<p>As Donald Trump creates history by becoming the first former US President to face a criminal court, his Democrat rival Joe Biden's campaign has started using the trial against him.</p>

<p>On the opening day of his Manhattan "hush money" trial, Donald Trump, as per reports, appeared to doze off in court. This has led to the generation of "sleepy don" references on social media—a play on one of many nicknames Trump coined for President Joe Biden.</p>

<h2><strong>Slack-jawed 'Sleepy Don'</strong></h2>

<p>The New York Times first reported that during the trial, a seemingly exhausted Trump's head kept "dropping down and his mouth goes slack." &nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication in its live blog then reported that "Trump has apparently jolted back awake" upon "noticing the notes his lawyer passed him several minutes ago".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-case-no-jury-selected-on-day-1-as-potential-jurors-confess-to-bias-against-republican-711711">Trump hush money case: No jury selected on day 1 as potential jurors confess to bias against the Republican</a></strong></p>

<p>Other reporters also noticed Trump "leaning back in his chair with his arms folded". Reuters reporters in an email chain shared that "his eyes very much appeared to be closed for several minutes at a time" just before 3 pm.</p>

<h2><strong>Meme fodder for opposition and netizens</strong></h2>

<p>Quickly pouncing on the observations of Trump dozing in the courtroom, his adversaries coined the nickname "Sleepy Don," borrowed from his nickname for Biden, "Sleepy Joe".</p>

<p>Biden's team on X posted a video of a CNN reporter talking about 'Sleepy Don,' with the caption: "Donald Trump appeared to be asleep. His head would fall down. He didn’t pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-backtracks-will-comply-with-brazil-court-order-to-ban-certain-accounts-711784">Elon Musk's X backtracks, will comply with Brazil court order to ban certain accounts</a></strong></p>

<p>They also posted a meme poking fun at Trump's late-night posts on Truth Social, his social media platform.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/a12PUkIa4k">https://t.co/a12PUkIa4k</a> <a href="https://t.co/Swan4rIvjP">pic.twitter.com/Swan4rIvjP</a></p>
— Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/BidenHQ/status/1779971721975537666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump's campaign has, however, vehemently denied rumours of the courtroom nap and said it was "100% Fake News coming from 'journalists' who weren’t even in the court room."</p>

<p>However, despite the Trump team's denial, the nickname was too catchy and soon led to some hilarious posts on X. Take a look:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honestly, let him sleep.<br />
Wheel him into a fake Oval Office on the back nine of Trump National, tell him he’s the president, hand him a Diet Coke and a hamberder, play a nature video, quietly close the door, and walk away.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepyDon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepyDon</a> <a href="https://t.co/jupvKVGrNa">pic.twitter.com/jupvKVGrNa</a></p>
— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoJoFromJerz/status/1779948989816709534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who’s the sleepy joe, now? 😂<br />
<br />
I deem you Sleepy Don. <a href="https://t.co/6fdbY1FxuH">pic.twitter.com/6fdbY1FxuH</a></p>
— 🕊️💞Dannie D💞🕊️ (@DannieD01) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannieD01/status/1779959479624507843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trump fell asleep at his criminal trial.<br />
<br />
Looks like Sleepy Don is too old and low-energy to be president.</p>
— Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) <a href="https://twitter.com/TristanSnell/status/1779998507933258003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sleepy Don! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeadlineWH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeadlineWH</a> <a href="https://t.co/m7U5qiG7ce">pic.twitter.com/m7U5qiG7ce</a></p>
— Peaceful Citizen 110  (@SKUsa11) <a href="https://twitter.com/SKUsa11/status/1779995911692718106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤔<br />
"Sleepy Don" or "Don Snoreleon"?🤔 <a href="https://t.co/4g239yPHGA">pic.twitter.com/4g239yPHGA</a></p>
— 💙 Dr. MemeNstein votes 💙 BLUE 🇺🇸 (@Coste1Costello) <a href="https://twitter.com/Coste1Costello/status/1779999777402355950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s always projection with this assclown. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepyDonald?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepyDonald</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepyDon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepyDon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DonSnoreleone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DonSnoreleone</a> <a href="https://t.co/I7ymX1L6GZ">pic.twitter.com/I7ymX1L6GZ</a></p>
— 😱 Scary Larry 😱 🇺🇦✊🏻🇺🇸🗽 (@aintscarylarry) <a href="https://twitter.com/aintscarylarry/status/1779970313364885657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They changed his diaper, and now it's time for a nap, guys.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepyDon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepyDon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpisaNationalDisgrace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpisaNationalDisgrace</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpStinks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpStinks</a> <a href="https://t.co/dYO1ZjdoWi">pic.twitter.com/dYO1ZjdoWi</a></p>
— Richard Smith (@Richard_ezio) <a href="https://twitter.com/Richard_ezio/status/1780057870396260624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sleepy Don fell asleep in court. 💤</p>
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenKing/status/1779960105385037976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Sleepy Don is too low energy to stay awake during the first day of his criminal trial, does he even have the stamina to be President? <a href="https://t.co/hrk4FC0lr0">pic.twitter.com/hrk4FC0lr0</a></p>
— Christopher David (@Tazerface16) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tazerface16/status/1779922452057104498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Donald Trump creates history by becoming the first former US President to face a criminal court, his Democrat rival Joe Biden's campaign has started using the trial against him.

As Donald Trump creates history by becoming the first former US President to face a criminal court, his Democrat rival Joe Biden's campaign has started using the trial against him. On the opening day of his Manhattan "hush money" trial, Donald Trump, as per reports, appeared to doze off in court. This has led to the generation of "sleepy don" references on social media—a play on one of many nicknames Trump coined for President Joe Biden. Slack-jawed 'Sleepy Don' The New York Times first reported that during the trial, a seemingly exhausted Trump's head kept "dropping down and his mouth goes slack." The publication in its live blog then reported that "Trump has apparently jolted back awake" upon "noticing the notes his lawyer passed him several minutes ago". Also read | Trump hush money case: No jury selected on day 1 as potential jurors confess to bias against the Republican Other reporters also noticed Trump "leaning back in his chair with his arms folded". Reuters reporters in an email chain shared that "his eyes very much appeared to be closed for several minutes at a time" just before 3 pm. Meme fodder for opposition and netizens Quickly pouncing on the observations of Trump dozing in the courtroom, his adversaries coined the nickname "Sleepy Don," borrowed from his nickname for Biden, "Sleepy Joe". Biden's team on X posted a video of a CNN reporter talking about 'Sleepy Don,' with the caption: "Donald Trump appeared to be asleep. His head would fall down. He didn’t pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack." Also read | Elon Musk's X backtracks, will comply with Brazil court order to ban certain accounts They also posted a meme poking fun at Trump's late-night posts on Truth Social, his social media platform. https://t.co/a12PUkIa4k pic.twitter.com/Swan4rIvjP — Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) April 15, 2024 × Trump's campaign has, however, vehemently denied rumours of the courtroom nap and said it was "100% Fake News coming from 'journalists' who weren’t even in the court room." However, despite the Trump team's denial, the nickname was too catchy and soon led to some hilarious posts on X. Take a look: Honestly, let him sleep. Wheel him into a fake Oval Office on the back nine of Trump National, tell him he’s the president, hand him a Diet Coke and a hamberder, play a nature video, quietly close the door, and walk away.#SleepyDon pic.twitter.com/jupvKVGrNa — Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) April 15, 2024 × Who’s the sleepy joe, now? 😂 I deem you Sleepy Don. pic.twitter.com/6fdbY1FxuH — 🕊️💞Dannie D💞🕊️ (@DannieD01) April 15, 2024 × Trump fell asleep at his criminal trial. Looks like Sleepy Don is too old and low-energy to be president. — Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) April 15, 2024 × Sleepy Don! #DeadlineWH pic.twitter.com/m7U5qiG7ce — Peaceful Citizen 110  (@SKUsa11) April 15, 2024 × 🤔 "Sleepy Don" or "Don Snoreleon"?🤔 pic.twitter.com/4g239yPHGA — 💙 Dr. MemeNstein votes 💙 BLUE 🇺🇸 (@Coste1Costello) April 15, 2024 × It’s always projection with this assclown. #SleepyDonald #SleepyDon #DonSnoreleone pic.twitter.com/I7ymX1L6GZ — 😱 Scary Larry 😱 🇺🇦✊🏻🇺🇸🗽 (@aintscarylarry) April 15, 2024 × They changed his diaper, and now it's time for a nap, guys.#SleepyDon #TrumpisaNationalDisgrace #TrumpStinks pic.twitter.com/dYO1ZjdoWi — Richard Smith (@Richard_ezio) April 16, 2024 × Sleepy Don fell asleep in court. 💤 — Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 15, 2024 × If Sleepy Don is too low energy to stay awake during the first day of his criminal trial, does he even have the stamina to be President? pic.twitter.com/hrk4FC0lr0 — Christopher David (@Tazerface16) April 15, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

'So, the defence rests now?': Netizens dub Trump 'Sleepy Don' amid reports of his mid-trial courtroom nap

Donald Trump is facing trial related to a hush money payment case. Trump is making history by becoming the first former US president to sit in a courtroom for a criminal trial just months ahead of the US presidential elections. Watch to know more.

Trump's hush-money trial resumes in New York

<p>Former US president Donald Trump, on the eve of his contentious hush money trial, has declared that he will be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday (Apr 14), the presumptive Republican presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, said, "Tomorrow morning I'll be in Criminal Court, before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Biden's henchmen "Rigging the System" against his Political Opponent, ME!"</p>

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<h2><strong>The Trump hush money trial</strong></h2>

<p>Donald Trump will face the court on Monday (Apr 15) on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-ever-trump-reposts-2018-all-caps-tweet-against-iran-following-israel-strike-711228">‘NEVER EVER…’ Trump reposts 2018 all-caps tweet against Iran following Israel strike</a></strong></p>

<p>He is accused of covering up a $130,000 payment, his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford. The payment was, allegedly, made&nbsp;in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier.</p>

<p>The Republican leader, as per Reuters, denies any such encounter with Daniels. He has also pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Creating history: First former US president to face criminal charges</strong></h2>

<p>Trump on Monday (Apr 15) will make history as he, a former US president, arrives in the Lower Manhattan court&nbsp;to go on trial for criminal charges.</p>

<p>Fighting the case against Trump will be Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. The case will also be a major test for DA Bragg, as it may be the only one of Trump's four criminal cases to face a jury before Election Day — November 5th.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grand-jury-indicts-donald-trump-in-historic-vote-first-us-president-to-face-criminal-charges-577479">Grand jury indicts Trump in 'historic' vote, making him first ex-US prez to face criminal charges</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump has persistently tried to delay proceedings till after the elections in all four criminal indictments. His efforts to reverse his 2020 defeat to Democrat rival Joe&nbsp;Biden and his mishandling of sensitive government documents after the end of his presidency in 2021 are some of the other cases he faces. The 2024 presidential hopeful has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US president Donald Trump, on the eve of his contentious hush money trial, has declared that he will be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country".

