US President-elect Donald Trump has put all of his shares of the Trump Media &amp; Technology Group (Parent company of Truth Social) into a trust that is controlled by his eldest son, according to a regulatory filing on&nbsp;Thursday (Dec 19). The Republican had transferred around 115 million shares to the trust, the Securities and Exchange Commission said.&nbsp;

He did not sell the shares nor receive any financial consideration for the transfer of shares and the shares were described as a gift to the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust. Trump is the largest shareholder of the Trump Media &amp; Technology Group (53 per cent).&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Houthis Target Tel Aviv With Ballistic Missile 'Type Palestine 2'

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A regulatory filing said the trust is controlled by Donald Trump Jr, who serves as the sole trustee of the trust. He is on the Trump Media board of directors and “has sole voting and investment power over all securities owned". The filing said Trump now “indirectly” owns the shares and is the trust's beneficiary.&nbsp;

The motive behind the transfer of the shares is unclear as Trump has revealed during the presidential election campaigns that he had no plans to sell any of his shares.&nbsp;

In 2017, when Trump took office, he transferred some of his assets and business holdings to the same trust. At that time, some of the experts criticised Trump's move as the trust was apparently created for Trump's benefit.&nbsp;

<h2>What Experts Say?</h2>

Dennis Kelleher, chief executive of Better Markets, a nonprofit that pushes for more transparency on Wall Street, told the New York Times that Trump's move would do little to address potential conflict of interest as the trust was controlled by Trump Jr.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gisele-pelicot-her-scarf-some-days-a-shield-other-days-a-hug-785795">Gisèle Pelicot &amp; her scarf: some days a shield, other days a hug</a>

“This is not a blind trust with an independent trustee, where people can have confidence that the conflicts of interest are removed,” he told NYT.&nbsp;

William LaPiana, dean of faculty at New York Law School and an expert on trusts and estates told NYT, "The person who created it (revocable trust) can end it at any time. What you do is you tell the trustee: ‘I want all the property back'".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

US President-elect Donald Trump has put all of his shares of the Trump Media & Technology Group (Parent company of Truth Social) into a trust that is controlled by his eldest son, according to a regulatory filing on Thursday (Dec 19).

US President-elect Donald Trump has put all of his shares of the Trump Media & Technology Group (Parent company of Truth Social) into a trust that is controlled by his eldest son, according to a regulatory filing on Thursday (Dec 19). The Republican had transferred around 115 million shares to the trust, the Securities and Exchange Commission said. He did not sell the shares nor receive any financial consideration for the transfer of shares and the shares were described as a gift to the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust. Trump is the largest shareholder of the Trump Media & Technology Group (53 per cent). Watch | Houthis Target Tel Aviv With Ballistic Missile 'Type Palestine 2' A regulatory filing said the trust is controlled by Donald Trump Jr, who serves as the sole trustee of the trust. He is on the Trump Media board of directors and “has sole voting and investment power over all securities owned". The filing said Trump now “indirectly” owns the shares and is the trust's beneficiary. The motive behind the transfer of the shares is unclear as Trump has revealed during the presidential election campaigns that he had no plans to sell any of his shares. In 2017, when Trump took office, he transferred some of his assets and business holdings to the same trust. At that time, some of the experts criticised Trump's move as the trust was apparently created for Trump's benefit. What Experts Say? Dennis Kelleher, chief executive of Better Markets, a nonprofit that pushes for more transparency on Wall Street, told the New York Times that Trump's move would do little to address potential conflict of interest as the trust was controlled by Trump Jr. Also read | Gisèle Pelicot & her scarf: some days a shield, other days a hug “This is not a blind trust with an independent trustee, where people can have confidence that the conflicts of interest are removed,” he told NYT. William LaPiana, dean of faculty at New York Law School and an expert on trusts and estates told NYT, "The person who created it (revocable trust) can end it at any time. What you do is you tell the trustee: ‘I want all the property back'". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump transfers $4 billion in shares of Truth Social parent company to son's trust

The year 2024 has been nothing short of eventful. From wars and disasters&nbsp;to amazing stories of resilience, this year had everything.&nbsp;

Here are five people who left their marks on history in 2024:&nbsp;

<h2>Gisèle Pelicot: "It's not us who should feel shame, but them"</h2>

<img alt="Gisele Pelicot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5c7a193-d968-44b0-9d4e-c3d9ec5acccf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T135410.812.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

In 2024, Gisèle Pelicot became a hero and feminist icon for women everywhere. The 72-year-old French woman was at the centre of a mass rape trial in France. The horrific case had Gisele's ex-husband Dominique Pelicot as the perpetrator.

Waiving off her default right to anonymity, Gisele asked for the trial to be open to the public to raise awareness of sexual violence against women and drug-induced rape.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mass-rape-youll-die-alone-like-a-dog-daughter-caroline-tells-convicted-rapist-dominique-pelicot-785505">France mass rape: 'You’ll die alone like a dog,' daughter Caroline tells convicted rapist Dominique Pélicot</a>

For almost a decade starting in 2011, Dominique drugged his wife and recruited dozens of men online to have sex with her while unconscious.

On December 19, 2024, Dominique was handed the maximum term of 20 years in jail. Alongside him, 50 other men accused of raping Gisele were also convicted and handed terms of between three and 15 years.

<h2>Donald Trump: "Fight, fight, fight"</h2>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6793d99f-a228-4f21-acf7-db509e8b0d38" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T135400.543.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

2024 was the year Donald Trump made his comeback. The former president, on July 13, survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Escaping the attack relatively unscathed, he became the subject of an iconic image.

The photo from the incident shows Trump with blood streaking across his face as he pumped his fist in the air, appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!".&nbsp;

Come November, Trump created history by becoming the only convicted felon to be elected president of the United States. He also became the second President in US history to win non-consecutive terms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-trump-does-not-have-presidential-immunity-in-hush-money-case-rules-judge-784503">Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity in hush money case, rules judge</a>

<h2>Alexei Navalny</h2>

<img alt="Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bce767e-f906-49b7-9b10-4403475e8878" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T140720.698.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

A vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, 47-year-old Alexei Navalny died on February 16, 2024 in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. He had been serving sentences totalling more than 30 years on charges he said were rigged to silence his criticism of the Russian president.

Opposition leader Navalny, known as Putin's most vocal critic as per Russia's federal penitentiary service, "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness."

They added that while medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called, resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."

However, his wife Yulia Navalnaya insists that Navalny was murdered.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjD24Dhu7iKAxU3SGwGHWXwAnUQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WB1kNq_RZTnFZVZWGa3Lt&amp;fexp=72801196,72801194,72801195" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970" target="_blank">'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death</a>

<h2>Yulia Navalnaya</h2>

<img alt="Navalnaya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="043663a7-69b9-4eda-93ae-5edc65222530" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T140729.116.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

Following her husband Alexei Navalny's death, Yulia Navalnaya emerged as a strong Kremlin critic. Now blacklisted as a "terrorist and extremist" in Russia, 48-year-old Navalnaya, a trained economist, has vowed to continue her late husband's work.

"My political opponent is Vladimir Putin...I will do everything to make his regime fall as soon as possible," she said in October.&nbsp;

She has vowed to stand for the Russian president once Putin is gone and has even lobbied against him internationally.

<h2>Taylor Swift</h2>

<img alt="Swift" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ec791b8-fda4-4905-ad0c-4c585c72b582" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-21T140815.982.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

2024 was Taylor Swift's year. The popular American singer-songwriter made her mark this year with her record-breaking Eras Tour.

The music tour grossed over $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time—this is almost double the gross ticket sales of any other concert tour in history.

Swift also re-released her 1989 album, solidifying herself as a music industry powerhouse.&nbsp;

The year 2024 has been nothing short of eventful. From wars and disasters to amazing stories of resilience, this year had everything. Here are five people who left their marks on history in 2024: Gisèle Pelicot: "It's not us who should feel shame, but them" (Image courtesy: AFP) In 2024, Gisèle Pelicot became a hero and feminist icon for women everywhere.

The year 2024 has been nothing short of eventful. From wars and disasters to amazing stories of resilience, this year had everything. Here are five people who left their marks on history in 2024: Gisèle Pelicot: "It's not us who should feel shame, but them" (Image courtesy: AFP) In 2024, Gisèle Pelicot became a hero and feminist icon for women everywhere. The 72-year-old French woman was at the centre of a mass rape trial in France. The horrific case had Gisele's ex-husband Dominique Pelicot as the perpetrator. Waiving off her default right to anonymity, Gisele asked for the trial to be open to the public to raise awareness of sexual violence against women and drug-induced rape. Also read | France mass rape: 'You’ll die alone like a dog,' daughter Caroline tells convicted rapist Dominique Pélicot For almost a decade starting in 2011, Dominique drugged his wife and recruited dozens of men online to have sex with her while unconscious. On December 19, 2024, Dominique was handed the maximum term of 20 years in jail. Alongside him, 50 other men accused of raping Gisele were also convicted and handed terms of between three and 15 years. Donald Trump: "Fight, fight, fight" (Image courtesy: AFP) 2024 was the year Donald Trump made his comeback. The former president, on July 13, survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Escaping the attack relatively unscathed, he became the subject of an iconic image. The photo from the incident shows Trump with blood streaking across his face as he pumped his fist in the air, appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!". Come November, Trump created history by becoming the only convicted felon to be elected president of the United States. He also became the second President in US history to win non-consecutive terms. Also read | Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity in hush money case, rules judge Alexei Navalny (Image courtesy: AFP) A vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, 47-year-old Alexei Navalny died on February 16, 2024 in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. He had been serving sentences totalling more than 30 years on charges he said were rigged to silence his criticism of the Russian president. Opposition leader Navalny, known as Putin's most vocal critic as per Russia's federal penitentiary service, "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called, resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." However, his wife Yulia Navalnaya insists that Navalny was murdered. Also read | 'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death Yulia Navalnaya (Image courtesy: AFP) Following her husband Alexei Navalny's death, Yulia Navalnaya emerged as a strong Kremlin critic. Now blacklisted as a "terrorist and extremist" in Russia, 48-year-old Navalnaya, a trained economist, has vowed to continue her late husband's work. "My political opponent is Vladimir Putin...I will do everything to make his regime fall as soon as possible," she said in October. She has vowed to stand for the Russian president once Putin is gone and has even lobbied against him internationally. Taylor Swift (Image courtesy: AFP) 2024 was Taylor Swift's year. The popular American singer-songwriter made her mark this year with her record-breaking Eras Tour. The music tour grossed over $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time—this is almost double the gross ticket sales of any other concert tour in history. Swift also re-released her 1989 album, solidifying herself as a music industry powerhouse.

From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024

A photograph of US President-elect Donald Trump sharing a kiss with his wife, Melania, at a baseball game has gone viral, prompting multiple reactions on social media.

A photograph of US President-elect Donald Trump sharing a kiss with his wife, Melania, at a baseball game has gone viral, prompting multiple reactions on social media. In the image, Trump, dressed in a suit, is seen leaning in to kiss Melania, who is wearing a black dress. Watch: 'This is his problem,' Trump says let the US govt shutdown happen under Biden admin In the picture, the couple is seen seated in the stadium, surrounded by spectators. Some are smiling at the affectionate display, while others appear focused on the game. The candid moment has garnered attention online, with users sharing various opinions. 🥰🥰🥰 pic.twitter.com/nOEUHyEyNI — FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) December 19, 2024 × Social media users reacted to the image, with many speculating about the state of the couple’s relationship, considering how Melina has largely stayed out of the spotlight during Trump's successful presidential campaign. “Now THAT is how to handle the kiss cam kiss,” one person commented. Another wrote, “32 days until these two are back in the White House!” Also read: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake Some reactions were more light-hearted, with one user calling them “adorable” and another saying, “Let the woman breathe.” This is not the first time the couple has gone viral. Earlier this year, during the Republican National Convention (RNC), Trump leaned in to kiss Melania after securing the Republican nomination. Her subtle avoidance of the kiss at the time led to a flood of memes and online reactions. (With inputs from agencies)

'THAT is how to handle the kiss cam kiss,' Donald and Melania Trump’s stadium kiss goes viral

The disproportionate influence of an unelected tech billionaire in steering the federal government toward a potential shutdown has raised concerns among Democrats, scholars, and watchdog organizations, highlighting issues of accountability and the implications of concentrated power. Watch to know more!

