President Donald Trump has "elevated and solidified" America's growing and critical partnership with India in ways not seen in any previous US administrations, according to a senior White House official.

President Trump has prioritised US-India relationship and worked to expand all facets of the partnership over the last three-and-a-half years, the senior administration official from the National Security Council of the White House told PTI on Monday.

"Given the two countries' democratic foundations and their mutual interests in rebuilding the global economy following COVID-19, diversifying global supply chains, and ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open, President Trump will continue to build this critical partnership in the years to come," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-will-protect-the-country-former-senior-trump-administration-official-321383" hreflang="en">'Biden will protect the country': Former senior Trump administration official</a>

&nbsp;

"The Trump Administration has elevated the US relationship with India and solidified our growing partnership in ways not seen in any other US administration," the official said, noting that the president has enabled India to become the first non-treaty ally to be offered an armed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System.

During President Trump's historic visit to India February 24-26, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the relationship to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi was also one of the first foreign leaders to visit the White House after President Trump took office on June 26, 2017, the senior official said.

The two leaders have also spoken side-by-side at two major events, "Howdy, Modi!" in September 2019 in Houston, Texas, before a crowd of over 55,000 and again at "Namaste, Trump" in February 2020 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to address a crowd of 110,000 people, the official noted.

"These gatherings boosted our people-to-people ties and highlighted the warm personal relationship between the two leaders," the official said.

Trump's Indo-Pacific strategy prioritises closer cooperation between the United States and India to secure a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the official said.

"We have boosted quadrilateral consultations among the United States, India, Australia and Japan, with the four foreign ministers meeting for the first time in September 2019," the official said.

"President Trump has strengthened all aspects of US-India security and defence cooperation to build a comprehensive, enduring, and mutually beneficial defence partnership," the official said.

Under the Trump Administration, the United States has become the second-largest arms supplier to India, growing from virtually no arms sales a decade ago to more than USD 20 billion today, the official said, adding that earlier this year, the US and India concluded USD 3 billion in defence sales, including MH-60R naval helicopters and additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.

To bolster India's role as a net provider of security in the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration has lifted restrictions on the provision of sensitive defence technology, enabling India to become the first non-treaty ally offered an armed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System, the official said.

As global leaders with vibrant democracies, the United States and India have cooperated to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. US and Indian pharmaceutical companies have collaborated to expand global supplies of critical medicines and are cooperating on vaccine development, the official added.

In a separate statement, Al Mason, co-chair for the Trump Victory Indian American Finance Committee, said Trump has elevated India's stature on the world stage, and asserted that credit also goes to Prime Minister Modi.

"Of course, due credit also goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his skilled policy towards the US.

"The India-US relationship has been rock solid. Kudos to the brilliance of both Trump and Modi for cementing the bond between India and US," Mason told PTI.

His remarks came ahead of the November 3 presidential election where Trump, a Republican will face former vice president Joe Biden.

Biden, the Democratic Party's candidate last week picked Indian-American Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, a move that could woo the influential Indian diaspora in America. President Trump's running mate will be Vice President Mike Pence.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump has "elevated and solidified" America's growing and critical partnership with India in ways not seen in any previous US administrations, according to a senior White House official.

President Donald Trump has "elevated and solidified" America's growing and critical partnership with India in ways not seen in any previous US administrations, according to a senior White House official. President Trump has prioritised US-India relationship and worked to expand all facets of the partnership over the last three-and-a-half years, the senior administration official from the National Security Council of the White House told PTI on Monday. "Given the two countries' democratic foundations and their mutual interests in rebuilding the global economy following COVID-19, diversifying global supply chains, and ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open, President Trump will continue to build this critical partnership in the years to come," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Also read: 'Biden will protect the country': Former senior Trump administration official "The Trump Administration has elevated the US relationship with India and solidified our growing partnership in ways not seen in any other US administration," the official said, noting that the president has enabled India to become the first non-treaty ally to be offered an armed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System. During President Trump's historic visit to India February 24-26, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the relationship to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi was also one of the first foreign leaders to visit the White House after President Trump took office on June 26, 2017, the senior official said. The two leaders have also spoken side-by-side at two major events, "Howdy, Modi!" in September 2019 in Houston, Texas, before a crowd of over 55,000 and again at "Namaste, Trump" in February 2020 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to address a crowd of 110,000 people, the official noted. "These gatherings boosted our people-to-people ties and highlighted the warm personal relationship between the two leaders," the official said. Trump's Indo-Pacific strategy prioritises closer cooperation between the United States and India to secure a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the official said. "We have boosted quadrilateral consultations among the United States, India, Australia and Japan, with the four foreign ministers meeting for the first time in September 2019," the official said. "President Trump has strengthened all aspects of US-India security and defence cooperation to build a comprehensive, enduring, and mutually beneficial defence partnership," the official said. Under the Trump Administration, the United States has become the second-largest arms supplier to India, growing from virtually no arms sales a decade ago to more than USD 20 billion today, the official said, adding that earlier this year, the US and India concluded USD 3 billion in defence sales, including MH-60R naval helicopters and additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. To bolster India's role as a net provider of security in the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration has lifted restrictions on the provision of sensitive defence technology, enabling India to become the first non-treaty ally offered an armed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System, the official said. As global leaders with vibrant democracies, the United States and India have cooperated to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. US and Indian pharmaceutical companies have collaborated to expand global supplies of critical medicines and are cooperating on vaccine development, the official added. In a separate statement, Al Mason, co-chair for the Trump Victory Indian American Finance Committee, said Trump has elevated India's stature on the world stage, and asserted that credit also goes to Prime Minister Modi. "Of course, due credit also goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his skilled policy towards the US. "The India-US relationship has been rock solid. Kudos to the brilliance of both Trump and Modi for cementing the bond between India and US," Mason told PTI. His remarks came ahead of the November 3 presidential election where Trump, a Republican will face former vice president Joe Biden. Biden, the Democratic Party's candidate last week picked Indian-American Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, a move that could woo the influential Indian diaspora in America. President Trump's running mate will be Vice President Mike Pence.

Trump elevated ties with India like no other US president: White House official

New Zealand Prime Minister&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge".

"Anyone who is following&nbsp;will quite easily see that New Zealand's nine cases in a day does not compare to the United States' tens of thousands," she said. "Obviously, it's patently wrong."

Her remarks came after Trump, during an election rally in Minnesota, talked about a "big surge in New Zealand".

"They beat it; they beat it. It was like front page (news), they beat it because they wanted to show me something."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-delays-election-after-coronavirus-return-321027">Also read:&nbsp;New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return</a>

He further added,&nbsp;"It's terrible. We don't want that." He also added that all his critics who held New Zealand as an example were wrong.

Ardern was successful in handling the spread of coronavirus and celebrated 100 days without the novel coronavirus. However, few days after the 100-day milestone, a new cluster was found in Auckland.&nbsp;

New Zealand, with a population of five million, has around 1,300 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. However, the US has reported more than five million coronavirus cases and more than&nbsp;170,000 deaths.

The two leaders, who have rarely clashed, are both gearing up for major elections later this year. Trump is contesting against Joe Biden for Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, and Ardern will be contesting against&nbsp;Judith Collins.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge".

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge". "Anyone who is following will quite easily see that New Zealand's nine cases in a day does not compare to the United States' tens of thousands," she said. "Obviously, it's patently wrong." Her remarks came after Trump, during an election rally in Minnesota, talked about a "big surge in New Zealand". "They beat it; they beat it. It was like front page (news), they beat it because they wanted to show me something." Also read: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return He further added, "It's terrible. We don't want that." He also added that all his critics who held New Zealand as an example were wrong. Ardern was successful in handling the spread of coronavirus and celebrated 100 days without the novel coronavirus. However, few days after the 100-day milestone, a new cluster was found in Auckland. New Zealand, with a population of five million, has around 1,300 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. However, the US has reported more than five million coronavirus cases and more than 170,000 deaths. The two leaders, who have rarely clashed, are both gearing up for major elections later this year. Trump is contesting against Joe Biden for Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, and Ardern will be contesting against Judith Collins.

It's patently wrong: Jacinda Ardern snaps back at Trump's coronavirus remarks

A former senior Trump administration official, Miles Taylor, has accused the US President Donald Trump of not taking national security issues seriously.

"What we saw week in and week out, for me, after two and a half years in that administration, was terrifying. We would go in to try to talk to him about a pressing national security issue -- cyberattack, terrorism threat -- he wasn't interested in those things. To him, they weren't priorities," Taylor says in a video produced by&nbsp;the group Republican Voters Against Trump.

Taylor, a longtime Republican,&nbsp;served as the&nbsp;chief of staff to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-will-accept-republican-nomination-live-from-the-white-house-321341">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump says will accept Republican nomination ‘live from the White House'</a>

In the video, he endorsed Joe Biden, who is contesting in the US Presidential elections 2020 against Donald Trump, and claimed the only reason behind his change of heart is that he thinks Biden will be able to protect the country, unlike Trump who, he claims, is "dangerous" for the country.&nbsp;

"Given what I have experienced in the administration, I have to support Joe Biden for president and even though I am not a Democrat, even though I disagree on key issues, I'm confident that Joe Biden will protect the country and I'm confident that he won't make the same mistakes as this President," he said.

In the video, Taylor accused trump of bias against California as it was not a "political base" for him. He claims Trump ordered FEMA to withhold the disaster funding for California, simply because the California-residents did not vote for him.

"He told us to stop giving money to people whose houses had burned down from a wildfire because he was so rageful that people in the state of California didn't support him and that politically it wasn't a base for him," Taylor said in the video.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NEW: Testimonial ad from Trump's Former DHS Chief of Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/MilesTaylorUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MilesTaylorUSA</a>, declaring his support for Joe Biden and describing Trump's presidency as "terrifying" and "actively doing damage to our security." 
 
WATCH &amp; go to <a href="https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN">https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN</a> for more. <a href="https://t.co/iChqOdIIew">pic.twitter.com/iChqOdIIew</a>
— Republican Voters Against Trump (@RVAT2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/RVAT2020/status/1295428130170195968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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He further accused Trump of planning to implement a 'zero-tolerance' immigration policy which laid down plans of separating migrant families.&nbsp;"He said he wanted to go further and have a deliberate policy of ripping children away from their parents to show those parents that they shouldn't come to the border in the first place."

He also claimed that if anyone in the White House protested against Trump's illegal actions, Trump simply reminded them of the&nbsp;"magical authorities" that a President can exercise.

"He was one of the most unfocused and undisciplined senior executives I have ever encountered," Taylor said. "I came away completely equipped based on firsthand experience that the President was ill-equipped and wouldn't become equipped to do his job effectively -- and what's worse, was actively doing damage to our national security."

However,&nbsp;White House adviser Jared Kushner, who is also Trump's son-in-law, dismissed all accusation by Taylor and said,&nbsp;"It makes a lot of sense to me that he's endorsing Joe Biden because when he was working at the Department of Homeland Security, no wall was built and the border was wide open. That's why the President changed up the team there."

A former senior Trump administration official, Miles Taylor, has accused the US President Donald Trump of not taking national security issues seriously. "What we saw week in and week out, for me, after two and a half years in that administration, was terrifying.

A former senior Trump administration official, Miles Taylor, has accused the US President Donald Trump of not taking national security issues seriously. "What we saw week in and week out, for me, after two and a half years in that administration, was terrifying. We would go in to try to talk to him about a pressing national security issue -- cyberattack, terrorism threat -- he wasn't interested in those things. To him, they weren't priorities," Taylor says in a video produced by the group Republican Voters Against Trump. Taylor, a longtime Republican, served as the chief of staff to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Also read: Donald Trump says will accept Republican nomination ‘live from the White House' In the video, he endorsed Joe Biden, who is contesting in the US Presidential elections 2020 against Donald Trump, and claimed the only reason behind his change of heart is that he thinks Biden will be able to protect the country, unlike Trump who, he claims, is "dangerous" for the country. "Given what I have experienced in the administration, I have to support Joe Biden for president and even though I am not a Democrat, even though I disagree on key issues, I'm confident that Joe Biden will protect the country and I'm confident that he won't make the same mistakes as this President," he said. In the video, Taylor accused trump of bias against California as it was not a "political base" for him. He claims Trump ordered FEMA to withhold the disaster funding for California, simply because the California-residents did not vote for him. "He told us to stop giving money to people whose houses had burned down from a wildfire because he was so rageful that people in the state of California didn't support him and that politically it wasn't a base for him," Taylor said in the video. NEW: Testimonial ad from Trump's Former DHS Chief of Staff @MilesTaylorUSA, declaring his support for Joe Biden and describing Trump's presidency as "terrifying" and "actively doing damage to our security." WATCH & go to https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN for more. pic.twitter.com/iChqOdIIew — Republican Voters Against Trump (@RVAT2020) August 17, 2020 × He further accused Trump of planning to implement a 'zero-tolerance' immigration policy which laid down plans of separating migrant families. "He said he wanted to go further and have a deliberate policy of ripping children away from their parents to show those parents that they shouldn't come to the border in the first place." He also claimed that if anyone in the White House protested against Trump's illegal actions, Trump simply reminded them of the "magical authorities" that a President can exercise. "He was one of the most unfocused and undisciplined senior executives I have ever encountered," Taylor said. "I came away completely equipped based on firsthand experience that the President was ill-equipped and wouldn't become equipped to do his job effectively -- and what's worse, was actively doing damage to our national security." However, White House adviser Jared Kushner, who is also Trump's son-in-law, dismissed all accusation by Taylor and said, "It makes a lot of sense to me that he's endorsing Joe Biden because when he was working at the Department of Homeland Security, no wall was built and the border was wide open. That's why the President changed up the team there."

