US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has instructed that dozens of oil refiner requests for retroactive waivers from US&nbsp;biofuel laws be denied amid concerns the issue could cut into his support in the Farm Belt, three sources familiar with the decision said.

The move, in the form of a direction to the Environmental Protection Agency, marks the end of an effort by the refining industry to come into compliance with a January court decision that said the Trump administration should not have given out some waivers in previous years.

The waivers have been a battleground for the influential oil and corn lobbies, both major constituencies for Trump as he seeks re-election in November.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-president-donald-trump-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-2021-following-israel-uae-deal-326247" hreflang="en">US President Donald Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2021 following Israel-UAE deal</a>

The people familiar with Trump's direction to the EPA wished to remain anonymous so they could speak candidly about the decision.

The EPA did not immediately comment.

Under the US&nbsp;Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), oil refiners must blend billions of gallons of biofuels into their products, or buy credits from those that do. But refiners may also seek an exemption from those obligations if they prove the requirements would cause them financial harm.

Biofuel advocates say the waivers hurt demand for corn-based ethanol. The oil industry says the obligations are too pricey.

US&nbsp;renewable fuel credits for 2020 rose on Wednesday to their highest since March 2018. Credits traded at 55 cents each, up nearly 18% from the previous session.

The Trump administration has quadrupled the number of exemptions have given out to refiners, causing outrage in farm states, such as Iowa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-justice-department-seeks-to-defend-trump-in-e-jean-carroll-defamation-lawsuit-326113" hreflang="en">US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit</a>

In January, though, an appeals court ruled that waivers granted to small refineries after 2010 could only be approved as extensions of pre-existing waivers. Most recipients of waivers in recent years have not continuously received them, and refiners sent in waiver applications to come into compliance with that court ruling.

In Iowa the federal administration's expansion of the waiver program has complicated Republican Senator Joni Ernst's reelection bid.

In recent weeks, Iowa officials argued that without action, Ernst - and perhaps Trump - could be in trouble come November.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-election-2020-trump-administration-to-ban-imports-from-china-over-forced-labour-326184" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Trump administration to ban imports from China over forced labour</a>

Ernst has been a staunch defender of Trump but has been working behind the scenes to argue that his administration should deny the pending retroactive waivers, according to one of the people familiar with Trump's direction to the EPA.

The biofuel industry welcomed the news. "Now, more than ever, our nation's farmers and ethanol producers are counting on the RFS to provide market stability and certainty during an incredibly difficult and tumultuous time," said a coalition that included the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association.

US President Donald Trump has instructed that dozens of oil refiner requests for retroactive waivers from US biofuel laws be denied amid concerns the issue could cut into his support in the Farm Belt, three sources familiar with the decision said.

US President Donald Trump has instructed that dozens of oil refiner requests for retroactive waivers from US biofuel laws be denied amid concerns the issue could cut into his support in the Farm Belt, three sources familiar with the decision said. The move, in the form of a direction to the Environmental Protection Agency, marks the end of an effort by the refining industry to come into compliance with a January court decision that said the Trump administration should not have given out some waivers in previous years. The waivers have been a battleground for the influential oil and corn lobbies, both major constituencies for Trump as he seeks re-election in November. Also read: US President Donald Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2021 following Israel-UAE deal The people familiar with Trump's direction to the EPA wished to remain anonymous so they could speak candidly about the decision. The EPA did not immediately comment. Under the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), oil refiners must blend billions of gallons of biofuels into their products, or buy credits from those that do. But refiners may also seek an exemption from those obligations if they prove the requirements would cause them financial harm. Biofuel advocates say the waivers hurt demand for corn-based ethanol. The oil industry says the obligations are too pricey. US renewable fuel credits for 2020 rose on Wednesday to their highest since March 2018. Credits traded at 55 cents each, up nearly 18% from the previous session. The Trump administration has quadrupled the number of exemptions have given out to refiners, causing outrage in farm states, such as Iowa. Also read: US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit In January, though, an appeals court ruled that waivers granted to small refineries after 2010 could only be approved as extensions of pre-existing waivers. Most recipients of waivers in recent years have not continuously received them, and refiners sent in waiver applications to come into compliance with that court ruling. In Iowa the federal administration's expansion of the waiver program has complicated Republican Senator Joni Ernst's reelection bid. In recent weeks, Iowa officials argued that without action, Ernst - and perhaps Trump - could be in trouble come November. Also read: US election 2020: Trump administration to ban imports from China over forced labour Ernst has been a staunch defender of Trump but has been working behind the scenes to argue that his administration should deny the pending retroactive waivers, according to one of the people familiar with Trump's direction to the EPA. The biofuel industry welcomed the news. "Now, more than ever, our nation's farmers and ethanol producers are counting on the RFS to provide market stability and certainty during an incredibly difficult and tumultuous time," said a coalition that included the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association.

Trump administration to deny pending retroactive US biofuel waivers

Trump also claimed that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's environmental plans would "destroy America’s middle class while giving a free pass to the world’s worst foreign polluters".

Trump launches verbal attacks at Harris at campaign rally

United States President Donald Trump will announce a further withdrawal of US troops from Iraq on Wednesday

Trump to announce further reduction in US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

Hundreds of people gathered Monday afternoon in a small town south of Portland for a vehicle rally for President Trump where they clashed with the 'Black Lives Matter' protestors.

Trump supporters and counter-protesters clashed at Oregon's Capital

The US Justice Department on Tuesday asked to take over the defence of President Donald Trump in&nbsp;a defamation lawsuit that was filed against him by E. Jean Carroll. She has accused Trump of sexual assault.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/signs-of-stress-appear-in-us-president-trumps-relationship-with-the-military-326094" hreflang="en">Signs of stress appear in US President Trump's relationship with the military</a>

The move by the Justice Department of defending Trump at taxpayer's expense comes amidst the ongoing criticism that it has acted in Donald Trump's personal interests. According to the Justice Department, it must take over because Trump's comments on the defamation lawsuit came while he was in office.&nbsp;

"President Trump was acting within the scope of his office as President of the United States at the time of the incidents out of which the Plaintiff's defamation claim arose. Indeed, when providing the challenged statements, the President was speaking to or responding to inquiries from the press, much as the elected officials in the cases cited above were speaking to the press or making other public statements at the time of their challenged actions," the Justice Department's court filing stated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trumps-billion-dollar-campaign-has-lost-cash-advantage-326021" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Trump's billion-dollar campaign has lost 'cash advantage'</a>

"The Westfall Act accordingly requires the substitution of the United States as defendant in this action," the department added.

E. Jean Carroll filed the lawsuit in November last year, where she alleged that Donald Trump had sexually assaulted her in a dressing room at luxury Manhattan department store Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s. Trump denied these allegations, he called it "totally false" and said that he "never met this person in my life."

"Even in today's world, that argument is shocking," said Roberta Kaplan, Carroll's Lawyer on the Justice Department's logic.&nbsp;

After the move by the Justice Department, Carroll issued a statement on Tuesday, which said: "Today’s actions demonstrate that Trump will do everything possible, including using the full powers of the federal government, to block discovery from going forward in my case before the upcoming election to try to prevent a jury from ever deciding which one of us is lying."

The US Justice Department on Tuesday asked to take over the defence of President Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit that was filed against him by E. Jean Carroll.

The US Justice Department on Tuesday asked to take over the defence of President Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit that was filed against him by E. Jean Carroll. She has accused Trump of sexual assault. Also read: Signs of stress appear in US President Trump's relationship with the military The move by the Justice Department of defending Trump at taxpayer's expense comes amidst the ongoing criticism that it has acted in Donald Trump's personal interests. According to the Justice Department, it must take over because Trump's comments on the defamation lawsuit came while he was in office. "President Trump was acting within the scope of his office as President of the United States at the time of the incidents out of which the Plaintiff's defamation claim arose. Indeed, when providing the challenged statements, the President was speaking to or responding to inquiries from the press, much as the elected officials in the cases cited above were speaking to the press or making other public statements at the time of their challenged actions," the Justice Department's court filing stated. Also read: US election 2020: Trump's billion-dollar campaign has lost 'cash advantage' "The Westfall Act accordingly requires the substitution of the United States as defendant in this action," the department added. E. Jean Carroll filed the lawsuit in November last year, where she alleged that Donald Trump had sexually assaulted her in a dressing room at luxury Manhattan department store Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s. Trump denied these allegations, he called it "totally false" and said that he "never met this person in my life." "Even in today's world, that argument is shocking," said Roberta Kaplan, Carroll's Lawyer on the Justice Department's logic. After the move by the Justice Department, Carroll issued a statement on Tuesday, which said: "Today’s actions demonstrate that Trump will do everything possible, including using the full powers of the federal government, to block discovery from going forward in my case before the upcoming election to try to prevent a jury from ever deciding which one of us is lying."

US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit

The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> will soon be announcing the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

An official has said that an official announcement for Iraq is expected by the end of Wednesday, and the news for Afghanistan will follow soon after.