Who's The US President: Donald Trump Or Elon Musk? | GRAVITAS | WION

Washington, United States
<meta content="uuidK8U0axt3m8n9" name="uuid"/>
Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration.
“If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday (December 20).
<h2>House Republicans to make another attempt to pass bill to prevent government shutdown</h2>
Meanwhile, House Republicans are preparing to make another attempt to pass a bill to prevent a government shutdown past midnight, according to Politico. Republican congressman Ralph Norman, a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, told the publication that the party plans to push the bill through the rules committee, which would require only a simple majority in the House for approval.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-us-lawmakers-scramble-to-avert-govt-shutdown-heres-whats-at-stake-785644" target="_blank">US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake</a>
<h2>Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party targeted by Democrats</h2>
At the same time, questions are being raised about Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party. Musk’s criticism of a bipartisan spending bill led by House Speaker Mike Johnson appears to have had severe repercussions.
On Wednesday, Musk criticised the proposal calling it “the steal of your tax dollars.” Shortly after, Trump and Senator JD Vance echoed Musk’s criticisms, urging Republicans to reject the bill. They argued that the national debt is unsustainable and accused the proposal of being a concession to Democrats.
Watch | USA News: House Rejects Trump-backed Plan On U.S. Government Shutdown
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/2012_TRUMP_FULL_8PM_wion-1734711614-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2012_TRUMP_FULL_8PM_wion_.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=554&tags=trump,Harris,US election,joe biden,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
The Trump-backed "streamlined" spending plan, introduced as an alternative, was rejected by the House on Thursday evening.
Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, addressed these claims, telling Business Insider, “As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR (continuing resolution), Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop.”
Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on X, “Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like it.”
Former Obama adviser David Axelrod added, “So will President-elect Musk join the budget negotiations now?”
(With inputs from agencies)

“If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday (December 20).



Washington, United States Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration. “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday (December 20). House Republicans to make another attempt to pass bill to prevent government shutdown Meanwhile, House Republicans are preparing to make another attempt to pass a bill to prevent a government shutdown past midnight, according to Politico. Republican congressman Ralph Norman, a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, told the publication that the party plans to push the bill through the rules committee, which would require only a simple majority in the House for approval. Also read: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party targeted by Democrats At the same time, questions are being raised about Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party. Musk’s criticism of a bipartisan spending bill led by House Speaker Mike Johnson appears to have had severe repercussions. On Wednesday, Musk criticised the proposal calling it “the steal of your tax dollars.” Shortly after, Trump and Senator JD Vance echoed Musk’s criticisms, urging Republicans to reject the bill. They argued that the national debt is unsustainable and accused the proposal of being a concession to Democrats. Watch | USA News: House Rejects Trump-backed Plan On U.S. Government Shutdown The Trump-backed "streamlined" spending plan, introduced as an alternative, was rejected by the House on Thursday evening. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, addressed these claims, telling Business Insider, “As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR (continuing resolution), Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop.” Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on X, “Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like it.” Former Obama adviser David Axelrod added, “So will President-elect Musk join the budget negotiations now?” (With inputs from agencies)

'This is his problem,' Trump says let the US govt shutdown happen under Biden admin

New York, United States
The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown.
<h2>A look at recent history</h2>
The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts.
<h2>What's at stake?</h2>
A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including:
- Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies.
- Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed.
- Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay.
- Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets.
- Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>
<h2>What's next?</h2>
Lawmakers have several options:
- Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels. 
- Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies. 
- Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies.
- Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact.
- Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills. 
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<h2>The road ahead </h2>
The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs. 
As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. 



New York, United States The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown. A look at recent history The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts. What's at stake? A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including: - Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies. - Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed. - Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay. - Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets. - Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted. Also read: US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms What's next? Lawmakers have several options: - Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels. - Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies. - Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies. - Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact. - Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills. Watch | Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration The road ahead The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs. As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

Explained: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake

Los Angeles, United States
US immigration authorities removed over 270,000 people last financial year, figures showed Thursday (Dec 19), weeks before Donald Trump takes office threatening to deport millions of migrants.
The tally of removals is the final annual report under President Joe Biden and is higher than at any time in the last decade — including during Trump's first term as president.
The bulk of those forced to leave the United States had crossed the southern border illegally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in its report.
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Around a third of them had criminal convictions, or were facing criminal charges.
Covering 12 months to the end of September, the period largely coincided with the presidential campaign in which Trump made clamping down on migration a key feature.
He pledged to launch the largest deportation operation in US history when he takes office on January 20.
The promise — which focused heavily on the unsubstantiated claim that migrants commit more crimes than US citizens -- proved popular with voters.
Trump has offered few details on how the operation would be carried out, with analysis suggesting it would be costly and impractical with current staffing levels.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>
"Every year, our workforce faces tremendous challenges — but every year, they meet those challenges head-on," said ICE Deputy Director Patrick Lechleitner.
Illegal crossings surged after Biden took office, though declined sharply over the last year after his administration tightened rules on claiming asylum.
Estimates suggest between 11 and 15 million people live in the United States illegally.
Trump and his supporters insist the number is far higher.
Many of those in the country without authorization work and pay taxes, often performing difficult or dangerous jobs that citizens don't want to do.
Opponents of Trump's pledged crackdown say the economy could suffer if he tries to deport illegal migrants on the scale he has suggested and say it would create labour shortages in housing, agriculture and social care.
Economists say any such shortage would push prices up, and undermine one of Trump's key election promises to reduce inflation.
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.

The tally of removals is the final annual report under President Joe Biden and is higher than at any time in the last decade — including during Trump's first term as president



Los Angeles, United States US immigration authorities removed over 270,000 people last financial year, figures showed Thursday (Dec 19), weeks before Donald Trump takes office threatening to deport millions of migrants. The tally of removals is the final annual report under President Joe Biden and is higher than at any time in the last decade — including during Trump's first term as president. The bulk of those forced to leave the United States had crossed the southern border illegally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in its report. Also read | Zelensky voices support for Western troop deployment in Ukraine, says we need 'effective mechanisms' Around a third of them had criminal convictions, or were facing criminal charges. Covering 12 months to the end of September, the period largely coincided with the presidential campaign in which Trump made clamping down on migration a key feature. He pledged to launch the largest deportation operation in US history when he takes office on January 20. The promise — which focused heavily on the unsubstantiated claim that migrants commit more crimes than US citizens -- proved popular with voters. Trump has offered few details on how the operation would be carried out, with analysis suggesting it would be costly and impractical with current staffing levels. Also read | US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms "Every year, our workforce faces tremendous challenges — but every year, they meet those challenges head-on," said ICE Deputy Director Patrick Lechleitner. Illegal crossings surged after Biden took office, though declined sharply over the last year after his administration tightened rules on claiming asylum. Estimates suggest between 11 and 15 million people live in the United States illegally. Trump and his supporters insist the number is far higher. Many of those in the country without authorization work and pay taxes, often performing difficult or dangerous jobs that citizens don't want to do. Opponents of Trump's pledged crackdown say the economy could suffer if he tries to deport illegal migrants on the scale he has suggested and say it would create labour shortages in housing, agriculture and social care. Economists say any such shortage would push prices up, and undermine one of Trump's key election promises to reduce inflation. 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.

Deportations under Biden administration higher than Trump era; 270k sent away in last financial year

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out.

"If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said. "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;at a press conference commented that he should've launched a full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier.

"Knowing what's happening now, back in 2022, I would've thought the decision ought to have been taken earlier. We ought to have started getting ready for those developments and the special military operation before."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/create-more-passionate-content-putin-pitches-for-alternatives-to-porn-785435">‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn</a>

This comes as Kyiv's European allies as per reports are seriously considering the deployment of their troops in the event of a deal with Russia to stop Ukraine war happens.

<h2>EU leaders discuss potential deployment</h2>

Originally, when Macron said he can't rule out Western troop deployment, EU leaders had responded with a resounding "no". However, now they are willing to consider it.

As per a Washington Post report, European leaders on Wednesday (Dec 18) discussed the prospect of boots on the ground when NATO Chief Mark Rutte hosted European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-praises-jaishankars-brics-isnt-anti-western-stance-calls-modi-a-warm-ally-785405">Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’</a>

The idea is being floated as world leaders brace for US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Citing officials in the know, the Post reported that Trump is interested in the idea too, but it remains unclear if the incoming US administration will support such an arrangement.

Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general, in a statement said that "At the moment, it’s really about trying to think out loud what could be more acceptable for the Ukrainians".

According to Grand, a post-war troop deployment deal could also help make clear to Russia that "they shouldn’t restart the conflict, and to the Americans that the Europeans have skin in this game and that we mean it".

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out. "If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said. "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms." Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference commented that he should've launched a full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier. "Knowing what's happening now, back in 2022, I would've thought the decision ought to have been taken earlier. We ought to have started getting ready for those developments and the special military operation before." Also read | ‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn This comes as Kyiv's European allies as per reports are seriously considering the deployment of their troops in the event of a deal with Russia to stop Ukraine war happens. EU leaders discuss potential deployment Originally, when Macron said he can't rule out Western troop deployment, EU leaders had responded with a resounding "no". However, now they are willing to consider it. As per a Washington Post report, European leaders on Wednesday (Dec 18) discussed the prospect of boots on the ground when NATO Chief Mark Rutte hosted European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels. Also read | Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’ The idea is being floated as world leaders brace for US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Citing officials in the know, the Post reported that Trump is interested in the idea too, but it remains unclear if the incoming US administration will support such an arrangement. Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general, in a statement said that "At the moment, it’s really about trying to think out loud what could be more acceptable for the Ukrainians". According to Grand, a post-war troop deployment deal could also help make clear to Russia that "they shouldn’t restart the conflict, and to the Americans that the Europeans have skin in this game and that we mean it". (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky voices support for Western troop deployment in Ukraine, Putin says should've invaded earlier

Brussels, Belgium
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out.
"If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said. "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms." 
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference commented that he should've launched a full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier.
"Knowing what's happening now, back in 2022, I would've thought the decision ought to have been taken earlier. We ought to have started getting ready for those developments and the special military operation before."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/create-more-passionate-content-putin-pitches-for-alternatives-to-porn-785435">‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn</a>
This comes as Kyiv's European allies as per reports are seriously considering the deployment of their troops in the event of a deal with Russia to stop Ukraine war happens.
<h2>EU leaders discuss potential deployment</h2>
Originally, when Macron said he can't rule out Western troop deployment, EU leaders had responded with a resounding "no". However, now they are willing to consider it.
As per a Washington Post report, European leaders on Wednesday (Dec 18) discussed the prospect of boots on the ground when NATO Chief Mark Rutte hosted European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-praises-jaishankars-brics-isnt-anti-western-stance-calls-modi-a-warm-ally-785405">Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’</a>
The idea is being floated as world leaders brace for US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Citing officials in the know, the Post reported that Trump is interested in the idea too, but it remains unclear if the incoming US administration will support such an arrangement.
Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general, in a statement said that "At the moment, it’s really about trying to think out loud what could be more acceptable for the Ukrainians".
According to Grand, a post-war troop deployment deal could also help make clear to Russia that "they shouldn’t restart the conflict, and to the Americans that the Europeans have skin in this game and that we mean it".
(With inputs from agencies)

"If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said adding, "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms"



Brussels, Belgium Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out. "If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said. "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms." Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference commented that he should've launched a full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier. "Knowing what's happening now, back in 2022, I would've thought the decision ought to have been taken earlier. We ought to have started getting ready for those developments and the special military operation before." Also read | ‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn This comes as Kyiv's European allies as per reports are seriously considering the deployment of their troops in the event of a deal with Russia to stop Ukraine war happens. EU leaders discuss potential deployment Originally, when Macron said he can't rule out Western troop deployment, EU leaders had responded with a resounding "no". However, now they are willing to consider it. As per a Washington Post report, European leaders on Wednesday (Dec 18) discussed the prospect of boots on the ground when NATO Chief Mark Rutte hosted European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels. Also read | Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’ The idea is being floated as world leaders brace for US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Citing officials in the know, the Post reported that Trump is interested in the idea too, but it remains unclear if the incoming US administration will support such an arrangement. Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general, in a statement said that "At the moment, it’s really about trying to think out loud what could be more acceptable for the Ukrainians". According to Grand, a post-war troop deployment deal could also help make clear to Russia that "they shouldn’t restart the conflict, and to the Americans that the Europeans have skin in this game and that we mean it". (With inputs from agencies)

A Georgia appeals court ruled on Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be disqualified from prosecuting President-elect Donald Trump and several of his allies for attempting to interfere in the 2020 election in the U.