'Joe Biden will protect the country': Former senior Trump administration official

Launching a scathing attack on US President, Michelle Obama on Tuesday called Donald Trump the wrong president for the country.

She urged Americans to elect Joe Biden in November to end the chaos created by Trump's presidency. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-will-tell-truth-trust-science-michelle-obama-opens-democratic-convention-321373">Also read: Biden will tell truth, trust science — Michelle Obama opens Democratic convention</a>

Openinge US Democratic convention former first lady said that "Let me be as honest and clear as I possibly can: Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country," she added. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-republicans-eye-indian-american-votes-but-what-are-they-offering-321310">Also read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-American votes, but what are they offering?</a> 
 
"Whenever we look to this White House for some leadership, or consolation, or any semblance of steadiness, what we get instead is chaos, division and a total and utter lack of empathy," the wife of former president Barack Obama said in a blunt rejection of the Trump administration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-promises-to-reform-h-1b-visa-system-eliminate-country-quota-for-green-cards-320929" hreflang="en">Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards</a> 
 
Michelle Obama said Biden was a “terrific vice president” during the eight years he served as her husband Barack Obama’s number two.

“I know Joe. He is a profoundly decent man guided by faith,” she said.

“He knows what it takes to rescue an economy, beat back a pandemic and lead our country,” the former First Lady said.

“He will tell the truth, and trust science,” she said in a jab at Trump, who has been accused of repeatedly ignoring the advice of his scientific advisers on how to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic.

“He will make smart plans and manage a good team,” Obama said. “And he will govern as someone who’s lived a life that the rest of us can recognize.”

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who challenged Biden for the nomination from the progressive left, was also scheduled to address the convention, which is being live-streamed.

“This election is the most important in the modern history of this country,” Sanders said in remarks released ahead of his appearance.

“The future of our democracy is at stake,” he said. “The future of our planet is at stake.

(With inputs from agencies)

Launching a scathing attack on US President, Michelle Obama on Tuesday called Donald Trump the wrong president for the country. She urged Americans to elect Joe Biden in November to end the chaos created by Trump's presidency.

Launching a scathing attack on US President, Michelle Obama on Tuesday called Donald Trump the wrong president for the country. She urged Americans to elect Joe Biden in November to end the chaos created by Trump's presidency. Also read: Biden will tell truth, trust science — Michelle Obama opens Democratic convention Openinge US Democratic convention former first lady said that "Let me be as honest and clear as I possibly can: Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country," she added. Also read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-American votes, but what are they offering? "Whenever we look to this White House for some leadership, or consolation, or any semblance of steadiness, what we get instead is chaos, division and a total and utter lack of empathy," the wife of former president Barack Obama said in a blunt rejection of the Trump administration. Also read: Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards Michelle Obama said Biden was a “terrific vice president” during the eight years he served as her husband Barack Obama’s number two. “I know Joe. He is a profoundly decent man guided by faith,” she said. “He knows what it takes to rescue an economy, beat back a pandemic and lead our country,” the former First Lady said. “He will tell the truth, and trust science,” she said in a jab at Trump, who has been accused of repeatedly ignoring the advice of his scientific advisers on how to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic. “He will make smart plans and manage a good team,” Obama said. “And he will govern as someone who’s lived a life that the rest of us can recognize.” Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who challenged Biden for the nomination from the progressive left, was also scheduled to address the convention, which is being live-streamed. “This election is the most important in the modern history of this country,” Sanders said in remarks released ahead of his appearance. “The future of our democracy is at stake,” he said. “The future of our planet is at stake. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country: Michelle Obama

As the Democrats kicked off their virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, Donald Trump hit the campaign trail in Minnesota. Trump's decision to campaign during the democratic convention is an unusual one. Watch report.

US Elections 2020: Trump to tour 4 states as DEMs huddle

A US judge on Monday blocked a Trump administration rule that would strip protections for transgender people facing healthcare discrimination.

New York-based US District Court Judge Frederic Block ruled that the proposed regulation issued by the Department of Health and Human Services could not go into effect on Tuesday as planned.

The administration's rule says federal law that bars discrimination in healthcare "on the basis of sex" does not cover gender identity or sex stereotyping.

Block said the legal basis of the regulation was now in question after the Supreme Court's major ruling in June finding that LGBT people are protected under a federal law using similar language that bars employment discrimination.

Then, legal experts predicted that the ruling could have an impact on other pending cases involving other federal discrimination laws.

"When the Supreme Court announces a major decision, it seems a sensible thing to pause and reflect on the decision's impact," Block wrote in Monday's ruling.

In 2016, the administration of President Barack Obama had introduced earlier rules that would have protected LGBT people under the healthcare discrimination provision, which is part of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.

The Trump rule, intended to unwind Obama's move, was challenged by two transgender women, Tanya Asapansa-Johnson Walker and Cecilia Gentili, who are represented by LGBT rights group Human Rights Campaign.

"We are pleased the court recognized this irrational rule for what it is: discrimination, plain and simple," the group's president Alphonso David said in a statement.

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said officials were "disappointed" with the decision.

A US judge on Monday blocked a Trump administration rule that would strip protections for transgender people facing healthcare discrimination. New York-based US District Court Judge Frederic Block ruled that the proposed regulation issued by the Department of Health and Human Services could not go into effect on Tuesday as planned.

A US judge on Monday blocked a Trump administration rule that would strip protections for transgender people facing healthcare discrimination. New York-based US District Court Judge Frederic Block ruled that the proposed regulation issued by the Department of Health and Human Services could not go into effect on Tuesday as planned. The administration's rule says federal law that bars discrimination in healthcare "on the basis of sex" does not cover gender identity or sex stereotyping. Block said the legal basis of the regulation was now in question after the Supreme Court's major ruling in June finding that LGBT people are protected under a federal law using similar language that bars employment discrimination. Then, legal experts predicted that the ruling could have an impact on other pending cases involving other federal discrimination laws. "When the Supreme Court announces a major decision, it seems a sensible thing to pause and reflect on the decision's impact," Block wrote in Monday's ruling. In 2016, the administration of President Barack Obama had introduced earlier rules that would have protected LGBT people under the healthcare discrimination provision, which is part of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. The Trump rule, intended to unwind Obama's move, was challenged by two transgender women, Tanya Asapansa-Johnson Walker and Cecilia Gentili, who are represented by LGBT rights group Human Rights Campaign. "We are pleased the court recognized this irrational rule for what it is: discrimination, plain and simple," the group's president Alphonso David said in a statement. A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said officials were "disappointed" with the decision.

US Judge blocks Donald Trump rule on LGBT health discrimination

The US President Donald&nbsp;Trump, on Monday, announced his plans to pardon some&nbsp;"very, very important" person on Tuesday. The information was passed on by Trump to the local reporters onboard Air Force One.

"Doing a pardon tomorrow on someone who is very, very important," he said. He declined to give the name, though.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/edward-snowden-asks-to-return-to-us-trump-to-take-a-look-at-pardoning-320867">Also read:&nbsp;Edward Snowden asks to return to US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning</a>

The news came after he announced few days ago&nbsp;in a golf course press briefing that he will think about pardoning Snowden. However, after making the announcement, Trump was quick to add that the "very, very important" person will not be Snowden.

Edward Snowden, last week, expressed his desire to return to the US from Russia — where he has taken an exile — if he is promised a fair trial. He was being sought by intelligence agencies after, in 2013, in passed secret files to the news organisation accusing the National Security Agency of conducting secret&nbsp;surveillance operations on the American citizens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-appeals-court-agrees-to-rehear-ex-trumps-aide-michael-flynns-case-317129">Also read:&nbsp;US appeals court agrees to rehear ex-Trump's aide Michael Flynn's case</a>

Trump also clarified that this person being pardoned will not be Michael Flynn — Trump's former National Security Advisor who had&nbsp;plead guilty for lying during an FBI investigation into the 2016 presidential campaign.

Last month, Trump had pardoned his advisor and longtime friend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-commutes-longtime-adviser-roger-stones-prison-sentence-312432">Roger Stone</a>, who was convicted of lying under oath to lawmakers about the Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

The US President Donald Trump, on Monday, announced his plans to pardon some "very, very important" person on Tuesday. The information was passed on by Trump to the local reporters onboard Air Force One.

The US President Donald Trump, on Monday, announced his plans to pardon some "very, very important" person on Tuesday. The information was passed on by Trump to the local reporters onboard Air Force One. "Doing a pardon tomorrow on someone who is very, very important," he said. He declined to give the name, though. Also read: Edward Snowden asks to return to US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning The news came after he announced few days ago in a golf course press briefing that he will think about pardoning Snowden. However, after making the announcement, Trump was quick to add that the "very, very important" person will not be Snowden. Edward Snowden, last week, expressed his desire to return to the US from Russia — where he has taken an exile — if he is promised a fair trial. He was being sought by intelligence agencies after, in 2013, in passed secret files to the news organisation accusing the National Security Agency of conducting secret surveillance operations on the American citizens. Also read: US appeals court agrees to rehear ex-Trump's aide Michael Flynn's case Trump also clarified that this person being pardoned will not be Michael Flynn — Trump's former National Security Advisor who had plead guilty for lying during an FBI investigation into the 2016 presidential campaign. Last month, Trump had pardoned his advisor and longtime friend Roger Stone, who was convicted of lying under oath to lawmakers about the Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

Trump to pardon someone 'very, very important' on Tuesday

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he would accept the Republican nomination for a second term during a live speech at the White House next week, confirming plans that have drawn criticism from Democrats and even some fellow Republicans. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-republicans-eye-indian-american-votes-but-what-are-they-offering-321310">Also read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-American votes, but what are they offering?</a> 
 
Trailing Democrat Joe Biden in opinion polls ahead of the November vote, Trump last week told the New York Post he would "probably" accept the Republican nomination from the White House lawn, calling it "a place that makes me feel good." 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-promises-to-reform-h-1b-visa-system-eliminate-country-quota-for-green-cards-320929" hreflang="en">Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards</a>

The coronavirus pandemic has forced both political parties to overhaul their national conventions. Rather than an in-person gathering planned for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Democrats this week have scheduled four nights of virtual speeches and events. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-joe-biden-set-for-democratic-convention-donald-trump-aims-to-steal-thunder-321041" hreflang="en">As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder</a>

Speaking during a campaign swing through Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Trump criticized Democrats for pre-recording some speeches.

"We are doing a real speech on Thursday, next Thursday, so you will be listening live from the White House. We have plenty to say," Trump said. His speech is scheduled for the final day of next week's Republican convention.

Democrats have accused Trump of politicizing the historic residence. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the country's leading elected Democrat, said Trump would once again "degrade the White House" by using it for a political event.

Trump insists that his plans will not violate the 1939 Hatch Act, which bars government employees from using official authority to interfere with the outcome of an election, since it exempts the president.

But even if Trump were exempt, convention-related activities at the White House could still put other government officials at risk of violating the law, legal experts say.

Trump's busy campaign schedule this week represents a break from tradition. Candidates from one party usually limit their activities during their rivals' convention week.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he would accept the Republican nomination for a second term during a live speech at the White House next week, confirming plans that have drawn criticism from Democrats and even some fellow Republicans.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he would accept the Republican nomination for a second term during a live speech at the White House next week, confirming plans that have drawn criticism from Democrats and even some fellow Republicans. Also read: Democrats, Republicans eye Indian-American votes, but what are they offering? Trailing Democrat Joe Biden in opinion polls ahead of the November vote, Trump last week told the New York Post he would "probably" accept the Republican nomination from the White House lawn, calling it "a place that makes me feel good." Also read: Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards The coronavirus pandemic has forced both political parties to overhaul their national conventions. Rather than an in-person gathering planned for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Democrats this week have scheduled four nights of virtual speeches and events. Also read: As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder Speaking during a campaign swing through Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Trump criticized Democrats for pre-recording some speeches. "We are doing a real speech on Thursday, next Thursday, so you will be listening live from the White House. We have plenty to say," Trump said. His speech is scheduled for the final day of next week's Republican convention. Democrats have accused Trump of politicizing the historic residence. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the country's leading elected Democrat, said Trump would once again "degrade the White House" by using it for a political event. Trump insists that his plans will not violate the 1939 Hatch Act, which bars government employees from using official authority to interfere with the outcome of an election, since it exempts the president. But even if Trump were exempt, convention-related activities at the White House could still put other government officials at risk of violating the law, legal experts say. Trump's busy campaign schedule this week represents a break from tradition. Candidates from one party usually limit their activities during their rivals' convention week.

Donald Trump says will accept Republican nomination ‘live from the White House'

Everything you need to know about the 2020 Democratic National Convention

US President Donald Trump has rejected Pentagon's proposal to cut military healthcare by $2.2 billion on Monday. According to Politico's report, authorities in Pentagon who were working on Defense Secretary Mark Esper's cost-cutting review of the US Defense Department had proposed slashing military healthcare by $2.

