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United States President Donald Trump on Friday stated that the sanctions which will be imposed on November 5 will hit Iran in a big way. While speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-details-new-sanctions-in-maximum-pressure-hit-on-iran-economy-175195">sanctions</a> as "toughest-ever" punitive measures for a "corrupt regime" in Tehran, news agency PTI reported.

"Iran is a much different country since I terminated that deal. That was one of the most ridiculous deals ever made by any country, at any time: the Iran nuclear deal," he said.

"They're very serious sanctions. They're very big. They'll be elevated from there. But, as you know, sanctions are starting on Iran and Iran is taking a very big hit," Trump added.

Trump pulled out of the 2015 landmark Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May this year, terming it as "disastrous".

"And just today, we riposted all sanctions that were lifted under that horrible deal. We now have in place the toughest ever sanctions on a corrupt regime in Iran," Trump told his supporters at an election rally in West Virginia.

Under the Obama-era deal, involving five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, Iran agreed to stop its nuclear programme in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

After the US' withdrawal from the deal, Trump signed fresh sanctions against Iran and warned countries against any cooperation with Tehran over its controversial nuclear weapons programme.

Iran has dismissed these charges and maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eight-countries-exempt-from-iran-oil-sanctions-us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-175155">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday said</a> that the US will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions to try to force Iran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities. Pompeo, however, did not name the eight, which he referred to as "jurisdictions".

China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have been top importers of Iran's oil, while Taiwan occasionally buys cargoes of Iranian crude but is not a major buyer.

"We will ultimately move Iran to zero crude oil. That'll take us some number of months to do that. We've been able to do that in a way that hasn't had a huge impact on crude oil prices. That's a good thing for American consumers," Pompeo said.

United States Special US Representative on Iran, Brian Hook, told reporters that these eight countries are among the top 20 oil importers from Iran, news agency Reuters reported.

"Our goal remains getting countries to zero imports of Iranian oil. In 2019, our projections are that oil supply will exceed demand, and that creates a much better atmosphere for us to bring remaining nations to zero as quickly as possible," Hook said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump on Friday stated that the sanctions which will be imposed on November 5 will hit Iran in a big way. While speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described the sanctions as "toughest-ever" punitive measures for a "corrupt regime" in Tehran, news agency PTI reported.

United States President Donald Trump on Friday stated that the sanctions which will be imposed on November 5 will hit Iran in a big way. While speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described the sanctions as "toughest-ever" punitive measures for a "corrupt regime" in Tehran, news agency PTI reported. "Iran is a much different country since I terminated that deal. That was one of the most ridiculous deals ever made by any country, at any time: the Iran nuclear deal," he said. "They're very serious sanctions. They're very big. They'll be elevated from there. But, as you know, sanctions are starting on Iran and Iran is taking a very big hit," Trump added. Trump pulled out of the 2015 landmark Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May this year, terming it as "disastrous". "And just today, we riposted all sanctions that were lifted under that horrible deal. We now have in place the toughest ever sanctions on a corrupt regime in Iran," Trump told his supporters at an election rally in West Virginia. Under the Obama-era deal, involving five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, Iran agreed to stop its nuclear programme in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. After the US' withdrawal from the deal, Trump signed fresh sanctions against Iran and warned countries against any cooperation with Tehran over its controversial nuclear weapons programme. Iran has dismissed these charges and maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday said that the US will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions to try to force Iran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities. Pompeo, however, did not name the eight, which he referred to as "jurisdictions". China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have been top importers of Iran's oil, while Taiwan occasionally buys cargoes of Iranian crude but is not a major buyer. "We will ultimately move Iran to zero crude oil. That'll take us some number of months to do that. We've been able to do that in a way that hasn't had a huge impact on crude oil prices. That's a good thing for American consumers," Pompeo said. United States Special US Representative on Iran, Brian Hook, told reporters that these eight countries are among the top 20 oil importers from Iran, news agency Reuters reported. "Our goal remains getting countries to zero imports of Iranian oil. In 2019, our projections are that oil supply will exceed demand, and that creates a much better atmosphere for us to bring remaining nations to zero as quickly as possible," Hook said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump calls November 5 sanctions 'very serious', says 'Iran is taking very big hit'

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WION Dispatch: India responds on US sanctions to be slapped on Iran

Three weeks after a bizarre White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, rapper Kanye West said on Tuesday he was distancing himself from politics.

West, Trump's biggest celebrity supporter, also sought to distance himself from a new campaign that encourages black Americans to quit the Democratic Party.

"My eyes are now wide open and now realize I’ve been used to spread messages I don’t believe in. I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative!!!" West tweeted, without mentioning Trump, who is a Republican, or any other names.

The singer and fashion designer, who has said he is bipolar, also said he "never wanted any association" with a campaign launched last weekend called Blexit that seeks to draw African-Americans away from their long-standing support for Democrats.

West, 41, was linked to the campaign after its leader, conservative activist Candace Owens, said he had designed the logo for the movement's hats and T-shirts.

"I introduced Candace to the person who made the logo and they didn’t want their name on it so she used mine," West tweeted on Tuesday. "I have nothing to do with it."

West posted his comments just a week before U.S. congressional elections on Nov. 6 and after months of erratic behaviour, including describing slavery as a choice.

On Oct. 11, he met Trump in the Oval Office and launched into a rambling 10-minute-long speech carried live on television in which he said Trump made him feel like a superhero, and referenced the existence of an alternate universe.&nbsp;

Three weeks after a bizarre White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, rapper Kanye West said on Tuesday he was distancing himself from politics. West, Trump's biggest celebrity supporter, also sought to distance himself from a new campaign that encourages black Americans to quit the Democratic Party.

Three weeks after a bizarre White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, rapper Kanye West said on Tuesday he was distancing himself from politics. West, Trump's biggest celebrity supporter, also sought to distance himself from a new campaign that encourages black Americans to quit the Democratic Party. "My eyes are now wide open and now realize I’ve been used to spread messages I don’t believe in. I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative!!!" West tweeted, without mentioning Trump, who is a Republican, or any other names. The singer and fashion designer, who has said he is bipolar, also said he "never wanted any association" with a campaign launched last weekend called Blexit that seeks to draw African-Americans away from their long-standing support for Democrats. West, 41, was linked to the campaign after its leader, conservative activist Candace Owens, said he had designed the logo for the movement's hats and T-shirts. "I introduced Candace to the person who made the logo and they didn’t want their name on it so she used mine," West tweeted on Tuesday. "I have nothing to do with it." West posted his comments just a week before U.S. congressional elections on Nov. 6 and after months of erratic behaviour, including describing slavery as a choice. On Oct. 11, he met Trump in the Oval Office and launched into a rambling 10-minute-long speech carried live on television in which he said Trump made him feel like a superhero, and referenced the existence of an alternate universe.

Kanye West says he's been 'used', distances himself from politics

The White House has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Washington, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Friday.

Putin and Trump have met several times on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings, but had only one bilateral summit, in the Finnish capital in July.

"We have invited president Putin to Washington," Bolton said. It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation.

After the Helsinki encounter, Trump was accused by opponents, and even some members of his own Republican Party, of failing to stand up to the Russian leader.

The topic of Putin visiting the United States is a highly-charged one, because US intelligence agencies allege that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Trump win. Russian denies any election meddling.

Trump has said it is in US interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin.

Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of events in Paris on Nov. 11 to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One.

Bolton, who was speaking at a news conference on a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, said their Paris meeting would be brief.

The White House has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Washington, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Friday. Putin and Trump have met several times on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings, but had only one bilateral summit, in the Finnish capital in July.

The White House has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Washington, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Friday. Putin and Trump have met several times on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings, but had only one bilateral summit, in the Finnish capital in July. "We have invited president Putin to Washington," Bolton said. It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation. After the Helsinki encounter, Trump was accused by opponents, and even some members of his own Republican Party, of failing to stand up to the Russian leader. The topic of Putin visiting the United States is a highly-charged one, because US intelligence agencies allege that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Trump win. Russian denies any election meddling. Trump has said it is in US interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin. Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of events in Paris on Nov. 11 to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One. Bolton, who was speaking at a news conference on a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, said their Paris meeting would be brief.

White House has invited Putin to Washington: NSA John Bolton

Trump hints Saudi prince could be behind Khashoggi's murder

China's foreign ministry has some suggestions for the Trump administration if they are worried about foreign eavesdropping on the US president's iPhone: use a Huawei handset instead.

Or just sever ties with the outside world completely.

The riposte came after a New York Times report that Chinese and Russian spies often secretly listened in on President Donald Trump when he used his unsecure Apple cellphone to gossip with old friends.

"Reading this report, I feel that today in the United States there really are some people who are doing their utmost to win best script at the Oscars," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news conference on Thursday.

Such reports were "evidence that the New York Times makes fake news", she said, adding two suggestions that were apparently aimed at the Trump administration.

"If they are really very worried about Apple phones being bugged, then they can change to using Huawei," she said, referring to China's biggest telecommunications equipment maker.

"If they are still not at ease, then in order to have an entirely secure device, they can stop using all forms of modern communication devices and cut off all ties with the outside world."

