents and has urged officials like former national security adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo not to participate in the impeachment investigation. A Reuters-Ipsos poll released on Wednesday found a bipartisan majority of Americans wanting to see new witnesses testify in the impeachment trial. It said about 72 per cent agreed that the trial "should allow witnesses with firsthand knowledge of the impeachment charges to testify," including 84 per cent of Democrats and 69 per cent of Republicans. In Davos, Switzerland, Trump told reporters at the World Economic Forum that he was happy with the way the trial was going. "I thought our team did a very good job. But honestly, we have all the material. They don't have the material," Trump said. Democratic US Representative Val Demings, one of the House impeachment managers, said Trump's comment amounted to boasting about obstruction of Congress. "This morning, the president not only confessed to it, but he also bragged about it: 'Honestly, we have all the material. They don't have the material,'" she said. But a senior administration official asked to explain what Trump was referring to, said: "What he's clearly saying is we have all the facts on our side, and those facts prove he's done nothing wrong." Trump said allowing Bolton to testify at the trial would present national security concerns. "He knows some of my thoughts, he knows what I think about leaders. What happens if he reveals what I think about a certain leader and it's not very positive?" Trump said. Bolton, a foreign policy hawk who was fired by Trump last year, has disdainfully described the Ukraine pressure campaign as a "drug deal" and testimony from him could be awkward for the president. A parade of current and former officials spoke at House impeachment hearings last year of a coordinated Trump effort to pressure Ukraine. But those televised hearings did little to change support for and against Trump's impeachment. Reuters/Ipsos polling since the inquiry began shows Democrats and Republicans responding largely along party lines.

Democrats accuse Trump at impeachment trial of corrupt scheme to pressure Ukraine

Legendary star Robert De Niro Was honoured with the lifetime achievement award at Sunday's Screen Actor's Guild Award.&nbsp; 
The award was a tribute to his 50-year old career in films ranging from dramas like "The Deer Hunter," "Raging Bull" and "The Godfather: Part II" to comedies such as "Meet the Parents" and "Silver Linings Playbook."<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sag-awards-2020-parasite-wins-top-honours-heres-the-list-of-key-winners-275358">See the complete list of winners here</a> 
 
As he went up on stage to receive the award, the veteran actor took a dig at US President Donald Trump without mentioning him by name. &nbsp;De Niro's dig was in reference to Trump facing Senate trial this week on impeachment charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. 
 
"There’s right, and there’s wrong and there's common sense, and there’s abuse of power, and as a citizen, I have as much right as anyone else ... to voice my opinion," the actor said. "And if I have a bigger voice because of my situation, I’m going to use it whenever I see a blatant abuse of power. And that’s all I’m going say about that tonight," the actor said.&nbsp;

He then went on to thank his "comrades in arms" for bestowing the lifetime achievement honour, presented by the SAG-AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Actors) union.

A versatile actor with more than 100 films to his credit, De Niro, 76, also is co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, established to help revitalize lower Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that reduced the World Trade Center to ruins.

Although known for his often-taciturn demeanour in public appearances while strictly guarding his private life, De Niro has emerged as one of Trump's most vocal critics outside of political circles.&nbsp;

This isn't the first time that the actor has critiqued Trump on a public platform. In 2018, he launched an expletive-laden attack on Trump on live television as a presenter on the stage of the Tony Awards for Broadway theatre. Trump responded on Twitter by calling De Niro "a very low-key individual."

<img alt="sag" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c25a1a8-003b-4b21-9f3c-bc2c2ecca844" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-20T093149.276.jpg" />

A frequent collaborator with director Martin Scorsese, De Niro built his career with haunting portrayals of loners and tough guys - a deranged ex-convict in "Cape Fear," a disturbed vigilante in "Taxi Driver," a disillusioned Vietnam War veteran in "Deer Hunter," a ruthless gangster in "Goodfellas."

A method actor and perfectionist who trained at the Stella Adler Conservatory and the American Workshop and with Lee Strasberg, De Niro earned a reputation for intense preparation.