US President Donald Trump has rejected Pentagon's proposal to cut military healthcare by $2.2 billion on Monday. According to Politico's report, authorities in Pentagon who were working on Defense Secretary Mark Esper's cost-cutting review of the US Defense Department had proposed slashing military healthcare by $2.2 billion. "A proposal by Pentagon officials to slash Military Healthcare by $2.2 billion dollars has been firmly and totally rejected by me. We will do nothing to hurt our great Military professionals & heroes as long as I am your President," Trump said in a tweet. A proposal by Pentagon officials to slash Military Healthcare by $2.2 billion dollars has been firmly and totally rejected by me. We will do nothing to hurt our great Military professionals & heroes as long as I am your President. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 18, 2020 × As per Politico's report, the cut in military healthcare for over the next five years came as part of an effort by Esper that started last year intending to eliminate inefficiencies within the Pentagon's coffers. However, the senior defence officials said that such cuts would have hurt the healthcare of millions of military personnel and their families amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Around 9.5 million active-duty personnel, military retirees and their families depend on the military health system. The military's government-run healthcare network operates hundreds of facilities around the world. Last week, Reuters reported that Trump had privately discussed with advisers the possibility of replacing Esper after the November election following a growing number of differences between them. (Inputs from Reuters)

Trump rejects Pentagon's proposal to cut military healthcare by $2.2 billion

TikTok, the video&nbsp;sharing app, has come forward and denied all accusations made by the US President Donald Trump and has labelled it as&nbsp;"rumors and misinformation".

After Donald Trump gave the company 90 days to divest or face a ban, TikTok has come out with a statement saying that all claims made in Washington about ByteDance-owned company&nbsp;being used by Chinese intelligence are "unfounded and blatantly false".

"TikTok is not available in China. Its US user data is stored in Virginia with a back-up in Singapore and strict controls on employee access. TikTok has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, nor would it do so if asked," a statement on a webpage titled 'The Last Sunny Corner of the Internet: Setting the Record Straight' read.

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TikTok is the daily destination for millions of people to express themselves creatively. We have launched a new information hub to shine a light on the facts, and serve as a source of truth to address the misinformation about TikTok. <a href="https://t.co/3dfEibdNsB">https://t.co/3dfEibdNsB</a>
— TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) <a href="https://twitter.com/tiktok_comms/status/1295399800557502465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The social media giant also launched a new Twitter account "@tiktok_comms" for clear and faster communication with the audience. "To address rumors and misinformation about TikTok, we've built a new information hub to serve as a source of truth. We also launched a Twitter account that's dedicated to sharing company news in real time," the statement read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alibaba-next-trump-is-looking-at-pressuring-other-chinese-companies-after-bytedance-320915">Also read:&nbsp;Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance</a>

The company claims they have set up the information hub and the Twitter account as a step further in maintaining transparency, accountability and a 'security first' promise. "Transparency is at our core, and we're committed to leading the industry in security and accountability. Today, we're taking another step to continue to build trust with our TikTok community by delivering the facts – in our own words and in the words of leading experts across cybersecurity, media, and academia – because we neither support nor stand for the spread of misinformation on our platform, or about our platform."

Musical.ly controversy

This statement was released as a reaction to Trump's accusation&nbsp;especially after, on Friday, Trump signed a separate executive order for ByteDance to sell its interest in Musical.ly, the app it bought and merged with TikTok in 2017, citing national security.

TikTok said the US action "risks undermining global businesses' trust in the United States' commitment to the rule of law, which has served as a magnet for investment and spurred decades of American economic growth."

China, too, called this a "digital gunboat diplomacy" by the US. The two countries have been at verbal and diplomatic war for the last few months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blasts-us-digital-gunboat-diplomacy-over-tiktok-321175">Also read:&nbsp;China blasts US 'digital gunboat diplomacy' over TikTok</a>

New partnership

Despite the trouble in the US, TikTok, on Monday, announced a new&nbsp;partnership and integration with&nbsp;music distribution platform UnitedMasters.

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TikTok's new partnership and integration with <a href="https://twitter.com/unitedmasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unitedmasters</a> will make it even easier for artists and creators on TikTok to translate trending activity into career success. <a href="https://t.co/gWTvtnxFN8">https://t.co/gWTvtnxFN8</a>
— TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) <a href="https://twitter.com/tiktok_comms/status/1295426862739595265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Already known for propelling unknown artists to success, TikTok's new partnership with United Masters provides a turn-key platform for aspiring stars to fast-track their careers," a statement read on TikTok's new information hub. This is the first time a&nbsp;music distribution company will be integrated with TikTok.

“If you are a musical artist, TikTok is the best place for your music to go viral and UnitedMasters is the best place to sustain it while retaining full ownership of your work," says Steve Stoute, CEO and Founder of UnitedMasters. "By combining the two, we create the platform for tomorrow's stars who will be famous, fiercely independent and wealthy."

(With inputs from agencies)

TikTok, the video sharing app, has come forward and denied all accusations made by the US President Donald Trump and has labelled it as "rumors and misinformation".

TikTok, the video sharing app, has come forward and denied all accusations made by the US President Donald Trump and has labelled it as "rumors and misinformation". After Donald Trump gave the company 90 days to divest or face a ban, TikTok has come out with a statement saying that all claims made in Washington about ByteDance-owned company being used by Chinese intelligence are "unfounded and blatantly false". "TikTok is not available in China. Its US user data is stored in Virginia with a back-up in Singapore and strict controls on employee access. TikTok has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, nor would it do so if asked," a statement on a webpage titled 'The Last Sunny Corner of the Internet: Setting the Record Straight' read. TikTok is the daily destination for millions of people to express themselves creatively. We have launched a new information hub to shine a light on the facts, and serve as a source of truth to address the misinformation about TikTok. https://t.co/3dfEibdNsB — TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) August 17, 2020 × The social media giant also launched a new Twitter account "@tiktok_comms" for clear and faster communication with the audience. "To address rumors and misinformation about TikTok, we've built a new information hub to serve as a source of truth. We also launched a Twitter account that's dedicated to sharing company news in real time," the statement read. Also read: Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance The company claims they have set up the information hub and the Twitter account as a step further in maintaining transparency, accountability and a 'security first' promise. "Transparency is at our core, and we're committed to leading the industry in security and accountability. Today, we're taking another step to continue to build trust with our TikTok community by delivering the facts – in our own words and in the words of leading experts across cybersecurity, media, and academia – because we neither support nor stand for the spread of misinformation on our platform, or about our platform." Musical.ly controversy This statement was released as a reaction to Trump's accusation especially after, on Friday, Trump signed a separate executive order for ByteDance to sell its interest in Musical.ly, the app it bought and merged with TikTok in 2017, citing national security. TikTok said the US action "risks undermining global businesses' trust in the United States' commitment to the rule of law, which has served as a magnet for investment and spurred decades of American economic growth." China, too, called this a "digital gunboat diplomacy" by the US. The two countries have been at verbal and diplomatic war for the last few months. Also read: China blasts US 'digital gunboat diplomacy' over TikTok New partnership Despite the trouble in the US, TikTok, on Monday, announced a new partnership and integration with music distribution platform UnitedMasters. TikTok's new partnership and integration with @unitedmasters will make it even easier for artists and creators on TikTok to translate trending activity into career success. https://t.co/gWTvtnxFN8 — TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) August 17, 2020 × "Already known for propelling unknown artists to success, TikTok's new partnership with United Masters provides a turn-key platform for aspiring stars to fast-track their careers," a statement read on TikTok's new information hub. This is the first time a music distribution company will be integrated with TikTok. “If you are a musical artist, TikTok is the best place for your music to go viral and UnitedMasters is the best place to sustain it while retaining full ownership of your work," says Steve Stoute, CEO and Founder of UnitedMasters. "By combining the two, we create the platform for tomorrow's stars who will be famous, fiercely independent and wealthy." (With inputs from agencies)

Setting the record straight: TikTok denies Trump's accusations

United State's Postal Service has been surrounded by controversies and financial trouble for the last few months now, especially with the upcoming Presidential elections in November.

However, Americans could not see their beloved service succumbing to the financial pressure and decided to help in way possible.

The USPS started a 'flash sale' with a 50 per cent discount offer on the merchandise on their official website. People started buying stuff online, and even took to social media to urge their fellow citizens to follow the path.

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Nothing says summer like ordering stamps while crying.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) <a href="https://twitter.com/billyeichner/status/1294408434176028672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Within no time, items such as the&nbsp;express mail T-shirt, USPS backpack, blue hoodie sweatshirt and Earth Day coasters&nbsp;were sold out and marked unavailable.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has brought in changes over the time to help the organisation survive. Under his command, USPS has slowed delivery, removed some of the iconic blue letter collection boxes, high-speed letter sorters from commission and issued a stark warning to election officials that mail-in ballots will no longer automatically be moved as priority mail. So much so, he also suspended overtime for workers and even reduced the working hours.

<img alt="USPS sale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a59a940-ca0d-415c-9952-2ef4617b21b2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/USPS.jpg" />

People have started to come out in support of USP now, especially since more number of people are expected to opt for mail-in voting system this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/postal-slowdown-sparks-claims-of-plot-to-undermine-us-vote-320937">Also read:&nbsp;Postal slowdown sparks claims of plot to undermine US vote</a>

On Twitter, Americans also took a trip down the memory lane by sharing their experiences, favourite moments and memories of receiving post in their childhood. Some people are also starting GoFundMe and similar petitions to help fund the USPS.

The&nbsp;American Postal Workers Union have started a hashtag of #SaveThePostOffice on Twitter.&nbsp;"91% of the people of this country trust and support the USPS. This isn't a conservative issue or a liberal issue to the people of this country who rely on the mail." APWU President Mark Dimondstein said.

United State's Postal Service has been surrounded by controversies and financial trouble for the last few months now, especially with the upcoming Presidential elections in November.

United State's Postal Service has been surrounded by controversies and financial trouble for the last few months now, especially with the upcoming Presidential elections in November. However, Americans could not see their beloved service succumbing to the financial pressure and decided to help in way possible. The USPS started a 'flash sale' with a 50 per cent discount offer on the merchandise on their official website. People started buying stuff online, and even took to social media to urge their fellow citizens to follow the path. Nothing says summer like ordering stamps while crying. — billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 14, 2020 × Within no time, items such as the express mail T-shirt, USPS backpack, blue hoodie sweatshirt and Earth Day coasters were sold out and marked unavailable. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has brought in changes over the time to help the organisation survive. Under his command, USPS has slowed delivery, removed some of the iconic blue letter collection boxes, high-speed letter sorters from commission and issued a stark warning to election officials that mail-in ballots will no longer automatically be moved as priority mail. So much so, he also suspended overtime for workers and even reduced the working hours. People have started to come out in support of USP now, especially since more number of people are expected to opt for mail-in voting system this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Postal slowdown sparks claims of plot to undermine US vote On Twitter, Americans also took a trip down the memory lane by sharing their experiences, favourite moments and memories of receiving post in their childhood. Some people are also starting GoFundMe and similar petitions to help fund the USPS. The American Postal Workers Union have started a hashtag of #SaveThePostOffice on Twitter. "91% of the people of this country trust and support the USPS. This isn't a conservative issue or a liberal issue to the people of this country who rely on the mail." APWU President Mark Dimondstein said.

Stamp sale: Americans buy merchandise to fund USPS before elections

The Trump administration on Monday finalized a plan to allow oil and gas drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, putting it on track to issue decades-long leases in the pristine wilderness area before a potential change in U.S. leadership.

The 19 million acre (7.7 million hectares) refuge is home to wildlife populations including Porcupine caribou and polar bears and has been off-limits to drilling for decades.

But a Republican-passed tax bill in 2017 opened the area to oil and gas leasing, a key pillar of U.S. President Donald Trump's energy agenda to expand fossil fuel production on public lands.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/controversial-alaska-hunting-techniques-to-return-as-bans-reversed-311513" hreflang="en">Controversial Alaska hunting techniques to return as bans reversed</a>

The Interior Department could hold a sale of oil and gas leases in ANWR by the end of the year, Secretary David Bernhardt said on a conference call with reporters.

"I'm not really driven by the political dynamics" of the Nov. 3 presidential election, he said.

Polls show Trump is trailing challenger Joe Biden, a Democrat.

If found, oil production could begin in ANWR in about eight years, Bernhardt said, with activity lasting about 50 years.

Environmentalists and Democratic lawmakers have long fought to block the pristine area from development of oil rigs, pipelines and roads. Green groups said it was particularly unjustified at a time of slumping oil prices.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-administration-ends-ban-on-killing-alaska-bear-cubs-wolf-pups-304684" hreflang="en">Trump administration ends ban on killing Alaska bear cubs, wolf pups</a>

"It's absolutely bonkers to endanger this beautiful place during a worldwide oil glut," said Kristen Monsell, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity.

Asked about how the low price of oil might affect an ANWR lease sale, Bernhardt said potential investors were not focused on the spot price of energy when considering long-term projects.

Industry interest in ANWR is unclear, and several big U.S. banks have said recently they will not finance oil and gas projects in the Arctic region. ANWR has been tested only once for the potential to extract fossil fuels.

Bernhardt said companies would bid on leases despite a lack of seismic testing that is a precursor to drilling.

Alaska's governor and a congressional delegation applauded the decision, saying it would create jobs and boost the state's economy.

"The vision of Secretary Bernhardt and President Donald J. Trump will lead to the responsible development of Alaska's abundant resources, create new jobs, support economic growth and prosperity, and most importantly, retain well into the future Alaska’s critical role in our Nation's energy policy,” Alaska Governor Michael Dunleavy said in a statement.