The Times reported that Trump's aides have repeatedly warned him that his cellphone calls are not secure, but the president refuses to give them up.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has come under scrutiny in the United States where intelligence agency leaders and others have said they are concerned that Huawei and other Chinese companies may be beholden to the Chinese government or ruling Communist Party, raising the risk of espionage.

The US Democratic National Committee warned party candidates running in November elections not to use devices from Huawei or ZTE, another major Chinese telecoms gear maker.

The US Department of Defense has stopped selling mobile phones and modems made by Huawei and ZTE in stores on its military bases, citing potential security risks.

And in March, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai told Congress he shared the concerns of some U.S. lawmakers about espionage threats from Huawei.

The New York Times cited US officials as saying China had a sophisticated approach toward the intercepted presidential phone calls and was seeking to use them to determine what Trump thinks, whom he listens to and how best to sway him.

Beijing particularly is trying to use what it learns to prevent the current trade war between the two countries from escalating further, according to the newspaper.

Concerns have been raised on several occasions this year about cellphone surveillance activity in the Washington area. The Department of Homeland Security said in a letter to several senators in March that it had observed activity in Washington consistent with mobile subscriber identity catchers.

China's foreign ministry has some suggestions for the Trump administration if they are worried about foreign eavesdropping on the US president's iPhone: use a Huawei handset instead.

China's foreign ministry has some suggestions for the Trump administration if they are worried about foreign eavesdropping on the US president's iPhone: use a Huawei handset instead. Or just sever ties with the outside world completely. The riposte came after a New York Times report that Chinese and Russian spies often secretly listened in on President Donald Trump when he used his unsecure Apple cellphone to gossip with old friends. "Reading this report, I feel that today in the United States there really are some people who are doing their utmost to win best script at the Oscars," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news conference on Thursday. Such reports were "evidence that the New York Times makes fake news", she said, adding two suggestions that were apparently aimed at the Trump administration. "If they are really very worried about Apple phones being bugged, then they can change to using Huawei," she said, referring to China's biggest telecommunications equipment maker. "If they are still not at ease, then in order to have an entirely secure device, they can stop using all forms of modern communication devices and cut off all ties with the outside world." The Times reported that Trump's aides have repeatedly warned him that his cellphone calls are not secure, but the president refuses to give them up. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has come under scrutiny in the United States where intelligence agency leaders and others have said they are concerned that Huawei and other Chinese companies may be beholden to the Chinese government or ruling Communist Party, raising the risk of espionage. The US Democratic National Committee warned party candidates running in November elections not to use devices from Huawei or ZTE, another major Chinese telecoms gear maker. The US Department of Defense has stopped selling mobile phones and modems made by Huawei and ZTE in stores on its military bases, citing potential security risks. And in March, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai told Congress he shared the concerns of some U.S. lawmakers about espionage threats from Huawei. The New York Times cited US officials as saying China had a sophisticated approach toward the intercepted presidential phone calls and was seeking to use them to determine what Trump thinks, whom he listens to and how best to sway him. Beijing particularly is trying to use what it learns to prevent the current trade war between the two countries from escalating further, according to the newspaper. Concerns have been raised on several occasions this year about cellphone surveillance activity in the Washington area. The Department of Homeland Security said in a letter to several senators in March that it had observed activity in Washington consistent with mobile subscriber identity catchers.

Worried about iPhone eavesdroppers? China says Trump may need a Huawei

Harley-Davidson Inc reported its steepest decline in domestic sales in eight years on Tuesday, and warned that motorcycle shipments for the year will be at the lower end of its forecast as it faces higher tariff-related costs.

Milwaukee-based Harley's shares reversed course and were down 5 percent, giving up premarket gains after company the recorded its best quarterly profit in two years.

"We expect U.S. industry to remain challenged into 2019 and will continue to proactively address the weak U.S. industry," Chief Financial Officer John Olin said on a conference call with analysts.

Harley's demographic challenges in the domestic market are well documented - core customers are growing older and efforts to attract new and young riders have yet to show results.

In addition, President Donald Trump's call to boycott the motorcycle manufacturer for its decision to move production for European markets overseas has only compounded the company's troubles.

Harley said on Tuesday it could see up to $48 million in costs from tariffs in 2018.

Rising costs and a tit-for-tat tariff war with China have weighed on the shares of most U.S. manufacturers. Harley's shares are down about 30 percent so far this year and have underperformed the broader S&amp;P 500 index.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs last week cut their 12-month price target for the stock, while BMO Capital Markets downgraded the company's shares on Friday, citing its poor performance.

To be sure, the company still dominates the local heavyweight motorcycle market, but rivals such as Polaris are chipping away at its market share.

To counter weak demand at home, Harley plans to make deeper inroads into some of the fastest growing two-wheeler markets in Asia through lightweight motorcycles.

Retail sales in the United States, which accounts for more than half of the company's sales, fell 13.3 percent in the three months ended Sept. 30 from a year ago. Total retail sales were down 7 percent. Analysts expect 2018 to be the third straight year of declining sales.

International retail sales, however, rose about 3 percent, led by Europe.

"First look (EPS beat) looks good, but when you dig further you see that retail was worse than expected, especially in the United States," Wedbush analyst James Hardiman said.

The company's net income jumped 67 percent to $113.86 million for the third quarter, helped by cost-cutting and higher international sales. Excluding manufacturing optimization costs, the company earned 78 cents a share.

Revenue from motorcycles and related products rose 16.8 percent to $1.12 billion.

Analysts on average expected a profit of 53 cents a share and revenue of $1.07 billion, according to data from Refinitiv.

The company now expects 2018 shipments forecast to be at the low end of its guidance of between 231,000 and 236,000 motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson Inc reported its steepest decline in domestic sales in eight years on Tuesday, and warned that motorcycle shipments for the year will be at the lower end of its forecast as it faces higher tariff-related costs.

Harley-Davidson Inc reported its steepest decline in domestic sales in eight years on Tuesday, and warned that motorcycle shipments for the year will be at the lower end of its forecast as it faces higher tariff-related costs. Milwaukee-based Harley's shares reversed course and were down 5 percent, giving up premarket gains after company the recorded its best quarterly profit in two years. "We expect U.S. industry to remain challenged into 2019 and will continue to proactively address the weak U.S. industry," Chief Financial Officer John Olin said on a conference call with analysts. Harley's demographic challenges in the domestic market are well documented - core customers are growing older and efforts to attract new and young riders have yet to show results. In addition, President Donald Trump's call to boycott the motorcycle manufacturer for its decision to move production for European markets overseas has only compounded the company's troubles. Harley said on Tuesday it could see up to $48 million in costs from tariffs in 2018. Rising costs and a tit-for-tat tariff war with China have weighed on the shares of most U.S. manufacturers. Harley's shares are down about 30 percent so far this year and have underperformed the broader S&P 500 index. Analysts at Goldman Sachs last week cut their 12-month price target for the stock, while BMO Capital Markets downgraded the company's shares on Friday, citing its poor performance. To be sure, the company still dominates the local heavyweight motorcycle market, but rivals such as Polaris are chipping away at its market share. To counter weak demand at home, Harley plans to make deeper inroads into some of the fastest growing two-wheeler markets in Asia through lightweight motorcycles. Retail sales in the United States, which accounts for more than half of the company's sales, fell 13.3 percent in the three months ended Sept. 30 from a year ago. Total retail sales were down 7 percent. Analysts expect 2018 to be the third straight year of declining sales. International retail sales, however, rose about 3 percent, led by Europe. "First look (EPS beat) looks good, but when you dig further you see that retail was worse than expected, especially in the United States," Wedbush analyst James Hardiman said. The company's net income jumped 67 percent to $113.86 million for the third quarter, helped by cost-cutting and higher international sales. Excluding manufacturing optimization costs, the company earned 78 cents a share. Revenue from motorcycles and related products rose 16.8 percent to $1.12 billion. Analysts on average expected a profit of 53 cents a share and revenue of $1.07 billion, according to data from Refinitiv. The company now expects 2018 shipments forecast to be at the low end of its guidance of between 231,000 and 236,000 motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson reports steepest decline in sales in 8 years

Donald Trump warns China & Russia over arms race

Saudi Arabia faced a growing chorus of incredulity Sunday over its belated explanation of how critic Jamal Khashoggi died inside its Istanbul consulate, as world powers demanded answers and the whereabouts of his body.

After a fortnight of denials, Saudi authorities admitted on Saturday that the Washington Post columnist was killed after entering the consulate on October 2, a disappearance that sparked outrage and plunged the Gulf kingdom into a spiralling international crisis.&nbsp;

Turkish officials have accused Riyadh of carrying out a state-sponsored killing and dismembering the body, with pro-government media in Turkey reporting the existence of video and audio evidence to back those claims.

Police have searched a forest in Istanbul where they believe his body may have been disposed of.

After initially saying Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, and then that they were investigating his disappearance, Saudi authorities backtracked and admitted the 60-year-old was killed in a "brawl" with officials inside the consulate.

But that narrative -- combined with the absence of Khashoggi's body -- quickly drew scepticism and scorn from many, including staunch allies.

