Former US President Donald Trump teased on Saturday (local time) that he may run to become US president in the 2024&nbsp;US Presidential Election and said that if he becomes president, he would pardon those facing criminal charges over the Capitol Hill attack.

In the aftermath of the US Presidential Election 2020, Trump had repeatedly claimed that the election was rigged against him. After his rally in Washington on January 6, his supporters had attacked US Capitol Building in which US Congress was in the process to certify Joe Biden's election victory.

On Saturday, Trump was speaking at a rally in Conroe, Texas.&nbsp;

"If I run and if I win, we will treat those people from Jan. 6 fairly," Trump said to applause. "We will treat them fairly. And if it requires pardons we will give them pardons. Because they are being treated so unfairly."

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Thousands of Trump supporters had stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. This was considered the worst assault on US Congress since the War of 1812.

One police officer who responded to the scene died the day after the attack, while four others who guarded the Capitol died later by suicide. About 140 police officers were injured during the hours-long attack. Four rioters also died. More than 700 people have been charged with joining in the assault.

Trump's rally has come just when Joe Biden's approval ratings were plummeting. A recent Pew survey revealed that Biden's support among African-American voters was diminishing as well.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US President Donald Trump teased on Saturday (local time) that he may run to become US president in the 2024 US Presidential Election and said that if he becomes president, he would pardon those facing criminal charges over the Capitol Hill attack.

Former US President Donald Trump teased on Saturday (local time) that he may run to become US president in the 2024 US Presidential Election and said that if he becomes president, he would pardon those facing criminal charges over the Capitol Hill attack. In the aftermath of the US Presidential Election 2020, Trump had repeatedly claimed that the election was rigged against him. After his rally in Washington on January 6, his supporters had attacked US Capitol Building in which US Congress was in the process to certify Joe Biden's election victory. On Saturday, Trump was speaking at a rally in Conroe, Texas. "If I run and if I win, we will treat those people from Jan. 6 fairly," Trump said to applause. "We will treat them fairly. And if it requires pardons we will give them pardons. Because they are being treated so unfairly." × Thousands of Trump supporters had stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. This was considered the worst assault on US Congress since the War of 1812. One police officer who responded to the scene died the day after the attack, while four others who guarded the Capitol died later by suicide. About 140 police officers were injured during the hours-long attack. Four rioters also died. More than 700 people have been charged with joining in the assault. Trump's rally has come just when Joe Biden's approval ratings were plummeting. A recent Pew survey revealed that Biden's support among African-American voters was diminishing as well. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump teases presidential run, says would pardon Capitol Hill attack accused

Former US President Donald Trump has vowed to pardon the culprits behind January 6 Capitol hill rioters as he teases the intention to run for the White House for the third time.

Former US President Donald Trump vow to pardon January 6 rioters, teases 3rd run for the White house

The novelty coins are simple, glistening tokens of admiration for former President Donald Trump. They’re also one of the hottest products going.

There’s a style for every taste, each featuring a portrait of Trump. Sometimes he’s rendered in gold, staring thoughtfully into the distance. In others he’s smirking in silver, raising a thumbs-up, or even riding a missile while a bald eagle soars behind him.

Among all the options, one version stands out. Known online as simply the “Trump coin,” it has become a favorite of right-wing social media and fringe news sites. It’s advertised between claims of stolen elections or conspiracy theories about global cabals. Some ads even describe the coin as a kind of cryptocurrency, suggesting it would soon be worth thousands.

The coin itself features Trump’s face embossed in gold on a base of shining silver. His slogan, “Keep America Great,” is written in an arc atop his head.

It could be yours, too, for just $0. (Plus $9.99 shipping and handling.)

This particular version has become something of an internet mystery. It’s not obvious who’s promoting it or profiting from it. It’s sold by a mysterious news website about which little is disclosed. Trump has nothing to do with the coin. No identifiable company is taking credit.

Some internet sleuths have followed digital breadcrumbs to suss out the organizations behind the coin’s popularity. The New York Times took a similar path, tracking a network of advertisers and following their activity from public storefronts to private marketing portals. Using guidance from insiders and marketing veterans, the search crisscrossed the globe, implicating a handful of companies and a legion of anonymous marketers operating in parts unknown.

What became clear was not just the coin’s unusual origins, but an entire disinformation supply chain that relied on falsehoods and misinformation at nearly every step. Fueling the coin’s success were fake social media accounts that pushed false ads and a fleet of misleading news websites that preyed on partisan discontent.

Seen in full, the coin illustrates what watchdogs have long understood: Many untruths that Americans encounter online aren’t created by foreign actors trying to sow division. They simply exist to help someone, somewhere, make a quick buck.

The Trump coin shows how the strategy has evolved since Trump’s election in 2016. As right-wing interest in cryptocurrencies increased, marketers started claiming the physical Trump coin was cryptocurrency, too. The idea gained traction among buyers who already believed Trump was working on his own cryptocurrency.

The collectible novelty item might seem harmless, but that is part of the danger, experts say, because it’s easy to underestimate how the drive for profit can create new incentives to spread disinformation online.

“You make it small enough and harmless enough that no one can object to the individual grift,” said Danny Rogers, a co-founder and executive director of the Global Disinformation Index. “But taken together, you’ve built a movement.”

To understand how it all works, start with Denzel Washington.

From Fake Celebrity Accounts...

Chat app Telegram has become a hotbed of right-wing activity, with a stream of politicos and conspiracy theorists posting misleading updates about everything from vaccinations to deep state plots.

Joining the fray recently was an account posing as Washington, an Oscar-winning actor.

“Democrats are only causing panic and insecurity, and the American people are not safe with them on the wheel,” the account, RealDenzelWashington, posted on a page featuring his name next to a handsome profile photo.

Then the account announced that “real money” would disappear. The “Trump coin” would reign in its place.

That phony account is one of many on Telegram that use celebrity names and photos to push the Trump coin. There’s Ivanka Trump (more than 100,000 followers at one point), Mel Gibson (more than 140,000 followers), Trump-era special prosecutor John Durham (more than 210,000 followers), along with Keanu Reeves, Sen. Ted Cruz and even John F. Kennedy Jr. (who died in 1999). Each account pushes its own mix of patriotism, anti-vaccine content and claims that President Joe Biden is illegitimate. Many posts falsely claimed that the coin’s value was about to surge, invoking the soaring price of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Conservatives turned to Telegram as Facebook and Twitter cracked down on conspiratorial and violent content after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Watchdogs have warned that Telegram exercises far less moderation than rival social media. Many of the fake accounts have remained online for months, and new ones keep popping up. Others have been disabled, like the fake account with Washington, or labeled “scam” or “fake” by Telegram. The company did not respond to requests for comment.

In one post, a fake account for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who is closely aligned with Trump, shared a fake story on a fake Fox News website about a fake tweet by a fake Elon Musk, falsely claiming that Tesla’s CEO would soon accept Trump coins as payment.

A spokesperson for Washington said he was not available for comment but confirmed that the account was fake. Greene did not respond to requests for comment.

The idea that the physical trinkets could rise in value like Bitcoin seemed to connect with some Trump supporters, swayed by tales of crypto-millionaires or the promise that Trump could one day deem it legal tender. There is a real Trumpcoin cryptocurrency, but it has no connection to the physical coins. (In the last week, Trump’s son Eric threatened to sue the people behind the Trumpcoin cryptocurrency.)

One buyer apparently misled about the Trump coin was a Telegram user, TheBlueOx, who said he had bought more than $500 worth of physical Trump coins in hopes that they would one day be exchanged for Trump’s official cryptocurrency.

“Seems somewhat risky to me, but $500 against a potentially large upside seemed like a reasonable risk,” the user wrote.

... to Sites With Misinformation ...

Whether the coin was pitched as a kind of cryptocurrency or as a mere collectible, most ads on Telegram linked to the same place: the Raw Conservative Opinions Store.

The storefront claims that the coin has the “highest quality craftsmanship” and is “America’s favorite souvenir.”

The shop itself is hosted by right-wing news purveyor Raw Conservative Opinions, which features an American flag logo and a color scheme in red, white and blue. One article detailed “6 Factors Which Point To A Rigged Election,” including misleading claims that votes were swapped from Trump to Biden and that vote surges were evidence of manipulation. It was copied word for word from right-wing conspiracy site OffGuardian.

No owner is listed for Raw Conservative Opinions. The website was registered in 2016 using a business park address in Louisville, Kentucky. A representative from the office building said the suite number did not exist. A phone number was also provided, but a woman who answered said she didn’t speak English and hung up, then didn’t answer repeated phone calls and text messages.

... With Marketers Making a Buck

In the sprawling world of online advertising, one niche plays an outsize role in the sale of the Trump coin: affiliate marketers.

When someone buys the coin, most of the money goes to the seller. But a cut is shared with the affiliate marketer — an independent worker who advertises products online for a cut of the profits.

Affiliate marketing is a multibillion-dollar business, with websites and YouTube channels earning hefty commissions by posting quality endorsements. But some affiliate marketers work at the margins. If a seller has some diet pills or conspiratorial e-books, they can offer the products to affiliate marketers, who will post ads and create websites, or use less ethical methods like creating fake social media accounts that can generate traffic to the seller’s sales page.

ClickBank, a large affiliate network based in Idaho, listed the coin last year when sales were surging. The company wrote in a blog post that the Trump coin was its most popular product for October, and No. 2 in November.

ClickBank did not respond to requests for comment.

Feeding the Base

Merchandise has long been a part of the political culture surrounding presidential elections. But Trump’s victory in 2016 created a new and more ravenous appetite for the goods. That’s where the Trump coin first took shape, according to Maxwell Finn, an affiliate marketing expert and president of Unicorn Innovations.

Finn was on the ground floor in 2016, advising on one of the first Trump coins of the modern political era.

That early coin “did really well, and whenever something does well, you have hundreds of people trying to copy it,” said Finn, who was not involved with the current Trump coin.

Other marketers jumped in, buying millions of cheaply made coins at wholesale prices from Chinese manufacturers and storing them in American warehouses before selling them online, he said.

By the 2020 election, the pandemic, vaccines and lies about a stolen election each offered new ways to excite Trump supporters and generate interest in the merchandise.

“It was just a perfect storm,” Finn said.

The Center of the Mystery

Affiliate marketers who decide to advertise the coin can turn to the seller for help. The company behind the coin linked to another website, Conservative Affiliates, which provides marketing material like photos and fake news stories that can be used to advertise the coins online.

One set of marketing material detailed how House Speaker Nancy Pelosi planned to ban the Trump coin. The claim became so widespread that fact-checkers worked to debunk it.

Aneela Mirchandani, a software engineer and writer in San Francisco, mapped out an even larger network of products leading back to Conservative Affiliates for her blog The Odd Post. She investigated the coin after seeing it advertised on conservative social network Parler, where it was pushed by fake celebrity accounts. (Sound familiar?)

Her investigation uncovered digital identifiers on the Raw Conservative Opinions storefront that matched an array of other products, like the apocalyptic e-book “Alive After the Fall.” That book was also mentioned on Conservative Affiliates.

“They all led to this one door,” Mirchandani said.

The Times conducted a similar search, reviewing an archived version of the Conservative Affiliates site from February 2020. That page offered a vital clue: an email for Romanian marketing company Stone Force Media. The same name appeared on an obscure part of an affiliate marketing portal, which was visible only after signing up to advertise the Trump coin.

Mirchandani had also spotted the archived page along with a mention of Stone Force Media on an affiliate portal for “Tactical Home Defense,” an e-book about defending against home intrusion.

Those details placed Stone Force firmly in the middle of the mystery, with connections to Raw Conservative Opinions, Conservative Affiliates, the ClickBank listing and many other political and conspiracy-tinged products pushed online, including the coin itself.

Stone Force is an internet marketing company specializing in “audience acquisition and monetization,” according to its Facebook page and online job postings. The company’s co-founders include Vlad Bolovan, who lists on his Instagram profile that he lives in Bucharest, and Brandon Kelly, who lists on his Facebook profile that he is from California and lives in Romania.

Operating from Bucharest since 2016 with a staff of eight, Stone Force posted revenue of $1.07 million 2019, according to business analysis company Dun &amp;amp; Bradstreet. The listing on D&amp;amp;B, which also showed revenue for 2020, was taken offline after the Times contacted Stone Force for this article.

When reached about the coin, a spokesperson for Stone Force confirmed that the company was the coin’s vendor but declined to comment further. He later forwarded an email from late 2021 showing that Stone Force had warned affiliates against marketing the coins as a kind of cryptocurrency. As of January, many ads on Telegram were still promoting the coin that way.

Bolovan and Kelly also declined to comment.

At an affiliate marketing conference in 2021, Bolovan said the U.S. presidential election had prompted technology companies to crack down on unethical and misleading advertising, known in the business as “black hat” marketing.

“For black hat people, I have bad news, because the AI is only going to get better and better at this,” he warned, adding that in the past, Stone Force “didn’t care a lot about compliance” because its ads were usually approved. Now it was considering hiring a dedicated compliance person to keep up with advertising rules, he said.

Then, the Delivery

Rachel Edwards can’t remember where she first spotted the coin, but she thinks it was an ad on Facebook. Edwards, a mother of three from Alabama, said the coins immediately caught her eye — and so did the price, with a single coin costing nothing but shipping and handling.

“So I ordered five,” she said.

They arrived in about a week, packaged inside a simple padded envelope. The coins looked good, each in a protective plastic case, and she said they had enough heft to suggest they were real silver.

But there was something amiss.

“The bag they came in individually just had a sticker that said, ‘Made in China,’” she said.

Neil Segal, a dealer at Colonial Stamp and Coin in Kingston, New York, tested another Trump coin bought from the Raw Conservative Opinions Store. He used a device that detects precious metals.

He found no gold or silver. The coin was also magnetic, suggesting it was mostly made of iron.

Jack Batelic, a gold appraiser at PRS Gold Buyers in Newburgh, New York, tested the coin using a nitric acid solution. After he applied a blob to Trump’s gold-colored image, the area darkened, bubbled and then turned green.

“It’s paint,” he concluded.

What was it worth?

“Nothing,” he said. 
&nbsp;

The novelty coins are simple, glistening tokens of admiration for former President Donald Trump. They’re also one of the hottest products going. There’s a style for every taste, each featuring a portrait of Trump.