A Georgia appeals court ruled on Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be disqualified from prosecuting President-elect Donald Trump and several of his allies for attempting to interfere in the 2020 election in the U.S. state. The ruling throws into doubt the future of the case, which includes Trump and 14 allies. The appeals court in Atlanta, in a 2-1 ruling, found that a romantic relationship between Willis and a former top deputy, Nathan Wade, created "a significant appearance of impropriety." "While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings," the court wrote in its opinion. Willis' office said in a court filing that it intends to appeal the ruling to the Georgia Supreme Court. A spokesperson for the office did not respond to a request for comment. The case was one of four criminal prosecutions that Trump faced in the years since his 2020 presidential re-election loss. Just one — a New York case over a hush money payment to a porn star during his 2016 campaign — went to trial. He was found guilty in that case but has not yet been sentenced. Also read: US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling Trump criticised all four cases as politically motivated attempts to keep him from returning to power. The Georgia court did not require that the case be tossed out, but its decision will require a new state prosecutor to take over in order for it to continue. Steve Sadow, Trump's lead lawyer in the case, called it "a well-reasoned and just decision." The case was already expected to be at least paused against Trump when he returns to the White House on Jan. 20. He has said it should be dismissed in its entirety. "The American People have demanded an immediate end to the political weaponisation of our justice system," a Trump spokesperson said in a statement reacting to the ruling. Trump has publicly discussed using the federal government, including the Justice Department, to investigate his political rivals when he returns to power. "We are very pleased the court of appeals agreed with Mr. Roman and the other defendants that Ms. Willis should not have been allowed to prosecute this case," said Ashleigh Merchant, a lawyer for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, who initially sought Willis' removal from the case. SPRAWLING CASE Trump and 18 of his allies were initially charged in 2023 in what prosecutors alleged was a sprawling conspiracy to undo Trump's narrow defeat in the battleground state in the 2020 election. The defendants include former Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Four people initially charged pleaded guilty to lesser offences. Trump and 14 others pleaded not guilty. Trump and eight co-defendants moved to disqualify Willis from prosecuting the case early this year, alleging that Willis received a financial benefit from her relationship with Wade and had an improper motive to prolong the case. Willis hired Wade, an Atlanta lawyer, to help run the investigation and prosecution of Trump and his allies. Willis admitted to the relationship with Wade, but denied allegations of wrongdoing. She said she reimbursed Wade in cash for vacations the two took together. After a multiday court hearing, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March that Willis could remain on the case as long as Wade stepped down, which he agreed to do. But the appeals court found that McAfee's ruling did not address the appearance of wrongdoing that occurred earlier on, "when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring." 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.

Georgia court disqualifies Fani Willis from Trump election case over alleged relationship scandal

Washington DC
The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend. 
The contentious proposal aimed to suspend the country's borrowing limit for the first two years of President-elect Trump's administration. However, it faced strong opposition from fiscal conservatives within Trump's Republican party.
X CEO Elon Musk took to his platform to blame Democrats and in particular Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the failure of the bill and said, "A super fair &amp; simple bill was put to a vote and only 2 Democrats in Congress were in favor."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-says-congress-should-get-rid-of-debt-ceiling-785376">US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling</a>
<h2>Trump's push for the stopgap bill</h2>
The rejection comes despite President-elect Trump urging Congress to support the revised funding bill — the "American Relief Act of 2024," in a bid to avert the government shutdown. 
Before the vote, Trump had praised the deal negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting provisions such as a debt ceiling extension to January 2027, disaster relief, and agricultural funding. 
Declaring the bill as "VITAL to the America First Agenda," Trump called for bipartisan support in a Truth Social post.
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Trump's endorsement of the new package followed his objections to a prior bipartisan agreement that derailed negotiations earlier in the week.
His criticism, coupled with resistance from major donor Musk, who also opposed the earlier package, has fuelled internal GOP discord. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-preparing-to-tackle-trumps-likely-tariff-on-export-goods-report-785392">India preparing to tackle Trump's likely tariff on export goods: Report</a>
Musk, Trump's so-called "efficiency czar," had also taken to social media to express support for the revised bill.
<h2>Democratic resistance  </h2>
House Democrats, however, swiftly dismissed the new proposal, with Minority Leader Jeffries calling it "laughable" and accusing "extreme MAGA Republicans" of steering the country toward a shutdown. 
The White House described it as a "giveaway for billionaires."
(With inputs from agencies)

The contentious proposal aimed to suspend the country's borrowing limit for the first two years of President-elect Donald Trump's administration



Washington DC The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend. The contentious proposal aimed to suspend the country's borrowing limit for the first two years of President-elect Trump's administration. However, it faced strong opposition from fiscal conservatives within Trump's Republican party. X CEO Elon Musk took to his platform to blame Democrats and in particular Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the failure of the bill and said, "A super fair & simple bill was put to a vote and only 2 Democrats in Congress were in favor." Also read | US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling Trump's push for the stopgap bill The rejection comes despite President-elect Trump urging Congress to support the revised funding bill — the "American Relief Act of 2024," in a bid to avert the government shutdown. Before the vote, Trump had praised the deal negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting provisions such as a debt ceiling extension to January 2027, disaster relief, and agricultural funding. Declaring the bill as "VITAL to the America First Agenda," Trump called for bipartisan support in a Truth Social post. × Trump's endorsement of the new package followed his objections to a prior bipartisan agreement that derailed negotiations earlier in the week. His criticism, coupled with resistance from major donor Musk, who also opposed the earlier package, has fuelled internal GOP discord. Also read | India preparing to tackle Trump's likely tariff on export goods: Report Musk, Trump's so-called "efficiency czar," had also taken to social media to express support for the revised bill. Democratic resistance House Democrats, however, swiftly dismissed the new proposal, with Minority Leader Jeffries calling it "laughable" and accusing "extreme MAGA Republicans" of steering the country toward a shutdown. The White House described it as a "giveaway for billionaires." (With inputs from agencies)

US House rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms

Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration.

Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration. “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday (December 20). House Republicans to make another attempt to pass bill to prevent government shutdown Meanwhile, House Republicans are preparing to make another attempt to pass a bill to prevent a government shutdown past midnight, according to Politico. Republican congressman Ralph Norman, a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, told the publication that the party plans to push the bill through the rules committee, which would require only a simple majority in the House for approval. Also read: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party targeted by Democrats At the same time, questions are being raised about Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party. Musk’s criticism of a bipartisan spending bill led by House Speaker Mike Johnson appears to have had severe repercussions. On Wednesday, Musk criticised the proposal calling it “the steal of your tax dollars.” Shortly after, Trump and Senator JD Vance echoed Musk’s criticisms, urging Republicans to reject the bill. They argued that the national debt is unsustainable and accused the proposal of being a concession to Democrats. Watch | USA News: House Rejects Trump-backed Plan On U.S. Government Shutdown The Trump-backed "streamlined" spending plan, introduced as an alternative, was rejected by the House on Thursday evening. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, addressed these claims, telling Business Insider, “As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR (continuing resolution), Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop.” Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on X, “Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like it.” Former Obama adviser David Axelrod added, “So will President-elect Musk join the budget negotiations now?” (With inputs from agencies)

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown.

<h2>A look at recent history</h2>

The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts.

<h2>What's at stake?</h2>

A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including:

- Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies.

- Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed.

- Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay.

- Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets.

- Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>

<h2>What's next?</h2>

Lawmakers have several options:

- Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels.&nbsp;

- Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies.&nbsp;

- Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies.

- Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact.

- Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-wants-to-work-gaza-truce-before-trump-inauguration-785637">Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-wants-to-work-gaza-truce-before-trump-inauguration-785637/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>The road ahead&nbsp;</h2>

The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs.&nbsp;

As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives.

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown. A look at recent history The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts. What's at stake? A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including: - Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies. - Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed. - Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay. - Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets. - Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted. Also read: US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms What's next? Lawmakers have several options: - Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels. - Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies. - Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies. - Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact. - Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills. Watch | Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration The road ahead The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs. As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

Georgia, United States
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A Georgia appeals court ruled on Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be disqualified from prosecuting President-elect Donald Trump and several of his allies for attempting to interfere in the 2020 election in the U.S. state.
The ruling throws into doubt the future of the case, which includes Trump and 14 allies. The appeals court in Atlanta, in a 2-1 ruling, found that a romantic relationship between Willis and a former top deputy, Nathan Wade, created "a significant appearance of impropriety."
"While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings," the court wrote in its opinion.
Willis' office said in a court filing that it intends to appeal the ruling to the Georgia Supreme Court. A spokesperson for the office did not respond to a request for comment.
The case was one of four criminal prosecutions that Trump faced in the years since his 2020 presidential re-election loss. Just one — a New York case over a hush money payment to a porn star during his 2016 campaign — went to trial. He was found guilty in that case but has not yet been sentenced.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-says-congress-should-get-rid-of-debt-ceiling-785376">US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling</a>
Trump criticised all four cases as politically motivated attempts to keep him from returning to power.
The Georgia court did not require that the case be tossed out, but its decision will require a new state prosecutor to take over in order for it to continue.
Steve Sadow, Trump's lead lawyer in the case, called it "a well-reasoned and just decision."
The case was already expected to be at least paused against Trump when he returns to the White House on Jan. 20. He has said it should be dismissed in its entirety.
"The American People have demanded an immediate end to the political weaponisation of our justice system," a Trump spokesperson said in a statement reacting to the ruling.
Trump has publicly discussed using the federal government, including the Justice Department, to investigate his political rivals when he returns to power.
"We are very pleased the court of appeals agreed with Mr. Roman and the other defendants that Ms. Willis should not have been allowed to prosecute this case," said Ashleigh Merchant, a lawyer for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, who initially sought Willis' removal from the case.
<h2>SPRAWLING CASE</h2>
Trump and 18 of his allies were initially charged in 2023 in what prosecutors alleged was a sprawling conspiracy to undo Trump's narrow defeat in the battleground state in the 2020 election. The defendants include former Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
Four people initially charged pleaded guilty to lesser offences.
Trump and 14 others pleaded not guilty.
Trump and eight co-defendants moved to disqualify Willis from prosecuting the case early this year, alleging that Willis received a financial benefit from her relationship with Wade and had an improper motive to prolong the case.
Willis hired Wade, an Atlanta lawyer, to help run the investigation and prosecution of Trump and his allies.
Willis admitted to the relationship with Wade, but denied allegations of wrongdoing. She said she reimbursed Wade in cash for vacations the two took together.
After a multiday court hearing, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March that Willis could remain on the case as long as Wade stepped down, which he agreed to do.
But the appeals court found that McAfee's ruling did not address the appearance of wrongdoing that occurred earlier on, "when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring."
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.

The ruling throws into doubt the future of the case, which includes Trump and 14 allies. The appeals court in Atlanta, in a 2-1 ruling, found that a romantic relationship between Willis and a former top deputy, Nathan Wade, created "a significant appearance of impropriety."



Georgia, United States A Georgia appeals court ruled on Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be disqualified from prosecuting President-elect Donald Trump and several of his allies for attempting to interfere in the 2020 election in the U.S. state. The ruling throws into doubt the future of the case, which includes Trump and 14 allies. The appeals court in Atlanta, in a 2-1 ruling, found that a romantic relationship between Willis and a former top deputy, Nathan Wade, created "a significant appearance of impropriety." "While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings," the court wrote in its opinion. Willis' office said in a court filing that it intends to appeal the ruling to the Georgia Supreme Court. A spokesperson for the office did not respond to a request for comment. The case was one of four criminal prosecutions that Trump faced in the years since his 2020 presidential re-election loss. Just one — a New York case over a hush money payment to a porn star during his 2016 campaign — went to trial. He was found guilty in that case but has not yet been sentenced. Also read: US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling Trump criticised all four cases as politically motivated attempts to keep him from returning to power. The Georgia court did not require that the case be tossed out, but its decision will require a new state prosecutor to take over in order for it to continue. Steve Sadow, Trump's lead lawyer in the case, called it "a well-reasoned and just decision." The case was already expected to be at least paused against Trump when he returns to the White House on Jan. 20. He has said it should be dismissed in its entirety. "The American People have demanded an immediate end to the political weaponisation of our justice system," a Trump spokesperson said in a statement reacting to the ruling. Trump has publicly discussed using the federal government, including the Justice Department, to investigate his political rivals when he returns to power. "We are very pleased the court of appeals agreed with Mr. Roman and the other defendants that Ms. Willis should not have been allowed to prosecute this case," said Ashleigh Merchant, a lawyer for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, who initially sought Willis' removal from the case. SPRAWLING CASE Trump and 18 of his allies were initially charged in 2023 in what prosecutors alleged was a sprawling conspiracy to undo Trump's narrow defeat in the battleground state in the 2020 election. The defendants include former Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Four people initially charged pleaded guilty to lesser offences. Trump and 14 others pleaded not guilty. Trump and eight co-defendants moved to disqualify Willis from prosecuting the case early this year, alleging that Willis received a financial benefit from her relationship with Wade and had an improper motive to prolong the case. Willis hired Wade, an Atlanta lawyer, to help run the investigation and prosecution of Trump and his allies. Willis admitted to the relationship with Wade, but denied allegations of wrongdoing. She said she reimbursed Wade in cash for vacations the two took together. After a multiday court hearing, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March that Willis could remain on the case as long as Wade stepped down, which he agreed to do. But the appeals court found that McAfee's ruling did not address the appearance of wrongdoing that occurred earlier on, "when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring." 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.