Ankara vowed to reveal all the details of a two-week inquiry as US President Donald Trump said he was unsatisfied with Saudi Arabia's response to the columnist's death while the EU, Germany, France, Britain, Australia, Canada and the UN also demanded greater clarity.

The controversy has put the kingdom -- for decades a key ally in Western efforts to contain Iran -- under unprecedented pressure.

It has also evolved into a major crisis for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a Trump administration favourite widely known as MBS, whose image as a modernising Arab reformer has been gravely undermined.

'CHANGING STORIES' 
&nbsp;

Canada is among the latest countries to question Riyadh's version of events.&nbsp;

"The explanations offered to date lack consistency and credibility," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement Saturday.

Senior Republican senator Marco Rubio was more stark in his assessment.&nbsp;

"Saudi Arabia's changing stories on #KhashoggiMurder is getting old. The latest one about a fist fight gone bad is bizarre," he tweeted, renewing his call for sanctions against those responsible.

Ankara said it had a "debt of honour" to reveal what happened.

"We are not accusing anyone in advance but we don't accept anything to remain covered (up)," said ruling Justice and Development Party spokesman Omer Celik.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said many questions remained unanswered while German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged transparency, adding that "available reports on what happened in the Istanbul consulate are insufficient."

"This cannot stand. This will not do," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison added on Sunday.

The EU's top diplomat Federica Mogherini and UN chief Antonio Guterres both called for a proper investigation and for the perpetrators to be held to account.

Trump initially said he found the explanation credible, but later expressed more scepticism -- although he warned against scrapping a multibillion-dollar arms deal with the conservative kingdom.

"No, I am not satisfied until we find the answer," he told reporters. "It was a big first step. It was a good first step. But I want to get to the answer."

Saudi Arabia's Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates, welcomed the Saudi disclosures, as did Egypt.

Saudi Arabia faced a growing chorus of incredulity Sunday over its belated explanation of how critic Jamal Khashoggi died inside its Istanbul consulate, as world powers demanded answers and the whereabouts of his body.

Saudi Arabia faced a growing chorus of incredulity Sunday over its belated explanation of how critic Jamal Khashoggi died inside its Istanbul consulate, as world powers demanded answers and the whereabouts of his body. After a fortnight of denials, Saudi authorities admitted on Saturday that the Washington Post columnist was killed after entering the consulate on October 2, a disappearance that sparked outrage and plunged the Gulf kingdom into a spiralling international crisis. Turkish officials have accused Riyadh of carrying out a state-sponsored killing and dismembering the body, with pro-government media in Turkey reporting the existence of video and audio evidence to back those claims. Police have searched a forest in Istanbul where they believe his body may have been disposed of. After initially saying Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, and then that they were investigating his disappearance, Saudi authorities backtracked and admitted the 60-year-old was killed in a "brawl" with officials inside the consulate. But that narrative -- combined with the absence of Khashoggi's body -- quickly drew scepticism and scorn from many, including staunch allies. Ankara vowed to reveal all the details of a two-week inquiry as US President Donald Trump said he was unsatisfied with Saudi Arabia's response to the columnist's death while the EU, Germany, France, Britain, Australia, Canada and the UN also demanded greater clarity. The controversy has put the kingdom -- for decades a key ally in Western efforts to contain Iran -- under unprecedented pressure. It has also evolved into a major crisis for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a Trump administration favourite widely known as MBS, whose image as a modernising Arab reformer has been gravely undermined. 'CHANGING STORIES' Canada is among the latest countries to question Riyadh's version of events. "The explanations offered to date lack consistency and credibility," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement Saturday. Senior Republican senator Marco Rubio was more stark in his assessment. "Saudi Arabia's changing stories on #KhashoggiMurder is getting old. The latest one about a fist fight gone bad is bizarre," he tweeted, renewing his call for sanctions against those responsible. Ankara said it had a "debt of honour" to reveal what happened. "We are not accusing anyone in advance but we don't accept anything to remain covered (up)," said ruling Justice and Development Party spokesman Omer Celik. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said many questions remained unanswered while German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged transparency, adding that "available reports on what happened in the Istanbul consulate are insufficient." "This cannot stand. This will not do," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison added on Sunday. The EU's top diplomat Federica Mogherini and UN chief Antonio Guterres both called for a proper investigation and for the perpetrators to be held to account. Trump initially said he found the explanation credible, but later expressed more scepticism -- although he warned against scrapping a multibillion-dollar arms deal with the conservative kingdom. "No, I am not satisfied until we find the answer," he told reporters. "It was a big first step. It was a good first step. But I want to get to the answer." Saudi Arabia's Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates, welcomed the Saudi disclosures, as did Egypt.

Saudi account of Jamal Khashoggi's death meets growing scepticism

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (October 20) he is not satisfied with Saudi Arabia's handling of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, and said questions remain unanswered.

Saudi Arabia said early on Saturday that Khashoggi, a critic of the country's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had died in a fight inside its consulate in the Turkish city.

Riyadh provided no evidence to support its account, which marked a reversal of an initial statement that Khashoggi had left the consulate the same day he entered on Oct. 2 to get documents for his upcoming marriage.

Asked during a trip to Nevada if he was satisfied that Saudi officials had been fired over Khashoggi's death, Trump said: "No, I am not satisfied until we find the answer. But it was a big first step, it was a good first step. But I want to get to the answer."

Turkish officials suspect Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was killed inside the consulate by a team of Saudi agents and his body cut up.

Trump said it was possible that Prince Mohammed had been unaware of the circumstances around the death of Khashoggi, a Saudi national and U.S. resident.

Trump said no one seems to know where the journalist's body is, adding that no one from his administration has seen video or a transcript of what happened inside the consulate.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (October 20) he is not satisfied with Saudi Arabia's handling of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, and said questions remain unanswered.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (October 20) he is not satisfied with Saudi Arabia's handling of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, and said questions remain unanswered. Saudi Arabia said early on Saturday that Khashoggi, a critic of the country's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had died in a fight inside its consulate in the Turkish city. Riyadh provided no evidence to support its account, which marked a reversal of an initial statement that Khashoggi had left the consulate the same day he entered on Oct. 2 to get documents for his upcoming marriage. Asked during a trip to Nevada if he was satisfied that Saudi officials had been fired over Khashoggi's death, Trump said: "No, I am not satisfied until we find the answer. But it was a big first step, it was a good first step. But I want to get to the answer." Turkish officials suspect Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was killed inside the consulate by a team of Saudi agents and his body cut up. Trump said it was possible that Prince Mohammed had been unaware of the circumstances around the death of Khashoggi, a Saudi national and U.S. resident. Trump said no one seems to know where the journalist's body is, adding that no one from his administration has seen video or a transcript of what happened inside the consulate.

Donald Trump says not satisfied with Saudi account of Khashoggi death

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said was credible.

Saudi Arabia's acknowledgement that Khashoggi died came after two weeks of denials and growing demands from Western allies for an explanation over Khashoggi's disappearance, which galvanized a global outcry and prompted some U.S. lawmakers to call for harsh action against Riyadh.

Saudi state media said King Salman had ordered the dismissal of two senior officials over the incident: Saud al-Qahtani, a royal court advisor seen as the right-hand man to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and deputy intelligence chief Ahmed Asiri, a statement on state media said.

"I think it's a good first step, it's a big step. It's a lot of people, a lot of people involved, and I think it's a great first step," Trump told reporters.

"Saudi Arabia has been a great ally. What happened is unacceptable."

Though Trump said Riyadh's account was credible, it drew doubt from some US&nbsp;lawmakers.

Khashoggi, a critic of the crown prince, went missing after entering the consulate on Oct. 2 to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage. Days later, Turkish officials said they believed he was killed in the building, an allegation that Saudi Arabia had, until now, strenuously denied.

In a separate statement on Saturday, the Saudi public prosecutor said a fight broke out between Khashoggi and people who met him in the consulate, leading to his death.

"The investigations are still underway and 18 Saudi nationals have been arrested," the statement said.

The disappearance of Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist, had led to mounting pressure from the West on Saudi Arabia to provide convincing answers.

Before the Saudi announcements, Trump said he might consider sanctions, although he has also appeared unwilling to distance himself too much from the Saudis, citing Riyadh's role in countering Iranian influence in the Middle East and lucrative potential arms deals.

The White House said in a statement that it had seen the Saudi announcement and would continue to press for "justice that is timely, transparent, and in accordance with all due process."

But some US&nbsp;lawmakers expressed doubt about the Saudi explanation.

"To say that I am sceptical of the new Saudi narrative about Mr. Khashoggi is an understatement," said Republican US&nbsp;Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally who has been sharply critical of Saudi Arabia over the incident.

Democratic US&nbsp;Senator Richard Blumenthal told CNN the Saudi explanation "absolutely defies credibility" and called for an international investigation of Khashoggi's death.

Turkish sources have told Reuters the authorities have an audio recording purportedly documenting Khashoggi's murder inside the consulate. Turkish pro-government newspaper Yeni Safak has published what it said were details from the audio. It said Khashoggi's torturers had severed his fingers during an interrogation and later beheaded and dismembered him.