The decision has been taken after Trump met with the&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in August and decided to pull back troops from Iraq. However, Trump had not issued a timeline for the same to the Iraqi Prime Minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-justice-department-seeks-to-defend-trump-in-e-jean-carroll-defamation-lawsuit-326113">Also read|&nbsp;US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit</a>

The meeting's main agenda and the reason behind this pull back of the American troops was an increase in the attacks aimed at American targets by pro-Iranian fighters. The Iraqi government was also facing pressure domestically to ask the American troops to leave the country.

The US military withdrew from Iraq in late 2011, leaving a small mission attached to the US embassy. However, an additional unit was deployed a few years later to provide aid to the Iraqi forces in their war against Islamic State

In Afghanistan, the US currently has 8,600 soldiers in accordance with a bilateral agreement signed in February between Washington and the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-kamala-harris-becoming-first-woman-president-will-be-insult-to-us-says-trump-326114">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Kamala Harris becoming first woman president will be insult to US, says Trump</a>

As per the initial plans drawn in August this year, Trump plans to bring down the number of US troops in Afgahnistan to less than 5,000. The decision is being seen as a huge help in promoting the inter-Afghan peace talks.

Trump had earlier, in an interview, suggested that he plans to bring down the number of American troops to nearly 4,000 in time for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US Presidential elections</a> scheduled on November 03, in which Trump will be running against Joe Biden.

Under the US-Taliban deal, all foreign troops must leave the country by the spring of 2021, in exchange for security commitments from the militants.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US President Donald Trump will soon be announcing the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. An official has said that an official announcement for Iraq is expected by the end of Wednesday, and the news for Afghanistan will follow soon after.

The US President Donald Trump will soon be announcing the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. An official has said that an official announcement for Iraq is expected by the end of Wednesday, and the news for Afghanistan will follow soon after. The decision has been taken after Trump met with the Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in August and decided to pull back troops from Iraq. However, Trump had not issued a timeline for the same to the Iraqi Prime Minister. Also read| US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit The meeting's main agenda and the reason behind this pull back of the American troops was an increase in the attacks aimed at American targets by pro-Iranian fighters. The Iraqi government was also facing pressure domestically to ask the American troops to leave the country. The US military withdrew from Iraq in late 2011, leaving a small mission attached to the US embassy. However, an additional unit was deployed a few years later to provide aid to the Iraqi forces in their war against Islamic State In Afghanistan, the US currently has 8,600 soldiers in accordance with a bilateral agreement signed in February between Washington and the Taliban. Also read| US election 2020: Kamala Harris becoming first woman president will be insult to US, says Trump As per the initial plans drawn in August this year, Trump plans to bring down the number of US troops in Afgahnistan to less than 5,000. The decision is being seen as a huge help in promoting the inter-Afghan peace talks. Trump had earlier, in an interview, suggested that he plans to bring down the number of American troops to nearly 4,000 in time for the US Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, in which Trump will be running against Joe Biden. Under the US-Taliban deal, all foreign troops must leave the country by the spring of 2021, in exchange for security commitments from the militants. (With inputs from agencies)

US election 2020: Ahead of polls, Trump plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan

As the diplomatic relationship between China and the US are taking a downward fall, the trade deals between the two nations are also getting affected.

After banning several Chinese companies from operating in the US, now the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to&nbsp;to block imports of cotton and tomato products from western China's Xinjiang region.

However, the reason behind this decision is not the falling diplomatic relations but the inhumane actions from the Chinese side in the production. It has been alleged that the production of&nbsp;cotton and tomato products in the&nbsp;Xinjiang region is done through forced labour.

The announcement, which was to be made on Tuesday, has been postponed due to "scheduling issues". However, according to unofficial announcements and local reports, it has been reported the CBP is readying orders to stop the import of tomatoes, cotton, tomato paste,&nbsp;cotton yarn, textiles and apparel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-ahead-of-polls-trump-plans-to-withdraw-us-troops-from-iraq-afghanistan-326154">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Ahead of polls, Trump plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan</a>

The decision has been taken after the United Nations claimed to have credible reports and proof that around one&nbsp;million Muslims have been detained in camps in the region, where they are put to work forcefully and are treated in an inhumane manner with very limited resources.

However, China, irrespective of the pressure imposed by the west, has denied all allegations and has continuously declared that the&nbsp;camps are vocational training centers needed to fight extremism.

"We have reasonable but not conclusive evidence that there is a risk of forced labour in supply chains related to cotton textiles and tomatoes coming out of Xinjiang," CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith. "We will continue to work our investigations to fill in those gaps."

Although no official announcement has been made yet,&nbsp;the "Withhold Release Orders" allow the CBP to detain shipments based on suspicion of forced-labour involvement under long-standing US laws aimed at combating human trafficking, child labour and other human rights abuses.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-justice-department-seeks-to-defend-trump-in-e-jean-carroll-defamation-lawsuit-326113">Also read|&nbsp;US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit</a>

As per an order cited by a local news company, CBP has stated that the forced labour in the regionincludes&nbsp;"debt bondage, unfree movement, isolation, intimidation and threats, withholding of wages, and abusive working and living conditions."

The ban can have a negative effect on the US retail industry as China is one of the biggest cotton importer for the US as the Asian country&nbsp;produces about 20 per cent of the world's cotton and most of it comes from Xinjiang.

This is not the first time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>'s administration has taken a step against the forced labour in&nbsp;Xinjiang region. Earlier, in March, the US lawmakers had proposed legislation that would require all goods coming from the&nbsp;Xinjiang region to specifically state that the products are not a result of the forced labour.

Later, in July, Washington issued an advisory warning companies operating businesses out of or with resources from Xinjiang, or with entities using Xinjiang labour. The lawmakers warned these companies that they&nbsp;could be exposed to "reputational, economic, and legal risks".

The ban would affect&nbsp;Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and apparel produced by Yili Zhuowan Garment Manufacturing Co Ltd and Baoding LYSZD Trade and Business Co Ltd.

It will also block imports of products made at the Lop County Industrial Park as well as the Lop County No. 4 Vocational Skills Education and Training Center. Products such as hair extensions from the Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. will also be banned. Additionally, tech-related products such as computer-parts made by the Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co Ltd, based in Anhui, China, will also face the ban.

As the diplomatic relationship between China and the US are taking a downward fall, the trade deals between the two nations are also getting affected. After banning several Chinese companies from operating in the US, now the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to to block imports of cotton and tomato products from western China's Xinjiang region.

As the diplomatic relationship between China and the US are taking a downward fall, the trade deals between the two nations are also getting affected. After banning several Chinese companies from operating in the US, now the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to to block imports of cotton and tomato products from western China's Xinjiang region. However, the reason behind this decision is not the falling diplomatic relations but the inhumane actions from the Chinese side in the production. It has been alleged that the production of cotton and tomato products in the Xinjiang region is done through forced labour. The announcement, which was to be made on Tuesday, has been postponed due to "scheduling issues". However, according to unofficial announcements and local reports, it has been reported the CBP is readying orders to stop the import of tomatoes, cotton, tomato paste, cotton yarn, textiles and apparel. Also read| US election 2020: Ahead of polls, Trump plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan The decision has been taken after the United Nations claimed to have credible reports and proof that around one million Muslims have been detained in camps in the region, where they are put to work forcefully and are treated in an inhumane manner with very limited resources. However, China, irrespective of the pressure imposed by the west, has denied all allegations and has continuously declared that the camps are vocational training centers needed to fight extremism. "We have reasonable but not conclusive evidence that there is a risk of forced labour in supply chains related to cotton textiles and tomatoes coming out of Xinjiang," CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith. "We will continue to work our investigations to fill in those gaps." Although no official announcement has been made yet, the "Withhold Release Orders" allow the CBP to detain shipments based on suspicion of forced-labour involvement under long-standing US laws aimed at combating human trafficking, child labour and other human rights abuses. Also read| US Justice Department seeks to defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit As per an order cited by a local news company, CBP has stated that the forced labour in the regionincludes "debt bondage, unfree movement, isolation, intimidation and threats, withholding of wages, and abusive working and living conditions." The ban can have a negative effect on the US retail industry as China is one of the biggest cotton importer for the US as the Asian country produces about 20 per cent of the world's cotton and most of it comes from Xinjiang. This is not the first time Donald Trump's administration has taken a step against the forced labour in Xinjiang region. Earlier, in March, the US lawmakers had proposed legislation that would require all goods coming from the Xinjiang region to specifically state that the products are not a result of the forced labour. Later, in July, Washington issued an advisory warning companies operating businesses out of or with resources from Xinjiang, or with entities using Xinjiang labour. The lawmakers warned these companies that they could be exposed to "reputational, economic, and legal risks". The ban would affect Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and apparel produced by Yili Zhuowan Garment Manufacturing Co Ltd and Baoding LYSZD Trade and Business Co Ltd. It will also block imports of products made at the Lop County Industrial Park as well as the Lop County No. 4 Vocational Skills Education and Training Center. Products such as hair extensions from the Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. will also be banned. Additionally, tech-related products such as computer-parts made by the Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co Ltd, based in Anhui, China, will also face the ban.