The novelty coins are simple, glistening tokens of admiration for former President Donald Trump. They’re also one of the hottest products going. There’s a style for every taste, each featuring a portrait of Trump. Sometimes he’s rendered in gold, staring thoughtfully into the distance. In others he’s smirking in silver, raising a thumbs-up, or even riding a missile while a bald eagle soars behind him. Among all the options, one version stands out. Known online as simply the “Trump coin,” it has become a favorite of right-wing social media and fringe news sites. It’s advertised between claims of stolen elections or conspiracy theories about global cabals. Some ads even describe the coin as a kind of cryptocurrency, suggesting it would soon be worth thousands. The coin itself features Trump’s face embossed in gold on a base of shining silver. His slogan, “Keep America Great,” is written in an arc atop his head. It could be yours, too, for just $0. (Plus $9.99 shipping and handling.) This particular version has become something of an internet mystery. It’s not obvious who’s promoting it or profiting from it. It’s sold by a mysterious news website about which little is disclosed. Trump has nothing to do with the coin. No identifiable company is taking credit. Some internet sleuths have followed digital breadcrumbs to suss out the organizations behind the coin’s popularity. The New York Times took a similar path, tracking a network of advertisers and following their activity from public storefronts to private marketing portals. Using guidance from insiders and marketing veterans, the search crisscrossed the globe, implicating a handful of companies and a legion of anonymous marketers operating in parts unknown. What became clear was not just the coin’s unusual origins, but an entire disinformation supply chain that relied on falsehoods and misinformation at nearly every step. Fueling the coin’s success were fake social media accounts that pushed false ads and a fleet of misleading news websites that preyed on partisan discontent. Seen in full, the coin illustrates what watchdogs have long understood: Many untruths that Americans encounter online aren’t created by foreign actors trying to sow division. They simply exist to help someone, somewhere, make a quick buck. The Trump coin shows how the strategy has evolved since Trump’s election in 2016. As right-wing interest in cryptocurrencies increased, marketers started claiming the physical Trump coin was cryptocurrency, too. The idea gained traction among buyers who already believed Trump was working on his own cryptocurrency. The collectible novelty item might seem harmless, but that is part of the danger, experts say, because it’s easy to underestimate how the drive for profit can create new incentives to spread disinformation online. “You make it small enough and harmless enough that no one can object to the individual grift,” said Danny Rogers, a co-founder and executive director of the Global Disinformation Index. “But taken together, you’ve built a movement.” To understand how it all works, start with Denzel Washington. From Fake Celebrity Accounts... Chat app Telegram has become a hotbed of right-wing activity, with a stream of politicos and conspiracy theorists posting misleading updates about everything from vaccinations to deep state plots. Joining the fray recently was an account posing as Washington, an Oscar-winning actor. “Democrats are only causing panic and insecurity, and the American people are not safe with them on the wheel,” the account, RealDenzelWashington, posted on a page featuring his name next to a handsome profile photo. Then the account announced that “real money” would disappear. The “Trump coin” would reign in its place. That phony account is one of many on Telegram that use celebrity names and photos to push the Trump coin. There’s Ivanka Trump (more than 100,000 followers at one point), Mel Gibson (more than 140,000 followers), Trump-era special prosecutor John Durham (more than 210,000 followers), along with Keanu Reeves, Sen. Ted Cruz and even John F. Kennedy Jr. (who died in 1999). Each account pushes its own mix of patriotism, anti-vaccine content and claims that President Joe Biden is illegitimate. Many posts falsely claimed that the coin’s value was about to surge, invoking the soaring price of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Conservatives turned to Telegram as Facebook and Twitter cracked down on conspiratorial and violent content after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Watchdogs have warned that Telegram exercises far less moderation than rival social media. Many of the fake accounts have remained online for months, and new ones keep popping up. Others have been disabled, like the fake account with Washington, or labeled “scam” or “fake” by Telegram. The company did not respond to requests for comment. In one post, a fake account for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who is closely aligned with Trump, shared a fake story on a fake Fox News website about a fake tweet by a fake Elon Musk, falsely claiming that Tesla’s CEO would soon accept Trump coins as payment. A spokesperson for Washington said he was not available for comment but confirmed that the account was fake. Greene did not respond to requests for comment. The idea that the physical trinkets could rise in value like Bitcoin seemed to connect with some Trump supporters, swayed by tales of crypto-millionaires or the promise that Trump could one day deem it legal tender. There is a real Trumpcoin cryptocurrency, but it has no connection to the physical coins. (In the last week, Trump’s son Eric threatened to sue the people behind the Trumpcoin cryptocurrency.) One buyer apparently misled about the Trump coin was a Telegram user, TheBlueOx, who said he had bought more than $500 worth of physical Trump coins in hopes that they would one day be exchanged for Trump’s official cryptocurrency. “Seems somewhat risky to me, but $500 against a potentially large upside seemed like a reasonable risk,” the user wrote. ... to Sites With Misinformation ... Whether the coin was pitched as a kind of cryptocurrency or as a mere collectible, most ads on Telegram linked to the same place: the Raw Conservative Opinions Store. The storefront claims that the coin has the “highest quality craftsmanship” and is “America’s favorite souvenir.” The shop itself is hosted by right-wing news purveyor Raw Conservative Opinions, which features an American flag logo and a color scheme in red, white and blue. One article detailed “6 Factors Which Point To A Rigged Election,” including misleading claims that votes were swapped from Trump to Biden and that vote surges were evidence of manipulation. It was copied word for word from right-wing conspiracy site OffGuardian. No owner is listed for Raw Conservative Opinions. The website was registered in 2016 using a business park address in Louisville, Kentucky. A representative from the office building said the suite number did not exist. A phone number was also provided, but a woman who answered said she didn’t speak English and hung up, then didn’t answer repeated phone calls and text messages. ... With Marketers Making a Buck In the sprawling world of online advertising, one niche plays an outsize role in the sale of the Trump coin: affiliate marketers. When someone buys the coin, most of the money goes to the seller. But a cut is shared with the affiliate marketer — an independent worker who advertises products online for a cut of the profits. Affiliate marketing is a multibillion-dollar business, with websites and YouTube channels earning hefty commissions by posting quality endorsements. But some affiliate marketers work at the margins. If a seller has some diet pills or conspiratorial e-books, they can offer the products to affiliate marketers, who will post ads and create websites, or use less ethical methods like creating fake social media accounts that can generate traffic to the seller’s sales page. ClickBank, a large affiliate network based in Idaho, listed the coin last year when sales were surging. The company wrote in a blog post that the Trump coin was its most popular product for October, and No. 2 in November. ClickBank did not respond to requests for comment. Feeding the Base Merchandise has long been a part of the political culture surrounding presidential elections. But Trump’s victory in 2016 created a new and more ravenous appetite for the goods. That’s where the Trump coin first took shape, according to Maxwell Finn, an affiliate marketing expert and president of Unicorn Innovations. Finn was on the ground floor in 2016, advising on one of the first Trump coins of the modern political era. That early coin “did really well, and whenever something does well, you have hundreds of people trying to copy it,” said Finn, who was not involved with the current Trump coin. Other marketers jumped in, buying millions of cheaply made coins at wholesale prices from Chinese manufacturers and storing them in American warehouses before selling them online, he said. By the 2020 election, the pandemic, vaccines and lies about a stolen election each offered new ways to excite Trump supporters and generate interest in the merchandise. “It was just a perfect storm,” Finn said. The Center of the Mystery Affiliate marketers who decide to advertise the coin can turn to the seller for help. The company behind the coin linked to another website, Conservative Affiliates, which provides marketing material like photos and fake news stories that can be used to advertise the coins online. One set of marketing material detailed how House Speaker Nancy Pelosi planned to ban the Trump coin. The claim became so widespread that fact-checkers worked to debunk it. Aneela Mirchandani, a software engineer and writer in San Francisco, mapped out an even larger network of products leading back to Conservative Affiliates for her blog The Odd Post. She investigated the coin after seeing it advertised on conservative social network Parler, where it was pushed by fake celebrity accounts. (Sound familiar?) Her investigation uncovered digital identifiers on the Raw Conservative Opinions storefront that matched an array of other products, like the apocalyptic e-book “Alive After the Fall.” That book was also mentioned on Conservative Affiliates. “They all led to this one door,” Mirchandani said. The Times conducted a similar search, reviewing an archived version of the Conservative Affiliates site from February 2020. That page offered a vital clue: an email for Romanian marketing company Stone Force Media. The same name appeared on an obscure part of an affiliate marketing portal, which was visible only after signing up to advertise the Trump coin. Mirchandani had also spotted the archived page along with a mention of Stone Force Media on an affiliate portal for “Tactical Home Defense,” an e-book about defending against home intrusion. Those details placed Stone Force firmly in the middle of the mystery, with connections to Raw Conservative Opinions, Conservative Affiliates, the ClickBank listing and many other political and conspiracy-tinged products pushed online, including the coin itself. Stone Force is an internet marketing company specializing in “audience acquisition and monetization,” according to its Facebook page and online job postings. The company’s co-founders include Vlad Bolovan, who lists on his Instagram profile that he lives in Bucharest, and Brandon Kelly, who lists on his Facebook profile that he is from California and lives in Romania. Operating from Bucharest since 2016 with a staff of eight, Stone Force posted revenue of $1.07 million 2019, according to business analysis company Dun &amp; Bradstreet. The listing on D&amp;B, which also showed revenue for 2020, was taken offline after the Times contacted Stone Force for this article. When reached about the coin, a spokesperson for Stone Force confirmed that the company was the coin’s vendor but declined to comment further. He later forwarded an email from late 2021 showing that Stone Force had warned affiliates against marketing the coins as a kind of cryptocurrency. As of January, many ads on Telegram were still promoting the coin that way. Bolovan and Kelly also declined to comment. At an affiliate marketing conference in 2021, Bolovan said the U.S. presidential election had prompted technology companies to crack down on unethical and misleading advertising, known in the business as “black hat” marketing. “For black hat people, I have bad news, because the AI is only going to get better and better at this,” he warned, adding that in the past, Stone Force “didn’t care a lot about compliance” because its ads were usually approved. Now it was considering hiring a dedicated compliance person to keep up with advertising rules, he said. Then, the Delivery Rachel Edwards can’t remember where she first spotted the coin, but she thinks it was an ad on Facebook. Edwards, a mother of three from Alabama, said the coins immediately caught her eye — and so did the price, with a single coin costing nothing but shipping and handling. “So I ordered five,” she said. They arrived in about a week, packaged inside a simple padded envelope. The coins looked good, each in a protective plastic case, and she said they had enough heft to suggest they were real silver. But there was something amiss. “The bag they came in individually just had a sticker that said, ‘Made in China,’” she said. Neil Segal, a dealer at Colonial Stamp and Coin in Kingston, New York, tested another Trump coin bought from the Raw Conservative Opinions Store. He used a device that detects precious metals. He found no gold or silver. The coin was also magnetic, suggesting it was mostly made of iron. Jack Batelic, a gold appraiser at PRS Gold Buyers in Newburgh, New York, tested the coin using a nitric acid solution. After he applied a blob to Trump’s gold-colored image, the area darkened, bubbled and then turned green. “It’s paint,” he concluded. What was it worth? “Nothing,” he said.

How Trump coins became an internet sensation

A wax museum called Panoptikum in Germany has left Queen Elizabeth's statue bald under her hat.

When the museum was questioned for the decision, Susanne Faerber, managing partner of the Panoptikum in Hamburg said it did it to save money.

''We just install the amount of hair which is visible for the visitors,'' she said.

''It is a waxwork, not the real person, this should always be kept in mind,'' she added.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-the-queen-go-to-prison-heres-a-list-of-british-royals-who-faced-legal-troubles-448046">Can the Queen go to prison? Here's a list of British Royals who faced legal troubles</a>

''Besides, the position of Her Majesty is in Germany different than the handling of the royal family in Great Britain, where the press have to be more sensitive dealing with them.''

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my future nightmares: <a href="https://t.co/BqjMlnkKKH">https://t.co/BqjMlnkKKH</a>
— Liz Little (@LizzLittle) <a href="https://twitter.com/LizzLittle/status/1486620334153515008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Big shout out to Hamburg's Panoptikum wax museum for an image that will now haunt my every waking hour <a href="https://t.co/c1FF3FzNwn">pic.twitter.com/c1FF3FzNwn</a>
— MrPaulRobinson (@MrPaulRobinson) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrPaulRobinson/status/1486618019602313216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Aged 95, Elizabeth is also the world's current oldest and longest-reigning monarch. In September 2015, she broke her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria's record as the longest-reigning monarch in British history, saying the historical moment was "not one to which I have ever aspired".

Supporters see the&nbsp;queen&nbsp;as a stabilising factor, and cite economic benefits the monarchy brings Britain through tourism. Opponents argue the institution is a bastion of undeserved privilege, partially funded by taxpayers and undermined by some members' behaviour.

Famous personalities such as Donald Trump, Pope Benedict XVI, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel have their statues at this museum.

It was established by Faerber's great-great-grandfather in 1879.

(Inputs from agencies)

A wax museum called Panoptikum in Germany has left Queen Elizabeth's statue bald under her hat. When the museum was questioned for the decision, Susanne Faerber, managing partner of the Panoptikum in Hamburg said it did it to save money.

A wax museum called Panoptikum in Germany has left Queen Elizabeth's statue bald under her hat. When the museum was questioned for the decision, Susanne Faerber, managing partner of the Panoptikum in Hamburg said it did it to save money. ''We just install the amount of hair which is visible for the visitors,'' she said. ''It is a waxwork, not the real person, this should always be kept in mind,'' she added. Also see | Can the Queen go to prison? Here's a list of British Royals who faced legal troubles ''Besides, the position of Her Majesty is in Germany different than the handling of the royal family in Great Britain, where the press have to be more sensitive dealing with them.'' my future nightmares: https://t.co/BqjMlnkKKH — Liz Little (@LizzLittle) January 27, 2022 × Big shout out to Hamburg's Panoptikum wax museum for an image that will now haunt my every waking hour pic.twitter.com/c1FF3FzNwn — MrPaulRobinson (@MrPaulRobinson) January 27, 2022 × Aged 95, Elizabeth is also the world's current oldest and longest-reigning monarch. In September 2015, she broke her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria's record as the longest-reigning monarch in British history, saying the historical moment was "not one to which I have ever aspired". Supporters see the queen as a stabilising factor, and cite economic benefits the monarchy brings Britain through tourism. Opponents argue the institution is a bastion of undeserved privilege, partially funded by taxpayers and undermined by some members' behaviour. Famous personalities such as Donald Trump, Pope Benedict XVI, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel have their statues at this museum. It was established by Faerber's great-great-grandfather in 1879. (Inputs from agencies)

German wax museum leaves Queen Elizabeth's statue bald under her hat

The Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a US gun violence monitoring group, reported that there were over 5,000 more fatal shootings during Joe Biden's first year in office compared to Donald Trump's first year as president.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, the United States saw 44,868 gun deaths in Biden's first year as president.

The total number of murders, justifiable self-defence homicides, and accidental homicides involving firearms were 20,783 in 2021, compared to 15,727 in 2017 when Trump took office.&nbsp;

This means that in the past few years alone, gun violence has increased by 32 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-vows-to-do-more-to-end-gun-violence-but-rejects-calls-to-appoint-a-czar-378163">Biden vows to ‘do more’ to end gun violence but rejects calls to appoint a czar</a>

It is alarming to note, that there were 693 mass shootings in 2021, up from 348 in 2017. In addition, there were 1,060 deaths or injuries among children, compared to 724 in 2017.

In 2021, there were 24,090 suicides committed using a firearm in the United States. Prior to 2019, no national suicide statistics are available, but the site uses an estimate of 22,000 for previous years.

As of January 21, there had been 2,627 shootings in the United States, of which 1,518 were suicides and 1,109 intentional homicides, including 26 mass shootings and one mass murder.&nbsp;

Based on the current trend, the United States may end the year with over 19000 killings and 450 mass shootings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-order-to-target-ghost-guns-in-reforms-against-increasing-gun-violence-375987">Biden's order to target 'ghost guns' in reforms against increasing gun violence</a>

In response to the sharp increase, a school gun control group March For Our Lives (M4OL) has called on Biden to put an end to the bloodshed.