'NO ORDERS TO KILL HIM'

The disappearance of Khashoggi has tarnished Prince Mohammed's reputation and deepened questions about his leadership.

King Salman has handed the day-to-day running of Saudi Arabia to his son, commonly known as MbS. But the growing crisis prompted him to intervene, five sources with links to the Saudi royal family told Reuters.

The king has ordered the formation of a ministerial committee headed by the crown prince to restructure the general intelligence agency, state media said on Friday.

The crown prince had no knowledge of the specific operation that resulted in Khashoggi's death, a Saudi official familiar with the investigation said.

"There were no orders for them to kill him or even specifically kidnap him," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity and adding that there was a standing order to bring critics of the kingdom back to the country.

"MbS had no knowledge of this specific operation and certainly did not order a kidnapping or murder of anybody. He will have been aware of the general instruction to tell people to come back," the official said.

The official said the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body were unclear after it was handed over to a "local cooperator" but there was no sign of it at the consulate.

In Istanbul, Turkish prosecutors investigating Khashoggi's disappearance questioned Turkish employees of the Saudi consulate on Friday, widening the hunt for clues in a case straining Riyadh's alliance with Western powers.

Turkish police searched a forest on Istanbul's outskirts and a city near the Sea of Marmara for Khashoggi's remains, two senior Turkish officials told Reuters, after tracking the routes of cars that left the consulate and the consul's residence on the day he vanished.

Investigators have recovered samples from searches of both buildings to analyse for traces of Khashoggi's DNA.

Speaking to reporters in Scottsdale, Arizona, ahead of the Saudi announcements, Trump said it was too early to say what the consequences for the incident might be, but that the U.S. Congress would be involved in determining the American response.

Asked whether Saudi sanctions were one of the measures he was considering, Trump said, "Could be, could be," though he provided no details.

"We're going to find out who knew what when and where. And we'll figure it out," Trump added.

Turkey said it had not shared with any country audio recordings purportedly documenting Khashoggi's murder, dismissing reports it had passed them to the United States.

"We will share the results that emerge transparently with the whole world," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said.

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that US President Donald Trump said was credible.

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and said it had fired two senior officials over the incident, giving an account that US President Donald Trump said was credible. Saudi Arabia's acknowledgement that Khashoggi died came after two weeks of denials and growing demands from Western allies for an explanation over Khashoggi's disappearance, which galvanized a global outcry and prompted some U.S. lawmakers to call for harsh action against Riyadh. Saudi state media said King Salman had ordered the dismissal of two senior officials over the incident: Saud al-Qahtani, a royal court advisor seen as the right-hand man to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and deputy intelligence chief Ahmed Asiri, a statement on state media said. "I think it's a good first step, it's a big step. It's a lot of people, a lot of people involved, and I think it's a great first step," Trump told reporters. "Saudi Arabia has been a great ally. What happened is unacceptable." Though Trump said Riyadh's account was credible, it drew doubt from some US lawmakers. Khashoggi, a critic of the crown prince, went missing after entering the consulate on Oct. 2 to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage. Days later, Turkish officials said they believed he was killed in the building, an allegation that Saudi Arabia had, until now, strenuously denied. In a separate statement on Saturday, the Saudi public prosecutor said a fight broke out between Khashoggi and people who met him in the consulate, leading to his death. "The investigations are still underway and 18 Saudi nationals have been arrested," the statement said. The disappearance of Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist, had led to mounting pressure from the West on Saudi Arabia to provide convincing answers. Before the Saudi announcements, Trump said he might consider sanctions, although he has also appeared unwilling to distance himself too much from the Saudis, citing Riyadh's role in countering Iranian influence in the Middle East and lucrative potential arms deals. The White House said in a statement that it had seen the Saudi announcement and would continue to press for "justice that is timely, transparent, and in accordance with all due process." But some US lawmakers expressed doubt about the Saudi explanation. "To say that I am sceptical of the new Saudi narrative about Mr. Khashoggi is an understatement," said Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally who has been sharply critical of Saudi Arabia over the incident. Democratic US Senator Richard Blumenthal told CNN the Saudi explanation "absolutely defies credibility" and called for an international investigation of Khashoggi's death. Turkish sources have told Reuters the authorities have an audio recording purportedly documenting Khashoggi's murder inside the consulate. Turkish pro-government newspaper Yeni Safak has published what it said were details from the audio. It said Khashoggi's torturers had severed his fingers during an interrogation and later beheaded and dismembered him. 'NO ORDERS TO KILL HIM' The disappearance of Khashoggi has tarnished Prince Mohammed's reputation and deepened questions about his leadership. King Salman has handed the day-to-day running of Saudi Arabia to his son, commonly known as MbS. But the growing crisis prompted him to intervene, five sources with links to the Saudi royal family told Reuters. The king has ordered the formation of a ministerial committee headed by the crown prince to restructure the general intelligence agency, state media said on Friday. The crown prince had no knowledge of the specific operation that resulted in Khashoggi's death, a Saudi official familiar with the investigation said. "There were no orders for them to kill him or even specifically kidnap him," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity and adding that there was a standing order to bring critics of the kingdom back to the country. "MbS had no knowledge of this specific operation and certainly did not order a kidnapping or murder of anybody. He will have been aware of the general instruction to tell people to come back," the official said. The official said the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body were unclear after it was handed over to a "local cooperator" but there was no sign of it at the consulate. In Istanbul, Turkish prosecutors investigating Khashoggi's disappearance questioned Turkish employees of the Saudi consulate on Friday, widening the hunt for clues in a case straining Riyadh's alliance with Western powers. Turkish police searched a forest on Istanbul's outskirts and a city near the Sea of Marmara for Khashoggi's remains, two senior Turkish officials told Reuters, after tracking the routes of cars that left the consulate and the consul's residence on the day he vanished. Investigators have recovered samples from searches of both buildings to analyse for traces of Khashoggi's DNA. Speaking to reporters in Scottsdale, Arizona, ahead of the Saudi announcements, Trump said it was too early to say what the consequences for the incident might be, but that the U.S. Congress would be involved in determining the American response. Asked whether Saudi sanctions were one of the measures he was considering, Trump said, "Could be, could be," though he provided no details. "We're going to find out who knew what when and where. And we'll figure it out," Trump added. Turkey said it had not shared with any country audio recordings purportedly documenting Khashoggi's murder, dismissing reports it had passed them to the United States. "We will share the results that emerge transparently with the whole world," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said.

Saudi admits Khashoggi died in fistfight at consulate, Trump says explanation credible

Baby Trump protest balloon flies over Los Angeles

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Honduras he will cut millions of dollars in US aid if a group of about 2,000 migrants is not prevented from seeking to reach the United States.

The migrants, forming what is known as "a caravan," were hoping to leave the impoverished, violence-plagued country and head north on the long journey through Guatemala and Mexico to the US border.

Trump, who has made <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-central-america-will-help-with-your-development-if-you-cut-down-migration-170966">cracking down on illegal immigration a keystone</a> of his presidency, tweeted that US aid to Honduras, which is planned to reach nearly $66 million in 2019, would end.&nbsp;

"The United States has strongly informed the President of Honduras that if the large Caravan of people heading to the U.S. is not stopped and brought back to Honduras, no more money or aid will be given to Honduras, effective immediately!" he said.

Despite the apparent urgency of Trump's message, the Honduran would-be migrants appeared highly unlikely to get anywhere near their goal after Guatemala announced it would stop them first.

"Entry of groups or people" without proper visas "will not be permitted," Guatemala's border authorities said in a statement.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Honduras he will cut millions of dollars in US aid if a group of about 2,000 migrants is not prevented from seeking to reach the United States.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Honduras he will cut millions of dollars in US aid if a group of about 2,000 migrants is not prevented from seeking to reach the United States. The migrants, forming what is known as "a caravan," were hoping to leave the impoverished, violence-plagued country and head north on the long journey through Guatemala and Mexico to the US border. Trump, who has made cracking down on illegal immigration a keystone of his presidency, tweeted that US aid to Honduras, which is planned to reach nearly $66 million in 2019, would end. "The United States has strongly informed the President of Honduras that if the large Caravan of people heading to the U.S. is not stopped and brought back to Honduras, no more money or aid will be given to Honduras, effective immediately!" he said. Despite the apparent urgency of Trump's message, the Honduran would-be migrants appeared highly unlikely to get anywhere near their goal after Guatemala announced it would stop them first. "Entry of groups or people" without proper visas "will not be permitted," Guatemala's border authorities said in a statement.

Trump warns Honduras to halt migrant 'caravan' or lose US aid

Exclusive: In conversation with LT. Steven Rogers, Trump Campaign Advisor

Human Rights council speaks on missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi

South Asian communities in the US have opposed the Trump administration's proposal to change the definition of public charge, claiming that it will have a detrimental impact on new legal immigrants, particularly those from South Asia.

Under the proposal moved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the definition of "public charge" would include an immigrant "who receives one or more public benefits" and whether the person is likely to receive public benefits at any time in the future.