Former US president Donald Trump, on the eve of his contentious hush money trial, has declared that he will be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country". Taking to his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday (Apr 14), the presumptive Republican presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, said, "Tomorrow morning I'll be in Criminal Court, before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Biden's henchmen "Rigging the System" against his Political Opponent, ME!" × The Trump hush money trial Donald Trump will face the court on Monday (Apr 15) on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. Also read | ‘NEVER EVER…’ Trump reposts 2018 all-caps tweet against Iran following Israel strike He is accused of covering up a $130,000 payment, his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford. The payment was, allegedly, made in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier. The Republican leader, as per Reuters, denies any such encounter with Daniels. He has also pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. Creating history: First former US president to face criminal charges Trump on Monday (Apr 15) will make history as he, a former US president, arrives in the Lower Manhattan court to go on trial for criminal charges. Fighting the case against Trump will be Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. The case will also be a major test for DA Bragg, as it may be the only one of Trump's four criminal cases to face a jury before Election Day — November 5th. Also read | Grand jury indicts Trump in 'historic' vote, making him first ex-US prez to face criminal charges Trump has persistently tried to delay proceedings till after the elections in all four criminal indictments. His efforts to reverse his 2020 defeat to Democrat rival Joe Biden and his mishandling of sensitive government documents after the end of his presidency in 2021 are some of the other cases he faces. The 2024 presidential hopeful has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. (With inputs from agencies)

'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on eve of hush money criminal trial

<p>The historic Donald Trump hush money criminal trial has already made headlines as more than 50 potential jurors were dismissed on Monday (Apr 15) after saying they could not be impartial in judging the controversial Republican.</p>

<p>"I just couldn't do it," one prospective juror was heard saying outside the courtroom, reports Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>Unbiased jury</strong></h2>

<p>On the first day of the trial, New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over Trump's trial, told nearly 100 potential jurors that they must set aside any biases or personal attitudes including "political orientation" against the defendant Trump or the case.</p>

<p>Judge Merchan had to dismiss the potential jurors after they confessed that they could not impartially decide whether the 2024 Republican presidential candidate illegally covered up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-be-fighting-for-our-country-says-trump-on-the-eve-of-hush-money-criminal-trial-711332">'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on eve of hush money criminal trial</a></strong></p>

<p>At the end of the day, no jurors were selected. The process will resume on Tuesday (Apr 16).</p>

<p>Exiting the courtroom, Trump, as per AP, reiterated his "witch hunt" allegations once again.</p>

<p>"It's a scam. It’s a political witch hunt. It continues, and it continues forever," he said.</p>

<p>Previously, on his social media platform Truth Social, the presumptive Republican candidate had alleged that the criminal case would happen "before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Biden's henchmen "Rigging the System" against his Political Opponent, ME!"</p>

<p>He had also declared that he would be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Trump hush money trial</strong></h2>

<p>Donald Trump is facing the court on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.</p>

<p>He is accused of covering up a $130,000 payment&nbsp;his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford. The payment was&nbsp;allegedly&nbsp;made&nbsp;in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-hush--trial-violation-of-gag-order-can-lead-to-fines-jail-time-say-new-york-prosecutors-711653">Trump’s hush money trial: Violation of gag order can lead to fines, jail time, say New York prosecutors</a></strong></p>

<p>The Republican leader, as per Reuters, denies any such encounter with Daniels. He has also pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Creating history: First former US president to face criminal charges</strong></h2>

<p>Trump has made history as he, a former US president, goes on trial for criminal charges in the Lower Manhattan court.</p>

<p>Fighting the case against Trump will be Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. The case will also be a major test for DA Bragg, as it may be the only one of Trump's four criminal cases to face a jury before Election Day — November 5th.</p>

<p>Trump has persistently tried to delay proceedings till after the elections in all four criminal indictments. His efforts to reverse his 2020 defeat to Democrat rival Joe&nbsp;Biden and his mishandling of sensitive government documents after the end of his presidency in 2021 are some of the other cases he faces. The 2024 presidential hopeful has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The historic Donald Trump hush money criminal trial has already made headlines as more than 50 potential jurors were dismissed on Monday (Apr 15) after saying they could not be impartial in judging the controversial Republican.

The historic Donald Trump hush money criminal trial has already made headlines as more than 50 potential jurors were dismissed on Monday (Apr 15) after saying they could not be impartial in judging the controversial Republican. "I just couldn't do it," one prospective juror was heard saying outside the courtroom, reports Reuters. Unbiased jury On the first day of the trial, New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over Trump's trial, told nearly 100 potential jurors that they must set aside any biases or personal attitudes including "political orientation" against the defendant Trump or the case. Judge Merchan had to dismiss the potential jurors after they confessed that they could not impartially decide whether the 2024 Republican presidential candidate illegally covered up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Also read | 'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on eve of hush money criminal trial At the end of the day, no jurors were selected. The process will resume on Tuesday (Apr 16). Exiting the courtroom, Trump, as per AP, reiterated his "witch hunt" allegations once again. "It's a scam. It’s a political witch hunt. It continues, and it continues forever," he said. Previously, on his social media platform Truth Social, the presumptive Republican candidate had alleged that the criminal case would happen "before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Biden's henchmen "Rigging the System" against his Political Opponent, ME!" He had also declared that he would be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country". The Trump hush money trial Donald Trump is facing the court on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. He is accused of covering up a $130,000 payment his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford. The payment was allegedly made in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier. Also read | Trump’s hush money trial: Violation of gag order can lead to fines, jail time, say New York prosecutors The Republican leader, as per Reuters, denies any such encounter with Daniels. He has also pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. Creating history: First former US president to face criminal charges Trump has made history as he, a former US president, goes on trial for criminal charges in the Lower Manhattan court. Fighting the case against Trump will be Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. The case will also be a major test for DA Bragg, as it may be the only one of Trump's four criminal cases to face a jury before Election Day — November 5th. Trump has persistently tried to delay proceedings till after the elections in all four criminal indictments. His efforts to reverse his 2020 defeat to Democrat rival Joe Biden and his mishandling of sensitive government documents after the end of his presidency in 2021 are some of the other cases he faces. The 2024 presidential hopeful has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump hush money case: No jury selected on day 1 as potential jurors confess to bias against the Republican

Donald Trump is facing trial related to a hush money payment case. Trump is making history by becoming the first former US president to sit in a courtroom for a criminal trial just months ahead of the US presidential elections. Watch in for more details!

Donald Trump calls his Hush Money Trial 'an assault on America'

Donald Trump will appear in a New York courtroom on Monday, becoming the first former US president to face a criminal trial. Watch to know more.

Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial on track, Trump to go to trial in New York today

<p>Even as the crisis in West Asia worsens, the Israeli war cabinet has reportedly failed to&nbsp;reach a consensus&nbsp;about how the nation should respond to Iran's unprecedented weekend attack.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after talks between Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, Iran said that it would give permission to representatives of the Indian government to meet Indian crew onboard the seized cargo ship, MSC Aries.</p>

<p>In other news, former US President Donald Trump's hush money case in which he faces criminal charges is set to begin in New York.</p>

<p>Finally, as per a&nbsp;report, the world's coal&nbsp;power capacity has increased in 2023, with China leading the growth.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israeli-war-cabinet-fails-to-decide-on-how-to-respond-to-iranian-attack-711321">West Asia crisis: Israeli war cabinet fails to decide on how to respond to Iranian attack</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/15/425095-untitled-design-2024-04-15t085841317.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The Israeli war cabinet failed to reach a consensus on Sunday (Apr 14) about how Israel should respond to Iran's unprecedented weekend attack. According to a report by The Times of Israel, Israeli officials said that the war cabinet favoured a retaliation against Iran, but was divided over the timing and the scale of any such response. The cabinet held deliberations for over three hours, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-allow-indian-govt-representatives-to-meet-17-citizens-onboard-seized-cargo-ship-711313">Iran to allow Indian govt representatives to meet 17 citizens onboard seized cargo ship</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/15/425089-wion-banners-prisha-53.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Iran stated that it would give permission to the Indian govt representatives to meet the Indian crew onboard the seized cargo ship, MSC Aries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-be-fighting-for-our-country-says-trump-on-the-eve-of-hush-money-criminal-trial-711332">'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on the eve of hush money criminal trial</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/15/425104-new-wion-2024-04-15t093119480.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Former US president Donald Trump, on the eve of his contentious hush money trial, has declared that "he will be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-year-saw-highest-coal-power-capacity-additions-since-2016-led-by-china-report-711309">2023 saw highest coal power capacity additions since 2016 with China leading the race: Report</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/15/425085-new-wion-2024-04-15t082224573.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The year 2023 saw a surge in coal power capacity additions globally, marking the highest increase since 2016, with China leading the growth and future planned capacity, revealed a new report released on Thursday (Apr 11).</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sydney attack: Victims of Sydney mall attack named, what we know about the victims?</strong></p>

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Even as the crisis in West Asia worsens, the Israeli war cabinet has reportedly failed to reach a consensus about how the nation should respond to Iran's unprecedented weekend attack.

Even as the crisis in West Asia worsens, the Israeli war cabinet has reportedly failed to reach a consensus about how the nation should respond to Iran's unprecedented weekend attack. Meanwhile, after talks between Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, Iran said that it would give permission to representatives of the Indian government to meet Indian crew onboard the seized cargo ship, MSC Aries. In other news, former US President Donald Trump's hush money case in which he faces criminal charges is set to begin in New York. Finally, as per a report, the world's coal power capacity has increased in 2023, with China leading the growth. Click on the headlines to read more West Asia crisis: Israeli war cabinet fails to decide on how to respond to Iranian attack The Israeli war cabinet failed to reach a consensus on Sunday (Apr 14) about how Israel should respond to Iran's unprecedented weekend attack. According to a report by The Times of Israel, Israeli officials said that the war cabinet favoured a retaliation against Iran, but was divided over the timing and the scale of any such response. The cabinet held deliberations for over three hours, the report added. Iran to allow Indian govt representatives to meet 17 citizens onboard seized cargo ship Iran stated that it would give permission to the Indian govt representatives to meet the Indian crew onboard the seized cargo ship, MSC Aries. 'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on the eve of hush money criminal trial Former US president Donald Trump, on the eve of his contentious hush money trial, has declared that "he will be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country". 2023 saw highest coal power capacity additions since 2016 with China leading the race: Report The year 2023 saw a surge in coal power capacity additions globally, marking the highest increase since 2016, with China leading the growth and future planned capacity, revealed a new report released on Thursday (Apr 11). Watch | Sydney attack: Victims of Sydney mall attack named, what we know about the victims?

