Former US President Donald Trump's lawyers on Monday pressed the judge overseeing his Hush Money Trial to stop the case from going to the jury and throw out the charges after prosecutors concluded their presentation of evidence. Watch in for more details!

Trump's Hush Money trial nears end, Donald Trump can be sentenced up to 20 years in prison

Former US president Donald Trump deleted a video that he posted on his social media platform Truth Social, which included a reference to a “unified Reich”. This was after his successor and rival in the upcoming election Joe Biden, the White House, and others criticised the language which is often associated with the Nazi regime.

<h2>About the post</h2>

The 30-second video, posted on Monday (May 20) afternoon was no longer available on the website. A report by Reuters citing a person familiar with the matter confirmed the post had been removed from the site.

The clip showed a series of fictitious news stories painting a picture of American prosperity. “What happens after Donald Trump wins? What’s next for America?” the voiceover in the clip asks.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-trial-trumps-lawyers-rest-case-without-calling-on-former-president-to-testify-723982">Hush money trial: Trump's lawyers rest case without calling on former president to testify</a>

The video also features hypothetical newspaper headlines about a booming economy and a crackdown on illegal immigration.&nbsp;

The text below the larger headline reads: “Industrial Strength Significantly Increased Driven By The Creation of A Unified Reich.”&nbsp;

While there was no direct reference made to Nazis in the clip, the word “Reich” is typically used to refer to the “Third Reich,” to describe the Nazi regime in Germany.

The text in the video, as per Reuters, may have been picked up from a Wikipedia page about World War I which mentions the developments long before Hitler’s rule.&nbsp;

“German industrial strength and production had significantly increased after 1871, driven by the creation of a unified Reich,” the Wikipedia page reads.&nbsp;

<h2>Trump’s campaign responds</h2>

Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokesperson, said that the video was created by some “random account online” and shared by a staffer who did not notice the word “Reich” before reposting it.&nbsp;

She also said that Trump, who is on trial in New York for allegedly falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment, was in court at the time.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the former president did not respond to questions about the video shouted by a reporter as he headed into court.&nbsp;

Trump has repeatedly come under fire for inflammatory remarks on the campaign trail which included the use of rhetoric that carries clear echoes of Nazi ideology like calling his political opponents “vermin” and saying undocumented immigrants were “poisoning the blood of our country.”&nbsp;

<h2>‘Hitler’s language’</h2>

Biden, on Tuesday, criticised Trump for reposting the video and said, “This is Hitler’s language, not America’s.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-set-for-trump-biden-presidential-debates-but-ex-president-has-a-demand-722897">It was all set for Trump-Biden presidential debates, now ex-president puts up a ‘test’ demand</a>

It is “abhorrent, sickening and disgraceful for anyone to promote content associated with Germany's Nazi government under Adolf Hitler,” said the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The US Vice President Kamala Harris criticised the post during a speech to union members in Philadelphia and said, “This kind of rhetoric is unsurprising coming from the former president, and it is appalling.”

Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer criticised the use of the word associated with the Nazi regime.&nbsp;

“America, stop scrolling and pay attention. Donald Trump is not playing games; he is telling America exactly what he intends to do if he regains power: rule as a dictator over a ‘unified Reich’,” Singer said.&nbsp;

He also accused Trump of “parroting” Hitler’s manifesto, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insists-he-hasnt-read-hitlers-mein-kampf-after-backlash-on-remarks-against-migrants-671963">Mein Kampf</a>.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump deleted a video that he posted on his social media platform Truth Social, which included a reference to a “unified Reich”. This was after his successor and rival in the upcoming election Joe Biden, the White House, and others criticised the language which is often associated with the Nazi regime.

Former US president Donald Trump deleted a video that he posted on his social media platform Truth Social, which included a reference to a “unified Reich”. This was after his successor and rival in the upcoming election Joe Biden, the White House, and others criticised the language which is often associated with the Nazi regime. About the post The 30-second video, posted on Monday (May 20) afternoon was no longer available on the website. A report by Reuters citing a person familiar with the matter confirmed the post had been removed from the site. The clip showed a series of fictitious news stories painting a picture of American prosperity. “What happens after Donald Trump wins? What’s next for America?” the voiceover in the clip asks. Also Read | Hush money trial: Trump's lawyers rest case without calling on former president to testify The video also features hypothetical newspaper headlines about a booming economy and a crackdown on illegal immigration. The text below the larger headline reads: “Industrial Strength Significantly Increased Driven By The Creation of A Unified Reich.” While there was no direct reference made to Nazis in the clip, the word “Reich” is typically used to refer to the “Third Reich,” to describe the Nazi regime in Germany. The text in the video, as per Reuters, may have been picked up from a Wikipedia page about World War I which mentions the developments long before Hitler’s rule. “German industrial strength and production had significantly increased after 1871, driven by the creation of a unified Reich,” the Wikipedia page reads. Trump’s campaign responds Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokesperson, said that the video was created by some “random account online” and shared by a staffer who did not notice the word “Reich” before reposting it. She also said that Trump, who is on trial in New York for allegedly falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment, was in court at the time. On Tuesday, the former president did not respond to questions about the video shouted by a reporter as he headed into court. Trump has repeatedly come under fire for inflammatory remarks on the campaign trail which included the use of rhetoric that carries clear echoes of Nazi ideology like calling his political opponents “vermin” and saying undocumented immigrants were “poisoning the blood of our country.” ‘Hitler’s language’ Biden, on Tuesday, criticised Trump for reposting the video and said, “This is Hitler’s language, not America’s.” Also Read | It was all set for Trump-Biden presidential debates, now ex-president puts up a ‘test’ demand It is “abhorrent, sickening and disgraceful for anyone to promote content associated with Germany's Nazi government under Adolf Hitler,” said the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, on Tuesday. The US Vice President Kamala Harris criticised the post during a speech to union members in Philadelphia and said, “This kind of rhetoric is unsurprising coming from the former president, and it is appalling.” Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer criticised the use of the word associated with the Nazi regime. “America, stop scrolling and pay attention. Donald Trump is not playing games; he is telling America exactly what he intends to do if he regains power: rule as a dictator over a ‘unified Reich’,” Singer said. He also accused Trump of “parroting” Hitler’s manifesto, Mein Kampf. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump deletes ‘unified Reich’ post after backlash; Biden slams former prez for using ‘Hitler’s language’

Trump's Hush Money Trial: Donald Trump's hush money trial near its end

Donald Trump’s defence team, on Tuesday (May 21) rested its case in the historic hush money trial without calling on the former United States president to testify. Meanwhile, the judge planned jury deliberations for early next week.&nbsp;

<h2>Trump opts not to take witness stand</h2>

With Trump opting not to testify, his defence was brought to a quick conclusion and paved the way for jurors to begin deliberations.&nbsp;

This comes after the former president had sparked speculation for weeks about whether he would take the stand to defend himself against the charges of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Trump’s lawyers called two witnesses in his defence.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-trial-day-19-prosecutor-rests-case-defence-witness-costellos-heated-exchange-more-723689">Trump hush money trial day 19: Defence witness in heated exchange; Cohen admits to stealing</a>

Meanwhile, Justice Juan Merchan said jurors would return a week from now (May 28) to hear closing arguments.&nbsp;

“Next Tuesday...you will hear the summations of the attorneys, you will probably the next day... hear my jury charge and I will expect you will begin your deliberations hopefully at some point on Wednesday,” Judge Merchan told the New York jury, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

The jurors would return next Tuesday, following the three-day Memorial Day weekend to hear the closing arguments.&nbsp;

Trump’s lawyers have asked Merchan to dismiss the case before it reaches the jury, saying that the testimony rests on the testimony of ex-lawyer and fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen, who has a well-documented history of lying.

While such dismissals are rarely successful, the judge indicated on Monday (May 20) that he was inclined to let jurors assess Cohen’s credibility for themselves.&nbsp;

Trump’s former lawyer, the last and arguably the most important witness for the New York prosecutors, ended his testimony on Monday, where he admitted to stealing from the Trump Organization.&nbsp;

As a convicted felon and admitting that he has repeatedly lied under oath to benefit Trump, Cohen is seen as a problematic witness.&nbsp;

Therefore, prosecutors have supported his testimony with documentary evidence as Trump’s lawyers have sought to undermine Cohen’s credibility.&nbsp;

<h2>What next?</h2>

After nearly five weeks, 19 witnesses, often salacious testimony, and reams of documents, the judgement day in the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president is close.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-trial-cohen-admits-to-stealing-30000-from-trump-closing-arguments-expected-next-week-723619">Hush money trial: Cohen admits to stealing $30,000 from Trump; closing arguments expected next week</a>

However, before that Trump’s lawyers will have a chance to present evidence and witnesses of their own.&nbsp;

The former president has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment brought against him and has also denied having sex with the adult film actor.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Donald Trump’s defence team, on Tuesday (May 21) rested its case in the historic hush money trial without calling on the former United States president to testify.

Donald Trump’s defence team, on Tuesday (May 21) rested its case in the historic hush money trial without calling on the former United States president to testify. Meanwhile, the judge planned jury deliberations for early next week. Trump opts not to take witness stand With Trump opting not to testify, his defence was brought to a quick conclusion and paved the way for jurors to begin deliberations. This comes after the former president had sparked speculation for weeks about whether he would take the stand to defend himself against the charges of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump’s lawyers called two witnesses in his defence. Also Read | Trump hush money trial day 19: Defence witness in heated exchange; Cohen admits to stealing Meanwhile, Justice Juan Merchan said jurors would return a week from now (May 28) to hear closing arguments. “Next Tuesday...you will hear the summations of the attorneys, you will probably the next day... hear my jury charge and I will expect you will begin your deliberations hopefully at some point on Wednesday,” Judge Merchan told the New York jury, as quoted by AFP. The jurors would return next Tuesday, following the three-day Memorial Day weekend to hear the closing arguments. Trump’s lawyers have asked Merchan to dismiss the case before it reaches the jury, saying that the testimony rests on the testimony of ex-lawyer and fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen, who has a well-documented history of lying. While such dismissals are rarely successful, the judge indicated on Monday (May 20) that he was inclined to let jurors assess Cohen’s credibility for themselves. Trump’s former lawyer, the last and arguably the most important witness for the New York prosecutors, ended his testimony on Monday, where he admitted to stealing from the Trump Organization. As a convicted felon and admitting that he has repeatedly lied under oath to benefit Trump, Cohen is seen as a problematic witness. Therefore, prosecutors have supported his testimony with documentary evidence as Trump’s lawyers have sought to undermine Cohen’s credibility. What next? After nearly five weeks, 19 witnesses, often salacious testimony, and reams of documents, the judgement day in the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president is close. Also Read | Hush money trial: Cohen admits to stealing $30,000 from Trump; closing arguments expected next week However, before that Trump’s lawyers will have a chance to present evidence and witnesses of their own. The former president has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment brought against him and has also denied having sex with the adult film actor. (With inputs from agencies)

Hush money trial: Trump's lawyers rest case without calling on former president to testify

Former US President Donald Trump's lawyers on Monday pressed the judge overseeing his hush money trial to stop the case from going to the jury and throw out the charges after prosecutors concluded their presentation of evidence. Watch in for more details!