The proposed change in the definition is part of the draft "public charge" rule, under which immigrants may be denied green card if they have received government benefits in the past or are likely to receive one in the future.&nbsp;

The DHS has published the draft rule in federal register early this week and has sought comments from all stakeholders within a period of 60 days.&nbsp;

The definition also expands the types of benefits that a public charge may receive, including those that are temporary in nature.&nbsp;

The proposed public charge rule came in the wake of the US President Donald Trump's plan to not give Green Cards or legal permanent residency to those immigrants who have taken benefits from the government in the past or are likely to take one in the future.

According to a recent Pew Research Centre study, one in four immigrants in the US from Bangladesh and Nepal and one in three immigrants from Bhutan live in poverty.&nbsp;

The new rule would put all these individuals at great risk, observers said.&nbsp;

The South Asian Bar Association (SABA) said Friday that the changes have been proposed with the intention of deterring new immigrants and reinterpreting a fundamental concept in the immigration law.&nbsp;

"This proposal is another example of this administration's attempt to subvert legal immigration in America...Immigrants are being punished for being too young, too old, too poor or not able-bodied. They are being told, yet again, that they are unwelcome and unwanted," SABA president Sundeep Sandhu said.

SABA said the proposed rule if implemented, would make immigration to the US-based predominately on one's wealth rather than one's overall potential contribution to the community.

According to a 2018 Migration Policy Institute Report, 61 per cent Bangladeshi non-citizen immigrant families, 48 per cent non-citizen Pakistani families and 11 per cent non-citizen Indian families receive public benefits in the US.&nbsp;

"The proposed rule punishes immigrants who access public benefits they are entitled to," said Desis for Progress, another South Asian group in the US.

The group said the proposed policy change will have a major impact on South Asian immigrant communities, as over 10 per cent of all green card applicants are from South Asia.

"Some South Asian visa holders who are in the US on non-immigrant visas, like the H1-B programme, could be impacted. Some communities like the Bangladeshis and the Nepalis are more likely to be targeted for green card denials based on their income," the Desis for Progress said.

SAALT, another South Asian community organisation, said the proposed rule would deny permanent resident status to lower-income immigrants who use government services such as nutrition programmes and housing assistance.&nbsp;

South Asian communities in the US have opposed the Trump administration's proposal to change the definition of public charge, claiming that it will have a detrimental impact on new legal immigrants, particularly those from South Asia.

South Asian communities in the US have opposed the Trump administration's proposal to change the definition of public charge, claiming that it will have a detrimental impact on new legal immigrants, particularly those from South Asia. Under the proposal moved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the definition of "public charge" would include an immigrant "who receives one or more public benefits" and whether the person is likely to receive public benefits at any time in the future. The proposed change in the definition is part of the draft "public charge" rule, under which immigrants may be denied green card if they have received government benefits in the past or are likely to receive one in the future. The DHS has published the draft rule in federal register early this week and has sought comments from all stakeholders within a period of 60 days. The definition also expands the types of benefits that a public charge may receive, including those that are temporary in nature. The proposed public charge rule came in the wake of the US President Donald Trump's plan to not give Green Cards or legal permanent residency to those immigrants who have taken benefits from the government in the past or are likely to take one in the future. According to a recent Pew Research Centre study, one in four immigrants in the US from Bangladesh and Nepal and one in three immigrants from Bhutan live in poverty. The new rule would put all these individuals at great risk, observers said. The South Asian Bar Association (SABA) said Friday that the changes have been proposed with the intention of deterring new immigrants and reinterpreting a fundamental concept in the immigration law. "This proposal is another example of this administration's attempt to subvert legal immigration in America...Immigrants are being punished for being too young, too old, too poor or not able-bodied. They are being told, yet again, that they are unwelcome and unwanted," SABA president Sundeep Sandhu said. SABA said the proposed rule if implemented, would make immigration to the US-based predominately on one's wealth rather than one's overall potential contribution to the community. According to a 2018 Migration Policy Institute Report, 61 per cent Bangladeshi non-citizen immigrant families, 48 per cent non-citizen Pakistani families and 11 per cent non-citizen Indian families receive public benefits in the US. "The proposed rule punishes immigrants who access public benefits they are entitled to," said Desis for Progress, another South Asian group in the US. The group said the proposed policy change will have a major impact on South Asian immigrant communities, as over 10 per cent of all green card applicants are from South Asia. "Some South Asian visa holders who are in the US on non-immigrant visas, like the H1-B programme, could be impacted. Some communities like the Bangladeshis and the Nepalis are more likely to be targeted for green card denials based on their income," the Desis for Progress said. SAALT, another South Asian community organisation, said the proposed rule would deny permanent resident status to lower-income immigrants who use government services such as nutrition programmes and housing assistance.

South Asian communities in US oppose proposed change in public charge definition

Describing Indian-American Nikki Haley as an "extraordinary person", President Donald Trump has said the outgoing US ambassador to the UN is "going to make a lot of money" in the private sector, which she intends to join.

Haley, 46, the first Indian-American to hold a Cabinet-ranking position in any US presidential administration, tendered her resignation Tuesday, which Trump accepted.

She had hinted in her resignation letter that she is headed to the private sector after two years at the UN and, before that, six years as South Carolina's governor.

She is likely to stay in the position till the year-end so that her successor could be nominated and confirmed by the Senate.

Trump exuded confidence that Haley would return to his administration in some capacity at some point.

"Nikki is going to be here until the end of the year. Nikki is our friend. She has been great. I want whoever it is to spend some time with Nikki before Nikki goes out and gets herself a job, and hopefully does -- she's going to make a lot of money. And I think Nikki will come back in some form too. But she's an extraordinary person, good person,"

Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Trump told reporters that he was considering the name of four-five persons as her replacement. One of them being Dina Powell (45), the former deputy national security adviser to Trump.

Asked about the timing of Haley's resignation, that too just before the mid-term polls, Trump said nothing much should be read into this.

"There's no good time. I mean, there could be no good time. She told me about this a long time ago. And, frankly, it's almost four weeks. So, it's not that bad. No, I don't think so at all. I thought it was very elegantly done," he said.&nbsp;

"If she waited until after, then they'd say, 'Oh, she?'. You know, if we win, they'd say, why is she doing it. And if we lose, they'd say, oh, well, that's obvious why she's doing it. Okay? So there's really no good time to do it," the President added. 
 
Trump said Haley spoke to him about it some six months ago. "She and I had spoken at least six months ago. Maybe even a year ago, we had conversations. She wanted to be here for about two years. I think the point really was, last week at the United Nations, she wanted to get through that and then go, probably into the private sector for a while," he said.&nbsp;

The Washington Post on Wednesday said that Haley served in the Trump administration and departed with most of her dignity intact. "That, in and of itself, is what makes her extraordinary," the daily said.

At the Pentagon, Defence Secretary James Mattis said Haley had been a wonderful representative for the US. "She has been just a tremendous asset to those of us here in the Department of Defence," he said, adding that he worked very closely with her.

"We saw ourselves in many occasions collaborating together on how we would deal with certain issues, alongside the secretary of state. She's done yeoman's work up there, and I would just tell you that she may be moving on but losing our respect one bit," Mattis said.

Describing Indian-American Nikki Haley as an "extraordinary person", President Donald Trump has said the outgoing US ambassador to the UN is "going to make a lot of money" in the private sector, which she intends to join.

Describing Indian-American Nikki Haley as an "extraordinary person", President Donald Trump has said the outgoing US ambassador to the UN is "going to make a lot of money" in the private sector, which she intends to join. Haley, 46, the first Indian-American to hold a Cabinet-ranking position in any US presidential administration, tendered her resignation Tuesday, which Trump accepted. She had hinted in her resignation letter that she is headed to the private sector after two years at the UN and, before that, six years as South Carolina's governor. She is likely to stay in the position till the year-end so that her successor could be nominated and confirmed by the Senate. Trump exuded confidence that Haley would return to his administration in some capacity at some point. "Nikki is going to be here until the end of the year. Nikki is our friend. She has been great. I want whoever it is to spend some time with Nikki before Nikki goes out and gets herself a job, and hopefully does -- she's going to make a lot of money. And I think Nikki will come back in some form too. But she's an extraordinary person, good person," Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. Trump told reporters that he was considering the name of four-five persons as her replacement. One of them being Dina Powell (45), the former deputy national security adviser to Trump. Asked about the timing of Haley's resignation, that too just before the mid-term polls, Trump said nothing much should be read into this. "There's no good time. I mean, there could be no good time. She told me about this a long time ago. And, frankly, it's almost four weeks. So, it's not that bad. No, I don't think so at all. I thought it was very elegantly done," he said. "If she waited until after, then they'd say, 'Oh, she?'. You know, if we win, they'd say, why is she doing it. And if we lose, they'd say, oh, well, that's obvious why she's doing it. Okay? So there's really no good time to do it," the President added. Trump said Haley spoke to him about it some six months ago. "She and I had spoken at least six months ago. Maybe even a year ago, we had conversations. She wanted to be here for about two years. I think the point really was, last week at the United Nations, she wanted to get through that and then go, probably into the private sector for a while," he said. The Washington Post on Wednesday said that Haley served in the Trump administration and departed with most of her dignity intact. "That, in and of itself, is what makes her extraordinary," the daily said. At the Pentagon, Defence Secretary James Mattis said Haley had been a wonderful representative for the US. "She has been just a tremendous asset to those of us here in the Department of Defence," he said, adding that he worked very closely with her. "We saw ourselves in many occasions collaborating together on how we would deal with certain issues, alongside the secretary of state. She's done yeoman's work up there, and I would just tell you that she may be moving on but losing our respect one bit," Mattis said.