Morning news brief: West Asia crisis; Trump hush money trial, and more

Trump on trial: Donald Trump's hush-money trial begins

Trump Hush Money Trial: Former US President Trump goes on trial in New York

Stormy times for Donald Trump as hush money trial is back on track

<p>Former United States President and Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump, on Saturday (Apr 13) once again attacked his former lawyer Michael Cohen despite a gag order in the case that prohibits him from making public statements about witnesses. The case on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels is set to go to trial on April 15.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Disgraced attorney’</strong></h2>

<p>In a series of posts, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called Cohen – one of the likely witnesses in the upcoming trial – a “disgraced attorney and felon” and questioned how he hasn’t been “prosecuted for LYING.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Only TRUMP people get prosecuted by this Judge and these thugs!”. Notably, Cohen is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution in the upcoming trial which will begin on Monday with the jury selection.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-hush-money-case-judge-declines-to-delay-historic-trial-over-complaints-of-publicity-710748">Trump’s hush money case: Judge declines to delay historic trial over complaints of publicity</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump, 77, is set to become the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges. The series of posts on Truth Social also came a day after the Republican frontrunner faced a string of defeats in various courts to delay the beginning of the trial.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gag order against Trump</strong></h2>

<p>The recent posts test the limits of the gag order against the former president which bars him from making public statements about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and their family members, but not Judge Juan Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In March, Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, imposed a gag order on Trump on the prosecutors’ request to block him from speaking about the witnesses. A month later, the judge extended the order to cover his own family members and those of the Manhattan DA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, at a campaign rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, Trump reiterated his claims that he was a victim of political persecution and called the trial a “communist show”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “I will be forced to sit fully gagged. I’m not allowed to talk. They want to take away my constitutional right to talk.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Bragg, a Democrat, which includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-hush-money-trial-judge-delays-trumps-historic-criminal-trial-after-last-minute-evidence-704190">Stormy Daniels hush money case: Trump’s historic criminal trial set for April 15</a></strong></p>

<p>Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges that he violated campaign finance law through the payment to Daniels. Trump’s ex-lawyer said that the former president had ordered him to make the payment and then arranged for him to be reimbursed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trump has pleaded not guilty and has denied having sex with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the former president called both Cohen and Daniels – both of whom are likely to be prosecution witnesses in the upcoming trial – “sleaze bags.”</p>

<p>Cohen, on Saturday, took to X and said “when does enough become enough and the petulant man child gets a timeout in lockup for his bad behavior?”. He also said that Trump should be sanctioned for the “sleaze bag” comment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States President and Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump, on Saturday (Apr 13) once again attacked his former lawyer Michael Cohen despite a gag order in the case that prohibits him from making public statements about witnesses.

Former United States President and Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump, on Saturday (Apr 13) once again attacked his former lawyer Michael Cohen despite a gag order in the case that prohibits him from making public statements about witnesses. The case on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels is set to go to trial on April 15. ‘Disgraced attorney’ In a series of posts, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called Cohen – one of the likely witnesses in the upcoming trial – a “disgraced attorney and felon” and questioned how he hasn’t been “prosecuted for LYING.” He added, “Only TRUMP people get prosecuted by this Judge and these thugs!”. Notably, Cohen is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution in the upcoming trial which will begin on Monday with the jury selection. Also Read | Trump’s hush money case: Judge declines to delay historic trial over complaints of publicity Trump, 77, is set to become the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges. The series of posts on Truth Social also came a day after the Republican frontrunner faced a string of defeats in various courts to delay the beginning of the trial. Gag order against Trump The recent posts test the limits of the gag order against the former president which bars him from making public statements about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and their family members, but not Judge Juan Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. In March, Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, imposed a gag order on Trump on the prosecutors’ request to block him from speaking about the witnesses. A month later, the judge extended the order to cover his own family members and those of the Manhattan DA. On Saturday, at a campaign rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, Trump reiterated his claims that he was a victim of political persecution and called the trial a “communist show”. He added, “I will be forced to sit fully gagged. I’m not allowed to talk. They want to take away my constitutional right to talk.” Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Bragg, a Democrat, which includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Also Read | Stormy Daniels hush money case: Trump’s historic criminal trial set for April 15 Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges that he violated campaign finance law through the payment to Daniels. Trump’s ex-lawyer said that the former president had ordered him to make the payment and then arranged for him to be reimbursed. Meanwhile, Trump has pleaded not guilty and has denied having sex with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Earlier this week, the former president called both Cohen and Daniels – both of whom are likely to be prosecution witnesses in the upcoming trial – “sleaze bags.” Cohen, on Saturday, took to X and said “when does enough become enough and the petulant man child gets a timeout in lockup for his bad behavior?”. He also said that Trump should be sanctioned for the “sleaze bag” comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump lashes out at ex-lawyer Cohen ahead of hush money trial despite gag order

<p>Former US president Donald Trump on Sunday (Apr 14) reposted a 2018 tweet in which he had warned Iran and its leaders against threatening the United States. The all-caps 2018 tweet read: “To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE &amp; DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!”</p>

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<p>Trump posted a screenshot of the message on his Truth Social microblogging website in the wake of the massive Iranian attack on Israel.</p>

<p>Trump had posted this message in 2018 as tensions with Iran escalated. The then-Iranian president Hassan Rouhani had warned the US that a war with Iran would be the “mother of all wars”.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump vows support to Israel in Pennsylvania rally</strong></h2>

<p>The former president earlier threw his support behind Israel in a rally in Pennsylvania where he blamed the Iranian attack on a ‘weak’ Biden administration.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwic-c-99sGFAxXc9zgGHWIiDpoQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hamas-welcomes-irans-attack-on-israel-top-updates-711132" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hamas-welcomes-irans-attack-on-israel-top-updates-711132&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic-c-99sGFAxXc9zgGHWIiDpoQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">West Asia crisis: Hamas welcomes Iran’s attack on Israel | Top updates</a></strong></p>

<p>“They’re under attack right now. That’s because we show great weakness,” Trump said during the rally in Schnecksville, in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. “The weakness that we’ve shown is unbelievable, and it would not have happened if we were in office,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>How would Trump handle the West Asia crisis?</strong></h2>

<p>As the crisis in West Asia deepens, Trump has said little about how he would tackle it during his second term. He has been a staunch supporter of the Jewish nation but has voiced concerns over the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;More US troops, equipment&nbsp;&amp; warships heading to West Asia</strong></p>

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<p>The Republican leader had previously said that Netanyahu “let us down” before the US killed a top Iranian commander in 2020.</p>

<p>During his four years at the helm, Trump oversaw a shift from the traditional US foreign policy where his administration sought closer ties with Russia and looked askance upon allies in Europe.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US president Donald Trump on Sunday (Apr 14) reposted a 2018 tweet in which he had warned Iran and its leaders against threatening the United States. The all-caps 2018 tweet read: “To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE.

Former US president Donald Trump on Sunday (Apr 14) reposted a 2018 tweet in which he had warned Iran and its leaders against threatening the United States. The all-caps 2018 tweet read: “To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!” × Trump posted a screenshot of the message on his Truth Social microblogging website in the wake of the massive Iranian attack on Israel. Trump had posted this message in 2018 as tensions with Iran escalated. The then-Iranian president Hassan Rouhani had warned the US that a war with Iran would be the “mother of all wars”. Trump vows support to Israel in Pennsylvania rally The former president earlier threw his support behind Israel in a rally in Pennsylvania where he blamed the Iranian attack on a ‘weak’ Biden administration. Also read: West Asia crisis: Hamas welcomes Iran’s attack on Israel | Top updates “They’re under attack right now. That’s because we show great weakness,” Trump said during the rally in Schnecksville, in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. “The weakness that we’ve shown is unbelievable, and it would not have happened if we were in office,” he added. How would Trump handle the West Asia crisis? As the crisis in West Asia deepens, Trump has said little about how he would tackle it during his second term. He has been a staunch supporter of the Jewish nation but has voiced concerns over the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Watch: More US troops, equipment & warships heading to West Asia × The Republican leader had previously said that Netanyahu “let us down” before the US killed a top Iranian commander in 2020. During his four years at the helm, Trump oversaw a shift from the traditional US foreign policy where his administration sought closer ties with Russia and looked askance upon allies in Europe. (With inputs from agencies)

‘NEVER EVER…’ Trump reposts 2018 all-caps tweet against Iran following Israel strike

The US Vice President Kamala Harris blamed former President Donald Trump over Arizona's loss of abortion rights. She described him as the architect of healthcare crisis during a campaigning event.

Kamala Harris blames Trump for Arizona abortion rights loss

<p>The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has paid more than one million to lawyers who represented United States President Joe Biden in the special counsel probe into his handling of classified documents, federal records showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as Democrats, including those in the Biden administration, have previously lambasted former US President Donald Trump for using campaign funds to deal with his mounting legal fees.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do the records show?</strong></h2>

<p>The DNC has paid around $1.5 million to a law firm and the US president’s personal attorney Bob Bauer since July, according to the filings with the Federal Election Commission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Biden and Trump are headed for a rematch in the upcoming presidential elections in November, the incumbent president has repeatedly criticised his predecessor for using donor funds to pay his legal fees.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-us-expects-iran-to-attack-israel-soon-biden-warns-tehran-not-to-proceed-710687">West Asia crisis: US expects Iran to attack Israel soon, Biden warns Tehran not to proceed</a></strong></p>

<p>The Republicans were quick to point at the financial records and call Democrats “corrupt” and hypocrites. “If these corrupt Democrats didn’t have HYPOCRISY, they’d have NOTHING!” the Republican National Committee said, in a post on X, on Friday (Apr 12).&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the use of the party’s funds to cover Biden’s legal bills is not without precedent and falls within the bounds of campaign finance law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The money for Biden’s legal team comes from the DNC’s legal account, which is primarily funded by major donors who have already met contribution limits, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the beginning of last year, the DNC paid nearly $905,000 to the firm Hemenway &amp; Barnes whose attorney, Jennifer Miller was identified in Hur’s final report as a “personal counsel” for the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is also worth noting that while the national party had been paying the firm since 2020, the amount rose last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it is still far from the more than $100 million in donor money that the former president’s campaign has used to deal with his many legal woes as he faces 88 criminal charges in four separate indictments.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘There’s no comparison’</strong></h2>

<p>The funds, according to the report by Axios, were used to pay lawyers or firms, including Bauber who represented Biden during the investigation by special counsel Robert Hur into his handling and retention of classified documents.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-willfully-retained-classified-documents-but-no-criminal-charges-warranted-special-counsel-688431">Biden 'willfully retained' classified documents, but no criminal charges warranted: Special counsel</a></strong></p>

<p>The US president had come under fire last year when his attorneys first acknowledged that he had been in possession of classified documents from when he served as the vice president in the Barack Obama administration from 2009 to 2017.</p>

<p>However, speaking about Biden’s legal fees, DNC spokesman Alex Floyd, said “There is no comparison.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The DNC does not spend a single penny of grassroots donors’ money on legal bills, unlike Donald Trump, who actively solicits legal fees from his supporters and has drawn down every bank account he can get his hands on like a personal piggy bank,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has paid more than one million to lawyers who represented United States President Joe Biden in the special counsel probe into his handling of classified documents, federal records showed.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has paid more than one million to lawyers who represented United States President Joe Biden in the special counsel probe into his handling of classified documents, federal records showed. This comes as Democrats, including those in the Biden administration, have previously lambasted former US President Donald Trump for using campaign funds to deal with his mounting legal fees. What do the records show? The DNC has paid around $1.5 million to a law firm and the US president’s personal attorney Bob Bauer since July, according to the filings with the Federal Election Commission. As Biden and Trump are headed for a rematch in the upcoming presidential elections in November, the incumbent president has repeatedly criticised his predecessor for using donor funds to pay his legal fees. Also Read | West Asia crisis: US expects Iran to attack Israel soon, Biden warns Tehran not to proceed The Republicans were quick to point at the financial records and call Democrats “corrupt” and hypocrites. “If these corrupt Democrats didn’t have HYPOCRISY, they’d have NOTHING!” the Republican National Committee said, in a post on X, on Friday (Apr 12). However, the use of the party’s funds to cover Biden’s legal bills is not without precedent and falls within the bounds of campaign finance law. The money for Biden’s legal team comes from the DNC’s legal account, which is primarily funded by major donors who have already met contribution limits, reported the Associated Press. Since the beginning of last year, the DNC paid nearly $905,000 to the firm Hemenway & Barnes whose attorney, Jennifer Miller was identified in Hur’s final report as a “personal counsel” for the president. It is also worth noting that while the national party had been paying the firm since 2020, the amount rose last year. However, it is still far from the more than $100 million in donor money that the former president’s campaign has used to deal with his many legal woes as he faces 88 criminal charges in four separate indictments. ‘There’s no comparison’ The funds, according to the report by Axios, were used to pay lawyers or firms, including Bauber who represented Biden during the investigation by special counsel Robert Hur into his handling and retention of classified documents. Also Read | Biden 'willfully retained' classified documents, but no criminal charges warranted: Special counsel The US president had come under fire last year when his attorneys first acknowledged that he had been in possession of classified documents from when he served as the vice president in the Barack Obama administration from 2009 to 2017. However, speaking about Biden’s legal fees, DNC spokesman Alex Floyd, said “There is no comparison.” “The DNC does not spend a single penny of grassroots donors’ money on legal bills, unlike Donald Trump, who actively solicits legal fees from his supporters and has drawn down every bank account he can get his hands on like a personal piggy bank,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Democratic donors paid more than $1 million in legal fees for Biden’s classified documents probe

