Russia&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry on Saturday (Jan 11) criticised new US sanctions targeting its energy sector, calling it an attempt to weaken the Russian economy while risking global market instability.
The United States and the United Kingdom announced fresh sanctions on Friday, aimed at Russia&rsquo;s energy industry, including major oil company Gazprom Neft. 
The sanctions come just days before US President Joe Biden&rsquo;s term ends and will affect nearly 400 entities and individuals. 
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-releases-first-testimony-captured-north-korean-soldiers-8611052">&lsquo;Thought it was training, not combat': Ukraine releases first testimony of captured N Korean soldiers | Watch</a>
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the sanctions were "an attempt to inflict at least some damage to the Russian economy, even at the cost of the risk of destabilising world markets as the end approaches of President Joe Biden's inglorious tenure in power."
&ldquo;Of course, Washington's hostile actions will not be left without reaction," the ministry added.
The ministry accused US of involving the global energy sector in what it referred to as a "hybrid war" against Russia. &ldquo;Despite the convulsions in the White House and the machinations of the Russophobic lobby in the West, trying to drag the world energy sector into the 'hybrid war' unleashed by the United States against Russia, our country has been and remains a key and reliable player in the global fuel market,&rdquo; it said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evidence-of-involvement-zelensky-says-ukraine-captured-two-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-region-8610796">'Evidence of involvement': Zelensky says Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers in Kursk region</a>
<h2>Russia says Biden leaving 'scorched earth' for Trump</h2>
Referring to the wildfires in California, Moscow accused Biden&rsquo;s administration of leaving &ldquo;scorched earth&rdquo; for the incoming US President, Donald Trump, claiming the new president would be unable to reverse the sanctions without congressional approval. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also alleged that the Biden administration was deliberately creating challenges for Trump by leaving behind &ldquo;as heavy a legacy as possible.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reignites-nato-spending-debate-germany-czech-react-8606068">'That's a lot of money': NATO faces pressure as Trump reignites spending debate; Germany, Czech react</a>
<h2>Zelensky welcomes US sanctions on Russia</h2>
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the sanctions, describing them as a major blow to Russia&rsquo;s ability to sustain its military efforts. &ldquo;These measures deliver a significant blow to the financial foundation of Russia's war machine by disrupting its entire supply chain,&rdquo; Zelensky wrote on social media platform X.
Speaking from the White House on Friday, President Biden defended the sanctions, saying, &ldquo;Putin is in tough shape right now, and I think it's really important that he not have any breathing room to continue to do the god-awful things he continues to do.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-putin-in-tough-shape-as-us-and-uk-impose-sanctions-on-russia-ukraine-war-8609103">Biden says Putin in &lsquo;tough shape&rsquo; as US and UK impose sanctions on Russia</a>
Biden added, &ldquo;There is a real chance Ukraine can prevail&rdquo; if it continues to receive support from Western nations. He admitted the sanctions might result in a slight increase in petrol prices&mdash;&ldquo;as much as three, four cents a gallon&rdquo;&mdash;but emphasised that the measures would have a far greater impact on Russia&rsquo;s economy.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: US, UK announced fresh sanctions aimed at Russia’s energy industry, including major oil company Gazprom Neft. The sanctions come just days before Biden’s term ends.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday (Jan 11) criticised new US sanctions targeting its energy sector, calling it an attempt to weaken the Russian economy while risking global market instability. The United States and the United Kingdom announced fresh sanctions on Friday, aimed at Russia’s energy industry, including major oil company Gazprom Neft. The sanctions come just days before US President Joe Biden’s term ends and will affect nearly 400 entities and individuals. Also read: ‘Thought it was training, not combat': Ukraine releases first testimony of captured N Korean soldiers | Watch In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the sanctions were "an attempt to inflict at least some damage to the Russian economy, even at the cost of the risk of destabilising world markets as the end approaches of President Joe Biden's inglorious tenure in power." “Of course, Washington's hostile actions will not be left without reaction," the ministry added. The ministry accused US of involving the global energy sector in what it referred to as a "hybrid war" against Russia. “Despite the convulsions in the White House and the machinations of the Russophobic lobby in the West, trying to drag the world energy sector into the 'hybrid war' unleashed by the United States against Russia, our country has been and remains a key and reliable player in the global fuel market,” it said. Also read: 'Evidence of involvement': Zelensky says Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers in Kursk region Russia says Biden leaving 'scorched earth' for Trump Referring to the wildfires in California, Moscow accused Biden’s administration of leaving “scorched earth” for the incoming US President, Donald Trump, claiming the new president would be unable to reverse the sanctions without congressional approval. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also alleged that the Biden administration was deliberately creating challenges for Trump by leaving behind “as heavy a legacy as possible.” Also read: 'That's a lot of money': NATO faces pressure as Trump reignites spending debate; Germany, Czech react Zelensky welcomes US sanctions on Russia Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the sanctions, describing them as a major blow to Russia’s ability to sustain its military efforts. “These measures deliver a significant blow to the financial foundation of Russia's war machine by disrupting its entire supply chain,” Zelensky wrote on social media platform X. Speaking from the White House on Friday, President Biden defended the sanctions, saying, “Putin is in tough shape right now, and I think it's really important that he not have any breathing room to continue to do the god-awful things he continues to do.” Also read: Biden says Putin in ‘tough shape’ as US and UK impose sanctions on Russia Biden added, “There is a real chance Ukraine can prevail” if it continues to receive support from Western nations. He admitted the sanctions might result in a slight increase in petrol prices—“as much as three, four cents a gallon”—but emphasised that the measures would have a far greater impact on Russia’s economy. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia slams 'hostile' US energy sanctions, says Biden leaving 'scorched earth' for Trump

US President-elect Donald Trump is preparing more than 100 executive orders starting day one of the new White House. Watch this report for more details!

Donald trump planning 100 executive orders starting day 1

Donald Trump reviews ambitious plans for 100 executive orders

Donald Trump's new government likely to rollback Biden's executive orders

THe top official of Panama Canal has rubbished US President-elect Donald Trump&rsquo;s acquisition bid, saying the critical trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans will remain under Panamanian sovereignty and continue operating neutrally for global commerce.
Ricaurte V&aacute;squez, the canal's administrator, also rejected Trump&rsquo;s claims that China was virtually controlling the canal, saying the operators at both ends are linked to a Hong-Kong based consortium which won the bidding process in 1997. V&aacute;squez said US and Taiwanese companies also managed other ports along the canal, reflecting diversity in its operational structure.
<h2>Trump's threat on Panama Canal</h2>
Earlier this month, Trump refused to rule out using military force to take US control of the Panama Canal, saying it was &ldquo;vital to our country.&rdquo;
Trump also said charging transit fees for crossing the canal was &ldquo;ridiculous&rdquo;. In response, V&aacute;squez said a system that granted exceptions sought by Trump for US-flagged ships would in fact lead to &ldquo;chaos.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-finance-minister-refuses-to-condemn-trumps-bid-to-acquire-greenland-says-its-not-gonna-happen-8605869">UK finance minister joins Italy's Meloni, refuses to condemn Trump's bid to acquire Greenland despite EU's criticism</a>
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no discrimination in the fees,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The price rules are uniform for absolutely all those who transit the canal and clearly defined.&rdquo; However, the administrator added that exceptions would only be granted to American warships, which would receive expedited passage.
<h2>Significance of Panama Canal</h2>
The canal, 51-mile long and built by the US in early 20th century, was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed by then-President Jimmy Carter in 1977. The route is vital for American trade, with more than 70 per cent of the canal&rsquo;s traffic going to or coming from American ports. The route allows ships to ditch the longer and costlier trip around Cape Horn at the tip of South America.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-doubts-donald-trump-can-resolve-ukraine-russia-war-calls-greenland-canada-plans-wild-speculations-8605233">Russia doubts Trump can resolve Ukraine war swiftly; calls Greenland and Canada plans &lsquo;wild speculations&rsquo;</a>
Earlier, Panama President Jos&eacute; Ra&uacute;l Mulino also declared that the canal would remain in Panamanian hands.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Earlier this month, Trump refused to rule out using military force to take back control of the Panama Canal, saying it was “vital to our country.”

THe top official of Panama Canal has rubbished US President-elect Donald Trump’s acquisition bid, saying the critical trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans will remain under Panamanian sovereignty and continue operating neutrally for global commerce. Ricaurte Vásquez, the canal's administrator, also rejected Trump’s claims that China was virtually controlling the canal, saying the operators at both ends are linked to a Hong-Kong based consortium which won the bidding process in 1997. Vásquez said US and Taiwanese companies also managed other ports along the canal, reflecting diversity in its operational structure. Trump's threat on Panama Canal Earlier this month, Trump refused to rule out using military force to take US control of the Panama Canal, saying it was “vital to our country.” Trump also said charging transit fees for crossing the canal was “ridiculous”. In response, Vásquez said a system that granted exceptions sought by Trump for US-flagged ships would in fact lead to “chaos.” Also read: UK finance minister joins Italy's Meloni, refuses to condemn Trump's bid to acquire Greenland despite EU's criticism “There’s no discrimination in the fees,” he said. “The price rules are uniform for absolutely all those who transit the canal and clearly defined.” However, the administrator added that exceptions would only be granted to American warships, which would receive expedited passage. Significance of Panama Canal The canal, 51-mile long and built by the US in early 20th century, was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed by then-President Jimmy Carter in 1977. The route is vital for American trade, with more than 70 per cent of the canal’s traffic going to or coming from American ports. The route allows ships to ditch the longer and costlier trip around Cape Horn at the tip of South America. Also read: Russia doubts Trump can resolve Ukraine war swiftly; calls Greenland and Canada plans ‘wild speculations’ Earlier, Panama President José Raúl Mulino also declared that the canal would remain in Panamanian hands. (With inputs from agencies)

Panama Canal official fights back, says bowing to Trump’s demands would lead to ‘chaos’