The M4OL group, founded by the survivors of the 2018 mass shooting at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, stated that Biden has only "tinkered" with gun control measures in his first year in the White House.

Activists from a student-led group said that they were horrified by the escalating epidemic of violence that have continued under his administration.

"As a candidate, the president pledged to end the epidemic of gun violence, but as our leader in the White House, he has simply tinkered at the edges, rather than coordinating a whole-of-government response that treats this crisis like the emergency that it is."

Taking to Twitter the group said "While @POTUS &nbsp;has taken welcome and overdue steps to address this epidemic, he has not met the bare minimum of what’s necessary to reverse this trend."

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While <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> has taken welcome and overdue steps to address this epidemic, he has not met the bare minimum of what’s necessary to reverse this trend. 2/4
— March For Our Lives (@AMarch4OurLives) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMarch4OurLives/status/1484310431661707264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In its statement, the group noted that 2021 is one of the deadliest years in American history for gun violence, and asked bluntly: "Mr. President, have you done enough?"

Gun violence has become a persistent social issue in the United States without any apparent solution.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimated that 17 million guns were sold between January 2021 and November 2021. In the first four days of 2022, around 400 Americans were killed in gun violence, according to the GVA.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas US Edition: Gun Terror in America: A WION Ground Report

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-edition-gun-terror-in-america-a-wion-ground-report-414754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2018, Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people and injured the same number during&nbsp;a rampage on&nbsp;Valentine's Day, at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. He used a semi-automatic military assault rifle to commit the crime.

In light of the event, more people have called for restrictions on gun ownership and purchasing, with Trump calling on state legislatures to act - where the federal Congress has failed to act for decades.

The Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a US gun violence monitoring group, reported that there were over 5,000 more fatal shootings during Joe Biden's first year in office compared to Donald Trump's first year as president.

The Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a US gun violence monitoring group, reported that there were over 5,000 more fatal shootings during Joe Biden's first year in office compared to Donald Trump's first year as president. According to the Gun Violence Archive, the United States saw 44,868 gun deaths in Biden's first year as president. The total number of murders, justifiable self-defence homicides, and accidental homicides involving firearms were 20,783 in 2021, compared to 15,727 in 2017 when Trump took office. This means that in the past few years alone, gun violence has increased by 32 per cent. Also read | Biden vows to ‘do more’ to end gun violence but rejects calls to appoint a czar It is alarming to note, that there were 693 mass shootings in 2021, up from 348 in 2017. In addition, there were 1,060 deaths or injuries among children, compared to 724 in 2017. In 2021, there were 24,090 suicides committed using a firearm in the United States. Prior to 2019, no national suicide statistics are available, but the site uses an estimate of 22,000 for previous years. As of January 21, there had been 2,627 shootings in the United States, of which 1,518 were suicides and 1,109 intentional homicides, including 26 mass shootings and one mass murder. Based on the current trend, the United States may end the year with over 19000 killings and 450 mass shootings. Also read | Biden's order to target 'ghost guns' in reforms against increasing gun violence In response to the sharp increase, a school gun control group March For Our Lives (M4OL) has called on Biden to put an end to the bloodshed. The M4OL group, founded by the survivors of the 2018 mass shooting at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, stated that Biden has only "tinkered" with gun control measures in his first year in the White House. Activists from a student-led group said that they were horrified by the escalating epidemic of violence that have continued under his administration. "As a candidate, the president pledged to end the epidemic of gun violence, but as our leader in the White House, he has simply tinkered at the edges, rather than coordinating a whole-of-government response that treats this crisis like the emergency that it is." Taking to Twitter the group said "While @POTUS has taken welcome and overdue steps to address this epidemic, he has not met the bare minimum of what’s necessary to reverse this trend." While @POTUS has taken welcome and overdue steps to address this epidemic, he has not met the bare minimum of what’s necessary to reverse this trend. 2/4 — March For Our Lives (@AMarch4OurLives) January 20, 2022 × In its statement, the group noted that 2021 is one of the deadliest years in American history for gun violence, and asked bluntly: "Mr. President, have you done enough?" Gun violence has become a persistent social issue in the United States without any apparent solution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimated that 17 million guns were sold between January 2021 and November 2021. In the first four days of 2022, around 400 Americans were killed in gun violence, according to the GVA. Watch | Gravitas US Edition: Gun Terror in America: A WION Ground Report In 2018, Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people and injured the same number during a rampage on Valentine's Day, at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. He used a semi-automatic military assault rifle to commit the crime. In light of the event, more people have called for restrictions on gun ownership and purchasing, with Trump calling on state legislatures to act - where the federal Congress has failed to act for decades.

Trump vs Biden: Gun violence in Joe Biden's US sees a sharp escalation

Joe Biden's first year of Presidency saw 32% more gun violence than Trump's

Iran on Monday blamed the United States for the slow pace of talks between Tehran and world powers in Vienna.

The lead negotiator of the nuclear deal said Washington has put forward the condition that it will strike an agreement with Iran to revive the nuclear pact only when Tehran will release four US citizens.

The four US citizens held in Iran are Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi, 50, and his father Baquer, 85, as well as environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, 66, and businessman Emad Sharqi, 57.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/naftali-bennett-says-israel-not-bound-by-any-nuclear-deal-with-iran-443668">Also read |&nbsp;Naftali Bennett says Israel not bound by any nuclear deal with Iran</a>

"Iran has never accepted any preconditions ... The US official's comments on the release of US prisoners in Iran is for domestic use," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a weekly news conference.

"They are two different paths, but if the other party (the US) has the determination, there is the possibility that we reach a reliable and lasting agreement in both of them in the shortest time," he added.

"Iran has not accepted any precondition from day one of the negotiations," Khatibzadeh said. He added that "the negotiations are complicated enough, and should not get more complex with complicated remarks".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-has-iran-been-doing-after-us-left-landmark-nuclear-deal-433617">Also see |&nbsp;How has Iran been doing after US left landmark nuclear deal?</a>

The drive to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal resumed in late November, after talks were suspended in June as Iran elected ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi.

In 2018, then-US President Donald Trump had ditched the agreement and reimposed crippling sanctions on Tehran, prompting Iran to gradually breach limits of the deal on its nuclear programme.

The two sides have done prisoner swaps in the past. Navy veteran Michael White, returned home in June 2020 in return for the United States allowing an Iranian-American physician Majid Taheri to visit Iran.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran on Monday blamed the United States for the slow pace of talks between Tehran and world powers in Vienna. The lead negotiator of the nuclear deal said Washington has put forward the condition that it will strike an agreement with Iran to revive the nuclear pact only when Tehran will release four US citizens.

Iran on Monday blamed the United States for the slow pace of talks between Tehran and world powers in Vienna. The lead negotiator of the nuclear deal said Washington has put forward the condition that it will strike an agreement with Iran to revive the nuclear pact only when Tehran will release four US citizens. The four US citizens held in Iran are Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi, 50, and his father Baquer, 85, as well as environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, 66, and businessman Emad Sharqi, 57. Also read | Naftali Bennett says Israel not bound by any nuclear deal with Iran "Iran has never accepted any preconditions ... The US official's comments on the release of US prisoners in Iran is for domestic use," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a weekly news conference. "They are two different paths, but if the other party (the US) has the determination, there is the possibility that we reach a reliable and lasting agreement in both of them in the shortest time," he added. "Iran has not accepted any precondition from day one of the negotiations," Khatibzadeh said. He added that "the negotiations are complicated enough, and should not get more complex with complicated remarks". Also see | How has Iran been doing after US left landmark nuclear deal? The drive to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal resumed in late November, after talks were suspended in June as Iran elected ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi. In 2018, then-US President Donald Trump had ditched the agreement and reimposed crippling sanctions on Tehran, prompting Iran to gradually breach limits of the deal on its nuclear programme. The two sides have done prisoner swaps in the past. Navy veteran Michael White, returned home in June 2020 in return for the United States allowing an Iranian-American physician Majid Taheri to visit Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran blames United States for the slow pace of talks between Tehran and world powers

Boris Epshteyn, who was a strategic adviser for former United States President Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign, has acknowledged having his role in efforts to legitimise the alleged pro-Trump electors.&nbsp;

The electors are said to be from states that current President of the US Joe Biden won.

"Is that something you ever worked on or would support, for example, in Michigan?" MSNBC host Ari Melber asked him.

In reply, Epshteyn said, "Yes, I was part of the process to make sure there were alternate electors for when, as we hoped, the challenges to the seated electors would be heard, and would be successful."&nbsp;

Epshteyn is a lawyer and after insisting that the electors were "alternate" and not "fraudulent electors."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ordered-to-seize-voting-machines-after-electoral-loss-report-446705">Donald Trump ordered to seize voting machines after electoral loss: Report</a>

Watch the video here:

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Well, <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisEP</a> did say he was going on the show to talk about fraud. Who knew he was dumb enough to admit he was one of the ones to commit the fraud. Poor Boris Epshteyn. <a href="https://t.co/gb0TmFot6r">https://t.co/gb0TmFot6r</a>
— Russell Foster for Texas (@RussellFosterTX) <a href="https://twitter.com/RussellFosterTX/status/1484681690505265157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On MSNBC, Epshteyn discussed the failed MAGA plot to overturn the presidential election, the House Select Committee's probe into the US Capitol riot and the Trump campaign's fake electors plot.&nbsp;

On being asked about the fraudulent electors plot, Epshteyn talked about the Trump campaign's basic plan but insisted those involved were "alternate electors".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-is-ivanka-trump-involved-in-us-capitol-assault-probe-panel-asks-her-to-cooperate-446348">How is Ivanka Trump involved in US Capitol assault probe? Panel asks her to cooperate</a>

The congressional committee investigating the US Capitol riot issued subpoenas to Rudy Giuliani and three other allies of the defeated ex-president.

Attorney Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and Boris Epshteyn have been subpoenaed.&nbsp;

"The four individuals we've subpoenaed today advanced unsupported theories about election fraud, pushed efforts to overturn the election results, or were in direct contact with the former president about attempts to stop the counting of electoral votes," panel chairman Bennie Thompson said in a statement.

"We expect these individuals to join the nearly 400 witnesses who have spoken with the select committee as the committee works to get answers for the American people about the violent attack on our democracy."

Congressional investigators are probing the violent attack a year ago on the Capitol by supporters of then-president Trump.

Boris Epshteyn, who was a strategic adviser for former United States President Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign, has acknowledged having his role in efforts to legitimise the alleged pro-Trump electors.

Boris Epshteyn, who was a strategic adviser for former United States President Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign, has acknowledged having his role in efforts to legitimise the alleged pro-Trump electors. The electors are said to be from states that current President of the US Joe Biden won. "Is that something you ever worked on or would support, for example, in Michigan?" MSNBC host Ari Melber asked him. In reply, Epshteyn said, "Yes, I was part of the process to make sure there were alternate electors for when, as we hoped, the challenges to the seated electors would be heard, and would be successful." Epshteyn is a lawyer and after insisting that the electors were "alternate" and not "fraudulent electors." ALSO READ | Donald Trump ordered to seize voting machines after electoral loss: Report Watch the video here: Well, @BorisEP did say he was going on the show to talk about fraud. Who knew he was dumb enough to admit he was one of the ones to commit the fraud. Poor Boris Epshteyn. https://t.co/gb0TmFot6r — Russell Foster for Texas (@RussellFosterTX) January 22, 2022 × On MSNBC, Epshteyn discussed the failed MAGA plot to overturn the presidential election, the House Select Committee's probe into the US Capitol riot and the Trump campaign's fake electors plot. On being asked about the fraudulent electors plot, Epshteyn talked about the Trump campaign's basic plan but insisted those involved were "alternate electors". ALSO READ | How is Ivanka Trump involved in US Capitol assault probe? Panel asks her to cooperate The congressional committee investigating the US Capitol riot issued subpoenas to Rudy Giuliani and three other allies of the defeated ex-president. Attorney Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and Boris Epshteyn have been subpoenaed. "The four individuals we've subpoenaed today advanced unsupported theories about election fraud, pushed efforts to overturn the election results, or were in direct contact with the former president about attempts to stop the counting of electoral votes," panel chairman Bennie Thompson said in a statement. "We expect these individuals to join the nearly 400 witnesses who have spoken with the select committee as the committee works to get answers for the American people about the violent attack on our democracy." Congressional investigators are probing the violent attack a year ago on the Capitol by supporters of then-president Trump.

Former Trump campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn was 'part of the process' of 'alternate electors' plot

After his defeat in the 2020 elections, Donald Trump allegedly drafted an executive order directing the US’ top military leader to seize voting machines, a report has revealed.

The explosive document, released by the National Archives and obtained by Politico, has revealed the extreme measures Trump may have been willing to take to keep Joe Biden from being declared as the next president.

The three-page draft, dated December 16, 2020, ordered the Secretary of Defense to “seize, collect, retain and analyze all machines, equipment, electronically stored information, and material records required for retention.”

The order also sought to appoint a special counsel to bring charges on any fraud allegations that arose from the seizures, but it was never signed.

It is also unclear as to who drafted the order.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-jerusalem-extremism-analyst-who-predicted-jan-6-riots-talks-to-wion-442914">Exclusive: Jerusalem extremism analyst who predicted Jan 6 riots talks to WION</a>

The draft is part of the 750-plus documents submitted by the National Archives to the House of Representatives select committee investigating the 2021 Capitol insurrection.

The then-president sought to block the release of the documents citing the “executive privilege” doctrine, but the Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected his appeal.

Trump and his allies spent months pushing a false narrative of widespread electoral fraud, despite the government officials rebuffing the charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jan-6-panel-subpoenas-giuliani-digging-into-false-vote-fraud-claims-445946">Jan. 6 panel subpoenas Giuliani, digging into false vote fraud claims</a>

The claims were also rejected by Trump-appointed attorney general Bill Barr, and Trump was eventually impeached for inciting the attack on the Capitol by a mob of his supporters.

Meanwhile, the probe committee investigating on Thursday invited Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, to provide information and participate in a voluntary interview.

Ivanka was a senior White House advisor to her father. The committee wants to ask her about Trump’s actions, or inaction, and his state of mind on January 6, 2021, when hundreds of his supporters stormed the Capitol and temporarily stopped Congress from confirming President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.

(With inputs from agencies)

After his defeat in the 2020 elections, Donald Trump allegedly drafted an executive order directing the US’ top military leader to seize voting machines, a report has revealed.

