<p>Former US President Donald Trump's legal woes have forced him to create a defence fund, purportedly named 'Patriot Legal Defense Fund', to support his legal expenses.</p>

<p>The war zone in Ukraine remains tense as specter of nuclear war continues to threaten Kyiv, after a top Putin aide's comments highlighting Moscow's nuclear belligerence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-courtroom-woes-force-him-to-create-legal-defence-fund-amid-2024-race-to-white-house-620880"><strong>Trump's courtroom woes force him to create legal defence fund amid 2024 race to White House</strong></a></p>

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Former US President Donald Trump's team is in the process of establishing a legal defence fund to manage the whopping legal expenses stemming from a series of federal investigations and criminal indictments against him, multiple reports in the US media said on Monday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-war-if-putins-top-aide-issues-ultimate-threat-620874"><strong>‘Nuclear war if...': Putin's top aide issues ultimate threat</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/21/340074-copy-of-untitled-4.png?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has once again stirred the 'nuclear' conversation by stating that Moscow will have to use the atomic weapon if Kyiv's ongoing counter-offensive was a success.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blackmailing-uyghur-refugees-abroad-to-spy-for-it-claims-report-620877"><strong>China blackmailing Uyghur refugees living abroad to spy for it, claims report</strong></a></p>

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<p>After subjugating the Uyghur population in its backyard to torture and horrors of the concentration camps, China is now pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners, according to a BBC report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication claims that Beijing is using intimidating tactics by threatening families back home to get the foreign-living Uyghurs to do its surveillance job.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-violence-live-women-seen-in-sexual-assault-video-approach-supreme-court-620896"><strong>Manipur violence LIVE | Women seen in sexual assault video approach Supreme Court</strong></a></p>

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<p>Two women who were subjected to horrific sexual assault and violence in Manipur have knocked on the door of India's Supreme Court. The apex court and its bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Monday (July 31) will hear the petition.</p>

<p>WION will keep a track of the latest on crucial judicial hearing in New Delhi.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Former US President Donald Trump's legal woes have forced him to create a defence fund, purportedly named 'Patriot Legal Defense Fund', to support his legal expenses.

Former US President Donald Trump's legal woes have forced him to create a defence fund, purportedly named 'Patriot Legal Defense Fund', to support his legal expenses. The war zone in Ukraine remains tense as specter of nuclear war continues to threaten Kyiv, after a top Putin aide's comments highlighting Moscow's nuclear belligerence. Click on the headlines to read more: Trump's courtroom woes force him to create legal defence fund amid 2024 race to White House Former US President Donald Trump's team is in the process of establishing a legal defence fund to manage the whopping legal expenses stemming from a series of federal investigations and criminal indictments against him, multiple reports in the US media said on Monday. ‘Nuclear war if...': Putin's top aide issues ultimate threat Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has once again stirred the 'nuclear' conversation by stating that Moscow will have to use the atomic weapon if Kyiv's ongoing counter-offensive was a success. China blackmailing Uyghur refugees living abroad to spy for it, claims report After subjugating the Uyghur population in its backyard to torture and horrors of the concentration camps, China is now pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners, according to a BBC report. The publication claims that Beijing is using intimidating tactics by threatening families back home to get the foreign-living Uyghurs to do its surveillance job. Manipur violence LIVE | Women seen in sexual assault video approach Supreme Court Two women who were subjected to horrific sexual assault and violence in Manipur have knocked on the door of India's Supreme Court. The apex court and its bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Monday (July 31) will hear the petition. WION will keep a track of the latest on crucial judicial hearing in New Delhi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Morning brief: Trump's mounting legal expenses, Putin aide's ultimate nuclear threat, and more

<p>Former US President Donald Trump's team is in the process of establishing a legal defence fund to manage the whopping legal expenses stemming from a series of federal investigations and criminal indictments against him, multiple reports in the US media said on Monday.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's legal woes and a potential Patriot Legal Defense Fund</strong></h2>

<p>The fund is likely to be named the Patriot Legal Defense Fund Inc., New York Times reported.</p>

<p>It will be reportedly overseen by two individuals namely, Michael Glassner, a longstanding political adviser to Trump, and Lynne Patton, another former Trump aide who worked in both the Trump Organisation and his administration.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's legal defence fund: What will it cover?</strong></h2>

<p>The absolute extent of coverage for the legal defence fund remains uncertain. But&nbsp;it is being reported that it is not intended to cover Trump's personal legal bills, as his political action committee (PAC), Save America, has been responsible for those costs.</p>

<h2><strong>How much is Trump's legal defence cost?</strong></h2>

<p>It reportedly amounted to over $40 million in legal fees for him and several witnesses during the first half of 2023. The fee is expected to further mount in the coming months.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Trump remains defiant over legal woes</strong></p>

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<p>According to Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump cited in the US media, the US&nbsp;Justice Department has allegedly targeted innocent individuals linked to the former president, and the legal defence fund aims to support these individuals against what they perceive as unlawful harassment.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's 'Save America' in focus</strong></h2>

<p>One of the investigations focuses on Trump's Political Action Committee, Save America. It has drawn the attention of special counsel Jack Smith, who has convened at least two grand juries to look into Trump, his allies, and advisors.</p>

<p>Smith's team has raised questions about payments to certain lawyers representing witnesses and whether Trump's aides and Republicans knew about his electoral defeat but continued to raise funds based on purported&nbsp;claims of voter fraud.</p>

<p>Save America was created to hold more than $100 million raised by Trump shortly after the November 2020 presidential election, with a purported claim that he needed his supporters' help to combat alleged widespread voter fraud.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's legal defence fund: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The creation of the legal defence fund could eliminate some financial burden on Save America, as it previously sought a refund of the $60 million it had transferred to a pro-Trump super PAC late last year, New York Times reported.</p>

<p>In a recent fund-raiser for a group assisting those connected to the January 6 riot and their families, Trump expressed his intention to contribute.</p>

<p>Trump has not shown enthusiasm in past&nbsp;to establish such a fund in the past. He has&nbsp;often asserted that only guilty individuals require legal defence funds.</p>

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Former US President Donald Trump's team is in the process of establishing a legal defence fund to manage the whopping legal expenses stemming from a series of federal investigations and criminal indictments against him, multiple reports in the US media said on Monday.

Former US President Donald Trump's team is in the process of establishing a legal defence fund to manage the whopping legal expenses stemming from a series of federal investigations and criminal indictments against him, multiple reports in the US media said on Monday. Trump's legal woes and a potential Patriot Legal Defense Fund The fund is likely to be named the Patriot Legal Defense Fund Inc., New York Times reported. It will be reportedly overseen by two individuals namely, Michael Glassner, a longstanding political adviser to Trump, and Lynne Patton, another former Trump aide who worked in both the Trump Organisation and his administration. Trump's legal defence fund: What will it cover? The absolute extent of coverage for the legal defence fund remains uncertain. But it is being reported that it is not intended to cover Trump's personal legal bills, as his political action committee (PAC), Save America, has been responsible for those costs. How much is Trump's legal defence cost? It reportedly amounted to over $40 million in legal fees for him and several witnesses during the first half of 2023. The fee is expected to further mount in the coming months. Also watch | Trump remains defiant over legal woes × According to Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump cited in the US media, the US Justice Department has allegedly targeted innocent individuals linked to the former president, and the legal defence fund aims to support these individuals against what they perceive as unlawful harassment. Trump's 'Save America' in focus One of the investigations focuses on Trump's Political Action Committee, Save America. It has drawn the attention of special counsel Jack Smith, who has convened at least two grand juries to look into Trump, his allies, and advisors. Smith's team has raised questions about payments to certain lawyers representing witnesses and whether Trump's aides and Republicans knew about his electoral defeat but continued to raise funds based on purported claims of voter fraud. Save America was created to hold more than $100 million raised by Trump shortly after the November 2020 presidential election, with a purported claim that he needed his supporters' help to combat alleged widespread voter fraud. Trump's legal defence fund: What does it mean? The creation of the legal defence fund could eliminate some financial burden on Save America, as it previously sought a refund of the $60 million it had transferred to a pro-Trump super PAC late last year, New York Times reported. In a recent fund-raiser for a group assisting those connected to the January 6 riot and their families, Trump expressed his intention to contribute. Trump has not shown enthusiasm in past to establish such a fund in the past. He has often asserted that only guilty individuals require legal defence funds. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Trump's courtroom woes force him to create legal defence fund amid 2024 race to White House

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<p>A US federal judge has quashed the $475 million defamation lawsuit by former US president Donald Trump against CNN for allegedly likening him to Adolf Hitler.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US District Judge Raag Singhal, who was nominated by Trump in 2019, in his judgement noted that while "CNN's statements" were "repugnant", they could not be considered "defamatory".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is no question that the statements made by CNN meet the publication requirement for defamation under Florida law. The next question is whether the statements were false statements of fact. This is where Trump's defamation claims fail," wrote Singhal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"CNN's use of the phrase 'the Big Lie' in connection with Trump's election challenges does not give rise to a plausible inference that Trump advocates the persecution and genocide of Jews or any other group of people."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trending-on-wion-donald-trump-sues-cnn-for-defamation-522311"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Trending on WION: Donald Trump sues CNN for defamation</strong></a></p>

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<p>The court added that the mere use of the phrase was not enough to give rise to a true connotation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No reasonable viewer could (or should) plausibly make that reference."</p>

<h2><strong>The lawsuit</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, it was in October 2022 that Trump filed the lawsuit, highlighting five instances where the mainstream media house either published stories or comments, referring to Trump's assertion about the 2020 election as his “big lie”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The phrase has a colourful history as it is associated with the Nazi regime's use of propaganda to justify the persecution of Jews.</p>

<p>"Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth,"&nbsp;is a law of propaganda often attributed to the Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels. However, prior to Goebbels, Hitler, in his Mein Kampf had first referenced the description of the phrase, according to the European Center for Populism Studies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-cnn-town-hall-pence-criticises-trump-for-praising-putin-a-look-at-the-key-takeaways-601996" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | At CNN town hall, Pence criticises Trump for praising Putin: A look at key takeaways</strong></a></p>

<p>Trump's team argued that the wording in CNN programming was “a deliberate effort to propagate to its audience an association between the plaintiff and one of the most repugnant figures in modern history”.</p>

<p>However, after the verdict, Trump's spokesperson said they respected the judge's decision without divulging if an appeal would be filed against the decision or not.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We agree with the highly respected judge’s findings that CNN’s statements about president Trump are repugnant. CNN will be held responsible for their wrongful mistreatment of president Trump and his supporters.”</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's legal woes</strong></h2>

<p>Trump, who is in the running to secure&nbsp;a Republican ticket for the 2024 presidential elections, has been mired in court cases throughout the tear. Nearly eight months into the year and he has already been inducted twice and faced 40 criminal charges over his alleged mishandling of classified government documents.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A US federal judge has quashed the $475 million defamation lawsuit by former US president Donald Trump against CNN for allegedly likening him to Adolf Hitler. US District Judge Raag Singhal, who was nominated by Trump in 2019, in his judgement noted that while "CNN's statements" were "repugnant", they could not be considered "defamatory".

A US federal judge has quashed the $475 million defamation lawsuit by former US president Donald Trump against CNN for allegedly likening him to Adolf Hitler. US District Judge Raag Singhal, who was nominated by Trump in 2019, in his judgement noted that while "CNN's statements" were "repugnant", they could not be considered "defamatory". "There is no question that the statements made by CNN meet the publication requirement for defamation under Florida law. The next question is whether the statements were false statements of fact. This is where Trump's defamation claims fail," wrote Singhal. "CNN's use of the phrase 'the Big Lie' in connection with Trump's election challenges does not give rise to a plausible inference that Trump advocates the persecution and genocide of Jews or any other group of people." Watch | Trending on WION: Donald Trump sues CNN for defamation × The court added that the mere use of the phrase was not enough to give rise to a true connotation. "No reasonable viewer could (or should) plausibly make that reference." The lawsuit Notably, it was in October 2022 that Trump filed the lawsuit, highlighting five instances where the mainstream media house either published stories or comments, referring to Trump's assertion about the 2020 election as his “big lie”. The phrase has a colourful history as it is associated with the Nazi regime's use of propaganda to justify the persecution of Jews. "Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth," is a law of propaganda often attributed to the Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels. However, prior to Goebbels, Hitler, in his Mein Kampf had first referenced the description of the phrase, according to the European Center for Populism Studies. Also read | At CNN town hall, Pence criticises Trump for praising Putin: A look at key takeaways Trump's team argued that the wording in CNN programming was “a deliberate effort to propagate to its audience an association between the plaintiff and one of the most repugnant figures in modern history”. However, after the verdict, Trump's spokesperson said they respected the judge's decision without divulging if an appeal would be filed against the decision or not. “We agree with the highly respected judge’s findings that CNN’s statements about president Trump are repugnant. CNN will be held responsible for their wrongful mistreatment of president Trump and his supporters.” Trump's legal woes Trump, who is in the running to secure a Republican ticket for the 2024 presidential elections, has been mired in court cases throughout the tear. Nearly eight months into the year and he has already been inducted twice and faced 40 criminal charges over his alleged mishandling of classified government documents. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Trump's $475 million 'Big Lie' lawsuit against CNN quashed by US court

The $475 million defamation case Donald Trump filed against CNN, alleging that the network's depiction of his election fraud as the "big lie" connected him to Adolf Hitler, has been dismissed by a federal judge. U.S. Judge Raag Singhal, who was appointed by Trump in 2019, issued a decision late on Friday night stating that CNN's statements were opinion-based rather than factual and could not, therefore, be the basis of a defamation lawsuit.