New Delhi 

India has started a sector-wise analysis and is drawing multiple scenarios to cope with any possible increase in tariffs on Indian products in US President-elect Donald Trump's second term in the White House. 
"Ministries and departments are examining various scenarios, apprehending such a move by the US and possible remedies," said an Economic Times (ET) report on Thursday (Dec 19), citing a person familiar with the matter. 
Trump on Tuesday (Dec 17) said that the US will impose reciprocal tariffs on Indian products as India imposes high tariffs on American goods. 
An expert told ET that India will have to relook at some of the products on which tariffs could be tweaked to address the concerns of the US. 
Watch | Ukraine's Battle For Survival At Critical Crossroads
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/19/1912_Manav_ukraine_830pm-1734627615-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1912_Manav_ukraine_830pm.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=542&tags=russia,Ukraine,World News,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<h2>'They tax us, we tax them'</h2>
"If they tax us, we tax them the same amount," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday (Dec 16).
"The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us - India, we don't have to talk about our own - if India charges us 100 per cent, do we charge them nothing for the same? You know, they send in a bicycle, and we send them a bicycle. They charge us 100 and 200," he added. 
"India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing," he further said. 
<h2>'The idea that...'</h2>
On November 30, Trump issued a stark warning to India and other BRICS nations, threatening them with a 100 per cent tariff if they continue to pursue other currencies to replace the US dollar for trade.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangione-suspect-in-unitedhealthcare-ceos-murder-agrees-to-return-to-new-york-for-trial-785373">Luigi Mangione, suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder, agrees to return to New York for trial</a>
BRICS is a group of economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside recent additions like Iran, Egypt, and the UAE.
"The idea that the BRICS countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER, "Trump said. 
(With inputs from agencies)

"Ministries and departments are examining various scenarios, apprehending such a move by the US and possible remedies," said an Economic Times (ET) report on Thursday (Dec 19), citing a person familiar with the matter. 



New Delhi India has started a sector-wise analysis and is drawing multiple scenarios to cope with any possible increase in tariffs on Indian products in US President-elect Donald Trump's second term in the White House. "Ministries and departments are examining various scenarios, apprehending such a move by the US and possible remedies," said an Economic Times (ET) report on Thursday (Dec 19), citing a person familiar with the matter. Trump on Tuesday (Dec 17) said that the US will impose reciprocal tariffs on Indian products as India imposes high tariffs on American goods. An expert told ET that India will have to relook at some of the products on which tariffs could be tweaked to address the concerns of the US. Watch | Ukraine's Battle For Survival At Critical Crossroads 'They tax us, we tax them' "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday (Dec 16). "The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us - India, we don't have to talk about our own - if India charges us 100 per cent, do we charge them nothing for the same? You know, they send in a bicycle, and we send them a bicycle. They charge us 100 and 200," he added. "India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing," he further said. 'The idea that...' On November 30, Trump issued a stark warning to India and other BRICS nations, threatening them with a 100 per cent tariff if they continue to pursue other currencies to replace the US dollar for trade. Also read | Luigi Mangione, suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder, agrees to return to New York for trial BRICS is a group of economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside recent additions like Iran, Egypt, and the UAE. "The idea that the BRICS countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER, "Trump said. (With inputs from agencies)

India preparing to tackle Trump's likely tariff on export goods: Report

Washington
<meta content="uuidF7Tzx15Yg0c6" name="uuid"/>United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday (Dec 19) that Congress should get rid of the debt ceiling. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said that getting rid of the debt ceiling would be the smartest thing that Congress would do.
“The Democrats have said they want to get rid of it. If they want to get rid of it, I would lead the charge,” Trump added. 
In the US, the debt ceiling is the legislative limit on the amount of national debt that can be incurred by the Treasury, thus limiting how much money the government may pay by borrowing more money, on the debt it already borrowed.
<h2>'Debt ceiling is a meaningless concept'</h2>
Trump told NBC that the debt ceiling was a meaningless concept and that no one would know for sure what would happen if it were to someday be breached. 
“It doesn’t mean anything, except psychologically,” the president-elect added.
<h2>What did Trump say about the possibility of a shutdown?</h2>
Amid the possibility of a shutdown, which would occur at 12.01 am on Saturday if a funding deal wasn't reached, Trump told NBC, "If there’s going to be a shutdown, we’re going to start it with a Democratic president."
Congress had last raised the debt ceiling in June 2023, suspending it through January 1, 2025. Trump also said that he discussed his views on the short-term funding deal with Elon Musk.
“I told him (Musk) that if he agrees with me, that he could put out a statement,” he added. 
During his first term as president, Trump signed legislation three times to lift the ceilings. He had also floated the idea of eliminating the debt ceiling when he was in the White House.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trump told NBC News that the debt ceiling was a meaningless concept and that no one would know for sure what would happen if it were to someday be breached. 



Washington United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday (Dec 19) that Congress should get rid of the debt ceiling. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said that getting rid of the debt ceiling would be the smartest thing that Congress would do. “The Democrats have said they want to get rid of it. If they want to get rid of it, I would lead the charge,” Trump added. In the US, the debt ceiling is the legislative limit on the amount of national debt that can be incurred by the Treasury, thus limiting how much money the government may pay by borrowing more money, on the debt it already borrowed. 'Debt ceiling is a meaningless concept' Trump told NBC that the debt ceiling was a meaningless concept and that no one would know for sure what would happen if it were to someday be breached. “It doesn’t mean anything, except psychologically,” the president-elect added. What did Trump say about the possibility of a shutdown? Amid the possibility of a shutdown, which would occur at 12.01 am on Saturday if a funding deal wasn't reached, Trump told NBC, "If there’s going to be a shutdown, we’re going to start it with a Democratic president." Congress had last raised the debt ceiling in June 2023, suspending it through January 1, 2025. Trump also said that he discussed his views on the short-term funding deal with Elon Musk. “I told him (Musk) that if he agrees with me, that he could put out a statement,” he added. During his first term as president, Trump signed legislation three times to lift the ceilings. He had also floated the idea of eliminating the debt ceiling when he was in the White House. (With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling

Moscow
<meta content="uuidpjN20BeIKl8V" name="uuid"/>
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal  within hours of coming to office.
Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow.
Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield but was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August.
The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions.
Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin, 72, said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican.
"I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said.
Watch | IDF Confirms Intercepting Missiles Fired By Houthis
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"If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises".
<h2>Kursk offensive </h2>
Russia's troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, with Putin repeatedly touting their prowess on the battlefield.
But asked by a woman from the Kursk region when residents would be able to return to their homes there after thousands were evacuated from frontline areas amid the Ukrainian assault, Putin said he could not name a date.
"We will kick them out. Absolutely. It can't be any other way. But the question of a specific date, I'm sorry, I cannot say right now," he admitted.
Putin was also pressed on economic headwinds facing Russia—the fallout from a huge ramp-up in military spending and deep labour shortages caused by the conflict.
He insisted that the situation is "stable, despite external threats", citing low unemployment and industrial growth.
Asked about soaring inflation, Putin said that "inflation is a worrying signal," and that price rises for foods such as butter and meat are "unpleasant".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-doubts-israel-main-beneficiary-of-assad-regimes-fall-would-withdraw-troops-from-buffer-zone-785332">Putin doubts Israel, 'main beneficiary of Assad regime's fall', would withdraw troops from buffer zone</a>
He acknowledged that Western sanctions were also a factor—"while"they do not have key significance"—and" criticised the central bank, saying it should have taken measures beyond raising rates to lower inflation.
<h2>Oreshnik 'duel'</h2>
Putin appeared to repeat his threat to strike Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik.
Asked by a military journalist if the weapon had any flaws, Putin suggested a "hi-tech duel" between the West and Russia to test his claims that it is impervious to air defences.
"Let them set some target to be hit, let's say in Kyiv. They will concentrate there all their air defences. And we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens," Putin  proposed.
Putin also called the killing of a senior Russian army general in a brazen assassination in Moscow two days earlier "terrorism", in his first comments on the attack, while also slamming failings by security services.
Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian military's chemical weapons unit, was killed by a bomb planted in a scooter outside a residential block in Moscow, the boldest assassination claimed by Kyiv since the start of the conflict. Russia has since arrested the suspected perpetrator.
"Our special services are missing these hits," the former KGB agent said in a rare admission of failures by the security services, listing other recent killings.
"We must not allow such very serious blunders to happen," he said.
<h2>Assad's fall not a 'defeat'</h2>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mass-rape-trial-who-are-the-51-men-accused-of-raping-gisele-pelicot-785329">France mass rape trial: Who are the 51 men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot?</a>
In his first public comments since the fall of ex-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin  rejected claims that his toppling was a "defeat" for Russia.
"You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you it is not," Putin said in response to a question from a journalist.
"We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal," Putin said.
Putin said he has not yet met Assad, who fled to Moscow as rebels closed in on Damascus, but plans to soon.
The Kremlin chief said Israel was the "main beneficiary" of events in Syria and called for it to withdraw troops from the "territory of Syria".
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.

The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions.



Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming to office. Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow. Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield but was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August. The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions. Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin, 72, said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican. "I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said. Watch | IDF Confirms Intercepting Missiles Fired By Houthis "If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises". Kursk offensive Russia's troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, with Putin repeatedly touting their prowess on the battlefield. But asked by a woman from the Kursk region when residents would be able to return to their homes there after thousands were evacuated from frontline areas amid the Ukrainian assault, Putin said he could not name a date. "We will kick them out. Absolutely. It can't be any other way. But the question of a specific date, I'm sorry, I cannot say right now," he admitted. Putin was also pressed on economic headwinds facing Russia—the fallout from a huge ramp-up in military spending and deep labour shortages caused by the conflict. He insisted that the situation is "stable, despite external threats", citing low unemployment and industrial growth. Asked about soaring inflation, Putin said that "inflation is a worrying signal," and that price rises for foods such as butter and meat are "unpleasant". Also read | Putin doubts Israel, 'main beneficiary of Assad regime's fall', would withdraw troops from buffer zone He acknowledged that Western sanctions were also a factor—"while"they do not have key significance"—and" criticised the central bank, saying it should have taken measures beyond raising rates to lower inflation. Oreshnik 'duel' Putin appeared to repeat his threat to strike Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik. Asked by a military journalist if the weapon had any flaws, Putin suggested a "hi-tech duel" between the West and Russia to test his claims that it is impervious to air defences. "Let them set some target to be hit, let's say in Kyiv. They will concentrate there all their air defences. And we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens," Putin proposed. Putin also called the killing of a senior Russian army general in a brazen assassination in Moscow two days earlier "terrorism", in his first comments on the attack, while also slamming failings by security services. Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian military's chemical weapons unit, was killed by a bomb planted in a scooter outside a residential block in Moscow, the boldest assassination claimed by Kyiv since the start of the conflict. Russia has since arrested the suspected perpetrator. "Our special services are missing these hits," the former KGB agent said in a rare admission of failures by the security services, listing other recent killings. "We must not allow such very serious blunders to happen," he said. Assad's fall not a 'defeat' Also read | France mass rape trial: Who are the 51 men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot? In his first public comments since the fall of ex-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin rejected claims that his toppling was a "defeat" for Russia. "You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you it is not," Putin said in response to a question from a journalist. "We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal," Putin said. Putin said he has not yet met Assad, who fled to Moscow as rebels closed in on Damascus, but plans to soon. The Kremlin chief said Israel was the "main beneficiary" of events in Syria and called for it to withdraw troops from the "territory of Syria". 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.