US election 2020: Trump administration to ban imports from China over forced labour

The 2020 US presidential election is less than two months away, and both the Democrats and Republicans are working overtime to tilt the narrative in their favour.

The US President Donald Trump has found support from an unusual admirer, the niece of Osama Bin Laden, who was the master mind behind the 9/11 terror attacks.

Noor Bin Ladin recently suggested that only Donald Trump can save America from another 9/11. Noor Bin Ladin is currently an author based out of Switzerland, and spells her name differently than her infamous uncle. She also considers herself “an American at heart”.

Ladin recently gave her first-ever interview to the New York Post. She levelled some&nbsp; accusations against the Democrats, but was all praises for Donald Trump.

“ISIS proliferated under the Obama-Biden administration, leading to them coming to Europe”, she said.

“Trump has shown that he protects America and us, by extension from foreign threats..... By obliterating terrorists at the root and before they get a chance to strike”, she added.&nbsp;

But does she have a point?

The Trump administration has indeed worked on further improving America's defence capabilities.

But recently, Trump's relationship with the military brass has become increasingly strained. Some of it is due to Trump threatening to use the Insurrection Act to provide troops for law enforcement against the widespread protests.

Additionally, a recent report claimed that Trump once insulted captured US Service members. Published in the Atlantic magazine, the story was based on the statements of some close Trump aides.

The men apparently claimed that Trump cancelled a 2018 visit to pay respects at a military cemetery because he allegedly thought that the dead soldiers were quote unquote “losers and suckers”

The US president has denied using the words. But today - he launched another attack on the US military, in fact the entire defence establishment. Trump said that the Pentagon wants to keep fighting wars so that it can keep defence contractors happy.

“As for Biden, shipped away our jobs, threw open our borders and sent our youth to fight in these crazy, endless wars. And it's one of the reasons the military, I’m not saying the military is in love with me. The soldiers are. The top people in the pentagon probably aren't because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy”, Trump said.

Attacks underway

Trump &amp; Biden have been taking some interesting swipes at each other. While Joe Biden attacks Trump on the virus and the economy, Trump retorts with scathing words about Biden's alleged softness towards China.

“You know, you all said it. America's been knocked down by this pandemic, over 190,000 Americans are dead. 6.2 million are infected with covid, 30 million unemployed and nearly one in six small businesses has been shut down. Worst of all, it didn't have to be this way. No other country in the world that covered spiral so far out of control. Donald Trump ignored the warnings, refused to prepare and failed to protect our nation, and now more than six months in, he still doesn't have a plan”, Biden said.

“If Biden wins, China wins, because China will own this country. If Biden wins, China will own this country and hopefully you're not going to be able to find that out. It's the most important election in our history right now”, Trump said.

The presidential debates are scheduled for later this month.

The 2020 US presidential election is less than two months away, and both the Democrats and Republicans are working overtime to tilt the narrative in their favour.

The 2020 US presidential election is less than two months away, and both the Democrats and Republicans are working overtime to tilt the narrative in their favour. The US President Donald Trump has found support from an unusual admirer, the niece of Osama Bin Laden, who was the master mind behind the 9/11 terror attacks. Noor Bin Ladin recently suggested that only Donald Trump can save America from another 9/11. Noor Bin Ladin is currently an author based out of Switzerland, and spells her name differently than her infamous uncle. She also considers herself “an American at heart”. Ladin recently gave her first-ever interview to the New York Post. She levelled some accusations against the Democrats, but was all praises for Donald Trump. “ISIS proliferated under the Obama-Biden administration, leading to them coming to Europe”, she said. “Trump has shown that he protects America and us, by extension from foreign threats..... By obliterating terrorists at the root and before they get a chance to strike”, she added. But does she have a point? The Trump administration has indeed worked on further improving America's defence capabilities. But recently, Trump's relationship with the military brass has become increasingly strained. Some of it is due to Trump threatening to use the Insurrection Act to provide troops for law enforcement against the widespread protests. Additionally, a recent report claimed that Trump once insulted captured US Service members. Published in the Atlantic magazine, the story was based on the statements of some close Trump aides. The men apparently claimed that Trump cancelled a 2018 visit to pay respects at a military cemetery because he allegedly thought that the dead soldiers were quote unquote “losers and suckers” The US president has denied using the words. But today - he launched another attack on the US military, in fact the entire defence establishment. Trump said that the Pentagon wants to keep fighting wars so that it can keep defence contractors happy. “As for Biden, shipped away our jobs, threw open our borders and sent our youth to fight in these crazy, endless wars. And it's one of the reasons the military, I’m not saying the military is in love with me. The soldiers are. The top people in the pentagon probably aren't because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy”, Trump said. Attacks underway Trump & Biden have been taking some interesting swipes at each other. While Joe Biden attacks Trump on the virus and the economy, Trump retorts with scathing words about Biden's alleged softness towards China. “You know, you all said it. America's been knocked down by this pandemic, over 190,000 Americans are dead. 6.2 million are infected with covid, 30 million unemployed and nearly one in six small businesses has been shut down. Worst of all, it didn't have to be this way. No other country in the world that covered spiral so far out of control. Donald Trump ignored the warnings, refused to prepare and failed to protect our nation, and now more than six months in, he still doesn't have a plan”, Biden said. “If Biden wins, China wins, because China will own this country. If Biden wins, China will own this country and hopefully you're not going to be able to find that out. It's the most important election in our history right now”, Trump said. The presidential debates are scheduled for later this month.

Signs of stress appear in US President Trump's relationship with the military

A Chinese indie developer YEARS Studio is going to launch a video game which will mock the re-election campaign of US President Donald Trump.

The game called as 'Comrade Trump’s Re-election' slated to be released on dominant PC gaming platform Steam on September 11,&nbsp;is described as a choice-based interactive story with four possible endings.

Interestingly, the game's developer chose to release it on September 11, the anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on American soil.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-911-could-happen-if-trump-loses-says-osama-bin-ladens-niece-325497">Another 9/11 could happen if Trump loses, says Osama bin Laden’s niece</a>

According to the game’s description on Steam, the central character of the game is based on Trump, and&nbsp;gamers can send tweets and rebut reporters’ questions by saying “fake news!”.

The game&nbsp;alludes to conspiracy theories including that Trump is a spy of the Chinese government, and change Trump’s well-known slogan, “Make America Great Again”, to “Make China Great Again”. It is packed with political satire and commentary.

The video game&nbsp;has caught significant interest among Chinese gamers after it was announced on Weibo, China’s Twitter-like microblogging platform.

Chinese gamers comprise of&nbsp;the world’s largest market for video games. As per&nbsp;a recent report by the government-backed China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association, there are 657 million gamers in China. It also estimates that&nbsp;game sales hit $19.9 billion&nbsp;from January to June, 22.3 per cent higher than the same period last year.

A Chinese indie developer YEARS Studio is going to launch a video game which will mock the re-election campaign of US President Donald Trump. The game called as 'Comrade Trump’s Re-election' slated to be released on dominant PC gaming platform Steam on September 11, is described as a choice-based interactive story with four possible endings.

A Chinese indie developer YEARS Studio is going to launch a video game which will mock the re-election campaign of US President Donald Trump. The game called as 'Comrade Trump’s Re-election' slated to be released on dominant PC gaming platform Steam on September 11, is described as a choice-based interactive story with four possible endings. Interestingly, the game's developer chose to release it on September 11, the anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on American soil. Also read: Another 9/11 could happen if Trump loses, says Osama bin Laden’s niece According to the game’s description on Steam, the central character of the game is based on Trump, and gamers can send tweets and rebut reporters’ questions by saying “fake news!”. The game alludes to conspiracy theories including that Trump is a spy of the Chinese government, and change Trump’s well-known slogan, “Make America Great Again”, to “Make China Great Again”. It is packed with political satire and commentary. The video game has caught significant interest among Chinese gamers after it was announced on Weibo, China’s Twitter-like microblogging platform. Chinese gamers comprise of the world’s largest market for video games. As per a recent report by the government-backed China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association, there are 657 million gamers in China. It also estimates that game sales hit $19.9 billion from January to June, 22.3 per cent higher than the same period last year.

China to launch video game that satirises Trump's re-election campaign

Trump supporters organised a motorcade with flags reading "Trump 2020" and "Vote for Trump" attached to the numerous cars, trumps and vans.

US Elections 2020: Pro-Trump rallies taken out in United States

While addressing a regular media briefing, US President Donald Trump asks a journalist to remove mask and then proceed with the question. Watch this video for more info.

'You're going to take the mask off, please', Trump asks reporter

As the US elections are coming closer, the personal attacks between the two competitors seem to be increasing.

In an&nbsp;address on Monday, the US President Donald Trump demanded an apology from his opponent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> for challenging him on COVID-19 vaccine.