<p>The New York judge overseeing former United States President and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump’s hush money criminal case,&nbsp;on Friday (Apr 12) rejected his latest bid to delay Monday’s&nbsp;trial. The order was passed on the ground that the substantial pre-trial publicity would make the proceedings unfair.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘His own doing’</strong></h2>

<p>Trump lost yet another bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels. This comes after the former president faced a string of defeats in various courts to delay the beginning of the trial which will start on Monday with the jury selection.</p>

<p>Trump, 77, is set to become the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges. The most recent delay denial came after he sought an indefinite postponement saying media coverage was prejudiced against him, which would make finding an acceptable jury in Manhattan difficult.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-loses-bid-to-delay-hush-money-trial-in-major-courtroom-setback-709192">Donald Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial in major courtroom setback</a></strong></p>

<p>He also claimed that the borough was “overwhelmingly biased” against him. However, in his decision on Friday, Judge Juan Merchan said an indefinite delay in the trial was “not tenable.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump “appears to take the position that his situation and this case are unique and that the pre-trial publicity will never subside. However, this view does not align with reality,” Judge Merchan wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also noted how the former president himself is responsible for generating this publicity around his legal woes because of his statements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Merchan said that Trump was “personally responsible for generating much, if not most, of the surrounding publicity with his public statements” outside courtrooms and on social media.</p>

<p>“The situation Defendant finds himself in now is not new to him and at least in part, of his own doing,” the judge added.</p>

<p>He also said that questioning prospective jurors would address any concerns about their ability to be impartial.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump lawyer Todd Blanche, in a court filing last month,&nbsp;argued that “potential jurors in Manhattan have been exposed to huge amounts of biased and unfair media coverage relating to this case.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the prosecutors argued that the publicity was not likely to drop, and it would be “perverse” to reward the former president with a delay based on the media attention he is responsible for.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Very unfair’</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Trump on Friday, told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, that he planned on testifying during the trial and called the case a “scam,” and went on to call the trial “very unfair”. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-hush-money-trial-judge-delays-trumps-historic-criminal-trial-after-last-minute-evidence-704190">Stormy Daniels hush money case: Trump’s historic criminal trial set for April 15</a></strong></p>

<p>“All I can do is tell the truth…(and) the truth is, they have no case,” said the former president. When asked about the jury selection Trump said it was “largely luck” and “depends who you get.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. This includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to the adult film star ahead of the 2016 presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecutors have also accused Trump of illegally covering up remittances to his long-time lawyer, Michael Cohen to reimburse him for payments about the Republican frontrunner’s alleged extramarital sexual relations with Daniels and a Playboy model.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The New York judge overseeing former United States President and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump’s hush money criminal case, on Friday (Apr 12) rejected his latest bid to delay Monday’s trial.

The New York judge overseeing former United States President and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump’s hush money criminal case, on Friday (Apr 12) rejected his latest bid to delay Monday’s trial. The order was passed on the ground that the substantial pre-trial publicity would make the proceedings unfair. ‘His own doing’ Trump lost yet another bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels. This comes after the former president faced a string of defeats in various courts to delay the beginning of the trial which will start on Monday with the jury selection. Trump, 77, is set to become the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges. The most recent delay denial came after he sought an indefinite postponement saying media coverage was prejudiced against him, which would make finding an acceptable jury in Manhattan difficult. Also Read | Donald Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial in major courtroom setback He also claimed that the borough was “overwhelmingly biased” against him. However, in his decision on Friday, Judge Juan Merchan said an indefinite delay in the trial was “not tenable.” Trump “appears to take the position that his situation and this case are unique and that the pre-trial publicity will never subside. However, this view does not align with reality,” Judge Merchan wrote. He also noted how the former president himself is responsible for generating this publicity around his legal woes because of his statements. Merchan said that Trump was “personally responsible for generating much, if not most, of the surrounding publicity with his public statements” outside courtrooms and on social media. “The situation Defendant finds himself in now is not new to him and at least in part, of his own doing,” the judge added. He also said that questioning prospective jurors would address any concerns about their ability to be impartial. Trump lawyer Todd Blanche, in a court filing last month, argued that “potential jurors in Manhattan have been exposed to huge amounts of biased and unfair media coverage relating to this case.” Meanwhile, the prosecutors argued that the publicity was not likely to drop, and it would be “perverse” to reward the former president with a delay based on the media attention he is responsible for. ‘Very unfair’ Meanwhile, Trump on Friday, told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, that he planned on testifying during the trial and called the case a “scam,” and went on to call the trial “very unfair”. Also Read | Stormy Daniels hush money case: Trump’s historic criminal trial set for April 15 “All I can do is tell the truth…(and) the truth is, they have no case,” said the former president. When asked about the jury selection Trump said it was “largely luck” and “depends who you get.” Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. This includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to the adult film star ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The prosecutors have also accused Trump of illegally covering up remittances to his long-time lawyer, Michael Cohen to reimburse him for payments about the Republican frontrunner’s alleged extramarital sexual relations with Daniels and a Playboy model. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump’s hush money case: Judge declines to delay historic trial over complaints of publicity

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump on Wednesday (April 10) said that if he again gets elected to the White House, he will not sign a national abortion ban.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the statement, Trump went back from his promise which he had made as a candidate in 2016.</p>

<p>While standing on a tarmac on Wednesday (April 10) in Atlanta, Trump gave some definitive answers on the issue. When asked if he would sign a national abortion ban once it is passed by Congress, the former president shook his head and said, “No.”</p>

<p>“You wouldn’t sign it?” quizzed the reporter. “No,” Trump said once again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-alarming-biden-campaign-blames-trump-for-arizonas-near-total-ban-on-abortion-709621">'It's alarming': Biden campaign blames Trump for Arizona's near-total ban on abortion</a></p>

<h2><strong>Arizona's 1864 abortion ban will be 'straightened out': Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about Arizona's top court upholding a near-total abortion ban, which goes back to 1864, Trump said that the state has gone too far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, while speaking to the reporters, he said that the ban will quickly be "straightened out". The law passed in Arizona has placed a ban on abortion from conception and it can only be carried out to save a mother's life.</p>

<p>On Monday (April 8), Trump released a lengthy statement which said that the voters and states need to decide how and when abortion should be restricted.</p>

<p>In the statement, which was shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump also took credit for the US Supreme Court's historic ruling in 2022 which overturned Roe v Wade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016, Trump had campaigned on the appointment of justices who will oppose Roe. After becoming the president, he named three conservatives to the court who voted to reverse Roe.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US: Arizona makes abortion punishable by 2-5 years in prison</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-arizona-makes-abortion-punishable-by-2-5-years-in-prison-709846/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee remained quiet over the national ban and said that it was "up to the states to do the right thing".</p>

<p>"My view is now that we have an abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land," Trump said.</p>

<p>He further expressed concerns regarding the Arizona ban and said that the governor would soon "bring it back into reason".</p>

<p>The top court of Arizona ruled that a 160-year-old near-total abortion ban can be re-enforced by the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States president Donald Trump on Wednesday (April 10) said that if he again gets elected to the White House, he will not sign a national abortion ban.

Former United States president Donald Trump on Wednesday (April 10) said that if he again gets elected to the White House, he will not sign a national abortion ban. With the statement, Trump went back from his promise which he had made as a candidate in 2016. While standing on a tarmac on Wednesday (April 10) in Atlanta, Trump gave some definitive answers on the issue. When asked if he would sign a national abortion ban once it is passed by Congress, the former president shook his head and said, “No.” “You wouldn’t sign it?” quizzed the reporter. “No,” Trump said once again. Also Read: 'It's alarming': Biden campaign blames Trump for Arizona's near-total ban on abortion Arizona's 1864 abortion ban will be 'straightened out': Trump Speaking about Arizona's top court upholding a near-total abortion ban, which goes back to 1864, Trump said that the state has gone too far. However, while speaking to the reporters, he said that the ban will quickly be "straightened out". The law passed in Arizona has placed a ban on abortion from conception and it can only be carried out to save a mother's life. On Monday (April 8), Trump released a lengthy statement which said that the voters and states need to decide how and when abortion should be restricted. In the statement, which was shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump also took credit for the US Supreme Court's historic ruling in 2022 which overturned Roe v Wade. In 2016, Trump had campaigned on the appointment of justices who will oppose Roe. After becoming the president, he named three conservatives to the court who voted to reverse Roe. Watch: US: Arizona makes abortion punishable by 2-5 years in prison However, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee remained quiet over the national ban and said that it was "up to the states to do the right thing". "My view is now that we have an abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land," Trump said. He further expressed concerns regarding the Arizona ban and said that the governor would soon "bring it back into reason". The top court of Arizona ruled that a 160-year-old near-total abortion ban can be re-enforced by the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump won't sign national abortion ban if elected, says Arizona ruling will be 'straightened out'

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<p>US President Joe Biden laid out the red carpet for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit to the United States. Meanwhile, Biden extended commitment to Israel against any Iranian attack amid rising concerns of Tehran launching strikes in the coming days.</p>

<p>In other news, South Korea's liberal opposition parties achieved a sweeping win in Wednesday's (Apr 10) parliamentary election. In the US, three people were injured in a shootout which took place between rival groups near the celebration which marked the end of Ramadan.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-kishida-meet-cherry-blossoms-defence-pacts-top-up-us-japan-ties-709999"><strong>Biden-Kishida meet: Cherry blossoms, defence pacts top up US-Japan ties</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/11/424304-wion-images-2024-04-11t002950247.png?imwidth=400" /><br />
US President Joe Biden laid out the red carpet for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit to the United States as the Democratic leader hailed the Washington-Tokyo ties as "stronger than it's ever been". A swanky state dinner astonished Washington's corridors of power as the two of India's Quad partners discussed the Indo-Pacific with veiled references to China's expansionist belligerence in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-extends-ironclad-commitment-to-israel-after-iran-threatens-to-attack-709955" target="_blank"><strong>US extends 'ironclad' commitment to Israel after Iran threatens to attack</strong></a><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/11/424313-wion-banners-prisha-46.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>United States President Joe Biden extended an 'ironclad' commitment to Israel against any Iranian attack amid rising concerns of Tehran launching "significant" strikes in the coming days in response to the blast at the Iranian consular building in Damascus.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-elections-opposition-set-to-achieve-sweeping-win-dealing-blow-to-president-yoon-suk-yeol-709966" target="_blank"><strong>South Korea elections: Opposition achieves sweeping win dealing blow to President Yoon Suk Yeol</strong></a><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/11/424316-new-wion-2024-04-11t075047174.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>South Korea's liberal opposition parties achieved a sweeping win in Wednesday's (Apr 10) parliamentary election, dealing a significant blow to President Yoon Suk Yeol and his conservative party. However, as per reports, the opposition's success likely fell just short of a supermajority.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-injured-after-shootout-takes-place-near-ramadan-celebration-in-us-709957" target="_blank"><strong>Eid celebration turns sour as shootout injures three in Philadelphia, US</strong></a><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/11/424309-shooting.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Three people were injured in a shootout which took place between rival groups near the celebration which marked the end of Ramadan, said the police in Philadelphia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-alleges-china-interfered-in-elections-709987" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Canada alleges China interfered in elections</strong></a></p>

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US President Joe Biden laid out the red carpet for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit to the United States. Meanwhile, Biden extended commitment to Israel against any Iranian attack amid rising concerns of Tehran launching strikes in the coming days.