After his defeat in the 2020 elections, Donald Trump allegedly drafted an executive order directing the US’ top military leader to seize voting machines, a report has revealed. The explosive document, released by the National Archives and obtained by Politico, has revealed the extreme measures Trump may have been willing to take to keep Joe Biden from being declared as the next president. The three-page draft, dated December 16, 2020, ordered the Secretary of Defense to “seize, collect, retain and analyze all machines, equipment, electronically stored information, and material records required for retention.” The order also sought to appoint a special counsel to bring charges on any fraud allegations that arose from the seizures, but it was never signed. It is also unclear as to who drafted the order. Also read | Exclusive: Jerusalem extremism analyst who predicted Jan 6 riots talks to WION The draft is part of the 750-plus documents submitted by the National Archives to the House of Representatives select committee investigating the 2021 Capitol insurrection. The then-president sought to block the release of the documents citing the “executive privilege” doctrine, but the Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected his appeal. Trump and his allies spent months pushing a false narrative of widespread electoral fraud, despite the government officials rebuffing the charges. Also read | Jan. 6 panel subpoenas Giuliani, digging into false vote fraud claims The claims were also rejected by Trump-appointed attorney general Bill Barr, and Trump was eventually impeached for inciting the attack on the Capitol by a mob of his supporters. Meanwhile, the probe committee investigating on Thursday invited Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, to provide information and participate in a voluntary interview. Ivanka was a senior White House advisor to her father. The committee wants to ask her about Trump’s actions, or inaction, and his state of mind on January 6, 2021, when hundreds of his supporters stormed the Capitol and temporarily stopped Congress from confirming President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump ordered to seize voting machines after electoral loss: Report

In the last few years the hideous state of our politics has often kept me up at night, but until recently I thought I was an outlier. Even when I’ve written about political despair as a problem for Democrats, I assumed it was something that applied to activists and base voters, the sort of people who go through their days silently cursing Joe Manchin. But a striking new study from Kevin B. Smith, chair of the political science department at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, suggests the universe of people who find our politics a torment might be much larger than I’d realized.

“Politics is a pervasive and largely unavoidable source of chronic stress that exacted significant health costs for large numbers of American adults between 2017 and 2020,” writes Smith in “Politics Is Making Us Sick: The Negative Impact of Political Engagement on Public Health During the Trump Administration.” “The 2020 election did little to alleviate those effects and quite likely exacerbated them.”

Around 40 per cent&nbsp;of Americans, he found, “consistently identify politics as a significant source of stress in their lives.” Shockingly, about 5 per cent&nbsp;have considered suicide in response to political developments. Smith told me he was sceptical of that figure when he first calculated it, and still isn’t wholly sure it isn’t a statistical fluke, but it’s remained fairly consistent in three surveys. (After publishing results from the first survey a few years ago, he said, he got a call from someone who worked at a suicide hotline who reported experiencing an uptick in calls after the 2016 election.)

I’m fascinated by Smith’s work for a couple of reasons. The first is partisan. People from both parties reported that political stress during the Trump years has damaged their health, but Democrats have, unsurprisingly, had it worse. While Donald Trump was in office, they were able to turn their rage and fear into fuel, but I’m not sure how sustainable this is. The more politics becomes a pageant of infuriating Democratic impotence in the face of relentless right-wing spite, the more I fear people will disengage as a means of self-protection.

But I’m also interested in the role politics plays in the disastrous state of American mental health, which is one of the overarching stories in the country right now. For all our division, there’s a pretty broad consensus that the country is, psychologically, in an awful place. According to a recent USA Today/Suffolk University poll, almost 9 in 10 registered voters believe there’s a mental health crisis in the United States. The crisis expresses itself in all sorts of ways: in rising rates of youth suicide, record overdoses, random acts of street violence, monthslong waiting lists for children’s therapists, mask meltdowns, QAnon.

I’ve long thought that widespread psychological distress — wildly intensified by the pandemic — contributes to the derangement of American politics. But maybe the causality works the other way, too, and the ugliness of American politics is taking a toll on the psyche of the citizenry.

Smith first surveyed a sample of around 800 people about politics and mental health in March 2017. As he wrote in a 2019 paper, he found fairly high levels of affliction: Besides the 40% who said they were stressed out about politics, a fifth or more reported “losing sleep, being fatigued, or suffering depression because of politics.” As many as a quarter of respondents reported self-destructive or compulsive behaviours, including “saying and writing things they later regret,” “making bad decisions” and “ignoring other priorities.”

At the time, he thought he might just be capturing the shock of Trump’s election. But his next two surveys, in October and November of 2020, showed similar or greater levels of misery. Now, those were also moments of febrile political activity; perhaps if Smith had surveyed people in 2018 or 2019, he’d have found less political angst. Nevertheless, his findings suggest that there are tens of millions of Americans who’ve felt themselves ground down by our political environment.

In some ways, this is surprising. Most people aren’t political junkies. The majority of American adults aren’t on Twitter, which tends to drive political news microcycles. Even in an election year, more people watched the 30th season of “Dancing With the Stars” than the most successful prime-time shows on Fox News, the country’s most-watched cable news network. As political scientists Yanna Krupnikov and John Barry Ryan wrote in The New York Times, most Americans — “upward of 80%-85% — follow politics casually or not at all.”

Smith doesn’t dispute this. But he speculates that even those who aren’t intensely interested in politics are still affected by the ambient climate of hatred, chaos and dysfunction. “What I think is going on is that politics is unavoidable,” he said. “It is essentially a permanent part of the background noise of our lives.”

Of course, the last thing a political scientist — or, for that matter, a liberal columnist — would tell you is that you should totally tune that noise out. It is depressing to live in a dying empire whose sclerotic political institutions have largely ceased to function; this is a collective problem without individual solutions. There’s an awful dilemma here. Anyway out of the gloom of our current political situation will almost certainly involve even more politics.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

In the last few years the hideous state of our politics has often kept me up at night, but until recently I thought I was an outlier. Even when I’ve written about political despair as a problem for Democrats, I assumed it was something that applied to activists and base voters, the sort of people who go through their days silently cursing Joe Manchin.

In the last few years the hideous state of our politics has often kept me up at night, but until recently I thought I was an outlier. Even when I’ve written about political despair as a problem for Democrats, I assumed it was something that applied to activists and base voters, the sort of people who go through their days silently cursing Joe Manchin. But a striking new study from Kevin B. Smith, chair of the political science department at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, suggests the universe of people who find our politics a torment might be much larger than I’d realized. “Politics is a pervasive and largely unavoidable source of chronic stress that exacted significant health costs for large numbers of American adults between 2017 and 2020,” writes Smith in “Politics Is Making Us Sick: The Negative Impact of Political Engagement on Public Health During the Trump Administration.” “The 2020 election did little to alleviate those effects and quite likely exacerbated them.” Around 40 per cent of Americans, he found, “consistently identify politics as a significant source of stress in their lives.” Shockingly, about 5 per cent have considered suicide in response to political developments. Smith told me he was sceptical of that figure when he first calculated it, and still isn’t wholly sure it isn’t a statistical fluke, but it’s remained fairly consistent in three surveys. (After publishing results from the first survey a few years ago, he said, he got a call from someone who worked at a suicide hotline who reported experiencing an uptick in calls after the 2016 election.) I’m fascinated by Smith’s work for a couple of reasons. The first is partisan. People from both parties reported that political stress during the Trump years has damaged their health, but Democrats have, unsurprisingly, had it worse. While Donald Trump was in office, they were able to turn their rage and fear into fuel, but I’m not sure how sustainable this is. The more politics becomes a pageant of infuriating Democratic impotence in the face of relentless right-wing spite, the more I fear people will disengage as a means of self-protection. But I’m also interested in the role politics plays in the disastrous state of American mental health, which is one of the overarching stories in the country right now. For all our division, there’s a pretty broad consensus that the country is, psychologically, in an awful place. According to a recent USA Today/Suffolk University poll, almost 9 in 10 registered voters believe there’s a mental health crisis in the United States. The crisis expresses itself in all sorts of ways: in rising rates of youth suicide, record overdoses, random acts of street violence, monthslong waiting lists for children’s therapists, mask meltdowns, QAnon. I’ve long thought that widespread psychological distress — wildly intensified by the pandemic — contributes to the derangement of American politics. But maybe the causality works the other way, too, and the ugliness of American politics is taking a toll on the psyche of the citizenry. Smith first surveyed a sample of around 800 people about politics and mental health in March 2017. As he wrote in a 2019 paper, he found fairly high levels of affliction: Besides the 40% who said they were stressed out about politics, a fifth or more reported “losing sleep, being fatigued, or suffering depression because of politics.” As many as a quarter of respondents reported self-destructive or compulsive behaviours, including “saying and writing things they later regret,” “making bad decisions” and “ignoring other priorities.” At the time, he thought he might just be capturing the shock of Trump’s election. But his next two surveys, in October and November of 2020, showed similar or greater levels of misery. Now, those were also moments of febrile political activity; perhaps if Smith had surveyed people in 2018 or 2019, he’d have found less political angst. Nevertheless, his findings suggest that there are tens of millions of Americans who’ve felt themselves ground down by our political environment. In some ways, this is surprising. Most people aren’t political junkies. The majority of American adults aren’t on Twitter, which tends to drive political news microcycles. Even in an election year, more people watched the 30th season of “Dancing With the Stars” than the most successful prime-time shows on Fox News, the country’s most-watched cable news network. As political scientists Yanna Krupnikov and John Barry Ryan wrote in The New York Times, most Americans — “upward of 80%-85% — follow politics casually or not at all.” Smith doesn’t dispute this. But he speculates that even those who aren’t intensely interested in politics are still affected by the ambient climate of hatred, chaos and dysfunction. “What I think is going on is that politics is unavoidable,” he said. “It is essentially a permanent part of the background noise of our lives.” Of course, the last thing a political scientist — or, for that matter, a liberal columnist — would tell you is that you should totally tune that noise out. It is depressing to live in a dying empire whose sclerotic political institutions have largely ceased to function; this is a collective problem without individual solutions. There’s an awful dilemma here. Anyway out of the gloom of our current political situation will almost certainly involve even more politics. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Mental health toll of Trump-era politics

Ivanka Trump, daughter of the former US President Donald Trump has been asked to cooperate in the 2021 US Capitol assault investigation by the lawmakers with their inquiry.&nbsp;

On Thursday (January 20), the US House of Representatives panel probing the January 6, 2021 attacks on the US Capitol, requested an interview with Ivanka, who is also a former White House aide.&nbsp;

How is Ivanka Trump involved in the probe?

The panel told the 40-year-old businesswoman that there is evidence that she had pleaded with Donald Trump to call off the violence.&nbsp;

"Testimony obtained by the committee indicates that members of the White House staff requested your assistance on multiple occasions to intervene in an attempt to persuade President Trump to address the ongoing lawlessness and violence on Capitol Hill," chairman Bennie Thompson wrote to Ivanka.&nbsp;

As far as Ivanka is considered, her actions during the riots are treated as a "key focus" by the committee.&nbsp;

The panel said that Ivanka appears to have "direct knowledge" of her father's attempt to persuade former Vice President Mike Pence to stop the democratic counting of electoral votes.&nbsp;

"As January 6 approached, President Trump attempted on multiple occasions to persuade vice president Pence to participate in his plan," Thompson wrote.

As per the committee Ivanka "was present in the Oval Office" on January 6. She even observed a telephone conversation between her father and Pence.&nbsp;

Thompson&nbsp;added, "One of the president's discussions with the vice president occurred by phone on the morning of January 6. You were present in the Oval Office and observed at least one side of that telephone conversation."

Ivanka reacts

A statement released by Ivanka Trump's spokesperson did not address whether she would cooperate with the committee's investigation.

"Ivanka Trump just learned that the January 6 Committee issued a public letter asking her to appear," a spokesperson for Ivanka Trump said in a statement.&nbsp;

The statement added, "As the Committee already knows, Ivanka did not speak at the January 6 rally." On the same very day, Ivanka had publicly stated that "any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable. The violence must stop immediately. Please be peaceful."

What the committee is looking for?

So far, it has been understood that the investigators are looking into how the attack was planned and how it took place. They are also trying to find out to what extent Trump and his aides had a part in encouraging it.

The committee has already spoken to around 400 witnesses and issued subpoenas for several key figures in Donald Trump's orbit, including White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and one-time White House strategist Steve Bannon.

The committee said it also wanted to ask whether her father made any effort to deploy federal agents or troops to end the January 6 violence, saying it so far has no evidence of that.

On January 6, hundreds of angry supporters of Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in Washington DC, with an intention to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.&nbsp;

The rioters vandalised property, assaulted some of the lawmakers and they even occupied the building for several hours.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Ivanka Trump, daughter of the former US President Donald Trump has been asked to cooperate in the 2021 US Capitol assault investigation by the lawmakers with their inquiry.

Ivanka Trump, daughter of the former US President Donald Trump has been asked to cooperate in the 2021 US Capitol assault investigation by the lawmakers with their inquiry. On Thursday (January 20), the US House of Representatives panel probing the January 6, 2021 attacks on the US Capitol, requested an interview with Ivanka, who is also a former White House aide. How is Ivanka Trump involved in the probe? The panel told the 40-year-old businesswoman that there is evidence that she had pleaded with Donald Trump to call off the violence. "Testimony obtained by the committee indicates that members of the White House staff requested your assistance on multiple occasions to intervene in an attempt to persuade President Trump to address the ongoing lawlessness and violence on Capitol Hill," chairman Bennie Thompson wrote to Ivanka. As far as Ivanka is considered, her actions during the riots are treated as a "key focus" by the committee. The panel said that Ivanka appears to have "direct knowledge" of her father's attempt to persuade former Vice President Mike Pence to stop the democratic counting of electoral votes. "As January 6 approached, President Trump attempted on multiple occasions to persuade vice president Pence to participate in his plan," Thompson wrote. As per the committee Ivanka "was present in the Oval Office" on January 6. She even observed a telephone conversation between her father and Pence. Thompson added, "One of the president's discussions with the vice president occurred by phone on the morning of January 6. You were present in the Oval Office and observed at least one side of that telephone conversation." Ivanka reacts A statement released by Ivanka Trump's spokesperson did not address whether she would cooperate with the committee's investigation. "Ivanka Trump just learned that the January 6 Committee issued a public letter asking her to appear," a spokesperson for Ivanka Trump said in a statement. The statement added, "As the Committee already knows, Ivanka did not speak at the January 6 rally." On the same very day, Ivanka had publicly stated that "any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable. The violence must stop immediately. Please be peaceful." What the committee is looking for? So far, it has been understood that the investigators are looking into how the attack was planned and how it took place. They are also trying to find out to what extent Trump and his aides had a part in encouraging it. The committee has already spoken to around 400 witnesses and issued subpoenas for several key figures in Donald Trump's orbit, including White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and one-time White House strategist Steve Bannon. The committee said it also wanted to ask whether her father made any effort to deploy federal agents or troops to end the January 6 violence, saying it so far has no evidence of that. On January 6, hundreds of angry supporters of Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in Washington DC, with an intention to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The rioters vandalised property, assaulted some of the lawmakers and they even occupied the building for several hours. × (With inputs from agencies)

How is Ivanka Trump involved in US Capitol assault probe? Panel asks her to cooperate

The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol on Tuesday subpoenaed Rudy Giuliani and other members of the legal team that pursued a set of conspiracy-filled lawsuits on behalf of former President Donald Trump in which they made unsubstantiated claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

In addition to Giuliani, Trump’s personal lawyer and a ringleader of the group, the panel subpoenaed three others who played central roles in his effort to use the courts, state legislatures and Congress to try to overturn his defeat.