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced on Friday (Jan 10) that it is dismantling its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes. This move marks a significant shift in Meta's corporate strategy and is the second move in recent days - after ending fact-checks- that aligns closely with conservative political priorities.
On Tuesday (Jan 7), Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg had announced that his company was ditching third-party fact-checking in the US and turning over the task of debunking falsehoods to ordinary users under a model known as "Community Notes," popularised by Elon Musk's X.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-protections-for-nearly-1-million-migrants-just-days-before-donald-trumps-inauguration-8609118">Biden extends protections for nearly 1 million migrants, just days before Trump&rsquo;s inauguration</a>
<h2>Meta's DEI programme</h2>
In an internal memo to employees, Meta on Friday revealed sweeping changes, including scrapping its diverse slate hiring practices and dissolving its DEI team.
The company said "the legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing" &mdash; in what could be an apparent reference to the incoming US President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican.&nbsp;
"We serve everyone," the internal memo stated, affirming that Meta will continue recruiting from a wide range of backgrounds. However, the company will no longer maintain specific diversity benchmarks for hiring women and ethnic minorities, a notable departure from its previous goals.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-faces-72-hour-deadline-from-brazil-over-transparency-in-fact-checking-practicesmeta-faces-72-hour-deadline-from-brazil-over-transparency-in-fact-checking-practices-8608999">Meta faces 72-hour deadline from Brazil over transparency in fact-checking practices</a>
As part of the restructuring, Meta&rsquo;s Chief Diversity Officer, Maxine Williams, will transition to a new role focused on accessibility and user engagement.
Meta&rsquo;s supplier diversity program&mdash;which prioritised partnerships with diverse-owned businesses&mdash;will also be terminated. The company says it will instead concentrate on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
The memo, first reported by Axios, comes just days after Meta reversed several content moderation policies&mdash;most notably ending its fact-checking program in the US on both Facebook and Instagram.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-fact-checking-network-calls-out-meta-ceo-zuckerbergs-censorship-claim-as-false-8608243">International Fact-Checking Network calls out Meta CEO Zuckerberg's censorship claim as 'false'</a>
<h2>Zuckerberg's new-found love for Trump&nbsp;</h2>
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's move to disable fact-checking echoes longstanding Republican criticisms, including those from incoming president Trump and his close aide, X owner Musk. The two have previously accused social media giants of suppressing conservative voices under the guise of fact-checking and hate speech regulation.
The techie has been taking notable steps to mend relations with Trump following his election victory in November. Reports indicate Zuckerberg contributed $1 million to Trump&rsquo;s inauguration fund and hired a Republican to lead Meta&rsquo;s public affairs division.
In a Friday interview with podcast host Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg also sharply criticised Trump predecessor Joe Biden's administration for asking Meta to censor content during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-tech-bets-big-on-donald-trump-google-donates-1-mn-to-us-president-elects-inauguration-fund-8606136">Big Tech bets big on Trump: Google donates $1mn to US President-elect&rsquo;s inauguration fund</a>
<h2>Why Zuckerberg's sudden change of heart?</h2>
Trump has been a vocal critic of Zuckerberg and Meta for years, accusing the platform of political bias and vowing retribution once he returns to the White House. His return to the presidency has also brought to the forefront Republican opposition to corporate DEI programmes, many of which gained momentum in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and nationwide calls for racial equity.
Meta isn&rsquo;t alone in scaling back diversity initiatives. Following Trump&rsquo;s election, major corporations like Walmart, Ford, John Deere, Lowe&rsquo;s, Harley-Davidson, and Jack Daniels also reduced or dismantled programs aimed at supporting minority communities.
(With inputs from agencies)

Word | Science & Tech | Business & Economy | Meta blames changing legal and policy landscapes for dissolving DEI efforts, including diverse hiring and supplier diversity programs.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced on Friday (Jan 10) that it is dismantling its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes. This move marks a significant shift in Meta's corporate strategy and is the second move in recent days - after ending fact-checks- that aligns closely with conservative political priorities. On Tuesday (Jan 7), Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg had announced that his company was ditching third-party fact-checking in the US and turning over the task of debunking falsehoods to ordinary users under a model known as "Community Notes," popularised by Elon Musk's X. Also read | Biden extends protections for nearly 1 million migrants, just days before Trump’s inauguration Meta's DEI programme In an internal memo to employees, Meta on Friday revealed sweeping changes, including scrapping its diverse slate hiring practices and dissolving its DEI team. The company said "the legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing" — in what could be an apparent reference to the incoming US President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican. "We serve everyone," the internal memo stated, affirming that Meta will continue recruiting from a wide range of backgrounds. However, the company will no longer maintain specific diversity benchmarks for hiring women and ethnic minorities, a notable departure from its previous goals. Also read | Meta faces 72-hour deadline from Brazil over transparency in fact-checking practices As part of the restructuring, Meta’s Chief Diversity Officer, Maxine Williams, will transition to a new role focused on accessibility and user engagement. Meta’s supplier diversity program—which prioritised partnerships with diverse-owned businesses—will also be terminated. The company says it will instead concentrate on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. The memo, first reported by Axios, comes just days after Meta reversed several content moderation policies—most notably ending its fact-checking program in the US on both Facebook and Instagram. Also read | International Fact-Checking Network calls out Meta CEO Zuckerberg's censorship claim as 'false' Zuckerberg's new-found love for Trump Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's move to disable fact-checking echoes longstanding Republican criticisms, including those from incoming president Trump and his close aide, X owner Musk. The two have previously accused social media giants of suppressing conservative voices under the guise of fact-checking and hate speech regulation. The techie has been taking notable steps to mend relations with Trump following his election victory in November. Reports indicate Zuckerberg contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund and hired a Republican to lead Meta’s public affairs division. In a Friday interview with podcast host Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg also sharply criticised Trump predecessor Joe Biden's administration for asking Meta to censor content during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | Big Tech bets big on Trump: Google donates $1mn to US President-elect’s inauguration fund Why Zuckerberg's sudden change of heart? Trump has been a vocal critic of Zuckerberg and Meta for years, accusing the platform of political bias and vowing retribution once he returns to the White House. His return to the presidency has also brought to the forefront Republican opposition to corporate DEI programmes, many of which gained momentum in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and nationwide calls for racial equity. Meta isn’t alone in scaling back diversity initiatives. Following Trump’s election, major corporations like Walmart, Ford, John Deere, Lowe’s, Harley-Davidson, and Jack Daniels also reduced or dismantled programs aimed at supporting minority communities. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta dismantles diversity programmes after ending fact-checks. Is Zuckerberg trying to appease Trump?

A US judge on Friday sentenced President-elect Donald Trump over his criminal conviction stemming from hush money paid to a porn star. Watch this report for more details!

Hush money case: Donald Trump to avoid jail time, fines or probation

Donald Trump has said that a meeting is being arranged between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump, Zelensky to meet soon: Kyiv

Trump's sentence of an unconditional discharge capped a norm-smashing case which saw the former and upcoming president being charged with 34 felonies, put on trial for almost two months, and convicted on every count. 