The Trump administration on Monday finalized a plan to allow oil and gas drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, putting it on track to issue decades-long leases in the pristine wilderness area before a potential change in U.

The Trump administration on Monday finalized a plan to allow oil and gas drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, putting it on track to issue decades-long leases in the pristine wilderness area before a potential change in U.S. leadership. The 19 million acre (7.7 million hectares) refuge is home to wildlife populations including Porcupine caribou and polar bears and has been off-limits to drilling for decades. But a Republican-passed tax bill in 2017 opened the area to oil and gas leasing, a key pillar of U.S. President Donald Trump's energy agenda to expand fossil fuel production on public lands. Also read: Controversial Alaska hunting techniques to return as bans reversed The Interior Department could hold a sale of oil and gas leases in ANWR by the end of the year, Secretary David Bernhardt said on a conference call with reporters. "I'm not really driven by the political dynamics" of the Nov. 3 presidential election, he said. Polls show Trump is trailing challenger Joe Biden, a Democrat. If found, oil production could begin in ANWR in about eight years, Bernhardt said, with activity lasting about 50 years. Environmentalists and Democratic lawmakers have long fought to block the pristine area from development of oil rigs, pipelines and roads. Green groups said it was particularly unjustified at a time of slumping oil prices. Also read: Trump administration ends ban on killing Alaska bear cubs, wolf pups "It's absolutely bonkers to endanger this beautiful place during a worldwide oil glut," said Kristen Monsell, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Asked about how the low price of oil might affect an ANWR lease sale, Bernhardt said potential investors were not focused on the spot price of energy when considering long-term projects. Industry interest in ANWR is unclear, and several big U.S. banks have said recently they will not finance oil and gas projects in the Arctic region. ANWR has been tested only once for the potential to extract fossil fuels. Bernhardt said companies would bid on leases despite a lack of seismic testing that is a precursor to drilling. Alaska's governor and a congressional delegation applauded the decision, saying it would create jobs and boost the state's economy. "The vision of Secretary Bernhardt and President Donald J. Trump will lead to the responsible development of Alaska's abundant resources, create new jobs, support economic growth and prosperity, and most importantly, retain well into the future Alaska’s critical role in our Nation's energy policy,” Alaska Governor Michael Dunleavy said in a statement.

Trump administration approves oil drilling in Alaska wildlife refuge

The campaign team of US President Donald Trump has stressed that he has "hit the right chord with India" by never intervening in the Kashmir conflict and standing up to China.&nbsp;

"In a nutshell, Trump has hit the right chord with India and Indian-Americans," said Al Mason, the co-chair for the Trump Victory Indian-American Finance Committee and for the recently made Indian Voices for Trump, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-going-to-know-this-for-months-years-trump-continues-to-cast-doubt-on-mail-in-voting-321061">Not going to know this for 'months', 'years': Trump continues to cast doubt on mail-in voting</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

According to the campaign team, Trump has raised India's stature globally and stood up to China.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/as-joe-biden-set-for-democratic-convention-donald-trump-aims-to-steal-thunder-321041" hreflang="en">As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder</a>

They also said that the US president never meddled in the Kashmir issue, despite Trump reiterating "mediation" on the conflict.&nbsp;

"President Trump has been a great friend to India, with historic warmth and feeling between the two allies, and that will only continue in the next four years. President Trump is also a friend of religious liberty, very important to the diaspora Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims who came here from India," said Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, an Indian-American lawyer and a senior Republican Party leader from California.

Trump supporters are also saying that the unemployment rate of the Indian-Americans dropped a record level during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate came down to 2.5 per cent in 2019 from 4.1 in 2015.&nbsp;

"The Indian-American community is filled with hard-working achievers who create jobs, technology, and small businesses, all of which have thrived thanks to Trump," Dhillon said.

The campaign team of US President Donald Trump has stressed that he has "hit the right chord with India" by never intervening in the Kashmir conflict and standing up to China.

The campaign team of US President Donald Trump has stressed that he has "hit the right chord with India" by never intervening in the Kashmir conflict and standing up to China. "In a nutshell, Trump has hit the right chord with India and Indian-Americans," said Al Mason, the co-chair for the Trump Victory Indian-American Finance Committee and for the recently made Indian Voices for Trump, reported news agency PTI. Also read | Not going to know this for 'months', 'years': Trump continues to cast doubt on mail-in voting According to the campaign team, Trump has raised India's stature globally and stood up to China. Also read | As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder They also said that the US president never meddled in the Kashmir issue, despite Trump reiterating "mediation" on the conflict. "President Trump has been a great friend to India, with historic warmth and feeling between the two allies, and that will only continue in the next four years. President Trump is also a friend of religious liberty, very important to the diaspora Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims who came here from India," said Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, an Indian-American lawyer and a senior Republican Party leader from California. Trump supporters are also saying that the unemployment rate of the Indian-Americans dropped a record level during the coronavirus pandemic. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate came down to 2.5 per cent in 2019 from 4.1 in 2015. "The Indian-American community is filled with hard-working achievers who create jobs, technology, and small businesses, all of which have thrived thanks to Trump," Dhillon said.

Donald Trump struck 'right chord with India', says campaign team

As the presidential election in the United States nears, President Donald Trump continues to sharpen his attacks on the mail-in voting, saying it would take "months" or "years" or "possibly" never to know the exact count from this system.

"Usually at the end of evening, they say 'Donald Trump is has won the election, Donald Trump is your new president'," Trump said at his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey in the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-joe-biden-set-for-democratic-convention-donald-trump-aims-to-steal-thunder-321041">As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder</a>

"You know what? You're not going to know this, possibly, if you really did it right, for months and for years because these ballots are going to be lost, they're going to be gone."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theyre-going-to-engage-in-lies-kamala-harris-on-trumps-birther-remarks-321035">'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks</a>

Trump's comments came after he refused to increase the funding of US Postal Service (USPS) for an expected surge in votes this year and his continual attempts to doubt the mail-in voting.&nbsp;

Trump on Sunday also said that the mail-in voting would be "catastrophic".&nbsp;

"It's going to make our country a laughing stock all over the world," Trump said.&nbsp;

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement on Saturday, accused Trump of "openly" attempting to "destroy the post office and sabotage its ability to deliver absentee ballots in time to be counted".

"All patriots, Democrats, Independents or Republicans should reject the president's assault on the postal system in this election season," Pelosi said.&nbsp;

As the presidential election in the United States nears, President Donald Trump continues to sharpen his attacks on the mail-in voting, saying it would take "months" or "years" or "possibly" never to know the exact count from this system.

As the presidential election in the United States nears, President Donald Trump continues to sharpen his attacks on the mail-in voting, saying it would take "months" or "years" or "possibly" never to know the exact count from this system. "Usually at the end of evening, they say 'Donald Trump is has won the election, Donald Trump is your new president'," Trump said at his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey in the US. Also read | As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder "You know what? You're not going to know this, possibly, if you really did it right, for months and for years because these ballots are going to be lost, they're going to be gone." Also read | 'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks Trump's comments came after he refused to increase the funding of US Postal Service (USPS) for an expected surge in votes this year and his continual attempts to doubt the mail-in voting. Trump on Sunday also said that the mail-in voting would be "catastrophic". "It's going to make our country a laughing stock all over the world," Trump said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement on Saturday, accused Trump of "openly" attempting to "destroy the post office and sabotage its ability to deliver absentee ballots in time to be counted". "All patriots, Democrats, Independents or Republicans should reject the president's assault on the postal system in this election season," Pelosi said.

Not going to know this for 'months', 'years': Trump continues to cast doubt on mail-in voting

US President Donald Trump on August 15 said to use the snapback technique, a day after the UN Security Council rejected an American resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif later said “American snapback is illegal and unacceptable and the Americans know they cannot use snapback."

Iran Nuclear Deal: US has been humiliated at the UN, says Iran

The stage is all set for Democrats as the much-talked-about convention will begin on Monday, where Joe Biden will formally become the candidate to challenge Donald Trump for November 3 election.&nbsp;

However, the US president has ensured that Biden and his vice-presidential select Kamala Harris will not the only ones to get attention this week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theyre-going-to-engage-in-lies-kamala-harris-on-trumps-birther-remarks-321035">'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks</a>

So, before the end of the Democratic convention, Trump will kick off his campaign with speeches in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arizona.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tiktok-controversy-trump-gets-verified-account-on-triller-320922">Amid TikTok controversy, Trump gets verified account on Triller</a>

And on Thursday, when Biden will be officially named as the Democratic presidential candidate, Trump will deliver a speech in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the blue-collar town where Biden grew up and which he still describes as his spiritual home.&nbsp;

The theme of Trump's campaign tour this week is "highlighting Joe Biden's record of failure".

Trump's campaign has also put millions of dollars for a digital aid campaign that will begin on the same day when the Democratic convention kicks off.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Democrats have brought in musical giants, that include John Legend, Common, Billie Eilish and the Chicks who will perform in this high-profile four-day event.&nbsp;

Also, former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, and 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton will also be a part of this convention.&nbsp;

The stage is all set for Democrats as the much-talked-about convention will begin on Monday, where Joe Biden will formally become the candidate to challenge Donald Trump for November 3 election.

The stage is all set for Democrats as the much-talked-about convention will begin on Monday, where Joe Biden will formally become the candidate to challenge Donald Trump for November 3 election. However, the US president has ensured that Biden and his vice-presidential select Kamala Harris will not the only ones to get attention this week. Also read | 'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks So, before the end of the Democratic convention, Trump will kick off his campaign with speeches in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arizona. Also read | Amid TikTok controversy, Trump gets verified account on Triller And on Thursday, when Biden will be officially named as the Democratic presidential candidate, Trump will deliver a speech in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the blue-collar town where Biden grew up and which he still describes as his spiritual home. The theme of Trump's campaign tour this week is "highlighting Joe Biden's record of failure". Trump's campaign has also put millions of dollars for a digital aid campaign that will begin on the same day when the Democratic convention kicks off. Meanwhile, Democrats have brought in musical giants, that include John Legend, Common, Billie Eilish and the Chicks who will perform in this high-profile four-day event. Also, former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, and 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton will also be a part of this convention.

As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder

Presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said US President Donald Trump and his campaign will presumably "engage in lies" and "deception" after he floated a fringe legal theory last week about her eligibility to serve as the vice president of the United States.

The incumbent US president, in his campaign tirade against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, had amplified the theory about the latter's running mate that critics decry as racist.

"They're going to engage in an attempt to distract from the real issues that are impacting the American people. And I expect that they will engage in dirty tactics. And this is going to be a knockdown, drag-out. And we're ready," Harris told media outlet TheGrio in an interview released on Sunday.

If elected, Harris would be the first Black and South Asian American vice president.

The conspiracy theory about Harris started following a Newsweek Op-Ed by Dr John Eastman, who ran in the Republican primary to be California's attorney general in 2010. Eastman, who lost the race to Harris, a Democrat, said that there are some questions about the eligibility for the position. The theory was also circulated on social media.

The Biden campaign called opinion piece racist.

"I just heard that. I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements and by the way the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump, who has pushed similar conspiracies about former President Barack Obama, said in response to a question during a press conference at the White House on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stokes-birtherism-conspiracy-theory-about-kamala-harris-320351">Also read | Trump stokes birtherism conspiracy theory about Kamala Harris</a>

On Saturday, Trump called him a "brilliant lawyer."

Eastman, on the other hand, received resounding criticism for the article.&nbsp;

Newsweek editors have since apologised, writing, "This op-Ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newsweek-apologises-for-op-ed-questioning-kamala-harris-birthright-320877">Also read | Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Kamala Harris birthright</a>

Kamala Harris, however, is no stranger to accusations about her race.

Speaking to TheGrio in an interview taped on Saturday, she said, "I'm very clear-eyed about the fact that they are going to engage, as you said, in what they have done throughout his administration, which is, let's just be very candid and straightforward: They're going to engage in lies. They're going to engage in deception."

"Nothing that we have ever achieved that has been about progress has come without a fight," she later added.

"There's no question that we need immediate change and drastic change and that's so much of what the Biden-Harris platform and what the Biden-Harris administration will be about," Harris said.&nbsp;

"It's about saying, we need to immediately address a number of issues that demand priority and immediate attention. And that relates to getting people back to work. It means investing in infrastructure and creating millions of new jobs. It means fighting for healthcare for all people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-addresses-indian-american-community-reflects-on-indian-heritage-320892">Also read | Kamala Harris addresses Indian-American community, reflects on Indian heritage</a>

Presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said US President Donald Trump and his campaign will presumably "engage in lies" and "deception" after he floated a fringe legal theory last week about her eligibility to serve as the vice president of the United States.