Trump praises Haley, says she will make money

WION CHAT: Jonathan Wachtel speaks on Haley's resignation

Donald Trump has said he is "100 per cent" certain Dr Christine Blasey Ford named the wrong person when she accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-sworn-in-as-us-supreme-court-justice-169896">Kavanaugh was sworn in as a US Supreme Court justice</a> on Saturday.&nbsp;

"This is one of the reasons I chose him is because there is no one with a squeaky clean past like Brett Kavanaugh. He is an outstanding person and I'm very honoured to have chosen him," Reuters reported Trump as telling reporters aboard Air Force One while flying to a campaign rally in Kansas.

Kavanaugh was confirmed 50-48 by the Senate — the closest Senate confirmation vote in over a century. He was accused by Dr Christine Blasey Ford, a university professor of pschology, of trying to rape her as a teenager.&nbsp;

Dr Blasey Ford said the alleged attack on her took place in 1982 when she was 15 and Kavanaugh was 17. She said a drunk Kavanaugh had got on top of her and tried to remove her clothing while clamping his other hand on her mouth to stop her from screaming.&nbsp;

Ford said she had been worried Kavanaugh might accidentally kill her.&nbsp;

She said a friend of Kavanaugh's — Mark Judge — had been in the room at the time, and that the two of them had "laughed uproarily" at the situation she had found herself in. &nbsp;

The accusation and its fallout had further cleaved an already deeply-divided US.&nbsp;

Ford had testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, saying she was 100 per cent certain Kavanaugh had been her attacker.&nbsp;

Kavanaugh, in a fiery rebuttal, had said he was 100 per cent certain he had not attacked Blasey Ford.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Donald Trump has said he is "100 per cent" certain Dr Christine Blasey Ford named the wrong person when she accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her. Kavanaugh was sworn in as a US Supreme Court justice on Saturday.

Donald Trump has said he is "100 per cent" certain Dr Christine Blasey Ford named the wrong person when she accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her. Kavanaugh was sworn in as a US Supreme Court justice on Saturday. "This is one of the reasons I chose him is because there is no one with a squeaky clean past like Brett Kavanaugh. He is an outstanding person and I'm very honoured to have chosen him," Reuters reported Trump as telling reporters aboard Air Force One while flying to a campaign rally in Kansas. Kavanaugh was confirmed 50-48 by the Senate — the closest Senate confirmation vote in over a century. He was accused by Dr Christine Blasey Ford, a university professor of pschology, of trying to rape her as a teenager. Dr Blasey Ford said the alleged attack on her took place in 1982 when she was 15 and Kavanaugh was 17. She said a drunk Kavanaugh had got on top of her and tried to remove her clothing while clamping his other hand on her mouth to stop her from screaming. Ford said she had been worried Kavanaugh might accidentally kill her. She said a friend of Kavanaugh's — Mark Judge — had been in the room at the time, and that the two of them had "laughed uproarily" at the situation she had found herself in. The accusation and its fallout had further cleaved an already deeply-divided US. Ford had testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, saying she was 100 per cent certain Kavanaugh had been her attacker. Kavanaugh, in a fiery rebuttal, had said he was 100 per cent certain he had not attacked Blasey Ford. (With inputs from Reuters)

Kavanaugh confirmation: Trump '100 per cent' certain Dr Blasey Ford accused wrong person

Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday as US Supreme Court justice following the closest Senate confirmation vote in more than a century, marking a major win for President Donald Trump's drive to move the country's political institutions to the right.&nbsp;

The Senate voted 50-48 to approve Kavanaugh as protesters rallied across the country against a nominee who has been plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct as a young man and had questions raised over his candour and partisan rhetoric.

The prolonged nomination battle has roiled American politics and passions -- the vote was disrupted on several occasions by angry protests from the gallery -- but handed Trump one of the biggest victories of his presidency.

It drew the line under a bruising nomination process defined by harrowing testimony from a woman who says Kavanaugh tried to rape her when they were teenagers -- and by his fiery rebuttal.

The two-vote margin of victory made it the closest Supreme Court confirmation vote since 1881 -- and by far the most contentious since Clarence Thomas in 1991.

As Chief Justice John Roberts swore in Kavanaugh during a private Supreme Court ceremony, protesters demonstrated loudly outside, at one point rushing the steps of the court and banging on its ornate bronze doors while some sat on a Lady Justice statue.

The confirmation means Trump has succeeded in having his two picks seated on the court -- tilting it decidedly to the right in a major coup for the Republican leader less than halfway through his term.

During an evening rally in Topeka, Kansas, Trump was greeted by prolonged cheers on what he called a "truly historic night."

"I stand before you today on the heels of a tremendous victory for our nation, our people and our beloved Constitution," he told supporters after signing Kavanaugh's commission aboard Air Force One.

A separate, public swearing-in ceremony is planned for 7:00 pm (2300 GMT) Monday in the White House's East Room.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has railed against Kavanaugh's critics, said he was "proud" of his colleagues while Vice President Mike Pence, who presided in the Senate during the vote, called it a "historic day for our country."

It reflects a high water mark of the Trump presidency: Republican control of the White House, the Senate, the House of Representatives and the judiciary's top court.

But the Kavanaugh spectacle, fueled by extraordinary accusations and counter-claims in nationally televised hearings, and tense battles over an 11th-hour FBI investigation to address the assault allegations, has inflamed political passions.

'Shame!' 
Hours before the vote, scores of protesters broke through barricades and staged a raucous sit-in protest on the US Capitol steps.

As protesters chanted "Shame!" and "November is coming!" police took several dozen demonstrators down the steps and put them in plastic flex-cuffs.&nbsp;

With tensions simmering, Pence got an earful from activists who booed and chanted "Vote them out!" as he walked to his motorcade.

Kavanaugh's confirmation process has laid bare the partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill and the political polarization of America just a month before midterm elections.

"You don't hand matches to an arsonist, and you don't give power to an angry left-wing mob. That's what they have become. The democrats have become too extreme and too dangerous to govern," Trump said.&nbsp;

"Republicans are the party of law and order and justice. And we really have become even more so than ever before the party of opportunity and wealth."

Democratic senators, who had battled hard to block the 53-year-old judge, insisted the caustic battle over Kavanaugh would galvanize Democrats at the polls.&nbsp;

"It is a sad day, but the recourse will have to be on election day," Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar told reporters.

Kavanaugh's confirmation had already been all but sealed Friday, when he won the support of key Senate Republican Susan Collins and conservative Democrat Joe Manchin.

'Presumption of innocence' 
The choice of Kavanaugh to replace retired justice Anthony Kennedy was controversial from the start -- but the initial focus was solely on the conservative views held by the married father of two.

His ascent to the Supreme Court was thrown into doubt last week after university research psychologist Christine Blasey Ford testified that he had sexually assaulted her at a Washington area gathering in the early 1980s.

The brutal hearing sparked a supplemental FBI dive into Kavanaugh's background and a weeklong delay of the Senate vote.&nbsp;

While many Republicans said they were satisfied with the FBI probe, Democrats and Blasey Ford's lawyers called the investigation insufficient.

'Praying for the country' 
Kavanaugh's nomination seals a conservative majority on the nine-seat high court, possibly for decades to come.

Hundreds of protesters were arrested on Capitol Hill this week -- including several dozen in the hours leading to the final vote.&nbsp;

Authorities took the rare step of putting up low metal fencing around the Capitol, keeping the public some distance from the building. But protesters overran the barricades and defiantly claimed the Capitol steps.

After the confirmation, activists gathered in their hundreds on the steps of the Supreme Court, chanting slogans and banging on its closed front doors.

Senator Lisa Murkowski, the only Republican to oppose Kavanaugh, said it was time for the Senate -- and Americans -- to "heal" after such a divisive few weeks.

She acknowledged the anguish of the protesters who interrupted the historic Senate vote, telling reporters afterward that "I was closing my eyes and praying. Praying for them, praying for us and praying for the country."

Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday as US Supreme Court justice following the closest Senate confirmation vote in more than a century, marking a major win for President Donald Trump's drive to move the country's political institutions to the right.

Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday as US Supreme Court justice following the closest Senate confirmation vote in more than a century, marking a major win for President Donald Trump's drive to move the country's political institutions to the right. The Senate voted 50-48 to approve Kavanaugh as protesters rallied across the country against a nominee who has been plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct as a young man and had questions raised over his candour and partisan rhetoric. The prolonged nomination battle has roiled American politics and passions -- the vote was disrupted on several occasions by angry protests from the gallery -- but handed Trump one of the biggest victories of his presidency. It drew the line under a bruising nomination process defined by harrowing testimony from a woman who says Kavanaugh tried to rape her when they were teenagers -- and by his fiery rebuttal. The two-vote margin of victory made it the closest Supreme Court confirmation vote since 1881 -- and by far the most contentious since Clarence Thomas in 1991. As Chief Justice John Roberts swore in Kavanaugh during a private Supreme Court ceremony, protesters demonstrated loudly outside, at one point rushing the steps of the court and banging on its ornate bronze doors while some sat on a Lady Justice statue. The confirmation means Trump has succeeded in having his two picks seated on the court -- tilting it decidedly to the right in a major coup for the Republican leader less than halfway through his term. During an evening rally in Topeka, Kansas, Trump was greeted by prolonged cheers on what he called a "truly historic night." "I stand before you today on the heels of a tremendous victory for our nation, our people and our beloved Constitution," he told supporters after signing Kavanaugh's commission aboard Air Force One. A separate, public swearing-in ceremony is planned for 7:00 pm (2300 GMT) Monday in the White House's East Room. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has railed against Kavanaugh's critics, said he was "proud" of his colleagues while Vice President Mike Pence, who presided in the Senate during the vote, called it a "historic day for our country." It reflects a high water mark of the Trump presidency: Republican control of the White House, the Senate, the House of Representatives and the judiciary's top court. But the Kavanaugh spectacle, fueled by extraordinary accusations and counter-claims in nationally televised hearings, and tense battles over an 11th-hour FBI investigation to address the assault allegations, has inflamed political passions. 'Shame!' Hours before the vote, scores of protesters broke through barricades and staged a raucous sit-in protest on the US Capitol steps. As protesters chanted "Shame!" and "November is coming!" police took several dozen demonstrators down the steps and put them in plastic flex-cuffs. With tensions simmering, Pence got an earful from activists who booed and chanted "Vote them out!" as he walked to his motorcade. Kavanaugh's confirmation process has laid bare the partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill and the political polarization of America just a month before midterm elections. "You don't hand matches to an arsonist, and you don't give power to an angry left-wing mob. That's what they have become. The democrats have become too extreme and too dangerous to govern," Trump said. "Republicans are the party of law and order and justice. And we really have become even more so than ever before the party of opportunity and wealth." Democratic senators, who had battled hard to block the 53-year-old judge, insisted the caustic battle over Kavanaugh would galvanize Democrats at the polls. "It is a sad day, but the recourse will have to be on election day," Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar told reporters. Kavanaugh's confirmation had already been all but sealed Friday, when he won the support of key Senate Republican Susan Collins and conservative Democrat Joe Manchin. 'Presumption of innocence' The choice of Kavanaugh to replace retired justice Anthony Kennedy was controversial from the start -- but the initial focus was solely on the conservative views held by the married father of two. His ascent to the Supreme Court was thrown into doubt last week after university research psychologist Christine Blasey Ford testified that he had sexually assaulted her at a Washington area gathering in the early 1980s. The brutal hearing sparked a supplemental FBI dive into Kavanaugh's background and a weeklong delay of the Senate vote. While many Republicans said they were satisfied with the FBI probe, Democrats and Blasey Ford's lawyers called the investigation insufficient. 'Praying for the country' Kavanaugh's nomination seals a conservative majority on the nine-seat high court, possibly for decades to come. Hundreds of protesters were arrested on Capitol Hill this week -- including several dozen in the hours leading to the final vote. Authorities took the rare step of putting up low metal fencing around the Capitol, keeping the public some distance from the building. But protesters overran the barricades and defiantly claimed the Capitol steps. After the confirmation, activists gathered in their hundreds on the steps of the Supreme Court, chanting slogans and banging on its closed front doors. Senator Lisa Murkowski, the only Republican to oppose Kavanaugh, said it was time for the Senate -- and Americans -- to "heal" after such a divisive few weeks. She acknowledged the anguish of the protesters who interrupted the historic Senate vote, telling reporters afterward that "I was closing my eyes and praying. Praying for them, praying for us and praying for the country."

Brett Kavanaugh sworn into Supreme Court after fight that divided US

Poison mail sent to White House, Pentagon

Kanye West, who has been vocal about his support for US President Donald Trump, delivered a pro-Trump speech on the premiere of the 44th season of `Saturday Night Live`.

Despite his speech not being aired, the 41-year-old received applauds from Trump."Like many, I don`t watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told "no"), was great. He`s leading the charge!" tweeted Trump.

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Like many, I don’t watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told “no”), was great. He’s leading the charge!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1046443996074127361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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West gave the lengthy speech about his support of Trump wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) cap. He claimed that he was "bullied" by SNL producers backstage into not wearing MAGA gear on stage."There`s so many times I talked to a white person about this and they`re like, `How can you like Trump, he`s racist?` Well, if I was concerned about racism I would have moved out of America a long time ago," West said to the crowd.&nbsp; 
 
"You`ve got a situation where you need to have a dialogue and not a diatribe...It`s easy to make it seem like it`s so, so, so one-sided," West said in his speech. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the rapper received "several claps and a number of boos" for his rant.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, the rapper has renamed himself. The 41-year-old musician shared the news of his name change on Twitter and wrote, "the being formally known as Kanye West. I am YE." 
 
Ye' was also the title of the rapper's June 1 album, which he spent months recording at his ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.&nbsp;

Kanye West, who has been vocal about his support for US President Donald Trump, delivered a pro-Trump speech on the premiere of the 44th season of `Saturday Night Live`.

Kanye West, who has been vocal about his support for US President Donald Trump, delivered a pro-Trump speech on the premiere of the 44th season of `Saturday Night Live`. Despite his speech not being aired, the 41-year-old received applauds from Trump."Like many, I don`t watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told "no"), was great. He`s leading the charge!" tweeted Trump. Like many, I don’t watch Saturday Night Live (even though I past hosted it) - no longer funny, no talent or charm. It is just a political ad for the Dems. Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told “no”), was great. He’s leading the charge! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2018 × West gave the lengthy speech about his support of Trump wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) cap. He claimed that he was "bullied" by SNL producers backstage into not wearing MAGA gear on stage."There`s so many times I talked to a white person about this and they`re like, `How can you like Trump, he`s racist?` Well, if I was concerned about racism I would have moved out of America a long time ago," West said to the crowd. "You`ve got a situation where you need to have a dialogue and not a diatribe...It`s easy to make it seem like it`s so, so, so one-sided," West said in his speech. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the rapper received "several claps and a number of boos" for his rant. Meanwhile, the rapper has renamed himself. The 41-year-old musician shared the news of his name change on Twitter and wrote, "the being formally known as Kanye West. I am YE." Ye' was also the title of the rapper's June 1 album, which he spent months recording at his ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Kanye West delivers pro-Donald Trump speech on TV show 'Saturday Night Live'

US President Donald Trump on Monday praised Canada's entry into a reworked trade deal with the United States and Mexico after the two countries forged a last-gasp agreement on Sunday to salvage the NAFTA.

In a post on Twitter, Trump called the US agreement with its neighbour to the north "wonderful" and "a great deal for all three countries," adding that the new trade alliance would be renamed the United States Mexico Canada Agreement or USMCA.

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Late last night, our deadline, we reached a wonderful new Trade Deal with Canada, to be added into the deal already reached with Mexico. The new name will be The United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1046708836407685122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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.....deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduce Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world. The USMCA is a historic transaction!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1046711423227842560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The United States and Canada reached a deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, beating a midnight deadline with agreements to substantially boost American access to Canada's dairy market and protect Canada from possible US auto tariffs, sources with direct knowledge of the talks said.

US President Donald Trump on Monday praised Canada's entry into a reworked trade deal with the United States and Mexico after the two countries forged a last-gasp agreement on Sunday to salvage the NAFTA.

US President Donald Trump on Monday praised Canada's entry into a reworked trade deal with the United States and Mexico after the two countries forged a last-gasp agreement on Sunday to salvage the NAFTA. In a post on Twitter, Trump called the US agreement with its neighbour to the north "wonderful" and "a great deal for all three countries," adding that the new trade alliance would be renamed the United States Mexico Canada Agreement or USMCA. Late last night, our deadline, we reached a wonderful new Trade Deal with Canada, to be added into the deal already reached with Mexico. The new name will be The United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 1, 2018 × .....deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduce Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world. The USMCA is a historic transaction! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 1, 2018 × The United States and Canada reached a deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, beating a midnight deadline with agreements to substantially boost American access to Canada's dairy market and protect Canada from possible US auto tariffs, sources with direct knowledge of the talks said.

Trump welcomes Canada's entry into trade pact with US, Mexico

 Trump says he and Kim Jong un fell in love

United States President Donald Trump is among the list of possible contenders for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, news agency Reuters reported. According to reports, Pope Francis, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, South Korean President Moon Jae-in are also part of the race.

Trump's journey to peace talks with North Korea began with name calling. But more recently the US president has described Kim as "open" and "honourable," in sharp contrast to deriding the Korean leader in the past -- labelling him "rocket man," Reuters reported. Here's a look at some of the other possible contenders for this year's prestigious peace prize.