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge on Friday (Jan 10) in the hush money case. According to American media reports, Trump's sentence of an unconditional discharge capped a norm-smashing case which saw the former and upcoming president being charged with 34 felonies, put on trial for almost two months, and convicted on every count. Manhattan Judge Juan M.Merchan could have sentenced Trump to up to four years in prison. Also read | Trump hush money case: US president-elect sentenced to unconditional discharge. What does it mean? However, he chose a sentence that sidestepped thorny constitutional issues by effectively ending the case but assured that the 78-year-old Republican became the first person convicted of a felony to assume the presidency. So what has been the timeline of the case? Here's a detailed guide as per American media reports: January 2005: Donald Trump marries his current wife Melania. September 2005: Months later, Trump confesses in a show about grabbing women’s genitals without asking for permission. The footage wasn’t aired and didn’t become public until October 2016, the time when Trump became the Republican contender for the presidential election. June 2006: Former Playboy model Karen McDougal says this is when she first met Trump, after “The Apprentice” filmed at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles. McDougal has alleged they went on to have a 10-month affair that ended in 2007, a claim he denies. July 2006: Former adult entertainment star Stormy Daniel and Trump meet at an event. Daniels alleged they had a sexual encounter, but Trump denied it. May 2011: Daniels shares her claim about the encounter in an interview with In Touch magazine, but the story was not published at the time. In October 2011, Trump's fixer Michael Cohen sent an email to the publication saying Trump would aggressively pursue legal action if the story was printed. The story does not run until 2018. June 2015: Trump announces that he would seek the Republican Party's nomination for president. August 2015: Trump and Michael Cohen meet with David Pecker, then chief executive officer of The National Enquirer publisher American Media Inc (AMI). During Pecker's testimony, he said during the meeting with Trump and Cohen that he would act as the eyes and ears of the Republican leader's campaign, notifying Cohen of the claims being made about Trump so that rights can be purchased and stories quashed. Also read | ‘There is no case’: Trump slams hush money trial after avoiding jail time; vows to appeal 'unlawful witch hunt' October 2015: Trouble arises for Trump. Pecker learnt that a former Trump Tower doorman was trying to sell a story that Trump fathered a child with an employee. The doorman is identified as Dino Sajudin. November 2015: In mid-November, the National Enquirer paid Sajudin $30,000 for the rights to the rumour. The tabloid concluded that the story was not true. Trump and the employee at the Trump Tower denied the allegations. August 2016: Weeks after Donald Trump officially became the Republican presidential nominee, AMI bought the story about former Playboy model Karen McDougal's claim that she had an affair with Trump. AMI paid her $150,000, agreed to feature her on two magazine covers and to publish 100 magazine articles authored by her. September 2016: On September 6, Cohen recorded himself briefing Trump on the plan to buy McDougal's story from AMI. Cohen said on the tape that he had already spoken with the Trump Organization’s finance chief, Allen Weisselberg, on “how to set the whole thing up.” Towards the end of this month, Cohen signed an agreement to buy the nondisclosure part of McDougal’s contract for $125,000 through a company called Resolution Consultants LLC. October 2016: In early October, Pecker told Cohen that the deal for him to buy McDougal’s nondisclosure was off. Cohen never pays the $125,000. On October 7, The Washington Post published Trump's 2005 tape where he spoke during a show about grabbing women’s genitals without asking for permission. A day later, Stormy Daniels' representative told the National Enquirer that she was willing to make on-the-record statements confirming a sexual encounter with Trump. Also read | Who is Stormy Daniels, porn star linked to Donald Trump's hush money case? Pecker and Howard connect Michael Cohen with Daniels' lawyer Keith Davidson. During the next few days, Cohen negotiates a $130,000 deal to acquire the rights to Daniels’ story and keep her quiet. On October 27, Cohen wired payment to Davidson's law firm using a shell company. The next day, Daniels signed a confidential settlement and non-disclosure agreement. The deal used the pseudonyms Peggy Peterson for Daniels and David Dennison for Trump. November 2016: Four days before the November 8 presidential election, The Wall Street Journal published a story revealing McDougal’s deal with AMI. The WSJ story also mentioned Daniels and said she had been in talks with a TV network to tell her story but cut off negotiations. Trump wins the presidential election. January 2017: Days after being sworn in as president, Cohen sought reimbursement from the Trump Organization for his $130,000 payment to Daniels as well as an additional $50,000 for unrelated campaign “tech services.” Testifying in court, former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney recalled meeting with the company’s longtime Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg, who came up with a plan to pay Cohen the money he owed. McConney said that January 27 was Cohen's last day as a full-time employee of the Trump Organization. February 2017: Cohen emails an invoice to McConney seeking payment “pursuant to the retainer agreement” for services rendered for January and February 2017. The invoice requested a $35,000 payment for each of those two months — the first two monthly instalments of his repayment plan. January 2018: On January 10, Stormy Daniels issued a statement saying the allegations regarding Trump were false and the rumours that she received hush money were false too. Two days later, the WSJ revealed Conhen's payment details to the former adult entertainment star. February 2018: Cohen told American media that he paid Daniels out of his own pocket. April 2018: On April 5, Trump told the news agency Associated Press that he did not know of the hush money paid to Daniels. However, weeks later, the then-US president acknowledged that Cohen represented him in the Stormy Daniels deal. May 2018: On May 2, Rudy Giuliana- who was representing Trump as one of his lawyers, said that his client reimbursed Cohen for the money paid to Daniels. A day later, Trump said that Cohen received a monthly retainer to enter into a non-disclosure agreement. July 2018: On July 24, Cohen's lawyer releases the September 2016 recording of Cohen talking to Trump about the payments. August 2018: Nearly a month later, Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations and other charges that included arranging the hush money payments. At the hearing, he claims Trump directed him to arrange the payment. Trump is never charged with any crime related to the federal investigation. Cohen is later sentenced to three years in prison. September 2018: AMI entered into a non-prosecution with Manhattan prosecutors in connection with its McDougal deal. August 2019: The Trump Organization is served a grand jury subpoena from then-Manhattan district attorney Cy Vance’s office calling for records and communications relating to the payments to Daniels and McDougal. The year 2020: Trump faces defeat in the presidential election against Joe Biden. The year 2023: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg elects a new grand jury to hear evidence about Trump in the case. On March 30, the grand jury indicted Trump on state charges for allegations that he falsified internal records kept by his company to hide the true nature of payments made to Cohen for helping cover up the alleged encounters. The indictment makes Trump the first former president to be charged with a crime. Days later, Trump is arraigned. He pleads not guilty and vows to fight the charges. Key moments of 2024 and 2025 On April 15, 2024, Trump went on trial in Manhattan. The trial lasted for weeks. The jury found Trump guilty on all 34 counts in the trial. Trump's legal team said that the Republican would appeal his conviction. As he awaited sentencing, Trump on June 4 asked Judge Merchan to lift the limited gag order that prevented him from speaking about witnesses, jurors and others associated with the case. On June 25, Merchan agreed to partially lift Trump's gag order- granting him the ability to speak freely about the jury and witnesses in the case. On November 5, Trump wins the election against Harris. A week later, Judge Merchan is scheduled to rule on Trump's motion to set aside his conviction based on the US Supreme Court's recent decision on presidential immunity. Merchan instead agrees to delay the decision till November 19 after both sides request more time to consider how to proceed following Trump's election victory. On November 19, after Trump's lawyers argued in a filing that the case should be dismissed because a sitting president is immune from prosecution, prosecutors told Merchan that they opposed any effort to dismiss Trump's conviction -- but that they do not object to pausing the case until Trump was out of office. A day later, his lawyers argued that the president's conviction must be tossed due to presidential immunity. Weeks later, his lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the case on grounds that prosecution disrupted the president-elect's transition and threatened the functioning of the federal government. The Manhattan DA's office faced a December 9 deadline to respond to Trump's motion. On December 10, Manhattan DA Bragg suggested to Judge Merchan that Trump could receive a non-incarceratory sentence -- or his sentencing could be delayed until he left office. In a court filing done three days later, Trump's lawyers rejected the suggestions made by Bragg. Fast-forward to January 2025, Merchan orders Trump to appear, either in person or virtually, for sentencing in New York on Jan 10, and indicates that he intends to sentence the president-elect to an "unconditional discharge." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump hush money case: A timeline of events as US-President elect is sentenced to unconditional discharge

Donald Trump faces sentencing in historic hush money case

New York Judge Juan Merchan on Friday (Jan 10) sentenced US President-elect Donald Trump to an unconditional discharge in the hush money case. This decision means Trump will not face any jail time, fines, or probation.
Following the ruling, Trump criticised the case against him in a post on Truth Social, calling the verdict an evidence that &ldquo;THERE IS NO CASE.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trumps-hush-money-trial-sentencing-8608447">Trump hush money case: US President-elect sentenced to unconditional discharge. What does it mean?</a>
In a lengthy statement, Trump said, &ldquo;The Radical Democrats have lost another pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt. After spending tens of millions of dollars, wasting over 6 years of obsessive work that should have been spent on protecting New Yorkers from violent, rampant crime that is destroying the City and State, coordinating with the Biden/Harris Department of Injustice in lawless Weaponization, and bringing completely baseless, illegal, and fake charges against your 45th and 47th President, ME, I was given an UNCONDITIONAL DISCHARGE."
He continued, "That result alone proves that, as all Legal Scholars and Experts have said, THERE IS NO CASE, THERE WAS NEVER A CASE, and this whole Scam fully deserves to be DISMISSED."
Trump further claimed that the American people had already delivered their verdict by re-electing him, adding, &ldquo;The real Jury, the American People, have spoken, by Re-Electing me with an overwhelming MANDATE in one of the most consequential Elections in History. As the American People have seen, this &lsquo;case&rsquo; had no crime, no damages, no proof, no facts, no Law, only a highly conflicted Judge, a star witness who is a disbarred, disgraced, serial perjurer, and criminal Election Interference.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-stormy-daniels-porn-star-donald-trumps-hush-money-case-8608619">Who is Stormy Daniels, porn star linked to Donald Trump's hush money case?</a>
<h2>'Despicable charade'</h2>
Referring to Friday&rsquo;s sentencing as a "despicable charade," Trump said that he would appeal the verdict, adding, &ldquo;We will appeal this Hoax, which has no merit, and restore the trust of Americans in our once great System of Justice. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-to-to-hear-tiktok-ban-case-8606305">US Supreme Court to to hear TikTok ban case</a>
Ahead of the sentencing, Trump used his court appearance to rally financial support. In an email to his supporters, he called it an &ldquo;emergency declaration,&rdquo; saying, &ldquo;I&rsquo;M BEING SENTENCED TODAY &ndash; just so they can label me a FELON before I&rsquo;m sworn in. Do you think it&rsquo;s a coincidence my Inauguration is just days away? You know it and I know it: ALL CHARGES SHOULD BE DROPPED. Legal pundits agree. Legal scholars agree. Plain and simple this is an attack on their political opponent, ME! Justice is not the goal here. This unlawful WITCH HUNT is only meant to obstruct the Presidential Transition process. We can&rsquo;t let that happen if we want to SAVE AMERICA when I triumphantly return to office.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-donald-trump-greenland-expansion-bid-8603116">&lsquo;Not a good idea,&rsquo; Blinken rubbishes Trump&rsquo;s Greenland bid</a>
<h2>What is the Trump hush money trial about?</h2>
In May last year, Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. These charges were linked to a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment, arranged by Trump&rsquo;s former attorney Michael Cohen, was allegedly made to silence Daniels regarding claims of an affair with Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump has consistently denied the allegations, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and labelled the case a politically motivated attack intended to derail his 2024 presidential campaign.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Trending: Following the ruling, Trump criticised the case against him in a post on Truth Social, calling the verdict an evidence that “THERE IS NO CASE.”

New York Judge Juan Merchan on Friday (Jan 10) sentenced US President-elect Donald Trump to an unconditional discharge in the hush money case. This decision means Trump will not face any jail time, fines, or probation. Following the ruling, Trump criticised the case against him in a post on Truth Social, calling the verdict an evidence that “THERE IS NO CASE.” Also read: Trump hush money case: US President-elect sentenced to unconditional discharge. What does it mean? In a lengthy statement, Trump said, “The Radical Democrats have lost another pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt. After spending tens of millions of dollars, wasting over 6 years of obsessive work that should have been spent on protecting New Yorkers from violent, rampant crime that is destroying the City and State, coordinating with the Biden/Harris Department of Injustice in lawless Weaponization, and bringing completely baseless, illegal, and fake charges against your 45th and 47th President, ME, I was given an UNCONDITIONAL DISCHARGE." He continued, "That result alone proves that, as all Legal Scholars and Experts have said, THERE IS NO CASE, THERE WAS NEVER A CASE, and this whole Scam fully deserves to be DISMISSED." Trump further claimed that the American people had already delivered their verdict by re-electing him, adding, “The real Jury, the American People, have spoken, by Re-Electing me with an overwhelming MANDATE in one of the most consequential Elections in History. As the American People have seen, this ‘case’ had no crime, no damages, no proof, no facts, no Law, only a highly conflicted Judge, a star witness who is a disbarred, disgraced, serial perjurer, and criminal Election Interference.” Also read: Who is Stormy Daniels, porn star linked to Donald Trump's hush money case? 'Despicable charade' Referring to Friday’s sentencing as a "despicable charade," Trump said that he would appeal the verdict, adding, “We will appeal this Hoax, which has no merit, and restore the trust of Americans in our once great System of Justice. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Also read: US Supreme Court to to hear TikTok ban case Ahead of the sentencing, Trump used his court appearance to rally financial support. In an email to his supporters, he called it an “emergency declaration,” saying, “I’M BEING SENTENCED TODAY – just so they can label me a FELON before I’m sworn in. Do you think it’s a coincidence my Inauguration is just days away? You know it and I know it: ALL CHARGES SHOULD BE DROPPED. Legal pundits agree. Legal scholars agree. Plain and simple this is an attack on their political opponent, ME! Justice is not the goal here. This unlawful WITCH HUNT is only meant to obstruct the Presidential Transition process. We can’t let that happen if we want to SAVE AMERICA when I triumphantly return to office.” Also read: ‘Not a good idea,’ Blinken rubbishes Trump’s Greenland bid What is the Trump hush money trial about? In May last year, Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. These charges were linked to a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment, arranged by Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen, was allegedly made to silence Daniels regarding claims of an affair with Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has consistently denied the allegations, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and labelled the case a politically motivated attack intended to derail his 2024 presidential campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