US President Joe Biden laid out the red carpet for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit to the United States. Meanwhile, Biden extended commitment to Israel against any Iranian attack amid rising concerns of Tehran launching strikes in the coming days. In other news, South Korea's liberal opposition parties achieved a sweeping win in Wednesday's (Apr 10) parliamentary election. In the US, three people were injured in a shootout which took place between rival groups near the celebration which marked the end of Ramadan. Click on the headlines to read more Biden-Kishida meet: Cherry blossoms, defence pacts top up US-Japan ties US President Joe Biden laid out the red carpet for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit to the United States as the Democratic leader hailed the Washington-Tokyo ties as "stronger than it's ever been". A swanky state dinner astonished Washington's corridors of power as the two of India's Quad partners discussed the Indo-Pacific with veiled references to China's expansionist belligerence in the region. US extends 'ironclad' commitment to Israel after Iran threatens to attack United States President Joe Biden extended an 'ironclad' commitment to Israel against any Iranian attack amid rising concerns of Tehran launching "significant" strikes in the coming days in response to the blast at the Iranian consular building in Damascus. South Korea elections: Opposition achieves sweeping win dealing blow to President Yoon Suk Yeol South Korea's liberal opposition parties achieved a sweeping win in Wednesday's (Apr 10) parliamentary election, dealing a significant blow to President Yoon Suk Yeol and his conservative party. However, as per reports, the opposition's success likely fell just short of a supermajority. Eid celebration turns sour as shootout injures three in Philadelphia, US Three people were injured in a shootout which took place between rival groups near the celebration which marked the end of Ramadan, said the police in Philadelphia. Watch | Canada alleges China interfered in elections ×

Morning news brief: Biden-Kishida meet; South Korea elections; Biden's commitment to Israel, and more

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again asserted that Israel will proceed with military operations in Rafah, Gaza, despite opposition. In other news, the UN nuclear watchdog has planned&nbsp;an emergency meeting following drone attacks over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, with Russia and Ukraine trading accusations.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court rejected his petition regarding his arrest in a liquor policy case. Finally, US President Joe Biden's campaign has blamed former president Donald Trump for Arizona's near-total ban on abortion.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-no-force-in-the-world-can-stop-israels-military-operations-in-rafah-709618">Netanyahu says no force in the world can stop Israel's military operations in Rafah</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/25/414404-untitled-design.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again said that the IDF would advance into Rafah, and that "no force in the world" could stop the looming invasion of the Gazan city, which is currently housing about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-sets-emergency-meeting-as-russia-ukraine-exchange-barbs-of-drones-over-zaporizhzhia-709623">UN nuclear watchdog sets emergency meeting as Russia, Ukraine exchange barbs of drones over Zaporizhzhia</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/08/423560-russia-ukraine.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>After three days of back-to-back attacks over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant that Russia blamed on Ukraine, the UN nuclear watchdog's Board of Governors will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday (April 11).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-petitions-supreme-court-against-ed-arrest-709632">Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal petitions Supreme Court against ED arrest</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/10/424105-cbrea0u0sgk00.jpeg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A day after the Delhi High Court dismissed Arvind Kejriwal's petition challenging his arrest in the liquor policy case, the Delhi Chief Minister on Wednesday (Apr 10) approached the Supreme Court.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-alarming-biden-campaign-blames-trump-for-arizonas-near-total-ban-on-abortion-709621">'It's alarming': Biden campaign blames Trump for Arizona's near-total ban on abortion</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/10/424096-new-wion-2024-04-10t075250397.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has blamed Republican rival Donald Trump for Arizona's revival of the 160-year-old near-complete abortion ban.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US government transfers seized Iranian weapons to Ukraine</strong></p>

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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again asserted that Israel will proceed with military operations in Rafah, Gaza, despite opposition. In other news, the UN nuclear watchdog has planned an emergency meeting following drone attacks over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, with Russia and Ukraine trading accusations.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again asserted that Israel will proceed with military operations in Rafah, Gaza, despite opposition. In other news, the UN nuclear watchdog has planned an emergency meeting following drone attacks over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, with Russia and Ukraine trading accusations. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court rejected his petition regarding his arrest in a liquor policy case. Finally, US President Joe Biden's campaign has blamed former president Donald Trump for Arizona's near-total ban on abortion. Click on the headlines to read more Netanyahu says no force in the world can stop Israel's military operations in Rafah Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again said that the IDF would advance into Rafah, and that "no force in the world" could stop the looming invasion of the Gazan city, which is currently housing about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians. UN nuclear watchdog sets emergency meeting as Russia, Ukraine exchange barbs of drones over Zaporizhzhia After three days of back-to-back attacks over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant that Russia blamed on Ukraine, the UN nuclear watchdog's Board of Governors will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday (April 11). Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal petitions Supreme Court against ED arrest A day after the Delhi High Court dismissed Arvind Kejriwal's petition challenging his arrest in the liquor policy case, the Delhi Chief Minister on Wednesday (Apr 10) approached the Supreme Court. 'It's alarming': Biden campaign blames Trump for Arizona's near-total ban on abortion US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has blamed Republican rival Donald Trump for Arizona's revival of the 160-year-old near-complete abortion ban. Watch | US government transfers seized Iranian weapons to Ukraine

Morning news brief: Netanyahu's push for Rafah incursion; Kejriwal moves Supreme Court, and more

<p>US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has blamed Republican rival Donald Trump for Arizona's revival of the 160-year-old near-complete&nbsp;abortion ban.</p>

<p>In a statement on Tuesday (Apr 9), Biden's running mate Vice President Kamala Harris said: "Arizona just rolled back the clock to a time before women could vote–and, by his own admission, there’s one person responsible: Donald Trump."</p>

<h2><strong>'Proudly' responsible&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Arizona's Supreme Court revived a law dating back to 1864 that bans abortion in virtually all instances. This damning ban came just a day after Trump in a video proclaimed that he was "proudly the person responsible" for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that enshrined abortion rights in the US for nearly five decades.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arizonas-top-court-revives-1864-law-which-criminalises-nearly-all-abortions-709576">Arizona’s top court revives 1864 law which bans nearly all abortions</a></strong></p>

<p>Also in the video, Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, said individual states should be able to choose their own abortion restrictions.</p>

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<p>Democrats have blamed Trump for the ban in Arizona that could shutter abortion clinics in the state.</p>

<p>In a statement, Biden said the "ruling is a result of the extreme agenda of Republican elected officials who are committed to ripping away women's freedom."</p>

<p>His campaign spokesperson Brooke Goren in a statement said,&nbsp;"It's alarming and will send shockwaves throughout this crucial swing state and the country."</p>

<h2><strong>Is Trump actually to blame for Arizona's abortion ban?</strong></h2>

<p>As per USA Today, the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade— which Trump himself took credit for — was cited in the recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling 22 times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-school-shooting-parents-of-teenage-gunman-sentenced-to-10-15-years-in-prison-709571">Michigan school shooting: Parents of teenage gunman sentenced to 10-15 years in prison</a></strong></p>

<p>The 1854 law hands two to five years in prison to anyone aiding an abortion, the only exception being when the life of the mother is at stake.</p>

<p>As per White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, 21 states have adopted abortion bans. These bans, she said, affect one-third of all American women of reproductive age.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has blamed Republican rival Donald Trump for Arizona's revival of the 160-year-old near-complete abortion ban. In a statement on Tuesday (Apr 9), Biden's running mate Vice President Kamala Harris said: "Arizona just rolled back the clock to a time before women could vote–and, by his own admission, there’s one person responsible: Donald Trump.

US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has blamed Republican rival Donald Trump for Arizona's revival of the 160-year-old near-complete abortion ban. In a statement on Tuesday (Apr 9), Biden's running mate Vice President Kamala Harris said: "Arizona just rolled back the clock to a time before women could vote–and, by his own admission, there’s one person responsible: Donald Trump." 'Proudly' responsible On Tuesday, Arizona's Supreme Court revived a law dating back to 1864 that bans abortion in virtually all instances. This damning ban came just a day after Trump in a video proclaimed that he was "proudly the person responsible" for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that enshrined abortion rights in the US for nearly five decades. Also read | Arizona’s top court revives 1864 law which bans nearly all abortions Also in the video, Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, said individual states should be able to choose their own abortion restrictions. × Democrats have blamed Trump for the ban in Arizona that could shutter abortion clinics in the state. In a statement, Biden said the "ruling is a result of the extreme agenda of Republican elected officials who are committed to ripping away women's freedom." His campaign spokesperson Brooke Goren in a statement said, "It's alarming and will send shockwaves throughout this crucial swing state and the country." Is Trump actually to blame for Arizona's abortion ban? As per USA Today, the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade— which Trump himself took credit for — was cited in the recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling 22 times. Also read | Michigan school shooting: Parents of teenage gunman sentenced to 10-15 years in prison The 1854 law hands two to five years in prison to anyone aiding an abortion, the only exception being when the life of the mother is at stake. As per White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, 21 states have adopted abortion bans. These bans, she said, affect one-third of all American women of reproductive age. (With inputs from agencies)

'It's alarming': Biden campaign blames Trump for Arizona's near-total ban on abortion

<p>Alleged Russian strikes in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region have killed three people. In other news, Canada's spy agency found evidence of Chinese interference in its last two elections. Meanwhile, a&nbsp;report criticising&nbsp;the UK Foreign Office called it "elitist" and urged for the removal of colonial-era paintings in the Whitehall headquarters in London. Finally, a New York judge has rejected former US president Donald Trump's attempt to delay his hush money trial.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-three-killed-in-zaporizhzhia-strikes-another-drone-shot-down-over-nuclear-power-plant-709195">Russia-Ukraine war: Three killed in Zaporizhzhia strikes; another drone shot down over nuclear power plant</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/08/423560-russia-ukraine.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Russian strikes on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region killed three people on Monday (April 8), its governor claimed a day after shells hit a nuclear plant in the region.&nbsp;Another three people in the Pologivskyi district were wounded, Ivan Fedorov said on social media.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-domestic-spy-agency-finds-china-interfered-with-nations-last-two-elections-709209">Canada's domestic spy agency finds China interfered with nation's last two elections</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/09/423830-new-wion-2024-04-09t080233586.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>An investigation by Canada's domestic spy agency has found that China allegedly interfered in the country's last two elections. At an official probe on Monday (Apr 8), the agency presented the "firmest" evidence of suspected Chinese meddling in Canadian politics.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-foreign-office-elitist-rooted-in-past-says-key-scholarly-report-709206">UK Foreign Office 'elitist, rooted in past', says key scholarly report</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/09/423829-london.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>UK's foreign office has been found to be "somewhat elitist and rooted in the past" in a new report that called for the removal of colonial-era paintings in the Whitehall headquarters in London as well as the renaming of the department.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-loses-bid-to-delay-hush-money-trial-in-major-courtroom-setback-709192">Donald Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial in major courtroom setback</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/19/419369-succession-2024-03-18t233414447.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A New York judge on Monday (April 8) denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Darkness blankets Niagara falls during solar eclipse</strong></p>

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Alleged Russian strikes in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region have killed three people. In other news, Canada's spy agency found evidence of Chinese interference in its last two elections.