US: District court dismisses Donald Trump's lawsuit against CNN

<p>Former US president Donald Trump maintained his frontrunner status after nearly every major Republican presidential hopeful shared the stage in the early voting state of Iowa on Friday night during crucial Lincoln Dinner fundraiser. With Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott sharing the stage, the fundraiser occurred with less than six months left for the state's caucuses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Republican presidential hopefuls addressed the donors and local Republican leaders.</p>

<p>Trump insisted he was the best candidate to defeat Joe Biden, citing the polls that show him far ahead of DeSantis.</p>

<p>"I wouldn’t take a chance on that one," Trump said of DeSantis, who he consistently referred to as "DeSanctis". Speaking about his record as president, Trump insisted that he was the only president who did not start a war on a foreign land.</p>

<p>The Florida governor, meanwhile, talked up his record in the state that he said has focused to "beat the left's agenda".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-approval-rating-plummets-to-new-low-as-trump-gains-momentum-612215">Biden’s approval rating plummets to new low as Trump gains momentum</a></strong></p>

<p>Under DeSantis, the state of Florida has seen attacks on transgender healthcare as well as abortion access.<br />
<br />
His relentless attack on LGBTQ+ education has won him hardline supporters amid consistent criticism from activists and people alike.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump's employee accused of attempting to delete CCTV Footage</strong></p>

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<p>Taking a leaf out of Trump's booklet of populism that the former president first used in the run up to his election to the White House in 2016, DeSantis said that he will deploy military on border with Mexico and vowed a "deadly force" on &nbsp;drug cartels.</p>

<h2><strong>Iowa Lincoln Dinner: Trump cements frontrunner lead</strong></h2>

<p>Despite an immediate prospect of a third criminal indictment, Trump has a whopping 30-point advantage over his closest rival, the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, according to a Fox Business poll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the presidential campaign of Ron DeSantis is faltering. The Florida governor has recently fired a third of his campaign staff and reportedly cancelled&nbsp;two fundraising events last weekend due to lack of donor interest.</p>

<p>According to FiveThirtyEight’s average of national polls, his support among likely Republican primary voters has dipped by roughly eight points since the beginning of July 2023.</p>

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Former US president Donald Trump maintained his frontrunner status after nearly every major Republican presidential hopeful shared the stage in the early voting state of Iowa on Friday night during crucial Lincoln Dinner fundraiser.

Former US president Donald Trump maintained his frontrunner status after nearly every major Republican presidential hopeful shared the stage in the early voting state of Iowa on Friday night during crucial Lincoln Dinner fundraiser. With Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott sharing the stage, the fundraiser occurred with less than six months left for the state's caucuses. The Republican presidential hopefuls addressed the donors and local Republican leaders. Trump insisted he was the best candidate to defeat Joe Biden, citing the polls that show him far ahead of DeSantis. "I wouldn’t take a chance on that one," Trump said of DeSantis, who he consistently referred to as "DeSanctis". Speaking about his record as president, Trump insisted that he was the only president who did not start a war on a foreign land. The Florida governor, meanwhile, talked up his record in the state that he said has focused to "beat the left's agenda". Also read | Biden’s approval rating plummets to new low as Trump gains momentum Under DeSantis, the state of Florida has seen attacks on transgender healthcare as well as abortion access. His relentless attack on LGBTQ+ education has won him hardline supporters amid consistent criticism from activists and people alike. Also watch | Donald Trump's employee accused of attempting to delete CCTV Footage × Taking a leaf out of Trump's booklet of populism that the former president first used in the run up to his election to the White House in 2016, DeSantis said that he will deploy military on border with Mexico and vowed a "deadly force" on drug cartels. Iowa Lincoln Dinner: Trump cements frontrunner lead Despite an immediate prospect of a third criminal indictment, Trump has a whopping 30-point advantage over his closest rival, the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, according to a Fox Business poll. Meanwhile, the presidential campaign of Ron DeSantis is faltering. The Florida governor has recently fired a third of his campaign staff and reportedly cancelled two fundraising events last weekend due to lack of donor interest. According to FiveThirtyEight’s average of national polls, his support among likely Republican primary voters has dipped by roughly eight points since the beginning of July 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Trump retains Republican frontrunner status, denigrates DeSantis as 'DeSanctis'

<p>United States First Lady Jill Biden's ex-husband Bill Stevenson, during a recent interview, has levelled allegations of intimidation against President Joe Biden and his family.</p>

<p>Speaking to Greg Kelly during a Newsmax TV programme on Wednesday (July 26th), he claimed that Biden is targeting former President Donald Trump, and that the "exact same thing" was once done to him.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden crime family</strong></h2>

<p>Stevenson, who in an interview with Daily Mail, had&nbsp;previously claimed that Jill cheated on him with Joe Biden, said that during his divorce with the first lady, he also faced intimidation at the hands of the president's brother Frankie Biden.</p>

<p>He claimed that "Frankie Biden of the Biden crime family comes up to me and he goes, 'Give her the house or you’re going to have serious problems'."</p>

<p><strong>Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/medieval-seal-that-can-help-fast-track-a-persons-entry-into-heaven-to-put-on-display-in-uk-620365">Medieval seal that can help fast track a person's entry into heaven to put on display in UK</a></strong></p>

<p>"I looked at Frankie and I said, 'Are you threatening me?' and needless to say, about two months later, my brother and I were indicted for that tax charge for $8,200."</p>

<p>Jill Biden's ex-husband then went on to compare his alleged troubles with the Biden family to Trump's recent legal woes and said "I can't let them do this to a president I love and respect."</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's legal woes</strong></h2>

<p>The former US president Donald Trump is currently facing a litany of charges including conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, and concealing a document in a federal investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is also embroiled in a civil case over sexual abuse and defamation charges that were levelled against him by columnist Carroll E Jean.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-stop-2024-presidential-campaign-even-if-convicted-donald-trump-620341">Won’t stop 2024 presidential campaign even if convicted: Donald Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>Stevenson claimed that he was on the "wrong" side of the Biden family and that "they have literally come after me for 35 years in a row."</p>

<p>A staunch supporter of Trump, Stevenson remarked: "It's hard to believe what they're doing to President Trump... I can't let them do this to a president I love and respect... This is the only reason I've come forward."<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"It's like I said, nothing about the divorce, no bitterness, but Jimmy, Frankie, and President Biden are very dangerous, and it's tragic. I can’t let them do what they did to me to President Trump. I can't do it."</p>

<h2><strong>An 'affair' to remember</strong></h2>

<p>Stevenson claims that he introduced Joe and Jill Biden "Right before the election, in '72" and that he suspected they were having an affair in August 1974. By October, he was sure.</p>

<p>However, Joe Biden and Jill Biden claim that they met around March 1975.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May 1975, Stevenson and Jill's divorce was finalised.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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United States First Lady Jill Biden's ex-husband Bill Stevenson, during a recent interview, has levelled allegations of intimidation against President Joe Biden and his family.

United States First Lady Jill Biden's ex-husband Bill Stevenson, during a recent interview, has levelled allegations of intimidation against President Joe Biden and his family. Speaking to Greg Kelly during a Newsmax TV programme on Wednesday (July 26th), he claimed that Biden is targeting former President Donald Trump, and that the "exact same thing" was once done to him. Biden crime family Stevenson, who in an interview with Daily Mail, had previously claimed that Jill cheated on him with Joe Biden, said that during his divorce with the first lady, he also faced intimidation at the hands of the president's brother Frankie Biden. He claimed that "Frankie Biden of the Biden crime family comes up to me and he goes, 'Give her the house or you’re going to have serious problems'." Also read | Medieval seal that can help fast track a person's entry into heaven to put on display in UK "I looked at Frankie and I said, 'Are you threatening me?' and needless to say, about two months later, my brother and I were indicted for that tax charge for $8,200." Jill Biden's ex-husband then went on to compare his alleged troubles with the Biden family to Trump's recent legal woes and said "I can't let them do this to a president I love and respect." Trump's legal woes The former US president Donald Trump is currently facing a litany of charges including conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, and concealing a document in a federal investigation. He is also embroiled in a civil case over sexual abuse and defamation charges that were levelled against him by columnist Carroll E Jean. Also read | Won’t stop 2024 presidential campaign even if convicted: Donald Trump Stevenson claimed that he was on the "wrong" side of the Biden family and that "they have literally come after me for 35 years in a row." A staunch supporter of Trump, Stevenson remarked: "It's hard to believe what they're doing to President Trump... I can't let them do this to a president I love and respect... This is the only reason I've come forward." "It's like I said, nothing about the divorce, no bitterness, but Jimmy, Frankie, and President Biden are very dangerous, and it's tragic. I can’t let them do what they did to me to President Trump. I can't do it." An 'affair' to remember Stevenson claims that he introduced Joe and Jill Biden "Right before the election, in '72" and that he suspected they were having an affair in August 1974. By October, he was sure. However, Joe Biden and Jill Biden claim that they met around March 1975. In May 1975, Stevenson and Jill's divorce was finalised. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

First Lady Jill Biden's ex-husband alleges Trump being targeted by 'Biden crime family'

Former US President Donald Trump was charged with fresh charges on Thursday. They claim he planned to have surveillance footage from his Florida Mar-A-Lago mansion destroyed in order to obstruct the investigation into the unlawful handling of top-secret documents.

Donald Trump's employee accused of attempting to delete CCTV Footage

<p>Former US president Donald Trump has said that he would continue his 2024 presidential campaign even if he is sentenced and convicted in various charges against him.</p>

<p>Speaking with popular conservative radio host John Fredericks, the 77-year-old Republican frontrunner also responded to the latest charges filed against him in the classified documents case where the prosecutors have announced additional charges for alleged mishandling of security tapes,</p>

<p>"These were security tapes. We handed them over to them. ... I'm not even sure what they're saying," he said.</p>

<p>He added that he believed that he wasn't required to submit the security tapes from his Mar-a-Lago resort but did so anyway, Reuters news agency reported on Friday (July 28).</p>

<h2><strong>Additional charges against Trump</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday (July 26), prosecutors pressed additional charges against Trump in the classified documents case, claiming that he asked his aide to delete the security camera footage sought by the investigators.</p>

<p>US Special Counsel Jack Smith filed three new criminal counts against Trump on Thursday, bringing the total to 40.</p>

<p>He also charged a maintenance worker at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, Carlos De Oliveira, with conspiracy to obstruct justice, accusing him of helping Trump to hide documents.</p>

<p>“They went after two fine employees yesterday, fine people," Trump said.</p>

<p>"They're trying to intimidate people so that people go out and make up lies about me. Because I did nothing wrong."</p>

<h2><strong>Donald Trump's trial in classified document case to be held in May 2024</strong></h2>

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<h2><strong>Trump's aide in the dock</strong></h2>

<p>De Oliveira (40) has worked for the former president for nearly 20 years. He started as a car valet and rose through the ranks to become a property manager in January 2022.</p>

<p>De Oliveira is the second Trump employee to face federal criminal charges alongside the former president. Trump valet Walt Nauta was indicted in June.</p>

<p>During the course of the investigation, his phone was seized, but despite that, he has continued to work at Mar-a-Lago since the initial charges against Trump were filed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-injured-after-blast-in-russian-city-taganrog-near-ukraine-border-russian-official-620336">Dozens injured after blast in Russian city Taganrog near Ukraine border</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung dubbed the charges as “a continued desperate and flailing attempt” to harass the former president and those around him.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-dismisses-governments-bid-to-ban-protest-song-over-potential-chilling-effects-620327">Hong Kong court dismisses government’s bid to ban protest song</a></p>

<p>It accuses the three men of endeavouring to “alter, destroy, mutilate and conceal” records at Mar-a-Lago to “impair” their use as evidence.</p>

<p>De Oliveira is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in Miami federal court, whereas Trump and Nauta will also need to be re-arraigned on the new indictment, but their date hasn’t been fixed yet.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Former US president Donald Trump has said that he would continue his 2024 presidential campaign even if he is sentenced and convicted in various charges against him.

Former US president Donald Trump has said that he would continue his 2024 presidential campaign even if he is sentenced and convicted in various charges against him. Speaking with popular conservative radio host John Fredericks, the 77-year-old Republican frontrunner also responded to the latest charges filed against him in the classified documents case where the prosecutors have announced additional charges for alleged mishandling of security tapes, "These were security tapes. We handed them over to them. ... I'm not even sure what they're saying," he said. He added that he believed that he wasn't required to submit the security tapes from his Mar-a-Lago resort but did so anyway, Reuters news agency reported on Friday (July 28). Additional charges against Trump On Thursday (July 26), prosecutors pressed additional charges against Trump in the classified documents case, claiming that he asked his aide to delete the security camera footage sought by the investigators. US Special Counsel Jack Smith filed three new criminal counts against Trump on Thursday, bringing the total to 40. He also charged a maintenance worker at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, Carlos De Oliveira, with conspiracy to obstruct justice, accusing him of helping Trump to hide documents. “They went after two fine employees yesterday, fine people," Trump said. "They're trying to intimidate people so that people go out and make up lies about me. Because I did nothing wrong." Donald Trump's trial in classified document case to be held in May 2024 Trump's aide in the dock De Oliveira (40) has worked for the former president for nearly 20 years. He started as a car valet and rose through the ranks to become a property manager in January 2022. De Oliveira is the second Trump employee to face federal criminal charges alongside the former president. Trump valet Walt Nauta was indicted in June. During the course of the investigation, his phone was seized, but despite that, he has continued to work at Mar-a-Lago since the initial charges against Trump were filed. Also read | Dozens injured after blast in Russian city Taganrog near Ukraine border Meanwhile, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung dubbed the charges as “a continued desperate and flailing attempt” to harass the former president and those around him. Also read | Hong Kong court dismisses government’s bid to ban protest song It accuses the three men of endeavouring to “alter, destroy, mutilate and conceal” records at Mar-a-Lago to “impair” their use as evidence. De Oliveira is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in Miami federal court, whereas Trump and Nauta will also need to be re-arraigned on the new indictment, but their date hasn’t been fixed yet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Won’t stop 2024 presidential campaign even if convicted: Donald Trump

<p>Donald Trump instructed employees at his Florida resort to delete security videos while he was under investigation for retaining classified documents, according to US prosecutors.</p>

<p>As the case against the former president expanded, US&nbsp;Special Counsel Jack Smith filed three new criminal charges, totalling 40, and also implicated a Mar-a-Lago resort maintenance worker, Carlos De Oliveira, for conspiracy to obstruct justice. De Oliveira stands accused of aiding Trump in concealing the documents, according to a Reuters report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>De Oliveira, 56, allegedly informed a co-worker at the resort where Trump resides that "the boss" (referring to Trump) desired the deletion of security videos from the Florida property after they were subpoenaed by the Justice Department.</p>

<p>Additionally, prosecutors charged De Oliveira with making false statements to the FBI during a voluntary interview, denying any involvement in moving boxes of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.</p>

<p>De Oliveira reportedly told the agents, as per the indictment, that he had "never seen anything."</p>

<h2><strong>Special counsel Jack Smith leading investigations</strong></h2>

<p>US media revealed that Trump's attorneys met with Special Counsel Jack Smith, who oversees investigations stemming from the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.</p>

<p>Smith is also heading the probe into Trump's illegal possession of highly classified documents, for which the former president was indicted in June.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's response and allegations of a "witch hunt"</strong></h2>

<p>Trump took to social media to convey that his attorneys had a constructive meeting with the DOJ, maintaining his innocence.</p>

<p>He voiced concern that any indictment against him would have adverse consequences for the country.</p>

<p>The former president has persistently labelled the investigation as a politically motivated "witch hunt" orchestrated by the Biden-controlled Department of Justice. He has consistently claimed, without evidence, that widespread voting fraud led to his election loss.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-rejects-possibility-of-joe-biden-pardoning-son-hunter-620095">White House rejects possibility of Joe Biden pardoning son Hunter</a></p>

<h2><strong>Potential charges and Trump's resistance</strong></h2>

<p>On July 18, Trump disclosed that he received a letter from Smith, indicating that he was a subject of the January 6 investigation, which centres&nbsp;on efforts to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 election victory.</p>

<p>The letter reportedly mentioned potential federal criminal statutes, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding, and deprivation of rights.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US President Biden: 'We ended cancer as we know it'</strong></p>

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<p>Trump's legal team is said to have resisted meeting with Smith. One issue likely discussed during the meeting was the logistics of Trump's appearance for an arraignment at the federal court in Washington upon filing the indictment.</p>

<h2><strong>Prior indictment on classified documents</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, Trump faced indictment for illegally retaining top-secret defence and intelligence documents. The indictment remained sealed until Trump himself confirmed its issuance. It was unsealed on June 13, coinciding with his appearance in a federal court in Miami to hear the charges against him.</p>

<p>As the legal proceedings unfold, the anticipation of an indictment against Donald Trump keeps the nation on edge. The outcome of the investigation could have significant ramifications for the former president and the political landscape leading up to the upcoming election.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Donald Trump instructed employees at his Florida resort to delete security videos while he was under investigation for retaining classified documents, according to US prosecutors.