Putin ready to meet Trump 'anytime' to talk Ukraine deal

India has started a sector-wise analysis and is drawing multiple scenarios to cope with any possible increase in tariffs on Indian products in US President-elect Donald Trump's second term in the White House.&nbsp;

"Ministries and departments are examining various scenarios, apprehending such a move by the US and possible remedies,"&nbsp;said an Economic Times (ET) report on Thursday (Dec 19), citing a person familiar with the matter.&nbsp;

Trump on Tuesday (Dec 17) said that the US will impose reciprocal tariffs on Indian products as India imposes high tariffs on American goods.&nbsp;

An expert told ET that India will have to relook at some of the products on which tariffs could be tweaked to address the concerns of the US.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine's Battle For Survival At Critical Crossroads

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraines-battle-for-survival-at-critical-crossroads-785385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>'They tax us, we tax them'</h2>

"If they tax us, we tax them the same amount," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday (Dec 16).

"The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us - India, we don't have to talk about our own - if India charges us 100 per cent, do we charge them nothing for the same? You know, they send in a bicycle, and we send them a bicycle. They charge us 100 and 200," he added.&nbsp;

"India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing," he further said.&nbsp;

<h2>'The idea that...'</h2>

On November 30, Trump issued a stark warning to India and other BRICS nations, threatening them with a 100 per cent tariff if they continue to pursue other currencies to replace the US dollar for trade.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangione-suspect-in-unitedhealthcare-ceos-murder-agrees-to-return-to-new-york-for-trial-785373">Luigi Mangione, suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder, agrees to return to New York for trial</a>

BRICS is a group of economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside recent additions like Iran, Egypt, and the UAE.

"The idea that the BRICS countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER, "Trump said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

India has started a sector-wise analysis and is drawing multiple scenarios to cope with any possible increase in tariffs on Indian products in US President-elect Donald Trump's second term in the White House.

India has started a sector-wise analysis and is drawing multiple scenarios to cope with any possible increase in tariffs on Indian products in US President-elect Donald Trump's second term in the White House. "Ministries and departments are examining various scenarios, apprehending such a move by the US and possible remedies," said an Economic Times (ET) report on Thursday (Dec 19), citing a person familiar with the matter. Trump on Tuesday (Dec 17) said that the US will impose reciprocal tariffs on Indian products as India imposes high tariffs on American goods. An expert told ET that India will have to relook at some of the products on which tariffs could be tweaked to address the concerns of the US. Watch | Ukraine's Battle For Survival At Critical Crossroads 'They tax us, we tax them' "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday (Dec 16). "The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us - India, we don't have to talk about our own - if India charges us 100 per cent, do we charge them nothing for the same? You know, they send in a bicycle, and we send them a bicycle. They charge us 100 and 200," he added. "India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing," he further said. 'The idea that...' On November 30, Trump issued a stark warning to India and other BRICS nations, threatening them with a 100 per cent tariff if they continue to pursue other currencies to replace the US dollar for trade. Also read | Luigi Mangione, suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder, agrees to return to New York for trial BRICS is a group of economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside recent additions like Iran, Egypt, and the UAE. "The idea that the BRICS countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER, "Trump said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming to office.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming to office. Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow. Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield but was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August. The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions. Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin, 72, said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican. "I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said. Watch | IDF Confirms Intercepting Missiles Fired By Houthis "If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises". Kursk offensive Russia's troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, with Putin repeatedly touting their prowess on the battlefield. But asked by a woman from the Kursk region when residents would be able to return to their homes there after thousands were evacuated from frontline areas amid the Ukrainian assault, Putin said he could not name a date. "We will kick them out. Absolutely. It can't be any other way. But the question of a specific date, I'm sorry, I cannot say right now," he admitted. Putin was also pressed on economic headwinds facing Russia—the fallout from a huge ramp-up in military spending and deep labour shortages caused by the conflict. He insisted that the situation is "stable, despite external threats", citing low unemployment and industrial growth. Asked about soaring inflation, Putin said that "inflation is a worrying signal," and that price rises for foods such as butter and meat are "unpleasant". Also read | Putin doubts Israel, 'main beneficiary of Assad regime's fall', would withdraw troops from buffer zone He acknowledged that Western sanctions were also a factor—"while"they do not have key significance"—and" criticised the central bank, saying it should have taken measures beyond raising rates to lower inflation. Oreshnik 'duel' Putin appeared to repeat his threat to strike Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik. Asked by a military journalist if the weapon had any flaws, Putin suggested a "hi-tech duel" between the West and Russia to test his claims that it is impervious to air defences. "Let them set some target to be hit, let's say in Kyiv. They will concentrate there all their air defences. And we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens," Putin proposed. Putin also called the killing of a senior Russian army general in a brazen assassination in Moscow two days earlier "terrorism", in his first comments on the attack, while also slamming failings by security services. Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian military's chemical weapons unit, was killed by a bomb planted in a scooter outside a residential block in Moscow, the boldest assassination claimed by Kyiv since the start of the conflict. Russia has since arrested the suspected perpetrator. "Our special services are missing these hits," the former KGB agent said in a rare admission of failures by the security services, listing other recent killings. "We must not allow such very serious blunders to happen," he said. Assad's fall not a 'defeat' Also read | France mass rape trial: Who are the 51 men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot? In his first public comments since the fall of ex-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin rejected claims that his toppling was a "defeat" for Russia. "You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you it is not," Putin said in response to a question from a journalist. "We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal," Putin said. Putin said he has not yet met Assad, who fled to Moscow as rebels closed in on Damascus, but plans to soon. The Kremlin chief said Israel was the "main beneficiary" of events in Syria and called for it to withdraw troops from the "territory of Syria". 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.

Washington, US
Matt Gaetz, the former nominee of US President-elect Donald Trump for leading the justice department, acknowledged that he had "womanised, drank and smoked" in the past. His comment came afterreports emerged that the House ethics committee would release an investigation into the sex crime allegations against him. 
The former congressman took to X and wrote, "The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes. I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me."
"Then, the very ‘witnesses’ DOJ deemed not credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys. I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued," he added. 
Gatez further said that in his "single days", he used to send funds to women he dated and also to those he did not, but they asked for money. 
He said, "I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court."
Watch | Trudeau Faces Frustrated MPs Post Chrystia Freeland's Resignation
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/1812_Manav_TRUDEAU_8PM-1734539426-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1812_Manav_TRUDEAU_8PM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=125&tags=Canada,Justin Trudeau,World News,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
"It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now. But at least I didn’t vote for CRs that f**k over the country!" he said. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes.
I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me.
Then, the very “witnesses” DOJ deemed not-credible were…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/1869406920768917618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<h2>Allegations on Gaetz</h2>
Gaetz's nomination by Trump in November triggered a political storm in the US as he faces a nearly three-year Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. He denies the allegations and has not faced criminal charges.
Gaetz also attracted scrutiny over wider allegations, including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and accepting improper gifts.
The inquiry was dropped on November 13 when Gaetz left Congress, the forum where the committee has jurisdiction. 
The House Ethics Committee voted to publicly release a report detailing the findings of an investigation into Gaetz, who resigned from the House last month after President-elect Donald Trump said he intended to nominate him to be the next U.S. Attorney General.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-top-republican-critic-could-be-in-a-lot-of-trouble-785066">Trump warns top Republican critic could be 'in a lot of trouble'</a>
Earlier in the day, it was reported by the New York Times that federal investigators in the United States have compiled a detailed chart outlining payments by Matt Gaetz and his associates, suggesting involvement in drug-fuelled sex parties.
The document traces Venmo transactions between Gaetz, his friends, and women who allegedly participated in these events—among them are the two who alleged he had hired them for sex. 
(With inputs from agencies)

The former congressman took to X and wrote, "The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes. I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me."



Washington, US Matt Gaetz, the former nominee of US President-elect Donald Trump for leading the justice department, acknowledged that he had "womanised, drank and smoked" in the past. His comment came afterreports emerged that the House ethics committee would release an investigation into the sex crime allegations against him. The former congressman took to X and wrote, "The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes. I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me." "Then, the very ‘witnesses’ DOJ deemed not credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys. I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued," he added. Gatez further said that in his "single days", he used to send funds to women he dated and also to those he did not, but they asked for money. He said, "I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court." Watch | Trudeau Faces Frustrated MPs Post Chrystia Freeland's Resignation "It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now. But at least I didn’t vote for CRs that f**k over the country!" he said. The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes. I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me. Then, the very “witnesses” DOJ deemed not-credible were… — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 18, 2024 Allegations on Gaetz Gaetz's nomination by Trump in November triggered a political storm in the US as he faces a nearly three-year Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. He denies the allegations and has not faced criminal charges. Gaetz also attracted scrutiny over wider allegations, including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and accepting improper gifts. The inquiry was dropped on November 13 when Gaetz left Congress, the forum where the committee has jurisdiction. The House Ethics Committee voted to publicly release a report detailing the findings of an investigation into Gaetz, who resigned from the House last month after President-elect Donald Trump said he intended to nominate him to be the next U.S. Attorney General. Also read | Trump warns top Republican critic could be 'in a lot of trouble' Earlier in the day, it was reported by the New York Times that federal investigators in the United States have compiled a detailed chart outlining payments by Matt Gaetz and his associates, suggesting involvement in drug-fuelled sex parties. The document traces Venmo transactions between Gaetz, his friends, and women who allegedly participated in these events—among them are the two who alleged he had hired them for sex. (With inputs from agencies)

'Womanised, smoked' but 'never had sexual contact with someone under 18', says Matt Gaetz

New Delhi
Don't mistake a dealmaker's bluster for a sword-fighter's jab.
That could well be a guiding principle for those trying to decipher the planned increases in import tariffs announced by US President-elect Donald Trump especially on China, Mexico, and Canada -- though his loud words extend to India.
You have to read not just the fine print but also separate the rhetoric from ground realities on an issue that is not as open-and-shut as it seems from headline statements.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-tax-us-we-tax-them-trump-issues-fresh-threat-to-india-over-high-tariff-784819">‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariffs’</a>
It can certainly be said that Trump is trying to change the global trade game as the US struggles with a trade deficit mountain that harms its overall economic well-being (the federal budget deficit is a bigger problem). But global trade as well as American consumerism are joined at the hip. A good swing here could mean a bad swing there. Furthermore, Trump's bravado is not just about merchandise trade.
It involves positions and outcomes on illegal immigration, supply chain linkages between products compositely manufactured in various parts of the planet, and macroeconomic factors such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates. No one is going to suffer this disruption alone -- though indications are that the whole tariff game contains more gain than pain for India.
However, China's toolkit as well as its famous ability to show some shrewd gestures make it more complicated.
What we can expect is a slow-grinding set of adjustments after an initial round of fireworks that would indicate where the game is going.
We also need to do some trade calculations specific to industries. It is all up in the air. Trump, being a real estate tycoon more than a militarist nationalist, is likely to use power to cut better deals than take wounds on the economy he is steering.
I do think one factor that is not being discussed loudly but needs to be is the strange business of high technology that actually gives the US a pivotal economic strength.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/autonews/trumps-proposed-25-import-tariffs-loom-large-over-us-automotive-sector-780174">Trump's proposed 25% import tariffs loom large over US automotive sector</a>
My assessment is that industries such as computers, software, the Internet, and the emerging spectre of artificial intelligence cannot be subject to Trump's simplistic approach. Imagine Trump cracking down on the manufacturing industry of a country but instead facing retaliation that could hurt Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Facebook, or Amazon!
Republican Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) campaign may boomerang on the very giants of US dominance in global trade if he is not careful enough.
The President-elect has said he would sign an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all Mexican and Canadian imports and an extra 10 per cent on Chinese goods as soon as he takes over at the White House in January. But his swipes at Mexico and Canada are perhaps less about the US trade deficit and more about illegal immigration.
That is a classic apple-and-orange conflict in which Trump may want to extract security-linked gains in exchange for elbow room in trade. But there are also aspects linked to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which is where the Trump tariffs might hurt Mexico and Canada.
We just have to wait and watch as this is not subject to conventional trade dynamics. Leaders of both Mexico and Canada have already indicated a mood of reconciliation. It would be wiser to expect a deal than a war.
The general belief that US inflation rates may surge if cheap Chinese (or other) imports are restricted will certainly be a factor. Trump may not be in a hurry to spite US consumers even as he tries to keep his promise to strengthen the American economy. The US economy is doing pretty well in terms of jobs with the current unemployment rate well below the long-term average.
Also watch | World Business Watch: China steps up stimulus to recharge growth ahead Of US tariffs
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/13/1312_wion_CHINA_930AM-1734071426-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1312_wion_CHINA_930AM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=131&tags=China,US,World News,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
The tangle with China is more intriguing and interesting. The US had an overall trade deficit of $773 billion in 2023 of which China accounted for the lion's share of $279 billion. But then, China's foreign exchange reserves at $3.265 trillion are more than 10 times the deficit figure. In plain language, Beijing has deep pockets to fight a trade war if needed.
It is now warming up to a BRICS alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to dig its heels. China also has the option of strategically devaluing its currency -- long overdue after decades of strengthening its reserves with a state-controlled overvaluation.
From toys and furniture to nuclear reactors, China's dragon grip on US consumerism is strong. If America's consumers show withdrawal symptoms after decades of cheaper imports to aid profits and lifestyles, Trump may have to show some patience.
India is a potential gainer with a "China Plus One" strategy under which the US as an importer would systematically reduce the Chinese grip, but this would be a lot slower as India needs to build capacities and prove its capabilities on a large scale in which China is decidedly a leader of sorts.
Speaking earlier this week, Trump appeared to target India as well, though his words seemed rhetorical, as he talked of a "reciprocal" tit-for-tat tariff action.
"If they tax us, we tax them the same amount. They tax us. We tax them...Almost in all cases, they're taxing us, and we haven't been taxing them.”
Is that a warning shot? On paper, India stands to gain as a long-term alternative to China in industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and electronics, but some token action that hurts some Indian industries cannot be ruled out. On the other hand, if China withdraws some export rebates in solar panel components as part of a trade adjustment with the US, India could get caught in the middle with higher component costs. China is also a dominant supplier of laptops and smartphones worldwide, and they have both business and consumer value that makes targeted trade attacks difficult to enforce.
My guess is that Republican Trump will have his hands full in addressing some key domestic issues that target rival Democrats and an alleged "deep state" to please supporters and aides who include arch-conservatists on the loony fringe.
Whatever the details, it is going to be an uncertain 2025 for all. Whether Trump acts fast, slow or with gingerly strides, there is no denying that the US is an influential economic superpower. Few would be in the mood to do business as usual without looking over their shoulders as Trump weighs in with his tariff strategy.