Presumptive Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said US President Donald Trump and his campaign will presumably "engage in lies" and "deception" after he floated a fringe legal theory last week about her eligibility to serve as the vice president of the United States. The incumbent US president, in his campaign tirade against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, had amplified the theory about the latter's running mate that critics decry as racist. "They're going to engage in an attempt to distract from the real issues that are impacting the American people. And I expect that they will engage in dirty tactics. And this is going to be a knockdown, drag-out. And we're ready," Harris told media outlet TheGrio in an interview released on Sunday. If elected, Harris would be the first Black and South Asian American vice president. The conspiracy theory about Harris started following a Newsweek Op-Ed by Dr John Eastman, who ran in the Republican primary to be California's attorney general in 2010. Eastman, who lost the race to Harris, a Democrat, said that there are some questions about the eligibility for the position. The theory was also circulated on social media. The Biden campaign called opinion piece racist. "I just heard that. I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements and by the way the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump, who has pushed similar conspiracies about former President Barack Obama, said in response to a question during a press conference at the White House on Thursday. Also read | Trump stokes birtherism conspiracy theory about Kamala Harris On Saturday, Trump called him a "brilliant lawyer." Eastman, on the other hand, received resounding criticism for the article. Newsweek editors have since apologised, writing, "This op-Ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise." Also read | Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Kamala Harris birthright Kamala Harris, however, is no stranger to accusations about her race. Speaking to TheGrio in an interview taped on Saturday, she said, "I'm very clear-eyed about the fact that they are going to engage, as you said, in what they have done throughout his administration, which is, let's just be very candid and straightforward: They're going to engage in lies. They're going to engage in deception." "Nothing that we have ever achieved that has been about progress has come without a fight," she later added. "There's no question that we need immediate change and drastic change and that's so much of what the Biden-Harris platform and what the Biden-Harris administration will be about," Harris said. "It's about saying, we need to immediately address a number of issues that demand priority and immediate attention. And that relates to getting people back to work. It means investing in infrastructure and creating millions of new jobs. It means fighting for healthcare for all people." Also read | Kamala Harris addresses Indian-American community, reflects on Indian heritage

'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks

China on Monday slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" after US President Donald Trump ordered TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell its interest in the Musical.ly app it bought and merged with TikTok.

As tensions soar between the world's two biggest economies, Trump has claimed TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on people for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The order issued late Friday builds on sweeping restrictions issued last week by Trump that TikTok and WeChat end all operations in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-targets-china-tech-tiktok-rival-bigo-shifts-servers-from-hong-kong-321170">Also read:&nbsp;As US targets China tech, TikTok rival Bigo shifts servers from Hong Kong</a>

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Monday said "freedom and security are merely excuses for some US politicians to pursue digital gunboat diplomacy" — referring to vessels used by Western imperial powers during the nineteenth century, which China considers a deeply humiliating period in its history.

TikTok — which is not available in China — has sought to distance itself from its Chinese owners.

Zhao said TikTok had done everything required by the US, including hiring only Americans as its top executives, hosting its servers in the US and making public its source code.&nbsp;

But the app has been "unable to escape the robbery through trickery undertaken by some people in the US based on bandit logic and political self-interest", Zhao said at a regular press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alibaba-next-trump-is-looking-at-pressuring-other-chinese-companies-after-bytedance-320915">Also read:&nbsp;Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance</a>

ByteDance bought karaoke video app Musical.y from a Chinese rival about three years ago in a deal valued at nearly a billion dollars. It was incorporated into TikTok, which became a global sensation -- particularly among younger users.

The order, set to take effect in 90 days, retroactively prohibits the acquisition and bars ByteDance from having any interest in Musical.ly.

Trump ordered that any sale of interest in Musical.ly in the US had to be signed off on by the Committee on Foreign Investment, which is to be given access to ByteDance books.

TikTok appointed former Disney executive Kevin Mayer, an American, as its new chief executive in May, and also withdrew from Hong Kong shortly after China imposed a controversial new security law on the city.

China on Monday slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" after US President Donald Trump ordered TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell its interest in the Musical.

China on Monday slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" after US President Donald Trump ordered TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell its interest in the Musical.ly app it bought and merged with TikTok. As tensions soar between the world's two biggest economies, Trump has claimed TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on people for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage. The order issued late Friday builds on sweeping restrictions issued last week by Trump that TikTok and WeChat end all operations in the US. Also read: As US targets China tech, TikTok rival Bigo shifts servers from Hong Kong Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Monday said "freedom and security are merely excuses for some US politicians to pursue digital gunboat diplomacy" — referring to vessels used by Western imperial powers during the nineteenth century, which China considers a deeply humiliating period in its history. TikTok — which is not available in China — has sought to distance itself from its Chinese owners. Zhao said TikTok had done everything required by the US, including hiring only Americans as its top executives, hosting its servers in the US and making public its source code. But the app has been "unable to escape the robbery through trickery undertaken by some people in the US based on bandit logic and political self-interest", Zhao said at a regular press conference. Also read: Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance ByteDance bought karaoke video app Musical.y from a Chinese rival about three years ago in a deal valued at nearly a billion dollars. It was incorporated into TikTok, which became a global sensation -- particularly among younger users. The order, set to take effect in 90 days, retroactively prohibits the acquisition and bars ByteDance from having any interest in Musical.ly. Trump ordered that any sale of interest in Musical.ly in the US had to be signed off on by the Committee on Foreign Investment, which is to be given access to ByteDance books. TikTok appointed former Disney executive Kevin Mayer, an American, as its new chief executive in May, and also withdrew from Hong Kong shortly after China imposed a controversial new security law on the city.

China blasts US 'digital gunboat diplomacy' over TikTok

Pop star Taylor Swift has slammed US President Donald Trump for his opinion on US Postal Service and limiting of mail-in voting. 
 
Swift took to Twitter on Sunday and wrote, "Trump’s calculated dismantling of USPS proves one thing clearly: He is WELL AWARE that we do not want him as our president. He’s chosen to blatantly cheat and put millions of Americans’ lives at risk in an effort to hold on to power." 
 
Last week, Trump stated that he would not be releasing any money for the Postal agency which has been cash-starved for a long time. 
 
Later, while speaking to Fox News, Trump had said that he would offer the US $25 billion for the US Postal Services, including $3.5 billion in election resources only if Democrats were willing to listen on some of the demands Trump has voiced. 
 
“Sure, if they give us what we want,” the president said during a press conference. “And it's not what I want, it's what the American people want.” 
 
Trump has criticized mail-in voting for months. On Thursday, he blamed Democrats for holding up a deal on the coronavirus relief package. 
 
“The items are the post office and the $3.5 billion for mail-in voting,” Trump said at the conference. “If we don’t make the deal, that means can’t have the money, that means they can’t have universal mail-in voting. It just can’t happen.” 
 
Reacting to Trump's stand Swift tweeted demanding for an early vote. "And he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely. Request a ballot early. Vote early," Swift wrote in another tweet.

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Donald Trump’s ineffective leadership gravely worsened the crisis that we are in and he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely. Request a ballot early. Vote early.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) <a href="https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/status/1294685438528159749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This isn't the first time that Swift has openly criticised the US President. 
 
Back in May, the singer blasted Trump for threatening violence against the Black Lives Matter protesters following George Floyd's death. 
 
“After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? ‘When the looting starts the shooting starts’??? We will vote you out in November. @realdonaldtrump," Swift tweeted, in response to a tweet by Trump which suggested that police could shoot anyone who loots.

Pop star Taylor Swift has slammed US President Donald Trump for his opinion on US Postal Service and limiting of mail-in voting. Swift took to Twitter on Sunday and wrote, "Trump’s calculated dismantling of USPS proves one thing clearly: He is WELL AWARE that we do not want him as our president.

Pop star Taylor Swift has slammed US President Donald Trump for his opinion on US Postal Service and limiting of mail-in voting. Swift took to Twitter on Sunday and wrote, "Trump’s calculated dismantling of USPS proves one thing clearly: He is WELL AWARE that we do not want him as our president. He’s chosen to blatantly cheat and put millions of Americans’ lives at risk in an effort to hold on to power." Last week, Trump stated that he would not be releasing any money for the Postal agency which has been cash-starved for a long time. Later, while speaking to Fox News, Trump had said that he would offer the US $25 billion for the US Postal Services, including $3.5 billion in election resources only if Democrats were willing to listen on some of the demands Trump has voiced. “Sure, if they give us what we want,” the president said during a press conference. “And it's not what I want, it's what the American people want.” Trump has criticized mail-in voting for months. On Thursday, he blamed Democrats for holding up a deal on the coronavirus relief package. “The items are the post office and the $3.5 billion for mail-in voting,” Trump said at the conference. “If we don’t make the deal, that means can’t have the money, that means they can’t have universal mail-in voting. It just can’t happen.” Reacting to Trump's stand Swift tweeted demanding for an early vote. "And he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely. Request a ballot early. Vote early," Swift wrote in another tweet. Donald Trump’s ineffective leadership gravely worsened the crisis that we are in and he is now taking advantage of it to subvert and destroy our right to vote and vote safely. Request a ballot early. Vote early. — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) August 15, 2020 × This isn't the first time that Swift has openly criticised the US President. Back in May, the singer blasted Trump for threatening violence against the Black Lives Matter protesters following George Floyd's death. “After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? ‘When the looting starts the shooting starts’??? We will vote you out in November. @realdonaldtrump," Swift tweeted, in response to a tweet by Trump which suggested that police could shoot anyone who loots.

Taylor Swift slams Trump over the downfall of US Postal Services, says he wants to 'hold on to power'

In an attempt to back his father-in-law and US President Donald Trump's argument, Jared Kushner has said he would "absolutely" send his children to schools once they reopen despite the risks of a rise in coronavirus infections.&nbsp;

Trump has continued to push for schools reopening in the US and also threatened to divert federal spending for failure to do so.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-97000-kids-contracted-coronavirus-in-the-last-two-weeks-of-july-in-us-319413">At least 97,000 kids contracted coronavirus in the last two weeks of July in US</a>

Kushner, who is also a White House adviser has brushed aside any concerns of children contracting the deadly virus, saying "because children have a six times higher chance to die from the flu than from the coronavirus, so based on the data I've seen I don’t believe that’s a risk," in an interview to CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Our school’s not opening back up five days a week, I wish they would but we absolutely will be sending our kids back."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-once-again-speaks-in-favour-of-reopening-schools-317915">Donald Trump once again speaks in favour of reopening schools</a>

On Wednesday, Trump has released eight recommendations for schools to resume working, which includes providing 125 million reusable masks to school districts across the country.

There have not been enough studies on how coronavirus reacts to children, however, some schools in the US reported a sharp uptick in coronavirus cases after reopening.&nbsp;

A few days ago, a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that 97,000 children in the US tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks of July.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In an attempt to back his father-in-law and US President Donald Trump's argument, Jared Kushner has said he would "absolutely" send his children to schools once they reopen despite the risks of a rise in coronavirus infections.

In an attempt to back his father-in-law and US President Donald Trump's argument, Jared Kushner has said he would "absolutely" send his children to schools once they reopen despite the risks of a rise in coronavirus infections. Trump has continued to push for schools reopening in the US and also threatened to divert federal spending for failure to do so. Also read | At least 97,000 kids contracted coronavirus in the last two weeks of July in US Kushner, who is also a White House adviser has brushed aside any concerns of children contracting the deadly virus, saying "because children have a six times higher chance to die from the flu than from the coronavirus, so based on the data I've seen I don’t believe that’s a risk," in an interview to CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday. "Our school’s not opening back up five days a week, I wish they would but we absolutely will be sending our kids back." Also read | Donald Trump once again speaks in favour of reopening schools On Wednesday, Trump has released eight recommendations for schools to resume working, which includes providing 125 million reusable masks to school districts across the country. There have not been enough studies on how coronavirus reacts to children, however, some schools in the US reported a sharp uptick in coronavirus cases after reopening. A few days ago, a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that 97,000 children in the US tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks of July.

Would 'absolutely' send my children when schools reopen: Jared Kushner

Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, died on Saturday night, a day after the US president visited him in a New York hospital. He was 71.

"It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed away tonight. He was not just my brother, he was my best friend. He will be greatly missed, but we will meet again. His memory will live on in my heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace," Trump said in a statement.

The president was expected to attend the funeral, an aide said. He has a busy travel schedule in coming days with plans to visit four battleground states as part of his re-election campaign.

Robert Trump was a business executive and real estate developer.

Trump made a visit to see his ailing brother on Friday at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Centre. He told reporters that his brother was "having a hard time" with an undisclosed illness.

In June, Robert Trump had won a temporary restraining order against his and the president's niece, Mary Trump, to stop her from publishing a tell-all book that offered an unflattering look of the US president and his family. He said the book, “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man,” would violate a confidentiality agreement tied to the estate of his father Fred Trump Sr, who died in 1999.

A state supreme court judge in Poughkeepsie, New York, later denied a request to stop publication and cancelled the temporary restraining order.

CORRECTION: This headline and story have been updated to correct Robert Trump's age. He was 71.

Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, died on Saturday night, a day after the US president visited him in a New York hospital. He was 71. "It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed away tonight.

Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, died on Saturday night, a day after the US president visited him in a New York hospital. He was 71. "It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed away tonight. He was not just my brother, he was my best friend. He will be greatly missed, but we will meet again. His memory will live on in my heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace," Trump said in a statement. The president was expected to attend the funeral, an aide said. He has a busy travel schedule in coming days with plans to visit four battleground states as part of his re-election campaign. Robert Trump was a business executive and real estate developer. Trump made a visit to see his ailing brother on Friday at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Centre. He told reporters that his brother was "having a hard time" with an undisclosed illness. In June, Robert Trump had won a temporary restraining order against his and the president's niece, Mary Trump, to stop her from publishing a tell-all book that offered an unflattering look of the US president and his family. He said the book, “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man,” would violate a confidentiality agreement tied to the estate of his father Fred Trump Sr, who died in 1999. A state supreme court judge in Poughkeepsie, New York, later denied a request to stop publication and cancelled the temporary restraining order. CORRECTION: This headline and story have been updated to correct Robert Trump's age. He was 71.