Trump's Hush Money Trial: Trump's lawyer ask judge to 'dismiss' hush money trial

The Trump campaign has come out strongly against The Apprentice, a film that shocked audiences at Cannes with its portrayal of former US president Donald Trump raping his first wife, Ivana Trump, among other things.&nbsp;

A spokesperson of the campaign confirmed that the Republican plans to sue "to address the blatantly false assertions from these pretend filmmakers."

<h2>'Pure fiction'</h2>

In a conversation with Variety following the film's premiere, Trump's chief spokesperson Steven Cheung on Monday (May 20) slammed the movie, directed by Ali Abbasi and starring Sebastian Stan as Trump.

Cheung called it "garbage" and "pure fiction," saying it sensationalises "lies that have been long debunked."

"As with the illegal Biden Trials, this is election interference by Hollywood elites, who know that President Trump will retake the White House and beat their candidate of choice because nothing they have done has worked," said Cheung.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/donald-trump-biopic-hits-cannes-film-festival-723596">Donald Trump biopic hits Cannes Film Festival</a>

Labelling the film "pure malicious defamation," he said it "should not see the light of day, and doesn't even deserve a place in the straight-to-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, it belongs in a dumpster fire."

The Apprentice received an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes on Monday, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

It includes scenes of Trump undergoing liposuction and scalp-reduction surgery.

However, the most controversial scene is where he rapes Ivana Trump.

Even though it opens with a disclaimer stating that the events are fictionalised, the movie has sparked intense reactions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-imposes-ban-on-viral-tiktok-song-which-idolises-norths-kim-jong-un-723819">South Korea imposes ban on viral TikTok song which idolises North's Kim Jong Un</a>

<h2>The alleged rape</h2>

The rape scene is a dramatised version of an incident disclosed in the couple's 1990 divorce proceedings.

Ivana Trump initially described the 1989 incident as a rape but later retracted, stating that while she felt violated, she didn't mean it in a criminal sense.

"On one occasion during 1989, Mr Trump and I had marital relations in which he behaved very differently towards me than he had during our marriage. As a woman I felt violated … I referred to this as a rape, but I do not want my words to be interpreted in a literal or criminal sense," she said in a 1993 statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Trump campaign has come out strongly against The Apprentice, a film that shocked audiences at Cannes with its portrayal of former US president Donald Trump raping his first wife, Ivana Trump, among other things.

The Trump campaign has come out strongly against The Apprentice, a film that shocked audiences at Cannes with its portrayal of former US president Donald Trump raping his first wife, Ivana Trump, among other things. A spokesperson of the campaign confirmed that the Republican plans to sue "to address the blatantly false assertions from these pretend filmmakers." 'Pure fiction' In a conversation with Variety following the film's premiere, Trump's chief spokesperson Steven Cheung on Monday (May 20) slammed the movie, directed by Ali Abbasi and starring Sebastian Stan as Trump. Cheung called it "garbage" and "pure fiction," saying it sensationalises "lies that have been long debunked." "As with the illegal Biden Trials, this is election interference by Hollywood elites, who know that President Trump will retake the White House and beat their candidate of choice because nothing they have done has worked," said Cheung. Also read | Donald Trump biopic hits Cannes Film Festival Labelling the film "pure malicious defamation," he said it "should not see the light of day, and doesn't even deserve a place in the straight-to-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, it belongs in a dumpster fire." The Apprentice received an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes on Monday, reports The Guardian. It includes scenes of Trump undergoing liposuction and scalp-reduction surgery. However, the most controversial scene is where he rapes Ivana Trump. Even though it opens with a disclaimer stating that the events are fictionalised, the movie has sparked intense reactions. Also read | South Korea imposes ban on viral TikTok song which idolises North's Kim Jong Un The alleged rape The rape scene is a dramatised version of an incident disclosed in the couple's 1990 divorce proceedings. Ivana Trump initially described the 1989 incident as a rape but later retracted, stating that while she felt violated, she didn't mean it in a criminal sense. "On one occasion during 1989, Mr Trump and I had marital relations in which he behaved very differently towards me than he had during our marriage. As a woman I felt violated … I referred to this as a rape, but I do not want my words to be interpreted in a literal or criminal sense," she said in a 1993 statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump campaign slams Cannes film 'The Apprentice,' labels it 'pure fiction'

Cannes Film Festival hosted the world premiere of "The Apprentice," inspired by Donald Trump's early years in the real estate business. Watch in for more details!

'The Apprentice': Movie based on Donald Trump premieres at Cannes

The former United States President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer and fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand, on Monday (May 20) and admitted to stealing tens of thousands as the historic trial on charges of covering up hush money payments to adult film actor Stormy Daniels is inching towards its final stages, with closing arguments expected early next week.

<h2>Cohen admits to stealing from Trump Organization</h2>

Upon being questioned on Monday by the former president’s lawyer Todd Blanche, Cohen acknowledged pocketing tens of thousands of dollars from the Trump Organization.

“So you stole from the Trump Organization, right?” asked Blanche, to which Cohen, a key witness for New York prosecutors, responded by saying “Yes sir.”&nbsp;

Trump’s former lawyer admitted that he pocketed $30,000 after paying roughly $20,000 of the $50,000 that Trump’s company owed to the tech company in cash, and said that he kept the rest.&nbsp;

He later explained that he had stolen the cash because his&nbsp;annual holiday bonus had been slashed from&nbsp;$150,000, what he usually received to&nbsp;$50,000.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-f-ing-hope-trump-ends-up-in-prison-trumps-defence-plays-cohens-recording-questions-his-credibility-722268">Trump's defence plays Cohen's recording, questions his credibility</a>

Cohen also testified that the former president had owed the money to a&nbsp;technology firm named&nbsp;Red Finch for its&nbsp;work to&nbsp;artificially boost his standing in a CNBC online poll about famous businessmen, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Cohen is the last and arguably the most important witness for the New York prosecutors as the trial is inching towards its final stages.&nbsp;

The former president is on trial based on the charges stemming from hush money allegedly paid to Daniels, 45, ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

The prosecutors have alleged that Trump falsified business records to cover up the payment that Cohen made to the adult film actress in the run-up to the election.&nbsp;

However, as a convicted felon and admitting that he has repeatedly lied under oath to benefit Trump, Cohen is seen as a problematic witness.&nbsp;

Therefore, prosecutors have supported his testimony with documentary evidence as Trump’s lawyers have sought to undermine Cohen’s credibility.&nbsp;

<h2>Closing arguments expected next week</h2>

Due to the upcoming holiday weekend and legal squabbles over jury instructions, Judge Juan Merchan told the court “it’s become apparent that we are not going to be able to sum up tomorrow” as he had hoped ahead of the session on Monday, according to AFP.&nbsp;

Therefore, the judge said that he expected the prosecution and the defence to wrap up their presentations this week and make their closing arguments next week.

Trump’s lawyers will have a chance to present evidence and witnesses of their own after Cohen’s testimony concludes. However, it is still unclear if Trump himself would testify.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-taiwans-new-president-lai-ching-te-a-severe-danger-for-china-723504">Meet Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te, a ‘severe danger’ for China</a>

The former president told reporters in Florida that he would take the stand and testify if necessary. “All I can do is tell the truth,” said Trump.&nbsp;

Notably, before the trial began, Trump said he planned to testify, but Blanche told the judge last week that it was no longer certain.

If Trump chooses to testify, he may convince jurors that he was not responsible for the paperwork at the heart of the case and respond to Daniels’ account of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-trial-stormy-daniels-details-alleged-sexual-encounter-with-trump-in-court-719135">alleged sexual encounter</a>.&nbsp;

On the other hand, if the former president takes the stand he will also face cross-examination by prosecutors who could expose inconsistencies in his story, if any, which could lead to further charges.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The former United States President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer and fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand, on Monday (May 20) and admitted to stealing tens of thousands as the historic trial on charges of covering up hush money payments to adult film actor Stormy Daniels is inching towards its final stages, with closing arguments expected early next week.

The former United States President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer and fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand, on Monday (May 20) and admitted to stealing tens of thousands as the historic trial on charges of covering up hush money payments to adult film actor Stormy Daniels is inching towards its final stages, with closing arguments expected early next week. Cohen admits to stealing from Trump Organization Upon being questioned on Monday by the former president’s lawyer Todd Blanche, Cohen acknowledged pocketing tens of thousands of dollars from the Trump Organization. “So you stole from the Trump Organization, right?” asked Blanche, to which Cohen, a key witness for New York prosecutors, responded by saying “Yes sir.” Trump’s former lawyer admitted that he pocketed $30,000 after paying roughly $20,000 of the $50,000 that Trump’s company owed to the tech company in cash, and said that he kept the rest. He later explained that he had stolen the cash because his annual holiday bonus had been slashed from $150,000, what he usually received to $50,000. Also Read | Trump's defence plays Cohen's recording, questions his credibility Cohen also testified that the former president had owed the money to a technology firm named Red Finch for its work to artificially boost his standing in a CNBC online poll about famous businessmen, reported the Associated Press. Cohen is the last and arguably the most important witness for the New York prosecutors as the trial is inching towards its final stages. The former president is on trial based on the charges stemming from hush money allegedly paid to Daniels, 45, ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The prosecutors have alleged that Trump falsified business records to cover up the payment that Cohen made to the adult film actress in the run-up to the election. However, as a convicted felon and admitting that he has repeatedly lied under oath to benefit Trump, Cohen is seen as a problematic witness. Therefore, prosecutors have supported his testimony with documentary evidence as Trump’s lawyers have sought to undermine Cohen’s credibility. Closing arguments expected next week Due to the upcoming holiday weekend and legal squabbles over jury instructions, Judge Juan Merchan told the court “it’s become apparent that we are not going to be able to sum up tomorrow” as he had hoped ahead of the session on Monday, according to AFP. Therefore, the judge said that he expected the prosecution and the defence to wrap up their presentations this week and make their closing arguments next week. Trump’s lawyers will have a chance to present evidence and witnesses of their own after Cohen’s testimony concludes. However, it is still unclear if Trump himself would testify. Also Read | Meet Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te, a ‘severe danger’ for China The former president told reporters in Florida that he would take the stand and testify if necessary. “All I can do is tell the truth,” said Trump. Notably, before the trial began, Trump said he planned to testify, but Blanche told the judge last week that it was no longer certain. If Trump chooses to testify, he may convince jurors that he was not responsible for the paperwork at the heart of the case and respond to Daniels’ account of their alleged sexual encounter. On the other hand, if the former president takes the stand he will also face cross-examination by prosecutors who could expose inconsistencies in his story, if any, which could lead to further charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Hush money trial: Cohen admits to stealing $30,000 from Trump; closing arguments expected next week

The former United States President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on Saturday (May 18) urged gun owners and thousands of members of the National Rifle Association (NRA), to vote in the upcoming presidential elections. Trump, whom the NRA has officially endorsed, took the stage at their annual meeting in the US city of Dallas, Texas.&nbsp;

<h2>‘They are coming for your guns’</h2>

In his more than 90-minute speech to the tens of thousands of gun enthusiasts and dealers gathered at the NRA’s annual Leadership Forum, Trump said the Second Amendment “is very much on the ballot” in November.&nbsp;

He also went on to urge people to vote in the upcoming elections. “We’ve got to get gun owners to vote,” said the former president. He added, “I think you’re a rebellious bunch. But let’s be rebellious and vote this time.”