Alleged Russian strikes in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region have killed three people. In other news, Canada's spy agency found evidence of Chinese interference in its last two elections. Meanwhile, a report criticising the UK Foreign Office called it "elitist" and urged for the removal of colonial-era paintings in the Whitehall headquarters in London. Finally, a New York judge has rejected former US president Donald Trump's attempt to delay his hush money trial. Click on the headlines to read more Russia-Ukraine war: Three killed in Zaporizhzhia strikes; another drone shot down over nuclear power plant Russian strikes on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region killed three people on Monday (April 8), its governor claimed a day after shells hit a nuclear plant in the region. Another three people in the Pologivskyi district were wounded, Ivan Fedorov said on social media. Canada's domestic spy agency finds China interfered with nation's last two elections An investigation by Canada's domestic spy agency has found that China allegedly interfered in the country's last two elections. At an official probe on Monday (Apr 8), the agency presented the "firmest" evidence of suspected Chinese meddling in Canadian politics. UK Foreign Office 'elitist, rooted in past', says key scholarly report UK's foreign office has been found to be "somewhat elitist and rooted in the past" in a new report that called for the removal of colonial-era paintings in the Whitehall headquarters in London as well as the renaming of the department. Donald Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial in major courtroom setback A New York judge on Monday (April 8) denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels. Watch | Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Darkness blankets Niagara falls during solar eclipse

Morning news brief: China's alleged interference in Canada elections; Zaporizhzhia strikes; and more

<p>A former prosecutor noted that Special Counsel Jack Smith's main argument in his Supreme Court submission is that Donald Trump should stand trial for election fraud, regardless of any presidential immunity. Smith's brief said that the prosecution should proceed, even if a former president has some immunity from federal criminal prosecution.</p>

<p>"This may be the most critical piece: Smith tells the Court: 'even if you think there might need to be some immunity for a president, it's not this case. Let this one go to trial',"&nbsp;Vance wrote on X, formerly&nbsp;Twitter.</p>

<p>In his argument, Smith wrote that "even assuming that a former President is entitled to some immunity for official acts, that immunity should not be held to bar this prosecution."</p>

<p>"First, a President's alleged criminal scheme to overturn an election and thwart the peaceful transfer of power to his lawfully elected successor is the paradigmatic example of conduct that should not be immunised, even if other conduct should be," Smith wrote.</p>

<p>"Second, at the core of the charged conspiracies is a private scheme with private actors to achieve a private end: petitioner's effort to remain in power by fraud."</p>

<p>"Those allegations of private misconduct are more than sufficient to support the indictment," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith heads the federal prosecution against the ex-president, accused of unlawfully trying to overturn his defeat to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Newsweek reached out for comment from Trump's lawyer. Last year, Smith charged Trump with various offences related to the January 6 riots at the US&nbsp;Capitol and an alleged scheme involving false elector slates.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-media-venture-faces-steep-stock-decline-valuation-drops-to-29-bn-709264">Also read |&nbsp;Trump's media venture faces steep stock decline, valuation drops to $2.9 bn</a></p>

<h2><strong>What is Trump's take?</strong></h2>

<p>Trump, widely expected to be the Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential race, asserts his innocence and pleads not guilty to all accusations. He accuses prosecutors of politically motivated targeting.</p>

<p>The case is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on April 25, as Trump seeks to have the indictment thrown out, arguing that he is protected from criminal charges for actions taken during his time in the White House.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump says states should decide abortion rights</strong></p>

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<p>Lower courts, initially rejected Trump's assertions of presidential immunity—first by US&nbsp;District Judge Tanya Chutkan in December, followed by the US&nbsp;Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in February. However, in February, the Supreme Court agreed to review the case, stating in a brief order their intention to address the extent of a former President's immunity from criminal prosecution for actions deemed to be official acts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A former prosecutor noted that Special Counsel Jack Smith's main argument in his Supreme Court submission is that Donald Trump should stand trial for election fraud, regardless of any presidential immunity.

A former prosecutor noted that Special Counsel Jack Smith's main argument in his Supreme Court submission is that Donald Trump should stand trial for election fraud, regardless of any presidential immunity. Smith's brief said that the prosecution should proceed, even if a former president has some immunity from federal criminal prosecution. "This may be the most critical piece: Smith tells the Court: 'even if you think there might need to be some immunity for a president, it's not this case. Let this one go to trial'," Vance wrote on X, formerly Twitter. In his argument, Smith wrote that "even assuming that a former President is entitled to some immunity for official acts, that immunity should not be held to bar this prosecution." "First, a President's alleged criminal scheme to overturn an election and thwart the peaceful transfer of power to his lawfully elected successor is the paradigmatic example of conduct that should not be immunised, even if other conduct should be," Smith wrote. "Second, at the core of the charged conspiracies is a private scheme with private actors to achieve a private end: petitioner's effort to remain in power by fraud." "Those allegations of private misconduct are more than sufficient to support the indictment," he added. Smith heads the federal prosecution against the ex-president, accused of unlawfully trying to overturn his defeat to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Newsweek reached out for comment from Trump's lawyer. Last year, Smith charged Trump with various offences related to the January 6 riots at the US Capitol and an alleged scheme involving false elector slates. Also read | Trump's media venture faces steep stock decline, valuation drops to $2.9 bn What is Trump's take? Trump, widely expected to be the Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential race, asserts his innocence and pleads not guilty to all accusations. He accuses prosecutors of politically motivated targeting. The case is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on April 25, as Trump seeks to have the indictment thrown out, arguing that he is protected from criminal charges for actions taken during his time in the White House. Also watch | Former US President Donald Trump says states should decide abortion rights Lower courts, initially rejected Trump's assertions of presidential immunity—first by US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in December, followed by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in February. However, in February, the Supreme Court agreed to review the case, stating in a brief order their intention to address the extent of a former President's immunity from criminal prosecution for actions deemed to be official acts. (With inputs from agencies)

Special counsel Jack Smith urges Supreme Court to reject Trump’s immunity claim

As elections in US are round the corner and promises are the talk of the town, but one hot button provision that will be the deciding factor in the upcoming polls would be Abortion. Watch in for more details!

Former US President Donald Trump says states should decide abortion rights

<p>A New York judge on Monday (April 8) denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development came after a half an hour hearing at&nbsp;the Appellate Division in Manhattan following which&nbsp;Associate Justice Lizbeth Gonzalez issued her decision.</p>

<p>A lawyer for Donald Trump, Emil Bove, said that his client was seeking to stay the case pending the application to move the trial. The prosecution retorted that&nbsp;Trump waited too long to object to being tried in Manhattan. The charges were brought in April 2023.</p>

<p>Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate who looks set to challenge&nbsp;Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov&nbsp;5 US election, has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump hush money trial will start April 15, judge rules</strong></p>

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<p>It was not specified where exactly Trump's team would like the trial to be held.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence claimed&nbsp;that a survey taken by Trump's legal team of residents in&nbsp;Manhattan found that 61 per cent&nbsp;of respondents thought Trump was guilty, and 70 per cent had a negative opinion of him.</p>

<p>"There is real potential prejudice here to moving forward," Bove said. "Jury selection cannot proceed in a fair manner starting next week in this county."</p>

<p>The prosecution claimed that&nbsp;Trump cannot cite media attention as a reason to move the trial.</p>

<p>"He himself has been responsible for stoking that publicity," the prosecution said.</p>

<p>A criminal trial would be the first for a former US president in American history.</p>

<h2><strong>Donald Trump hush money case: What is it about?</strong></h2>

<p>Donald Trump is accused of covering up his former lawyer Michael Cohen's $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she said she had with Trump a decade earlier.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-stormy-daniels-the-porn-star-who-could-send-trump-to-jail-574948">Explained: Who is Stormy Daniels, the ex-porn star behind Trump hush money case trial?</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump has denied any such encounter with Daniels.</p>

<p>The hush money case&nbsp;is one of four criminal cases he faces.</p>

<p>The others are about&nbsp;his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden, and his handling of sensitive government documents after leaving the presidency in 2021. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A New York judge on Monday (April 8) denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.

A New York judge on Monday (April 8) denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels. The development came after a half an hour hearing at the Appellate Division in Manhattan following which Associate Justice Lizbeth Gonzalez issued her decision. A lawyer for Donald Trump, Emil Bove, said that his client was seeking to stay the case pending the application to move the trial. The prosecution retorted that Trump waited too long to object to being tried in Manhattan. The charges were brought in April 2023. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate who looks set to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov 5 US election, has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. Also watch | Donald Trump hush money trial will start April 15, judge rules × It was not specified where exactly Trump's team would like the trial to be held. The defence claimed that a survey taken by Trump's legal team of residents in Manhattan found that 61 per cent of respondents thought Trump was guilty, and 70 per cent had a negative opinion of him. "There is real potential prejudice here to moving forward," Bove said. "Jury selection cannot proceed in a fair manner starting next week in this county." The prosecution claimed that Trump cannot cite media attention as a reason to move the trial. "He himself has been responsible for stoking that publicity," the prosecution said. A criminal trial would be the first for a former US president in American history. Donald Trump hush money case: What is it about? Donald Trump is accused of covering up his former lawyer Michael Cohen's $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she said she had with Trump a decade earlier. Also read | Explained: Who is Stormy Daniels, the ex-porn star behind Trump hush money case trial? Trump has denied any such encounter with Daniels. The hush money case is one of four criminal cases he faces. The others are about his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden, and his handling of sensitive government documents after leaving the presidency in 2021. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial in major courtroom setback

<p>State Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing former US president Donald Trump’s hush money trial, on Monday (Apr 8) approved a questionnaire for jury selection. She also approved instructions for prospective jurors as the trial is set to begin next week.</p>

<p>The questionnaire contains 42 numbered questions on a range of topics. Interestingly, it doesn’t carry questions asking about party affiliation, political contributions or voting history.</p>

<h2><strong>The question of political affiliation</strong></h2>

<p>Trump’s attorneys had earlier argued that asking out these questions was necessary as to whether the prospective jurors liked Trump or not was significant for the case. The judge dismissed the plea, saying that “contrary to defense counsel’s arguments, the purpose of jury selection is not to determine whether a prospective juror likes or does not like one of the parties.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjNtIT7nrWFAxVTUfUHHWhRCHsQvOMEKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-loses-bid-to-delay-hush-money-trial-in-major-courtroom-setback-709192" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-loses-bid-to-delay-hush-money-trial-in-major-courtroom-setback-709192&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNtIT7nrWFAxVTUfUHHWhRCHsQvOMEKAB6BAgPEAE">Donald Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial in major courtroom setback</a></strong></p>