Donald Trump's younger brother, Robert, dies at 71

The United States Postal Service is popularly known for delivering mail despite snow, rain or heat, but it faces a new foe in President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the November 3 elections in which millions of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail due to the coronavirus, Trump has leveled an unprecedented attack at the USPS, opposing efforts to give the cash-strapped agency more money even as changes there have caused widespread delays in delivering letters and packages.

"They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots," Trump told Fox News on Thursday, calling the money "fraudulent."

"But if they don't get those... that means you can't have universal mail-in voting."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-speaker-considering-recalling-congress-over-post-office-woes-320879">Also read:&nbsp;US House Speaker considering recalling Congress over Post Office woes</a>

On Saturday, Trump continued his assault on mail-in voting by telling reporters it would be a "catastrophe" and retweeting articles and comments alleging fraud.

The Democratic opposition has sharply condemned Trump's statements, with some lawmakers claiming that the president is plotting to snarl the post office to undermine voting, create uncertainty and win a second term.

"Pure Trump. He doesn't want an election," said Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

Biden's running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, tweeted: "We cannot let Donald Trump destroy the United States Postal Service."

Trump, asked by a reporter Saturday if he was trying to hobble the USPS, replied: "No, not at all."

But the concerns are unlikely to disappear.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-postal-service-watchdog-to-probe-service-woes-as-worries-rise-about-mail-ballots-320620">Also read:&nbsp;US Postal Service watchdog to probe service woes as worries rise about mail ballots</a>

Reflecting the escalating nature of the controversy, former president Barack Obama has also weighed in.

"What we've never seen before is a president say, 'I'm going to try to actively kneecap the Postal Service ... and I will be explicit about the reason I'm doing it,'" Obama said in a podcast with a former aide.

On Saturday, protesters gathered at the Washington home of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, blaring horns and banging pots in anger.

USPS spokesman David Partenheimer attributed changes at the agency to its poor financial state.

"We are not slowing down election mail or any other mail," he told AFP.

"The Postal Service is in a financially unsustainable position, stemming from substantial declines in mail volume and a broken business model," he explained.

"We face an impending liquidity crisis," Partenheimer said, calling on Congress and regulators to enact reforms.

Meanwhile, in Congress... 
The postal troubles come as Congress remains deadlocked over a new stimulus bill to follow the $2.2 trillion CARES Act package passed in March as the coronavirus crisis erupted.

Democrats have proposed giving the USPS billions of dollars in funding, and Trump -- after first saying he opposed that -- said Friday that perhaps some new funds could be included in a compromise.&nbsp;

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On Saturday he blamed the Democrats again, telling reporters they "aren't approving proper funding for postal, and they're not approving the proper funding for this ridiculous thing that they want to do which is all mail-in voting."

"You're right, there has to be more resources, I agree," he said. &nbsp;

Trump said candidly in April that mail-in voting "doesn't work out well for Republicans" and has repeatedly described such ballots as prone to fraud.

Experts disagree.&nbsp;

A study this year by New York University's Brennan Center for Justice found that "it is... more likely for an American to be struck by lightning than to commit mail voting fraud."

In an interview, American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein blamed the nationwide slowdowns in mail deliveries on measures implemented by DeJoy, a Republican fundraiser appointed by Trump who took office in June and pledged to reform the agency.

Dimondstein said overtime has recently been reduced, meaning carriers leave distribution centers immediately rather than wait 10 or 15 minutes for delayed mail, as they previously did.

That, combined with the around 40,000 workers who have had to quarantine since March because of COVID-19, has created delays.

DeJoy -- defended by Trump as a "fantastic man" -- has "arbitrarily reduced hours of work of the employees, but the same work is still there to get done," Dimondstein said.

States act 
As concerns mount over the USPS's ability to handle the expected surge in ballots, states are working to ensure their residents' votes count.

Pennsylvania this week asked its supreme court to push back its deadline for accepting mail-in ballots.

In a court filing, it cited a letter from a USPS official to the state warning of "a risk that ballots requested near the deadline under state law will not be returned by mail in time to be counted under your laws."&nbsp;

The Washington Post reported on Friday similar notices were sent to 45 other states and the District of Columbia.

Jon Tester, a Democratic senator from Montana, also has asked DeJoy in writing to explain reports that the USPS was removing mailboxes from towns in the state.&nbsp;

Late Friday, a USPS spokesman told CNN that removal of mailboxes was being halted in 16 states, including Montana, and parts of two others.

Dimondstein said he hoped Trump's "brazen challenge to the democratic right -- that somehow he's going to starve this institution to suppress the vote -- somehow gives more impetus to Congress to react."&nbsp;

"Congress needs to act, and they need to act soon," he said.

The United States Postal Service is popularly known for delivering mail despite snow, rain or heat, but it faces a new foe in President Donald Trump. Ahead of the November 3 elections in which millions of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail due to the coronavirus, Trump has leveled an unprecedented attack at the USPS, opposing efforts to give the cash-strapped agency more money even as changes there have caused widespread delays in delivering letters and packages.

The United States Postal Service is popularly known for delivering mail despite snow, rain or heat, but it faces a new foe in President Donald Trump. Ahead of the November 3 elections in which millions of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail due to the coronavirus, Trump has leveled an unprecedented attack at the USPS, opposing efforts to give the cash-strapped agency more money even as changes there have caused widespread delays in delivering letters and packages. "They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots," Trump told Fox News on Thursday, calling the money "fraudulent." "But if they don't get those... that means you can't have universal mail-in voting." Also read: US House Speaker considering recalling Congress over Post Office woes On Saturday, Trump continued his assault on mail-in voting by telling reporters it would be a "catastrophe" and retweeting articles and comments alleging fraud. The Democratic opposition has sharply condemned Trump's statements, with some lawmakers claiming that the president is plotting to snarl the post office to undermine voting, create uncertainty and win a second term. "Pure Trump. He doesn't want an election," said Democratic challenger Joe Biden. Biden's running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, tweeted: "We cannot let Donald Trump destroy the United States Postal Service." Trump, asked by a reporter Saturday if he was trying to hobble the USPS, replied: "No, not at all." But the concerns are unlikely to disappear. Also read: US Postal Service watchdog to probe service woes as worries rise about mail ballots Reflecting the escalating nature of the controversy, former president Barack Obama has also weighed in. "What we've never seen before is a president say, 'I'm going to try to actively kneecap the Postal Service ... and I will be explicit about the reason I'm doing it,'" Obama said in a podcast with a former aide. On Saturday, protesters gathered at the Washington home of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, blaring horns and banging pots in anger. USPS spokesman David Partenheimer attributed changes at the agency to its poor financial state. "We are not slowing down election mail or any other mail," he told AFP. "The Postal Service is in a financially unsustainable position, stemming from substantial declines in mail volume and a broken business model," he explained. "We face an impending liquidity crisis," Partenheimer said, calling on Congress and regulators to enact reforms. Meanwhile, in Congress... The postal troubles come as Congress remains deadlocked over a new stimulus bill to follow the $2.2 trillion CARES Act package passed in March as the coronavirus crisis erupted. Democrats have proposed giving the USPS billions of dollars in funding, and Trump -- after first saying he opposed that -- said Friday that perhaps some new funds could be included in a compromise. × On Saturday he blamed the Democrats again, telling reporters they "aren't approving proper funding for postal, and they're not approving the proper funding for this ridiculous thing that they want to do which is all mail-in voting." "You're right, there has to be more resources, I agree," he said. Trump said candidly in April that mail-in voting "doesn't work out well for Republicans" and has repeatedly described such ballots as prone to fraud. Experts disagree. A study this year by New York University's Brennan Center for Justice found that "it is... more likely for an American to be struck by lightning than to commit mail voting fraud." In an interview, American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein blamed the nationwide slowdowns in mail deliveries on measures implemented by DeJoy, a Republican fundraiser appointed by Trump who took office in June and pledged to reform the agency. Dimondstein said overtime has recently been reduced, meaning carriers leave distribution centers immediately rather than wait 10 or 15 minutes for delayed mail, as they previously did. That, combined with the around 40,000 workers who have had to quarantine since March because of COVID-19, has created delays. DeJoy -- defended by Trump as a "fantastic man" -- has "arbitrarily reduced hours of work of the employees, but the same work is still there to get done," Dimondstein said. States act As concerns mount over the USPS's ability to handle the expected surge in ballots, states are working to ensure their residents' votes count. Pennsylvania this week asked its supreme court to push back its deadline for accepting mail-in ballots. In a court filing, it cited a letter from a USPS official to the state warning of "a risk that ballots requested near the deadline under state law will not be returned by mail in time to be counted under your laws." The Washington Post reported on Friday similar notices were sent to 45 other states and the District of Columbia. Jon Tester, a Democratic senator from Montana, also has asked DeJoy in writing to explain reports that the USPS was removing mailboxes from towns in the state. Late Friday, a USPS spokesman told CNN that removal of mailboxes was being halted in 16 states, including Montana, and parts of two others. Dimondstein said he hoped Trump's "brazen challenge to the democratic right -- that somehow he's going to starve this institution to suppress the vote -- somehow gives more impetus to Congress to react." "Congress needs to act, and they need to act soon," he said.

Postal slowdown sparks claims of plot to undermine US vote

Edward Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor who revealed in 2013 that the US government was spying on its citizens, has said he would like to return to his home country, but only on the condition of a fair trial.

Edward Snowden asks to return to US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning

If voted to power in the November general elections, a Biden administration will reform the H-1B visa system and work towards eliminating the country-quota for green cards, his campaign has said, in a move to woo the influential Indian-American community.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

In a major policy document for Indian-Americans released on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day on Saturday, the Biden Campaign also emphasised its support to family-based immigration system and streamlining processing for religious worker visas.

The administration will also take steps to stem the rising tide of hate and bigotry, address the security needs of house of worship, eliminate language barriers and honour the diversity and contributions of Indian-Americans, it said.

This is for the first time that a Democratic presidential candidate has come out with an exclusive policy document for Indian-Americans. There are 1.3 million eligible Indian-American voters across eight battleground states.&nbsp;

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is scheduled to address the Indian-American community in a video message later in the day.

Biden will support family-based immigration and preserve family unification as a core principle of our immigration system, which includes reducing the family visa backlog, his campaign said.

"He will increase the number of visas offered for permanent, work-based immigration based on macroeconomic conditions and exempt from any cap recent graduates of PhD programmes in STEM fields," the campaign said.

"And, he will support first reforming the temporary visa system for high-skill, specialty jobs to protect wages and workers, then expanding the number of visas offered and eliminating the limits on employment-based green cards by country, which have kept so many Indian families in waiting for too long," it said.

According to the policy document, Biden will restore and defend the naturalisation process for Green Card holders. A Green Card allows a non-US citizen to live and work permanently in America.

"He will increase the number of refugees we welcome into this country by setting the annual global refugee admissions target to 125,000 and seek to raise it over time to commensurate with our responsibility, our values, and the unprecedented global need," it said.

"He will also work with Congress to establish a minimum admissions number of 95,000 refugees annually. Biden will remove the uncertainty for Dreamers by reinstating the DACA programme and explore all legal options to protect their families from inhumane separation," the campaign said.

It said Biden will end workplace raids and protect other sensitive locations from immigration enforcement actions. 
As a largely immigrant community, but in some cases with American roots reaching back generations, Indian-Americans know firsthand the strength and resilience that immigrants bring to the US, the campaign said.

"But President Trump has waged an unrelenting assault on our values and our history as a nation of immigrants. It's wrong, and it stops when Biden is president," it alleged.

"Biden will rescind Trump's Muslim ban on day one and reverse the detrimental asylum policies that are causing chaos and a humanitarian crisis at our border," the campaign said.

"He will immediately begin working with Congress to pass legislative immigration reform that modernises our system, with a priority on keeping families together by providing a roadmap to citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants -- including more than 500,000 from India," it said.

Indian-Americans of all backgrounds -- Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, and others -- have been subjected to bullying and xenophobic attacks and need now, more than ever, a reassurance that the US leaders in Washington will have their backs, it said.

During the Obama-Biden administration, the FBI expanded its hate crime statistics programme to include Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists. As President, Biden will directly address the rise in hateful attacks and enact legislation prohibiting someone convicted of a hate crime from purchasing or possessing a firearm, it said.

"Biden will appoint leaders at the Department of Justice who will prioritise the prosecution of hate crimes, and he will order his Justice Department to focus additional resources to combat hate crimes -- including religion-based hate crimes -- and to confront white nationalist terrorism," it said.

"He will also seek legislation that increases the potential sentence for certain hate crimes that occur in houses of worship and other religious community sites, such as gurudwaras, mandirs, temples, and mosques. And, he will use his executive power to ensure that the Department of Justice pursues such heinous acts of violence against houses of worship to the fullest extent of the law," the campaign said.

Noting that in 2012, the Sikh community suffered a terrible tragedy when a white supremacist opened fire in an Oak Creek, Wisconsin, gurdwara, ultimately killing seven and wounding four, the campaign added that in January 2019, a Hindu temple was the victim of a horrific act of vandalism and destruction, with windows shattered and xenophobic messages spray-painted across the walls.&nbsp;

If voted to power in the November general elections, a Biden administration will reform the H-1B visa system and work towards eliminating the country-quota for green cards, his campaign has said, in a move to woo the influential Indian-American community.