Trump also alleged that if his rival and incumbent US President Joe Biden “gets four more years they are coming for your guns, 100% certain. Crooked Joe has a 40-year-record of trying to rip firearms out of the hands of law-abiding citizens.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-set-for-trump-biden-presidential-debates-but-ex-president-has-a-demand-722897">It was all set for Trump-Biden presidential debates, now ex-president puts up a ‘test’ demand</a>

The Republican presidential nominee also repeated his pledge to fire the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, on Day One if he wins the presidency again.&nbsp;

Trump has accused the government agency, which enforces gun laws in the country, of being heavy-handed with firearm owners and revoking licenses on frivolous grounds.

The Republican party is known for opposing stricter gun laws in the US despite record numbers of mass shootings, citing the right to bear arms which the Second Amendment of the US Constitution grants.

Meanwhile, a large number of mass shootings in the US over the years have prompted many Democrats to impose more controls on guns, including the Biden administration.&nbsp;

In a bid to combat gun violence, Biden introduced a new rule which aims to close a loophole that has reportedly allowed tens of thousands of guns to be sold every year by unlicensed dealers who do not perform background checks.

“In my second term, we will roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment. The attacks are coming fast and furious,” said the former president.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Best friend of gun owners’</h2>

The former president has pledged to continue to defend the Second Amendment, which he claims is “under siege,” and has called himself “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House”.&nbsp;

The NRA, the top gun rights group in the US has endorsed the Republican three times – 2016, 2020 and 2024.&nbsp;

This comes as steps taken during the Trump administration have favoured the organisation including designating firearm shops as essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them to stay open.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-launches-fresh-bid-to-win-over-black-voters-amid-dwindling-support-ahead-of-presidential-elections-722857">Joe Biden launches fresh bid to win over Black voters amid dwindling support ahead of presidential elections</a>

Last year, the US witnessed 42 mass killings which led to 217 deaths, making it one of the deadliest years on record.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden campaign criticises Trump</h2>

After the speech, the Biden campaign accused Trump of prioritising the desires of the gun lobby over public safety.&nbsp;

“Tonight, Donald Trump confirmed that he will do exactly what the NRA tells him to do - even if it means more death, more shootings, and more suffering,” said Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa.&nbsp;

Polls have indicated that gun control is a divisive issue in the US, but a majority of Americans remain in favour of at least some limits.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The former United States President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on Saturday (May 18) urged gun owners and thousands of members of the National Rifle Association (NRA), to vote in the upcoming presidential elections.

The former United States President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on Saturday (May 18) urged gun owners and thousands of members of the National Rifle Association (NRA), to vote in the upcoming presidential elections. Trump, whom the NRA has officially endorsed, took the stage at their annual meeting in the US city of Dallas, Texas. ‘They are coming for your guns’ In his more than 90-minute speech to the tens of thousands of gun enthusiasts and dealers gathered at the NRA’s annual Leadership Forum, Trump said the Second Amendment “is very much on the ballot” in November. He also went on to urge people to vote in the upcoming elections. “We’ve got to get gun owners to vote,” said the former president. He added, “I think you’re a rebellious bunch. But let’s be rebellious and vote this time.” Trump also alleged that if his rival and incumbent US President Joe Biden “gets four more years they are coming for your guns, 100% certain. Crooked Joe has a 40-year-record of trying to rip firearms out of the hands of law-abiding citizens.” Also Read | It was all set for Trump-Biden presidential debates, now ex-president puts up a ‘test’ demand The Republican presidential nominee also repeated his pledge to fire the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, on Day One if he wins the presidency again. Trump has accused the government agency, which enforces gun laws in the country, of being heavy-handed with firearm owners and revoking licenses on frivolous grounds. The Republican party is known for opposing stricter gun laws in the US despite record numbers of mass shootings, citing the right to bear arms which the Second Amendment of the US Constitution grants. Meanwhile, a large number of mass shootings in the US over the years have prompted many Democrats to impose more controls on guns, including the Biden administration. In a bid to combat gun violence, Biden introduced a new rule which aims to close a loophole that has reportedly allowed tens of thousands of guns to be sold every year by unlicensed dealers who do not perform background checks. “In my second term, we will roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment. The attacks are coming fast and furious,” said the former president. ‘Best friend of gun owners’ The former president has pledged to continue to defend the Second Amendment, which he claims is “under siege,” and has called himself “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House”. The NRA, the top gun rights group in the US has endorsed the Republican three times – 2016, 2020 and 2024. This comes as steps taken during the Trump administration have favoured the organisation including designating firearm shops as essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them to stay open. Also Read | Joe Biden launches fresh bid to win over Black voters amid dwindling support ahead of presidential elections Last year, the US witnessed 42 mass killings which led to 217 deaths, making it one of the deadliest years on record. Biden campaign criticises Trump After the speech, the Biden campaign accused Trump of prioritising the desires of the gun lobby over public safety. “Tonight, Donald Trump confirmed that he will do exactly what the NRA tells him to do - even if it means more death, more shootings, and more suffering,” said Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa. Polls have indicated that gun control is a divisive issue in the US, but a majority of Americans remain in favour of at least some limits. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump receives endorsement from NRA as he pledges to ‘roll back’ Biden’s gun policies

The world is eagerly waiting for the Trump-Biden debate ahead of the November election. However, now, former president Donald Trump has put&nbsp;a precondition.&nbsp;

Last week, President Joe Biden and Trump agreed to hold two campaign debates. The first is scheduled for June 27 hosted by CNN and the second on September 10 hosted by ABC.&nbsp;

Notably, Biden turned down the three debates recommended by the bipartisan US election debates commission. He instead opted for two audience-free debates hosted by news organisations.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-launches-fresh-bid-to-win-over-black-voters-amid-dwindling-support-ahead-of-presidential-elections-722857">Joe Biden launches fresh bid to win over Black voters amid dwindling support ahead of presidential elections</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Trump on Friday (May 17) said that he wants to debate Biden but will ask for a ‘drug test’, as he accused Biden of being "high as a kite" during the&nbsp;State of the Union address.&nbsp;

During a visit to Minneapolis, Trump said, "I just want to debate this guy. But you know, and I'm going to I'm going to demand a drug test, too, by the way."&nbsp;

"I don't want him coming in like the State of the Union, he was high as a kite. I said, 'is that Joe up there?' And by the end of the evening, he's like, well, he was exhausted, right? No, we're going to demand a drug test, but 'Fake Tapper' and these people, they're going to be fine. They're going to be fair," he added, mocking one of the moderators.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-who-attacked-nancy-pelosis-husband-sentenced-to-30-years-in-prison-722680">David DePape, man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband sentenced to 30 years in prison</a>&nbsp;

Biden had also taken a dig at Trump as he referred to the ongoing criminal hush money trial in New York. The trial features a mid-week break and Biden said, "So let's pick the dates, Donald. I hear you're free on Wednesdays."&nbsp;

Democrats and Republicans have been sparring for months about debates for months. Such debates have long been a staple of any US presidential election campaign.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;TikTok: Firm never shared user data with Chinese government&nbsp;

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<h2>Debate between vice presidential candidates</h2>

Trump also said that a deal was in the works for a debate between vice presidential candidates, even though he has not announced his pick yet.&nbsp;

"...And they just agreed or something to a vice president debate. I said, 'how could I have a vice president debate? I haven't even picked I haven't even picked the gentleman or woman yet.' I haven't picked. A lot of people think it's that guy right there. I don't know who the hell it is," Trump said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The world is eagerly waiting for the Trump-Biden debate ahead of the November election. However, now, former president Donald Trump has put a precondition. Last week, President Joe Biden and Trump agreed to hold two campaign debates.

The world is eagerly waiting for the Trump-Biden debate ahead of the November election. However, now, former president Donald Trump has put a precondition. Last week, President Joe Biden and Trump agreed to hold two campaign debates. The first is scheduled for June 27 hosted by CNN and the second on September 10 hosted by ABC. Notably, Biden turned down the three debates recommended by the bipartisan US election debates commission. He instead opted for two audience-free debates hosted by news organisations. Also read: Joe Biden launches fresh bid to win over Black voters amid dwindling support ahead of presidential elections Meanwhile, Trump on Friday (May 17) said that he wants to debate Biden but will ask for a ‘drug test’, as he accused Biden of being "high as a kite" during the State of the Union address. During a visit to Minneapolis, Trump said, "I just want to debate this guy. But you know, and I'm going to I'm going to demand a drug test, too, by the way." "I don't want him coming in like the State of the Union, he was high as a kite. I said, 'is that Joe up there?' And by the end of the evening, he's like, well, he was exhausted, right? No, we're going to demand a drug test, but 'Fake Tapper' and these people, they're going to be fine. They're going to be fair," he added, mocking one of the moderators. Also read: David DePape, man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband sentenced to 30 years in prison Biden had also taken a dig at Trump as he referred to the ongoing criminal hush money trial in New York. The trial features a mid-week break and Biden said, "So let's pick the dates, Donald. I hear you're free on Wednesdays." Democrats and Republicans have been sparring for months about debates for months. Such debates have long been a staple of any US presidential election campaign. Watch: TikTok: Firm never shared user data with Chinese government × Debate between vice presidential candidates Trump also said that a deal was in the works for a debate between vice presidential candidates, even though he has not announced his pick yet. "...And they just agreed or something to a vice president debate. I said, 'how could I have a vice president debate? I haven't even picked I haven't even picked the gentleman or woman yet.' I haven't picked. A lot of people think it's that guy right there. I don't know who the hell it is," Trump said. (With inputs from agencies)

It was all set for Trump-Biden presidential debates, now ex-president puts up a ‘test’ demand

The United States President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, on Friday (May 17) launched a fresh bid to win over Black voters amid dwindling support months ahead of the presidential election. This also comes as a recent poll found Biden’s predecessor and rival in the upcoming election Donald Trump is becoming popular among Black voters.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Black history is American history’</h2>

In a speech at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in downtown Washington, Biden&nbsp;greeted his audience by declaring, “Black history is American history.”

He also went on to slam Trump and called him “extreme” and claimed that his allies were trying to “erase history.”

WATCH |&nbsp;Biden continues outreach to black voters amid slipping support

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“My predecessor and his extreme MAGA friends are now going after diversity, equity and inclusion all across America,” said the incumbent president referring to Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan and movement.&nbsp;He added, “They want a country for some, not for all.”&nbsp;

Later in the day, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were scheduled to meet privately at the White House with the “Divine Nine,” a group of historically Black sororities and fraternities.

Notably, Harris was a part of one of the sororities named Alpha Kappa Alpha, when she attended Howard University.