Republican Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) campaign may boomerang on the very giants of US dominance in global trade if he is not careful enough.



New Delhi Don't mistake a dealmaker's bluster for a sword-fighter's jab. That could well be a guiding principle for those trying to decipher the planned increases in import tariffs announced by US President-elect Donald Trump especially on China, Mexico, and Canada -- though his loud words extend to India. You have to read not just the fine print but also separate the rhetoric from ground realities on an issue that is not as open-and-shut as it seems from headline statements. Also read | ‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariffs’ It can certainly be said that Trump is trying to change the global trade game as the US struggles with a trade deficit mountain that harms its overall economic well-being (the federal budget deficit is a bigger problem). But global trade as well as American consumerism are joined at the hip. A good swing here could mean a bad swing there. Furthermore, Trump's bravado is not just about merchandise trade. It involves positions and outcomes on illegal immigration, supply chain linkages between products compositely manufactured in various parts of the planet, and macroeconomic factors such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates. No one is going to suffer this disruption alone -- though indications are that the whole tariff game contains more gain than pain for India. However, China's toolkit as well as its famous ability to show some shrewd gestures make it more complicated. What we can expect is a slow-grinding set of adjustments after an initial round of fireworks that would indicate where the game is going. We also need to do some trade calculations specific to industries. It is all up in the air. Trump, being a real estate tycoon more than a militarist nationalist, is likely to use power to cut better deals than take wounds on the economy he is steering. I do think one factor that is not being discussed loudly but needs to be is the strange business of high technology that actually gives the US a pivotal economic strength. Also read | Trump's proposed 25% import tariffs loom large over US automotive sector My assessment is that industries such as computers, software, the Internet, and the emerging spectre of artificial intelligence cannot be subject to Trump's simplistic approach. Imagine Trump cracking down on the manufacturing industry of a country but instead facing retaliation that could hurt Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Facebook, or Amazon! Republican Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) campaign may boomerang on the very giants of US dominance in global trade if he is not careful enough. The President-elect has said he would sign an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all Mexican and Canadian imports and an extra 10 per cent on Chinese goods as soon as he takes over at the White House in January. But his swipes at Mexico and Canada are perhaps less about the US trade deficit and more about illegal immigration. That is a classic apple-and-orange conflict in which Trump may want to extract security-linked gains in exchange for elbow room in trade. But there are also aspects linked to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which is where the Trump tariffs might hurt Mexico and Canada. We just have to wait and watch as this is not subject to conventional trade dynamics. Leaders of both Mexico and Canada have already indicated a mood of reconciliation. It would be wiser to expect a deal than a war. The general belief that US inflation rates may surge if cheap Chinese (or other) imports are restricted will certainly be a factor. Trump may not be in a hurry to spite US consumers even as he tries to keep his promise to strengthen the American economy. The US economy is doing pretty well in terms of jobs with the current unemployment rate well below the long-term average. Also watch | World Business Watch: China steps up stimulus to recharge growth ahead Of US tariffs The tangle with China is more intriguing and interesting. The US had an overall trade deficit of $773 billion in 2023 of which China accounted for the lion's share of $279 billion. But then, China's foreign exchange reserves at $3.265 trillion are more than 10 times the deficit figure. In plain language, Beijing has deep pockets to fight a trade war if needed. It is now warming up to a BRICS alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to dig its heels. China also has the option of strategically devaluing its currency -- long overdue after decades of strengthening its reserves with a state-controlled overvaluation. From toys and furniture to nuclear reactors, China's dragon grip on US consumerism is strong. If America's consumers show withdrawal symptoms after decades of cheaper imports to aid profits and lifestyles, Trump may have to show some patience. India is a potential gainer with a "China Plus One" strategy under which the US as an importer would systematically reduce the Chinese grip, but this would be a lot slower as India needs to build capacities and prove its capabilities on a large scale in which China is decidedly a leader of sorts. Speaking earlier this week, Trump appeared to target India as well, though his words seemed rhetorical, as he talked of a "reciprocal" tit-for-tat tariff action. "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount. They tax us. We tax them...Almost in all cases, they're taxing us, and we haven't been taxing them.” Is that a warning shot? On paper, India stands to gain as a long-term alternative to China in industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and electronics, but some token action that hurts some Indian industries cannot be ruled out. On the other hand, if China withdraws some export rebates in solar panel components as part of a trade adjustment with the US, India could get caught in the middle with higher component costs. China is also a dominant supplier of laptops and smartphones worldwide, and they have both business and consumer value that makes targeted trade attacks difficult to enforce. My guess is that Republican Trump will have his hands full in addressing some key domestic issues that target rival Democrats and an alleged "deep state" to please supporters and aides who include arch-conservatists on the loony fringe. Whatever the details, it is going to be an uncertain 2025 for all. Whether Trump acts fast, slow or with gingerly strides, there is no denying that the US is an influential economic superpower. Few would be in the mood to do business as usual without looking over their shoulders as Trump weighs in with his tariff strategy.

Trump's tough talk on tariffs needs a reality check but it's going to be a year of living dangerously

New Delhi 
Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said that China agrees to work with India on the core interests of both nations. The statement came on Wednesday (Dec 18) ahead of Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. 
Meanwhile, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah faced intense criticism from the opposition lawmakers for his remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar. Shah said on December 17 that it has become a trend for the opposition to take the name of the Dalit icon Ambedkar. 
Moving ahead, a tragic incident happened in the Indian state of Mumbai where a passenger ferry with over 110 people capsized on Wednesday (Dec 18) near the Gateway of India. 
Click on the headlines to read more 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-ready-to-work-with-india-says-chinese-envoy-as-nsa-doval-meets-wang-yi-in-beijing-784988">'China ready to work with India,' says Chinese envoy as Doval meets Wang Yi</a>
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Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said on Wednesday (Dec 18) that China is ready to work with India on the core interests and major concerns of both nations. The statement comes ahead of Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss the management of peace along the Line of Actual Control. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-is-anti-ambedkar-amit-shah-responds-to-oppn-criticism-of-his-remarks-on-dalit-icon-785029">'Congress is anti-Ambedkar': Amit Shah responds to Oppn criticism of his remarks on Dalit icon</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/471901-untitled-7.png"/>
With just a few days left for the Winter Session of the Indian Parliament to conclude, Home Minister Amit Shah faced severe criticism from opposition lawmakers over his remarks on Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar- which he made on Tuesday (Dec 17) during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-ferry-carrying-around-30-passengers-capsizes-off-near-gateway-of-india-in-coast-probe-underway-785004">13 dead after speed boat crashes into ferry off Mumbai coast</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/471885-untitled-design-2.jpg"/>
A passenger ferry with over 110 people capsized on Wednesday (Dec 18) near the Gateway of India in Mumbai, the police said. 13 people, including 10 passengers and three Navy personnel, said Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-subsidies-to-canada-make-no-sense-suggests-canada-become-51st-us-state-785043">Trump says US subsidies to Canada make no sense, it should become 51st state</a>
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United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump continued trolling Canada as on Wednesday (Dec 18), he shared a post on Truth Social and slammed US subsidies to Canada. He even claimed that many in Canada want it to become the 51st state of the US.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-fails-to-show-up-before-corruption-watchdog-over-martial-law-fiasco-784965">South Korean prez fails to show up before corruption watchdog over martial law</a>
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Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of South Korea, failed to show up before the corruption watchdog of the country on Wednesday (Dec 18) after they summoned him for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sunita-williams-return-further-delayed-until-march-2025-heres-why-785055">Sunita Williams' return further delayed until March 2025. Here's why</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/09/02/452522-new-wion-61.png"/>
NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-tax-us-we-tax-them-trump-issues-fresh-threat-to-india-over-high-tariff-784819">‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariffs’</a>
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US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach on what he termed India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising tariffs on imports from America as high as 100 per cent on some products.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-outgoing-government-relaxes-rules-of-h1-b-visa-heres-how-it-will-benefit-indians-784999">US outgoing government relaxes H1-B visa rules. Here's how it will benefit Indians</a>
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The United States' outgoing Biden administration relaxed H-1B visas' rules, which will ease the process of hiring foreign workers for companies and will ensure a smoother transition of people from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ashwin-retires-no-decision-made-till-he-landed-in-perth-contemplated-hanging-boots-following-bgt-report-785075">BGT: What forced Ravi Ashwin to announce retirement midway through AUS Tests?</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/471932-bgt-what-forced-ravi-ashwin-to-announce-retirement-midway-through-aus-tests.jpg"/>
Ravi Ashwin’s shock international retirement had everyone shed a tear, but what forced the Test great to call up time midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT)? Ashwin decided to hang his boots from all formats following the conclusion of the Gabba Test against Australia in Brisbane, which ended in a draw. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-indias-anuja-makes-it-to-oscars-live-action-short-film-guneet-monga-reacts-784957">India's Anuja makes it to Oscars Live-Action Short Film, Guneet Monga reacts</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/471859-image-2024-12-18t105224726-784x441.jpg"/>
India’s film Laapata Ladies might have lost out on Best International award after Academy Awards released its shortlisted names for the category earlier in the day, but we still have hopes with another feature. Anuja by Guneet Monga has been shortlisted in the Best Live-Action Short Film category.

Here are the top 10 news stories from across the world.



New Delhi Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said that China agrees to work with India on the core interests of both nations. The statement came on Wednesday (Dec 18) ahead of Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Meanwhile, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah faced intense criticism from the opposition lawmakers for his remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar. Shah said on December 17 that it has become a trend for the opposition to take the name of the Dalit icon Ambedkar. Moving ahead, a tragic incident happened in the Indian state of Mumbai where a passenger ferry with over 110 people capsized on Wednesday (Dec 18) near the Gateway of India. Click on the headlines to read more 'China ready to work with India,' says Chinese envoy as Doval meets Wang Yi Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said on Wednesday (Dec 18) that China is ready to work with India on the core interests and major concerns of both nations. The statement comes ahead of Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss the management of peace along the Line of Actual Control. 'Congress is anti-Ambedkar': Amit Shah responds to Oppn criticism of his remarks on Dalit icon With just a few days left for the Winter Session of the Indian Parliament to conclude, Home Minister Amit Shah faced severe criticism from opposition lawmakers over his remarks on Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar- which he made on Tuesday (Dec 17) during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. 13 dead after speed boat crashes into ferry off Mumbai coast A passenger ferry with over 110 people capsized on Wednesday (Dec 18) near the Gateway of India in Mumbai, the police said. 13 people, including 10 passengers and three Navy personnel, said Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Trump says US subsidies to Canada make no sense, it should become 51st state United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump continued trolling Canada as on Wednesday (Dec 18), he shared a post on Truth Social and slammed US subsidies to Canada. He even claimed that many in Canada want it to become the 51st state of the US. South Korean prez fails to show up before corruption watchdog over martial law Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of South Korea, failed to show up before the corruption watchdog of the country on Wednesday (Dec 18) after they summoned him for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law. Sunita Williams' return further delayed until March 2025. Here's why NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025. ‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariffs’ US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach on what he termed India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising tariffs on imports from America as high as 100 per cent on some products. US outgoing government relaxes H1-B visa rules. Here's how it will benefit Indians The United States' outgoing Biden administration relaxed H-1B visas' rules, which will ease the process of hiring foreign workers for companies and will ensure a smoother transition of people from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas. BGT: What forced Ravi Ashwin to announce retirement midway through AUS Tests? Ravi Ashwin’s shock international retirement had everyone shed a tear, but what forced the Test great to call up time midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT)? Ashwin decided to hang his boots from all formats following the conclusion of the Gabba Test against Australia in Brisbane, which ended in a draw. India's Anuja makes it to Oscars Live-Action Short Film, Guneet Monga reacts India’s film Laapata Ladies might have lost out on Best International award after Academy Awards released its shortlisted names for the category earlier in the day, but we still have hopes with another feature. Anuja by Guneet Monga has been shortlisted in the Best Live-Action Short Film category.