Donald Trump instructed employees at his Florida resort to delete security videos while he was under investigation for retaining classified documents, according to US prosecutors. As the case against the former president expanded, US Special Counsel Jack Smith filed three new criminal charges, totalling 40, and also implicated a Mar-a-Lago resort maintenance worker, Carlos De Oliveira, for conspiracy to obstruct justice. De Oliveira stands accused of aiding Trump in concealing the documents, according to a Reuters report. De Oliveira, 56, allegedly informed a co-worker at the resort where Trump resides that "the boss" (referring to Trump) desired the deletion of security videos from the Florida property after they were subpoenaed by the Justice Department. Additionally, prosecutors charged De Oliveira with making false statements to the FBI during a voluntary interview, denying any involvement in moving boxes of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. De Oliveira reportedly told the agents, as per the indictment, that he had "never seen anything." Special counsel Jack Smith leading investigations US media revealed that Trump's attorneys met with Special Counsel Jack Smith, who oversees investigations stemming from the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters. Smith is also heading the probe into Trump's illegal possession of highly classified documents, for which the former president was indicted in June. Trump's response and allegations of a "witch hunt" Trump took to social media to convey that his attorneys had a constructive meeting with the DOJ, maintaining his innocence. He voiced concern that any indictment against him would have adverse consequences for the country. The former president has persistently labelled the investigation as a politically motivated "witch hunt" orchestrated by the Biden-controlled Department of Justice. He has consistently claimed, without evidence, that widespread voting fraud led to his election loss. Also read | White House rejects possibility of Joe Biden pardoning son Hunter Potential charges and Trump's resistance On July 18, Trump disclosed that he received a letter from Smith, indicating that he was a subject of the January 6 investigation, which centres on efforts to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 election victory. The letter reportedly mentioned potential federal criminal statutes, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding, and deprivation of rights. Also watch | Gravitas: US President Biden: 'We ended cancer as we know it' Trump's legal team is said to have resisted meeting with Smith. One issue likely discussed during the meeting was the logistics of Trump's appearance for an arraignment at the federal court in Washington upon filing the indictment. Prior indictment on classified documents Last month, Trump faced indictment for illegally retaining top-secret defence and intelligence documents. The indictment remained sealed until Trump himself confirmed its issuance. It was unsealed on June 13, coinciding with his appearance in a federal court in Miami to hear the charges against him. As the legal proceedings unfold, the anticipation of an indictment against Donald Trump keeps the nation on edge. The outcome of the investigation could have significant ramifications for the former president and the political landscape leading up to the upcoming election. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Trump accused of instructing staffer to delete camera footage in Florida classified documents case

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<p>Peter Francis Stager, an Arkansas resident who beat a police officer during the US Capitol Hill riots on January 6, 2021, has been sentenced to more than four years in prison.</p>

<p>During the riots, Stager struck a Metropolitan Police Department officer at least three times using a flagpole attached to an American flag. While Stager inflicted the physical damage, his fellow rioters pulled the officer, head first, into the crowd, outside the Capitol. Additionally, Stager stood over and hurled profanities at another officer, who was seriously injured at the time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Stager joined a prolonged, multi-assailant attack on police officers, which resulted in injuries to the officers," the court noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Stager himself wielded a flagpole and used it to strike at a vulnerable officer, who, lying face down in a mob of rioters had no means of defending himself.”</p>

<p>According to the court filings, Stager was working as a truck driver when he found himself in Washington DC on January 5, 2021, due to a scheduling conflict with his dispatch. After delivering the load of produce he was transporting nearby, Stager decided to not leave for Arkansas due to the cost of fuel and the fact that he would not be making money on an empty load.</p>

<p>As Trump was holding the "Stop the Steal" rally on January 6, Stager decided to watch the speech, a decision that he will regret for the rest of his life - his lawyers told the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I take full responsibility for my actions. I was naïve, reckless, selfish, and emotionally unstable...I have caused a wake of devastation and pain to my loved ones, my community, and many others," Stager wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jan-6-capitol-riots-probe-former-president-donald-trumps-tweet-blamed-for-inciting-violence-497082"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Jan 6 Capitol Riots Probe: Former President Donald Trump's tweet blamed for inciting violence</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Other rioters&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Stager is not the only January 6 rioter to face a tough sentence for his actions. Earlier this year, a Pennsylvania man found guilty of felony assault and other charges for pepper-spraying police officers outside the Capitol building was sentenced to 14 years in prison, the longest sentence for anyone convicted in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-hill-riots-man-who-pepper-sprayed-police-gets-14-year-prison-sentence-589603" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Capitol Hill riots: Man who pepper-sprayed police gets 14 year prison sentence</strong></a></p>

<p>Peter J. Schwartz, 49, was convicted last December at a trial in federal court where evidence showed he was in the vanguard of a mob attacking police at the lower west terrace of the Capitol.</p>

<p>Similarly, Mason Courson, a Florida resident was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison last month while&nbsp;Michigan resident Justin Jerse was sentenced to four years and three months behind bars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, after Donald Trump lost the presidential election to Joe Biden, a violent mob of insurrectionists, loyal to him, marched on the US Capitol and attempted to overturn the election results. Since then, over 1000 people have been charged with federal crimes, related to the riots with 620 of them pleading guilty.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Peter Francis Stager, an Arkansas resident who beat a police officer during the US Capitol Hill riots on January 6, 2021, has been sentenced to more than four years in prison.

Peter Francis Stager, an Arkansas resident who beat a police officer during the US Capitol Hill riots on January 6, 2021, has been sentenced to more than four years in prison. During the riots, Stager struck a Metropolitan Police Department officer at least three times using a flagpole attached to an American flag. While Stager inflicted the physical damage, his fellow rioters pulled the officer, head first, into the crowd, outside the Capitol. Additionally, Stager stood over and hurled profanities at another officer, who was seriously injured at the time. “Stager joined a prolonged, multi-assailant attack on police officers, which resulted in injuries to the officers," the court noted. “Stager himself wielded a flagpole and used it to strike at a vulnerable officer, who, lying face down in a mob of rioters had no means of defending himself.” According to the court filings, Stager was working as a truck driver when he found himself in Washington DC on January 5, 2021, due to a scheduling conflict with his dispatch. After delivering the load of produce he was transporting nearby, Stager decided to not leave for Arkansas due to the cost of fuel and the fact that he would not be making money on an empty load. As Trump was holding the "Stop the Steal" rally on January 6, Stager decided to watch the speech, a decision that he will regret for the rest of his life - his lawyers told the court. “I take full responsibility for my actions. I was naïve, reckless, selfish, and emotionally unstable...I have caused a wake of devastation and pain to my loved ones, my community, and many others," Stager wrote. Watch | Jan 6 Capitol Riots Probe: Former President Donald Trump's tweet blamed for inciting violence × Other rioters Stager is not the only January 6 rioter to face a tough sentence for his actions. Earlier this year, a Pennsylvania man found guilty of felony assault and other charges for pepper-spraying police officers outside the Capitol building was sentenced to 14 years in prison, the longest sentence for anyone convicted in the case. Also read | Capitol Hill riots: Man who pepper-sprayed police gets 14 year prison sentence Peter J. Schwartz, 49, was convicted last December at a trial in federal court where evidence showed he was in the vanguard of a mob attacking police at the lower west terrace of the Capitol. Similarly, Mason Courson, a Florida resident was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison last month while Michigan resident Justin Jerse was sentenced to four years and three months behind bars. Notably, after Donald Trump lost the presidential election to Joe Biden, a violent mob of insurrectionists, loyal to him, marched on the US Capitol and attempted to overturn the election results. Since then, over 1000 people have been charged with federal crimes, related to the riots with 620 of them pleading guilty. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Capitol Hill riots: Man who beat officer with flagpole sentenced to over four years in prison

<p>The trial against former US president and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago classified document case will take place in the thick of US presidential elections next year. The supposed trial may very well put Trump into prison, sections of US media have reported, following which Trump's purported threat about what may happen if he is imprisoned has attained centerstage.</p>

<p>In a statement on Friday (July 21), Trump said that the trial date is a "major setback" to the justice department's "crusade" against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-week trial would take place in Fort Pierce, Florida, judge Aileen Cannon said. The trial could begin as early as May 20, 2024. A pre-trial hearing in the case will be held on May 14 next year.</p>

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<h2><strong>Mar-a-Lago trial date: What did Trump say on imprisonment question?</strong></h2>

<p>Former President Donald Trump while speaking on 'The Simon Conway Show', said that an imprisonment prospect is "very dangerous thing to even talk about".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-classified-documents-case-trail-set-for-may-20-2024-months-before-us-prez-polls-618231">Donald Trump classified documents case trial set for May 20, months before US prez polls</a></strong></p>

<p>"Because we do have a tremendously passionate group of voters. [They have] much more passion that they had in 2020 and&nbsp; much more passion than they had in 2016. I think it would be very dangerous," Trump said.</p>

<h2><strong>Mar-a-Lago classified documents case: Will Trump be imprisoned?</strong></h2>

<p>Trump's imprisonment is least likely. This is because for the prosecutors to secure a conviction, the jury's decision must be unanimous. Some of them were appointed by Donald Trump during his times in the White House and have shown conservative inclinations in their recent judgments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former president pleaded not guilty to over three dozne&nbsp;federal counts during an arraignment in Miami last month.</p>

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The trial against former US president and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago classified document case will take place in the thick of US presidential elections next year.

The trial against former US president and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago classified document case will take place in the thick of US presidential elections next year. The supposed trial may very well put Trump into prison, sections of US media have reported, following which Trump's purported threat about what may happen if he is imprisoned has attained centerstage. In a statement on Friday (July 21), Trump said that the trial date is a "major setback" to the justice department's "crusade" against him. The two-week trial would take place in Fort Pierce, Florida, judge Aileen Cannon said. The trial could begin as early as May 20, 2024. A pre-trial hearing in the case will be held on May 14 next year. Mar-a-Lago trial date: What did Trump say on imprisonment question? Former President Donald Trump while speaking on 'The Simon Conway Show', said that an imprisonment prospect is "very dangerous thing to even talk about". Also read | Donald Trump classified documents case trial set for May 20, months before US prez polls "Because we do have a tremendously passionate group of voters. [They have] much more passion that they had in 2020 and much more passion than they had in 2016. I think it would be very dangerous," Trump said. Mar-a-Lago classified documents case: Will Trump be imprisoned? Trump's imprisonment is least likely. This is because for the prosecutors to secure a conviction, the jury's decision must be unanimous. Some of them were appointed by Donald Trump during his times in the White House and have shown conservative inclinations in their recent judgments. The former president pleaded not guilty to over three dozne federal counts during an arraignment in Miami last month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Classified documents case: Trump's threat on being imprisoned in spotlight after release of trial date

Donald Trump says that he's received a letter from a prosecutor suggesting that he is likely to be criminally indicted. The reasons may include the January 6 riot at the capital United States capital.

Ex-President Donald Trump's trial in classified document case to be held in May 2024

<p>Former lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, is anticipated to reach a settlement in his lawsuit against the Trump Organization regarding unpaid legal fees and costs, according to a Reuters report citing a source familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lawsuit, which was filed in March 2019, seeks to recover $1.9 million in fees, along with an additional $1.9 million that Cohen was allegedly ordered to forfeit in a criminal case. Over time, the fees continued to accumulate, and court documents indicate that the Trump Organization has only made partial payments towards them.</p>

<h2><strong>A settlement made in the nick of time</strong></h2>

<p>The New York Times reports that this settlement comes as jury selection for the trial began earlier this week. Opening arguments in the civil lawsuit were scheduled for Monday.</p>

<p>The New York Times first reported the potential settlement earlier on Friday. Although the terms of the settlement are yet to be finalised and will remain confidential, they are expected to be made public during a court hearing scheduled for Friday morning.</p>

<h2><strong>Cohen and Trump: A relationship turned sour</strong></h2>

<p>As per Reuters, Michael Cohen, who had been a long-serving employee of both the Trump Organization and Donald Trump himself, later became a vocal critic of the former president.</p>

<p>He testified that Trump had instructed him to engage in illegal activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty and was subsequently served three years in federal custody for his involvement in facilitating unlawful hush-money payments to women in support of Trump's 2016 election campaign. He also admitted to lying to Congress about a Trump project in Russia.</p>

<p>Even as this lawsuit nears a potential settlement, another case filed by Trump against Cohen remains active. Trump's former lawyer is also expected to be the star witness against the former US President in a Manhattan criminal trial regarding the hush money payments. The case is expected to head to trial in March of next year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Former lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, is anticipated to reach a settlement in his lawsuit against the Trump Organization regarding unpaid legal fees and costs, according to a Reuters report citing a source familiar with the matter.