If voted to power in the November general elections, a Biden administration will reform the H-1B visa system and work towards eliminating the country-quota for green cards, his campaign has said, in a move to woo the influential Indian-American community. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. In a major policy document for Indian-Americans released on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day on Saturday, the Biden Campaign also emphasised its support to family-based immigration system and streamlining processing for religious worker visas. The administration will also take steps to stem the rising tide of hate and bigotry, address the security needs of house of worship, eliminate language barriers and honour the diversity and contributions of Indian-Americans, it said. This is for the first time that a Democratic presidential candidate has come out with an exclusive policy document for Indian-Americans. There are 1.3 million eligible Indian-American voters across eight battleground states. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is scheduled to address the Indian-American community in a video message later in the day. Biden will support family-based immigration and preserve family unification as a core principle of our immigration system, which includes reducing the family visa backlog, his campaign said. "He will increase the number of visas offered for permanent, work-based immigration based on macroeconomic conditions and exempt from any cap recent graduates of PhD programmes in STEM fields," the campaign said. "And, he will support first reforming the temporary visa system for high-skill, specialty jobs to protect wages and workers, then expanding the number of visas offered and eliminating the limits on employment-based green cards by country, which have kept so many Indian families in waiting for too long," it said. According to the policy document, Biden will restore and defend the naturalisation process for Green Card holders. A Green Card allows a non-US citizen to live and work permanently in America. "He will increase the number of refugees we welcome into this country by setting the annual global refugee admissions target to 125,000 and seek to raise it over time to commensurate with our responsibility, our values, and the unprecedented global need," it said. "He will also work with Congress to establish a minimum admissions number of 95,000 refugees annually. Biden will remove the uncertainty for Dreamers by reinstating the DACA programme and explore all legal options to protect their families from inhumane separation," the campaign said. It said Biden will end workplace raids and protect other sensitive locations from immigration enforcement actions. As a largely immigrant community, but in some cases with American roots reaching back generations, Indian-Americans know firsthand the strength and resilience that immigrants bring to the US, the campaign said. "But President Trump has waged an unrelenting assault on our values and our history as a nation of immigrants. It's wrong, and it stops when Biden is president," it alleged. "Biden will rescind Trump's Muslim ban on day one and reverse the detrimental asylum policies that are causing chaos and a humanitarian crisis at our border," the campaign said. "He will immediately begin working with Congress to pass legislative immigration reform that modernises our system, with a priority on keeping families together by providing a roadmap to citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants -- including more than 500,000 from India," it said. Indian-Americans of all backgrounds -- Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, and others -- have been subjected to bullying and xenophobic attacks and need now, more than ever, a reassurance that the US leaders in Washington will have their backs, it said. During the Obama-Biden administration, the FBI expanded its hate crime statistics programme to include Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists. As President, Biden will directly address the rise in hateful attacks and enact legislation prohibiting someone convicted of a hate crime from purchasing or possessing a firearm, it said. "Biden will appoint leaders at the Department of Justice who will prioritise the prosecution of hate crimes, and he will order his Justice Department to focus additional resources to combat hate crimes -- including religion-based hate crimes -- and to confront white nationalist terrorism," it said. "He will also seek legislation that increases the potential sentence for certain hate crimes that occur in houses of worship and other religious community sites, such as gurudwaras, mandirs, temples, and mosques. And, he will use his executive power to ensure that the Department of Justice pursues such heinous acts of violence against houses of worship to the fullest extent of the law," the campaign said. Noting that in 2012, the Sikh community suffered a terrible tragedy when a white supremacist opened fire in an Oak Creek, Wisconsin, gurdwara, ultimately killing seven and wounding four, the campaign added that in January 2019, a Hindu temple was the victim of a horrific act of vandalism and destruction, with windows shattered and xenophobic messages spray-painted across the walls.

Biden promises to reform H-1B visa system, eliminate country-quota for green cards

The US President Donald Trump has been a very vocal hater of the popular video sharing app TikTok with Chinese roots.

He recently gave an ultimatum to the Chinese parent company ByteDance to handover its US operations to a US-based company or face a complete ban in the US.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alibaba-next-trump-is-looking-at-pressuring-other-chinese-companies-after-bytedance-320915">Also read:&nbsp;Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance</a>

While that controversy is still going on, Trump has chosen sides with TikTok's competitor app Triller. While TikTok is trying to find a way to save the company from the ban,&nbsp;unless ByteDance divests it within 45 days, Triller has gifted a verified account to the US President.

As of Saturday late night,&nbsp;Trump’s Triller account had three short videos and a little more than 3,000 followers. Experts believe this can also help Trump reach the younger generation ahead of the November 03 Presidential elections.

Triller is one of the most common and famous alternative of TikTok.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-to-possess-evidence-against-bytedance-orders-to-divest-interest-in-tiktok-within-90-days-320621">Also read:&nbsp;Trump claims to possess evidence against ByteDance; orders to divest interest in TikTok within 90 days</a>

However, there has been no comments from the President — who lost his younger brother few hours ago — or his campaign team.

Meanwhile, ByteDance has been approached by Microsoft and TikTok for takeover of the company's US operations. Microsoft, however, may also be looking to buy ByteDance's India operations, in addition to&nbsp;North America, Australia and New Zealand, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

Triller and TikTok have not yet issued a statement.

The US President Donald Trump has been a very vocal hater of the popular video sharing app TikTok with Chinese roots. He recently gave an ultimatum to the Chinese parent company ByteDance to handover its US operations to a US-based company or face a complete ban in the US.

The US President Donald Trump has been a very vocal hater of the popular video sharing app TikTok with Chinese roots. He recently gave an ultimatum to the Chinese parent company ByteDance to handover its US operations to a US-based company or face a complete ban in the US. Also read: Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance While that controversy is still going on, Trump has chosen sides with TikTok's competitor app Triller. While TikTok is trying to find a way to save the company from the ban, unless ByteDance divests it within 45 days, Triller has gifted a verified account to the US President. As of Saturday late night, Trump’s Triller account had three short videos and a little more than 3,000 followers. Experts believe this can also help Trump reach the younger generation ahead of the November 03 Presidential elections. Triller is one of the most common and famous alternative of TikTok. Also read: Trump claims to possess evidence against ByteDance; orders to divest interest in TikTok within 90 days However, there has been no comments from the President — who lost his younger brother few hours ago — or his campaign team. Meanwhile, ByteDance has been approached by Microsoft and TikTok for takeover of the company's US operations. Microsoft, however, may also be looking to buy ByteDance's India operations, in addition to North America, Australia and New Zealand, as per local media reports. Triller and TikTok have not yet issued a statement.

Amid TikTok controversy, Trump gets verified account on Triller

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he could exert pressure on more Chinese companies such as technology giant Alibaba after he moved to ban TikTok.

Trump, when asked at a news conference whether there were other particular China-owned companies he was considering a ban on, such as Alibaba, Trump replied: "Well, we're looking at other things, yes."

Trump has been piling pressure on Chinese-owned companies, such as by vowing to ban short-video app TikTok from the United States.&nbsp;

The United States ordered its Chinese owner ByteDance on Friday to divest the US operations of TikTok within 90 days, the latest effort to ramp up pressure over concerns about the safety of the personal data it handles.

Trump, who has made changing the US-China trade relationship a central theme of his presidency, has been sharply critical of Beijing as far as handling of the coronavirus pandemic is concerned.

According to Trump, China did not take the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan last year seriously, leading to the global tragedy -- the pandemic. China vehemently denies the charges.

Since then, Trump's rhetoric has been to ban everything Chinese.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he could exert pressure on more Chinese companies such as technology giant Alibaba after he moved to ban TikTok. Trump, when asked at a news conference whether there were other particular China-owned companies he was considering a ban on, such as Alibaba, Trump replied: "Well, we're looking at other things, yes.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he could exert pressure on more Chinese companies such as technology giant Alibaba after he moved to ban TikTok. Trump, when asked at a news conference whether there were other particular China-owned companies he was considering a ban on, such as Alibaba, Trump replied: "Well, we're looking at other things, yes." Trump has been piling pressure on Chinese-owned companies, such as by vowing to ban short-video app TikTok from the United States. The United States ordered its Chinese owner ByteDance on Friday to divest the US operations of TikTok within 90 days, the latest effort to ramp up pressure over concerns about the safety of the personal data it handles. Trump, who has made changing the US-China trade relationship a central theme of his presidency, has been sharply critical of Beijing as far as handling of the coronavirus pandemic is concerned. According to Trump, China did not take the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan last year seriously, leading to the global tragedy -- the pandemic. China vehemently denies the charges. Since then, Trump's rhetoric has been to ban everything Chinese.

Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, during her maiden address to the Indian-American community, reflected on her proud Indian heritage and recalled how her mother always wanted to instill in her a "love for good idli".

Harris, 55, who is the first black to be selected as a vice-presidential candidate of a major party, took a trip down the memory lane, mentioning her "long walks" in Madras (now Chennai) with her grandfather who would tell her about the "heroes" responsible for the birth of the world's largest democracy.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3.

Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in line of succession after Biden.

"Today on August 15, 2020. I stand before you as the first candidate for vice president of the United States of South Asian descent," Harris said in her address organised by Indians for Biden National Council.

Joined by Biden, she greeted Indian Americans on the occasion of India's Independence Day.

"To the people of India and to Indian Americans all across the US, I want to wish you a happy Indian Independence Day. On August 15, 1947, men and women all over India rejoiced in the declaration of the independence of the country of India," Harris said during the virtual inaugural meet of the council.

Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica.

"When my mother, Shyamala stepped off the plane in California as 19 years old, she didn't have much in the way of belongings. But she carried with her lessons from back home, including ones she learned from her parents, my grandmother Rajan, and her father, my grandfather P V Gopalan. They taught her that when you see injustice in the world, you have an obligation to do something about it," Harris said.

"Which is what inspired my mother to march and shout on the streets of Oakland, at the height of the civil rights movement, a movement where leaders including Dr Martin Luther King Jr, were themselves inspired by the non-violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi," she said.

Harris said it was during those protests that her mother met her father. The rest, as they say, is history, she said. 
"Growing up, my mother would take my sister Maya and me back to what was then called Madras because she wanted us to understand where she had come from and where we had ancestry. And of course, she always wanted to instill in us, a love of good idli," Harris said.

"In Madras I would go on long walks with my grandfather, who at that point was retired. We would take morning walks where I'd hold his hand and he would tell me about the heroes who are responsible for the birth of the world's biggest democracy. He would explain that it's on us to pick up where they left off. Those lessons are a big reason why I am who I am today,? Harris said explaining the deep influence of the Indian heritage on her.

"Our community is bound together by so much more than our shared history and culture," she said.

The reason there is a kinship between everyone who are a product of the South Asian diaspora, no matter how diverse our backgrounds may be, "is because we also share a set of values: values forged by overcoming colonial past, not only in one nation but in two", Harris said.

"Values like tolerance pluralism, and diversity and reflecting on the past 73 years it's remarkable how much progress, people have made in the fight for justice. And should be proud. But we wouldn't be if we didn't commit ourselves to building an even better future. So, I hope you celebrate today, and then tomorrow, I hope you join me in getting to work," she said.&nbsp;

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, during her maiden address to the Indian-American community, reflected on her proud Indian heritage and recalled how her mother always wanted to instill in her a "love for good idli".

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris, during her maiden address to the Indian-American community, reflected on her proud Indian heritage and recalled how her mother always wanted to instill in her a "love for good idli". Harris, 55, who is the first black to be selected as a vice-presidential candidate of a major party, took a trip down the memory lane, mentioning her "long walks" in Madras (now Chennai) with her grandfather who would tell her about the "heroes" responsible for the birth of the world's largest democracy. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 77, scripted history by selecting Harris, an Indian-American and an African-American, as his running mate in the presidential election on November 3. Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California senator Harris, if elected, would be second in line of succession after Biden. "Today on August 15, 2020. I stand before you as the first candidate for vice president of the United States of South Asian descent," Harris said in her address organised by Indians for Biden National Council. Joined by Biden, she greeted Indian Americans on the occasion of India's Independence Day. "To the people of India and to Indian Americans all across the US, I want to wish you a happy Indian Independence Day. On August 15, 1947, men and women all over India rejoiced in the declaration of the independence of the country of India," Harris said during the virtual inaugural meet of the council. Harris was born on October 20 in 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica. "When my mother, Shyamala stepped off the plane in California as 19 years old, she didn't have much in the way of belongings. But she carried with her lessons from back home, including ones she learned from her parents, my grandmother Rajan, and her father, my grandfather P V Gopalan. They taught her that when you see injustice in the world, you have an obligation to do something about it," Harris said. "Which is what inspired my mother to march and shout on the streets of Oakland, at the height of the civil rights movement, a movement where leaders including Dr Martin Luther King Jr, were themselves inspired by the non-violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi," she said. Harris said it was during those protests that her mother met her father. The rest, as they say, is history, she said. "Growing up, my mother would take my sister Maya and me back to what was then called Madras because she wanted us to understand where she had come from and where we had ancestry. And of course, she always wanted to instill in us, a love of good idli," Harris said. "In Madras I would go on long walks with my grandfather, who at that point was retired. We would take morning walks where I'd hold his hand and he would tell me about the heroes who are responsible for the birth of the world's biggest democracy. He would explain that it's on us to pick up where they left off. Those lessons are a big reason why I am who I am today,? Harris said explaining the deep influence of the Indian heritage on her. "Our community is bound together by so much more than our shared history and culture," she said. The reason there is a kinship between everyone who are a product of the South Asian diaspora, no matter how diverse our backgrounds may be, "is because we also share a set of values: values forged by overcoming colonial past, not only in one nation but in two", Harris said. "Values like tolerance pluralism, and diversity and reflecting on the past 73 years it's remarkable how much progress, people have made in the fight for justice. And should be proud. But we wouldn't be if we didn't commit ourselves to building an even better future. So, I hope you celebrate today, and then tomorrow, I hope you join me in getting to work," she said.