‘There is no case’: Trump slams hush money trial after avoiding jail time; vows to appeal 'unlawful witch hunt'

Breaking: US court sentences Donald Trump in hush money case, declines to impose jail term

Stormy Daniels, a porn star and director of adult films, is a major name in Donald Trump's ongoing legal troubles. With the Trump hush money trial she has become a household name for her tenacity and meeting Trump's verbal attacks blow-by-blow.
And with Trump sentenced to unconditional discharge in the hush money case, here's all you need to know about Stormy Daniels.
<h3>Link with Trump</h3>
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trumps-hush-money-trial-sentencing-8608447" aria-label="Trump hush money case: US-president elect sentenced to unconditional discharge. What does it mean?">Trump hush money case: US-president elect sentenced to unconditional discharge. What does it mean?</a>
Adult film star Stephanie Clifford, who usually goes by her stage name Stormy Daniels, is at the centre of the former US president's ongoing criminal trial. At the trial, Trump faced the jury over charges of falsifying records to cover up a $130,000 payment that was supposed to squash details of an alleged sexual tryst that could have potentially cost Trump his 2016 presidency.
Daniels, in 2018, made headlines after going public with allegations that she had slept with Trump over a decade earlier. She claims that the sexual escapade happened during ex-President Donald Trump's third marriage to his current wife, Melania Trump.
The duo repotedly crossed paths in 2006.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-protest-in-china-why-poeple-are-protesting-in-china-students-mysteriosu-death-in-china-8608311" aria-label="Massive protests erupt in China after student's mysterious death. What's the case?">Massive protests erupt in China after student's mysterious death. What's the case?</a>
Daniels has claimed that she had an encounter with Trump in a hotel penthouse. She said Trump invited her to his hotel suite for dinner, and during their conversation he suggested she appear on his reality television show, "The Apprentice."&nbsp;
Daniels claimed that she went to the bathroom after the conversation with him only to come back and see Trump on the bed in his boxer shorts.&nbsp;
"He said ... 'I thought you were serious about what you wanted. If you ever want to get out of that trailer park,'" Daniel said in the courtroom. She said after that she "blacked out" and had no idea how she reached the bed with her clothes off.&nbsp;
To keep this a secret, she received a $130,000 hush money payment just before the 2016 presidential election.&nbsp;
<h3>A fake story?&nbsp;</h3>
During the hearing in the court in May 2024, at one point the prosecutor alleged that all the claims against Trump by Daneils were just a story she wrote herself.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/has-the-iconic-hollywood-sign-damaged-due-to-la-wildfire-heres-what-we-know-8608339" aria-label="LA wildfires: Iconic Hollywood sign damaged? Here's what we know so far">LA wildfires: Iconic Hollywood sign damaged? Here's what we know so far</a>
She replied to that saying, "If that story was untrue, I would have written it to be a lot better."
<h3>A neglected child?</h3>
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Stormy, by her own account, comes from a poor family. In her 2018 memoir, Stormy Daniels wrote that following her parent's divorce, she was raised by her mother.
Faced with neglect as a child, she claims to have faced sexual abuse at the young age of nine. Despite everything, she was a good student.
After school, she turned to striptease to earn a living and then migrated to the adult film industry where she, as per AFP, became a star actress, director and screenwriter, earning several awards.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-fact-checking-network-calls-out-meta-ceo-zuckerbergs-censorship-claim-as-false-8608243" aria-label="International Fact-Checking Network calls out Meta CEO Zuckerberg's censorship claim as 'false'">International Fact-Checking Network calls out Meta CEO Zuckerberg's censorship claim as 'false'</a>
In 2010, she reportedly gave serious consideration to running for a US Senate seat from Louisiana. A registered Republican, she has a young daughter who is married to her fourth husband, fellow porn actor Barrett Blade.
(With inputs from agencies)

The courageous revelation of her childhood trauma highlights the persistent issue of sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for more robust protective measures for children.

Stormy Daniels, a porn star and director of adult films, is a major name in Donald Trump's ongoing legal troubles. With the Trump hush money trial she has become a household name for her tenacity and meeting Trump's verbal attacks blow-by-blow. And with Trump sentenced to unconditional discharge in the hush money case, here's all you need to know about Stormy Daniels. Link with Trump Also read | Trump hush money case: US-president elect sentenced to unconditional discharge. What does it mean? Adult film star Stephanie Clifford, who usually goes by her stage name Stormy Daniels, is at the centre of the former US president's ongoing criminal trial. At the trial, Trump faced the jury over charges of falsifying records to cover up a $130,000 payment that was supposed to squash details of an alleged sexual tryst that could have potentially cost Trump his 2016 presidency. Daniels, in 2018, made headlines after going public with allegations that she had slept with Trump over a decade earlier. She claims that the sexual escapade happened during ex-President Donald Trump's third marriage to his current wife, Melania Trump. The duo repotedly crossed paths in 2006. Also read | Massive protests erupt in China after student's mysterious death. What's the case? Daniels has claimed that she had an encounter with Trump in a hotel penthouse. She said Trump invited her to his hotel suite for dinner, and during their conversation he suggested she appear on his reality television show, "The Apprentice." Daniels claimed that she went to the bathroom after the conversation with him only to come back and see Trump on the bed in his boxer shorts. "He said ... 'I thought you were serious about what you wanted. If you ever want to get out of that trailer park,'" Daniel said in the courtroom. She said after that she "blacked out" and had no idea how she reached the bed with her clothes off. To keep this a secret, she received a $130,000 hush money payment just before the 2016 presidential election. A fake story? During the hearing in the court in May 2024, at one point the prosecutor alleged that all the claims against Trump by Daneils were just a story she wrote herself. Also read | LA wildfires: Iconic Hollywood sign damaged? Here's what we know so far She replied to that saying, "If that story was untrue, I would have written it to be a lot better." A neglected child? Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Stormy, by her own account, comes from a poor family. In her 2018 memoir, Stormy Daniels wrote that following her parent's divorce, she was raised by her mother. Faced with neglect as a child, she claims to have faced sexual abuse at the young age of nine. Despite everything, she was a good student. After school, she turned to striptease to earn a living and then migrated to the adult film industry where she, as per AFP, became a star actress, director and screenwriter, earning several awards. Also read | International Fact-Checking Network calls out Meta CEO Zuckerberg's censorship claim as 'false' In 2010, she reportedly gave serious consideration to running for a US Senate seat from Louisiana. A registered Republican, she has a young daughter who is married to her fourth husband, fellow porn actor Barrett Blade. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Stormy Daniels, porn star linked to Donald Trump's hush money case?

Donald Trump has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest in meeting with him. The discussions are ongoing to arrange the meeting, signaling potential shifts in US-Russia relations and international diplomacy.

Donald Trump confirms Putin wants to meet and talks are being arranged

A top former aide to US President-elect Donald Trump has claimed that China hacked the GOP leader&rsquo;s phone and stole data for six months. He also added that the communist nation was hoping to develop a first-strike nuclear capability against the US. The warning came from Trump&rsquo;s national security adviser from 2017 to 2018, HR McMaster. While speaking at an event organised by the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank, McMaster argued the US needed to impose &ldquo;very significant costs&rdquo; on China for its &ldquo;massive cyber intrusions&rdquo;.
&ldquo;They listen to President Trump&rsquo;s phone and everybody around him for six months, right? They&rsquo;ve stolen extraordinary amounts of data which we found on our telecom networks,&rdquo; McMaster said.
It was not clear whether McMaster&rsquo;s claims referred to October reports that suggested China government-linked hackers may have targeted Trump&rsquo;s communications during the 2024 election campaign or earlier reports that accused Chinese spies of listening to his calls during his first term in office.
<h2>First-strike capability threat</h2>
McMaster said he arrived at the conclusion that China was preparing to develop a first-strike capability by judging what China was doing &ldquo;from a cyber perspective.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-hackers-infiltrate-us-telecommunications-steal-data-of-over-a-million-people-report-8595269">Chinese hackers infiltrate US telecommunications, steal data of over a million people: Report</a>
China is &ldquo;really developing at least a latent capability to take down our communications networks as well as a massive build-up in their strategic forces,&rdquo; he added. First-strike capability essentially means the ability to launch a pre-emptive nuclear attack in a bid to neutralise enemy&rsquo;s nuclear arsenal to limit its ability to retaliate.
McMaster also lauded the outgoing Joe Biden administration for doing &ldquo;a pretty good job&rdquo; at restricting China&rsquo;s access to advanced chip manufacturing hardware and the Pentagon&rsquo;s recent decision to designate more Chinese companies as firms linked to the military.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-linked-cyberattack-targets-us-treasury-hackers-access-unclassified-documents-8579405">US Treasury confirms cyber breach linked to China-backed hacker</a>
&ldquo;I think that this is a competition that will certainly continue under the Trump administration,&rdquo; he said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | McMaster also lauded the outgoing Joe Biden administration for doing “a pretty good job” at restricting China’s access to advanced chip manufacturing hardware

A top former aide to US President-elect Donald Trump has claimed that China hacked the GOP leader’s phone and stole data for six months. He also added that the communist nation was hoping to develop a first-strike nuclear capability against the US. The warning came from Trump’s national security adviser from 2017 to 2018, HR McMaster. While speaking at an event organised by the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank, McMaster argued the US needed to impose “very significant costs” on China for its “massive cyber intrusions”. “They listen to President Trump’s phone and everybody around him for six months, right? They’ve stolen extraordinary amounts of data which we found on our telecom networks,” McMaster said. It was not clear whether McMaster’s claims referred to October reports that suggested China government-linked hackers may have targeted Trump’s communications during the 2024 election campaign or earlier reports that accused Chinese spies of listening to his calls during his first term in office. First-strike capability threat McMaster said he arrived at the conclusion that China was preparing to develop a first-strike capability by judging what China was doing “from a cyber perspective.” Also read: Chinese hackers infiltrate US telecommunications, steal data of over a million people: Report China is “really developing at least a latent capability to take down our communications networks as well as a massive build-up in their strategic forces,” he added. First-strike capability essentially means the ability to launch a pre-emptive nuclear attack in a bid to neutralise enemy’s nuclear arsenal to limit its ability to retaliate. McMaster also lauded the outgoing Joe Biden administration for doing “a pretty good job” at restricting China’s access to advanced chip manufacturing hardware and the Pentagon’s recent decision to designate more Chinese companies as firms linked to the military. Also read: US Treasury confirms cyber breach linked to China-backed hacker “I think that this is a competition that will certainly continue under the Trump administration,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘China hacked Trump’s phone, stole data for six months,’ Former aide claims