The speech and meetings were a part of a series of events which took place over the week marking the 70th anniversary of a US Supreme Court ruling that ended racial segregation in schools. However, they are also seen as a way to garner support from Black voters.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-joe-biden-donald-trump-register-head-to-head-wins-in-may-14-presidential-primaries-721596">Joe Biden, Donald Trump register wins in May 14 presidential primaries</a>

On Sunday (May 19), Biden is also scheduled to address graduating students at the historically Black Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia where one of the most prominent leaders in American civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr, studied.&nbsp;

“We are meeting Black voters where they are,” Trey Baker, senior advisor to the Biden campaign, in an email, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

Baker also said Biden is not taking a single voter for granted. “We are not, and will not, parachute into these communities at the last minute, expecting their vote,” he said, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

He added, “Every day, from now until election day, we will continue working diligently to ensure that come November, Black voters send Joe Biden and Kamala Harris back to the White House to continue delivering for Black America in unprecedented ways.”

<h2>Dwindling support</h2>

Earlier this week, a poll conducted by The New York Times, Siena College and The Philadelphia Inquirer found that Biden is losing support among young, Black and Hispanic voters, who are typically the foundation of any Democratic path to the presidency.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-trump-maintains-lead-over-biden-in-five-key-battleground-states-shows-poll-721085">Trump maintains lead over Biden in five key battleground states, shows poll</a>

On the other hand, Trump, according to the same poll, has won 20 per cent of the Black vote, which indicates that he has found a way to garner support from voters who have overwhelmingly voted for Democrats year after year.&nbsp;

It is also worth noting that with 20 per cent backing, the former president has the highest level of Black support for any Republican presidential candidate since the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United States President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, on Friday (May 17) launched a fresh bid to win over Black voters amid dwindling support months ahead of the presidential election.

The United States President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, on Friday (May 17) launched a fresh bid to win over Black voters amid dwindling support months ahead of the presidential election. This also comes as a recent poll found Biden’s predecessor and rival in the upcoming election Donald Trump is becoming popular among Black voters. ‘Black history is American history’ In a speech at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in downtown Washington, Biden greeted his audience by declaring, “Black history is American history.” He also went on to slam Trump and called him “extreme” and claimed that his allies were trying to “erase history.” WATCH | Biden continues outreach to black voters amid slipping support “My predecessor and his extreme MAGA friends are now going after diversity, equity and inclusion all across America,” said the incumbent president referring to Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan and movement. He added, “They want a country for some, not for all.” Later in the day, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were scheduled to meet privately at the White House with the “Divine Nine,” a group of historically Black sororities and fraternities. Notably, Harris was a part of one of the sororities named Alpha Kappa Alpha, when she attended Howard University. The speech and meetings were a part of a series of events which took place over the week marking the 70th anniversary of a US Supreme Court ruling that ended racial segregation in schools. However, they are also seen as a way to garner support from Black voters. Also Read | Joe Biden, Donald Trump register wins in May 14 presidential primaries On Sunday (May 19), Biden is also scheduled to address graduating students at the historically Black Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia where one of the most prominent leaders in American civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr, studied. “We are meeting Black voters where they are,” Trey Baker, senior advisor to the Biden campaign, in an email, as quoted by AFP. Baker also said Biden is not taking a single voter for granted. “We are not, and will not, parachute into these communities at the last minute, expecting their vote,” he said, as per Reuters. He added, “Every day, from now until election day, we will continue working diligently to ensure that come November, Black voters send Joe Biden and Kamala Harris back to the White House to continue delivering for Black America in unprecedented ways.” Dwindling support Earlier this week, a poll conducted by The New York Times, Siena College and The Philadelphia Inquirer found that Biden is losing support among young, Black and Hispanic voters, who are typically the foundation of any Democratic path to the presidency. Also Read | Trump maintains lead over Biden in five key battleground states, shows poll On the other hand, Trump, according to the same poll, has won 20 per cent of the Black vote, which indicates that he has found a way to garner support from voters who have overwhelmingly voted for Democrats year after year. It is also worth noting that with 20 per cent backing, the former president has the highest level of Black support for any Republican presidential candidate since the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden launches fresh bid to win over Black voters amid dwindling support ahead of presidential elections

On Friday, President Joe Biden started a new campaign to build support among African American voters, hoping to close gaps in the Democratic coalition that propelled him to win against Republican Donald Trump in 2020. Watch to know more.

US Elections 2024: Biden continues outreach to black voters amid slipping support

Donald&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;lawyers on Thursday (May 16) played a recording in the courtroom showing his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen&nbsp;saying&nbsp;“I truly f***ing hope that Donald Trump ends up in prison"&nbsp;in the ongoing hush money trial.

“Revenge is a dish best served cold and you better believe I want this man to go down and rot inside for what he did to me and my family,”&nbsp;Cohen says in the recording from a podcast he appeared on.&nbsp;

Cohen was one of&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;closest allies until 2016 but later turned on his former boss, allegedly after the former president&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;offer him any seat in his administration.

Trump's&nbsp;lawyer&nbsp;Todd&nbsp;Blanche&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;asked Cohen&nbsp;to&nbsp;talk about his&nbsp;"desire to work at the White House.”

Cohen said he would&nbsp;have “liked to have been considered for ego purpose”&nbsp;as the White House chief of staff.

Trump's&nbsp;defence appeared to be trying to paint him as unreliable on the last day of the&nbsp;week's&nbsp;trial.

Blanche suggested he lied under oath as he accepted a guilty plea for campaign finance violations and tax evasion in 2018.

Cohen eventually admitted he was told by the authorities his wife would&nbsp;be indicted&nbsp;if he didn't accept the plea deal within 48 hours.

“I&nbsp;elected to protect my family,”&nbsp;he concluded.

“You felt that you were induced or put under pressure because you were given two days, correct?”&nbsp;Todd Blanche asked.

“Correct,”&nbsp;Cohen answered.

Watch:&nbsp;US elections 2024: Joe Biden ready to debate Donald Trump

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After pointing questions on&nbsp;Cohen's&nbsp;character and credibility, Blanche then accused Cohen of lying on the stand.

He claimed he gave false testimony earlier this week regarding the claim that he talked to Trump on the phone on Oct. 24, 2016, and updated him on his efforts to secure the rights to porn star&nbsp;Daniels'&nbsp;story.&nbsp;

Blanche showed Cohen two series&nbsp;of text messages from that evening. The first showed an exchange between him and a person who had been prank-calling him. Cohen threatened to turn him, who turned out to be a 14-year-old, into the Secret Service.

"I&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;do it,&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;14, please&nbsp;don't&nbsp;do this,"&nbsp;the person said, according to&nbsp;today's&nbsp;testimony.

Then, Blanche showed&nbsp;Cohen's&nbsp;text messages with&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;bodyguard&nbsp;Keith&nbsp;Schiller&nbsp;related&nbsp;to&nbsp;the exchange he just had&nbsp;with the teen.

Blanche alleged that Cohen was talking to&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;bodyguard that day and he was lying when he said he spoke to Trump about the Daniels deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwij0PLr4JKGAxVa8zgGHcn2Dw4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clutch-day-for-trump-lawyers-seeking-to-discredit-cohen-at-hush-money-trial-722012" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/clutch-day-for-trump-lawyers-seeking-to-discredit-cohen-at-hush-money-trial-722012&amp;ved=2ahUKEwij0PLr4JKGAxVa8zgGHcn2Dw4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Crunch day for Trump lawyers seeking to discredit Cohen at hush money trial</a>

"That was a lie, because you were actually talking to Keith Schiller about the fact that you were receiving harassing phone calls from a 14-year-old, correct?",&nbsp;Blanche said.

"Now your memory is that you, testifying truthfully, that you had enough time in a 1 minute, 36 second phone call to tell Mr. Schiller about being harassed by a 14-year-old,"&nbsp;and to update Trump, Blanche asked.

Cohen said he did.

"I&nbsp;always ran everything by the boss immediately, and in this case it was saying,&nbsp;'Everything's&nbsp;been taken care of,&nbsp;it's&nbsp;been resolved,'"&nbsp;Cohen said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump's lawyers on Thursday (May 16) played a recording in the courtroom showing his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen saying “I truly f***ing hope that Donald Trump ends up in prison" in the ongoing hush money trial.

Donald Trump's lawyers on Thursday (May 16) played a recording in the courtroom showing his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen saying “I truly f***ing hope that Donald Trump ends up in prison" in the ongoing hush money trial. “Revenge is a dish best served cold and you better believe I want this man to go down and rot inside for what he did to me and my family,” Cohen says in the recording from a podcast he appeared on. Cohen was one of Trump's closest allies until 2016 but later turned on his former boss, allegedly after the former president didn't offer him any seat in his administration. Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche on Thursday asked Cohen to talk about his "desire to work at the White House.” Cohen said he would have “liked to have been considered for ego purpose” as the White House chief of staff. Trump's defence appeared to be trying to paint him as unreliable on the last day of the week's trial. Blanche suggested he lied under oath as he accepted a guilty plea for campaign finance violations and tax evasion in 2018. Cohen eventually admitted he was told by the authorities his wife would be indicted if he didn't accept the plea deal within 48 hours. “I elected to protect my family,” he concluded. “You felt that you were induced or put under pressure because you were given two days, correct?” Todd Blanche asked. “Correct,” Cohen answered. Watch: US elections 2024: Joe Biden ready to debate Donald Trump × After pointing questions on Cohen's character and credibility, Blanche then accused Cohen of lying on the stand. He claimed he gave false testimony earlier this week regarding the claim that he talked to Trump on the phone on Oct. 24, 2016, and updated him on his efforts to secure the rights to porn star Daniels' story. Blanche showed Cohen two series of text messages from that evening. The first showed an exchange between him and a person who had been prank-calling him. Cohen threatened to turn him, who turned out to be a 14-year-old, into the Secret Service. "I didn't do it, I'm 14, please don't do this," the person said, according to today's testimony. Then, Blanche showed Cohen's text messages with Trump's bodyguard Keith Schiller related to the exchange he just had with the teen. Blanche alleged that Cohen was talking to Trump's bodyguard that day and he was lying when he said he spoke to Trump about the Daniels deal. Also read: Crunch day for Trump lawyers seeking to discredit Cohen at hush money trial "That was a lie, because you were actually talking to Keith Schiller about the fact that you were receiving harassing phone calls from a 14-year-old, correct?", Blanche said. "Now your memory is that you, testifying truthfully, that you had enough time in a 1 minute, 36 second phone call to tell Mr. Schiller about being harassed by a 14-year-old," and to update Trump, Blanche asked. Cohen said he did. "I always ran everything by the boss immediately, and in this case it was saying, 'Everything's been taken care of, it's been resolved,'" Cohen said. (With inputs from agencies)

'I f***ing hope Trump ends up in prison:' Trump's defence plays Cohen's recording, questions his credibility

Former US President Donald Trump's defence team accused star prosecution witness Michael Cohen of lying on the stand regarding a phone call Cohen says he had with Trump about Stormy Daniels.