Kamala Harris addresses Indian-American community, reflects on Indian heritage

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may recall lawmakers from a summer recess to address changes at the Postal Service that have prompted anger among Democrats and alarm about possible impact on the 2020 election.

A Democratic congressional aide confirmed a Politico report that Pelosi could call back the U.S. House later this month, well ahead of the scheduled resumption of votes in mid-September. The aide confirmed Pelosi held a call with other top Democrats on Saturday to discuss the idea.

"The President, his cronies and Republicans in Congress continue to wage their all-out assault on the Postal Service and its role in ensuring the integrity of the 2020 election," Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday.

This week, Representative Carolyn Maloney, the Democratic chair of a House panel that oversees the Postal Service, introduced legislation to prohibit the service from implementing any changes to the operations or level of service it had in place in January 2020, until the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.

It is possible the House could vote on that measure, the aide said.

The struggling Post Office has suffered increasing delays following cost-cutting measures imposed by President Donald Trump`s new Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy.

DeJoy`s downsizing drive - which has included curbs on overtime and removal of post boxes - has become a major concern for Democrats who accuse Trump of asphyxiating the Post Office to disrupt the Nov. 3 election, which is expected to feature an unprecedented wave of postal voting due to the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

The disruption is driving an unusual amount of anger at DeJoy from otherwise middle-of-the-road politicians, with even some Republicans expressing worry amid reports that medical deliveries were being slowed.

Tennessee Democratic Representative Jim Cooper, a member of the centrist "Blue Dog" coalition, said he was among those who had called on Pelosi to reconvene Congress and that lawmakers should subpoena the postmaster general. 
"If he fails to appear, we should send the Sgt at Arms to arrest him," Cooper said in a Twitter post.

Trump offered qualified support for DeJoy on Saturday, saying he was a "very talented man" who was trying to streamline the Postal Service and only wanted to "make it great again" - a play on his 2016 campaign slogan.

On the other hand, Trump tried to put some distance between himself and the problems at the Post Office since DeJoy took over, telling reporters, "I don`t know what he`s doing," when asked about DeJoy`s cuts.

On Friday, the Postal Service`s inspector general said it would be investigating the cuts - as well as potential conflicts of interest related to DeJoy`s ownership of millions of dollars in stock in Postal Service rivals and customers, according to a financial disclosure form filed by his wife.

Early on Saturday, protesters gathered outside DeJoy`s upscale condominium in Washington to chant, bang pots and wave placards that denounced him as "Postmaster Saboteur."

One sign read, "Deliver DeMail, Depose DeJoy."

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may recall lawmakers from a summer recess to address changes at the Postal Service that have prompted anger among Democrats and alarm about possible impact on the 2020 election.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may recall lawmakers from a summer recess to address changes at the Postal Service that have prompted anger among Democrats and alarm about possible impact on the 2020 election. A Democratic congressional aide confirmed a Politico report that Pelosi could call back the U.S. House later this month, well ahead of the scheduled resumption of votes in mid-September. The aide confirmed Pelosi held a call with other top Democrats on Saturday to discuss the idea. "The President, his cronies and Republicans in Congress continue to wage their all-out assault on the Postal Service and its role in ensuring the integrity of the 2020 election," Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday. This week, Representative Carolyn Maloney, the Democratic chair of a House panel that oversees the Postal Service, introduced legislation to prohibit the service from implementing any changes to the operations or level of service it had in place in January 2020, until the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. It is possible the House could vote on that measure, the aide said. The struggling Post Office has suffered increasing delays following cost-cutting measures imposed by President Donald Trump`s new Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy. DeJoy`s downsizing drive - which has included curbs on overtime and removal of post boxes - has become a major concern for Democrats who accuse Trump of asphyxiating the Post Office to disrupt the Nov. 3 election, which is expected to feature an unprecedented wave of postal voting due to the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The disruption is driving an unusual amount of anger at DeJoy from otherwise middle-of-the-road politicians, with even some Republicans expressing worry amid reports that medical deliveries were being slowed. Tennessee Democratic Representative Jim Cooper, a member of the centrist "Blue Dog" coalition, said he was among those who had called on Pelosi to reconvene Congress and that lawmakers should subpoena the postmaster general. "If he fails to appear, we should send the Sgt at Arms to arrest him," Cooper said in a Twitter post. Trump offered qualified support for DeJoy on Saturday, saying he was a "very talented man" who was trying to streamline the Postal Service and only wanted to "make it great again" - a play on his 2016 campaign slogan. On the other hand, Trump tried to put some distance between himself and the problems at the Post Office since DeJoy took over, telling reporters, "I don`t know what he`s doing," when asked about DeJoy`s cuts. On Friday, the Postal Service`s inspector general said it would be investigating the cuts - as well as potential conflicts of interest related to DeJoy`s ownership of millions of dollars in stock in Postal Service rivals and customers, according to a financial disclosure form filed by his wife. Early on Saturday, protesters gathered outside DeJoy`s upscale condominium in Washington to chant, bang pots and wave placards that denounced him as "Postmaster Saboteur." One sign read, "Deliver DeMail, Depose DeJoy."

US House Speaker considering recalling Congress over Post Office woes

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said his administration, if he's elected, would stand with New Delhi in confronting the threats it faces, calling for strengthening the "bond" between India and the US.

The 77-year old is challenging the incumbent president, Donald Trump, in the US presidential election that will be held on November 3.

"Fifteen years ago, I was leading the efforts to approve the historic civil nuclear deal with India. I said that if the US and India became closer friends and partners, then the world will be a safer place," Biden, who was vice-president in the Obama administration, said while addressing the Indian-American community on India's Independence Day.

If elected president, Biden said, he would continue to believe this and also continue to stand with India against the threats it faces from its own region and along its borders.

He said he would work on expanding two-way trade between the two nations and take on big global challenges like climate change and global health security. He also said he would work to strengthen the democracies where diversity is the mutual strength.

On this day, let us "continue to deepen the bond that endures between our nation's and our people,? Biden said. 
He said that "as President, I'll also continue to rely on the Indian-American diaspora, that keeps our two nations together, as I have throughout my career".

"My constituents in Delaware, my staff in the Senate, the Obama administration that had more Indian-Americans than any other administration in the history of this country, and this campaign with Indian Americans at senior levels, which of course includes the top of the heap, our dear friend (Kamala Harris) who will be the first Indian American vice president in the history of the United States of America," Biden said.

Early this week, Biden zeroed in on Indian origin Senator Harris, 55, as his running mate in the US presidential election. Harris, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is the first-ever Black vice-presidential nominee.

"We all know she's smart, she's tested, she's prepared. But another thing that makes Kamala so inspiring is her mother's immigrant story to the US that started in India, with pure courage that brought her daughters to this moment. I know the pride you feel. It's your story too," Biden said.

"For your sacrifices, and your family's courage, you became pillars of our community and our country. You're patriots and the frontlines of this pandemic. In this reckoning of systemic racism, you're making real real promise that America is a place where people of all races and religions can live together in peace," he said.

"But I know it's hard. I heart goes out to all those of you who have been the targets in a rise in hate crimes, and the crackdown of legal immigration, including a sudden and harmful actions on H-1B visas. That for decades have made America stronger and brought our nation's closer," Biden said.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

"While it's sometimes may not feel like the US of your dreams, we will overcome and build back better than ever. Like (former President) Barack Obama had asked to me, I'm asking Kamala Harris, to be the last person in the room to ask the tough questions of me, provide counsel, most of all to always represent the belief in possibilities," the former US vice president said.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said his administration, if he's elected, would stand with New Delhi in confronting the threats it faces, calling for strengthening the "bond" between India and the US.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said his administration, if he's elected, would stand with New Delhi in confronting the threats it faces, calling for strengthening the "bond" between India and the US. The 77-year old is challenging the incumbent president, Donald Trump, in the US presidential election that will be held on November 3. "Fifteen years ago, I was leading the efforts to approve the historic civil nuclear deal with India. I said that if the US and India became closer friends and partners, then the world will be a safer place," Biden, who was vice-president in the Obama administration, said while addressing the Indian-American community on India's Independence Day. If elected president, Biden said, he would continue to believe this and also continue to stand with India against the threats it faces from its own region and along its borders. He said he would work on expanding two-way trade between the two nations and take on big global challenges like climate change and global health security. He also said he would work to strengthen the democracies where diversity is the mutual strength. On this day, let us "continue to deepen the bond that endures between our nation's and our people,? Biden said. He said that "as President, I'll also continue to rely on the Indian-American diaspora, that keeps our two nations together, as I have throughout my career". "My constituents in Delaware, my staff in the Senate, the Obama administration that had more Indian-Americans than any other administration in the history of this country, and this campaign with Indian Americans at senior levels, which of course includes the top of the heap, our dear friend (Kamala Harris) who will be the first Indian American vice president in the history of the United States of America," Biden said. Early this week, Biden zeroed in on Indian origin Senator Harris, 55, as his running mate in the US presidential election. Harris, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is the first-ever Black vice-presidential nominee. "We all know she's smart, she's tested, she's prepared. But another thing that makes Kamala so inspiring is her mother's immigrant story to the US that started in India, with pure courage that brought her daughters to this moment. I know the pride you feel. It's your story too," Biden said. "For your sacrifices, and your family's courage, you became pillars of our community and our country. You're patriots and the frontlines of this pandemic. In this reckoning of systemic racism, you're making real real promise that America is a place where people of all races and religions can live together in peace," he said. "But I know it's hard. I heart goes out to all those of you who have been the targets in a rise in hate crimes, and the crackdown of legal immigration, including a sudden and harmful actions on H-1B visas. That for decades have made America stronger and brought our nation's closer," Biden said. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. "While it's sometimes may not feel like the US of your dreams, we will overcome and build back better than ever. Like (former President) Barack Obama had asked to me, I'm asking Kamala Harris, to be the last person in the room to ask the tough questions of me, provide counsel, most of all to always represent the belief in possibilities," the former US vice president said.

If elected, will stand with India in confronting threats facing it: Joe Biden

Newsweek has apologised for an op-ed that questioned Kamala Harris' eligibility to be Joe Biden's running mate by promoting a false and racist conspiracy theory which President Donald Trump has not dismissed.

They questioned the US citizenship of Harris -- a necessity to run for the US president post. Harris' mother was born in India and her father was born in Jamaica.

"This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise," read Newsweek's editor's note on Friday, which replaced the magazine's earlier detailed defence of the op-ed.

"We entirely failed to anticipate the ways in which the essay would be interpreted, distorted and weaponised," read the apology, signed by Josh Hammer, opinion editor, and Nancy Cooper, global editor in chief.&nbsp;

But they ended the note by saying that the op-ed would remain on the site, with their note attached.

The op-ed was written by John Eastman, a conservative attorney who argues that the US Constitution doesn't grant birthright citizenship. Eastman sowed doubt about Harris' eligibility based on her parents' immigration status.

Newsweek earlier defended the piece, arguing that Eastman "was focussing on a long-standing, somewhat arcane legal debate" about the 14th Amendment and not trying to "ignite a racist conspiracy theory around Kamala Harris' candidacy."

According to constitution lawyers, Harris, who was tapped by Joe Biden to serve as his running mate on the Democratic ticket, was born in Oakland, California, and is eligible for both the vice presidency and presidency under the constitutional requirements.

Newsweek has apologised for an op-ed that questioned Kamala Harris' eligibility to be Joe Biden's running mate by promoting a false and racist conspiracy theory which President Donald Trump has not dismissed.

Newsweek has apologised for an op-ed that questioned Kamala Harris' eligibility to be Joe Biden's running mate by promoting a false and racist conspiracy theory which President Donald Trump has not dismissed. They questioned the US citizenship of Harris -- a necessity to run for the US president post. Harris' mother was born in India and her father was born in Jamaica. "This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologise," read Newsweek's editor's note on Friday, which replaced the magazine's earlier detailed defence of the op-ed. "We entirely failed to anticipate the ways in which the essay would be interpreted, distorted and weaponised," read the apology, signed by Josh Hammer, opinion editor, and Nancy Cooper, global editor in chief. But they ended the note by saying that the op-ed would remain on the site, with their note attached. The op-ed was written by John Eastman, a conservative attorney who argues that the US Constitution doesn't grant birthright citizenship. Eastman sowed doubt about Harris' eligibility based on her parents' immigration status. Newsweek earlier defended the piece, arguing that Eastman "was focussing on a long-standing, somewhat arcane legal debate" about the 14th Amendment and not trying to "ignite a racist conspiracy theory around Kamala Harris' candidacy." According to constitution lawyers, Harris, who was tapped by Joe Biden to serve as his running mate on the Democratic ticket, was born in Oakland, California, and is eligible for both the vice presidency and presidency under the constitutional requirements.

Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Kamala Harris birthright

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