Former lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, is anticipated to reach a settlement in his lawsuit against the Trump Organization regarding unpaid legal fees and costs, according to a Reuters report citing a source familiar with the matter. The lawsuit, which was filed in March 2019, seeks to recover $1.9 million in fees, along with an additional $1.9 million that Cohen was allegedly ordered to forfeit in a criminal case. Over time, the fees continued to accumulate, and court documents indicate that the Trump Organization has only made partial payments towards them. A settlement made in the nick of time The New York Times reports that this settlement comes as jury selection for the trial began earlier this week. Opening arguments in the civil lawsuit were scheduled for Monday. The New York Times first reported the potential settlement earlier on Friday. Although the terms of the settlement are yet to be finalised and will remain confidential, they are expected to be made public during a court hearing scheduled for Friday morning. Cohen and Trump: A relationship turned sour As per Reuters, Michael Cohen, who had been a long-serving employee of both the Trump Organization and Donald Trump himself, later became a vocal critic of the former president. He testified that Trump had instructed him to engage in illegal activities. In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty and was subsequently served three years in federal custody for his involvement in facilitating unlawful hush-money payments to women in support of Trump's 2016 election campaign. He also admitted to lying to Congress about a Trump project in Russia. Even as this lawsuit nears a potential settlement, another case filed by Trump against Cohen remains active. Trump's former lawyer is also expected to be the star witness against the former US President in a Manhattan criminal trial regarding the hush money payments. The case is expected to head to trial in March of next year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Settlement expected in Michael Cohen vs Trump Organization breach of contract lawsuit

<p>A US federal judge on Friday (July 21) set May 20, 2024, trial date for the case against Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents, months before the US presidential election.</p>

<p>Florida District Judge Aileen Cannon set the two-week trial period less than six months ahead of the November 2024 election, despite Trump’s lawyers pleading the court to hold off until elections are over due to his status as the presidential candidate.</p>

<p>The trial will take place in US District Court in Fort Pierce, Florida.</p>

<h2><strong>Dept of Justice wanted trial to begin early</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, the Department of Justice had asked Canon to begin the hearing in December, but Trump’s lawyers argued that there was no need to set a date yet.</p>

<p>Initially, the court was looking to schedule August 14 as the trial date, but both the defence and prosecution objected to it saying that they needed more time to prepare, reports AP news agency.</p>

<p>On Friday, the judge, in her seven-page ruling, noted that both the prosecutors and the defendants agreed that the trial should be held later than its original August 14 start date.</p>

<h2>Capitol riot probe: Donald Trump expects indictment</h2>

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<p>But, she wrote, “As a preliminary matter, the Court rejects Defendants’ request to withhold setting of a schedule now.”</p>

<p>The DOJ’s proposal&nbsp;to start the trial in December,&nbsp;meanwhile, “is atypically accelerated and inconsistent with ensuring a fair trial,” she added.</p>

<p>“The Court finds that the interests of justice served by this continuance outweigh the best interest of the public and Defendants in a speedy trial,” Cannon wrote.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump pleaded not guilty</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, the former president pleaded not guilty to 37 criminal counts in connection with the retaining classified documents case after leaving the White House in 2021 and subsequent alleged efforts to conceal them from the government.</p>

<p>His valet and co-defendant Walt Nauta has also pleaded not guilty to six criminal charges.</p>

<p>It follows close on the heels of a separate New York trial for Trump on dozens of state charges of falsifying business records in connection with an alleged hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A US federal judge on Friday (July 21) set May 20, 2024, trial date for the case against Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents, months before the US presidential election.

A US federal judge on Friday (July 21) set May 20, 2024, trial date for the case against Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents, months before the US presidential election. Florida District Judge Aileen Cannon set the two-week trial period less than six months ahead of the November 2024 election, despite Trump’s lawyers pleading the court to hold off until elections are over due to his status as the presidential candidate. The trial will take place in US District Court in Fort Pierce, Florida. Dept of Justice wanted trial to begin early On Tuesday, the Department of Justice had asked Canon to begin the hearing in December, but Trump’s lawyers argued that there was no need to set a date yet. Initially, the court was looking to schedule August 14 as the trial date, but both the defence and prosecution objected to it saying that they needed more time to prepare, reports AP news agency. On Friday, the judge, in her seven-page ruling, noted that both the prosecutors and the defendants agreed that the trial should be held later than its original August 14 start date. Capitol riot probe: Donald Trump expects indictment But, she wrote, “As a preliminary matter, the Court rejects Defendants’ request to withhold setting of a schedule now.” The DOJ’s proposal to start the trial in December, meanwhile, “is atypically accelerated and inconsistent with ensuring a fair trial,” she added. “The Court finds that the interests of justice served by this continuance outweigh the best interest of the public and Defendants in a speedy trial,” Cannon wrote. Trump pleaded not guilty Last month, the former president pleaded not guilty to 37 criminal counts in connection with the retaining classified documents case after leaving the White House in 2021 and subsequent alleged efforts to conceal them from the government. His valet and co-defendant Walt Nauta has also pleaded not guilty to six criminal charges. It follows close on the heels of a separate New York trial for Trump on dozens of state charges of falsifying business records in connection with an alleged hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Donald Trump classified documents case trial set for May 20, months before US prez polls

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump said on Tuesday (July 19) that he expects to be charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If it happens, this indictment would add to Trump's legal difficulties as he makes another bid for the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by The Guardian, two people familiar with the matter said that the federal prosecutors probing Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results have evidence to charge him with three crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The charges may include violating Section 241 of the US legal code, which makes it illegal to conspire to violate civil rights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that a target letter sent to Trump by prosecutors from special counsel Jack Smith's office revealed the prospective charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith also charged Trump with keeping secret documents last month, which was the clearest indication of an impending indictment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has been reported that the target letter indicates that the prosecutors appear to have evidence to prosecute Trump with obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump is already facing criminal charges brought by Smith for mishandling top-secret government documents after leaving office.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Here's what Trump says</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: "Deranged Jack Smith, the prosecutor with Joe Biden's DOJ, sent a letter... stating that I am a TARGET of the January 6 Grand Jury investigation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 77-year-old, who is the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, said he was given four days to report to a grand jury, "which almost always means an Arrest and Indictment."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This witch hunt is all about election interference and a complete and total political weaponization of law enforcement. It is a very sad and dark period for our Nation!" he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking on Fox News later Tuesday, Trump accused the Democratic party of using the Department of Justice to tank his political career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The DOJ has become a weapon for the Democrats, an absolute weapon. They want to try and demean, and diminish, and frighten people," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former United States president Donald Trump said on Tuesday (July 19) that he expects to be charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. If it happens, this indictment would add to Trump's legal difficulties as he makes another bid for the White House.

Former United States president Donald Trump said on Tuesday (July 19) that he expects to be charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. If it happens, this indictment would add to Trump's legal difficulties as he makes another bid for the White House. As reported by The Guardian, two people familiar with the matter said that the federal prosecutors probing Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results have evidence to charge him with three crimes. The charges may include violating Section 241 of the US legal code, which makes it illegal to conspire to violate civil rights. The report mentioned that a target letter sent to Trump by prosecutors from special counsel Jack Smith's office revealed the prospective charges. Smith also charged Trump with keeping secret documents last month, which was the clearest indication of an impending indictment. It has been reported that the target letter indicates that the prosecutors appear to have evidence to prosecute Trump with obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Trump is already facing criminal charges brought by Smith for mishandling top-secret government documents after leaving office. Here's what Trump says In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: "Deranged Jack Smith, the prosecutor with Joe Biden's DOJ, sent a letter... stating that I am a TARGET of the January 6 Grand Jury investigation." The 77-year-old, who is the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, said he was given four days to report to a grand jury, "which almost always means an Arrest and Indictment." "This witch hunt is all about election interference and a complete and total political weaponization of law enforcement. It is a very sad and dark period for our Nation!" he said. While speaking on Fox News later Tuesday, Trump accused the Democratic party of using the Department of Justice to tank his political career. "The DOJ has become a weapon for the Democrats, an absolute weapon. They want to try and demean, and diminish, and frighten people," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Trump says he expects to be charged over the January 6 attack on US Capitol

<p>Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect from &nbsp;New York, was charged in connection with the long-unsolved murders of three women whose bodies were found near a beach on Long Island more than a decade ago.</p>

<p>Now, reports suggest&nbsp;that former president Donald Trump used to be&nbsp;a client of the suspect during the time he worked as&nbsp;an architect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing the October 2018 filing with the New York City Department of Buildings, media outlets reported that Trump Organization hired Heuermann's architectural firm, RH Architecture, for a plumbing job on the 17th floor of the Trump Building at 40 Wall St.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the documents, the project at the crown jewel Art Deco-style building was projected to cost $205,017.00.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The document represented Heuermann as an applicant, while the Trump Organization's VP of property management, Steve Lafiosca, was the owner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the documents, the location of Heuermann's company is listed as 19 W. 36th St., which is said to be the same Fifth Avenue hangout where he was arrested on numerous murder allegations last week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Rex Heuermann: The suspect in Gilgo Beach killings?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>On July 13, Heuermann was arrested near his office and charged with first- and second-degree murder for the 2009 and 2010 deaths of the three women - Melissa Barthelemy (24), Amber Lynn Costello (22), and Megan Waterman (27). He is the "prime suspect" in the murder of a fourth woman, officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heuermann lived in Massapequa Park, a town near Gilgo Beach, where the bodies were found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suffolk County police commissioner Rodney Harrison told reporters that "Rex Heuermann is a demon" and he is a "predator that ruins families".&nbsp;</p>

<p>US District Attorney Ray Tierney said: "Each of the four victims was found similarly positioned, bound in a similar fashion by either belts or tape, with three of the victims found wrapped in a burlap-type material."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect from New York, was charged in connection with the long-unsolved murders of three women whose bodies were found near a beach on Long Island more than a decade ago.

Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect from New York, was charged in connection with the long-unsolved murders of three women whose bodies were found near a beach on Long Island more than a decade ago. Now, reports suggest that former president Donald Trump used to be a client of the suspect during the time he worked as an architect. Citing the October 2018 filing with the New York City Department of Buildings, media outlets reported that Trump Organization hired Heuermann's architectural firm, RH Architecture, for a plumbing job on the 17th floor of the Trump Building at 40 Wall St. According to the documents, the project at the crown jewel Art Deco-style building was projected to cost $205,017.00. The document represented Heuermann as an applicant, while the Trump Organization's VP of property management, Steve Lafiosca, was the owner. In the documents, the location of Heuermann's company is listed as 19 W. 36th St., which is said to be the same Fifth Avenue hangout where he was arrested on numerous murder allegations last week. Who is Rex Heuermann: The suspect in Gilgo Beach killings? On July 13, Heuermann was arrested near his office and charged with first- and second-degree murder for the 2009 and 2010 deaths of the three women - Melissa Barthelemy (24), Amber Lynn Costello (22), and Megan Waterman (27). He is the "prime suspect" in the murder of a fourth woman, officials said. Heuermann lived in Massapequa Park, a town near Gilgo Beach, where the bodies were found. Suffolk County police commissioner Rodney Harrison told reporters that "Rex Heuermann is a demon" and he is a "predator that ruins families". US District Attorney Ray Tierney said: "Each of the four victims was found similarly positioned, bound in a similar fashion by either belts or tape, with three of the victims found wrapped in a burlap-type material." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gilgo Beach murder suspect once worked for Donald Trump: Report

The legal troubles continue to brew for former United States president Donald Trump. A new grand jury has been selected in the US state of Georgia on Tuesday.

Donald Trump receives a letter from special counsel probing capitol riots

<p><em><strong>(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.)</strong></em><br />
<br />
A federal judge, on Wednesday (July 19), rejected former United States President Donald Trump’s request for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-trump-asks-for-new-trial-in-e-jean-carroll-sexual-abuse-case-602320">new trial</a> on damages, months after he was found guilty of sexually abusing and defaming the writer E. Jean Carroll. At the time, the court had awarded Carroll $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US Judge rejects Trump’s arguments</strong></h2>

<p>US District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan, New York dismissed Trump’s arguments to reduce the nearly $3 million in damages to Carroll after she successfully proved her defamation claim against him and an additional pay of around $2 million in damages for her civil battery claim.</p>

<p>The 59-page decision comes as the former US president is also in the midst of appealing the verdict. Trump argued that the damages awarded to Carroll should be reduced to less than $1 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the judge dismissed his request and said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-jury-finds-trump-sexually-abused-writer-e-jean-carroll-rejects-claim-of-rape-in-civil-case-590769">May 9 verdict</a> was neither a “seriously erroneous result” nor a “miscarriage of justice.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Grossly excessive’</strong></h2>

<p>Trump, in his appeal, called the $2 million award for sexual abuse “grossly excessive” because such abuse could have included groping Carroll’s breasts through clothing, “which is a far cry from rape,” according to Reuters.</p>

<p>However, the judge clarified that the state of New York defines rape much narrowly than one might think and it was wrong of the former US president to argue that his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-woman-accuses-trump-of-sexual-assault-at-trial-e-jean-carrolls-friend-testifies-588352">behaviour</a> should be excused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The proof convincingly established, and the jury implicitly found, that Mr. Trump deliberately and forcibly penetrated Ms. Carroll’s vagina with his fingers, causing immediate pain and long lasting emotional and psychological harm,” the US judge wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Mr. Trump’s argument therefore ignores the bulk of the evidence at trial, misinterprets the jury’s verdict, and (ignored) evidence of what actually occurred between Ms. Carroll and Mr. Trump.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Judge Kaplan also rejected Trump’s argument that the $2.7 million award for the defamation claim was “based upon pure speculation,” about how Carroll’s reputation was harmed.</p>

<h2><strong>About the case</strong></h2>

<p>The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, accused the former president of raping her at a luxury department store in Midtown Manhattan back in the 1990s.</p>

<p>Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. The writer had sued Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. She denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the former US president&nbsp;in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-e-jean-carrolls-rape-claim-ridiculous-disgusting-story-in-video-testimony-at-trial-588675">deposition video</a> denying&nbsp;Carroll’s claims called it “the most ridiculous, disgusting story.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>To make matters worse for Trump, earlier this month, the Department of Justice (DoJ) also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-loses-his-legal-shield-as-doj-reverses-its-position-in-carroll-defamation-lawsuit-614509">said</a> it would not argue that Trump’s derogatory statements regarding Carroll in 2019 were made in official capacity as the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) A federal judge, on Wednesday (July 19), rejected former United States President Donald Trump’s request for a new trial on damages, months after he was found guilty of sexually abusing and defaming the writer E.