Jenna Ellis drafted a memo on how Trump could invalidate the election results by exploiting an obscure law. Sidney Powell, a lawyer who worked on many of the lawsuits with Giuliani, ran an organization that raised millions of dollars based on false claims that election machines were rigged. Boris Epshteyn pursued allegations of election fraud in Nevada and Arizona and is said to have participated in a call with Trump on the morning of Jan. 6, “during which options were discussed to delay the certification of election results,” the committee said.

“The four individuals we’ve subpoenaed today advanced unsupported theories about election fraud, pushed efforts to overturn the election results or were in direct contact with the former president about attempts to stop the counting of electoral votes,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. and the chairman of the committee, said in a statement.

The subpoena to Giuliani, obtained by The New York Times, seeks all documents he has detailing the pressure campaign he and other Trump allies initiated targeting state officials; the seizure of voting machines; contact with members of Congress; any evidence to support the bizarre conspiracy theories pushed; and any arrangements for his attorney’s fees.

The panel instructed the four witnesses to turn over documents and submit to an interview in February.

The latest subpoenas came as the committee, which has interviewed nearly 400 witnesses, has issued a wide range of demands for records, including to banks and phone companies. On Tuesday, CNN reported that the committee had also obtained logs of phone calls and text messages belonging to the former president’s son Eric Trump and to Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of another son, Donald Trump Jr. The logs do not reveal the content of the messages.

A committee spokesperson declined to comment on that report.

For weeks after the election, Giuliani and his team — which Ellis described as an “elite strike force” — promoted baseless claims of voter fraud through failed lawsuits, news conferences, media appearances and meetings with lawmakers.

The committee said in a letter to Giuliani that its investigation had revealed “credible evidence” that he participated in attempts to “disrupt or delay the certification of the election results,” convince state legislators to “take steps to overturn the election results” and urge Trump to order the seizure of voting machines.

Giuliani claimed fraud at a series of unofficial state legislative hearings, and even argued one election fraud case himself, in federal court in Philadelphia, where he suffered a decisive defeat.

“Voters, not lawyers, choose the president,” the court declared at one point.

On Jan. 6, speaking to a crowd of Trump supporters before the attack on the Capitol, Giuliani called for “trial by combat.” Later, as the building was under siege, he called lawmakers in an attempt to delay the certification of Joe Biden’s victory.

“Sen. Tuberville, or I should say coach Tuberville, this is Rudy Giuliani, the president’s lawyer,” Giuliani said in a voicemail message intended for Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., but mistakenly left on the phone of Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. “I’m calling you because I want to discuss with you how they’re trying to rush this hearing and how we need you, our Republican friends, to try to just slow it down.”

Ellis, the committee said, “prepared and circulated” two memos analyzing the constitutional authority for former Vice President Mike Pence to reject or delay counting electoral votes from states where Trump’s allies had attempted to arrange for the submission of an alternate slate of electors. In the memos, obtained by Politico, Ellis advised that Pence had the authority to not count electoral votes from six states in which the Trump campaign falsely alleged there was widespread fraud.

Powell was among the leading promoters of some of the most far-fetched and fantastical claims of widespread voter fraud, including a bizarre conspiracy theory alleging a vast plot by China, Venezuela and financier George Soros to hack into Dominion Voting Systems machines to flip votes away from Trump to Biden.

She, too, urged Trump to seize voting machines, according to the committee.

In December, Trump considered naming Powell to be a special counsel overseeing an investigation of voter fraud, even after his campaign had sought to distance itself from her as she aired wild and baseless claims about Dominion voting machines.

Her organization, Defending the Republic, raised $14.9 million between December 2020 and July. Powell’s group has more than $9.3 million in funds on hand, according to an independent audit filed with Florida, which investigated the organization and alleged multiple violations of state law.

Epshteyn reportedly attended planning meetings at the Willard Hotel in the days leading up to Jan. 6, the committee said. The panel, citing reporting from The Guardian, said he also participated in a call with Trump the morning of Jan. 6 that included a discussion of Pence’s “unwillingness to deny or delay the certification.”

Giuliani is facing a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems, alleging he carried out “a viral disinformation campaign about Dominion” made up of “demonstrably false” allegations, in part to enrich himself through legal fees and his podcast.

In June, his law license was suspended after a New York court ruled he made “demonstrably false and misleading statements” while fighting the results of the 2020 election.

An internal memo made public through a defamation suit filed by a Dominion employee revealed in November that Trump’s campaign had determined many of the outlandish claims they were making about election machines were untrue.

On Twitter, Epshteyn said he was not surprised by the subpoena. He accused the committee of engaging in a “Stalinist witch hunt” against Trump and his supporters.

Robert Costello, a lawyer for Giuliani, called the subpoena “political theater” and said Giuliani would be covered by executive privilege, should Trump invoke it, as well as attorney-client privilege.

“They’re not going to charge Rudy Giuliani with anything, and they’re also not going to get any information from Rudy Giuliani factually,” he said, adding: “Did they even call me and even ask if Rudy would voluntarily talk to them?”

Ellis and Powell did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol on Tuesday subpoenaed Rudy Giuliani and other members of the legal team that pursued a set of conspiracy-filled lawsuits on behalf of former President Donald Trump in which they made unsubstantiated claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol on Tuesday subpoenaed Rudy Giuliani and other members of the legal team that pursued a set of conspiracy-filled lawsuits on behalf of former President Donald Trump in which they made unsubstantiated claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. In addition to Giuliani, Trump’s personal lawyer and a ringleader of the group, the panel subpoenaed three others who played central roles in his effort to use the courts, state legislatures and Congress to try to overturn his defeat. Jenna Ellis drafted a memo on how Trump could invalidate the election results by exploiting an obscure law. Sidney Powell, a lawyer who worked on many of the lawsuits with Giuliani, ran an organization that raised millions of dollars based on false claims that election machines were rigged. Boris Epshteyn pursued allegations of election fraud in Nevada and Arizona and is said to have participated in a call with Trump on the morning of Jan. 6, “during which options were discussed to delay the certification of election results,” the committee said. “The four individuals we’ve subpoenaed today advanced unsupported theories about election fraud, pushed efforts to overturn the election results or were in direct contact with the former president about attempts to stop the counting of electoral votes,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. and the chairman of the committee, said in a statement. The subpoena to Giuliani, obtained by The New York Times, seeks all documents he has detailing the pressure campaign he and other Trump allies initiated targeting state officials; the seizure of voting machines; contact with members of Congress; any evidence to support the bizarre conspiracy theories pushed; and any arrangements for his attorney’s fees. The panel instructed the four witnesses to turn over documents and submit to an interview in February. The latest subpoenas came as the committee, which has interviewed nearly 400 witnesses, has issued a wide range of demands for records, including to banks and phone companies. On Tuesday, CNN reported that the committee had also obtained logs of phone calls and text messages belonging to the former president’s son Eric Trump and to Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of another son, Donald Trump Jr. The logs do not reveal the content of the messages. A committee spokesperson declined to comment on that report. For weeks after the election, Giuliani and his team — which Ellis described as an “elite strike force” — promoted baseless claims of voter fraud through failed lawsuits, news conferences, media appearances and meetings with lawmakers. The committee said in a letter to Giuliani that its investigation had revealed “credible evidence” that he participated in attempts to “disrupt or delay the certification of the election results,” convince state legislators to “take steps to overturn the election results” and urge Trump to order the seizure of voting machines. Giuliani claimed fraud at a series of unofficial state legislative hearings, and even argued one election fraud case himself, in federal court in Philadelphia, where he suffered a decisive defeat. “Voters, not lawyers, choose the president,” the court declared at one point. On Jan. 6, speaking to a crowd of Trump supporters before the attack on the Capitol, Giuliani called for “trial by combat.” Later, as the building was under siege, he called lawmakers in an attempt to delay the certification of Joe Biden’s victory. “Sen. Tuberville, or I should say coach Tuberville, this is Rudy Giuliani, the president’s lawyer,” Giuliani said in a voicemail message intended for Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., but mistakenly left on the phone of Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. “I’m calling you because I want to discuss with you how they’re trying to rush this hearing and how we need you, our Republican friends, to try to just slow it down.” Ellis, the committee said, “prepared and circulated” two memos analyzing the constitutional authority for former Vice President Mike Pence to reject or delay counting electoral votes from states where Trump’s allies had attempted to arrange for the submission of an alternate slate of electors. In the memos, obtained by Politico, Ellis advised that Pence had the authority to not count electoral votes from six states in which the Trump campaign falsely alleged there was widespread fraud. Powell was among the leading promoters of some of the most far-fetched and fantastical claims of widespread voter fraud, including a bizarre conspiracy theory alleging a vast plot by China, Venezuela and financier George Soros to hack into Dominion Voting Systems machines to flip votes away from Trump to Biden. She, too, urged Trump to seize voting machines, according to the committee. In December, Trump considered naming Powell to be a special counsel overseeing an investigation of voter fraud, even after his campaign had sought to distance itself from her as she aired wild and baseless claims about Dominion voting machines. Her organization, Defending the Republic, raised $14.9 million between December 2020 and July. Powell’s group has more than $9.3 million in funds on hand, according to an independent audit filed with Florida, which investigated the organization and alleged multiple violations of state law. Epshteyn reportedly attended planning meetings at the Willard Hotel in the days leading up to Jan. 6, the committee said. The panel, citing reporting from The Guardian, said he also participated in a call with Trump the morning of Jan. 6 that included a discussion of Pence’s “unwillingness to deny or delay the certification.” Giuliani is facing a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems, alleging he carried out “a viral disinformation campaign about Dominion” made up of “demonstrably false” allegations, in part to enrich himself through legal fees and his podcast. In June, his law license was suspended after a New York court ruled he made “demonstrably false and misleading statements” while fighting the results of the 2020 election. An internal memo made public through a defamation suit filed by a Dominion employee revealed in November that Trump’s campaign had determined many of the outlandish claims they were making about election machines were untrue. On Twitter, Epshteyn said he was not surprised by the subpoena. He accused the committee of engaging in a “Stalinist witch hunt” against Trump and his supporters. Robert Costello, a lawyer for Giuliani, called the subpoena “political theater” and said Giuliani would be covered by executive privilege, should Trump invoke it, as well as attorney-client privilege. “They’re not going to charge Rudy Giuliani with anything, and they’re also not going to get any information from Rudy Giuliani factually,” he said, adding: “Did they even call me and even ask if Rudy would voluntarily talk to them?” Ellis and Powell did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Jan. 6 panel subpoenas Giuliani, digging into false vote fraud claims

A year has passed since the US went to the polls but the change in dates has not stopped former President Donald Trump from carrying on with his election fraud claims. In his first public speech of 2022 addressing a gathering in Arizona, Trump said that the alleged voter fraud was the real insurrection comparing his unsubstantiated claims to the Jan 6 riots that shook the entire country.

Former US Prez Donald Trump addresses gathering in Arizona, says voter fraud was real insurrection

In a crowd-pleasing speech in Arizona on Saturday (January 15), former United States President Donald Trump reiterated unfounded claims that the 2020 presidential elections were stolen from him.&nbsp;

In front of thousands of supporters who were waving flags written 'Trump 2020' and 'Trump 2024', the Republic leader&nbsp;said, "We are done having our lives controlled by politicians in Washington. We are done with the mandates."

He added, "The radical Democrats want to turn the United States into a communist country. We won those elections. We won them big. We can't let them get away with it."&nbsp;

"If an election were held today, we would trounce them so badly in a landslide in every way, just as we really did on Nov. 3. We trounced them. If we had an honest press, the election would have been much different," Trump added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hostage-crisis-at-us-synagogue-ends-everyone-out-alive-safe-445112">Hostage crisis at US synagogue ends: Everyone out alive, safe</a>

During the rally, other speakers had kept to similar themes as they slammed US President Joe Biden as "weak" and "deranged."

They included Kari Lake, whom Trump has endorsed for governor of Arizona in this year's race. She has previously said she would not have certified Biden's victory if she had been in office at the time.

Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, who has spent millions of dollars trying to overturn the election, with a focus on the machines used to count ballots, told the crowd he was not going to give up.

"And I will promise you this, there's not gonna be any election with any machines or computers done in 2022," he said.&nbsp;

During the rally, Trump walked out on a popular song of a former WWE professional wrestler known as The Undertaker.&nbsp;

Watch:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Undertaker Theme at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpRally?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpRally</a>💀 <a href="https://t.co/IXk87N3hWo">pic.twitter.com/IXk87N3hWo</a>
— (AD) Deo Non Fortuna (@_labour_first) <a href="https://twitter.com/_labour_first/status/1482537731586674692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH |&nbsp;Republican party threatens to boycott tradition of participating in the US presidential debates

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&nbsp;

In a crowd-pleasing speech in Arizona on Saturday (January 15), former United States President Donald Trump reiterated unfounded claims that the 2020 presidential elections were stolen from him.

In a crowd-pleasing speech in Arizona on Saturday (January 15), former United States President Donald Trump reiterated unfounded claims that the 2020 presidential elections were stolen from him. In front of thousands of supporters who were waving flags written 'Trump 2020' and 'Trump 2024', the Republic leader said, "We are done having our lives controlled by politicians in Washington. We are done with the mandates." He added, "The radical Democrats want to turn the United States into a communist country. We won those elections. We won them big. We can't let them get away with it." "If an election were held today, we would trounce them so badly in a landslide in every way, just as we really did on Nov. 3. We trounced them. If we had an honest press, the election would have been much different," Trump added. ALSO READ | Hostage crisis at US synagogue ends: Everyone out alive, safe During the rally, other speakers had kept to similar themes as they slammed US President Joe Biden as "weak" and "deranged." They included Kari Lake, whom Trump has endorsed for governor of Arizona in this year's race. She has previously said she would not have certified Biden's victory if she had been in office at the time. Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, who has spent millions of dollars trying to overturn the election, with a focus on the machines used to count ballots, told the crowd he was not going to give up. "And I will promise you this, there's not gonna be any election with any machines or computers done in 2022," he said. During the rally, Trump walked out on a popular song of a former WWE professional wrestler known as The Undertaker. Watch: Undertaker Theme at the #TrumpRally💀 pic.twitter.com/IXk87N3hWo — (AD) Deo Non Fortuna (@_labour_first) January 16, 2022 × WATCH | Republican party threatens to boycott tradition of participating in the US presidential debates ×

Donald Trump reiterates claims that 2020 US presidential election was stolen

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi had vowed to take revenge against Trump over Soleimani's killing. Iran released an animated video of former US President Donald Trump being targeted by a drone on a golf course. The video was showcased on Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's offcial site.

Iran's mock video of drone strike on Donald Trump

The House Select Committee investigating the last year’s insurrection on the US Capitol has issued subpoenas to three White House officials who worked closely with former President Donald Trump.

Congressman Bennie Thompson, the chairman of the select committee, issued subpoenas to Ross Worthington, former advisor of Trump, Andy Surabian and Arthur Schwartz—Donald Trump Jr.’s aides— the House Select Committee said in a statement.

Worthington had helped draft the former president's speech for a rally before Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

“The committee is demanding records and testimony from three witnesses involved in planning and preparations for the January 6th rally at the Ellipse, which immediately preceded the violent attack on the Capitol,” the statement said.