Trump feels Biden's stand on American <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> is&nbsp;very "reckless" and he should apologise for the "anti-vaccine rhetoric".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-kamala-harris-will-never-be-president-of-us-says-donald-trump-325860">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, during a Labor Day news conference in front of the White House, said,&nbsp;"Biden and his very liberal running mate, the most liberal person in Congress by the way - is not a competent person in my opinion, would destroy this country and would destroy this economy - should immediately apologize for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now."

Trump, calling Biden "stupid" said Biden's opinion on the vaccine "undermines science".

The President has announced that he will have the COVID-19 vaccine ready before the upcoming US Presidential elections, that are scheduled for November 03.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-donald-trumps-latest-admirer-noor-bin-ladin-the-niece-of-osama-bin-laden-325838">Also read|&nbsp;Meet Donald Trump's latest admirer - Noor Bin Ladin, the niece of Osama Bin Laden</a>

The comment came after Joe Biden, his opponent in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election"> US elections 2020</a>, strongly opposed Trump's claim on vaccine, and even questioned if the FDA is being pressurised by the Trump administration to roll out the vaccine early.

Trump also touched upon the recent controversy of him calling the fallen US soldiers as "losers" and "suckers". Dismissing the reports, he said,&nbsp;"The story is a hoax. Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say a thing like that."

He also claimed that he is the idle person to bring the country of the pandemic-hit economy recession, as opposed to Joe Biden who, according to Trump, would undo the progress.

As the US elections are coming closer, the personal attacks between the two competitors seem to be increasing. In an address on Monday, the US President Donald Trump demanded an apology from his opponent Joe Biden for challenging him on COVID-19 vaccine.

As the US elections are coming closer, the personal attacks between the two competitors seem to be increasing. In an address on Monday, the US President Donald Trump demanded an apology from his opponent Joe Biden for challenging him on COVID-19 vaccine. Trump feels Biden's stand on American COVID-19 vaccines is very "reckless" and he should apologise for the "anti-vaccine rhetoric". Also read| US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump Donald Trump, during a Labor Day news conference in front of the White House, said, "Biden and his very liberal running mate, the most liberal person in Congress by the way - is not a competent person in my opinion, would destroy this country and would destroy this economy - should immediately apologize for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now." Trump, calling Biden "stupid" said Biden's opinion on the vaccine "undermines science". The President has announced that he will have the COVID-19 vaccine ready before the upcoming US Presidential elections, that are scheduled for November 03. Also read| Meet Donald Trump's latest admirer - Noor Bin Ladin, the niece of Osama Bin Laden The comment came after Joe Biden, his opponent in the US elections 2020, strongly opposed Trump's claim on vaccine, and even questioned if the FDA is being pressurised by the Trump administration to roll out the vaccine early. Trump also touched upon the recent controversy of him calling the fallen US soldiers as "losers" and "suckers". Dismissing the reports, he said, "The story is a hoax. Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say a thing like that." He also claimed that he is the idle person to bring the country of the pandemic-hit economy recession, as opposed to Joe Biden who, according to Trump, would undo the progress.

US election 2020: Trump demands apology from Biden for challenging him on vaccines

US Election 2020: Trump supporters organised motorcade rally in Oregon

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency.&nbsp;

In a telephonic conservation with Trump, Salman appreciated US peace initiatives, in a reference to Washington-brokered accord achieved last month, according to which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the third country to normalise relations with Israel.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peace-must-be-achieved-with-palestinians-then-all-things-possible-saudi-arabia-on-israel-321749">Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel</a>

Salman said Saudi seeks a fair and permanent solution for Palestine which is based on the based on the kingdom's peace initiatives proposed in 2002.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-emir-tells-kushner-two-state-solution-needed-to-end-palestine-israel-conflict-324831">Qatar Emir tells Kushner two-state solution needed to end Palestine-Israel conflict</a>

As per the 2002 proposal, Arab nations would normalise ties with Israel, if the Jewish nation withdraws from the territorial gains made in the 1967 war.&nbsp;

Despite not recognising Israel, Saudi Arabia this month said the kingdom would allow the use of its airspace to run flights between UAE and Israel.&nbsp;

Post the peace accord between UAE and Israel, no Arab state has hinted of a similar deal with the Jewish state.

Last month, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is seen as a major negotiator of the decades-old Arab crisis, met Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they discussed the need to resume negotiations between Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs)

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency.

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency. In a telephonic conservation with Trump, Salman appreciated US peace initiatives, in a reference to Washington-brokered accord achieved last month, according to which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the third country to normalise relations with Israel. Also read | Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel Salman said Saudi seeks a fair and permanent solution for Palestine which is based on the based on the kingdom's peace initiatives proposed in 2002. Also read | Qatar Emir tells Kushner two-state solution needed to end Palestine-Israel conflict As per the 2002 proposal, Arab nations would normalise ties with Israel, if the Jewish nation withdraws from the territorial gains made in the 1967 war. Despite not recognising Israel, Saudi Arabia this month said the kingdom would allow the use of its airspace to run flights between UAE and Israel. Post the peace accord between UAE and Israel, no Arab state has hinted of a similar deal with the Jewish state. Last month, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is seen as a major negotiator of the decades-old Arab crisis, met Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they discussed the need to resume negotiations between Israel and Palestine. (With Reuters inputs)

Want permanent, fair solution to Palestinian issue: Saudi King to Trump

The countdown of the US Presidential election is under way, but experts have warned that result of poll could be delayed. This year record number of mail-in ballots are expected.

US Election: Experts warn result of presidential poll could be delayed

Why does Donald Trump want people to vote twice? Is Joe Biden right in claiming that 'a black man invented the lightbulb' ? Why has Nancy Pelosi's salon visit triggered a row?

Gravitas: Did Joe Biden just rewrite history?

US President Donald Trump on Sunday again defended his support for American troops after reports that he had disparaged fallen US soldiers in Europe. Reports also claimed that he had declined to visit an American cemetery during a 2018 trip to France.

The Atlantic magazine reported on Thursday that Trump referred to Marines buried in an American cemetery near Paris as "losers" and declined to visit their graves in November 2018 because of concern the rain that day would mess up his hair, an account the president denied on Thursday and again on Sunday said was false.

Bloomberg reported on Sunday that Trump subsequently spent the free time selecting artwork to remove from the US ambassador's residence and send back to the White House.

Trump, a Republican who is seeking re-election in part on his vocal support of the US military, blasted Democrats and the news media on Sunday, tweeting: "They will say anything, like their recent lies about me and the Military, and hope that it sticks... But #MAGA gets it!" referring to his supporters who back his "Make America Great Again" slogan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Democrats, together with the corrupt Fake News Media, have launched a massive Disinformation Campaign the likes of which has never been seen before. They will say anything, like their recent lies about me and the Military, and hope that it sticks... But <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MAGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MAGA</a> gets it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1302601868313538560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden, who is challenging Trump in the November 3 presidential election, called Trump's comments about the fallen soldiers, "a disgrace" if true.

US Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie on Sunday echoed remarks last week by US Defense Secretary Mark Esper telling CNN's "State of the Union" that Trump respected the troops and that he had never heard the president disparage US military members or veterans.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also backed Trump's support of the military.

"The president has always been 100% supportive of the military," Mnuchin told reporters at the White House. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Sunday again defended his support for American troops after reports that he had disparaged fallen US soldiers in Europe. Reports also claimed that he had declined to visit an American cemetery during a 2018 trip to France.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday again defended his support for American troops after reports that he had disparaged fallen US soldiers in Europe. Reports also claimed that he had declined to visit an American cemetery during a 2018 trip to France. The Atlantic magazine reported on Thursday that Trump referred to Marines buried in an American cemetery near Paris as "losers" and declined to visit their graves in November 2018 because of concern the rain that day would mess up his hair, an account the president denied on Thursday and again on Sunday said was false. Bloomberg reported on Sunday that Trump subsequently spent the free time selecting artwork to remove from the US ambassador's residence and send back to the White House. Trump, a Republican who is seeking re-election in part on his vocal support of the US military, blasted Democrats and the news media on Sunday, tweeting: "They will say anything, like their recent lies about me and the Military, and hope that it sticks... But #MAGA gets it!" referring to his supporters who back his "Make America Great Again" slogan. The Democrats, together with the corrupt Fake News Media, have launched a massive Disinformation Campaign the likes of which has never been seen before. They will say anything, like their recent lies about me and the Military, and hope that it sticks... But #MAGA gets it! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2020 × Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden, who is challenging Trump in the November 3 presidential election, called Trump's comments about the fallen soldiers, "a disgrace" if true. US Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie on Sunday echoed remarks last week by US Defense Secretary Mark Esper telling CNN's "State of the Union" that Trump respected the troops and that he had never heard the president disparage US military members or veterans. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also backed Trump's support of the military. "The president has always been 100% supportive of the military," Mnuchin told reporters at the White House.

Trump again defends himself, blasts media over report stating he disparaged US troops

The Trump Administration has injected USD 3 trillion into the American economy after the nation was adversely impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday.

"The president and I couldn't be more pleased with the way the economic plan is working. We've injected USD 3 trillion into the economy. People thought we'd get 25 per cent on unemployment. Fortunately, it never came close to that.