Global auto suppliers are working out how much of their production can be moved to the United States, or closer to it, as a defense against tariffs promised by President-elect Donald Trump, according to industry executives at CES in Las Vegas. The auto industry has already experienced eight years of U.S. protectionism, from real and threatened tariffs during Trump's first term and then more tariffs and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act under President Joe Biden. Most of those measures were aimed squarely at China, in particular a proposal by the Biden administration to bar Chinese software and hardware from cars on U.S. roads.
But Trump has vowed to go much further, imposing a blanket tariff of 10% on global imports into the United States and a far higher 60% tariff on Chinese goods. In late November, he specifically pledged a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico when he takes office on Jan. 20.
Such high tariffs would be hard to pass on to consumers and would render many auto parts produced in lower-cost markets uneconomical, or in the case of China make it virtually impossible to sell products in the U.S.
"Anyone can do the math," Paul Thomas, North American president for Bosch, the world's largest car parts supplier, told Reuters. "If it's 10%, 20%, 60% (tariffs) ... you have to say, 'OK, how many scenarios make sense for that and which ones do we act on?'"
 "We've already started on a few of those even before he (Trump) will take office."
Speaking on the sidelines of the CES tech conference, Thomas gave a theoretical example of a generic electronic control unit that Bosch might currently make in Malaysia or a similar market, but now "we're looking at doing that in Mexico or Brazil ... areas where we have a footprint already," he said.
Bosch is waiting until Jan. 20 to see what actually happens before it makes any "significant decisions," Thomas added, a point echoed by other suppliers and automakers. During his first term, Trump used the threat of tariffs against specific countries or even individual automakers to prod them into boosting U.S. production.
When Toyota announced plans to produce the Corolla sedan in Mexico for U.S. consumers in early 2017, Trump took to Twitter, now known as X, saying "NO WAY! Build plant in U.S. or pay big border tax."
Within a year, Toyota announced a joint USD 1.6 billion plant in Alabama with Mazda instead and Trump declared victory. 'NO. 1 OBJECTIVE'. Auto suppliers already have been tackling rising labor costs, worker shortages and a slowdown in EV growth. Tariffs will potentially exacerbate supplier worries as EV demand is likely to fall further this year, said Leonard LaRocca, U.S. automotive industry leader at KPMG. "There's a lot that they have on their plate. So they're tightening their belts."
Major suppliers responded to U.S. protectionism and massive supply-chain shocks during the coronavirus pandemic by localising production to avoid parts shortages or the risk of border taxes.
That process accelerated after the Biden administration passed the IRA. That law was more carrot than stick, encouraging a swarm of suppliers including Britain's Dowlais to invest more in the U.S. market as they pursued contracts with automakers seeking EV subsidies - though the incoming Trump administration aims to dismantle parts of the IRA.
Nikolai Setzer, CEO of Continental, told Reuters that after years of localising more production in each region where it operates to serve nearby customers, the German supplier is more "underexposed than the rest of the automotive industry or our competitors." But Continental is talking to its suppliers in North America about whether alternative local components are available for parts so the company can avoid tariffs. "Wherever we can further localise, and it makes sense, we will do it."
Honda's production capacity in Mexico is about 200,000 vehicles annually and 80% of them are exported to the U.S. market. Speaking at a roundtable at CES, Honda Executive Vice President Noriya Kaihara said that depending on tariff levels, "we might have to consider that we're maybe changing production location ... from Mexico to Japan, or Mexico to somewhere else." "We have not formalised what we can do, but we are elaborating what we will be able to do," Kaihara added.
The possibility of fresh high tariffs on goods from China has added fresh impetus to suppliers looking to find alternative sources. Panasonic Energy, which supplies EV batteries to Tesla, has already been working to shift more of its supply chain to North America including via supply deals with synthetic graphite anode materials producer Novonix and Canadian natural graphite manufacturer Nouveau Monde Graphite.
But Allan Swan, Panasonic Energy's North American president, told Reuters that with Trump due to take power the company is accelerating plans to eliminate all Chinese content from its U.S.-made batteries. Swan said Chinese materials currently make up a small portion of its supply chain, but the aim is "not to have the supply chain dedicated from China." "That's the No.1 objective," he added.

Trump has vowed to go much further, imposing a blanket tariff of 10% on global imports into the United States and a far higher 60% tariff on Chinese goods.

Global auto suppliers are working out how much of their production can be moved to the United States, or closer to it, as a defense against tariffs promised by President-elect Donald Trump, according to industry executives at CES in Las Vegas. The auto industry has already experienced eight years of U.S. protectionism, from real and threatened tariffs during Trump's first term and then more tariffs and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act under President Joe Biden. Most of those measures were aimed squarely at China, in particular a proposal by the Biden administration to bar Chinese software and hardware from cars on U.S. roads. But Trump has vowed to go much further, imposing a blanket tariff of 10% on global imports into the United States and a far higher 60% tariff on Chinese goods. In late November, he specifically pledged a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico when he takes office on Jan. 20. Such high tariffs would be hard to pass on to consumers and would render many auto parts produced in lower-cost markets uneconomical, or in the case of China make it virtually impossible to sell products in the U.S. "Anyone can do the math," Paul Thomas, North American president for Bosch, the world's largest car parts supplier, told Reuters. "If it's 10%, 20%, 60% (tariffs) ... you have to say, 'OK, how many scenarios make sense for that and which ones do we act on?'" "We've already started on a few of those even before he (Trump) will take office." Speaking on the sidelines of the CES tech conference, Thomas gave a theoretical example of a generic electronic control unit that Bosch might currently make in Malaysia or a similar market, but now "we're looking at doing that in Mexico or Brazil ... areas where we have a footprint already," he said. Bosch is waiting until Jan. 20 to see what actually happens before it makes any "significant decisions," Thomas added, a point echoed by other suppliers and automakers. During his first term, Trump used the threat of tariffs against specific countries or even individual automakers to prod them into boosting U.S. production. When Toyota announced plans to produce the Corolla sedan in Mexico for U.S. consumers in early 2017, Trump took to Twitter, now known as X, saying "NO WAY! Build plant in U.S. or pay big border tax." Within a year, Toyota announced a joint USD 1.6 billion plant in Alabama with Mazda instead and Trump declared victory. 'NO. 1 OBJECTIVE'. Auto suppliers already have been tackling rising labor costs, worker shortages and a slowdown in EV growth. Tariffs will potentially exacerbate supplier worries as EV demand is likely to fall further this year, said Leonard LaRocca, U.S. automotive industry leader at KPMG. "There's a lot that they have on their plate. So they're tightening their belts." Major suppliers responded to U.S. protectionism and massive supply-chain shocks during the coronavirus pandemic by localising production to avoid parts shortages or the risk of border taxes. That process accelerated after the Biden administration passed the IRA. That law was more carrot than stick, encouraging a swarm of suppliers including Britain's Dowlais to invest more in the U.S. market as they pursued contracts with automakers seeking EV subsidies - though the incoming Trump administration aims to dismantle parts of the IRA. Nikolai Setzer, CEO of Continental, told Reuters that after years of localising more production in each region where it operates to serve nearby customers, the German supplier is more "underexposed than the rest of the automotive industry or our competitors." But Continental is talking to its suppliers in North America about whether alternative local components are available for parts so the company can avoid tariffs. "Wherever we can further localise, and it makes sense, we will do it." Honda's production capacity in Mexico is about 200,000 vehicles annually and 80% of them are exported to the U.S. market. Speaking at a roundtable at CES, Honda Executive Vice President Noriya Kaihara said that depending on tariff levels, "we might have to consider that we're maybe changing production location ... from Mexico to Japan, or Mexico to somewhere else." "We have not formalised what we can do, but we are elaborating what we will be able to do," Kaihara added. The possibility of fresh high tariffs on goods from China has added fresh impetus to suppliers looking to find alternative sources. Panasonic Energy, which supplies EV batteries to Tesla, has already been working to shift more of its supply chain to North America including via supply deals with synthetic graphite anode materials producer Novonix and Canadian natural graphite manufacturer Nouveau Monde Graphite. But Allan Swan, Panasonic Energy's North American president, told Reuters that with Trump due to take power the company is accelerating plans to eliminate all Chinese content from its U.S.-made batteries. Swan said Chinese materials currently make up a small portion of its supply chain, but the aim is "not to have the supply chain dedicated from China." "That's the No.1 objective," he added.

Trump's tariff threat spurs auto suppliers to rethink production plans

Donald Trump is scheduled to face sentencing in a New York courtroom regarding the hush money case. The legal proceedings come after a lengthy investigation, with Trump’s involvement in the scandal drawing significant attention and controversy.

Donald Trump set to face sentencing in New York hush money case

Greenland is important for the United States' national security, U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz said on Wednesday, following comments by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggesting the U.S. should take control of the island.
During an interview with Fox News, Waltz, who was tapped to serve as Trump's national security adviser, was asked about Trump wanting U.S. control over the Arctic island.
"You have Russia that is trying to become king of the Arctic, with 60-plus ice breakers, some of them nuclear power," he said. "We have two, and one just caught on fire."
Waltz added, "This is about critical minerals. This is about natural resources. This is about, as the polar ice caps pullback, the Chinese are now cranking out ice breakers and pushing up there as well. So it's oil and gas. It's our national security."
Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, refused on Tuesday to rule out using military or economic action to acquire the island, an autonomous territory of Denmark. In his first term, Trump suggested that Denmark should sell Greenland, but the Danish government rebuffed that idea.
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede has also stated that the island is not for sale.
The Arctic island's government on Wednesday acknowledged the changing security dynamics in the Arctic and said it looks forward to working with incoming Trump administration and other NATO allies to ensure security and stability in the region.
Greenland, which is part of NATO through the membership of Denmark, straddles the shortest route between Europe and North America and is strategically important for the U.S. military and its ballistic missile early-warning system.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, refused on Tuesday to rule out using military or economic action to acquire the island, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Greenland is important for the United States' national security, U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz said on Wednesday, following comments by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggesting the U.S. should take control of the island. During an interview with Fox News, Waltz, who was tapped to serve as Trump's national security adviser, was asked about Trump wanting U.S. control over the Arctic island. "You have Russia that is trying to become king of the Arctic, with 60-plus ice breakers, some of them nuclear power," he said. "We have two, and one just caught on fire." Waltz added, "This is about critical minerals. This is about natural resources. This is about, as the polar ice caps pullback, the Chinese are now cranking out ice breakers and pushing up there as well. So it's oil and gas. It's our national security." Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, refused on Tuesday to rule out using military or economic action to acquire the island, an autonomous territory of Denmark. In his first term, Trump suggested that Denmark should sell Greenland, but the Danish government rebuffed that idea. Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede has also stated that the island is not for sale. The Arctic island's government on Wednesday acknowledged the changing security dynamics in the Arctic and said it looks forward to working with incoming Trump administration and other NATO allies to ensure security and stability in the region. Greenland, which is part of NATO through the membership of Denmark, straddles the shortest route between Europe and North America and is strategically important for the U.S. military and its ballistic missile early-warning system. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump's NSA pick Waltz says Greenland crucial for America's security