He learned to speak a Sicilian dialect to play the young mobster Vito Corleone in "The Godfather: Part II," a role that earned him his first Oscar in 1975. And he famously gained 60 pounds (27 kilos) for his second Oscar-winning performance as boxing great Jake LaMotta in 1980's "Raging Bull."&nbsp;

<img alt="SAG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec733005-2c79-46a8-ab27-4018c27d1333" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-20T093251.476.jpg" />

He also found success playing his hard-bitten screen image for laughs, in such comedic roles as an insecure mob boss in "Analyze This" and a retired CIA operative in "Meet the Fockers."

Nevertheless, De Niro has been largely overlooked this awards season for his acting work as hitman Frank Sheeran in "The Irishman," failing to garner nominations as a performer in the Golden Globes, Oscars, or SAG contests. He did, however, share an Academy Award nomination in this year's best picture race as one of four named producers of "The Irishman."&nbsp;

De Niro joins previous SAG lifetime recipients including Alan Alda, Elizabeth Taylor, Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood and Debbie Reynolds.

De Niro's film 'The Irishman' is one of the&nbsp;contenders for the Best Picture award at the upcoming Oscar awards next month.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Legendary star Robert De Niro Was honoured with the lifetime achievement award at Sunday's Screen Actor's Guild Award. The award was a tribute to his 50-year old career in films ranging from dramas like "The Deer Hunter," "Raging Bull" and "The Godfather: Part II" to comedies such as "Meet the Parents" and "Silver Linings Playbook.

Legendary star Robert De Niro Was honoured with the lifetime achievement award at Sunday's Screen Actor's Guild Award. The award was a tribute to his 50-year old career in films ranging from dramas like "The Deer Hunter," "Raging Bull" and "The Godfather: Part II" to comedies such as "Meet the Parents" and "Silver Linings Playbook."See the complete list of winners here As he went up on stage to receive the award, the veteran actor took a dig at US President Donald Trump without mentioning him by name. De Niro's dig was in reference to Trump facing Senate trial this week on impeachment charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. "There’s right, and there’s wrong and there's common sense, and there’s abuse of power, and as a citizen, I have as much right as anyone else ... to voice my opinion," the actor said. "And if I have a bigger voice because of my situation, I’m going to use it whenever I see a blatant abuse of power. And that’s all I’m going say about that tonight," the actor said. He then went on to thank his "comrades in arms" for bestowing the lifetime achievement honour, presented by the SAG-AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Actors) union. A versatile actor with more than 100 films to his credit, De Niro, 76, also is co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, established to help revitalize lower Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that reduced the World Trade Center to ruins. Although known for his often-taciturn demeanour in public appearances while strictly guarding his private life, De Niro has emerged as one of Trump's most vocal critics outside of political circles. This isn't the first time that the actor has critiqued Trump on a public platform. In 2018, he launched an expletive-laden attack on Trump on live television as a presenter on the stage of the Tony Awards for Broadway theatre. Trump responded on Twitter by calling De Niro "a very low-key individual." A frequent collaborator with director Martin Scorsese, De Niro built his career with haunting portrayals of loners and tough guys - a deranged ex-convict in "Cape Fear," a disturbed vigilante in "Taxi Driver," a disillusioned Vietnam War veteran in "Deer Hunter," a ruthless gangster in "Goodfellas." A method actor and perfectionist who trained at the Stella Adler Conservatory and the American Workshop and with Lee Strasberg, De Niro earned a reputation for intense preparation. He learned to speak a Sicilian dialect to play the young mobster Vito Corleone in "The Godfather: Part II," a role that earned him his first Oscar in 1975. And he famously gained 60 pounds (27 kilos) for his second Oscar-winning performance as boxing great Jake LaMotta in 1980's "Raging Bull." He also found success playing his hard-bitten screen image for laughs, in such comedic roles as an insecure mob boss in "Analyze This" and a retired CIA operative in "Meet the Fockers." Nevertheless, De Niro has been largely overlooked this awards season for his acting work as hitman Frank Sheeran in "The Irishman," failing to garner nominations as a performer in the Golden Globes, Oscars, or SAG contests. He did, however, share an Academy Award nomination in this year's best picture race as one of four named producers of "The Irishman." De Niro joins previous SAG lifetime recipients including Alan Alda, Elizabeth Taylor, Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood and Debbie Reynolds. De Niro's film 'The Irishman' is one of the contenders for the Best Picture award at the upcoming Oscar awards next month. (With inputs from Reuters)

SAG Awards 2020: Robert De Niro wins lifetime award; takes a shot at Donald Trump

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