We're now down to 8.4," Mnuchin said in an interview to the Fox channel.

However, Mnuchin said the Trump administration is working on helping small businesses and getting back employment for people.

"But the president and I believe we should do more stimulus. We have about seven and a half million jobs that we need to get back until we're back to where we were up. And we want to help small businesses, we want to help businesses that are particularly impacted by this, and we'll continue to work on proposed new legislation," he said.

US is the world worst hit economy due to the coronavirus pandemic, which till now has infected 6,256,359 people and killed 188,634 others.

Mnuchin said for no fault of any American businesses, the president made a very difficult decision to shut down the entire US economy because of the terrible COVID disease.

"Now, the good news is we've reopened it. Thought we have 30 million to 40 million people unemployed. We never did that because of the bipartisan support putting money into the economy. We're now down to 8.4 per cent and the president is going to get it back down to 3 per cent or 4 per cent where it was before all of that in the beginning of next year when he's reelected," Mnuchin said.

The Trump Administration has injected USD 3 trillion into the American economy after the nation was adversely impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday.

The Trump Administration has injected USD 3 trillion into the American economy after the nation was adversely impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday. "The president and I couldn't be more pleased with the way the economic plan is working. We've injected USD 3 trillion into the economy. People thought we'd get 25 per cent on unemployment. Fortunately, it never came close to that. We're now down to 8.4," Mnuchin said in an interview to the Fox channel. However, Mnuchin said the Trump administration is working on helping small businesses and getting back employment for people. "But the president and I believe we should do more stimulus. We have about seven and a half million jobs that we need to get back until we're back to where we were up. And we want to help small businesses, we want to help businesses that are particularly impacted by this, and we'll continue to work on proposed new legislation," he said. US is the world worst hit economy due to the coronavirus pandemic, which till now has infected 6,256,359 people and killed 188,634 others. Mnuchin said for no fault of any American businesses, the president made a very difficult decision to shut down the entire US economy because of the terrible COVID disease. "Now, the good news is we've reopened it. Thought we have 30 million to 40 million people unemployed. We never did that because of the bipartisan support putting money into the economy. We're now down to 8.4 per cent and the president is going to get it back down to 3 per cent or 4 per cent where it was before all of that in the beginning of next year when he's reelected," Mnuchin said.

Trump administration pumped in USD 3 trillion into American economy after COVID-19 impact: US Treasury Secy

The White House has asked U.S. government agencies for extensive details of any funding that seeks to counter China's global influence and business practices, or supports Beijing, amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Video: US Tightens Grip of Dealing With China

Russian interference could theoretically cost Democrats the presidential elections, party's vice-presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris said on Sunday.

"I am clear that Russia interfered in the election of president of the United States in 2016," Harris told CNN in an interview.

"I serve on the Senate Intelligence Committee. We have published detailed reports about exactly what we believe happened. And I do believe that there will be foreign interference in the 2020 election, and that Russia will be at the front of the line," she said responding to a question on the allegations of Russian interference in the presidential elections.

"Could it cost you the White House"" she was asked. "Theoretically, of course, yes," Harris said.

Responding to another question, Harris alleged that there are classic voter suppression at play in this election coming up, where, after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act with Shelby v. Holder in 2013, dozens of states passed laws that were designed to suppress the black vote, to suppress students from voting, to suppress indigenous people from voting, so much so that, in North Carolina, a court of appeals said the law was passed with surgical precision to get in the way of black voters from voting.

"So, we have classic voter suppression. We have what happened in 2016, which is foreign interference. We have a president who is trying to convince the American people not to believe in the integrity of our election system and compromise their belief that their vote might actually count," Harris said.

"These things are all at play. I am very realistic. Joe is realistic about the fact that, until we can win and get in and put some teeth back in the Voting Rights Act, and bring back the public's confidence in the system, that there will be many obstacles that people are intentionally placing in front of Americans' ability to vote," she said.

"But we will surpass and surmount and get around those obstacles," Harris said in response to the question.&nbsp;

Russian interference could theoretically cost Democrats the presidential elections, party's vice-presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris said on Sunday. "I am clear that Russia interfered in the election of president of the United States in 2016," Harris told CNN in an interview.

Russian interference could theoretically cost Democrats the presidential elections, party's vice-presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris said on Sunday. "I am clear that Russia interfered in the election of president of the United States in 2016," Harris told CNN in an interview. "I serve on the Senate Intelligence Committee. We have published detailed reports about exactly what we believe happened. And I do believe that there will be foreign interference in the 2020 election, and that Russia will be at the front of the line," she said responding to a question on the allegations of Russian interference in the presidential elections. "Could it cost you the White House"" she was asked. "Theoretically, of course, yes," Harris said. Responding to another question, Harris alleged that there are classic voter suppression at play in this election coming up, where, after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act with Shelby v. Holder in 2013, dozens of states passed laws that were designed to suppress the black vote, to suppress students from voting, to suppress indigenous people from voting, so much so that, in North Carolina, a court of appeals said the law was passed with surgical precision to get in the way of black voters from voting. "So, we have classic voter suppression. We have what happened in 2016, which is foreign interference. We have a president who is trying to convince the American people not to believe in the integrity of our election system and compromise their belief that their vote might actually count," Harris said. "These things are all at play. I am very realistic. Joe is realistic about the fact that, until we can win and get in and put some teeth back in the Voting Rights Act, and bring back the public's confidence in the system, that there will be many obstacles that people are intentionally placing in front of Americans' ability to vote," she said. "But we will surpass and surmount and get around those obstacles," Harris said in response to the question.

Russian interference could theoretically cost Democrats presidential election: Kamala Harris

With the presidential candidates accepting their nominations, the biggest election of 2020 has officially begun. WION brings you a detailed report on why conventions are necessary for democracies.

Conventions: The launchpad to Presidency

Eight days of politics, promises, political blunders, awkward moments, and a lot of tokenism. WION gets you the highlights from the 8 days of the high-voltage political drama of US elections.

Who will America choose?

The US President Donald Trump was in news for the last few days for an alleged comment about the World War I veterans. However, Trump has denied the accusation.

Video: Trump calls for resignation of reporter for 'fake news'

A rare spat between traditional allies Moscow and Belgrade was triggered apparently by the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman ridiculing Serbia's president after he signed a US-sponsored agreement between his nation and Kosovo.

Maria Zakharova posted a photo showing Vucic sitting across US President Donald Trump at his Oval Office table.

She posted that along with another photo, the scene from thriller "Basic Instinct" showing Sharon Stone being questioned by police as she sits cross-legged in a chair.

Zakkharova mocked Vucic in a comment on the Facebook post, saying that he was invited to the White House to be interrogated.

This did not go down well with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and other officials.

"The primitivism and vulgarity she showed speaks about herself, but also about those who have given her the job," Vucic told the pro-government Pink TV.

Marko Djuric, an official with Vucic's ruling party, defended him on Twitter. "This president did not say a single bad word against Russia, not even in that place (the White House.) The president waited for an hour and half to be received by the Russian president and never asked for a special chair. I will not allow you to attack proud Serbia. Shame on you!" Djuric wrote.

Zakharova apologised on Twitter later Sunday, saying her post had been misinterpreted.

Trump announced Friday that former wartime foes Serbia and Kosovo had agreed to normalise economic ties as part of US-brokered talks that include Belgrade moving its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, and mutual recognition between Israel and Kosovo.

The announcement provided Trump with a diplomatic win ahead of the November presidential election and furthers his administration's push to improve Israel's international standing.

A rare spat between traditional allies Moscow and Belgrade was triggered apparently by the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman ridiculing Serbia's president after he signed a US-sponsored agreement between his nation and Kosovo.

A rare spat between traditional allies Moscow and Belgrade was triggered apparently by the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman ridiculing Serbia's president after he signed a US-sponsored agreement between his nation and Kosovo. Maria Zakharova posted a photo showing Vucic sitting across US President Donald Trump at his Oval Office table. She posted that along with another photo, the scene from thriller "Basic Instinct" showing Sharon Stone being questioned by police as she sits cross-legged in a chair. Zakkharova mocked Vucic in a comment on the Facebook post, saying that he was invited to the White House to be interrogated. This did not go down well with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and other officials. "The primitivism and vulgarity she showed speaks about herself, but also about those who have given her the job," Vucic told the pro-government Pink TV. Marko Djuric, an official with Vucic's ruling party, defended him on Twitter. "This president did not say a single bad word against Russia, not even in that place (the White House.) The president waited for an hour and half to be received by the Russian president and never asked for a special chair. I will not allow you to attack proud Serbia. Shame on you!" Djuric wrote. Zakharova apologised on Twitter later Sunday, saying her post had been misinterpreted. Trump announced Friday that former wartime foes Serbia and Kosovo had agreed to normalise economic ties as part of US-brokered talks that include Belgrade moving its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, and mutual recognition between Israel and Kosovo. The announcement provided Trump with a diplomatic win ahead of the November presidential election and furthers his administration's push to improve Israel's international standing.