<p>"Such questions are irrelevant because they do not go to the issue of the prospective juror’s qualifications," Merchan wrote. "The ultimate issue is whether the prospective juror can ensure us that they will set aside any personal feelings or biases and render a decision that is based on the evidence and the law," he added.</p>

<p>Although he said the hints about the political affiliations can be derived from the answers to other questions already included in the questionnaire.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;WION Rewind 2023: This year saw Trump rising from the ashes</strong></p>

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<p>The question about the political affiliation of the jurors has also been raised in Trump's classified documents case in Florida.</p>

<h2><strong>Anonymity of the prospective jurors</strong></h2>

<p>In the hush money trial, Judge Merchan also said that steps would be taken to ensure the anonymity of the prospective jurors. They will be informed before they enter the courtroom that they will be identified by the numbers printed on their jury summonses “as a necessary measure to ensure anonymity.”</p>

<p>Last month, he ruled that the names of the jurors would be shielded from media, citing the “likelihood of bribery, jury tampering, or of physical injury or harassment of juror(s).”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjNtIT7nrWFAxVTUfUHHWhRCHsQvOMEKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-news-donald-trump-dismisses-report-about-him-pressuring-ukraine-to-give-russia-some-territory-708846" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-news-donald-trump-dismisses-report-about-him-pressuring-ukraine-to-give-russia-some-territory-708846&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNtIT7nrWFAxVTUfUHHWhRCHsQvOMEKAB6BAgREAE">Will Trump ask Ukraine to give up some land to end war? His campaign denies any such plans</a></strong></p>

<p>The questionnaire came as a state appeal court dismissed Trump’s efforts to delay the trial, now set to begin on April 15.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


State Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing former US president Donald Trump’s hush money trial, on Monday (Apr 8) approved a questionnaire for jury selection. She also approved instructions for prospective jurors as the trial is set to begin next week.

State Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing former US president Donald Trump’s hush money trial, on Monday (Apr 8) approved a questionnaire for jury selection. She also approved instructions for prospective jurors as the trial is set to begin next week. The questionnaire contains 42 numbered questions on a range of topics. Interestingly, it doesn’t carry questions asking about party affiliation, political contributions or voting history. The question of political affiliation Trump’s attorneys had earlier argued that asking out these questions was necessary as to whether the prospective jurors liked Trump or not was significant for the case. The judge dismissed the plea, saying that “contrary to defense counsel’s arguments, the purpose of jury selection is not to determine whether a prospective juror likes or does not like one of the parties.” Also read: Donald Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial in major courtroom setback "Such questions are irrelevant because they do not go to the issue of the prospective juror’s qualifications," Merchan wrote. "The ultimate issue is whether the prospective juror can ensure us that they will set aside any personal feelings or biases and render a decision that is based on the evidence and the law," he added. Although he said the hints about the political affiliations can be derived from the answers to other questions already included in the questionnaire. Watch: WION Rewind 2023: This year saw Trump rising from the ashes × The question about the political affiliation of the jurors has also been raised in Trump's classified documents case in Florida. Anonymity of the prospective jurors In the hush money trial, Judge Merchan also said that steps would be taken to ensure the anonymity of the prospective jurors. They will be informed before they enter the courtroom that they will be identified by the numbers printed on their jury summonses “as a necessary measure to ensure anonymity.” Last month, he ruled that the names of the jurors would be shielded from media, citing the “likelihood of bribery, jury tampering, or of physical injury or harassment of juror(s).” Also read: Will Trump ask Ukraine to give up some land to end war? His campaign denies any such plans The questionnaire came as a state appeal court dismissed Trump’s efforts to delay the trial, now set to begin on April 15. (With inputs from agencies)

Political affiliation not included in jury questionnaire for Trump’s hush money trial

US: Donald Trump says states should decide abortion rights

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<p>Former United States president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump&nbsp;on Sunday (Apr 7) dismissed a report by The Washington Post that said he could end the war in Ukraine if he becomes president by pressuring Kyiv to give up some territory. Speaking to The New York Post, a Trump campaign adviser called The Washington Post report "fake news" and insisted that the 77-year-old would not settle on a peace plan until he is in office and can properly weigh all the options.</p>

<p>“The whole thing is fake news from The Washington Post. They’re just making it up,” Trump adviser Jason Miller said, adding, that his boss was the only one talking about stopping the killing and President Joe Biden was talking more about killing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the report say?</strong></h2>

<p>Citing people familiar with the matter, The Washington Post report on Sunday said that Trump could end the conflict by pressuring Ukraine to give up some territory. His proposal consisted&nbsp;of Ukraine ceding Crimea and the Donbas border region to Russia, people familiar with the matter said.</p>

<p>Trump, 77, has previously boasted that he could negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours if elected to power. However, he has repeatedly declined to specify publicly how he would quickly settle the war.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-conflict-trumps-stop-the-war-in-24-hrs-claim-very-dangerous-says-zelensky-681953">Ukraine conflict: Trump's 'stop the war in 24 hrs' claim 'very dangerous,' says Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>A source told the publication that privately Trump thinks that Russia and Ukraine “want to save face, they want a way out,” and that people in parts of Ukraine would be okay with being part of Russia.</p>

<p>Trump has also pressurised congressional Republicans to resist additional US support for Ukraine’s efforts to fight Russia. A return to the White House would significantly expand his influence over this debate, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'I will have the war settled in one day'</strong></h2>

<p>In an interview with CNN last year, Donald Trump said if he was elected as president again, he&nbsp;would have that (Russia-Ukraine) war "settled in one day, 24 hours.”</p>

<p>Asked how, Trump said he would meet Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "They both have weaknesses and they both have strengths and within 24 hours that war will be settled, that war will be over," he added.</p>

<p>Trump has repeatedly said he is well-positioned to negotiate an end to the war, saying he has a good relationship with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump on Sunday (Apr 7) dismissed a report by The Washington Post that said he could end the war in Ukraine if he becomes president by pressuring Kyiv to give up some territory.

Former United States president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump on Sunday (Apr 7) dismissed a report by The Washington Post that said he could end the war in Ukraine if he becomes president by pressuring Kyiv to give up some territory. Speaking to The New York Post, a Trump campaign adviser called The Washington Post report "fake news" and insisted that the 77-year-old would not settle on a peace plan until he is in office and can properly weigh all the options. “The whole thing is fake news from The Washington Post. They’re just making it up,” Trump adviser Jason Miller said, adding, that his boss was the only one talking about stopping the killing and President Joe Biden was talking more about killing. What did the report say? Citing people familiar with the matter, The Washington Post report on Sunday said that Trump could end the conflict by pressuring Ukraine to give up some territory. His proposal consisted of Ukraine ceding Crimea and the Donbas border region to Russia, people familiar with the matter said. Trump, 77, has previously boasted that he could negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours if elected to power. However, he has repeatedly declined to specify publicly how he would quickly settle the war. Also read | Ukraine conflict: Trump's 'stop the war in 24 hrs' claim 'very dangerous,' says Zelensky A source told the publication that privately Trump thinks that Russia and Ukraine “want to save face, they want a way out,” and that people in parts of Ukraine would be okay with being part of Russia. Trump has also pressurised congressional Republicans to resist additional US support for Ukraine’s efforts to fight Russia. A return to the White House would significantly expand his influence over this debate, the report added. 'I will have the war settled in one day' In an interview with CNN last year, Donald Trump said if he was elected as president again, he would have that (Russia-Ukraine) war "settled in one day, 24 hours.” Asked how, Trump said he would meet Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "They both have weaknesses and they both have strengths and within 24 hours that war will be settled, that war will be over," he added. Trump has repeatedly said he is well-positioned to negotiate an end to the war, saying he has a good relationship with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders. (With inputs from agencies)

Will Trump ask Ukraine to give up some land to end war? His campaign denies any such plans

<p>Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, once again on Saturday (Apr 6) reiterated his rhetoric against immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and lamented that people from "nice" countries "like Switzerland" were not immigrating to the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a multi-million fundraiser at a mansion owned by billionaire financier John Paulson in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump also bashed his Democratic rival, US President Joe Biden. As per The New York Times, Trump said that he will not use the 'Resolute Desk' and implied that Biden has defecated on it.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-launches-fresh-tirade-against-illegal-migrants-calls-them-animals-and-not-humans-707246">Trump launches fresh tirade against illegal migrants, calls them ‘animals’ and ‘not humans’</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'Nice countries'</strong></h2>

<p>Citing an attendee at the fundraiser, the NYT reports that Trump went on an extensive rant about migrants entering the United States.</p>

<p>Blaming Biden for illegal immigrants, Trump said: "These are people coming in from prisons and jails. They're coming in from just unbelievable places and countries, countries that are a disaster."</p>

<p>Seemingly making a reference to a controversial statement where he described Haiti and some nations in Africa as "shithole countries",&nbsp;he said, "And when I said, you know, Why can't we allow people to come in from nice countries, I'm trying to be nice."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-america-great-again-migrants-or-cannibals-trump-compares-migrants-to-hannibal-lecter-696750">Trump rants against migrants, compares them to Hannibal Lecter and mocks their languages</a></strong></p>

<p>"Nice countries, you know, like Denmark, Switzerland? Do we have any people coming in from Denmark? How about Switzerland? How about Norway?"</p>

<p>"And you know, they took that as a very terrible comment, but I felt it was fine," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's weird claim about&nbsp;the Resolute Desk</strong></h2>

<p>Trump also slammed Biden and said that he might not use the Resolute Desk if he wins.</p>

<p>Talking about the desk that many of the US presidents have used as their Oval Office desk, Trump said it was beautiful, "Ronald Reagan used it, others used it."</p>

<p>Sounding disgusted, he continued, "And he's (Biden) using it. I might not use it the next time. It's been soiled. And I mean that literally, which is sad."</p>

<p>Trump, as per a Republican National Committee claim, reportedly raised more than $50 million at the event. However, this figure is yet to be verified.</p>

<p>In a video shared by RNC, Trump can be heard saying, "People wanted to contribute to a cause of making America great again!"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, once again on Saturday (Apr 6) reiterated his rhetoric against immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and lamented that people from "nice" countries "like Switzerland" were not immigrating to the United States.