Pope Francis: The first non-European pope in 1,300 years, shook up the Vatican with his simple style and moved to restore credibility to a Roman Catholic Church rattled to is core by financial and sexual scandals.

During his papacy, Francis made a big push to use the power of his pulpit and Vatican diplomacy to bring international issues to centre-stage.&nbsp;

The Korean leaders: South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have emerged as strong contenders for a joint Nobel Peace Prize, in their diplomatic efforts to broker peace on the Korean peninsula and denuclearise the North.

The leaders of two Koreas held a summit on April 27 at the village of Panmunjom in the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone at the border that has divided the Koreas for more than six decades.

Holding the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade, Moon and Kim pledged to work for "complete denuclearization" of the Korean peninsula and agreed on a common goal of a "nuclear-free" peninsula.

The White Helmets: Members of the Syrian Civil Defence group, also known as the 'White Helmets' are contenders for the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize.

World Food Programme: A humanitarian organisation, the WFP delivers food aid in emergencies and works with communities to improve nutrition.&nbsp;

"On any given day, WFP has 5,000 trucks, 20 ships and 92 planes on the move, delivering approximately 12.6 billion rations a year to often conflict-affected countries", United Nations agency states.

Besides these, Russia's investigative newspaper Novaya Gazeta, leading Turkish opposition journalist, newspaper are among others who are in the fight to the prestigious peace accolade this year which will be announced in Oslo, Norway on October 5.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump is among the list of possible contenders for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, news agency Reuters reported. According to reports, Pope Francis, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, South Korean President Moon Jae-in are also part of the race.

United States President Donald Trump is among the list of possible contenders for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, news agency Reuters reported. According to reports, Pope Francis, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, South Korean President Moon Jae-in are also part of the race. Trump's journey to peace talks with North Korea began with name calling. But more recently the US president has described Kim as "open" and "honourable," in sharp contrast to deriding the Korean leader in the past -- labelling him "rocket man," Reuters reported. Here's a look at some of the other possible contenders for this year's prestigious peace prize. Pope Francis: The first non-European pope in 1,300 years, shook up the Vatican with his simple style and moved to restore credibility to a Roman Catholic Church rattled to is core by financial and sexual scandals. During his papacy, Francis made a big push to use the power of his pulpit and Vatican diplomacy to bring international issues to centre-stage. The Korean leaders: South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have emerged as strong contenders for a joint Nobel Peace Prize, in their diplomatic efforts to broker peace on the Korean peninsula and denuclearise the North. The leaders of two Koreas held a summit on April 27 at the village of Panmunjom in the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone at the border that has divided the Koreas for more than six decades. Holding the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade, Moon and Kim pledged to work for "complete denuclearization" of the Korean peninsula and agreed on a common goal of a "nuclear-free" peninsula. The White Helmets: Members of the Syrian Civil Defence group, also known as the 'White Helmets' are contenders for the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. World Food Programme: A humanitarian organisation, the WFP delivers food aid in emergencies and works with communities to improve nutrition. "On any given day, WFP has 5,000 trucks, 20 ships and 92 planes on the move, delivering approximately 12.6 billion rations a year to often conflict-affected countries", United Nations agency states. Besides these, Russia's investigative newspaper Novaya Gazeta, leading Turkish opposition journalist, newspaper are among others who are in the fight to the prestigious peace accolade this year which will be announced in Oslo, Norway on October 5. (With inputs from Reuters)

Donald Trump, Korean leaders among possible contenders for Nobel Peace Prize 2018

People watched in bars,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-hearing-kavanaugh-accuser-100-cent-certain-he-assaulted-her-168053"> public transportation and parked cars</a>. Donald Trump tuned in on board Air Force One.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-swear-god-assault-charges-against-me-are-not-true-kavanaugh-us-senate-judiciary-committee">Also Read:&nbsp;I swear to God assault charges against me are not true, says Kavanaugh</a>

America stood transfixed Thursday as the dramatic standoff between the president's Supreme Court nominee and the professor accusing him of sexual assault played out on live television.

Christine Blasey Ford accused Brett Kavanaugh of pinning her down and assaulting her at a party when they were teenagers in the 1980s as he and a friend laughed uproariously. Kavanaugh angrily denied the allegations, terming the confirmation process a "disgrace."

The president reportedly watched almost every minute of the hearing -- which stretched over nine hours -- starting aboard the presidential aircraft, where all TVs were tuned to the Senate proceedings, and continuing in Washington.

He was far from alone.

At Shaw's Tavern in central Washington, the hearing was shown on five televisions as some 20 patrons watched.

The hearing was "bad for Kavanaugh," said Jamar Guy, a 35-year-old banker.

"I see her as a very credible victim. Her story is very well put-together. That comment about remembering the laughter, that sat with me, and I don't see the reason for making this up," he said of Blasey Ford.

"I don't see how he gets confirmed. And I don't understand why they wouldn't just swap him" out, he said.

Pharmacist Anthea Francis said the hearing reflected poorly on both Republicans and Democrats.

"I don't feel as if the Republicans have a genuine interest in the search for the truth," she said, while adding that: "My feeling about the Democrats is that they have played into the politics of it as well."

And Scott Hammond, a 65-year-old retired speech pathologist, said he tried to put politics aside during the hearing.

"I've really tried to put aside what I thought and to come and listen," Hammond said.

Elsewhere, 34-year-old Brendan Bergerson told the Chicago Tribune he still didn't know what to think.&nbsp;

"It's not cut and dry either way. At the end of the day, it's one person's word against the other's."

At the University of Southern California's journalism school, students sat around tables watching the hearing on a large TV.

"I think he should be behind bars. Four different women have come forward and it's not by accident," Cameron Keel, a 19-year-old student said.

Dynasty Raines, another student, also criticized Kavanaugh.

"I don't feel like he should be in there or be elected, nominated, because sexual assault should be a zero tolerance policy," she said.

Police at the UN General Assembly appeared distracted by the hearing, and journalists waiting for a briefing watched it at a New York hotel.

Passengers listened on the subway in New York, while people in Washington tuned in while riding the bus.

But in the end, one viewer's opinion trumped all the others: the president, who tweeted support for his nominee almost immediately after the end of the hearing.

"Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him. His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting," Trump wrote, while also giving his verdict on the proceedings.

"Democrats' search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham," he said. "The Senate must vote!"

People watched in bars, public transportation and parked cars. Donald Trump tuned in on board Air Force One. Also Read: I swear to God assault charges against me are not true, says Kavanaugh America stood transfixed Thursday as the dramatic standoff between the president's Supreme Court nominee and the professor accusing him of sexual assault played out on live television.

People watched in bars, public transportation and parked cars. Donald Trump tuned in on board Air Force One. Also Read: I swear to God assault charges against me are not true, says Kavanaugh America stood transfixed Thursday as the dramatic standoff between the president's Supreme Court nominee and the professor accusing him of sexual assault played out on live television. Christine Blasey Ford accused Brett Kavanaugh of pinning her down and assaulting her at a party when they were teenagers in the 1980s as he and a friend laughed uproariously. Kavanaugh angrily denied the allegations, terming the confirmation process a "disgrace." The president reportedly watched almost every minute of the hearing -- which stretched over nine hours -- starting aboard the presidential aircraft, where all TVs were tuned to the Senate proceedings, and continuing in Washington. He was far from alone. At Shaw's Tavern in central Washington, the hearing was shown on five televisions as some 20 patrons watched. The hearing was "bad for Kavanaugh," said Jamar Guy, a 35-year-old banker. "I see her as a very credible victim. Her story is very well put-together. That comment about remembering the laughter, that sat with me, and I don't see the reason for making this up," he said of Blasey Ford. "I don't see how he gets confirmed. And I don't understand why they wouldn't just swap him" out, he said. Pharmacist Anthea Francis said the hearing reflected poorly on both Republicans and Democrats. "I don't feel as if the Republicans have a genuine interest in the search for the truth," she said, while adding that: "My feeling about the Democrats is that they have played into the politics of it as well." And Scott Hammond, a 65-year-old retired speech pathologist, said he tried to put politics aside during the hearing. "I've really tried to put aside what I thought and to come and listen," Hammond said. Elsewhere, 34-year-old Brendan Bergerson told the Chicago Tribune he still didn't know what to think. "It's not cut and dry either way. At the end of the day, it's one person's word against the other's." At the University of Southern California's journalism school, students sat around tables watching the hearing on a large TV. "I think he should be behind bars. Four different women have come forward and it's not by accident," Cameron Keel, a 19-year-old student said. Dynasty Raines, another student, also criticized Kavanaugh. "I don't feel like he should be in there or be elected, nominated, because sexual assault should be a zero tolerance policy," she said. Police at the UN General Assembly appeared distracted by the hearing, and journalists waiting for a briefing watched it at a New York hotel. Passengers listened on the subway in New York, while people in Washington tuned in while riding the bus. But in the end, one viewer's opinion trumped all the others: the president, who tweeted support for his nominee almost immediately after the end of the hearing. "Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him. His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting," Trump wrote, while also giving his verdict on the proceedings. "Democrats' search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham," he said. "The Senate must vote!"

America transfixed as Trump watches Kavanaugh hearing aboard Air Force One

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