Top 10 world news: China 'ready' to work with India; Shah calls Cong 'anti-Ambedkar,' and more

Washington, US 
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Donald Trump warned Wednesday that an ex-congresswoman who probed his role in the 2021 Capitol riot "could be in a lot of trouble," after Republican lawmakers called for her to be criminally investigated.
The Republican president-elect, who is due to return to the White House on January 20, has vowed to get revenge on political adversaries he baselessly accuses of weaponizing the US justice system against him.
Trump posted the taunt against former Wyoming representative Liz Cheney on his Truth Social platform after a congressional panel on Tuesday accused her of witness tampering when she helped lead the probe into the January 6, 2021 riot.
"Liz Cheney could be in a lot of trouble based on the evidence obtained by the subcommittee, which states that 'numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, and these violations should be investigated by the FBI'," Trump said in the post.
The Republican-led panel, in its 128-page report, accuses Cheney of colluding with Cassidy Hutchinson, a top staffer in Trump's 2017-21 White House.
Hutchinson was the star witness of the select committee that investigated Trump, and on which Cheney served as vice chair.
Watch | Donald Trump Sues Des Moines Register and Selzer, Alleging ‘Election Interference’
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It was set up after a mob, whipped up by Trump's false claims of a stolen election and directed to march on Congress by the defeated president, ransacked the US Capitol.
The committee, since disbanded, concluded that Trump "oversaw and coordinated a sophisticated seven-part plan to overturn the presidential election and prevent the transfer of presidential power."
Cheney has dismissed the accusations against her as "a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth" that no "reputable lawyer, legislator, or judge" would take seriously.
She said her panel had heard from "scores of Republican witnesses, including many of the most senior officials from Trump's own White House, campaign, and administration," and had produced "a highly detailed and meticulously sourced 800-page report."
Trump has a long history of attacking Cheney, the daughter of former US vice president Dick Cheney, and as recently as October called her a "Muslim-hating warmonger... who wants to invade practically every Muslim country on the planet."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-subsidies-to-canada-make-no-sense-suggests-canada-become-51st-us-state-785043">Trump says US subsidies to Canada make no sense, suggests Canada become 51st US state</a>
She was once seen as a rising star among the Republicans in the House of Representatives, but was booted from her leadership position and then lost her Wyoming seat over her criticism of Trump's refusal to concede defeat in the 2020 election.
She announced ahead of November's presidential election that she would be voting for Trump's opponent, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump was indicted by both the federal Justice Department and the state of Georgia over his alleged leadership of a multi-pronged criminal conspiracy to overturn his 2020 election defeat.
Prosecutions of sitting US presidents are barred under justice department policy and the federal case was dropped after his victory, with the state case stalled amid motions to drop the proceedings.
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.

The Republican president-elect, who is due to return to the White House on January 20, has vowed to get revenge on political adversaries he baselessly accuses of weaponizing the US justice system against him.



Washington, US Donald Trump warned Wednesday that an ex-congresswoman who probed his role in the 2021 Capitol riot "could be in a lot of trouble," after Republican lawmakers called for her to be criminally investigated. The Republican president-elect, who is due to return to the White House on January 20, has vowed to get revenge on political adversaries he baselessly accuses of weaponizing the US justice system against him. Trump posted the taunt against former Wyoming representative Liz Cheney on his Truth Social platform after a congressional panel on Tuesday accused her of witness tampering when she helped lead the probe into the January 6, 2021 riot. "Liz Cheney could be in a lot of trouble based on the evidence obtained by the subcommittee, which states that 'numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, and these violations should be investigated by the FBI'," Trump said in the post. The Republican-led panel, in its 128-page report, accuses Cheney of colluding with Cassidy Hutchinson, a top staffer in Trump's 2017-21 White House. Hutchinson was the star witness of the select committee that investigated Trump, and on which Cheney served as vice chair. Watch | Donald Trump Sues Des Moines Register and Selzer, Alleging ‘Election Interference’ It was set up after a mob, whipped up by Trump's false claims of a stolen election and directed to march on Congress by the defeated president, ransacked the US Capitol. The committee, since disbanded, concluded that Trump "oversaw and coordinated a sophisticated seven-part plan to overturn the presidential election and prevent the transfer of presidential power." Cheney has dismissed the accusations against her as "a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth" that no "reputable lawyer, legislator, or judge" would take seriously. She said her panel had heard from "scores of Republican witnesses, including many of the most senior officials from Trump's own White House, campaign, and administration," and had produced "a highly detailed and meticulously sourced 800-page report." Trump has a long history of attacking Cheney, the daughter of former US vice president Dick Cheney, and as recently as October called her a "Muslim-hating warmonger... who wants to invade practically every Muslim country on the planet." Also read | Trump says US subsidies to Canada make no sense, suggests Canada become 51st US state She was once seen as a rising star among the Republicans in the House of Representatives, but was booted from her leadership position and then lost her Wyoming seat over her criticism of Trump's refusal to concede defeat in the 2020 election. She announced ahead of November's presidential election that she would be voting for Trump's opponent, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump was indicted by both the federal Justice Department and the state of Georgia over his alleged leadership of a multi-pronged criminal conspiracy to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Prosecutions of sitting US presidents are barred under justice department policy and the federal case was dropped after his victory, with the state case stalled amid motions to drop the proceedings. 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 warns top Republican critic could be 'in a lot of trouble'

Washington, US
United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump continued trolling Canada as on Wednesday (Dec 18), he shared a post on Truth Social and slammed US subsidies to Canada. He even claimed that many in Canada want it to become the 51st state of US.
In the post, the Republican wrote, "No one can answer why we subsidise Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year?" 
"Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on Taxes and military protection," he added. 
Trump's comment came amid the tensions between the two nations after his announcement to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canada for failing to address trade and immigration issues. 
<h2>'She will not be missed'</h2>
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On Tuesday (Dec 17), French Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned due to a disagreement with Trudeau on handling US tariffs in the upcoming Trump administration. 
Trump took a dig at it as he posted on Truth Social saying, "The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau." 
"Her behaviour was toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!" the Republican further added. 
There are further reports that Trump has suggested that if tariffs on Canada would kill its economy, then Canada should become the 51st state of the US. 
<h2>'Governor of the Great State'</h2>
Earlier on Tuesday (Dec 10), Trump mocked Justin Trudeau, dubbing him the "Governor of the Great State of Canada."
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Sharing a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, "It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada."
"I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!," he added. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Trump's comment came amid the tensions between the two nations after his announcement to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canada for failing to address trade and immigration issues.



Washington, US United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump continued trolling Canada as on Wednesday (Dec 18), he shared a post on Truth Social and slammed US subsidies to Canada. He even claimed that many in Canada want it to become the 51st state of US. In the post, the Republican wrote, "No one can answer why we subsidise Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year?" "Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on Taxes and military protection," he added. Trump's comment came amid the tensions between the two nations after his announcement to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canada for failing to address trade and immigration issues. 'She will not be missed' Watch | Kenya Turns to IVF Technology To Save White Rhinos From Extinction On Tuesday (Dec 17), French Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned due to a disagreement with Trudeau on handling US tariffs in the upcoming Trump administration. Trump took a dig at it as he posted on Truth Social saying, "The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau." "Her behaviour was toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!" the Republican further added. There are further reports that Trump has suggested that if tariffs on Canada would kill its economy, then Canada should become the 51st state of the US. 'Governor of the Great State' Earlier on Tuesday (Dec 10), Trump mocked Justin Trudeau, dubbing him the "Governor of the Great State of Canada." Also read | Virginia man dies after bear in tree shot by his partner falls on him Sharing a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, "It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada." "I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says US subsidies to Canada make no sense, suggests it become 51st US state

Florida 
US President-elect Donald Trump was seen on Tuesday (Dec 17) at International Golf Club West Palm Beach in Florida, but, with a new hairstyle. His supporters online took to X and shared a video of Trump's "makeover". But, this isn't the first time. Trump's new hair gave a deja vu to those who are aware of his sudden change in hairstyle in 2019 when he ditched his trademark bouffant and opted for more slick hair.
Sharing his hairstyle look in 2019, an x user wrote, "Trump's hat hair look is so weird specifically because it looks way, way more normal than his regular look." 
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The clip of him greeting his admirers on Tuesday went viral shortly. In the video, he was seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue pants and holding a red cap. 
In the video, Trump was seen asking his fans, "Is everybody having a good time?" and "Is everybody a Republican." 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Your next President, President-Elect Donald J Trump, today at the beautiful Trump International Golf Club Palm Beach!! TRUMP-VANCE 2024! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MAGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MAGA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/donaldtrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#donaldtrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/trump2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#trump2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/palmbeach?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#palmbeach</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/florida?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#florida</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realdonaldtrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@teamtrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trumpwarroom</a> @trumpgolfpalmbeach <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpGolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trumpgolf</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@whitehouse45</a> ?:… <a href="https://t.co/B4asbHZoJ0">pic.twitter.com/B4asbHZoJ0</a>
— Michael Solakiewicz (@michaelsolakie) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelsolakie/status/1869172246155288714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Some seem happy with his new hairstyle, while others thought he "lost his aura" after the hair change. Some even speculated that it was the cap that made his hair look like that. 
Trump's hairstyle even reminded people of many pop-culture icons, as some compared him with Michael Douglas’s Gordon Gekko character from the film Wall Street. Some even compared his hair with the style of Steve Carell’s Michael Scott from season 1 of The Office. 
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Another X user said Trump was “channelling Biff Tannen from Back to the Future.” 
(With inputs from agencies)

Some seem happy with his new hairstyle, while others thought he "lost his aura" after the hair change. Some even speculated that it was the cap that made his hair look like that. 