Donald Trump Hush Money Trial: Star witness Michael Cohen accused of lying on the stand

In a bid to overhaul two buildings of the former Yugoslav People's Army headquarter in Belgrade, Serbia has struck a deal with the former US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner's investment firm.

Serbia leases ex-army headquarter in Belgrade to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner

Former US President Donald Trump's defence team accused star prosecution witness Michael Cohen of lying on the stand regarding a phone call he had with Trump about Stormy Daniels.

Donald Trump Hush Money Trial: Trump lawyer accuses Michael Cohen of 'lying'

Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico is "not in a life-threatening situation at this moment," a day after escaping an assassination attempt.

In other news, Vladimir Putin is on a visit to China. There, the&nbsp;Russian President's counterpart, Xi Jinping, told him that China was&nbsp;ready to build closer ties with Russia.

Meanwhile, in Florida, a new legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis is set to erase the mention of "climate change" from the state's law.

Again, in the US, another instance of pro-Palestine protests required police to step in, taking back control of a hall in&nbsp;the University of California, Irvine, from protestors.

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pm-robert-fico-not-in-life-threatening-situation-dy-pm-gives-update-721901">Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/16/431681-slovak-prime-minister-robert-fico.png?imwidth=400" />

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico escaped a life-threatening situation after surviving an assassination attempt, as per media reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-arrives-in-china-in-first-overseas-trip-since-russia-re-elects-him-in-march-721897">Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in China in first overseas trip since being re-elected in March</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/21/340174-vladimir-putin-and-xi-jinping-5.png?imwidth=400" />

In a bid to further strengthen China-Russia&nbsp;ties amid global upheaval, Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Beijing on Thursday&nbsp;(May 16), in his first overseas visit since his re-election in March that solidified his grip on power. Putin secured a landslide victory in the eighth presidential election held in Russia in March and&nbsp;commenced his fifth term in office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protest-uc-irvine-protests-lead-to-police-action-721923">Pro-Palestinian protest: University Irvine protests lead to police action</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/16/431693-untitled-design-27.png?imwidth=400" />

Police took&nbsp;control of a lecture hall building at the University of California, Irvine&nbsp;from pro-Palestinian protesters on Wednesday (May 15).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-isnt-real-ron-desantis-erases-mentions-of-climate-change-from-florida-law-721915">'Climate change isn't real': Ron DeSantis erases mentions of climate change from Florida law</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/16/431688-new-wion-2024-05-16t083705413.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Florida no longer considers Climate Change a priority. Defying "Radical green zealots," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday (May 15) signed a new legislation that will see Climate Change disappear from state statutes.

Watch |&nbsp;India's Citizenship (Amendment) Act in action: 14 migrants granted citizenship by MHA

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Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico is "not in a life-threatening situation at this moment," a day after escaping an assassination attempt. In other news, Vladimir Putin is on a visit to China.

Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico is "not in a life-threatening situation at this moment," a day after escaping an assassination attempt. In other news, Vladimir Putin is on a visit to China. There, the Russian President's counterpart, Xi Jinping, told him that China was ready to build closer ties with Russia. Meanwhile, in Florida, a new legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis is set to erase the mention of "climate change" from the state's law. Again, in the US, another instance of pro-Palestine protests required police to step in, taking back control of a hall in the University of California, Irvine, from protestors. Click on the headlines to read more Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico escaped a life-threatening situation after surviving an assassination attempt, as per media reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in China in first overseas trip since being re-elected in March In a bid to further strengthen China-Russia ties amid global upheaval, Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Beijing on Thursday (May 16), in his first overseas visit since his re-election in March that solidified his grip on power. Putin secured a landslide victory in the eighth presidential election held in Russia in March and commenced his fifth term in office. Pro-Palestinian protest: University Irvine protests lead to police action Police took control of a lecture hall building at the University of California, Irvine from pro-Palestinian protesters on Wednesday (May 15). 'Climate change isn't real': Ron DeSantis erases mentions of climate change from Florida law Florida no longer considers Climate Change a priority. Defying "Radical green zealots," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday (May 15) signed a new legislation that will see Climate Change disappear from state statutes. Watch | India's Citizenship (Amendment) Act in action: 14 migrants granted citizenship by MHA

Morning news brief: Putin in Russia; Slovak PM no longer in life-threatening condition, and more

Michael Cohen, the onetime fixer for Donald Trump who is now the star witness at his hush money criminal trial Cohen has now testified in court. As the trial is underway, Michael Cohen answered prosecutors questions for about 9 hours on the witness stand on Monday and Tuesday. Watch in for more details!

Donald Trump's Hush Money trial resumes, Michael Cohen takes stand for third day

Former US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signed a 99-year lease deal with the Serbian authorities, allowing his company to recondition two buildings at the site of the former Yugoslav army headquarters in Belgrade that was bombed in US-led NATO strikes in 1999.

Former US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signed a 99-year lease deal with the Serbian authorities, allowing his company to recondition two buildings at the site of the former Yugoslav army headquarters in Belgrade that was bombed in US-led NATO strikes in 1999. In a statement, the Serbian Construction Ministry said on Wednesday (May 15) that Kushner’s US-based investment firm Affinity Global Development “will invest in the revitalisation” of the former military complex. The building project, however, has caused widespread criticism in Serbia as the site is a painful symbol of the NATO bombing campaign. Also read: ‘Total moron’: Trump lambasts Biden, blames US president for his legal woes at rally in New Jersey "Everything ... will be in line with the Serbian laws, in cooperation with the government and relevant institutions ... that are responsible for urban planning and the protection of cultural heritage," the Serbian Construction Ministry’s statement said. In March, Kushner announced that a wider investment by his Affinity Partners in the Balkans would include projects in Albania and in Belgrade. Kushner's plan is to establish a luxury hotel, 1,500 residential units and a memorial centre dedicated to the victims of the bombing at the site of the headquarters buildings. Also read: US elections: Joe Biden, Donald Trump register wins in May 14 presidential primaries Kushner, married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka and a former top aide to Trump when he was president, set up the investment firm after stepping down from the job in 2021. The 1999 NATO bombing was launched to force the then strongman Slobodan Milosevic to end his brutal crackdown against Albanians, and put an end to the war in Kosovo. On his Instagram account, Kushner posted "early design images" of the project in March showing two luxurious glass towers where bombed-out buildings now stand. The ravaged site in central Belgrade was declared a protected "cultural asset" by the Serbian government in 2005. Over 22,000 people in Serbia have so far signed a petition calling for the buildings to be preserved. The buildings designed by Serbian architect Nikola Dobrovic were built between 1957 and 1965. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signs lease deal with Serbia to overhaul army HQ bombed by NATO

In the lead-up to the US elections scheduled for November 2024, on Tuesday (May 14), three of the US states — Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia — voted in the presidential primaries, further shaping the expected Joe Biden vs Donald Trump fight. &nbsp;

Here are the results

<h2>Maryland Presidential Primary Election Results 2024</h2>

In Maryland, Donald Trump, as per NBC News, is projected to win after securing all 37 delegates via 190,810 or 80.1 per cent of the votes. He was followed by Nikki Haley, who received around 47,513 votes. She dropped out of the presidential race in March of this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-moves-forward-to-send-over-1-billion-in-new-arms-for-israel-reports-721502">Biden moves forward to send over $1 billion in new arms to Israel: Reports</a>

Among Democrats, US President Joe Biden is the projected winner, with 79 of the 95 delegates from Maryland. As per the report, he received 390,913 (86.3 per cent) votes, followed by 47,108 votes to 'uncommitted'.

<h2>West Virginia Presidential Primary Election Results 2024</h2>

Going head-to-head, Trump and Biden emerged victorious in their respective party presidential primaries in West Virginia.

While&nbsp;Joe Biden won all 20 Democrat delegates with 67,064 votes (70.6 per cent), Donald Trump, with 195,069 votes (88.3 per cent) votes, gained all 32 Republican delegates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-trial-case-michael-cohen-says-will-like-to-see-trump-convicted-721522">Hush money trial: Michael Cohen says will like to see Trump 'convicted'</a>

The leading candidates, as per NBC&nbsp;News, were followed by Nikki Haley (Republican) — 20,850 votes and Jason Palmer (Democrat) — 10,873 votes.

<h2>Nebraska Presidential Primary Election Results 2024</h2>

In the state of Nebraska, with over 95 per cent of the votes in, Joe Biden has emerged as the projected winner of the Democratic Party presidential primaries. The US President, as per news agency AP count, has already won 25 of the 29 delegates in the state. He has received 78,732 votes (90 per cent), followed by Dean Phillips, who got 8,790 votes.

Donald Trump has also won the Nebraska Presidential Primary Election. With over 164,817 or around 80.2 per cent votes, he was allocated 36 of 36 delegates. In second place is Nikki Haley, who received 36,872 or 17.9 per cent votes.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the lead-up to the US elections scheduled for November 2024, on Tuesday (May 14), three of the US states — Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia — voted in the presidential primaries, further shaping the expected Joe Biden vs Donald Trump fight.

In the lead-up to the US elections scheduled for November 2024, on Tuesday (May 14), three of the US states — Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia — voted in the presidential primaries, further shaping the expected Joe Biden vs Donald Trump fight. Here are the results Maryland Presidential Primary Election Results 2024 In Maryland, Donald Trump, as per NBC News, is projected to win after securing all 37 delegates via 190,810 or 80.1 per cent of the votes. He was followed by Nikki Haley, who received around 47,513 votes. She dropped out of the presidential race in March of this year. Also read | Biden moves forward to send over $1 billion in new arms to Israel: Reports Among Democrats, US President Joe Biden is the projected winner, with 79 of the 95 delegates from Maryland. As per the report, he received 390,913 (86.3 per cent) votes, followed by 47,108 votes to 'uncommitted'. West Virginia Presidential Primary Election Results 2024 Going head-to-head, Trump and Biden emerged victorious in their respective party presidential primaries in West Virginia. While Joe Biden won all 20 Democrat delegates with 67,064 votes (70.6 per cent), Donald Trump, with 195,069 votes (88.3 per cent) votes, gained all 32 Republican delegates. Also read | Hush money trial: Michael Cohen says will like to see Trump 'convicted' The leading candidates, as per NBC News, were followed by Nikki Haley (Republican) — 20,850 votes and Jason Palmer (Democrat) — 10,873 votes. Nebraska Presidential Primary Election Results 2024 In the state of Nebraska, with over 95 per cent of the votes in, Joe Biden has emerged as the projected winner of the Democratic Party presidential primaries. The US President, as per news agency AP count, has already won 25 of the 29 delegates in the state. He has received 78,732 votes (90 per cent), followed by Dean Phillips, who got 8,790 votes. Donald Trump has also won the Nebraska Presidential Primary Election. With over 164,817 or around 80.2 per cent votes, he was allocated 36 of 36 delegates. In second place is Nikki Haley, who received 36,872 or 17.9 per cent votes. (With inputs from agencies)

US elections: Joe Biden, Donald Trump register wins in May 14 presidential primaries

The attorneys of former US president Donald Trump held a sharp cross-examination of Michael Cohen on Tuesday (May 14). Since Monday (May 13), Cohen has been facing questions by the prosecutors on the stand and speaking about how he repeatedly lied and also went to prison for protecting his former boss.