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) A federal judge, on Wednesday (July 19), rejected former United States President Donald Trump’s request for a new trial on damages, months after he was found guilty of sexually abusing and defaming the writer E. Jean Carroll. At the time, the court had awarded Carroll $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages. US Judge rejects Trump’s arguments US District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan, New York dismissed Trump’s arguments to reduce the nearly $3 million in damages to Carroll after she successfully proved her defamation claim against him and an additional pay of around $2 million in damages for her civil battery claim. The 59-page decision comes as the former US president is also in the midst of appealing the verdict. Trump argued that the damages awarded to Carroll should be reduced to less than $1 million. However, the judge dismissed his request and said that the May 9 verdict was neither a “seriously erroneous result” nor a “miscarriage of justice.” ‘Grossly excessive’ Trump, in his appeal, called the $2 million award for sexual abuse “grossly excessive” because such abuse could have included groping Carroll’s breasts through clothing, “which is a far cry from rape,” according to Reuters. However, the judge clarified that the state of New York defines rape much narrowly than one might think and it was wrong of the former US president to argue that his behaviour should be excused. “The proof convincingly established, and the jury implicitly found, that Mr. Trump deliberately and forcibly penetrated Ms. Carroll’s vagina with his fingers, causing immediate pain and long lasting emotional and psychological harm,” the US judge wrote. He added, “Mr. Trump’s argument therefore ignores the bulk of the evidence at trial, misinterprets the jury’s verdict, and (ignored) evidence of what actually occurred between Ms. Carroll and Mr. Trump.” Judge Kaplan also rejected Trump’s argument that the $2.7 million award for the defamation claim was “based upon pure speculation,” about how Carroll’s reputation was harmed. About the case The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, accused the former president of raping her at a luxury department store in Midtown Manhattan back in the 1990s. Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. The writer had sued Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. She denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal.” Meanwhile, the former US president in his deposition video denying Carroll’s claims called it “the most ridiculous, disgusting story.” To make matters worse for Trump, earlier this month, the Department of Justice (DoJ) also said it would not argue that Trump’s derogatory statements regarding Carroll in 2019 were made in official capacity as the president. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former US president Trump loses bid for new trial in E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case

Capitol riot probe: Donald Trump expects indictment

Donald Trump said he received a letter from prosecutors suggesting he is likely to be criminally indicted over the January 6 riot at the US Capitol. It was not immediately clear what charges Trump may face, and a target letter does not always result in an indictment. Here's a look at the legal woes of the former president.

Before the Capitol attack, the ex-president urged the crowd to 'fight like hell'

<p>Former US president Donald Trump said he is most likely to get arrested again after being informed that he is the target of the Department of Justice’s investigation into his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and January 6 Capitol riots.</p>

<p>In a lengthy statement shared on his social media platform&nbsp;Truth Social, Trump said that he was notified of his impending arrest by the Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith via a letter on Sunday.</p>

<p>“On Sunday night, while I was with my family...HORRIFYING NEWS for our country was given to me by my attorneys,” Trump said.</p>

<p>“Deranged Jack Smith...sent a letter (again, it was Sunday night!) stating that I am a TARGET of the January 6th Grand Jury investigation, and giving me a very short 4 days to report to the Grand Jury, which almost always means an Arrest and Indictment.”</p>

<p>While speaking to Fox News during a town hall with&nbsp;Sean Hannity, Trump acknowledged that the slew of indictments actually 'bother'&nbsp;him. He said, "It bothers me for everybody – this incredible sold-out audience. It bothers you. I got the letter on Sunday night, think about it, I don’t think they ever sent a letter on Sunday night. And they are in a rush because they want to interfere. Interference with the election, It’s election interference.”</p>

<p>Trump also launched a scathing attack on&nbsp;Special Counsel Jack &nbsp;Smith, who has already indicted the former president with 37 criminal counts. He said, "This guy is a deranged prosecutor who has had tremendous failures all over the place. He’s a nasty, horrible human being.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a&nbsp;federal court in Florida is set to hear arguments in the classified documents criminal case on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Trump’s lawyers have asked that any trial in that case take place after the 2024 election. Smith’s prosecutors oppose that bid.</p>

<h2>Donald Trump announces 'Food for Everyone', leaves without paying</h2>

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<h2><strong>Department of Justice notified Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Notifying subjects that they have become a target in an investigation is an ongoing practice followed by the Justice Department.</p>

<p>Often a notification that a person is a target is a strong indication that an indictment could follow, but it is possible that the recipient is not ultimately charged, CNN report notes.</p>

<p>Though notifying them isn’t mandatory, prosecutors choose to follow this convention out of their discretion. Once informed, a target has the opportunity to present evidence or testify to the grand jury if they choose.</p>

<p>Trump is involved in another criminal investigation by a Georgia state prosecutor for his attempt to get election officials there to reverse his loss to Biden in Georgia.</p>

<h2><strong>Will Trump be indicted for third time?</strong></h2>

<p>If Trump faces criminal charges in connection with the 2020 riots, then it would be his third criminal indictment so far this year.</p>

<p>He is already charged with dozens of counts of falsifying business records in New York, as well as facing a similar number of criminal counts at the federal level for his allegedly illegal retention of classified materials and other presidential records.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-detained-by-north-korea-after-crossing-inter-korean-border-during-tour-617084">US soldier likely detained by N.Korea after crossing inter-Korean border</a></p>

<p>In recent months, prosecutors interviewed election officials in the seven states where Trump’s team falsely claimed fraud and put forward fake electors after the 2020 election.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-armed-submarine-docks-in-south-korea-for-first-time-since-1981-617148">US nuclear-armed submarine docks in South Korea for first time since 1981</a></p>

<p>Furthermore, they have focused on a chaotic December 2020 Oval Office meeting in the final days of the Trump administration, in which Trump’s advisers discussed seizing voting machines, naming a special counsel to investigate voter fraud and invoking martial law as part of the efforts to overturn the election.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former US president Donald Trump said he is most likely to get arrested again after being informed that he is the target of the Department of Justice’s investigation into his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and January 6 Capitol riots.

Former US president Donald Trump said he is most likely to get arrested again after being informed that he is the target of the Department of Justice’s investigation into his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and January 6 Capitol riots. In a lengthy statement shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that he was notified of his impending arrest by the Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith via a letter on Sunday. “On Sunday night, while I was with my family...HORRIFYING NEWS for our country was given to me by my attorneys,” Trump said. “Deranged Jack Smith...sent a letter (again, it was Sunday night!) stating that I am a TARGET of the January 6th Grand Jury investigation, and giving me a very short 4 days to report to the Grand Jury, which almost always means an Arrest and Indictment.” While speaking to Fox News during a town hall with Sean Hannity, Trump acknowledged that the slew of indictments actually 'bother' him. He said, "It bothers me for everybody – this incredible sold-out audience. It bothers you. I got the letter on Sunday night, think about it, I don’t think they ever sent a letter on Sunday night. And they are in a rush because they want to interfere. Interference with the election, It’s election interference.” Trump also launched a scathing attack on Special Counsel Jack Smith, who has already indicted the former president with 37 criminal counts. He said, "This guy is a deranged prosecutor who has had tremendous failures all over the place. He’s a nasty, horrible human being.” Meanwhile, a federal court in Florida is set to hear arguments in the classified documents criminal case on Tuesday. Trump’s lawyers have asked that any trial in that case take place after the 2024 election. Smith’s prosecutors oppose that bid. Donald Trump announces 'Food for Everyone', leaves without paying Department of Justice notified Trump Notifying subjects that they have become a target in an investigation is an ongoing practice followed by the Justice Department. Often a notification that a person is a target is a strong indication that an indictment could follow, but it is possible that the recipient is not ultimately charged, CNN report notes. Though notifying them isn’t mandatory, prosecutors choose to follow this convention out of their discretion. Once informed, a target has the opportunity to present evidence or testify to the grand jury if they choose. Trump is involved in another criminal investigation by a Georgia state prosecutor for his attempt to get election officials there to reverse his loss to Biden in Georgia. Will Trump be indicted for third time? If Trump faces criminal charges in connection with the 2020 riots, then it would be his third criminal indictment so far this year. He is already charged with dozens of counts of falsifying business records in New York, as well as facing a similar number of criminal counts at the federal level for his allegedly illegal retention of classified materials and other presidential records. Also read | US soldier likely detained by N.Korea after crossing inter-Korean border In recent months, prosecutors interviewed election officials in the seven states where Trump’s team falsely claimed fraud and put forward fake electors after the 2020 election. Also read | US nuclear-armed submarine docks in South Korea for first time since 1981 Furthermore, they have focused on a chaotic December 2020 Oval Office meeting in the final days of the Trump administration, in which Trump’s advisers discussed seizing voting machines, naming a special counsel to investigate voter fraud and invoking martial law as part of the efforts to overturn the election. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Donald Trump says he is likely to get arrested in January 6 riot case

<p>Michigan's Attorney General, Dana Nessel, a Democrat, announced on Tuesday (July 18) that 16 people have been criminally charged for falsely claiming that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election in Michigan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The charges come as a result of Trump and his legal team's efforts to convene alternate slates of electors in several swing states, including Michigan, in an attempt to overturn the election results. These charges mark the first legal action taken against any of the fake electors, as reported by the Guardian.</p>

<h2><strong>Felony charges and legal consequences</strong></h2>

<p>Each of the 16 individuals has been charged with eight felony counts, including forgery, which is punishable by up to 14 years in prison in Michigan.</p>

<p>The charges also include conspiracy to commit forgery, conspiracy to commit uttering and publishing, conspiracy to commit election law forgery, and election law forgery. The case has been filed in a state court in Lansing, the capital of Michigan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-he-is-likely-to-get-arrested-in-january-6-riot-case-617156">Donald Trump says he is likely to get arrested in January 6 riot case</a></p>

<h2><strong>Involvement of prominent figures</strong></h2>

<p>Among the 16 charged individuals are Meshawn Maddock, a former co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, and Kathy Berden, a national committeewoman for the Republican National Committee. The remaining 14 fake electors had various connections to the state and local Republican Party.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US-Israel's head of states to meet in Washington</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>False certification of election results</strong></h2>

<p>On December 14, 2020, the 16 fake electors knowingly met in the basement of the Michigan Republican Party headquarters and signed "multiple certificates" falsely declaring Trump as the winner in their state.</p>

<p>This action occurred on the same day the legitimate electors convened, three weeks before Congress certified the election results on January 6. These fraudulent certificates were then transmitted to the National Archives in Washington.</p>

<h2><strong>Impact on democracy </strong></h2>

<p>Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel condemned the fake electors' actions, stating that their plan to reject the will of the voters and undermine democracy was fraudulent and legally baseless.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/MIAttyGen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIAttyGen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dananessel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dananessel</a> announced felony charges against 16 Michigan residents for their role in the alleged false electors scheme following the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Read more ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/ODhkAQfXNP">https://t.co/ODhkAQfXNP</a> /1 <a href="https://t.co/u5riNpTD5I">pic.twitter.com/u5riNpTD5I</a></p>
— Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (@MIAttyGen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MIAttyGen/status/1681399621644431360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nessel emphasised that these actions not only eroded public trust in the integrity of elections but also violated election laws and the peaceful transfer of power.</p>

<p>She addressed potential accusations of political motivation, asserting that the charges were based on overwhelming evidence of multiple crimes.</p>

<h2><strong>Broader investigations</strong></h2>

<p>The charges in Michigan come as both the Justice Department and the district attorney in Fulton County, Georgia are examining cases involving fake electors as part of a broader investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.</p>

<p>Trump recently announced that he had received a letter from the Justice Department indicating he is a target of an investigation. Charges related to fake electors in Fulton County are expected to be filed before the end of August.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Michigan's Attorney General, Dana Nessel, a Democrat, announced on Tuesday (July 18) that 16 people have been criminally charged for falsely claiming that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election in Michigan.