Spat ensues between Serbia and Russia after US-brokered deal

Democrat's vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Saturday said that if a vaccine for COVID-19 &nbsp;is available before November's election, she would not take President Trump's word on its safety and efficacy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-vessels-during-pro-trump-boat-parade-in-texas-sink-no-injuries-reported-325470" hreflang="en">Multiple vessels during pro-Trump boat parade in Texas sink</a>

Trump administration has been under scrutiny over its handling of the virus which has sparked fears of his government rushing the vaccine research to release it before the elections.&nbsp;

"I would not trust Donald Trump and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of (a vaccine)," Harris told CNN.

"I will not take his word for it."

The head of the US Food and Drug Administration recently claimed that a COVID-19 vaccine would be rolled out in the US before completing its trials.

In an interview with The Financial Times on Sunday, Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of FDA said that he was ready to allow “emergency use” for a coronavirus vaccine, even before stage 3 of the human trials come to a close.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expect-drive-thrus-stadiums-to-be-converted-to-in-person-polling-places-for-us-election-325456">Expect stadiums to be converted to in-person polling places for US election</a>

Hahn added that the “benefit outweighs the risk in a public health emergency”, as the US nears 6 million cases.

Many analysts believe that Trump wants to fast track a vaccine before the upcoming November elections to sway the vote in his favour. Medical professionals are also wary of the risks posed by using an untested vaccine.

Currently, Trump’s Operation Warp Speed is underway, which a public-private partnership to develop a coronavirus vaccine.

However, on Monday, The White House said that "no one is pressuring the FDA to do anything" after reports said there is increasing pressure on the agency to pass the coronavirus vaccine ahead of the US election to be held on November 3.

"The priority here is saving lives," White House spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany said.

Meanwhile drugmaker Pfizer said it should know by the end of October whether the coronavirus vaccine it is developing with BioNTech is safe and effective. The drugmaker said that it will seek approval immediately if trial results show positive results.

Pfizer and Moderna had begun final phase-3 clinical trials on July 27 with the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) likely to give emergency use approval for critically ill patients to allow an early release to the public.

US infections diseases expert Anthony Fauci said that initial results could come in "November or December."

Democrat's vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Saturday said that if a vaccine for COVID-19 is available before November's election, she would not take President Trump's word on its safety and efficacy.

Democrat's vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Saturday said that if a vaccine for COVID-19 is available before November's election, she would not take President Trump's word on its safety and efficacy. Also read: Multiple vessels during pro-Trump boat parade in Texas sink Trump administration has been under scrutiny over its handling of the virus which has sparked fears of his government rushing the vaccine research to release it before the elections. "I would not trust Donald Trump and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of (a vaccine)," Harris told CNN. "I will not take his word for it." The head of the US Food and Drug Administration recently claimed that a COVID-19 vaccine would be rolled out in the US before completing its trials. In an interview with The Financial Times on Sunday, Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of FDA said that he was ready to allow “emergency use” for a coronavirus vaccine, even before stage 3 of the human trials come to a close. Also read: Expect stadiums to be converted to in-person polling places for US election Hahn added that the “benefit outweighs the risk in a public health emergency”, as the US nears 6 million cases. Many analysts believe that Trump wants to fast track a vaccine before the upcoming November elections to sway the vote in his favour. Medical professionals are also wary of the risks posed by using an untested vaccine. Currently, Trump’s Operation Warp Speed is underway, which a public-private partnership to develop a coronavirus vaccine. However, on Monday, The White House said that "no one is pressuring the FDA to do anything" after reports said there is increasing pressure on the agency to pass the coronavirus vaccine ahead of the US election to be held on November 3. "The priority here is saving lives," White House spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany said. Meanwhile drugmaker Pfizer said it should know by the end of October whether the coronavirus vaccine it is developing with BioNTech is safe and effective. The drugmaker said that it will seek approval immediately if trial results show positive results. Pfizer and Moderna had begun final phase-3 clinical trials on July 27 with the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) likely to give emergency use approval for critically ill patients to allow an early release to the public. US infections diseases expert Anthony Fauci said that initial results could come in "November or December."

'Will not trust him': Kamala Harris on Donald Trump's pre-election vaccine

A boat parade in Texas, taken out in support of President Donald Trump's reelection, ran into trouble on Saturday as multiple vessels sank, as per authorities. Also read: Expect stadiums to be converted to in-person polling places for US election The Travis County Sheriff's Office "responded to multiple calls involving boats in distress during the Trump parade on Lake Travis," it said on Twitter.

A boat parade in Texas, taken out in support of President Donald Trump's reelection, ran into trouble on Saturday as multiple vessels sank, as per authorities. Also read: Expect stadiums to be converted to in-person polling places for US election The Travis County Sheriff's Office "responded to multiple calls involving boats in distress during the Trump parade on Lake Travis," it said on Twitter. "Several boats did sink." According to sheriff's office spokeswoman Kristen Dark, there was no evidence of foul play. There were no injuries or medical emergencies reported at the parade on Lake Travis, located in the northwest of Austin. "Some were taking on water, some were stalled, some were capsizing, it was all types of different things," Dark said. The scenes of the boat parade went viral on social media as it showed boats flying Trump 2020 flags in choppy water, likely caused by a large number of vessels moving closely together. "There were an exceptional number of boats on the lake today," Dark said. The spokeswoman also added that authorities were still gathering data on how many boats sank and how many people were rescued. Also read: Trump calls for resignation of reporter for 'fake news' Over 2,500 people had marked themselves on Facebook as having attended the Lake Travis Trump Boat Parade, which Dark said was three to five kilometres long. The boat parade was set to feature four parachutists jumping out of a helicopter with smoke and flags, according to the event's Facebook page. Boats were asked to travel at 10 miles per hour. The US elections are set to take place on November 3 where Republican Donald Trump will face Democratic candidate Joe Biden. (Inputs from AFP)

Multiple vessels during pro-Trump boat parade in Texas sink; no injuries reported

The incumbent president of the United States, Donald Trump, has not been particularly fond of his predecessor Barack Obama. Not only has he often questioned his birthplace, but has also described him as "a Manchurian candidate" who obtained his Ivy League degrees only by way of affirmative action.

According to a new book by Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, Trump's disdain for Obama was so extreme that he hired a "Faux-Bama" to participate in a video in which Trump "ritualistically belittled the first black president and then fired him."

Cohen's book, "Disloyal: A Memoir," doesn't name the man who was allegedly hired to play Obama or provide a specific date for the incident, but it does include a photograph of Trump sitting behind a desk, facing a Black man wearing a suit with an American flag pin affixed to the lapel. On Trump's desk are two books, one displaying Obama's name in large letters.

Cohen characterises Trump bluntly as racist, and says that while he never heard him use the "N-word," he used other offensive language.

According to CNN, in the book, Cohen describes Trump as "a cheat, a liar, a fraud, a bully, a racist, a predator, a con man" and a person interested in using the presidency exclusively for his personal financial benefit.

According to federal prosecutors and Cohen's own guilty pleas, he, too, is a liar and a cheat. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to nine counts of federal crimes, including tax evasion, lying to Congress and campaign-finance violations he and prosecutors have said were done at Trump's direction to help him win the 2016 presidential election.

To this end, in a statement to the Washington Post, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said, "Michael Cohen is a disgraced felon and disbarred lawyer, who lied to Congress. He has lost all credibility, and it's unsurprising to see his latest attempt to profit off of lies."

Cohen acknowledges and apologises for his role in Trump's rise, saying he was "more than willing to lie, cheat, and bully" to help his long-time boss win the White House. And he recounts the pressure and guilt he experienced as he spoke out against Trump, writing that he considered suicide "as a way to escape the unrelenting insanity" in the weeks prior to testifying to Congress in 2019.

He writes, "I became even more convinced that Trump will never leave office peacefully."

Trump's model of a man in power, according to Cohen, is Vladimir Putin, and Trump is described as enamored of Putin's wealth and unilateral influence, and awestruck by what he sees as the Russian president's ability to control everything from the country's press to its financial institutions.

But he reiterates his belief that Trump and his campaign officials were too disorganised to have coordinated with the Russians during the 2016 election.

Ranting about Obama after he won office in 2008, Trump had once said, "Tell me one country run by a black person that isn't a sh*thole...They are all complete f*cking toilets," according to Cohen.&nbsp;

After Nelson Mandela died, Trump allegedly said of South Africa that "Mandela f*cked the whole country up. Now it's a sh*thole. F*ck Mandela. He was no leader."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/he-was-no-leader-trumps-ex-lawyer-says-us-president-disparaged-mandela-325515">Also read |&nbsp;'He was no leader': Trump's ex-lawyer says US president disparaged Mandela</a>

Cohen also divulges personal details about Trump, including his hair routine, described as a "three-step" combover designed to disguise "unsightly scars on his scalp from a failed hair-implant operation in the 1980s." 
&nbsp;

The incumbent president of the United States, Donald Trump, has not been particularly fond of his predecessor Barack Obama. Not only has he often questioned his birthplace, but has also described him as "a Manchurian candidate" who obtained his Ivy League degrees only by way of affirmative action.