The attorneys of former US president Donald Trump held a sharp cross-examination of Michael Cohen on Tuesday (May 14). Since Monday (May 13), Cohen has been facing questions by the prosecutors on the stand and speaking about how he repeatedly lied and also went to prison for protecting his former boss. During the trial, Cohen said that Trump is a 'douchebag dictator' and stated that he would like to see him 'convicted'. In the hush money trial case, Cohen is seen as a key witness by the court. The case is centred around whether business records were falsified by Trump to cover up a hush money payment of $130,000 made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. Defence calls out Cohen's obsession with Trump Defence attorney Todd Blanche, during the cross-examination, highlighted the alleged "obsession" of Cohen with Trump. Cohen accepted that he often made Trump's references during media appearances and has earned around $3.4 million from his two books on Trump. Speaking about Cohen's use of TikTok, Blanche quizzed, "You are also hoping to make money on that?" "I do make money on that, but it's not significant," said Cohen. Blanche further emphasised how Cohen had earlier praised and admired Trump. Also Read: Hush money trial: Trump’s fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen, returns to the witness stand "You're actually obsessed with President Trump?" Blanche quizzed. "I don't know that I would characterise it as obsessed. I can't recall using that word, but I can't say it would be wrong," Cohen said. Cohen accepts he purposely misled FEC on Stormy Daniels payment Michael Cohen accepted that he purposely “misled” the Federal Election Commission in 2018 and also wrote a deceptive denial letter which was related to the payment made to Stormy Daniel. Cohen further spoke about how Trump has repeatedly tried to intimidate or influence witnesses who were likely to testify against him. He said that Trump sent him messages in April 2018, asking him to not 'flip', after the FBI raided his home. During the aggressive questioning, Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche reminded Cohen about his schoolyard taunts, which included calling him a "dictator douchebag," a "boorish cartoon misogynist" and a "Cheeto-dusted cartoon villain". Watch: Trump's Hush Money Trial: Michael Cohen takes witness stand again When Cohen was asked if he had said that he wished to see Donald Trump convicted in one of his podcasts, Cohen said, “It sounds like something I would say." After this, Blanche asked him why couldn’t he say yes or no, to which Cohen replied, "I would like to see Trump convicted, sure." (With inputs from agencies)

Hush money trial: Michael Cohen says will like to see Trump 'convicted'

Former US president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden on Wednesday (May 15) agreed to hold two debates ahead of the November election. One will be in June and the other will be in September. The date of the first debate is set for June 27, CNN confirmed.&nbsp;

On his Truth Social app, Trump wrote: "I am Ready and Willing. Let's get ready to Rumble!!!"&nbsp;

After Trump's message, Biden said in a post on X that he "received and accepted an invitation" from CNN for a debate on June 27. The US president wrote: "Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-plays-guitar-in-kyiv-to-signify-defiance-hope-ends-up-getting-slammed-721822">Blinken plays guitar in Kyiv to signify defiance, hope, ends up getting slammed</a>&nbsp;

Notably, Biden turned down the three debates recommended by the bipartisan US election debates commission. He instead opted for two audience-free debates hosted by news organisations.&nbsp;

In a video on X, Biden said, "Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn't shown up for a debate. Now he's acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal."&nbsp;

"I'll even do it twice," he said.&nbsp;

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Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate. 
 
Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again. 
 
Well, make my day, pal. <a href="https://t.co/AkPmvs2q4u">pic.twitter.com/AkPmvs2q4u</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1790713878248038478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-trial-day-17-gop-leaders-in-dress-code-michael-cohens-cross-examination-more-721685">Trump hush money trial day 17: GOP leaders in dress code; Michael Cohen’s cross-examination, &amp; more</a>

Referring to the ongoing criminal hush money trial in New York, Biden also trolled Trump. The trial features a mid-week break. Biden said, "So let's pick the dates Donald. I hear you're free on Wednesdays."&nbsp;

For months, Democrats and Republicans have been sparring for months about debates. Such debates have long been a staple of any US presidential election campaign.&nbsp;

Trump called for a "very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds" as he described Biden as "the WORST debater I have ever faced".&nbsp;

Biden's campaign simultaneously sent a letter to the US election debates commission saying it rejected its calendar for three debates in September and October.&nbsp;

Instead of that, the letter from campaign chief Jen O'Malley Dillon noted that Biden "plans to participate in debates hosted by news organisations".&nbsp;

She added that the current, years-old structure was "out of step with changes in the structure of our elections and the interests of voters."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden on Wednesday (May 15) agreed to hold two debates ahead of the November election. One will be in June and the other will be in September.

Former US president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden on Wednesday (May 15) agreed to hold two debates ahead of the November election. One will be in June and the other will be in September. The date of the first debate is set for June 27, CNN confirmed. On his Truth Social app, Trump wrote: "I am Ready and Willing. Let's get ready to Rumble!!!" After Trump's message, Biden said in a post on X that he "received and accepted an invitation" from CNN for a debate on June 27. The US president wrote: "Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place." Also read: Blinken plays guitar in Kyiv to signify defiance, hope, ends up getting slammed Notably, Biden turned down the three debates recommended by the bipartisan US election debates commission. He instead opted for two audience-free debates hosted by news organisations. In a video on X, Biden said, "Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn't shown up for a debate. Now he's acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal." "I'll even do it twice," he said. Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t shown up for a debate. Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal. pic.twitter.com/AkPmvs2q4u — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 15, 2024 × Also read: Trump hush money trial day 17: GOP leaders in dress code; Michael Cohen’s cross-examination, & more Referring to the ongoing criminal hush money trial in New York, Biden also trolled Trump. The trial features a mid-week break. Biden said, "So let's pick the dates Donald. I hear you're free on Wednesdays." For months, Democrats and Republicans have been sparring for months about debates. Such debates have long been a staple of any US presidential election campaign. Trump called for a "very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds" as he described Biden as "the WORST debater I have ever faced". Biden's campaign simultaneously sent a letter to the US election debates commission saying it rejected its calendar for three debates in September and October. Instead of that, the letter from campaign chief Jen O'Malley Dillon noted that Biden "plans to participate in debates hosted by news organisations". She added that the current, years-old structure was "out of step with changes in the structure of our elections and the interests of voters." (With inputs from agencies)

‘Ready to Rumble’: Biden and Trump agree to first presidential debate set for June 27

It seems like a Deja vu moment for the American voters, for the very first time, Joe Biden has said that he is ready to debate Donald Trump or as he puts it 'make my day pal!'.

US: Joe Biden says ready to debate with Donald Trump, 'make my dal pal!'

Kristi Noem, South Dakota governor and Republican who was once considered one of Donald Trump’s top vice-presidential contenders has been banned from the land of six of the nine Native American tribes in the state after claiming that&nbsp;tribal leaders are benefiting from&nbsp;drug cartels.&nbsp;

<h2>Six Native tribes vote to ban the governor</h2>

Last week, two tribes – Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and Yankton Sioux – in South Dakota voted to ban Noem from their lands joining four others – Oglala, Rosebud, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux, who had done so earlier this year.&nbsp;

The recent move bans the South Dakota governor from nearly one-fifth of the state territory after she faced criticism for making claims – without evidence – that tribal leaders are “personally benefiting” from drug cartels.&nbsp;

Notably, Noem, who once topped the list of candidates to run for vice president alongside presumptive Republican presidential nominee&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the upcoming elections has come under fire after she described killing her family dog and a goat in her book.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vp-contender-south-dakota-governor-kristi-noem-defends-killing-her-dog-in-new-book-715707">Trump VP contender, South Dakota governor Kristi Noem, defends killing her 14-month-old dog</a>

However, the governor’s claims about the tribal leaders in her state date back to March, when Noem, while speaking at a forum, accused those leaders who had been critical of her catering to drug cartels.

“We’ve got some tribal leaders that I believe are personally benefiting from the cartels being there, and that’s why they attack me every day,” said the South Dakota governor, as quoted by the Guardian.&nbsp;

She added, “But I’m going to fight for the people who actually live in those situations, who call me and text me every day and say: ‘Please, dear governor, please come help us in Pine Ridge. We are scared.’”

In what can be seen as an attempt to link her past comments about tribal leaders to the United States Joe Biden’s administration and its handling of crime and border security, Noem doubled down on her rhetoric. However, the move seems to have backfired.&nbsp;

On Thursday (May 10), the governor took to X and said, “Tribal leaders should take action to ban the cartels from their lands and accept my offer to help them restore law and order to their communities while protecting their sovereignty.”&nbsp;

She added, “We can only do this through partnerships because the Biden Administration is failing to do their job.”&nbsp;

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate voted to ban Noem on May 7 and the Yankton Sioux Tribe did so on May 10.&nbsp;

<h2>Noem and her book</h2>

The Republican recently cut short her book tour, as per BBC, after a few disastrous interviews, including the one where she suggested that Commander, Biden’s dog, should also have been put down.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kristi-noem-trump-vp-contender-suggests-bidens-dog-should-be-killed-too-718481">Kristi Noem, Trump VP contender, suggests Biden’s dog Commander should be killed too</a>

In her book, “No Going Back,” Noem falsely claimed to have met the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong Un in a passage that the Republican later said she should&nbsp;not have added to the book.&nbsp;

Noem also claimed to have cancelled a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron which his administration has since denied.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Kristi Noem, South Dakota governor and Republican who was once considered one of Donald Trump’s top vice-presidential contenders has been banned from the land of six of the nine Native American tribes in the state after claiming that tribal leaders are benefiting from drug cartels.

Kristi Noem, South Dakota governor and Republican who was once considered one of Donald Trump’s top vice-presidential contenders has been banned from the land of six of the nine Native American tribes in the state after claiming that tribal leaders are benefiting from drug cartels. Six Native tribes vote to ban the governor Last week, two tribes – Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and Yankton Sioux – in South Dakota voted to ban Noem from their lands joining four others – Oglala, Rosebud, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux, who had done so earlier this year. The recent move bans the South Dakota governor from nearly one-fifth of the state territory after she faced criticism for making claims – without evidence – that tribal leaders are “personally benefiting” from drug cartels. Notably, Noem, who once topped the list of candidates to run for vice president alongside presumptive Republican presidential nominee Trump in the upcoming elections has come under fire after she described killing her family dog and a goat in her book. Also Read | Trump VP contender, South Dakota governor Kristi Noem, defends killing her 14-month-old dog However, the governor’s claims about the tribal leaders in her state date back to March, when Noem, while speaking at a forum, accused those leaders who had been critical of her catering to drug cartels. “We’ve got some tribal leaders that I believe are personally benefiting from the cartels being there, and that’s why they attack me every day,” said the South Dakota governor, as quoted by the Guardian. She added, “But I’m going to fight for the people who actually live in those situations, who call me and text me every day and say: ‘Please, dear governor, please come help us in Pine Ridge. We are scared.’” In what can be seen as an attempt to link her past comments about tribal leaders to the United States Joe Biden’s administration and its handling of crime and border security, Noem doubled down on her rhetoric. However, the move seems to have backfired. On Thursday (May 10), the governor took to X and said, “Tribal leaders should take action to ban the cartels from their lands and accept my offer to help them restore law and order to their communities while protecting their sovereignty.” She added, “We can only do this through partnerships because the Biden Administration is failing to do their job.” The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate voted to ban Noem on May 7 and the Yankton Sioux Tribe did so on May 10. Noem and her book The Republican recently cut short her book tour, as per BBC, after a few disastrous interviews, including the one where she suggested that Commander, Biden’s dog, should also have been put down. Also Read | Kristi Noem, Trump VP contender, suggests Biden’s dog Commander should be killed too In her book, “No Going Back,” Noem falsely claimed to have met the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong Un in a passage that the Republican later said she should not have added to the book. Noem also claimed to have cancelled a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron which his administration has since denied. (With inputs from agencies)

Kristi Noem: Six Native tribes vote to ban Trump VP contender from their land

A Boeing jet owned by former US President Donald Trump collided with a parked plane at a Florida airport early Sunday morning (May 12) after making a safe landing and taxiing, Reuters reported citing sources.