Michigan's Attorney General, Dana Nessel, a Democrat, announced on Tuesday (July 18) that 16 people have been criminally charged for falsely claiming that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election in Michigan. The charges come as a result of Trump and his legal team's efforts to convene alternate slates of electors in several swing states, including Michigan, in an attempt to overturn the election results. These charges mark the first legal action taken against any of the fake electors, as reported by the Guardian. Felony charges and legal consequences Each of the 16 individuals has been charged with eight felony counts, including forgery, which is punishable by up to 14 years in prison in Michigan. The charges also include conspiracy to commit forgery, conspiracy to commit uttering and publishing, conspiracy to commit election law forgery, and election law forgery. The case has been filed in a state court in Lansing, the capital of Michigan. Also read | Donald Trump says he is likely to get arrested in January 6 riot case Involvement of prominent figures Among the 16 charged individuals are Meshawn Maddock, a former co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, and Kathy Berden, a national committeewoman for the Republican National Committee. The remaining 14 fake electors had various connections to the state and local Republican Party. Also watch | US-Israel's head of states to meet in Washington False certification of election results On December 14, 2020, the 16 fake electors knowingly met in the basement of the Michigan Republican Party headquarters and signed "multiple certificates" falsely declaring Trump as the winner in their state. This action occurred on the same day the legitimate electors convened, three weeks before Congress certified the election results on January 6. These fraudulent certificates were then transmitted to the National Archives in Washington. Impact on democracy Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel condemned the fake electors' actions, stating that their plan to reject the will of the voters and undermine democracy was fraudulent and legally baseless. Today, @MIAttyGen @dananessel announced felony charges against 16 Michigan residents for their role in the alleged false electors scheme following the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Read more ➡️ https://t.co/ODhkAQfXNP /1 pic.twitter.com/u5riNpTD5I — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (@MIAttyGen) July 18, 2023 × Nessel emphasised that these actions not only eroded public trust in the integrity of elections but also violated election laws and the peaceful transfer of power. She addressed potential accusations of political motivation, asserting that the charges were based on overwhelming evidence of multiple crimes. Broader investigations The charges in Michigan come as both the Justice Department and the district attorney in Fulton County, Georgia are examining cases involving fake electors as part of a broader investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump recently announced that he had received a letter from the Justice Department indicating he is a target of an investigation. Charges related to fake electors in Fulton County are expected to be filed before the end of August. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Michigan charges 16 people in 2020 false elector scheme

<p>A New York University professor and co-host of a podcast has predicted that former US president Donald Trump will eventually drop his bid for the presidency in 2024 in exchange for a plea deal. Scott Galloway, the professor, stunned his podcast co-host Kara Swisher when he made this prediction on the podcast 'Pivot'.</p>

<p>"I think President Trump is not going to run for president under the auspices of a plea deal," said Galloway after being asked by Swisher about his prediction.</p>

<p>“Where is that coming from? No one says that stuff,” asked Swisher after Galloway made the prediction.</p>

<p>Galloway noted that another presidential hopeful from the Republican Party Chris&nbsp;Christie had opined on similar lines.</p>

<p>"I actually think Governor Christie is going to surpass DeSantis and be the number two. But I don’t think it will matter… I don’t understand and can’t empathize with President Trump, but I know how old rich men think," Galloway said.</p>

<p>Notably, a few days back, Christie said on&nbsp;MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that&nbsp;Trump might take a plea deal in the classified&nbsp;documents case as he is&nbsp;afraid of going to jail.</p>

<p>"I'm telling you, no matter what he says, no matter how he's bragging and going on and on about him not being afraid, he goes to bed every night thinking about the sound of that jail cell door closing behind him," Christie had said.</p>

<h2><strong>'A very nice life'</strong></h2>

<p>"He has a very nice life, and his life can be going back to golf and sycophants and having sex with porn stars, which I think is a good thing… I’m not being cynical. I would like to do more of that at some point in my life," he said.</p>

<p>“Or he can live under the threat of prison. And I think that once the third indictment, I think the laws specifically around these state secrets, I think that he is running for president and the momentum he has is real leverage and power. And I think he’s going to cash that leverage and power in for a plea deal that includes no jail time,”</p>

<p>During the podcast, he said that Trump may be convinced by the Department of Justice or "whoever is in charge" to strike a plea bargain in order to ensure no jail time.</p>

<p>Galloway continued his argument during the podcast.</p>

<p>"To try and cut out the noise and just say, OK, here’s a very wealthy man is 76 or 77. And here’s a political map that shows even if he’s the nominee, even if he runs for president, is most likely going to lose. And here’s someone representing the DOJ who’s gathered everybody and has the rights to negotiate on behalf of the states and the federal government and says, look, we’re going to do a plea deal. You’re going to do this X, Y, and Z, but it doesn’t involve jail time, and you’re going to leave the public stage."</p>

<p>Former US president Donald Trump is currently the favourite to win the Republican nomination to contest the 2024 elections. But in recent months, he has been beset by indictments, charges and court appearances, all a first for a sitting or former US president. He is in a soup for allegations over alleged hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. He faces more serious charges of willful retention of national defence information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and false statements.</p>

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A New York University professor and co-host of a podcast has predicted that former US president Donald Trump will eventually drop his bid for the presidency in 2024 in exchange for a plea deal.

A New York University professor and co-host of a podcast has predicted that former US president Donald Trump will eventually drop his bid for the presidency in 2024 in exchange for a plea deal. Scott Galloway, the professor, stunned his podcast co-host Kara Swisher when he made this prediction on the podcast 'Pivot'. "I think President Trump is not going to run for president under the auspices of a plea deal," said Galloway after being asked by Swisher about his prediction. “Where is that coming from? No one says that stuff,” asked Swisher after Galloway made the prediction. Galloway noted that another presidential hopeful from the Republican Party Chris Christie had opined on similar lines. "I actually think Governor Christie is going to surpass DeSantis and be the number two. But I don’t think it will matter… I don’t understand and can’t empathize with President Trump, but I know how old rich men think," Galloway said. Notably, a few days back, Christie said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that Trump might take a plea deal in the classified documents case as he is afraid of going to jail. "I'm telling you, no matter what he says, no matter how he's bragging and going on and on about him not being afraid, he goes to bed every night thinking about the sound of that jail cell door closing behind him," Christie had said. 'A very nice life' "He has a very nice life, and his life can be going back to golf and sycophants and having sex with porn stars, which I think is a good thing… I’m not being cynical. I would like to do more of that at some point in my life," he said. “Or he can live under the threat of prison. And I think that once the third indictment, I think the laws specifically around these state secrets, I think that he is running for president and the momentum he has is real leverage and power. And I think he’s going to cash that leverage and power in for a plea deal that includes no jail time,” During the podcast, he said that Trump may be convinced by the Department of Justice or "whoever is in charge" to strike a plea bargain in order to ensure no jail time. Galloway continued his argument during the podcast. "To try and cut out the noise and just say, OK, here’s a very wealthy man is 76 or 77. And here’s a political map that shows even if he’s the nominee, even if he runs for president, is most likely going to lose. And here’s someone representing the DOJ who’s gathered everybody and has the rights to negotiate on behalf of the states and the federal government and says, look, we’re going to do a plea deal. You’re going to do this X, Y, and Z, but it doesn’t involve jail time, and you’re going to leave the public stage." Former US president Donald Trump is currently the favourite to win the Republican nomination to contest the 2024 elections. But in recent months, he has been beset by indictments, charges and court appearances, all a first for a sitting or former US president. He is in a soup for allegations over alleged hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. He faces more serious charges of willful retention of national defence information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and false statements. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

An NYU professor thinks Donald Trump will quit presidential race. Here's why

<p>Donald Trump, former US President and Republican contender for a presidential nomination&nbsp;for the upcoming 2024 elections, repeated over the weekend his purported plan to restore peace in Ukraine within 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with Fox News, the former president said that he shares a good equation with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump further went on to say that the current US President Joe Biden is not capable of dealing with world leaders.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-signed-peace-treaty-with-russia-in-spring-of-2022-then-threw-it-into-garbage-of-history-605673">Putin says Ukraine signed peace treaty with Russia in spring of 2022, then threw it into 'garbage of history'</a></strong></p>

<p>"These are smart people, including Macron of France. I could go through the whole list of people, including Putin. These people are sharp, tough and generally vicious. They are vicious, and they are at the top of their game. We have a man that has no clue what's happening. It's the most dangerous time in the history of our country," Trump said while slamming the Biden administration's response to the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'I would tell Zelensky, no more': Donald Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Asked what will be Trump's response in the wake of his previous assertion that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, the former US president said: "I know Zelensky very well, and I know Putin very well, even better. And I had a good relationship, very good with both of them. I would tell Zelenskyy, no more. You got to make a deal. I would tell Putin, if you don't make a deal, we are going to give him [Zelensky]&nbsp;a lot. We're going to [give Ukraine] more than they ever got if we have to. I will have the deal done in one day. One day."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump: 'World War III' is a possibility due to Biden's 'stupid' approach</strong></p>

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<p>There have been multiple attempts at halting the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine but none have resulted in anything concrete.</p>

<p>While Russian President Vladimir Putin has reasoned US-led NATO's expansion as one of the reasons behind invading Ukraine, NATO's land border with Russia has further increased (from 754 miles before the beginning of the war in Ukraine to 1,584 miles now). Subsequently, Putin has also accused Ukraine of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-signed-peace-treaty-with-russia-in-spring-of-2022-then-threw-it-into-garbage-of-history-605673">signing a peace treaty and then throwing it into 'garbage of history'</a> during the spring of 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian side has not reacted to Putin's said accusations of signing a peace treaty.</p>

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Donald Trump, former US President and Republican contender for a presidential nomination for the upcoming 2024 elections, repeated over the weekend his purported plan to restore peace in Ukraine within 24 hours.

Donald Trump, former US President and Republican contender for a presidential nomination for the upcoming 2024 elections, repeated over the weekend his purported plan to restore peace in Ukraine within 24 hours. In an interview with Fox News, the former president said that he shares a good equation with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Trump further went on to say that the current US President Joe Biden is not capable of dealing with world leaders. Also read | Putin says Ukraine signed peace treaty with Russia in spring of 2022, then threw it into 'garbage of history' "These are smart people, including Macron of France. I could go through the whole list of people, including Putin. These people are sharp, tough and generally vicious. They are vicious, and they are at the top of their game. We have a man that has no clue what's happening. It's the most dangerous time in the history of our country," Trump said while slamming the Biden administration's response to the war in Ukraine. 'I would tell Zelensky, no more': Donald Trump Asked what will be Trump's response in the wake of his previous assertion that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, the former US president said: "I know Zelensky very well, and I know Putin very well, even better. And I had a good relationship, very good with both of them. I would tell Zelenskyy, no more. You got to make a deal. I would tell Putin, if you don't make a deal, we are going to give him [Zelensky] a lot. We're going to [give Ukraine] more than they ever got if we have to. I will have the deal done in one day. One day." Also watch | Donald Trump: 'World War III' is a possibility due to Biden's 'stupid' approach × There have been multiple attempts at halting the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine but none have resulted in anything concrete. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has reasoned US-led NATO's expansion as one of the reasons behind invading Ukraine, NATO's land border with Russia has further increased (from 754 miles before the beginning of the war in Ukraine to 1,584 miles now). Subsequently, Putin has also accused Ukraine of signing a peace treaty and then throwing it into 'garbage of history' during the spring of 2022. The Ukrainian side has not reacted to Putin's said accusations of signing a peace treaty. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power

<p>Donald Trump might be staring at an uphill legal battle after the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Tuesday reversed its earlier position in a lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Justice Department said it will not argue that Trump's derogatory statements regarding Carroll in 2019 were made in an official capacity as the president. Up until now, both under Trump and President Joe Biden's tenure, the department had been steadfast that Trump was acting in official capacity when he called Carroll a liar and denied her rape accusations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in the court documents filed on Tuesday, the department said new evidence had surfaced since Trump left office, including the recent civil trial, in which the Republican leader was forced to pay $5 million in damages by the Manhattan grand jury for sexually assaulting Carroll.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-sexually-abused-writer-e-jean-carroll-us-jury-rules-590929"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Donald Trump sexually abused writer E Jean Carroll, US jury rules</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-verdict-is-for-all-women-e-jean-carroll-after-jury-holds-trump-guilty-of-sexually-abusing-her-591074#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>The reversal leaves Trump exposed to further damages who will now have to turn to his own legal team rather than one from the government to bail him out. When Carroll first sued Trump,&nbsp;William P. Barr, the then attorney general, intervened under a law that substitutes the government as the defendant when a federal official is sued for official acts, leading to automatic dismissal of the case.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Contrasting statements from both sides</strong></h2>

<p>Carroll's attorney Roberta&nbsp;Kaplan said they welcomed the decision taken by the DoJ.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are grateful that the Department of Justice has reconsidered its position. We have always believed that Donald Trump made his defamatory statements about our client in June 2019 out of personal animus, ill will and spite, and not as president of the United States," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now that one of the last obstacles has been removed, we look forward to trial in E Jean Carroll’s original case in January 2024.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trump's side said the Joe Biden administration was "politically weaponising the justice system" against him.&nbsp;Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump dismissed the DoJ's move as&nbsp;“a partisan sham”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-verdict-is-for-all-women-e-jean-carroll-after-jury-holds-trump-guilty-of-sexually-abusing-her-591074"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'This verdict is for all women': E. Jean Carroll after jury holds Trump guilty of sexually abusing her</strong></a></p>

<p>The setback to the Republican leader comes a month after a federal court in New York&nbsp;set the date for&nbsp;the defamation trial against him. Carroll is seeking $10 million in damages this time and the trial will be held on 15 January 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The timing is critical as 2024 is when the US goes to presidential polls and Trump's election campaign might be in full swing by then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, Carroll claimed that Trump had raped her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York, in the spring of 1996.&nbsp;Although the jury reached a unanimous decision&nbsp;regarding the defamation and sexual abuse, it&nbsp;did not agree with Carroll’s allegation that the former president raped her.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Donald Trump might be staring at an uphill legal battle after the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Tuesday reversed its earlier position in a lawsuit brought by writer E.

Donald Trump might be staring at an uphill legal battle after the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Tuesday reversed its earlier position in a lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. The Justice Department said it will not argue that Trump's derogatory statements regarding Carroll in 2019 were made in an official capacity as the president. Up until now, both under Trump and President Joe Biden's tenure, the department had been steadfast that Trump was acting in official capacity when he called Carroll a liar and denied her rape accusations. However, in the court documents filed on Tuesday, the department said new evidence had surfaced since Trump left office, including the recent civil trial, in which the Republican leader was forced to pay $5 million in damages by the Manhattan grand jury for sexually assaulting Carroll. WATCH | Donald Trump sexually abused writer E Jean Carroll, US jury rules × The reversal leaves Trump exposed to further damages who will now have to turn to his own legal team rather than one from the government to bail him out. When Carroll first sued Trump, William P. Barr, the then attorney general, intervened under a law that substitutes the government as the defendant when a federal official is sued for official acts, leading to automatic dismissal of the case. Contrasting statements from both sides Carroll's attorney Roberta Kaplan said they welcomed the decision taken by the DoJ. “We are grateful that the Department of Justice has reconsidered its position. We have always believed that Donald Trump made his defamatory statements about our client in June 2019 out of personal animus, ill will and spite, and not as president of the United States," she said. "Now that one of the last obstacles has been removed, we look forward to trial in E Jean Carroll’s original case in January 2024.” Meanwhile, Trump's side said the Joe Biden administration was "politically weaponising the justice system" against him. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump dismissed the DoJ's move as “a partisan sham”. Also read | 'This verdict is for all women': E. Jean Carroll after jury holds Trump guilty of sexually abusing her The setback to the Republican leader comes a month after a federal court in New York set the date for the defamation trial against him. Carroll is seeking $10 million in damages this time and the trial will be held on 15 January 2024. The timing is critical as 2024 is when the US goes to presidential polls and Trump's election campaign might be in full swing by then. Previously, Carroll claimed that Trump had raped her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York, in the spring of 1996. Although the jury reached a unanimous decision regarding the defamation and sexual abuse, it did not agree with Carroll’s allegation that the former president raped her. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Trump loses his legal shield as DoJ reverses its position in Carroll defamation lawsuit