The subpoenas have been issued to inquire whether the former president’s speech hinted at White House’s prior knowledge of plans to attack the Capitol.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/did-the-simpsons-forecast-us-capitol-riots-more-predictions-inside-278321">Did The Simpsons forecast US Capitol riots? More predictions inside!</a>

In that rally at the Ellipse park area near the White House, Trump told his supporters he would never concede the November 2020 presidential election.

“We have reason to believe the individuals we've subpoenaed today have relevant information and we expect them to join the more than 340 individuals who have spoken with the Select Committee,” the panel said.

Hundreds of Trump supporters had stormed to the Capitol in January 2021 to stop the US Congress from certifying his loss to Joe Biden after he falsely claimed that he lost due to electoral fraud.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-hill-violence-investigation-committee-issues-subpoenas-to-top-trump-lieutenants-427861">Capitol Hill violence: Investigation committee issues subpoenas to top Trump lieutenants</a>

Four people died in the hours-long chaos after Trump urged supporters to march to the Capitol and “fight like hell.”

One police officer died that day after battling rioters, and four police officers later died by suicide.

Around 140 police officers were injured. US prosecutors have brought criminal charges against at least 725 people linked to the riot.

(With inputs from agencies)

The House Select Committee investigating the last year’s insurrection on the US Capitol has issued subpoenas to three White House officials who worked closely with former President Donald Trump.

The House Select Committee investigating the last year’s insurrection on the US Capitol has issued subpoenas to three White House officials who worked closely with former President Donald Trump. Congressman Bennie Thompson, the chairman of the select committee, issued subpoenas to Ross Worthington, former advisor of Trump, Andy Surabian and Arthur Schwartz—Donald Trump Jr.’s aides— the House Select Committee said in a statement. Worthington had helped draft the former president's speech for a rally before Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. “The committee is demanding records and testimony from three witnesses involved in planning and preparations for the January 6th rally at the Ellipse, which immediately preceded the violent attack on the Capitol,” the statement said. The subpoenas have been issued to inquire whether the former president’s speech hinted at White House’s prior knowledge of plans to attack the Capitol. Also read | Did The Simpsons forecast US Capitol riots? More predictions inside! In that rally at the Ellipse park area near the White House, Trump told his supporters he would never concede the November 2020 presidential election. “We have reason to believe the individuals we've subpoenaed today have relevant information and we expect them to join the more than 340 individuals who have spoken with the Select Committee,” the panel said. Hundreds of Trump supporters had stormed to the Capitol in January 2021 to stop the US Congress from certifying his loss to Joe Biden after he falsely claimed that he lost due to electoral fraud. Also read | Capitol Hill violence: Investigation committee issues subpoenas to top Trump lieutenants Four people died in the hours-long chaos after Trump urged supporters to march to the Capitol and “fight like hell.” One police officer died that day after battling rioters, and four police officers later died by suicide. Around 140 police officers were injured. US prosecutors have brought criminal charges against at least 725 people linked to the riot. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump’s former aide, 2 Republican strategists receive subpoenas from Capitol attack probe committee

A 72-year-old man from New York city was indicted for threatening to kidnap and kill former US president Donald Trump.

Thomas Welnicki was formally arrested on Monday after investigations showed incriminating evidence against him.

Welnicki had made several phone calls to the Secret Service over the past one year threatening Trump with dire consequences if he failed to leave the White House, according to federal court documents.&nbsp;

According to the complaint, Melnick told US Capitol Police during an interrogation in July 2020 that if Trump “loses the 2020 election and refused to step down” he would “acquire weapons and take him down.”

Welnicki also allegedly told the Secret Service that there was a $350,000 reward to kill Trump and the lawmakers and said he might travel to Georgia on the same day the then-president was due to be there, January&nbsp;4, 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-retaliates-against-bidens-capitol-riot-anniversary-speech-calls-it-political-theatre-442812">Trump retaliates against Biden's Capitol riot anniversary speech, calls it 'political theatre'</a>

Trump was referred to as “Individual-1” in the complaint filed in US District Court in Brooklyn. But a footnote in that document identifies Welnicki’s target as the person who served as president from January 2017 through January 2021.

According to the complaint, in one voicemail left with the Secret Service, Welnicki said he would “do anything I can to take out” Trump.

“Oh yeah, that’s a threat to come and arrest me,” he was quoted as saying. “I will do anything I can to take out (Trump) and his 12 monkeys … if I had the opportunity to do it in Manhattan, that would be awesome … tomorrow (Trump) will be in Georgia, maybe I will.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-non-woke-social-media-app-rivalling-the-biased-big-tech-to-launch-soon-442778">Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon</a>

By 12 monkeys, he referred to 12 unnamed members of Congress.

Melnick is also accused of having called the Secret Service's desk in New York City last November three times from his cell phone, introducing himself by name each time.

As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to nightly house arrest and to be fitted with a GPS monitoring device.

In addition, he was ordered to seek support for his mental health as well as to seek treatment for any addiction to alcohol or drugs, said a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 72-year-old man from New York city was indicted for threatening to kidnap and kill former US president Donald Trump. Thomas Welnicki was formally arrested on Monday after investigations showed incriminating evidence against him.

A 72-year-old man from New York city was indicted for threatening to kidnap and kill former US president Donald Trump. Thomas Welnicki was formally arrested on Monday after investigations showed incriminating evidence against him. Welnicki had made several phone calls to the Secret Service over the past one year threatening Trump with dire consequences if he failed to leave the White House, according to federal court documents. According to the complaint, Melnick told US Capitol Police during an interrogation in July 2020 that if Trump “loses the 2020 election and refused to step down” he would “acquire weapons and take him down.” Welnicki also allegedly told the Secret Service that there was a $350,000 reward to kill Trump and the lawmakers and said he might travel to Georgia on the same day the then-president was due to be there, January 4, 2021. Also read | Trump retaliates against Biden's Capitol riot anniversary speech, calls it 'political theatre' Trump was referred to as “Individual-1” in the complaint filed in US District Court in Brooklyn. But a footnote in that document identifies Welnicki’s target as the person who served as president from January 2017 through January 2021. According to the complaint, in one voicemail left with the Secret Service, Welnicki said he would “do anything I can to take out” Trump. “Oh yeah, that’s a threat to come and arrest me,” he was quoted as saying. “I will do anything I can to take out (Trump) and his 12 monkeys … if I had the opportunity to do it in Manhattan, that would be awesome … tomorrow (Trump) will be in Georgia, maybe I will.” Also read | Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon By 12 monkeys, he referred to 12 unnamed members of Congress. Melnick is also accused of having called the Secret Service's desk in New York City last November three times from his cell phone, introducing himself by name each time. As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to nightly house arrest and to be fitted with a GPS monitoring device. In addition, he was ordered to seek support for his mental health as well as to seek treatment for any addiction to alcohol or drugs, said a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office. (With inputs from agencies)

72-year-old man from New York charged with threatening to kidnap and kill Donald Trump

Last year on January 6, a year after the mob of hundreds of angry supporters of former United States President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in Washington DC, with an intention to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.&nbsp;

During the attack, the rioters vandalised property, assaulted some of the lawmakers and they even occupied the building for several hours. Many were injured and at least five people died either shortly before, during or following the incident.&nbsp;

Ever since the incident, one of the major questions that have been raised is: was there any lapse in internal security, did the intelligence agencies fail to anticipate the extent of destruction the attacks might cause.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-talk-missiles-and-military-exercises-in-ukraine-with-russia-official-443265">US ready to talk missiles and military exercises in Ukraine with Russia: Official</a>

Last year <a href="https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/media/majority-media/peters-portman-klobuchar-blunt-release-bipartisan-report-investigating-january-6th-capitol-attack">a Senate probe</a> into the incident uncovered a "number of intelligence and security failures" leading up to and on the day violence erupted on Jan 6.

As per the 95-page report, warnings of the potential attack at the Capitol weren't issued by intelligence officers, including the FBI. The police officers were unprepared to deal with rioters.

The report, which was published by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Rules committees, had stated that the police's intelligence unit "knew about social media posts" that were circulated ahead of the attack. The posts mentioned violence at the Capitol including a plot to breach the building.

The report also highlighted other delays, and now a latest report by The Associated Press reiterates the same thing as it states the police agency for days underestimated the prospect of chaotic violence and disruptions and the intelligence reports show how.

As per the media report, those documents also obtained by AP, warned that crowds could number in thousands and include members of extremist groups like the Proud Boys.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden accused his predecessor Trump Thursday of attempting to block the democratic transfer of power on January 6, 2021 after losing the presidential election.

"For the first time in our history, a president not just lost an election; he tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power as a violent mob breached the Capitol," Biden said in a speech marking the first anniversary of the attack on the US Congress.

"This wasn't a group of tourists. This was an armed insurrection," he said.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Last year on January 6, a year after the mob of hundreds of angry supporters of former United States President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in Washington DC, with an intention to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

Last year on January 6, a year after the mob of hundreds of angry supporters of former United States President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in Washington DC, with an intention to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. During the attack, the rioters vandalised property, assaulted some of the lawmakers and they even occupied the building for several hours. Many were injured and at least five people died either shortly before, during or following the incident. Ever since the incident, one of the major questions that have been raised is: was there any lapse in internal security, did the intelligence agencies fail to anticipate the extent of destruction the attacks might cause. ALSO READ | US ready to talk missiles and military exercises in Ukraine with Russia: Official Last year a Senate probe into the incident uncovered a "number of intelligence and security failures" leading up to and on the day violence erupted on Jan 6. As per the 95-page report, warnings of the potential attack at the Capitol weren't issued by intelligence officers, including the FBI. The police officers were unprepared to deal with rioters. The report, which was published by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Rules committees, had stated that the police's intelligence unit "knew about social media posts" that were circulated ahead of the attack. The posts mentioned violence at the Capitol including a plot to breach the building. The report also highlighted other delays, and now a latest report by The Associated Press reiterates the same thing as it states the police agency for days underestimated the prospect of chaotic violence and disruptions and the intelligence reports show how. As per the media report, those documents also obtained by AP, warned that crowds could number in thousands and include members of extremist groups like the Proud Boys. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden accused his predecessor Trump Thursday of attempting to block the democratic transfer of power on January 6, 2021 after losing the presidential election. "For the first time in our history, a president not just lost an election; he tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power as a violent mob breached the Capitol," Biden said in a speech marking the first anniversary of the attack on the US Congress. "This wasn't a group of tourists. This was an armed insurrection," he said. × (With inputs from agencies)

Did US intelligence reports fail to forecast Capitol riot?

The White House has confirmed that US President Joe Biden will deliver his first State of the Union address on March 1.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had sent the president a formal invitation to speak to Congress and the American public one year into his term.

After Biden accepted her invitation, Pelosi wrote him a letter saying ''Thank you for your bold vision and patriotic leadership which have guided America out of crisis and into an era of great progress, as we not only recover from the pandemic but Build Back Better!''

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The speech has been delayed due to the current explosion of Omicron-fueled coronavirus infections in the US is causing a breakdown in basic functions and services, the latest illustration of how COVID-19 keeps upending life more than two years into the pandemic.

This is the first time in US history that a State of the Union address or annual message will be delivered in March; for most of the past century presidents delivered their annual addresses to Congress in January or February.

The last State of the Union address was delivered by former US President Donald Trump on the eve of his acquittal by the Senate in his first impeachment trial.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-talk-missiles-and-military-exercises-in-ukraine-with-russia-official-443265" hreflang="en">US ready to talk missiles, military exercises in Ukraine with Russia: Official</a>

Biden first addressed a joint session of Congress in April 2021, about 100 days into his time in the White House, which he used to promote twin infrastructure and domestic spending bills.

An address to Congress in the president's first year is not an official State of the Union address, and Biden's April speech bore little resemblance to one because of strict COVID-19 protocols.

It was marked by limitations on attendance, with no guests allowed, and lawmakers seated on both the floor of the House chamber and the galleries above.

March 1 also marks the start of the congressional election season as Texas will hold primary elections that day for Democrats and Republicans to choose their candidates for the Nov. 8 election.

Addresses by the president to a joint session of Congress are normally filled with pomp and circumstance, but have also become a vehicle for partisan posturing.&nbsp;

In 2020, Pelosi tore up the copy of former President Donald Trump's speech that he handed her as part of the ceremony.

In 2009 Republican Representative Joe Wilson shouted "You lie!" at Obama during a special speech to a joint session of Congress to pitch for the Obamacare healthcare bill.&nbsp;

Wilson was widely condemned for the breach of protocol by both Republicans and Democrats, and apologized publicly to the president. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House has confirmed that US President Joe Biden will deliver his first State of the Union address on March 1. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had sent the president a formal invitation to speak to Congress and the American public one year into his term.

The White House has confirmed that US President Joe Biden will deliver his first State of the Union address on March 1. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had sent the president a formal invitation to speak to Congress and the American public one year into his term. After Biden accepted her invitation, Pelosi wrote him a letter saying ''Thank you for your bold vision and patriotic leadership which have guided America out of crisis and into an era of great progress, as we not only recover from the pandemic but Build Back Better!'' The speech has been delayed due to the current explosion of Omicron-fueled coronavirus infections in the US is causing a breakdown in basic functions and services, the latest illustration of how COVID-19 keeps upending life more than two years into the pandemic. This is the first time in US history that a State of the Union address or annual message will be delivered in March; for most of the past century presidents delivered their annual addresses to Congress in January or February. The last State of the Union address was delivered by former US President Donald Trump on the eve of his acquittal by the Senate in his first impeachment trial. Also read | US ready to talk missiles, military exercises in Ukraine with Russia: Official Biden first addressed a joint session of Congress in April 2021, about 100 days into his time in the White House, which he used to promote twin infrastructure and domestic spending bills. An address to Congress in the president's first year is not an official State of the Union address, and Biden's April speech bore little resemblance to one because of strict COVID-19 protocols. It was marked by limitations on attendance, with no guests allowed, and lawmakers seated on both the floor of the House chamber and the galleries above. March 1 also marks the start of the congressional election season as Texas will hold primary elections that day for Democrats and Republicans to choose their candidates for the Nov. 8 election. Addresses by the president to a joint session of Congress are normally filled with pomp and circumstance, but have also become a vehicle for partisan posturing. In 2020, Pelosi tore up the copy of former President Donald Trump's speech that he handed her as part of the ceremony. In 2009 Republican Representative Joe Wilson shouted "You lie!" at Obama during a special speech to a joint session of Congress to pitch for the Obamacare healthcare bill. Wilson was widely condemned for the breach of protocol by both Republicans and Democrats, and apologized publicly to the president. (With inputs from agencies)

White House confirms Joe Biden will deliver first State of the Union address on March 1

The former US President Donald Trump on Thursday fired back at President Joe Biden on the first anniversary of the Capitol riot, repeating his claim that the 2020 election is being rigged. This retaliation came after the current president attacked his predecessor labelling him as a dangerous threat to American democracy.

Trump used Biden's own language from his January 6 anniversary speech in several of his comments, accusing the veteran Democrat of a "web of lies" and asserting that the November 2020 election won by Biden was actually stolen from him.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-his-speech-on-the-anniversary-of-capitol-riots-biden-deems-trump-as-a-defeated-former-president-442730" hreflang="en">In his speech on the anniversary of Capitol riots, Biden deems Trump as a 'defeated former President'</a>

He alleged that it was Biden rather than himself, who prevented a "peaceful transfer" of power a year ago when Trump supporters attacked the Capitol demanding Biden's election results be overturned.