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, once again on Saturday (Apr 6) reiterated his rhetoric against immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and lamented that people from "nice" countries "like Switzerland" were not immigrating to the United States. Speaking at a multi-million fundraiser at a mansion owned by billionaire financier John Paulson in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump also bashed his Democratic rival, US President Joe Biden. As per The New York Times, Trump said that he will not use the 'Resolute Desk' and implied that Biden has defecated on it. Also read | Trump launches fresh tirade against illegal migrants, calls them ‘animals’ and ‘not humans’ 'Nice countries' Citing an attendee at the fundraiser, the NYT reports that Trump went on an extensive rant about migrants entering the United States. Blaming Biden for illegal immigrants, Trump said: "These are people coming in from prisons and jails. They're coming in from just unbelievable places and countries, countries that are a disaster." Seemingly making a reference to a controversial statement where he described Haiti and some nations in Africa as "shithole countries", he said, "And when I said, you know, Why can't we allow people to come in from nice countries, I'm trying to be nice." Also read | Trump rants against migrants, compares them to Hannibal Lecter and mocks their languages "Nice countries, you know, like Denmark, Switzerland? Do we have any people coming in from Denmark? How about Switzerland? How about Norway?" "And you know, they took that as a very terrible comment, but I felt it was fine," he added. Trump's weird claim about the Resolute Desk Trump also slammed Biden and said that he might not use the Resolute Desk if he wins. Talking about the desk that many of the US presidents have used as their Oval Office desk, Trump said it was beautiful, "Ronald Reagan used it, others used it." Sounding disgusted, he continued, "And he's (Biden) using it. I might not use it the next time. It's been soiled. And I mean that literally, which is sad." Trump, as per a Republican National Committee claim, reportedly raised more than $50 million at the event. However, this figure is yet to be verified. In a video shared by RNC, Trump can be heard saying, "People wanted to contribute to a cause of making America great again!" (With inputs from agencies)

Trump wants immigrants only from 'nice' countries like 'Denmark, Switzerland'

<p>United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (Apr 8) posted a video ahead of the total solar eclipse urging people to wear protective eyewear to view the rare phenomenon and also seemingly mocking his predecessor.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden issues safety warning</strong></h2>

<p>“An eclipse is worth marveling at,” said the caption with which the video was posted, on X. The clip shows the US president standing on a White House balcony while wearing eclipse glasses looking at the sky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Folks, enjoy the eclipse. But, play it safe. Don’t be silly,” said Biden in the seven-second clip.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An eclipse is worth marveling at.<br />
<br />
But don't be silly, folks – play it safe and wear protective eyewear. <a href="https://t.co/S6REAiZ735">pic.twitter.com/S6REAiZ735</a></p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1777355754791432285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The clip also seemingly mocked his predecessor, former president Donald Trump whose images and videos taken during the eclipse in 2017 have gone viral recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On August 21, 2017, during Trump’s presidency, he was seen standing on a balcony of the White House with his wife Melania and his son Barron, during the eclipse when he directly looked at the sun multiple times and was even seen squinting and pointing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This prompted an aide to shout, “Don’t look!” The former president was given eclipse glasses to wear, but he reportedly looked up at the sun at least six times, without them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-us-states-should-decide-abortion-law-709026">Donald Trump says US states should decide abortion law, dodges stand on national ban</a></strong></p>

<p>Solar eclipses are arguably one of the most fascinating astronomical events to witness, but only with protective eyewear. It is also advised to never look directly at the sun as its rays can be intense and damage our eyes.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trump posts bizarre campaign ad</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the former president ahead of the rare astronomical event took to his social media platform, Truth Social, and posted a bizarre campaign ad where his own head takes the place of the moon and blocks out the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video begins with dramatic music and visuals similar to the opening score of <em>2001: A Space Odyssey</em>. The clip starts with the words, “The most important moment in human history is taking place in 2024.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/total-solar-eclipse-2024-map-shows-totality-path-peak-times-and-best-cities-to-watch-astronomical-spectacle-708897">Total Solar Eclipse 2024: See path of totality, peak times and best cities to watch cosmic spectacle</a></strong></p>

<p>Subsequently, it shows crowds of people wearing eclipse glasses looking at the sky in amazement. However, it is not the moon which is covering the sun, but an outline of Trump’s head creating the eclipse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clip then shows the crowds cheering. The nearly one-and-a-half-minute clip ends with the quote, “We will save America. And make it great again.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Donald Trump just posted a solar eclipse campaign ad on Truth Social.<a href="https://t.co/hbNHehsNEW">pic.twitter.com/hbNHehsNEW</a></p>
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProudElephantUS/status/1777376940510310841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The campaign ad comes ahead of the US presidential election in November where Trump, a Republican, is expected to run against Democrat Biden, again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (Apr 8) posted a video ahead of the total solar eclipse urging people to wear protective eyewear to view the rare phenomenon and also seemingly mocking his predecessor.

United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (Apr 8) posted a video ahead of the total solar eclipse urging people to wear protective eyewear to view the rare phenomenon and also seemingly mocking his predecessor. Biden issues safety warning “An eclipse is worth marveling at,” said the caption with which the video was posted, on X. The clip shows the US president standing on a White House balcony while wearing eclipse glasses looking at the sky. “Folks, enjoy the eclipse. But, play it safe. Don’t be silly,” said Biden in the seven-second clip. An eclipse is worth marveling at. But don't be silly, folks – play it safe and wear protective eyewear. pic.twitter.com/S6REAiZ735 — President Biden (@POTUS) April 8, 2024 × The clip also seemingly mocked his predecessor, former president Donald Trump whose images and videos taken during the eclipse in 2017 have gone viral recently. On August 21, 2017, during Trump’s presidency, he was seen standing on a balcony of the White House with his wife Melania and his son Barron, during the eclipse when he directly looked at the sun multiple times and was even seen squinting and pointing. This prompted an aide to shout, “Don’t look!” The former president was given eclipse glasses to wear, but he reportedly looked up at the sun at least six times, without them. Also Read | Donald Trump says US states should decide abortion law, dodges stand on national ban Solar eclipses are arguably one of the most fascinating astronomical events to witness, but only with protective eyewear. It is also advised to never look directly at the sun as its rays can be intense and damage our eyes. Trump posts bizarre campaign ad Meanwhile, the former president ahead of the rare astronomical event took to his social media platform, Truth Social, and posted a bizarre campaign ad where his own head takes the place of the moon and blocks out the sun. The video begins with dramatic music and visuals similar to the opening score of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The clip starts with the words, “The most important moment in human history is taking place in 2024.” Also Read | Total Solar Eclipse 2024: See path of totality, peak times and best cities to watch cosmic spectacle Subsequently, it shows crowds of people wearing eclipse glasses looking at the sky in amazement. However, it is not the moon which is covering the sun, but an outline of Trump’s head creating the eclipse. The clip then shows the crowds cheering. The nearly one-and-a-half-minute clip ends with the quote, “We will save America. And make it great again.” Donald Trump just posted a solar eclipse campaign ad on Truth Social.pic.twitter.com/hbNHehsNEW — Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) April 8, 2024 × The campaign ad comes ahead of the US presidential election in November where Trump, a Republican, is expected to run against Democrat Biden, again. (With inputs from agencies)

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Biden issues safety reminder, takes a dig at Trump

As elections in US are round the corner and promises are the talk of the town, but one hot button provision that will be the deciding factor in the upcoming polls would be Abortion.

US: Donald Trump clarifies abortion stance, says 'states should decide their own abortion rights'

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump, on Monday (Apr 8) said that he believes that the decision regarding abortion rights should be left up to the US states, but did not mention his position on a national abortion ban.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Trump say?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The presumptive Republican presidential nominee weighed in on one of the most contentious issues in American politics months ahead of the upcoming elections in November, in a video post on his social media platform, Truth Social.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has previously indicated support for a 15-week federal ban with exceptions for rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother. He also reiterated his support for the availability of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-news-donald-trump-dismisses-report-about-him-pressuring-ukraine-to-give-russia-some-territory-708846">Will Trump ask Ukraine to give up some land to end war? His campaign denies any such plans</a></strong></p>

<p>“My view is now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both. And whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state,” said the former president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that many states will be “different” and have “different number of weeks, or some will have more conservative than others, and that’s what they will be. At the end of the day, this is all about the will of the people,” Trump added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee did not mention anything about a national ban to prohibit abortions beyond a certain number of weeks into a pregnancy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his video, on Monday, the former president also took credit for overturning the 1973 landmark Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade which effectively ended the&nbsp;constitutional right to an abortion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reversal of the five-decade-old decision has led more than a dozen states to ban or severely restrict women’s ability to access safe and legal abortion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This 50-year battle over Roe v. Wade took it out of the federal hands and brought it into the hearts, minds and vote of the people in each state. It was really something. Now it’s up to the states to do the right thing,” said Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the court’s decision to overturn the landmark decision triggered a backlash among voters and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wasnt-my-fault-donald-trump-on-the-midterm-loss-blames-abortion-548875https://www.wionews.com/world/wasnt-my-fault-donald-trump-on-the-midterm-loss-blames-abortion-548875">reportedly affected</a> Republican gains in several states during the 2022 midterm elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About Biden’s stance</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, incumbent President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden has made his predecessor and Republicans’ opposition to abortion rights a key tenet of his re-election campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-wants-immigrants-from-nice-countries-like-denmark-switzerland-to-come-to-america-708877">Trump wants immigrants only from 'nice' countries like 'Denmark, Switzerland'</a></strong></p>

<p>“Donald Trump is endorsing every single abortion ban in the states, including abortion bans with no exceptions. And he’s bragging about his role in creating this hellscape,” said Ammar Moussa, director of rapid response for the Biden campaign, on X, on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Biden denounced a ruling by the Florida Supreme Court which allows a six-week ban on abortion to take effect. On April 1, the state’s top court upheld a ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incumbent president slammed Republicans for limiting reproductive rights in Florida and other US states saying that it is “putting the health and lives of millions of women at risk.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former United States president Donald Trump, on Monday (Apr 8) said that he believes that the decision regarding abortion rights should be left up to the US states, but did not mention his position on a national abortion ban.

Former United States president Donald Trump, on Monday (Apr 8) said that he believes that the decision regarding abortion rights should be left up to the US states, but did not mention his position on a national abortion ban. What did Trump say? The presumptive Republican presidential nominee weighed in on one of the most contentious issues in American politics months ahead of the upcoming elections in November, in a video post on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump has previously indicated support for a 15-week federal ban with exceptions for rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother. He also reiterated his support for the availability of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Also Read | Will Trump ask Ukraine to give up some land to end war? His campaign denies any such plans “My view is now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both. And whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state,” said the former president. He also said that many states will be “different” and have “different number of weeks, or some will have more conservative than others, and that’s what they will be. At the end of the day, this is all about the will of the people,” Trump added. However, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee did not mention anything about a national ban to prohibit abortions beyond a certain number of weeks into a pregnancy. In his video, on Monday, the former president also took credit for overturning the 1973 landmark Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade which effectively ended the constitutional right to an abortion. The reversal of the five-decade-old decision has led more than a dozen states to ban or severely restrict women’s ability to access safe and legal abortion. “This 50-year battle over Roe v. Wade took it out of the federal hands and brought it into the hearts, minds and vote of the people in each state. It was really something. Now it’s up to the states to do the right thing,” said Trump. Notably, the court’s decision to overturn the landmark decision triggered a backlash among voters and reportedly affected Republican gains in several states during the 2022 midterm elections. About Biden’s stance Meanwhile, incumbent President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden has made his predecessor and Republicans’ opposition to abortion rights a key tenet of his re-election campaign. Also Read | Trump wants immigrants only from 'nice' countries like 'Denmark, Switzerland' “Donald Trump is endorsing every single abortion ban in the states, including abortion bans with no exceptions. And he’s bragging about his role in creating this hellscape,” said Ammar Moussa, director of rapid response for the Biden campaign, on X, on Monday. Earlier this month, Biden denounced a ruling by the Florida Supreme Court which allows a six-week ban on abortion to take effect. On April 1, the state’s top court upheld a ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The incumbent president slammed Republicans for limiting reproductive rights in Florida and other US states saying that it is “putting the health and lives of millions of women at risk.” (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump says US states should decide abortion law, dodges stand on national ban

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