The incident took place at West Palm Beach International Airport in Florida. Donald Trump's residence Mar-a-Lago is also located in Palm Beach.&nbsp;

As per reports, Trump's Boeing 757, with the tail number N757AF, made contact with a parked VistaJet aircraft. No injuries were reported in connection to the incident.&nbsp;

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement confirming the incident, but there was no mention that the aircraft was Trump-owned.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-trial-case-michael-cohen-says-will-like-to-see-trump-convicted-721522">Hush money trial case: Michael Cohen says will like to see Trump 'convicted'</a>

The agency said that a privately owned Boeing 757 "landed safely at West Palm Beach International Airport around 1:20 a.m. local time on Sunday, May 12."

"While taxiing, its winglet contacted a parked and unoccupied corporate jet," the FAA.

A winglet is a small, upward-sloping, or downward-sloping projection at the tip of an aircraft wing and is designed to improve the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft by reducing drag.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baltimore-bridge-preliminary-report-reveals-multiple-blackouts-in-troubled-timeline-leading-to-collapse-721517">Baltimore bridge: Preliminary report reveals multiple blackouts in troubled timeline leading to collapse</a>

The FAA said that the incident occurred in an area where the agency does not direct aircraft and that an investigation is underway.

The Trump campaign has not yet made any official statement on the incident.

<h2>Boeing 757 during presidential campaign rallies</h2>

Trump mostly uses his Boeing 757 for presidential campaign rallies. The reported incident where Trump's plane struck another parked plane occurred after he held a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, on&nbsp;Saturday (May 11).

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-kim-jong-un-oversees-tactical-missile-system-721524">North Korea: Kim Jong Un oversees tactical missile system</a>

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Trump's Boeing 757, purchased in 2010 for $100 million, is heavily customised with luxury features. Throughout his presidency, Trump traveled the globe aboard Air Force One.&nbsp;

The aircraft, built in 1991, holds sentimental value for Trump, who in January advocated for Boeing to resume production of the 757.

“Boeing should bring back the 757, the most beautiful, best handling plane (from the pilots standpoint!) that Boeing ever made,” Trump earlier wrote on his Truth Social site.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Boeing jet owned by former US President Donald Trump collided with a parked plane at a Florida airport early Sunday morning (May 12) after making a safe landing and taxiing, Reuters reported citing sources.

A Boeing jet owned by former US President Donald Trump collided with a parked plane at a Florida airport early Sunday morning (May 12) after making a safe landing and taxiing, Reuters reported citing sources. The incident took place at West Palm Beach International Airport in Florida. Donald Trump's residence Mar-a-Lago is also located in Palm Beach. As per reports, Trump's Boeing 757, with the tail number N757AF, made contact with a parked VistaJet aircraft. No injuries were reported in connection to the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement confirming the incident, but there was no mention that the aircraft was Trump-owned. Also Read | Hush money trial case: Michael Cohen says will like to see Trump 'convicted' The agency said that a privately owned Boeing 757 "landed safely at West Palm Beach International Airport around 1:20 a.m. local time on Sunday, May 12." "While taxiing, its winglet contacted a parked and unoccupied corporate jet," the FAA. A winglet is a small, upward-sloping, or downward-sloping projection at the tip of an aircraft wing and is designed to improve the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft by reducing drag. Also Read | Baltimore bridge: Preliminary report reveals multiple blackouts in troubled timeline leading to collapse The FAA said that the incident occurred in an area where the agency does not direct aircraft and that an investigation is underway. The Trump campaign has not yet made any official statement on the incident. Boeing 757 during presidential campaign rallies Trump mostly uses his Boeing 757 for presidential campaign rallies. The reported incident where Trump's plane struck another parked plane occurred after he held a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, on Saturday (May 11). Watch | North Korea: Kim Jong Un oversees tactical missile system × Trump's Boeing 757, purchased in 2010 for $100 million, is heavily customised with luxury features. Throughout his presidency, Trump traveled the globe aboard Air Force One. The aircraft, built in 1991, holds sentimental value for Trump, who in January advocated for Boeing to resume production of the 757. “Boeing should bring back the 757, the most beautiful, best handling plane (from the pilots standpoint!) that Boeing ever made,” Trump earlier wrote on his Truth Social site. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump-owned Boeing jet collides with parked plane at Florida airport

The former United States President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer turned foe Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand, on Tuesday (May 14) amid the ongoing historic criminal trial of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. This comes a day after Cohen, a key witness, testified that the former president had personally authorised him to make hush money payment to a porn star weeks ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

<h2>About Cohen’s testimony&nbsp;</h2>

At the beginning of his testimony, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-cohen-trumps-fixer-turned-foe-says-he-was-told-to-handle-hush-money-payments-721137">Trump’s former lawyer</a> recounted an Oval Office meeting with Trump in February 2017 when the former president had just been inaugurated saying that he would receive his first two instalments of a bonus package.

The package in question, Cohen testified, included reimbursements for the hush money payment made to Daniels. The ex-Trump lawyer was asked about a series of invoices and checks – some of them signed by the former president himself – by Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger.&nbsp;

Cohen said that those were falsely marked as paying for retainer services. “There was no retainer agreement, was there?” asked Hoffinger, as per Reuters, to which Cohen responded by saying “No, ma’am.”

Eight of the false checks were personally signed by Trump, reported the news agency.&nbsp;Trump's former lawyer also admitted that he repeatedly lied on behalf of the Republican.

"In order to protect Mr. Trump, to stay on message, to demonstrate my continued loyalty," Cohen testified.&nbsp;

After his home was raided by the FBI in 2018, the star witness said that Trump calmed him down. "He said to me, ‘Don’t worry, I’m the President of the United States, there’s nothing here...I felt reassured because I had the President of the United States protecting me," Cohen said.&nbsp;

Cohen, the prosecution’s star witness, took to the stand&nbsp;once again&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;where he also was grilled by&nbsp;Trump attorney Todd Blanche after which he admitted to&nbsp;calling the former president a "dictator douchebag" on TikTok.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;cross-examination was predictably tense with&nbsp;Blanche questioning Cohen about his social media posts about Trump, and continued amid&nbsp;rapid-fire objections from Hoffinger.&nbsp;

On Monday (May 13), when&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-cohen-testifies-donald-trump-was-confident-about-replacing-melania-721146">former lawyer first testified</a> he&nbsp;said that he had&nbsp;spoken to Trump immediately after wiring the $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and that it was one of the many times he worked “at the direction of and for the benefit” of the former president.&nbsp;

The former president is on trial based on the charges stemming from hush money allegedly paid to Daniels, 45, ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The prosecutors have alleged that Trump falsified business records to cover up the payment that Cohen made to the adult film actress in the run-up to the election.&nbsp;

<h2>House Speaker, Republican governors in court</h2>

The court also witnessed an entourage of Republican supporters along with Trump on Tuesday, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.&nbsp;

Before entering the Manhattan courthouse, Johnson parroted Trump’s rhetoric and said that the justice system is being “weaponized” against the former president and is “not about justice” but rather “all about politics.”

While Trump has been barred by the gag order to not talk about those involved in the case, he seemed to have pushed the House Speaker to do his bidding as&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;District Attorney Alvin Bragg – who brought the case against Trump – and other court officials as partisans, reported the Associated Press.

He also called Cohen “a man who is clearly on a mission for personal revenge” and “has trouble with the truth.”

Other Republican supporters of the former president included his former GOP rival Vivek Ramaswamy, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and US Representatives from Florida, Byron Donalds and Cory Mills.&nbsp;

Notably, Burgum and Donalds are on Trump’s long list of potential vice presidential contenders.

<h2>New York court rejects Trump's appeal</h2>

In a five-page ruling, a&nbsp;New York court, on Tuesday&nbsp;rejected Trump's bid to&nbsp;lift the gag order imposed by Judge&nbsp;Juan Merchan who is overseeing the hush money trial.&nbsp;

The judge "properly weighed petitioner's First Amendment Rights against the court's historical commitment to ensuring the fair administration of justice in criminal cases, and the right of persons related or tangentially related to the criminal proceedings from being free from threats, intimidation, harassment, and harm," said the ruling.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

So far, judge Merchan has held Trump in contempt of court for violating the gag order 10 times and fined him $1,000 per violation. The former president,&nbsp;last week, was also warned&nbsp;that he could be sent to jail for future violations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The former United States President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer turned foe Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand, on Tuesday (May 14) amid the ongoing historic criminal trial of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