"They spread a 'web of lies' about me and Russia for four years to try to overturn the 2016 election, and now they lie about how they interfered in the 2020 election, too," Trump said.

"Never forget the crime of the 2020 Presidential Election. Never give up!"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-non-woke-social-media-app-rivalling-the-biased-big-tech-to-launch-soon-442778">Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon</a>

Trump's statement follows a forceful speech by Biden inside the Capitol marking the anniversary of the 2021 assault.

"The lies that drove the anger and madness we saw in this place, they have not abated," Biden said, referring to Trump's election claims.

"I will allow no one to place a dagger at the throat of our democracy," he said, never mentioning Trump's name directly, only referring to him as "the former president."

Nevertheless, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Trump</a> accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Biden</a> of "political theater" and repeated his charge which is to date not backed up by any evidence-- that the 2020 vote count in key states like Georgia and Arizona was fraudulent, cheating him of a second term.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Capitol riots: One year on, America more polarised than ever

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Biden "used my name today to try to further divide America," Trump said.

"This political theater is all just a distraction for the fact Biden has completely and totally failed," Trump said.

"Just look at the numbers, they speak for themselves," the former president said.

"They are not justifiable, so the complicit media just calls it the Big Lie, when in actuality the Big Lie was the Election itself."

US courts, the states in question and the Justice Department have, however, repeatedly rejected Trump's claims of fraudulent voting and vote counts.

(With inputs from agencies)

The former US President Donald Trump on Thursday fired back at President Joe Biden on the first anniversary of the Capitol riot, repeating his claim that the 2020 election is being rigged.

The former US President Donald Trump on Thursday fired back at President Joe Biden on the first anniversary of the Capitol riot, repeating his claim that the 2020 election is being rigged. This retaliation came after the current president attacked his predecessor labelling him as a dangerous threat to American democracy. Trump used Biden's own language from his January 6 anniversary speech in several of his comments, accusing the veteran Democrat of a "web of lies" and asserting that the November 2020 election won by Biden was actually stolen from him. Also read | In his speech on the anniversary of Capitol riots, Biden deems Trump as a 'defeated former President' He alleged that it was Biden rather than himself, who prevented a "peaceful transfer" of power a year ago when Trump supporters attacked the Capitol demanding Biden's election results be overturned. "They spread a 'web of lies' about me and Russia for four years to try to overturn the 2016 election, and now they lie about how they interfered in the 2020 election, too," Trump said. "Never forget the crime of the 2020 Presidential Election. Never give up!" Also read | Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon Trump's statement follows a forceful speech by Biden inside the Capitol marking the anniversary of the 2021 assault. "The lies that drove the anger and madness we saw in this place, they have not abated," Biden said, referring to Trump's election claims. "I will allow no one to place a dagger at the throat of our democracy," he said, never mentioning Trump's name directly, only referring to him as "the former president." Nevertheless, Trump accused Biden of "political theater" and repeated his charge which is to date not backed up by any evidence-- that the 2020 vote count in key states like Georgia and Arizona was fraudulent, cheating him of a second term. Watch | Gravitas: Capitol riots: One year on, America more polarised than ever Biden "used my name today to try to further divide America," Trump said. "This political theater is all just a distraction for the fact Biden has completely and totally failed," Trump said. "Just look at the numbers, they speak for themselves," the former president said. "They are not justifiable, so the complicit media just calls it the Big Lie, when in actuality the Big Lie was the Election itself." US courts, the states in question and the Justice Department have, however, repeatedly rejected Trump's claims of fraudulent voting and vote counts. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump retaliates against Biden's Capitol riot anniversary speech, calls it 'political theatre'

A listing in Apple's App Store indicates that former US President Donald Trump's media group is planning to launch its long-promised social network in February.

One of Trump's visions for the upcoming platform is for it to be an alternative to Silicon Valley internet companies, which he claims are biased against him and other conservative voices.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-donald-trumps-social-media-company-gets-agreements-for-1-billion-in-capital-434233">Former US president Donald Trump's social media company gets agreements for $1 billion in capital</a>

The 75-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;was barred from using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/facebook">Facebook</a>, and YouTube after last year's January 6 insurrection, when a mob of supporters riled by his repeated false claims that the November 2020 election had been stolen from him assaulted the US Capitol.

He was also permanently banned from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/twitter">Twitter</a> - one of his preferred methods of communication while president for incitement, and "glorification of violence".

As indicated in the listing, the "Truth Social" app is "expected" to go live on February 21 and will have features similar to those found in Facebook's online connection tools.

Currently, invited guests are using the social network as it gets ready for public launch, according to Trump Media and Technology Group.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Capitol riots: One year on, America more polarised than ever

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Truth Social will join an already crowded market of social networks popular among conservatives and members of the far-right.

Gettr, Parler, and Gab are already favoured by Trump supporters. Gettr was launched in July by a former adviser to the real estate mogul.

On the one year anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot, President Joe Biden ripped into Donald Trump, decrying his "lies" and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. On the first anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riots, he promised he would not let anyone put a "dagger at the throat of democracy."

Having ignored Trump for more than a year, Biden has now taken off the gloves, calling the Republican a cheat whose ego wouldn't allow him to accept defeat and whose supporters nearly destroyed US democracy when they stormed Congress to prevent certification of the election.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-his-speech-on-the-anniversary-of-capitol-riots-biden-deems-trump-as-a-defeated-former-president-442730" hreflang="en">In his speech on the anniversary of Capitol riots, Biden deems Trump as a 'defeated former President'</a>

With millions of followers, Trump has spent the last year spreading conspiracy theories about his election loss. He quickly shot back with a series of statements doubling down on his lie about the "rigged" election and dismissing Biden's speech as "political theater."

(With inputs from agencies)

A listing in Apple's App Store indicates that former US President Donald Trump's media group is planning to launch its long-promised social network in February. One of Trump's visions for the upcoming platform is for it to be an alternative to Silicon Valley internet companies, which he claims are biased against him and other conservative voices.

A listing in Apple's App Store indicates that former US President Donald Trump's media group is planning to launch its long-promised social network in February. One of Trump's visions for the upcoming platform is for it to be an alternative to Silicon Valley internet companies, which he claims are biased against him and other conservative voices. Also read | Former US president Donald Trump's social media company gets agreements for $1 billion in capital The 75-year-old Donald Trump was barred from using Facebook, and YouTube after last year's January 6 insurrection, when a mob of supporters riled by his repeated false claims that the November 2020 election had been stolen from him assaulted the US Capitol. He was also permanently banned from Twitter - one of his preferred methods of communication while president for incitement, and "glorification of violence". As indicated in the listing, the "Truth Social" app is "expected" to go live on February 21 and will have features similar to those found in Facebook's online connection tools. Currently, invited guests are using the social network as it gets ready for public launch, according to Trump Media and Technology Group. Watch | Gravitas: Capitol riots: One year on, America more polarised than ever Truth Social will join an already crowded market of social networks popular among conservatives and members of the far-right. Gettr, Parler, and Gab are already favoured by Trump supporters. Gettr was launched in July by a former adviser to the real estate mogul. On the one year anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot, President Joe Biden ripped into Donald Trump, decrying his "lies" and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. On the first anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riots, he promised he would not let anyone put a "dagger at the throat of democracy." Having ignored Trump for more than a year, Biden has now taken off the gloves, calling the Republican a cheat whose ego wouldn't allow him to accept defeat and whose supporters nearly destroyed US democracy when they stormed Congress to prevent certification of the election. Also read | In his speech on the anniversary of Capitol riots, Biden deems Trump as a 'defeated former President' With millions of followers, Trump has spent the last year spreading conspiracy theories about his election loss. He quickly shot back with a series of statements doubling down on his lie about the "rigged" election and dismissing Biden's speech as "political theater." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday said that the United States President Joe Biden will speak about the truth of what had happened when the US Capitol was attacked last year on January 6.&nbsp;

The US President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will address the nation, marking the first anniversary of the January 6 attack against Congress. The event is scheduled for 9:00am local time.&nbsp;

Last year, on January 6, supporters of Republican then-President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol to block Congress from certifying Biden's presidential election victory.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-progress-with-russia-so-long-as-gun-to-ukraines-head-blinken-442529">No progress with Russia so long as 'gun to Ukraine's head': Blinken</a>

During the White House media briefing, aiming at former President Donald Trump, Psaki said that the President is going to speak the truth, "not the lies" that some have spread since. She said that the lies posed peril to the rule of law and the "system of democratic governance".&nbsp;

So far, Biden has mostly opted to ignore Trump, despite the repeated claims made by some of the Republicans, especially Trump that there were discrepancies in the 2020 elections.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Psaki said that Biden has been "clear-eyed about the threat the former President represents to our democracy". She added that Biden acknowledges how the former President [Donald Trump] "constantly works to undermine basic American values and rule of law".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-floyds-4-year-old-niece-shot-in-her-houston-home-442504">George Floyd’s 4-year-old niece shot in her Houston home</a>

On being asked about whether Biden will mention Trump's role in the riot during his address, Psaki said, "I would expect that President Biden will lay out the significance of what happened at the Capitol and the singular responsibility President Trump has for the chaos and carnage that we saw."

"And he will forcibly push back on the lie spread by the former President in an attempt to mislead the American people and his own supporters, as well as distract from his role in what happened," she added.&nbsp;

She also added that Biden sees January 6 attacks on US Capitol as a "tragic culmination of what those four years under President Trump did to our country". She added that the speech is not finalised yet, but people will know who he is referring to.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why is Melania Trump auctioning her possessions from White House?

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White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday said that the United States President Joe Biden will speak about the truth of what had happened when the US Capitol was attacked last year on January 6.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday said that the United States President Joe Biden will speak about the truth of what had happened when the US Capitol was attacked last year on January 6. The US President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will address the nation, marking the first anniversary of the January 6 attack against Congress. The event is scheduled for 9:00am local time. Last year, on January 6, supporters of Republican then-President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol to block Congress from certifying Biden's presidential election victory. ALSO READ | No progress with Russia so long as 'gun to Ukraine's head': Blinken During the White House media briefing, aiming at former President Donald Trump, Psaki said that the President is going to speak the truth, "not the lies" that some have spread since. She said that the lies posed peril to the rule of law and the "system of democratic governance". So far, Biden has mostly opted to ignore Trump, despite the repeated claims made by some of the Republicans, especially Trump that there were discrepancies in the 2020 elections. Meanwhile, Psaki said that Biden has been "clear-eyed about the threat the former President represents to our democracy". She added that Biden acknowledges how the former President [Donald Trump] "constantly works to undermine basic American values and rule of law". ALSO READ | George Floyd’s 4-year-old niece shot in her Houston home On being asked about whether Biden will mention Trump's role in the riot during his address, Psaki said, "I would expect that President Biden will lay out the significance of what happened at the Capitol and the singular responsibility President Trump has for the chaos and carnage that we saw." "And he will forcibly push back on the lie spread by the former President in an attempt to mislead the American people and his own supporters, as well as distract from his role in what happened," she added. She also added that Biden sees January 6 attacks on US Capitol as a "tragic culmination of what those four years under President Trump did to our country". She added that the speech is not finalised yet, but people will know who he is referring to. WATCH | Gravitas: Why is Melania Trump auctioning her possessions from White House? ×

Joe Biden to blame Donald Trump for 'singular responsibility' in January 6 'chaos and carnage': White House

More than 1000 public figures in the United States participated in the Capitol riot and aided former President Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election as per the Insurrection Index.

Many of these people are either current or former government employees at the federal, state or local level. 213 of them are incumbents in elected office and 29 are running as candidates for positions of power in the upcoming election.

The list also includes 59 military veterans, 31 current law enforcement officials, and seven people on local school boards.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympic-gold-medallist-klete-keller-charged-for-role-in-us-capitol-riots-356682">Also read |&nbsp;Olympic gold-medallist Klete Keller charged for role in US Capitol riots</a>

Insurrection Index is a searchable database of records on individuals and organizations in positions of public trust who were involved in the deadly attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

It is the brainchild of Public Wise, a non-partisan organization that aims to ensure fair and equitable voting rights in the US.

“These are folks who silenced the voices of American voters, who took a validly held election and created fraudulent information to try to silence voters. They have no business being near legislation or being able to affect the lives of American people,” said Christina Baal-Owens, the executive director of Public Wise.

Trump on Tuesday called off a planned press conference to mark one year since the riot and said he was cancelling the event at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida "in light of the total bias and dishonesty" of the congressional committee probing the assault by his supporters, and of the media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/did-the-simpsons-forecast-us-capitol-riots-more-predictions-inside-278321">Also see |&nbsp;Did The Simpsons forecast US Capitol riots? More predictions inside!</a>

Around 140 police officers were assaulted during the riot, according to the Justice Department. One officer who battled rioters died the day after the attack and four who guarded the Capitol later died by suicide.&nbsp;

Four rioters also died, including one who was shot by police as she tried to climb inside the building through a shattered window.

The US Congress' probe of the deadly January 6 assault on the Capitol by Donald Trump supporters soon begins weeks of public hearings that will put the investigation in the spotlight as campaigning intensifies for the November elections.

The probe into the worst attack on Congress since the War of 1812 has largely played out behind closed doors so far.&nbsp;

The House of Representatives Select Committee on January 6 has interviewed more than 300 witnesses about the violence by Trump supporters seeking to overturn his election defeat and Trump's response to it.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 1000 public figures in the United States participated in the Capitol riot and aided former President Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election as per the Insurrection Index.

More than 1000 public figures in the United States participated in the Capitol riot and aided former President Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election as per the Insurrection Index. Many of these people are either current or former government employees at the federal, state or local level. 213 of them are incumbents in elected office and 29 are running as candidates for positions of power in the upcoming election. The list also includes 59 military veterans, 31 current law enforcement officials, and seven people on local school boards. Also read | Olympic gold-medallist Klete Keller charged for role in US Capitol riots Insurrection Index is a searchable database of records on individuals and organizations in positions of public trust who were involved in the deadly attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. It is the brainchild of Public Wise, a non-partisan organization that aims to ensure fair and equitable voting rights in the US. “These are folks who silenced the voices of American voters, who took a validly held election and created fraudulent information to try to silence voters. They have no business being near legislation or being able to affect the lives of American people,” said Christina Baal-Owens, the executive director of Public Wise. Trump on Tuesday called off a planned press conference to mark one year since the riot and said he was cancelling the event at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida "in light of the total bias and dishonesty" of the congressional committee probing the assault by his supporters, and of the media. Also see | Did The Simpsons forecast US Capitol riots? More predictions inside! Around 140 police officers were assaulted during the riot, according to the Justice Department. One officer who battled rioters died the day after the attack and four who guarded the Capitol later died by suicide. Four rioters also died, including one who was shot by police as she tried to climb inside the building through a shattered window. The US Congress' probe of the deadly January 6 assault on the Capitol by Donald Trump supporters soon begins weeks of public hearings that will put the investigation in the spotlight as campaigning intensifies for the November elections. The probe into the worst attack on Congress since the War of 1812 has largely played out behind closed doors so far. The House of Representatives Select Committee on January 6 has interviewed more than 300 witnesses about the violence by Trump supporters seeking to overturn his election defeat and Trump's response to it. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 1000 public figures participated in US Capitol riot, aided Trump’s effort to overturn election

New York's attorney general has issued subpoenas to former US President Donald Trump and his two eldest children Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump in probe over family business.