US President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday a meeting was being set up between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the Republican offered no timeline for talks between the two leaders.
<h2>Why it's important?</h2>
Trump's return to the White House on Jan. 20 has sparked hope of a diplomatic resolution to end Moscow's invasion of Ukraine that began in Feb. 2022, but it has also led to fears in Kyiv that a quick peace deal could come at a high price for Ukraine.
Advisers to Trump have floated proposals to end the war that would effectively cede large parts of the country to Russia for the foreseeable future.
<h2>Key quotes</h2>
"He wants to meet, and we are setting it up," Trump said in remarks before a meeting with Republican governors at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
"President Putin wants to meet. He has said that even publicly and we have to get that war over with. That's a bloody mess," Trump said about the Russia-Ukraine war.
<h2>Context</h2>
Since the Russian invasion began, the United States under Democratic President Joe Biden has committed over $175 billion in aid for Ukraine, including over $60 billion in security assistance.
However, it is uncertain if the aid will continue at that pace under Trump, who has said he wants to bring the war to a swift end.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Thursday that Putin would welcome Trump's desire for contact, but so far there have been no formal requests. It would be more appropriate to wait for Trump to take office first, Peskov said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said Trump could be decisive in the outcome of the 34-month-old war with Russia and help stop Putin.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Trump's return to the White House on Jan. 20 has sparked hope of a diplomatic resolution to end Moscow's invasion of Ukraine that began in Feb. 2022

US President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday a meeting was being set up between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the Republican offered no timeline for talks between the two leaders. Why it's important? Trump's return to the White House on Jan. 20 has sparked hope of a diplomatic resolution to end Moscow's invasion of Ukraine that began in Feb. 2022, but it has also led to fears in Kyiv that a quick peace deal could come at a high price for Ukraine. Advisers to Trump have floated proposals to end the war that would effectively cede large parts of the country to Russia for the foreseeable future. Key quotes "He wants to meet, and we are setting it up," Trump said in remarks before a meeting with Republican governors at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. "President Putin wants to meet. He has said that even publicly and we have to get that war over with. That's a bloody mess," Trump said about the Russia-Ukraine war. Context Since the Russian invasion began, the United States under Democratic President Joe Biden has committed over $175 billion in aid for Ukraine, including over $60 billion in security assistance. However, it is uncertain if the aid will continue at that pace under Trump, who has said he wants to bring the war to a swift end. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Thursday that Putin would welcome Trump's desire for contact, but so far there have been no formal requests. It would be more appropriate to wait for Trump to take office first, Peskov said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said Trump could be decisive in the outcome of the 34-month-old war with Russia and help stop Putin. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump says meeting with Putin in works but offers no timeline

Donald Trump has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, requesting to delay his sentencing in the New York hush money case. This legal maneuver comes amid ongoing legal battles, with Trump seeking to avoid immediate consequences while his appeal is considered.

Donald Trump appeals to Supreme Court to delay sentencing in New York hush money case

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has downplayed US President-elect Donald Trump&rsquo;s tariff threat to Canada, dubbing it as a mere &ldquo;distraction". Trump had earlier vowed to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada alleging Ottawa&rsquo;s lax immigration policy. Earlier this week, the GOP leader even suggested using &ldquo;economic force&rdquo; to acquire Canada.
In a conversation with US broadcaster CNN, Trudeau responded by labeling Trump as a &ldquo;skilful negotiator.&rdquo;
&ldquo;What I think is happening in this is President Trump, who is a very skilful negotiator, is getting people to be somewhat distracted by that conversation,&rdquo; Trudeau said.
&ldquo;Oil and gas and electricity and steel and aluminium and lumber and concrete and everything the American consumers buy from Canada [are] suddenly going to get a lot more expensive if he moves forward on these tariffs,&rdquo; the outgoing Canadian PM added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-about-we-buy-alaska-canadian-lawmaker-counters-trumps-51st-state-offer-8602615">How about we buy Alaska...?: Canadian lawmaker counters Trump's 51st state offer</a>
Earlier, Trudeau had rubbished Trump&rsquo;s Canada annexation idea, saying there was not &ldquo;a snowball&rsquo;s chance in hell&rdquo; that it would materialise.
He also reiterated that Ottawa would take countermeasures if Trump walks the tariff talk. However, the embattled leader added that he would avoid going down that path &ldquo;because it drives up prices for Canadians and it harms our closest trading partner.&rdquo;
<h2>Trudeau offers aid for Los Angeles wildfires</h2>
The Canadian PM also weighed in on raging wildfires in Los Angeles, saying he had been in touch with California Governor Gavin Newsom and had offered him aid to battle them.
Trudeau stressed that his country offered California state officials &ldquo;a tremendous amount of equipment that they&rsquo;re already accepting.&rdquo;
About 180,000 people have been evacuated across Los Angeles County where apocalyptic scenes have emerged over the past few days.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-half-brother-says-canadian-pm-wasnt-one-calling-plays-while-in-power-8601963">He was handed script to read...: Trudeau's half brother says Canadian PM wasn't 'one calling plays' while in power</a>
&ldquo;Unfortunately, over the past years, we&rsquo;ve seen it get far worse, and we&rsquo;ve seen wildfires increasingly encroaching on urban areas, and that&rsquo;s a &hellip; fire where we have to train up more local municipal firefighters to deal with wildfires in a way that we never had before,&rdquo; the Canadian PM said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Earlier, the Canadian PM had rubbished Trump’s Canada annexation idea, saying there was not “a snowball’s chance in hell” that it would materialise.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has downplayed US President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threat to Canada, dubbing it as a mere “distraction". Trump had earlier vowed to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada alleging Ottawa’s lax immigration policy. Earlier this week, the GOP leader even suggested using “economic force” to acquire Canada. In a conversation with US broadcaster CNN, Trudeau responded by labeling Trump as a “skilful negotiator.” “What I think is happening in this is President Trump, who is a very skilful negotiator, is getting people to be somewhat distracted by that conversation,” Trudeau said. “Oil and gas and electricity and steel and aluminium and lumber and concrete and everything the American consumers buy from Canada [are] suddenly going to get a lot more expensive if he moves forward on these tariffs,” the outgoing Canadian PM added. Also read: How about we buy Alaska...?: Canadian lawmaker counters Trump's 51st state offer Earlier, Trudeau had rubbished Trump’s Canada annexation idea, saying there was not “a snowball’s chance in hell” that it would materialise. He also reiterated that Ottawa would take countermeasures if Trump walks the tariff talk. However, the embattled leader added that he would avoid going down that path “because it drives up prices for Canadians and it harms our closest trading partner.” Trudeau offers aid for Los Angeles wildfires The Canadian PM also weighed in on raging wildfires in Los Angeles, saying he had been in touch with California Governor Gavin Newsom and had offered him aid to battle them. Trudeau stressed that his country offered California state officials “a tremendous amount of equipment that they’re already accepting.” About 180,000 people have been evacuated across Los Angeles County where apocalyptic scenes have emerged over the past few days. Also read: He was handed script to read...: Trudeau's half brother says Canadian PM wasn't 'one calling plays' while in power “Unfortunately, over the past years, we’ve seen it get far worse, and we’ve seen wildfires increasingly encroaching on urban areas, and that’s a … fire where we have to train up more local municipal firefighters to deal with wildfires in a way that we never had before,” the Canadian PM said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trudeau downplays Trump’s tariff threat to Canada as mere ‘distraction’

The US Supreme Court on Thursday (Jan 9) rejected President-elect Donald Trump's emergency request to delay his sentencing in the hush money case involving porn star Stormy Daniels.&nbsp;
The narrow 5-4 ruling means that Trump's sentencing would continue as scheduled &mdash; 9:30 am (1430 GMT) &mdash; on Friday in Manhattan.
<h2>What the court said</h2>
Donald Trump, convicted in May 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to hush money payments to the adult film actress Stormy Daniels, sought to halt the sentencing, claiming it would disrupt presidential duties and harm the office's integrity.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mel-j-horne-man-arrested-for-trying-to-smuggle-machete-knives-into-us-capitol-ahead-of-trumps-visit-for-jimmy-carter-state-funeral-8603446" aria-label="Man arrested for trying to smuggle machete, knives into US Capitol ahead of Trump visit">Man arrested for trying to smuggle machete, knives into US Capitol ahead of Trump visit</a>
However, the top court in a brief unsigned order stated that the &ldquo;burden that sentencing will impose on the President-Elect's responsibilities is relatively insubstantial&rdquo;.&nbsp;
It also noted that the Republican leader will be allowed to attend the sentencing hearing virtually. The court also pointed out that the judge who presided over the hush money case has already announced plans to impose a sentence of &ldquo;unconditional discharge,&rdquo; which does not carry any jail time, fine, or probation.
However, the US Supreme Court said that Trump can appeal his conviction through the New York State courts.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-reposts-video-israeli-pm-netanyahu-of-shaping-us-foreign-policy-8604931" aria-label="Trump reposts video calling Netanyahu 'deep, dark son of a b***h'">Trump reposts video calling Netanyahu 'deep, dark son of a b***h'</a>
As per AFP, the four justices in favour of granting Trump's request to halt his sentencing are Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh &mdash; all conservatives.
Meanwhile, the three liberal judges &mdash; Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan &mdash; were joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, both conservatives, in rejecting his delay bid.
Of these, Barrett, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh were appointed by Trump himself.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-think-yes-but-biden-says-he-could-have-beaten-trump-8603119" aria-label="&lsquo;I think yes but...,&rsquo; Biden says he could have beaten Trump">&lsquo;I think yes but...,&rsquo; Biden says he could have beaten Trump</a>
<h2>Presidential immunity</h2>
Trump's legal team argues that presidential immunity should extend to a president-elect. They argue that the sentencing would be a &ldquo;grave injustice&rdquo; and harm &ldquo;the institution of the presidency and the operations of the federal government.&rdquo;
However, on Thursday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg countered that Trump was a private citizen when he was &ldquo;charged, tried, and convicted&rdquo;. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-judge-temporarily-blocks-special-counsel-jack-smiths-confidential-report-on-donald-trump-cases-mar-a-lago-classified-documents-case-8600091" aria-label="US Federal Judge temporarily blocks special counsel Jack Smith's report on Trump cases">US Federal Judge temporarily blocks special counsel Jack Smith's report on Trump cases</a>
Bragg also said that the American top court &ldquo;lacks jurisdiction over a state court's management of an ongoing criminal trial&rdquo; and that preventing sentencing would be an &ldquo;extraordinary step&rdquo; by the top court.
At 78, Trump is poised to become the first convicted felon to assume the presidency when inaugurated on January 20.
Despite facing a possible four-year prison term, legal experts have long doubted he would face incarceration, even before securing his 2024 election victory.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trendiing: Find out how the US Supreme Court rejected Donald Trump's emergency bid to delay sentencing in his hush-money case, setting the stage for a pivotal Friday court decision.