The incumbent president of the United States, Donald Trump, has not been particularly fond of his predecessor Barack Obama. Not only has he often questioned his birthplace, but has also described him as "a Manchurian candidate" who obtained his Ivy League degrees only by way of affirmative action. According to a new book by Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, Trump's disdain for Obama was so extreme that he hired a "Faux-Bama" to participate in a video in which Trump "ritualistically belittled the first black president and then fired him." Cohen's book, "Disloyal: A Memoir," doesn't name the man who was allegedly hired to play Obama or provide a specific date for the incident, but it does include a photograph of Trump sitting behind a desk, facing a Black man wearing a suit with an American flag pin affixed to the lapel. On Trump's desk are two books, one displaying Obama's name in large letters. Cohen characterises Trump bluntly as racist, and says that while he never heard him use the "N-word," he used other offensive language. According to CNN, in the book, Cohen describes Trump as "a cheat, a liar, a fraud, a bully, a racist, a predator, a con man" and a person interested in using the presidency exclusively for his personal financial benefit. According to federal prosecutors and Cohen's own guilty pleas, he, too, is a liar and a cheat. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to nine counts of federal crimes, including tax evasion, lying to Congress and campaign-finance violations he and prosecutors have said were done at Trump's direction to help him win the 2016 presidential election. To this end, in a statement to the Washington Post, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said, "Michael Cohen is a disgraced felon and disbarred lawyer, who lied to Congress. He has lost all credibility, and it's unsurprising to see his latest attempt to profit off of lies." Cohen acknowledges and apologises for his role in Trump's rise, saying he was "more than willing to lie, cheat, and bully" to help his long-time boss win the White House. And he recounts the pressure and guilt he experienced as he spoke out against Trump, writing that he considered suicide "as a way to escape the unrelenting insanity" in the weeks prior to testifying to Congress in 2019. He writes, "I became even more convinced that Trump will never leave office peacefully." Trump's model of a man in power, according to Cohen, is Vladimir Putin, and Trump is described as enamored of Putin's wealth and unilateral influence, and awestruck by what he sees as the Russian president's ability to control everything from the country's press to its financial institutions. But he reiterates his belief that Trump and his campaign officials were too disorganised to have coordinated with the Russians during the 2016 election. Ranting about Obama after he won office in 2008, Trump had once said, "Tell me one country run by a black person that isn't a sh*thole...They are all complete f*cking toilets," according to Cohen. After Nelson Mandela died, Trump allegedly said of South Africa that "Mandela f*cked the whole country up. Now it's a sh*thole. F*ck Mandela. He was no leader." Also read | 'He was no leader': Trump's ex-lawyer says US president disparaged Mandela Cohen also divulges personal details about Trump, including his hair routine, described as a "three-step" combover designed to disguise "unsightly scars on his scalp from a failed hair-implant operation in the 1980s."

Trump hired a 'Faux-Bama' during White House run: Cohen in new book

Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, is alleging in a new book that Trump made disparaging remarks about Black world leaders including former South African President Nelson Mandela, as well as about US minorities in general, the Washington Post reported on Saturday.

Cohen worked closely with Trump for years before turning against him, most publicly in testimony to Congress last year prior to Trump's impeachment.

Now Cohen is serving a three-year sentence for, among other things, making false statements to Congress. In a book due to be published next week, Cohen alleges that Trump described Mandela as a poor leader, according to the Washington Post which reported it obtained a copy of the book.

According to the newspaper, Cohen wrote that following Mandela's death in 2013, Trump said: "Mandela f---ed the whole country up. Now it's a s---hole. F--- Mandela. He was no leader."

Cohen also alleged that Trump said: "Tell me one country run by a black person that isn't as---hole. They are all complete f---ing toilets."

White House Spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany responded by attacking Cohen's credibility.

"Michael Cohen is a disgraced felon and disbarred lawyer, who lied to Congress. He has lost all credibility, and it's unsurprising to see his latest attempt to profit off of lies," McEnany said in a statement.

Trump has called Cohen "a rat," and a liar, and Cohen has said he faced repeated death threats from Trump supporters.

Trump, a Republican, is seeking re-election and will face Democrat Joe Biden at the polls on Nov. 3. At the Republican convention in August where Trump was formally nominated to appear on the ballot, speakers defended Trump against past accusations of racism.

Cohen alleged that Trump was dismissive of minorities, and that Trump said during his 2016 presidential campaign that he would not win the Hispanic vote, the Washington Post reported. According to Cohen, Trump said: "Like the blacks, they're too stupid to vote for Trump."

Cohen is serving time for tax evasion, false statements and campaign finance violations, the last related to payments to silence women who alleged affairs with Trump before the 2016 presidential election.

He was released to home confinement in May given the risks of catching COVID-19 in prison, but then was briefly imprisoned again in July. A federal judge then ruled Cohen had been subjected to retaliation for planning to publish his book, and ordered him released again.

Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, is alleging in a new book that Trump made disparaging remarks about Black world leaders including former South African President Nelson Mandela, as well as about US minorities in general, the Washington Post reported on Saturday.

Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, is alleging in a new book that Trump made disparaging remarks about Black world leaders including former South African President Nelson Mandela, as well as about US minorities in general, the Washington Post reported on Saturday. Cohen worked closely with Trump for years before turning against him, most publicly in testimony to Congress last year prior to Trump's impeachment. Now Cohen is serving a three-year sentence for, among other things, making false statements to Congress. In a book due to be published next week, Cohen alleges that Trump described Mandela as a poor leader, according to the Washington Post which reported it obtained a copy of the book. According to the newspaper, Cohen wrote that following Mandela's death in 2013, Trump said: "Mandela f---ed the whole country up. Now it's a s---hole. F--- Mandela. He was no leader." Cohen also alleged that Trump said: "Tell me one country run by a black person that isn't as---hole. They are all complete f---ing toilets." White House Spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany responded by attacking Cohen's credibility. "Michael Cohen is a disgraced felon and disbarred lawyer, who lied to Congress. He has lost all credibility, and it's unsurprising to see his latest attempt to profit off of lies," McEnany said in a statement. Trump has called Cohen "a rat," and a liar, and Cohen has said he faced repeated death threats from Trump supporters. Trump, a Republican, is seeking re-election and will face Democrat Joe Biden at the polls on Nov. 3. At the Republican convention in August where Trump was formally nominated to appear on the ballot, speakers defended Trump against past accusations of racism. Cohen alleged that Trump was dismissive of minorities, and that Trump said during his 2016 presidential campaign that he would not win the Hispanic vote, the Washington Post reported. According to Cohen, Trump said: "Like the blacks, they're too stupid to vote for Trump." Cohen is serving time for tax evasion, false statements and campaign finance violations, the last related to payments to silence women who alleged affairs with Trump before the 2016 presidential election. He was released to home confinement in May given the risks of catching COVID-19 in prison, but then was briefly imprisoned again in July. A federal judge then ruled Cohen had been subjected to retaliation for planning to publish his book, and ordered him released again.

'He was no leader': Trump's ex-lawyer says US president disparaged Mandela

The US President Donald Trump was in news for the last few days for an alleged comment about the World War&nbsp;I veterans. However, Trump has denied the accusation.

Trump, who is hoping to be re-elected as the President in the upcoming November elections, was alleged of calling the World War I heroes "losers" and "suckers". The news broke out in an article reported in the Atlantic magazine.

The President, now, wants that journalist fired for reporting 'fake news'. He took to twitter to ask for her resignation, claiming that he was never approached for a comment. "All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment.," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jennifer Griffin of Fox News Did Not Confirm ‘Most Salacious‘ Part of Atlantic Story <a href="https://t.co/rUpbSWhHac">https://t.co/rUpbSWhHac</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/BreitbartNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BreitbartNews</a> All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxNews</a> is gone!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1302083885384249344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jennifer Griffin, an American journalist, from a local media channel, Fox News, said two former administration officials had confirmed to her that Trump "did not want to drive to honor American war dead" at the Aisne-Marne cemetery outside Paris, and therefore missed the event.

She also claimed that another official had&nbsp;told her that Trump used the word "sucker" for the military in context to the&nbsp;Vietnam War.

"When the President spoke about the Vietnam War, he said, 'It was a stupid war. Anyone who went was a sucker'," she quoted the unnamed official as saying.

"It was a character flaw of the President. He could not understand why someone would die for their country, not worth it," the source said.

However, Trump has denied all the allegations.

Surveys have also revealed that&nbsp;37.4 per cent of active duty personnel support Trump in the upcoming elections. Whereas,&nbsp;43.1 per cent support Joe Biden, Trump's opponent in the upcoming elections.&nbsp;

The US President Donald Trump was in news for the last few days for an alleged comment about the World War I veterans. However, Trump has denied the accusation. Trump, who is hoping to be re-elected as the President in the upcoming November elections, was alleged of calling the World War I heroes "losers" and "suckers".