Donald Trump, Ivanka, Trump Jr. receive subpoena in probe over family business

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that former United States President Donald Trump must face trial for his alleged role in the assassination of top general Qassem Soleimani two years ago, otherwise, Iran will have revenge.&nbsp;

While speaking on the second anniversary of the assassination of Soleimani, Raisi said that Trump must be "tried and judged" under the (Islamic) law of retribution.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-is-constructing-a-new-bridge-on-pangong-tso-lake-satellite-imagery-shows-development-reports-442061">China is constructing a new bridge on Pangong Tso lake, satellite imagery shows development: Reports</a> 
&nbsp; 
Iran and its allies held emotional commemorations for General Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant who were assassinated in a US drone strike at Baghdad airport on January 3, 2020.&nbsp;

A convicted murderer can be executed unless the family of the victim agree to take "blood money" through reconciliation, as per Iran's Islamic laws.&nbsp;

"If Trump and (former secretary of state Mike) Pompeo are not tried in a fair court for the criminal act of assassinating General Soleimani, Muslims will take our martyr's revenge," Raisi said in a speech on Monday (January 3) as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

"The aggressor, murderer and main culprit - the then president of the United States - must be tried and judged under the (Islamic) law of retribution, and God's ruling must be carried out against him," Raisi added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-third-news-company-shutters-amid-chinese-crackdown-on-dissent-441939">Hong Kong: Third news company shutters amid Chinese crackdown on dissent</a>

On Sunday, Iran urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in a letter to hold the United States and Israel to account, according to Iranian media. Tehran says that Israel was also involved in the killing.&nbsp;

During Trump's tenure,&nbsp;tensions over Iran's nuclear programme escalated, leading to a new and painful sanctions regime.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that former United States President Donald Trump must face trial for his alleged role in the assassination of top general Qassem Soleimani two years ago, otherwise, Iran will have revenge.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that former United States President Donald Trump must face trial for his alleged role in the assassination of top general Qassem Soleimani two years ago, otherwise, Iran will have revenge. While speaking on the second anniversary of the assassination of Soleimani, Raisi said that Trump must be "tried and judged" under the (Islamic) law of retribution. ALSO READ | China is constructing a new bridge on Pangong Tso lake, satellite imagery shows development: Reports Iran and its allies held emotional commemorations for General Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant who were assassinated in a US drone strike at Baghdad airport on January 3, 2020. A convicted murderer can be executed unless the family of the victim agree to take "blood money" through reconciliation, as per Iran's Islamic laws. "If Trump and (former secretary of state Mike) Pompeo are not tried in a fair court for the criminal act of assassinating General Soleimani, Muslims will take our martyr's revenge," Raisi said in a speech on Monday (January 3) as quoted by Reuters. "The aggressor, murderer and main culprit - the then president of the United States - must be tried and judged under the (Islamic) law of retribution, and God's ruling must be carried out against him," Raisi added. ALSO READ | Hong Kong: Third news company shutters amid Chinese crackdown on dissent On Sunday, Iran urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in a letter to hold the United States and Israel to account, according to Iranian media. Tehran says that Israel was also involved in the killing. During Trump's tenure, tensions over Iran's nuclear programme escalated, leading to a new and painful sanctions regime. × (With inputs from agencies)

Iran vows revenge unless Donald Trump not put on trial for general Qassem Soleimani killing

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, on Monday, formally pledging his “complete support” to a far-right foreign leader who has touted turning Hungary into an “illiberal democracy.”

Orban and his party have steadily consolidated power in Hungary by weakening the country’s independent and democratic institutions — rewriting election laws to favor his Fidesz party, changing school textbooks, curbing press freedoms, overhauling the country’s Constitution and changing the composition of the judiciary.

The actions have caused consternation in the European Union, to which Hungary belongs, but also made Orban something of a cause célèbre in conservative American political circles, following years of an aggressive influence operation in the United States.

Last fall, Tucker Carlson, the top-rated Fox News host, broadcast from Budapest for a week, calling the nation a place “with a lot of lessons for the rest of us.” Former Vice President Mike Pence visited Hungary last year for a conference on conservative values. And the American Conservative Union has been promoting plans for a gathering there dubbed #CPACHungary later this year.

Orban was an early supporter of Trump, endorsing him in the summer of 2016. After he won, Trump granted Orban a meeting in the Oval Office in 2019. The Hungarian leader had been denied such an audience since 1998.

After that meeting, Trump said Orban was “probably, like me, a little bit controversial, but that’s OK.”

Orban again publicly backed Trump in 2020. Now, Trump is doing the same ahead of the Hungarian elections, scheduled for this spring.

In his endorsement Monday, Trump hailed Orban as a “strong leader” who has “done a powerful and wonderful job in protecting Hungary, stopping illegal immigration, creating jobs, trade, and should be allowed to continue to do so in the upcoming election.”

It is Trump’s second endorsement of a foreign leader since leaving the White House. He endorsed Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil, last year.

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, on Monday, formally pledging his “complete support” to a far-right foreign leader who has touted turning Hungary into an “illiberal democracy.

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, on Monday, formally pledging his “complete support” to a far-right foreign leader who has touted turning Hungary into an “illiberal democracy.” Orban and his party have steadily consolidated power in Hungary by weakening the country’s independent and democratic institutions — rewriting election laws to favor his Fidesz party, changing school textbooks, curbing press freedoms, overhauling the country’s Constitution and changing the composition of the judiciary. The actions have caused consternation in the European Union, to which Hungary belongs, but also made Orban something of a cause célèbre in conservative American political circles, following years of an aggressive influence operation in the United States. Last fall, Tucker Carlson, the top-rated Fox News host, broadcast from Budapest for a week, calling the nation a place “with a lot of lessons for the rest of us.” Former Vice President Mike Pence visited Hungary last year for a conference on conservative values. And the American Conservative Union has been promoting plans for a gathering there dubbed #CPACHungary later this year. Orban was an early supporter of Trump, endorsing him in the summer of 2016. After he won, Trump granted Orban a meeting in the Oval Office in 2019. The Hungarian leader had been denied such an audience since 1998. After that meeting, Trump said Orban was “probably, like me, a little bit controversial, but that’s OK.” Orban again publicly backed Trump in 2020. Now, Trump is doing the same ahead of the Hungarian elections, scheduled for this spring. In his endorsement Monday, Trump hailed Orban as a “strong leader” who has “done a powerful and wonderful job in protecting Hungary, stopping illegal immigration, creating jobs, trade, and should be allowed to continue to do so in the upcoming election.” It is Trump’s second endorsement of a foreign leader since leaving the White House. He endorsed Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil, last year.

Trump endorses Hungary’s far-right Prime Minister

Supporters of former US President Donald Trump have once again been accused of intimidation in the 2020 elections. According to the latest investigative report by Reuters, more than 850 threatening and hostile messages were aimed at election officials and staff.

Former US President Donald Trump's supporters accused of intimidation in the 2020 elections

Supporters of former US president Donald Trump have once again been accused of intimidation in the 2020 elections. According to a report by Reuters, more than 850 hostile messages aimed at election officials have been reported since the 2020 election. Almost all of them expressed support for Trump.

Supporters of former US president Donald Trump accused of intimidation in 2020 elections

Iran on Monday said that focus of the talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal should be lifting sanctions on the Islamic republic and 'guarantees' that the US will re-enter the deal. The talks are set to resume.

The negotiations have been on to salvage the deal in late November after a five-month hiatus following the election of ultraconservative Iran President Ebrahim Raisi.

The historic nuclear deal with Iran and world powers was reached in 2015. But former US president Donald Trump who took office after Barack Obama, unilaterally took the US out of the deal putting in jeopardy its future. The withdrawal of US was followed by crippling sanctions on Iran.

Iran has reported progress in the talks, but European diplomats have warned they are "rapidly reaching the end of the road".

US negotiator Rob Malley has said there are only "weeks" left to revive the deal, if the Islamic republic continues its current pace of nuclear activities.

The talks are expected to get underway in the Austrian capital at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT), according to a source close to the negotiations.

Ahead of the resumption, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said the agenda on Monday should be "the issue of guarantees and verification" on the lifting of US sanctions if it returns to the accord.

"The most important thing for us is to reach a point where we can verify that Iranian oil will be sold easily and without any limits, that the money for this oil will be transferred in foreign currency to Iranian bank accounts, and that we will be able to benefit from all the revenues," he said, quoted on Monday by state news agency IRNA.

The opening of the eighth round of the talks involves delegations from Iran and the other countries that remain party to the landmark accord -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia.

The multilateral nuclear deal reached in 2015 offered Iran a lifting of economic sanctions in return for strict curbs on its nuclear activities.

The goal was to make it practically impossible for Iran to build an atomic bomb, while allowing it to pursue a civilian nuclear programme.

US President Joe Biden has said he is willing to return to the deal as long as Iran also resumes the original terms.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran on Monday said that focus of the talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal should be lifting sanctions on the Islamic republic and 'guarantees' that the US will re-enter the deal.

Iran on Monday said that focus of the talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal should be lifting sanctions on the Islamic republic and 'guarantees' that the US will re-enter the deal. The talks are set to resume. The negotiations have been on to salvage the deal in late November after a five-month hiatus following the election of ultraconservative Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. The historic nuclear deal with Iran and world powers was reached in 2015. But former US president Donald Trump who took office after Barack Obama, unilaterally took the US out of the deal putting in jeopardy its future. The withdrawal of US was followed by crippling sanctions on Iran. Iran has reported progress in the talks, but European diplomats have warned they are "rapidly reaching the end of the road". US negotiator Rob Malley has said there are only "weeks" left to revive the deal, if the Islamic republic continues its current pace of nuclear activities. The talks are expected to get underway in the Austrian capital at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT), according to a source close to the negotiations. Ahead of the resumption, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said the agenda on Monday should be "the issue of guarantees and verification" on the lifting of US sanctions if it returns to the accord. "The most important thing for us is to reach a point where we can verify that Iranian oil will be sold easily and without any limits, that the money for this oil will be transferred in foreign currency to Iranian bank accounts, and that we will be able to benefit from all the revenues," he said, quoted on Monday by state news agency IRNA. The opening of the eighth round of the talks involves delegations from Iran and the other countries that remain party to the landmark accord -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. The multilateral nuclear deal reached in 2015 offered Iran a lifting of economic sanctions in return for strict curbs on its nuclear activities. The goal was to make it practically impossible for Iran to build an atomic bomb, while allowing it to pursue a civilian nuclear programme. US President Joe Biden has said he is willing to return to the deal as long as Iran also resumes the original terms. (With inputs from agencies)

As talks to salvage nuclear deal resume, Iran wants assurances

Former US President Donald Trump's golf courses claimed over $4 million in the furlough money of the UK government.

The turnover of his resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire was reduced by 50 per cent of what they used to earn.

In 2020 alone, Trump's leisure business in Balmedie reported a setback of $1.7 million.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-asks-sc-to-block-release-of-documents-relating-to-capitol-riot-probe-439470" hreflang="en">Donald Trump asks SC to block release of documents relating to Capitol riot probe</a>

Trump International Golf Club Scotland Ltd (TIGCS), which owns and operates the Trump International Scotland course, said forced the closure of the courses for part of the year and limited guest numbers due to social distancing rules and curfews.

Its report states "The UK government furlough scheme was helpful to retain as many jobs as possible, and the majority of employees were reinstated over the course of the year."&nbsp;

Trump, after decades of buying properties with debt, spent more than $300 million in cash purchasing and developing the Scottish courses, neither of which has turned a profit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heckled-by-supporters-in-texas-after-revealing-he-took-covid-booster-dose-438604" hreflang="en">Trump heckled by supporters in Texas after revealing he took Covid booster dose</a>

The Scottish parliament had rejected a call for the government to investigate how Donald Trump funded his purchase of two golf courses in Scotland.

Avaaz, a global human rights group, has filed a petition in Scotland’s highest civil court seeking a judicial review of the government's decision.

Britain introduced "unexplained wealth order"&nbsp;in 2018 to help authorities target the illicit wealth of foreign officials suspected of corruption and those involved in serious crimes.

However, they merely compel an individual to explain the source of their wealth but can pave the way for authorities to seize assets.

In 2006, Trump bought 1,000 acres in Aberdeenshire for more than $10 million. Since then, he’s spent another $60 million building a golf course, a small hotel, and a handful of holiday cottages, according to company filings with the UK corporate registry.

The Trump Organisation has said in public statements and filings that it has spent a total of more than $140 million on the development.

Trump, an avid golfer whose mother was Scottish, made a bigger investment in Turnberry, a seaside course that has four times hosted The Open - Europe's only golf major.&nbsp;

In 2014, he bought Turnberry’s course and resort for $60 million. Company filings in the UK show that Trump’s company spent another $100 million on course upgrades and other expenses.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US President Donald Trump's golf courses claimed over $4 million in the furlough money of the UK government. The turnover of his resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire was reduced by 50 per cent of what they used to earn.

Former US President Donald Trump's golf courses claimed over $4 million in the furlough money of the UK government. The turnover of his resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire was reduced by 50 per cent of what they used to earn. In 2020 alone, Trump's leisure business in Balmedie reported a setback of $1.7 million. Also read | Donald Trump asks SC to block release of documents relating to Capitol riot probe Trump International Golf Club Scotland Ltd (TIGCS), which owns and operates the Trump International Scotland course, said forced the closure of the courses for part of the year and limited guest numbers due to social distancing rules and curfews. Its report states "The UK government furlough scheme was helpful to retain as many jobs as possible, and the majority of employees were reinstated over the course of the year." Trump, after decades of buying properties with debt, spent more than $300 million in cash purchasing and developing the Scottish courses, neither of which has turned a profit. Also read | Trump heckled by supporters in Texas after revealing he took Covid booster dose The Scottish parliament had rejected a call for the government to investigate how Donald Trump funded his purchase of two golf courses in Scotland. Avaaz, a global human rights group, has filed a petition in Scotland’s highest civil court seeking a judicial review of the government's decision. Britain introduced "unexplained wealth order" in 2018 to help authorities target the illicit wealth of foreign officials suspected of corruption and those involved in serious crimes. However, they merely compel an individual to explain the source of their wealth but can pave the way for authorities to seize assets. In 2006, Trump bought 1,000 acres in Aberdeenshire for more than $10 million. Since then, he’s spent another $60 million building a golf course, a small hotel, and a handful of holiday cottages, according to company filings with the UK corporate registry. The Trump Organisation has said in public statements and filings that it has spent a total of more than $140 million on the development. Trump, an avid golfer whose mother was Scottish, made a bigger investment in Turnberry, a seaside course that has four times hosted The Open - Europe's only golf major. In 2014, he bought Turnberry’s course and resort for $60 million. Company filings in the UK show that Trump’s company spent another $100 million on course upgrades and other expenses. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump's golf courses claimed over $4 million in UK government's furlough money

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