<p>Joe Biden and his family members appear to be in a 'political soup' after cocaine was discovered in the West Wing of the White House on Sunday while the US president was away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rivals of Biden from the Republican Party, former US president Donald Trump and 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, launched scathing attacks on the president in the wake of the shocking discovery of cocaine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Does anybody really believe that the COCAINE found in the West Wing of the White House, very close to the Oval Office, is for the use of anyone other than Hunter &amp; Joe Biden,” posted former President Donald Trump on Truth Social. “But watch, the Fake News Media will soon start saying that the amount found was ‘very small,’ &amp; it wasn’t really COCAINE, but rather common ground up Aspirin, &amp; the story will vanish,” Trump added, in his angry tirade on the matter.</p>

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<h2><strong>Biden administration blowing it on a lot of fronts: DeSantis&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Florida's current governor and Republican presidential hopeful DeSantis took a dig at the administration of Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cocaine-in-the-white-house-found-where-west-wing-visitors-taking-tours-leave-cellphones-report-612438">Cocaine in White House found where West Wing visitors taking tours leave cellphones: Report</a></p>

<p>“I’ve long believed, I think a lot of us have believed, that the Biden administration has been blowing it on a lot of fronts. But I guess it’s a little bit more literal than even I had thought,” DeSantis said while speaking to Outkick host Tomi Lahren.</p>

<p>“I can tell you in Florida, my wife and I, we have a six, five and a three-year-old running around the governor’s mansion. So that’s not something that we see. We do have to occasionally get slime out of the carpet and get marker off the wallpaper,” he stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the officials of the White House and Secret Service did not reveal how the drug reached inside such a highly secured place like the White House.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Cocaine in White House exposes America's drug problem</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>'Addict' Hunter Biden in spotlight after White House cocaine recovery</h2>

<p>Amidst all the drama surrounding cocaine discovery, the political opponents of Biden and social media users have also been pointing fingers at Biden's son Hunter Biden who recently confessed about struggling with addiction to cocaine, in his memoir “Beautiful Things”.</p>

<p>In his memoir, Hunter Biden has talked about how he dealt with issues of substance abuse in his life, which included alcohol and crack cocaine. The son of President Biden was discharged from the US Navy Reserve in 2014 after he tested positive for cocaine, sources stated.&nbsp;</p>

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Joe Biden and his family members appear to be in a 'political soup' after cocaine was discovered in the West Wing of the White House on Sunday while the US president was away.

Joe Biden and his family members appear to be in a 'political soup' after cocaine was discovered in the West Wing of the White House on Sunday while the US president was away. The rivals of Biden from the Republican Party, former US president Donald Trump and 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, launched scathing attacks on the president in the wake of the shocking discovery of cocaine. “Does anybody really believe that the COCAINE found in the West Wing of the White House, very close to the Oval Office, is for the use of anyone other than Hunter & Joe Biden,” posted former President Donald Trump on Truth Social. “But watch, the Fake News Media will soon start saying that the amount found was ‘very small,’ & it wasn’t really COCAINE, but rather common ground up Aspirin, & the story will vanish,” Trump added, in his angry tirade on the matter. × Biden administration blowing it on a lot of fronts: DeSantis Florida's current governor and Republican presidential hopeful DeSantis took a dig at the administration of Biden. ALSO READ | Cocaine in White House found where West Wing visitors taking tours leave cellphones: Report “I’ve long believed, I think a lot of us have believed, that the Biden administration has been blowing it on a lot of fronts. But I guess it’s a little bit more literal than even I had thought,” DeSantis said while speaking to Outkick host Tomi Lahren. “I can tell you in Florida, my wife and I, we have a six, five and a three-year-old running around the governor’s mansion. So that’s not something that we see. We do have to occasionally get slime out of the carpet and get marker off the wallpaper,” he stated. Meanwhile, the officials of the White House and Secret Service did not reveal how the drug reached inside such a highly secured place like the White House. WATCH | Gravitas: Cocaine in White House exposes America's drug problem 'Addict' Hunter Biden in spotlight after White House cocaine recovery Amidst all the drama surrounding cocaine discovery, the political opponents of Biden and social media users have also been pointing fingers at Biden's son Hunter Biden who recently confessed about struggling with addiction to cocaine, in his memoir “Beautiful Things”. In his memoir, Hunter Biden has talked about how he dealt with issues of substance abuse in his life, which included alcohol and crack cocaine. The son of President Biden was discharged from the US Navy Reserve in 2014 after he tested positive for cocaine, sources stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

White House cocaine row: Trump says he has no doubt it was for 'use of Hunter and Joe Biden'

<p>US President Joe Biden’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low, according to the elections analytics website FiveThirtyEight. As per the website, only 39.9 per cent of Americans expressed their approval of the Biden administration, while 54.9 per cent expressed disapproval. Biden’s net approval rating has thus fallen to minus 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the Republican flank, former President Donald Trump seems to be dominating the scene. He has been gaining momentum of late and enjoying a significant lead over his nearest Republican rival Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden’s 2024 campaign in jeopardy</strong></h2>

<p>The latest approval rating of Biden has raised concerns about whether he should lead the Democratic election campaign in the 2024 presidential elections and run for a second term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His new approval rating is the lowest since August 9, 2022. On July 18, his approval rating fell to an all-time low, to a disheartening 37.4 per cent, although Biden was able to register a slight recovery. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How popular is Donald Trump?</strong></h2>

<p>According to data provided by FiveThirtyEight, Donald Trump maintains a lead in preliminary Republican primary surveys while holding 51.9 per cent national support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>DeSantis, who is his nearest rival, stands at a mere 23.8 per cent. Hence, if the current trend continues, it is likely that we could see a possible rematch between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, after criticism for the repercussions of the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan and issues related to Supreme Court eclipsing his administration, Biden’s re-election campaign seems to already have lost its bearings.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Biden administration is so unpopular among Americans?</strong></h2>

<p>When compared at a similar point in their respective terms, Joe Biden’s approval rating is poorer than Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the many reasons for his poor approval rating is the series of setbacks delivered by the Supreme Court recently.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump leads in polls</strong></p>

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<p>For instance, Biden was left stunned earlier this week when the Supreme Court trashed his student debt forgiveness plan.&nbsp;The plan&nbsp;aimed to provide relief to individuals burdened with loans by erasing up to $10,000 of debt for graduates and up to $20,000 for recipients of Pell Grants.</p>

<p>However, Republican-led states opposed the plan, raising concerns about executive overreach and fairness.<br />
<br />
As President Biden confronts diminishing approval ratings and legal challenges, his path to a successful re-election campaign appears uncertain.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-loses-popularity-marginally-as-new-polls-show-indictment-charge-having-effect-606914"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump loses popularity marginally as new polls show indictment having an impact</strong></a></p>

<p>The consequences of these events on Biden's political future are yet to be determined, and only time will reveal their true impact.</p>

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US President Joe Biden’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low, according to the elections analytics website FiveThirtyEight. As per the website, only 39.9 per cent of Americans expressed their approval of the Biden administration, while 54.

US President Joe Biden’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low, according to the elections analytics website FiveThirtyEight. As per the website, only 39.9 per cent of Americans expressed their approval of the Biden administration, while 54.9 per cent expressed disapproval. Biden’s net approval rating has thus fallen to minus 15. On the Republican flank, former President Donald Trump seems to be dominating the scene. He has been gaining momentum of late and enjoying a significant lead over his nearest Republican rival Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Biden’s 2024 campaign in jeopardy The latest approval rating of Biden has raised concerns about whether he should lead the Democratic election campaign in the 2024 presidential elections and run for a second term. His new approval rating is the lowest since August 9, 2022. On July 18, his approval rating fell to an all-time low, to a disheartening 37.4 per cent, although Biden was able to register a slight recovery. How popular is Donald Trump? According to data provided by FiveThirtyEight, Donald Trump maintains a lead in preliminary Republican primary surveys while holding 51.9 per cent national support. DeSantis, who is his nearest rival, stands at a mere 23.8 per cent. Hence, if the current trend continues, it is likely that we could see a possible rematch between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential elections. However, after criticism for the repercussions of the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan and issues related to Supreme Court eclipsing his administration, Biden’s re-election campaign seems to already have lost its bearings. Why Biden administration is so unpopular among Americans? When compared at a similar point in their respective terms, Joe Biden’s approval rating is poorer than Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush. One of the many reasons for his poor approval rating is the series of setbacks delivered by the Supreme Court recently. Watch: Former US President Donald Trump leads in polls × For instance, Biden was left stunned earlier this week when the Supreme Court trashed his student debt forgiveness plan. The plan aimed to provide relief to individuals burdened with loans by erasing up to $10,000 of debt for graduates and up to $20,000 for recipients of Pell Grants. However, Republican-led states opposed the plan, raising concerns about executive overreach and fairness. As President Biden confronts diminishing approval ratings and legal challenges, his path to a successful re-election campaign appears uncertain. Also read: Donald Trump loses popularity marginally as new polls show indictment having an impact The consequences of these events on Biden's political future are yet to be determined, and only time will reveal their true impact. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden’s approval rating plummets to new low as Trump gains momentum

<p>In a scathing indictment of the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan crisis during the final set of events that led to Taliban’s takeover of power in 2021, the US State Department confirmed Washington’s bureaucratic sluggishness as a significant reason behind the chaos that gripped West’s evacuation from Afghanistan and successive fall of democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government.</p>

<p>The 21-page report highlighted that both former President Donald Trump and President Biden failed to grasp the consequences of a US military withdrawal on the stability of the erstwhile Afghan government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report repeats the points noted by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-paranoid-president-us-abandonment-new-report-reveals-why-afghan-forces-collapsed-after-us-withdrawal-566832">US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR)</a> in March 2023, that&nbsp;Biden administration's withdrawal process was "abrupt and uncoordinated—in particular, the withdrawal of contractor support for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF)."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-paranoid-president-us-abandonment-new-report-reveals-why-afghan-forces-collapsed-after-us-withdrawal-566832">A 'paranoid' president, US 'abandonment'— new report on why Afghan forces collapsed after American withdrawal</a></strong></p>

<p>The US reportedly had standard diplomatic rotations in Afghanistan weeks before August 2021, which resulted in diplomats who had only been in the country for a short time being responsible for the US evacuation as Kabul collapsed to the Taliban, report revealed.</p>

<h2><strong>Consequences for Biden</strong></h2>

<p>The&nbsp;report appears set to provide ammunition to Biden's critics, as it sheds light on his handling of the crisis that ultimately handed Afghanistan over to the Taliban. The repercussions included the loss of unspecified Afghan lives, as well as the deaths of at least 13 US service members.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US did not consider worst-case scenario: State Dept</strong></h2>

<p>Among its findings, the report notes that while the US military had been planning a full evacuation of Kabul for some time before it began in mid-August 2021, the State Department's involvement in the planning process was hindered by a lack of clarity regarding who had the lead role.</p>

<p>According to the report, senior US officials failed to give sufficient consideration to worst-case scenarios before the collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>The US withdrawal from Afghanistan culminated in a chaotic and deadly two-week evacuation from Kabul's airport in August 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tens of thousands who had assisted the American war effort since its invasion after 9/11 attacks were left behind in a process marked by chaos and violence. This included a suicide bombing by the Islamic State that killed 13 US troops and approximately 170 Afghans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The evacuation began with the swift return of thousands of US troops to Kabul after most had been previously withdrawn. In an agreement arranged hastily, Taliban forces provided security to US troops outside Kabul’s international airport, while US troops managed the airfield and attempted to determine who should be evacuated.</p>

<p>In only 30 days, the Taliban captured all 34 provinces in Afghanistan—33 of the 34 within a 10-day period starting on August 6, 2021. By August 15, 2021, the Taliban did chilling &nbsp;"victory rounds" in Kabul to mark their return to power. By this time, President Ghani fled the country and the United States completed its military withdrawal, giving away the fate of over 40 million Afghan citizens to Taliban hardliners.</p>

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In a scathing indictment of the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan crisis during the final set of events that led to Taliban’s takeover of power in 2021, the US State Department confirmed Washington’s bureaucratic sluggishness as a significant reason behind the chaos that gripped West’s evacuation from Afghanistan and successive fall of democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government.

In a scathing indictment of the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan crisis during the final set of events that led to Taliban’s takeover of power in 2021, the US State Department confirmed Washington’s bureaucratic sluggishness as a significant reason behind the chaos that gripped West’s evacuation from Afghanistan and successive fall of democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government. The 21-page report highlighted that both former President Donald Trump and President Biden failed to grasp the consequences of a US military withdrawal on the stability of the erstwhile Afghan government. The report repeats the points noted by the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in March 2023, that Biden administration's withdrawal process was "abrupt and uncoordinated—in particular, the withdrawal of contractor support for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF)." Also read | A 'paranoid' president, US 'abandonment'— new report on why Afghan forces collapsed after American withdrawal The US reportedly had standard diplomatic rotations in Afghanistan weeks before August 2021, which resulted in diplomats who had only been in the country for a short time being responsible for the US evacuation as Kabul collapsed to the Taliban, report revealed. Consequences for Biden The report appears set to provide ammunition to Biden's critics, as it sheds light on his handling of the crisis that ultimately handed Afghanistan over to the Taliban. The repercussions included the loss of unspecified Afghan lives, as well as the deaths of at least 13 US service members. US did not consider worst-case scenario: State Dept Among its findings, the report notes that while the US military had been planning a full evacuation of Kabul for some time before it began in mid-August 2021, the State Department's involvement in the planning process was hindered by a lack of clarity regarding who had the lead role. According to the report, senior US officials failed to give sufficient consideration to worst-case scenarios before the collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × The US withdrawal from Afghanistan culminated in a chaotic and deadly two-week evacuation from Kabul's airport in August 2021. Tens of thousands who had assisted the American war effort since its invasion after 9/11 attacks were left behind in a process marked by chaos and violence. This included a suicide bombing by the Islamic State that killed 13 US troops and approximately 170 Afghans. The evacuation began with the swift return of thousands of US troops to Kabul after most had been previously withdrawn. In an agreement arranged hastily, Taliban forces provided security to US troops outside Kabul’s international airport, while US troops managed the airfield and attempted to determine who should be evacuated. In only 30 days, the Taliban captured all 34 provinces in Afghanistan—33 of the 34 within a 10-day period starting on August 6, 2021. By August 15, 2021, the Taliban did chilling "victory rounds" in Kabul to mark their return to power. By this time, President Ghani fled the country and the United States completed its military withdrawal, giving away the fate of over 40 million Afghan citizens to Taliban hardliners. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Both Trump and Biden responsible for Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan: US state department