The former United States President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer turned foe Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand, on Tuesday (May 14) amid the ongoing historic criminal trial of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. This comes a day after Cohen, a key witness, testified that the former president had personally authorised him to make hush money payment to a porn star weeks ahead of the 2016 presidential election. About Cohen’s testimony At the beginning of his testimony, Trump’s former lawyer recounted an Oval Office meeting with Trump in February 2017 when the former president had just been inaugurated saying that he would receive his first two instalments of a bonus package. The package in question, Cohen testified, included reimbursements for the hush money payment made to Daniels. The ex-Trump lawyer was asked about a series of invoices and checks – some of them signed by the former president himself – by Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger. Cohen said that those were falsely marked as paying for retainer services. “There was no retainer agreement, was there?” asked Hoffinger, as per Reuters, to which Cohen responded by saying “No, ma’am.” Eight of the false checks were personally signed by Trump, reported the news agency. Trump's former lawyer also admitted that he repeatedly lied on behalf of the Republican. "In order to protect Mr. Trump, to stay on message, to demonstrate my continued loyalty," Cohen testified. After his home was raided by the FBI in 2018, the star witness said that Trump calmed him down. "He said to me, ‘Don’t worry, I’m the President of the United States, there’s nothing here...I felt reassured because I had the President of the United States protecting me," Cohen said. Cohen, the prosecution’s star witness, took to the stand once again on Tuesday where he also was grilled by Trump attorney Todd Blanche after which he admitted to calling the former president a "dictator douchebag" on TikTok. The cross-examination was predictably tense with Blanche questioning Cohen about his social media posts about Trump, and continued amid rapid-fire objections from Hoffinger. On Monday (May 13), when the former lawyer first testified he said that he had spoken to Trump immediately after wiring the $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and that it was one of the many times he worked “at the direction of and for the benefit” of the former president. The former president is on trial based on the charges stemming from hush money allegedly paid to Daniels, 45, ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The prosecutors have alleged that Trump falsified business records to cover up the payment that Cohen made to the adult film actress in the run-up to the election. House Speaker, Republican governors in court The court also witnessed an entourage of Republican supporters along with Trump on Tuesday, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson. Before entering the Manhattan courthouse, Johnson parroted Trump’s rhetoric and said that the justice system is being “weaponized” against the former president and is “not about justice” but rather “all about politics.” While Trump has been barred by the gag order to not talk about those involved in the case, he seemed to have pushed the House Speaker to do his bidding as Johnson criticised Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg – who brought the case against Trump – and other court officials as partisans, reported the Associated Press. He also called Cohen “a man who is clearly on a mission for personal revenge” and “has trouble with the truth.” Other Republican supporters of the former president included his former GOP rival Vivek Ramaswamy, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and US Representatives from Florida, Byron Donalds and Cory Mills. Notably, Burgum and Donalds are on Trump’s long list of potential vice presidential contenders. New York court rejects Trump's appeal In a five-page ruling, a New York court, on Tuesday rejected Trump's bid to lift the gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan who is overseeing the hush money trial. The judge "properly weighed petitioner's First Amendment Rights against the court's historical commitment to ensuring the fair administration of justice in criminal cases, and the right of persons related or tangentially related to the criminal proceedings from being free from threats, intimidation, harassment, and harm," said the ruling. So far, judge Merchan has held Trump in contempt of court for violating the gag order 10 times and fined him $1,000 per violation. The former president, last week, was also warned that he could be sent to jail for future violations. (With inputs from agencies)

Hush money trial: Trump’s fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen, returns to the witness stand

Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer&nbsp;Michael&nbsp;Cohen&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday (May 13) testified in the New York court of Judge Juan Merchan in the ongoing hush money trial against the former US president.

Cohen worked with Trump for more than&nbsp;10&nbsp;years but is now a&nbsp;star witness of the prosecutors.&nbsp;Their relationship reportedly soured after Trump didn’t give him any seat in his administration.

During his testimony on Monday, Cohen admitted in court to having bullied and lied to people to ‘accomplish a task’ given by Trump.

“It was fantastic. Working for him, especially during those 10 years, was an amazing experience in many, many ways. There were great times, there were several less-than great times, but for the most part, I enjoyed the responsibility that was given to me. I enjoyed working with my colleagues at The Trump organization, the Trump children. It was a big family,” Cohen said.

When prosecutors asked Cohen whether he ever lied for Trump, Cohen replied: “I did”.

Cohen said he did “what [was] needed to accomplish a task.” “The only thing on my mind was [to] accomplish a task to make him happy,” he said in the courtroom.

Cohen also talked about Trump allegedly expressing concerns over “a lot of women” coming forward as he announced his candidature.

“You know that when this comes out, meaning the announcement, just be prepared, there’s going to be a lot of women coming forward,” Cohen said.

Cohen also told the courtroom that Trump had asked him&nbsp;to “handle” negative stories about an alleged “love-child” and an affair with the playmate Karen McDougal.

He explained how he extricated Trump from the controversial Trump University business courses by offering “approximately 50 vendors that had not been paid” a lesser amount, and claimed all but two accepted.

He also described legal fixing for Trump with the press: “If they said something that angered him, I would reach out to the press and express to them they needed to redact or take the article down, or we would file an action against him.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen on Monday (May 13) testified in the New York court of Judge Juan Merchan in the ongoing hush money trial against the former US president.

Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen on Monday (May 13) testified in the New York court of Judge Juan Merchan in the ongoing hush money trial against the former US president. Cohen worked with Trump for more than 10 years but is now a star witness of the prosecutors. Their relationship reportedly soured after Trump didn’t give him any seat in his administration. During his testimony on Monday, Cohen admitted in court to having bullied and lied to people to ‘accomplish a task’ given by Trump. “It was fantastic. Working for him, especially during those 10 years, was an amazing experience in many, many ways. There were great times, there were several less-than great times, but for the most part, I enjoyed the responsibility that was given to me. I enjoyed working with my colleagues at The Trump organization, the Trump children. It was a big family,” Cohen said. When prosecutors asked Cohen whether he ever lied for Trump, Cohen replied: “I did”. Cohen said he did “what [was] needed to accomplish a task.” “The only thing on my mind was [to] accomplish a task to make him happy,” he said in the courtroom. Cohen also talked about Trump allegedly expressing concerns over “a lot of women” coming forward as he announced his candidature. “You know that when this comes out, meaning the announcement, just be prepared, there’s going to be a lot of women coming forward,” Cohen said. Cohen also told the courtroom that Trump had asked him to “handle” negative stories about an alleged “love-child” and an affair with the playmate Karen McDougal. He explained how he extricated Trump from the controversial Trump University business courses by offering “approximately 50 vendors that had not been paid” a lesser amount, and claimed all but two accepted. He also described legal fixing for Trump with the press: “If they said something that angered him, I would reach out to the press and express to them they needed to redact or take the article down, or we would file an action against him.” (With inputs from agencies)

Hush money trial: ‘Bullied people to accomplish Trump’s tasks,’ admits ex-lawyer Michael Cohen

Michael Cohen, the onetime fixer for Donald Trump who is now the star witness at his hush money criminal trial Cohen has now testified in court. The then Republican candidate directed him to pay off adult film stars Stormy Daniels to bury revelations of an alleged tryst . Watch in for more details!

Trump's Hush Money Trial: Michael Cohen takes witness stand again

Donald Trump hush money trial: Sixteen days into a trial that has kept the US hooked, ex-lawyer Michael Cohen who served as a legal aide to Donald Trump between 2006 and 2018 took the witness stand on the most significant day of testimony in the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president.

Cohen's testimony tied a 2016 hush-money arrangement back to the ex-president. Michael Cohen said he spoke to Trump immediately after wiring the $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and that it was one of the many times he worked "at the direction of and for the benefit" of Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-cohen-key-witness-in-donald-trumps-trial-over-hush-money-720720">Who is Michael Cohen, key witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial? What you should know</a>

Daniels in exchange for the money, had agreed to keep quiet about allegedly having sex with Trump while he was married. Trump has denied ever having sex with Daniels.

Reports in the US media cited the former president sitting back in his chair with his eyes closed as Cohen told the court on Monday (May 13) that Trump "approved" the hush money repayment plan. Trump then allegedly told Cohen, "This is gonna be one heck of a ride in [Washington] DC."

Trump faces 34 counts of business fraud for allegedly reimbursing Cohen for the payment through transactions masked as legal expenses.

Also watch |&nbsp;Hush money trial: Trump's fixer-turned-foe on take witness stand

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Cohen said that Trump's top financial officer Allen Weisselberg told him in front of their boss that he would be paid back in 12 installments of $35,000 as a retainer for legal services. They sum up to $420,000 in total of which Cohen paid Daniels $130,000.&nbsp;

The total would be far larger than what Cohen originally paid because he would be taxed on the payments, he said.

<h2>Michael Cohen Testimony: What does it mean?</h2>

The spectre of Cohen's testimony was just a matter of time in the ongoing trial. His name popped up as prosecutors walked jurors down a trail of bank statements, text messages, witness testimony, emails and recordings of crucial conversations.

His version of events and conversations from 2016 could come back to haunt Trump as he seeks to return to the White House.

Cohen, who served time in prison for crimes related to the payment, is one of the few witnesses who could help US prosecutors establish that Trump knew about the alleged reimbursement scheme.&nbsp;

Cohen also testified that Trump told him to "be prepared" for negative publicity after announcing his 2016 presidential bid.

"There's going to be a lot of women coming forward," he allegedly said.

He said Trump instructed him to "handle" several hush-money payments.

"Women will hate me," he told Cohen, according to Monday's testimony.

In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight counts, including tax offences, fraud and campaign finance violations, the latter of which came from the same payment in question at Trump's trial.

He also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress.

Trump's lawyers have sought to distance him from the payment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump hush money trial: Sixteen days into a trial that has kept the US hooked, ex-lawyer Michael Cohen who served as a legal aide to Donald Trump between 2006 and 2018 took the witness stand on the most significant day of testimony in the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president.

Donald Trump hush money trial: Sixteen days into a trial that has kept the US hooked, ex-lawyer Michael Cohen who served as a legal aide to Donald Trump between 2006 and 2018 took the witness stand on the most significant day of testimony in the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president. Cohen's testimony tied a 2016 hush-money arrangement back to the ex-president. Michael Cohen said he spoke to Trump immediately after wiring the $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and that it was one of the many times he worked "at the direction of and for the benefit" of Donald Trump. Also read | Who is Michael Cohen, key witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial? What you should know Daniels in exchange for the money, had agreed to keep quiet about allegedly having sex with Trump while he was married. Trump has denied ever having sex with Daniels. Reports in the US media cited the former president sitting back in his chair with his eyes closed as Cohen told the court on Monday (May 13) that Trump "approved" the hush money repayment plan. Trump then allegedly told Cohen, "This is gonna be one heck of a ride in [Washington] DC." Trump faces 34 counts of business fraud for allegedly reimbursing Cohen for the payment through transactions masked as legal expenses. Also watch | Hush money trial: Trump's fixer-turned-foe on take witness stand × Cohen said that Trump's top financial officer Allen Weisselberg told him in front of their boss that he would be paid back in 12 installments of $35,000 as a retainer for legal services. They sum up to $420,000 in total of which Cohen paid Daniels $130,000. The total would be far larger than what Cohen originally paid because he would be taxed on the payments, he said. Michael Cohen Testimony: What does it mean? The spectre of Cohen's testimony was just a matter of time in the ongoing trial. His name popped up as prosecutors walked jurors down a trail of bank statements, text messages, witness testimony, emails and recordings of crucial conversations. His version of events and conversations from 2016 could come back to haunt Trump as he seeks to return to the White House. Cohen, who served time in prison for crimes related to the payment, is one of the few witnesses who could help US prosecutors establish that Trump knew about the alleged reimbursement scheme. Cohen also testified that Trump told him to "be prepared" for negative publicity after announcing his 2016 presidential bid. "There's going to be a lot of women coming forward," he allegedly said. He said Trump instructed him to "handle" several hush-money payments. "Women will hate me," he told Cohen, according to Monday's testimony. In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight counts, including tax offences, fraud and campaign finance violations, the latter of which came from the same payment in question at Trump's trial. He also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress. Trump's lawyers have sought to distance him from the payment. (With inputs from agencies)

Michael Cohen, Trump's fixer-turned-foe, says he was told to 'handle' hush money payments

US: Donald Trump's Hush Money trial resumes, Michael Cohen takes witness stand again

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