The US Supreme Court on Thursday (Jan 9) rejected President-elect Donald Trump's emergency request to delay his sentencing in the hush money case involving porn star Stormy Daniels. The narrow 5-4 ruling means that Trump's sentencing would continue as scheduled — 9:30 am (1430 GMT) — on Friday in Manhattan. What the court said Donald Trump, convicted in May 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to hush money payments to the adult film actress Stormy Daniels, sought to halt the sentencing, claiming it would disrupt presidential duties and harm the office's integrity. Also read | Man arrested for trying to smuggle machete, knives into US Capitol ahead of Trump visit However, the top court in a brief unsigned order stated that the “burden that sentencing will impose on the President-Elect's responsibilities is relatively insubstantial”. It also noted that the Republican leader will be allowed to attend the sentencing hearing virtually. The court also pointed out that the judge who presided over the hush money case has already announced plans to impose a sentence of “unconditional discharge,” which does not carry any jail time, fine, or probation. However, the US Supreme Court said that Trump can appeal his conviction through the New York State courts. Also read | Trump reposts video calling Netanyahu 'deep, dark son of a b***h' As per AFP, the four justices in favour of granting Trump's request to halt his sentencing are Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh — all conservatives. Meanwhile, the three liberal judges — Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan — were joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, both conservatives, in rejecting his delay bid. Of these, Barrett, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh were appointed by Trump himself. Also read | ‘I think yes but...,’ Biden says he could have beaten Trump Presidential immunity Trump's legal team argues that presidential immunity should extend to a president-elect. They argue that the sentencing would be a “grave injustice” and harm “the institution of the presidency and the operations of the federal government.” However, on Thursday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg countered that Trump was a private citizen when he was “charged, tried, and convicted”. Also read | US Federal Judge temporarily blocks special counsel Jack Smith's report on Trump cases Bragg also said that the American top court “lacks jurisdiction over a state court's management of an ongoing criminal trial” and that preventing sentencing would be an “extraordinary step” by the top court. At 78, Trump is poised to become the first convicted felon to assume the presidency when inaugurated on January 20. Despite facing a possible four-year prison term, legal experts have long doubted he would face incarceration, even before securing his 2024 election victory. (With inputs from agencies)

US Supreme Court rejects Trump's bid to delay sentencing in hush money case; sentencing set for Friday

Google has contributed $1 million to the inauguration fund for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jimmy-carter-funeral-all-living-us-presidents-joe-biden-donald-trump-barack-obama-justin-trudeau-unite-to-bid-farewell-8605873">President-elect Donald Trump</a>, as reported by POLITICO. This move makes the tech giant one of several major technology firms extending support to the incoming administration.
"Google is pleased to support the 2025 inauguration, with a livestream on YouTube and a direct link on our homepage. We&rsquo;re also donating to the inaugural committee,&rdquo; said Karan Bhatia, Google&rsquo;s global head of government affairs and public policy, in a statement. The donation was made on Monday.
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Other prominent figures and companies in the tech industry have also backed the inauguration fund. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Meta both pledged $1 million late last year, while Amazon and Apple&rsquo;s CEO, Tim Cook have also contributed to the fund.
<h2>What is the inauguration fund?</h2>
In the United States, after a presidential election, the elected candidate forms an inaugural committee to plan and fund events such as opening ceremonies, galas, and the parade. Unlike campaign donations, contributions to an inaugural committee have no financial limits, whether made by individuals, corporations, or labour organisations.
Google has supported previous inaugurations as well. Google donated $285,000 to Trump&rsquo;s first inauguration and $337,500 to Joe Biden&rsquo;s, including $52,500 for "security" services and $2,500 for "computer supplies."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reignites-nato-spending-debate-germany-czech-react-8606068">'That's a lot of money': NATO faces pressure as Trump reignites spending debate; Germany, Czech react</a>
Trump has been a vocal critic of major tech companies, including Google. Last month, he posted on Truth Social, &ldquo;Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech!&rdquo;
During Trump&rsquo;s first term, the Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google in 2020. After leaving office, Trump sued the company in 2021, alleging that his suspensions from platforms such as YouTube amounted to &ldquo;blacklisting, banishing, and cancelling.&rdquo; On Truth Social last year, Trump said that, if re-elected, he would pursue "maximum levels" of criminal prosecution against Google, accusing it of only promoting negative news about him.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-wildfire-authorities-unsure-about-death-toll-as-180000-people-face-evacuation-amid-apocalyptic-fire-8606060">LA Wildfire: Authorities unsure about death toll as 180,000 people face evacuation amid 'apocalyptic' fire</a>
Google CEO Sundar Pichai and former Alphabet President Sergey Brin met with Trump after his election victory. Pichai also congratulated Trump on his "decisive victory" in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Google has supported previous inaugurations as well. Google donated $285,000 to Trump’s first inauguration and $337,500 to Joe Biden’s, including $52,500 for "security" services and $2,500 for "computer supplies."

Google has contributed $1 million to the inauguration fund for President-elect Donald Trump, as reported by POLITICO. This move makes the tech giant one of several major technology firms extending support to the incoming administration. "Google is pleased to support the 2025 inauguration, with a livestream on YouTube and a direct link on our homepage. We’re also donating to the inaugural committee,” said Karan Bhatia, Google’s global head of government affairs and public policy, in a statement. The donation was made on Monday. Also read: We have a perfect storm...: Indian-origin Canadian lawmaker Chandra Arya joins PM race Other prominent figures and companies in the tech industry have also backed the inauguration fund. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Meta both pledged $1 million late last year, while Amazon and Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook have also contributed to the fund. What is the inauguration fund? In the United States, after a presidential election, the elected candidate forms an inaugural committee to plan and fund events such as opening ceremonies, galas, and the parade. Unlike campaign donations, contributions to an inaugural committee have no financial limits, whether made by individuals, corporations, or labour organisations. Google has supported previous inaugurations as well. Google donated $285,000 to Trump’s first inauguration and $337,500 to Joe Biden’s, including $52,500 for "security" services and $2,500 for "computer supplies." Also read: 'That's a lot of money': NATO faces pressure as Trump reignites spending debate; Germany, Czech react Trump has been a vocal critic of major tech companies, including Google. Last month, he posted on Truth Social, “Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech!” During Trump’s first term, the Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google in 2020. After leaving office, Trump sued the company in 2021, alleging that his suspensions from platforms such as YouTube amounted to “blacklisting, banishing, and cancelling.” On Truth Social last year, Trump said that, if re-elected, he would pursue "maximum levels" of criminal prosecution against Google, accusing it of only promoting negative news about him. Also read: LA Wildfire: Authorities unsure about death toll as 180,000 people face evacuation amid 'apocalyptic' fire Google CEO Sundar Pichai and former Alphabet President Sergey Brin met with Trump after his election victory. Pichai also congratulated Trump on his "decisive victory" in a post on X (formerly Twitter). (With inputs from agencies)

Big Tech bets big on Trump: Google donates $1mn to US President-elect’s inauguration fund

Incoming US President Donald Trump has called on NATO countries to drastically increase their defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, more than double the alliance's current 2 per cent target. However, this demand has been met with criticism from several European leaders, who argue it is neither practical nor achievable.
"They can all afford it, but they should be at five per cent, not two per cent," Trump said on Tuesday (Jan 9). 
"Europe is in for a tiny fraction of the money that we're in. We have a thing called the ocean in between us, right? Why are we in for billions and billions of dollars more money than Europe?" he added.
<h2>German Chancellor rejects five per cent target</h2>
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced strong opposition to Trump's proposal. Scholz said, "That's a lot of money," adding that NATO already has a clear procedure for setting defence spending targets. Currently, members are expected to spend 2% of their GDP on defence.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jimmy-carters-state-funeral-all-living-us-presidents-gather-biden-delivers-heartfelt-eulogy-8605979">Jimmy Carter&nbsp;state&nbsp;funeral: Biden, former presidents unite to pay tribute to 'a great American,&nbsp;dear&nbsp;friend'</a>
Instead, Scholz advocated for sticking to the existing NATO agreements. "I think it's better to concentrate on the path that NATO has long agreed on," he said. However, he added that "Germany must do more for security" and pointed out that Berlin had nearly doubled its defence budget in recent years.
<h2>Czech PM suggests 3 per cent as a realistic target</h2>
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala offered a more moderate response, suggesting that aiming for 3 per cent of GDP on defence spending was "realistic."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jimmy-carter-funeral-all-living-us-presidents-joe-biden-donald-trump-barack-obama-justin-trudeau-unite-to-bid-farewell-8605873">In pics | World leaders, all living US presidents unite to bid farewell to former president Jimmy Carter</a>
"It is realistic to talk about three per cent in several years," Fiala told reporters on Wednesday, adding that the increase would need to happen gradually. He welcomed a discussion on the appropriate level of defence spending, saying, "Let&rsquo;s look for the correct level... we are open to a debate."
<h2>Long-standing debate over NATO spending</h2>
Trump&rsquo;s scepticism of NATO is well known. During his first term, he repeatedly criticised member states for failing to meet their defence commitments, accusing them of relying on the US to shoulder the financial burden.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-doubts-donald-trump-can-resolve-ukraine-russia-war-calls-greenland-canada-plans-wild-speculations-8605233">Russia doubts Trump can resolve Ukraine war swiftly; calls Greenland and Canada plans &lsquo;wild speculations&rsquo;</a>
Last month, he reiterated a familiar threat to withdraw the US from the alliance if members did not increase spending. On the 2024 campaign trail, Trump referred to the current 2% target as "the steal of the century."
<h2>Where does current NATO spending stands?</h2>
In 2023, the alliance adopted 2% of GDP as a baseline requirement, moving away from its previous status as a goal. By the end of last year, 23 of NATO's 32 member nations were on track to meet this threshold.
Poland led the alliance with defence spending at 4.12% of GDP, while the United States spent 3.38%. The United Kingdom allocated 2.3%, and France and Germany barely crossed the 2% mark.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-denies-4-indian-origin-men-behind-hardeep-singh-nijjars-killing-were-granted-bail-8605924">Canada denies four Indian-origin men accused of killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar were granted bail</a>
Spain lagged behind at just 1.28%, along with other underperforming members like Italy, Canada, and Belgium.
The US contributes the majority of NATO's defence spending, accounting for over 60% of the alliance's total spending.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "Europe is in for a tiny fraction of the money that we're in. We have a thing called the ocean in between us, right? Why are we in for billions and billions of dollars more money than Europe?" US President-elect Trump said.