<p>An Indian-American attorney is being hailed as a “national hero” and “true patriot” in the US after he successfully argued a case before the US Supreme Court against a legal theory being promoted by conservatives, especially those who support former US President Donald Trump. The US-born attorney, named Neal Katyal, was representing the watchdog group ‘Common Cause’ and won the judgement 6-3, with support from three liberal and three conservative judges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such was the significance of the case that one legal expert labelled it as the most important constitutional case in US history, while it helped the attorney earn rare praise from former Democratic president Barack Obama himself.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the legal case?</strong></h2>

<p>The case, Moore v. Harper, was about overhauling the US election system altogether while giving state legislature primacy over courts to set election rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Had conservatives won the case, state legislatures would have become immune to interventions by courts on state election rules. However, the theory was rebuffed by six Supreme Court judges, maintaining that the power of state legislature was restrained by federal and state courts.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump says, 'US rigged, corrupt &amp; in decline'</strong></p>

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<p>America’s top legal and constitutional experts heaved a sigh of relief as the judgement came, with Obama himself tweeting on the issue. “Today, the Supreme Court rejected the fringe independent state legislature theory that threatened to upend our democracy and dismantle our system of checks and balances. This ruling rejects the far-right theory that threatened to undermine our democracy, and makes clear that courts can continue defending voters' rights—in North Carolina and in every state," Obama wrote in his tweet.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Single most important constitutional case for American democracy’</strong></h2>

<p>The case was hailed as the “Single most important constitutional case for American democracy” by Judge Luttig, a distinguished jurist who was also associated with the fight. He also lauded Katyal for being “masterful” while arguing the case before the court. He said Katyal made "the single best oral argument I have ever heard made before the Supreme Court of the United States.”</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Neal Katyal?</strong></h2>

<p>Neal Katyal is the son of Indian immigrants, and his mother is a paediatrician while his father is an engineer. He attended Dartmouth College and pursued his law degree at Yale, where he had the opportunity to learn from Akhil Amar, a renowned Indian-origin constitutional scholar in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lies-about-election-abortion-rape-case-at-cnn-town-hall-a-fact-check-591172"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Trump lies about election, abortion, sexual abuse case at CNN town hall: A fact-check</strong></a></p>

<p>Presently, Katyal holds a position as a partner at the prestigious law firm Hogan Lovells. Additionally, he serves as a professor of National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center, where he holds the distinction of being one of the youngest professors to have achieved tenure and a chaired professorship in the university's history.</p>

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An Indian-American attorney is being hailed as a “national hero” and “true patriot” in the US after he successfully argued a case before the US Supreme Court against a legal theory being promoted by conservatives, especially those who support former US President Donald Trump.

An Indian-American attorney is being hailed as a “national hero” and “true patriot” in the US after he successfully argued a case before the US Supreme Court against a legal theory being promoted by conservatives, especially those who support former US President Donald Trump. The US-born attorney, named Neal Katyal, was representing the watchdog group ‘Common Cause’ and won the judgement 6-3, with support from three liberal and three conservative judges. Such was the significance of the case that one legal expert labelled it as the most important constitutional case in US history, while it helped the attorney earn rare praise from former Democratic president Barack Obama himself. What was the legal case? The case, Moore v. Harper, was about overhauling the US election system altogether while giving state legislature primacy over courts to set election rules. Had conservatives won the case, state legislatures would have become immune to interventions by courts on state election rules. However, the theory was rebuffed by six Supreme Court judges, maintaining that the power of state legislature was restrained by federal and state courts. Watch: Donald Trump says, 'US rigged, corrupt & in decline' × America’s top legal and constitutional experts heaved a sigh of relief as the judgement came, with Obama himself tweeting on the issue. “Today, the Supreme Court rejected the fringe independent state legislature theory that threatened to upend our democracy and dismantle our system of checks and balances. This ruling rejects the far-right theory that threatened to undermine our democracy, and makes clear that courts can continue defending voters' rights—in North Carolina and in every state," Obama wrote in his tweet. ‘Single most important constitutional case for American democracy’ The case was hailed as the “Single most important constitutional case for American democracy” by Judge Luttig, a distinguished jurist who was also associated with the fight. He also lauded Katyal for being “masterful” while arguing the case before the court. He said Katyal made "the single best oral argument I have ever heard made before the Supreme Court of the United States.” Who is Neal Katyal? Neal Katyal is the son of Indian immigrants, and his mother is a paediatrician while his father is an engineer. He attended Dartmouth College and pursued his law degree at Yale, where he had the opportunity to learn from Akhil Amar, a renowned Indian-origin constitutional scholar in the United States. Also read: Trump lies about election, abortion, sexual abuse case at CNN town hall: A fact-check Presently, Katyal holds a position as a partner at the prestigious law firm Hogan Lovells. Additionally, he serves as a professor of National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center, where he holds the distinction of being one of the youngest professors to have achieved tenure and a chaired professorship in the university's history. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Why Americans, including Obama, are in awe of Indian-American attorney Neal Katyal

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump, who is also an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday, said that Putin was "somewhat weakened" by the Wagner revolt and that now was the time for the US to mediate and try negotiating a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine to end the war.</p>

<p>"I want people to stop dying over this ridiculous war," Trump said in a conversation with news agency Reuters.</p>

<p>On being asked about the foreign policy, Trump said that China should be given a 48-hour deadline to get out of what sources familiar with the matter say is a Chinese spy capability on the island of Cuba 90 miles (145 km) off the U.S. coast.</p>

<p>Speaking about Ukraine, the former US president said that everything would be "subject to negotiation" if he were president, and added that Ukrainians have strongly waged the fight to defend their country and have "earned a lot of credit".</p>

<p>"I think they would be entitled to keep much of what they've earned and I think that Russia likewise would agree to that. You need the right mediator or negotiator, and we don't have that right now," he said.</p>

<p>He further said that the United States should now be making efforts to bring both the countries, Russia and Ukraine, together to force peace.</p>

<p>"I think the biggest thing that the U.S. should be doing right now is making peace — getting Russia and Ukraine together and making peace. You can do it," he added. "This is the time to do it, to get the two parties together to force peace."</p>

<p>During his tenure, Trump had become friends with his Russian counterpart, who now Biden says has "become a bit of pariah around the world" for invading Ukraine.</p>

<p>Trump then said that Putin has&nbsp;been 'weakened' by the mutiny by the mercenary group Wagner, which took place last weekend.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-olaf-scholz-says-russian-president-putin-weakened-by-wagner-mutiny-609856">German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Russian President Putin 'weakened' by Wagner mutiny</a></p>

<p>"You could say that he's (Putin) still there, he's still strong, but he certainly has been I would say somewhat weakened at least in the minds of a lot of people," he said.</p>

<p>If Putin were no longer in power, however, "you don't know what the alternative is. It could be better, but it could be far worse," Trump said.</p>

<p>Speaking on the war crime charges levied against Putin by the International Criminal Court last March, Trump said that the fate of the Russian President should be discussed when the war is over "because right now if you bring that topic up, you'll never make peace, you'll never make a settlement."</p>

<h2><strong>Olaf Scholz says Wagner mutiny 'weakened' Putin </strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner had "weakened" Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>In his first extensive comments about the aborted rebellion, Scholz said it would "surely have long-term consequences in Russia".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I do believe that he (Putin) is weakened," Scholz told public broadcaster ARD.</p>

<p>"It shows that the autocratic structures, the power structures, have cracks and he in no way sits as firmly in the saddle as he always claims," the German leader said.</p>

<p>"But I don't want to take part in speculation about how long he'll stay in office, it could be a long time or short, we don't know."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Former United States president Donald Trump, who is also an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday, said that Putin was "somewhat weakened" by the Wagner revolt and that now was the time for the US to mediate and try negotiating a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine to end the war.

Former United States president Donald Trump, who is also an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday, said that Putin was "somewhat weakened" by the Wagner revolt and that now was the time for the US to mediate and try negotiating a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine to end the war. "I want people to stop dying over this ridiculous war," Trump said in a conversation with news agency Reuters. On being asked about the foreign policy, Trump said that China should be given a 48-hour deadline to get out of what sources familiar with the matter say is a Chinese spy capability on the island of Cuba 90 miles (145 km) off the U.S. coast. Speaking about Ukraine, the former US president said that everything would be "subject to negotiation" if he were president, and added that Ukrainians have strongly waged the fight to defend their country and have "earned a lot of credit". "I think they would be entitled to keep much of what they've earned and I think that Russia likewise would agree to that. You need the right mediator or negotiator, and we don't have that right now," he said. He further said that the United States should now be making efforts to bring both the countries, Russia and Ukraine, together to force peace. "I think the biggest thing that the U.S. should be doing right now is making peace — getting Russia and Ukraine together and making peace. You can do it," he added. "This is the time to do it, to get the two parties together to force peace." During his tenure, Trump had become friends with his Russian counterpart, who now Biden says has "become a bit of pariah around the world" for invading Ukraine. Trump then said that Putin has been 'weakened' by the mutiny by the mercenary group Wagner, which took place last weekend. Also read: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Russian President Putin 'weakened' by Wagner mutiny "You could say that he's (Putin) still there, he's still strong, but he certainly has been I would say somewhat weakened at least in the minds of a lot of people," he said. If Putin were no longer in power, however, "you don't know what the alternative is. It could be better, but it could be far worse," Trump said. Speaking on the war crime charges levied against Putin by the International Criminal Court last March, Trump said that the fate of the Russian President should be discussed when the war is over "because right now if you bring that topic up, you'll never make peace, you'll never make a settlement." Olaf Scholz says Wagner mutiny 'weakened' Putin Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner had "weakened" Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his first extensive comments about the aborted rebellion, Scholz said it would "surely have long-term consequences in Russia". "I do believe that he (Putin) is weakened," Scholz told public broadcaster ARD. "It shows that the autocratic structures, the power structures, have cracks and he in no way sits as firmly in the saddle as he always claims," the German leader said. "But I don't want to take part in speculation about how long he'll stay in office, it could be a long time or short, we don't know." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Donald Trump says Putin 'weakened' by Wagner mutiny, it's time to broker peace

<p>Former US president Donald Trump claimed that he was just “joking” when an audio clip of him talking about having classified documents related to a potential military strike against Iran came to the fore.</p>

<p>After a campaign stop in New Hampshire, Trump called the tape as "another hoax," saying that he actually didn’t have any classified military papers with him at all.</p>

<p>“I would say it was bravado, if you want to know the truth, it was bravado,” Trump told reporters&nbsp;for Semafor and ABC News on Tuesday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“I was talking and just holding up papers and talking about them, but I had no documents. I didn’t have any documents.”</p>

<p>The 77-year-old further said that he was lying during the taped conversation he had with his former chief of staff at his Bedminster, NJ, golf club in July 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>Not classified papers</strong></h2>

<p>He claimed that the papers were not classified and consisted of whatever "random papers happened to be on his desk during the meeting".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I just held up a whole pile of — my desk is loaded up with papers. I have papers from 25 different things,” he said</p>

<p>The clarification came a day after CNN published the audio recording, which has been served as key evidence in the federal indictment Trump is facing for mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House.</p>

<h2><strong>Donald Trump: Leaked audio 'actually an exoneration'</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-leaked-audio-actually-an-exoneration-609457/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Audi clip</strong></h2>

<p>The audio records Trump speaking to several people and apparently showing them documents relating to a possible attack on Iran that he says were drawn up by United States Army General Mark Milley and which he himself says are still classified.</p>

<p>During the conversation, Trump suggested that the plans originated from General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.</p>

<p>“Isn’t that amazing? This totally wins my case, you know? Except it is like highly confidential, secret information,” Trump can be heard saying in the tape as he tells two members of his staff and a writer and publisher working on a memoir for former aide Mark Meadows about a purported plan to an attack against Iran.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-us-president-donald-trump-flaunts-about-keeping-classified-documents-in-new-audio-clip-609063">Ex-US president Donald Trump flaunts about keeping classified documents in new audio clip</a></p>

<p>“See, as president I could have declassified it,”&nbsp;Trump says in the recording. “Now I can’t, you know, but this is still a secret.”</p>

<p>During the indictment, Smith noted that “none” of the parties involved in the conversation “possessed a security clearance.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Former US president Donald Trump claimed that he was just “joking” when an audio clip of him talking about having classified documents related to a potential military strike against Iran came to the fore.

Former US president Donald Trump claimed that he was just “joking” when an audio clip of him talking about having classified documents related to a potential military strike against Iran came to the fore. After a campaign stop in New Hampshire, Trump called the tape as "another hoax," saying that he actually didn’t have any classified military papers with him at all. “I would say it was bravado, if you want to know the truth, it was bravado,” Trump told reporters for Semafor and ABC News on Tuesday. “I was talking and just holding up papers and talking about them, but I had no documents. I didn’t have any documents.” The 77-year-old further said that he was lying during the taped conversation he had with his former chief of staff at his Bedminster, NJ, golf club in July 2021. Not classified papers He claimed that the papers were not classified and consisted of whatever "random papers happened to be on his desk during the meeting". “I just held up a whole pile of — my desk is loaded up with papers. I have papers from 25 different things,” he said The clarification came a day after CNN published the audio recording, which has been served as key evidence in the federal indictment Trump is facing for mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House. Donald Trump: Leaked audio 'actually an exoneration' Audi clip The audio records Trump speaking to several people and apparently showing them documents relating to a possible attack on Iran that he says were drawn up by United States Army General Mark Milley and which he himself says are still classified. During the conversation, Trump suggested that the plans originated from General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Isn’t that amazing? This totally wins my case, you know? Except it is like highly confidential, secret information,” Trump can be heard saying in the tape as he tells two members of his staff and a writer and publisher working on a memoir for former aide Mark Meadows about a purported plan to an attack against Iran. Also read | Ex-US president Donald Trump flaunts about keeping classified documents in new audio clip “See, as president I could have declassified it,” Trump says in the recording. “Now I can’t, you know, but this is still a secret.” During the indictment, Smith noted that “none” of the parties involved in the conversation “possessed a security clearance.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Donald Trump claims was lying about having classified papers after audio clip surfaces

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