Florida US President-elect Donald Trump was seen on Tuesday (Dec 17) at International Golf Club West Palm Beach in Florida, but, with a new hairstyle. His supporters online took to X and shared a video of Trump's "makeover". But, this isn't the first time. Trump's new hair gave a deja vu to those who are aware of his sudden change in hairstyle in 2019 when he ditched his trademark bouffant and opted for more slick hair. Sharing his hairstyle look in 2019, an x user wrote, "Trump's hat hair look is so weird specifically because it looks way, way more normal than his regular look." Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Urges Allies To Send Aid 'Urgently The clip of him greeting his admirers on Tuesday went viral shortly. In the video, he was seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue pants and holding a red cap. In the video, Trump was seen asking his fans, "Is everybody having a good time?" and "Is everybody a Republican." Your next President, President-Elect Donald J Trump, today at the beautiful Trump International Golf Club Palm Beach!! TRUMP-VANCE 2024! #MAGA #donaldtrump #trump2024 #palmbeach #florida @realdonaldtrump @teamtrump @trumpwarroom @trumpgolfpalmbeach @trumpgolf @whitehouse45 ?:… pic.twitter.com/B4asbHZoJ0 — Michael Solakiewicz (@michaelsolakie) December 18, 2024 Also read | UK court rules cops can seize over $2.5 million to cover unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate and brother Tristan Some seem happy with his new hairstyle, while others thought he "lost his aura" after the hair change. Some even speculated that it was the cap that made his hair look like that. Trump's hairstyle even reminded people of many pop-culture icons, as some compared him with Michael Douglas’s Gordon Gekko character from the film Wall Street. Some even compared his hair with the style of Steve Carell’s Michael Scott from season 1 of The Office. Also read | TV journalist in Arizona breaks down while announcing death of 28-year-old colleague. Watch Another X user said Trump was “channelling Biff Tannen from Back to the Future.” (With inputs from agencies)

'Hat hair' or 'combed'? Trump's new hairstyle thrills netizens, triggers comparison with pop icons

Ottawa, Canada
Justin Trudeau, the embattled Canadian Prime Minister on Tuesday (Dec 17) tried to downplay the most serious challenge to his leadership yet — the resignation of his deputy PM as a 'family' spat.
As per Bloomberg, speaking at the Liberal Party's end-of-the-year, Trudeau chalked up the exit of his long-time trusted Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland as "fights around the holidays".
This comes as, in the last few days, over a dozen members of Trudeau's caucus have publicly said that he cannot carry on as the party leader. 
Also read | <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjoyuSH4LCKAxVtS2wGHZYQNlwQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-next-canada-deputy-pm-freeland-resigns-in-rare-public-dissent-over-trump-tariff-threat-784530" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Trudeau next? Ontario Liberal MP calls for change in leadership after Canada Deputy PM's resignation</a>
<h2>What did Trudeau say?</h2>
"Like most families, sometimes we have fights around the holidays," Trudeau told the Liberal Party's 153 lawmakers and their staffers in Ottawa.
"But of course, like most families, we find our way through it. You know, I love this country, I deeply love this party, I love you guys, and love is what families are all about," he added in a glancing reference to Freeland's resignation.
This comes after Freeland resigned while slamming Trudeau's "costly political gimmicks" in a scathing letter.
<h2>Freeland's resignation</h2>
Freeland, on Monday (Dec 16), announced that she is resigning from Trudeau's cabinet. Freeland said that on Friday, the Canadian PM told her that he was removing her as the nation's finance minister and assigning her a different role and that she felt she had no option but to resign.
Media reports suggest that Trudeau was planning to replace her Brookfield Asset Management Chair, Mark Carney. Following her resignation, Trudeau named Dominic LeBlanc as the finance minister.
Also read | <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjItsKO4LCKAxXid2wGHT7hBY0QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-deputy-pm-chrystia-freeland-resigns-from-cabinet-over-clashes-with-trudeau-on-trumps-tariff-threats-784436" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Canada's Deputy PM Freeland resigns over disagreements with Trudeau, says country facing grave challenge</a>
<h2>Why Freeland's resignation is Trudeau's biggest challenge yet?</h2>
Freeland by far is the highest-ranking Liberal to publicly criticise Trudeau. However, she's far from being the only Liberal MP to slam him. Especially after Freeland's resignation, the number of Liberal Party MPs calling for his resignation has increased.
As per a CBC News tally, after Freeland's resignation, over 10 members of Trudeau's caucus have called for him to step down. The MPs as per the report are Wayne Long, René Arseneault, Francis Drouin, Helena Jaczek, Ken McDonald, Ken Hardie, Sean Casey, Chad Collins, Anthony Housefather, Patrick Weiler, Serge Cormier, Yvan Baker and Alexandra Mendès.
(With inputs from agencies)

Speaking at the liberal Party's end-of-the-year, Trudeau chalked up the exit of his long-time trusted Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland as "fights around the holidays"



Ottawa, Canada Justin Trudeau, the embattled Canadian Prime Minister on Tuesday (Dec 17) tried to downplay the most serious challenge to his leadership yet — the resignation of his deputy PM as a 'family' spat. As per Bloomberg, speaking at the Liberal Party's end-of-the-year, Trudeau chalked up the exit of his long-time trusted Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland as "fights around the holidays". This comes as, in the last few days, over a dozen members of Trudeau's caucus have publicly said that he cannot carry on as the party leader. Also read | Trudeau next? Ontario Liberal MP calls for change in leadership after Canada Deputy PM's resignation What did Trudeau say? "Like most families, sometimes we have fights around the holidays," Trudeau told the Liberal Party's 153 lawmakers and their staffers in Ottawa. "But of course, like most families, we find our way through it. You know, I love this country, I deeply love this party, I love you guys, and love is what families are all about," he added in a glancing reference to Freeland's resignation. This comes after Freeland resigned while slamming Trudeau's "costly political gimmicks" in a scathing letter. Freeland's resignation Freeland, on Monday (Dec 16), announced that she is resigning from Trudeau's cabinet. Freeland said that on Friday, the Canadian PM told her that he was removing her as the nation's finance minister and assigning her a different role and that she felt she had no option but to resign. Media reports suggest that Trudeau was planning to replace her Brookfield Asset Management Chair, Mark Carney. Following her resignation, Trudeau named Dominic LeBlanc as the finance minister. Also read | Canada's Deputy PM Freeland resigns over disagreements with Trudeau, says country facing grave challenge Why Freeland's resignation is Trudeau's biggest challenge yet? Freeland by far is the highest-ranking Liberal to publicly criticise Trudeau. However, she's far from being the only Liberal MP to slam him. Especially after Freeland's resignation, the number of Liberal Party MPs calling for his resignation has increased. As per a CBC News tally, after Freeland's resignation, over 10 members of Trudeau's caucus have called for him to step down. The MPs as per the report are Wayne Long, René Arseneault, Francis Drouin, Helena Jaczek, Ken McDonald, Ken Hardie, Sean Casey, Chad Collins, Anthony Housefather, Patrick Weiler, Serge Cormier, Yvan Baker and Alexandra Mendès. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada PM Justin Trudeau tries to downplay Freeland's resignation, challenge to leadership as 'family' spat

Donald Trump has warned India of imposing reciprocal tariffs if the country continues to levy taxes on U.S. goods, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.



Donald Trump Threatens Reciprocal Tariffs On India, 'If They Tax Us, We Tax Them'

Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism."&nbsp;

President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent. He said he would respond with similar measures and take a tough stance on trade with India, China and Brazil.

Meanwhile, some sad news for Indian cinema: Laapata Ladies failed to make the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature. Despite high hopes, the Academy revealed 15 contenders, but India’s official entry didn’t make the cut, leaving fans with broken hearts.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alleged-unitedhealthcare-ceo-killer-luigi-mangione-charged-with-murder-terrorism-for-brian-thompson-murder-784812">Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism for Brian Thompson's murder</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/18/471759-new-wion-2024-12-18t061757542.jpg?imwidth=400" />

US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione, with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism." &nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-tax-us-we-tax-them-trump-issues-fresh-threat-to-india-over-high-tariff-784819">‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariff’</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/26/467973-trump-16.png?imwidth=400" />

US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach regarding India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising towering tariffs on imports from America, as high as 100 per cent on some products. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort Monday (Dec 16), Trump told reporters, "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congressman-claims-unidentified-aircraft-in-new-jersey-new-york-are-chinese-spy-drones-784814">US congressman claims unidentified aircraft in New Jersey, New York are Chinese 'spy drones'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/18/471760-new-wion-2024-12-18t065304682.jpg?imwidth=400" />

US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Michael McCaul on Tuesday (Dec 17) alleged that the unidentified drones recently spotted over New Jersey and New York are "spy drones" from China. McCaul's claim comes after the Biden administration downplayed the sightings as largely commercial in nature.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-laapataa-ladies-out-of-oscars-race-netizens-upset-with-film-federation-of-india-784834">Laapataa Ladies out of Oscars race; netizens upset with Film Federation of India</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/23/456289-horizons-2024-09-23t144943951.jpg?imwidth=400" />

&nbsp;Sad news for Indian fans as&nbsp;Laapata Ladies&nbsp;failed to make it to the shortlisted names. In the category for Best International Feature, a total of 15 names was announced and India’s official entry failed to make the cut.

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Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism." President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent.

Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism." President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent. He said he would respond with similar measures and take a tough stance on trade with India, China and Brazil. Meanwhile, some sad news for Indian cinema: Laapata Ladies failed to make the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature. Despite high hopes, the Academy revealed 15 contenders, but India’s official entry didn’t make the cut, leaving fans with broken hearts. Click on the headlines to read more: Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism for Brian Thompson's murder US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione, with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism." ‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariff’ US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach regarding India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising towering tariffs on imports from America, as high as 100 per cent on some products. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort Monday (Dec 16), Trump told reporters, "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount." US congressman claims unidentified aircraft in New Jersey, New York are Chinese 'spy drones' US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Michael McCaul on Tuesday (Dec 17) alleged that the unidentified drones recently spotted over New Jersey and New York are "spy drones" from China. McCaul's claim comes after the Biden administration downplayed the sightings as largely commercial in nature. Laapataa Ladies out of Oscars race; netizens upset with Film Federation of India Sad news for Indian fans as Laapata Ladies failed to make it to the shortlisted names. In the category for Best International Feature, a total of 15 names was announced and India’s official entry failed to make the cut. Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accused Of Mass Killings and Crime Against Humanity

Morning news brief: Luigi Mangione charged in murder of US CEO; Trump slams India's import tariffs, and more

New Delhi, India 
Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism." 
President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent. He said he would respond with similar measures and take a tough stance on trade with India, China and Brazil.
Meanwhile, some sad news for Indian cinema: Laapata Ladies failed to make the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature. Despite high hopes, the Academy revealed 15 contenders, but India’s official entry didn’t make the cut, leaving fans with broken hearts.
Click on the headlines to read more:
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alleged-unitedhealthcare-ceo-killer-luigi-mangione-charged-with-murder-terrorism-for-brian-thompson-murder-784812">Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism for Brian Thompson's murder</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/471759-new-wion-2024-12-18t061757542.jpg"/>
US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione, with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism."  

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-tax-us-we-tax-them-trump-issues-fresh-threat-to-india-over-high-tariff-784819">‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariff’</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/11/26/467973-trump-16.png"/>
US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach regarding India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising towering tariffs on imports from America, as high as 100 per cent on some products. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort Monday (Dec 16), Trump told reporters, "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount." 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congressman-claims-unidentified-aircraft-in-new-jersey-new-york-are-chinese-spy-drones-784814">US congressman claims unidentified aircraft in New Jersey, New York are Chinese 'spy drones'</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/471760-new-wion-2024-12-18t065304682.jpg"/>
US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Michael McCaul on Tuesday (Dec 17) alleged that the unidentified drones recently spotted over New Jersey and New York are "spy drones" from China. McCaul's claim comes after the Biden administration downplayed the sightings as largely commercial in nature.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-laapataa-ladies-out-of-oscars-race-netizens-upset-with-film-federation-of-india-784834">Laapataa Ladies out of Oscars race; netizens upset with Film Federation of India</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/09/23/456289-horizons-2024-09-23t144943951.jpg"/>
 Sad news for Indian fans as Laapata Ladies failed to make it to the shortlisted names. In the category for Best International Feature, a total of 15 names was announced and India’s official entry failed to make the cut.
Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accused Of Mass Killings and Crime Against Humanity
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New Delhi, India Luigi Mangione has been charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including first-degree murder and an "act of terrorism." President-elect Donald Trump criticised India for charging high import taxes, some as much as 100 per cent. He said he would respond with similar measures and take a tough stance on trade with India, China and Brazil. Meanwhile, some sad news for Indian cinema: Laapata Ladies failed to make the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature. Despite high hopes, the Academy revealed 15 contenders, but India’s official entry didn’t make the cut, leaving fans with broken hearts. Click on the headlines to read more: Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism for Brian Thompson's murder US prosecutors on Tuesday (Dec 17) charged Luigi Mangione, with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including a second-degree murder charge "as an act of terrorism." ‘They tax us, we tax them,’ Trump issues fresh threat to India over ‘high tariff’ US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to follow a tit-for-tat approach regarding India’s ‘high tax’ policy, criticising towering tariffs on imports from America, as high as 100 per cent on some products. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort Monday (Dec 16), Trump told reporters, "If they tax us, we tax them the same amount." US congressman claims unidentified aircraft in New Jersey, New York are Chinese 'spy drones' US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Michael McCaul on Tuesday (Dec 17) alleged that the unidentified drones recently spotted over New Jersey and New York are "spy drones" from China. McCaul's claim comes after the Biden administration downplayed the sightings as largely commercial in nature. Laapataa Ladies out of Oscars race; netizens upset with Film Federation of India Sad news for Indian fans as Laapata Ladies failed to make it to the shortlisted names. In the category for Best International Feature, a total of 15 names was announced and India’s official entry failed to make the cut. Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Accused Of Mass Killings and Crime Against Humanity

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