The US President Donald Trump was in news for the last few days for an alleged comment about the World War I veterans. However, Trump has denied the accusation. Trump, who is hoping to be re-elected as the President in the upcoming November elections, was alleged of calling the World War I heroes "losers" and "suckers". The news broke out in an article reported in the Atlantic magazine. The President, now, wants that journalist fired for reporting 'fake news'. He took to twitter to ask for her resignation, claiming that he was never approached for a comment. "All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment.," he tweeted. Jennifer Griffin of Fox News Did Not Confirm ‘Most Salacious‘ Part of Atlantic Story https://t.co/rUpbSWhHac via @BreitbartNews All refuted by many witnesses. Jennifer Griffin should be fired for this kind of reporting. Never even called us for comment. @FoxNews is gone! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2020 × Jennifer Griffin, an American journalist, from a local media channel, Fox News, said two former administration officials had confirmed to her that Trump "did not want to drive to honor American war dead" at the Aisne-Marne cemetery outside Paris, and therefore missed the event. She also claimed that another official had told her that Trump used the word "sucker" for the military in context to the Vietnam War. "When the President spoke about the Vietnam War, he said, 'It was a stupid war. Anyone who went was a sucker'," she quoted the unnamed official as saying. "It was a character flaw of the President. He could not understand why someone would die for their country, not worth it," the source said. However, Trump has denied all the allegations. Surveys have also revealed that 37.4 per cent of active duty personnel support Trump in the upcoming elections. Whereas, 43.1 per cent support Joe Biden, Trump's opponent in the upcoming elections.

Trump calls for resignation of reporter for 'fake news'

Large venues and outdoor spaces allow for social distancing that helps prevent the spread of the coronavirus ravaging the United States ahead of the November 3 presidential election.

States are turning to stadiums, drive-thrus and movie theatres as safe options for in-person polling places amid the coronavirus pandemic and fears about mail-in ballots failing to arrive in time to count.

The US general election on November 3 is also expected to include voting at NBA arenas around the country -- part of an agreement owners made with players to combat racial injustice.

Election Day is expected to bring a surge in mail-in voting, but some people may feel more comfortable casting their ballots in person amid concerns about recent mail delays following a series of operational changes at the US Postal Service and President Donald Trump stoking unfounded claims of voter fraud.

Several states conduct their elections almost entirely by mail, and mail-in voting is well established in others. In-person voting will be back in November, but rather than only using schools, churches and public buildings like usual, clerks also are permitted to set up drive-thru or outdoor polling places.

The idea to use large spaces for in-person voting started in Kentucky, where Louisville's only option in the June primary was an exposition centre at the state fairgrounds. The primary set turnout records, largely driven by mail-in voting.

In November, all active Vermont voters will get a mail-in ballot for the November election, and lawmakers also have allowed for outdoor and drive-thru voting systems. 
&nbsp;

Large venues and outdoor spaces allow for social distancing that helps prevent the spread of the coronavirus ravaging the United States ahead of the November 3 presidential election.

Large venues and outdoor spaces allow for social distancing that helps prevent the spread of the coronavirus ravaging the United States ahead of the November 3 presidential election. States are turning to stadiums, drive-thrus and movie theatres as safe options for in-person polling places amid the coronavirus pandemic and fears about mail-in ballots failing to arrive in time to count. The US general election on November 3 is also expected to include voting at NBA arenas around the country -- part of an agreement owners made with players to combat racial injustice. Election Day is expected to bring a surge in mail-in voting, but some people may feel more comfortable casting their ballots in person amid concerns about recent mail delays following a series of operational changes at the US Postal Service and President Donald Trump stoking unfounded claims of voter fraud. Several states conduct their elections almost entirely by mail, and mail-in voting is well established in others. In-person voting will be back in November, but rather than only using schools, churches and public buildings like usual, clerks also are permitted to set up drive-thru or outdoor polling places. The idea to use large spaces for in-person voting started in Kentucky, where Louisville's only option in the June primary was an exposition centre at the state fairgrounds. The primary set turnout records, largely driven by mail-in voting. In November, all active Vermont voters will get a mail-in ballot for the November election, and lawmakers also have allowed for outdoor and drive-thru voting systems.

Expect drive-thrus, stadiums to be converted to in-person polling places for US election

The Trump administration is considering whether to add China`s top chipmaker SMIC to a trade blacklist, a Defense Department official said, as the United States escalates its crackdown on Chinese companies.

A Pentagon spokeswoman said the Defense Department was working with other agencies to determine whether to make the move against Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, which would force U.S. suppliers to seek a difficult-to-obtain license before shipping to the company.

SMIC said in a statement on Saturday it was "in complete shock" over the news but was open to communication with U.S. government agencies in hopes of resolving any misunderstandings. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.

Earlier this week, the Pentagon made a proposal to place SMIC on the entity list to the End User Committee, a panel led by the Commerce Department that also includes the State and Energy Departments and makes decisions about entity listings, a person familiar with the matter said. It was not clear whether the other agencies supported the plan.

The Trump administration has often used the entity list - which now includes more than 275 China-based firms - to hit key Chinese industries, from telecoms equipment giants Huawei Technologies and ZTE over sanction violations, to surveillance camera maker Hikvision over suppression of China`s Uighur minority.

SMIC is the largest Chinese chip manufacturer but is second-tier to rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, the industry`s market leader. It has sought to build out foundries for the manufacture of computer chips that can compete with TSMC.

But it is also facing new restrictions from Commerce that require Huawei`s chip manufacturers to seek U.S. licenses before producing chips for the telecoms giant, if they rely on U.S. chipmaking technology. SMIC is one of Huawei`s manufacturers.

U.S. companies including Lam Research, KLA Corp and Applied Materials, which supply key chipmaking equipment, could be impacted by a potential entity listing, industry sources said.

While the Pentagon official did not outline the reasons for the action, SMIC`s relationship to the Chinese military is under scrutiny, another U.S. official and two former officials briefed on the matter said.

In Saturday`s statement, SMIC said it had no ties to the Chinese military.

The administration has increasingly trained its focus on Chinese companies that bolster Beijing`s military. Last month, the United States blacklisted 24 Chinese companies and targeted individuals it said were part of construction and military actions in the South China Sea, its first such sanctions against Beijing over the disputed strategic waterway.

The Defense Department has released two lists of Chinese companies in the past few months that it claims are owned or controlled by the People`s Liberation Army. The designation gives President Donald Trump the authority to place them on an even tougher blacklist but so far no action has been taken.

The Trump administration is considering whether to add China`s top chipmaker SMIC to a trade blacklist, a Defense Department official said, as the United States escalates its crackdown on Chinese companies.

The Trump administration is considering whether to add China`s top chipmaker SMIC to a trade blacklist, a Defense Department official said, as the United States escalates its crackdown on Chinese companies. A Pentagon spokeswoman said the Defense Department was working with other agencies to determine whether to make the move against Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, which would force U.S. suppliers to seek a difficult-to-obtain license before shipping to the company. SMIC said in a statement on Saturday it was "in complete shock" over the news but was open to communication with U.S. government agencies in hopes of resolving any misunderstandings. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment. Earlier this week, the Pentagon made a proposal to place SMIC on the entity list to the End User Committee, a panel led by the Commerce Department that also includes the State and Energy Departments and makes decisions about entity listings, a person familiar with the matter said. It was not clear whether the other agencies supported the plan. The Trump administration has often used the entity list - which now includes more than 275 China-based firms - to hit key Chinese industries, from telecoms equipment giants Huawei Technologies and ZTE over sanction violations, to surveillance camera maker Hikvision over suppression of China`s Uighur minority. SMIC is the largest Chinese chip manufacturer but is second-tier to rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, the industry`s market leader. It has sought to build out foundries for the manufacture of computer chips that can compete with TSMC. But it is also facing new restrictions from Commerce that require Huawei`s chip manufacturers to seek U.S. licenses before producing chips for the telecoms giant, if they rely on U.S. chipmaking technology. SMIC is one of Huawei`s manufacturers. U.S. companies including Lam Research, KLA Corp and Applied Materials, which supply key chipmaking equipment, could be impacted by a potential entity listing, industry sources said. While the Pentagon official did not outline the reasons for the action, SMIC`s relationship to the Chinese military is under scrutiny, another U.S. official and two former officials briefed on the matter said. In Saturday`s statement, SMIC said it had no ties to the Chinese military. The administration has increasingly trained its focus on Chinese companies that bolster Beijing`s military. Last month, the United States blacklisted 24 Chinese companies and targeted individuals it said were part of construction and military actions in the South China Sea, its first such sanctions against Beijing over the disputed strategic waterway. The Defense Department has released two lists of Chinese companies in the past few months that it claims are owned or controlled by the People`s Liberation Army. The designation gives President Donald Trump the authority to place them on an even tougher blacklist but so far no action has been taken.

Trump administration weighs blacklisting China's chipmaker SMIC

donald-trump

Donald Trump, News on Donald Trump, stories on Donald Trump, articles on Donald Trump, Donald Trump stories at Wion, Donald Trump news, Donald Trump latest news

donald trump