Incoming US President Donald Trump has called on NATO countries to drastically increase their defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, more than double the alliance's current 2 per cent target. However, this demand has been met with criticism from several European leaders, who argue it is neither practical nor achievable. "They can all afford it, but they should be at five per cent, not two per cent," Trump said on Tuesday (Jan 9). "Europe is in for a tiny fraction of the money that we're in. We have a thing called the ocean in between us, right? Why are we in for billions and billions of dollars more money than Europe?" he added. German Chancellor rejects five per cent target German Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced strong opposition to Trump's proposal. Scholz said, "That's a lot of money," adding that NATO already has a clear procedure for setting defence spending targets. Currently, members are expected to spend 2% of their GDP on defence. Also read: Jimmy Carter state funeral: Biden, former presidents unite to pay tribute to 'a great American, dear friend' Instead, Scholz advocated for sticking to the existing NATO agreements. "I think it's better to concentrate on the path that NATO has long agreed on," he said. However, he added that "Germany must do more for security" and pointed out that Berlin had nearly doubled its defence budget in recent years. Czech PM suggests 3 per cent as a realistic target Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala offered a more moderate response, suggesting that aiming for 3 per cent of GDP on defence spending was "realistic." Also read: In pics | World leaders, all living US presidents unite to bid farewell to former president Jimmy Carter "It is realistic to talk about three per cent in several years," Fiala told reporters on Wednesday, adding that the increase would need to happen gradually. He welcomed a discussion on the appropriate level of defence spending, saying, "Let’s look for the correct level... we are open to a debate." Long-standing debate over NATO spending Trump’s scepticism of NATO is well known. During his first term, he repeatedly criticised member states for failing to meet their defence commitments, accusing them of relying on the US to shoulder the financial burden. Also read: Russia doubts Trump can resolve Ukraine war swiftly; calls Greenland and Canada plans ‘wild speculations’ Last month, he reiterated a familiar threat to withdraw the US from the alliance if members did not increase spending. On the 2024 campaign trail, Trump referred to the current 2% target as "the steal of the century." Where does current NATO spending stands? In 2023, the alliance adopted 2% of GDP as a baseline requirement, moving away from its previous status as a goal. By the end of last year, 23 of NATO's 32 member nations were on track to meet this threshold. Poland led the alliance with defence spending at 4.12% of GDP, while the United States spent 3.38%. The United Kingdom allocated 2.3%, and France and Germany barely crossed the 2% mark. Also read: Canada denies four Indian-origin men accused of killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar were granted bail Spain lagged behind at just 1.28%, along with other underperforming members like Italy, Canada, and Belgium. The US contributes the majority of NATO's defence spending, accounting for over 60% of the alliance's total spending. (With inputs from agencies)

'That's a lot of money': NATO faces pressure as Trump reignites spending debate; Germany, Czech react

US President-elect Donald Trump recently reposted a video in which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was referred to as a "deep, dark son of a bitch." This comes only weeks after Netanyahu described a phone conversation with Trump as &ldquo;very friendly, warm, and important,&rdquo; discussing hostage negotiations and Syria.
The video, posted on Trump&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-donald-trump-interested-in-acquiring-ownership-of-greenland-8602066">Truth Social</a> platform on Wednesday (January 8), features economist Jeffrey Sachs speaking to Tucker Carlson. In the clip, Sachs accuses Netanyahu of shaping US foreign policy to serve Israel's interests, claiming he has pushed for "endless wars" in the Middle East.<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113789043423746072/embed" class="truthsocial-embed truthsocial-video" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

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Sachs alleges that since 1995, Netanyahu has followed a strategy to weaken Hamas and Hezbollah by undermining their backers in countries like Iraq, Iran, and Syria. &ldquo;[Netanyahu&rsquo;s] gotten us into endless wars and because of the power of all of this in US politics, he&rsquo;s gotten his way,&rdquo; Sachs said during the interview.
It remains unclear why Trump chose to share the video. The timing coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the current US administration to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in the region.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-president-mocks-trumps-gulf-of-america-proposal-suggests-mexican-america-instead-8603211">Mexico President mocks Trump&rsquo;s 'Gulf of America' proposal, suggests 'Mexican America' instead</a>
Last month, Netanyahu had spoken positively about his discussion with Trump, saying, &ldquo;It was a very friendly, very warm and very important conversation. We spoke about the need to complete Israel&rsquo;s victory, and we also spoke at length about the efforts we are making to free our hostages,&rdquo; as reported by CNN.
On Tuesday, 7 January, Trump issued a warning to Hamas, stating that if the group fails to release hostages by the time he takes office on 20 January, &ldquo;all hell will break out.&rdquo; 
Speaking at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, he said, &ldquo;If those hostages aren&rsquo;t back, I don&rsquo;t want to hurt your negotiation, but if they&rsquo;re not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East.&rdquo;
<h2>Trump-Netanyahu ties</h2>
During his first term as president, Trump made noteworthy diplomatic moves in support of Netanyahu, such as recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019 and backing the Abraham Accords with Gulf nations. In 2022, Trump hosted Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago during the Israeli leader&rsquo;s US visit.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-all-hell-will-break-out-if-hamas-doesnt-release-hostages-before-jan-20-8600392">Trump warns 'all hell will break out' if Hamas doesn't release hostages before Jan 20</a>
However, relations between the two leaders soured when Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on winning the 2020 election. Trump publicly criticised Netanyahu, saying, &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t spoken to [the Israeli leader] since. Fuck him.&rdquo;
Following Trump&rsquo;s victory in the 2024 presidential election, Netanyahu appeared to extend an olive branch, congratulating him on X (formerly Twitter). Netanyahu wrote, &ldquo;Congratulations on history's greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The video, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Wednesday, features economist Jeffrey Sachs accusing Netanyahu of shaping US foreign policy to serve Israel's interests.

US President-elect Donald Trump recently reposted a video in which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was referred to as a "deep, dark son of a bitch." This comes only weeks after Netanyahu described a phone conversation with Trump as “very friendly, warm, and important,” discussing hostage negotiations and Syria. The video, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Wednesday (January 8), features economist Jeffrey Sachs speaking to Tucker Carlson. In the clip, Sachs accuses Netanyahu of shaping US foreign policy to serve Israel's interests, claiming he has pushed for "endless wars" in the Middle East. Also read: 'Girl, you’re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch Sachs alleges that since 1995, Netanyahu has followed a strategy to weaken Hamas and Hezbollah by undermining their backers in countries like Iraq, Iran, and Syria. “[Netanyahu’s] gotten us into endless wars and because of the power of all of this in US politics, he’s gotten his way,” Sachs said during the interview. It remains unclear why Trump chose to share the video. The timing coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the current US administration to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in the region. Also read: Mexico President mocks Trump’s 'Gulf of America' proposal, suggests 'Mexican America' instead Last month, Netanyahu had spoken positively about his discussion with Trump, saying, “It was a very friendly, very warm and very important conversation. We spoke about the need to complete Israel’s victory, and we also spoke at length about the efforts we are making to free our hostages,” as reported by CNN. On Tuesday, 7 January, Trump issued a warning to Hamas, stating that if the group fails to release hostages by the time he takes office on 20 January, “all hell will break out.” Speaking at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, he said, “If those hostages aren’t back, I don’t want to hurt your negotiation, but if they’re not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East.” Trump-Netanyahu ties During his first term as president, Trump made noteworthy diplomatic moves in support of Netanyahu, such as recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019 and backing the Abraham Accords with Gulf nations. In 2022, Trump hosted Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago during the Israeli leader’s US visit. Also read: Trump warns 'all hell will break out' if Hamas doesn't release hostages before Jan 20 However, relations between the two leaders soured when Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on winning the 2020 election. Trump publicly criticised Netanyahu, saying, “I haven’t spoken to [the Israeli leader] since. Fuck him.” Following Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, Netanyahu appeared to extend an olive branch, congratulating him on X (formerly Twitter). Netanyahu wrote, “Congratulations on history's greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!” (With inputs from agencies)

Trump reposts video calling Netanyahu 'deep, dark son of a b***h'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that former President Donald Trump's proposal to purchase Greenland was not a viable or wise idea, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships in the region.

Donald Trump's Greenland push not a good idea: US State Secretary Blinken

On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump announced a $20 billion foreign investment to build new data centers across the U.S.
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Tonight on Gravitas, we do a deep into Donald Trump's daring proposal to expand U.S. territory to include Canada, and Greenland. What drives Trump’s desire to make Canada the 51st state and "Make Greenland Great Again"? Why is he pushing for an open border with Canada? How are Canada and Greenland responding to these expansion plans? What are the potential benefits for Trump and the U.S.?

America becomes Trumperica: Grab for Canada, Greenland is battle for wealth not wasteland

Donald Trump pushed NATO members to boost their defence spending to five percent of GDP, underlining his long-standing claims that they are underpaying for US protection. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump to NATO allies: Spend 5% of GDP on defence

US President-elect Donald Trump has refused to rule out the use of military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland. He declared that US control over both territories would be crucial to American national security.

Donald Trump calls Greenland & Panama Canal critical to US

Donald Trump on Tuesday pushed NATO members to boost their defence spending to five percent of GDP, underlining his long-standing claims that they are underpaying for US protection. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump calls for defence spending for NATO allies to go up to 5%

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