The US intelligence has assessed that&nbsp;Russia, China and Iran will all try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with Beijing&nbsp;"preferring" an outcome where President Donald Trump is not reelected in November and Moscow working to "denigrate" former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid.

In an unusual public statement, William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Centre, said the three countries were using online disinformation and other means to try to influence voters, stir up disorder and undermine American voters' confidence in the democratic process.

Evanina said in a statement on Friday: "We assess that China prefers that President Trump -- whom Beijing sees as unpredictable -- does not win reelection."

Evanina's assessment comes two days after the release of a new report from the State Department that accused Russia of conducting a sophisticated disinformation and propaganda campaign, which uses a variety of approaches including Kremlin-aligned news sites to promote their agenda.

In a nutshell, Evanina's statement&nbsp;put two of the biggest American adversaries on opposite sides of the election: Russia for Trump and China for Biden.

"China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China's interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China," Evanina added.

"We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia 'establishment.' This is consistent with Moscow's public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration's policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia."&nbsp;

According to CNN, Evanina also stated that Iran is seeking to "undermine US democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country."

The statement from the top counterintelligence official is also the clearest the intelligence community has been in suggesting Russia prefers one candidate over the other in the 2020 race.

In response, Trump appeared reluctant to accept the intelligence community findings. He, when asked, said, "It could be. I mean it could be, very much."

"I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody's been tougher on Russia -- ever," Trump said, adding later, "the last thing that Russia wants, and China wants, and Iran wants is for Donald Trump to win."

Evanina used "denigrate" to denote what Russia wanted. It is the word the intelligence community used in its 2017 assessment citing Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" aimed at harming Hillary Clinton.

US intelligence officials presented information to lawmakers and presidential campaigns.

An official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told CNN that there's "no particular rank or order by which the threat actors are listed" in Evanina's statement.

The Biden and Trump campaigns responded to the news of Evanina's warning by volleying attacks at one another.

The Biden campaign's foreign policy adviser, Tony Blinken, accused Trump of having "publically and repeatedly invited, emboldened, and even tried to coerce foreign interference in American elections."

Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed the administration has held Moscow accountable and is "tougher on Russia than any administration in history," also attacking Obama's former national security adviser Susan Rice, who is a potential running mate for Biden.

Many officials who oversee US election technology and outside security experts now worry less about hacking in the elections than about misinformation and logistics such as a shortage of poll workers and slowdowns at the US postal service.

The US intelligence has assessed that Russia, China and Iran will all try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with Beijing "preferring" an outcome where President Donald Trump is not reelected in November and Moscow working to "denigrate" former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid.

The US intelligence has assessed that Russia, China and Iran will all try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with Beijing "preferring" an outcome where President Donald Trump is not reelected in November and Moscow working to "denigrate" former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid. In an unusual public statement, William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Centre, said the three countries were using online disinformation and other means to try to influence voters, stir up disorder and undermine American voters' confidence in the democratic process. Evanina said in a statement on Friday: "We assess that China prefers that President Trump -- whom Beijing sees as unpredictable -- does not win reelection." Evanina's assessment comes two days after the release of a new report from the State Department that accused Russia of conducting a sophisticated disinformation and propaganda campaign, which uses a variety of approaches including Kremlin-aligned news sites to promote their agenda. In a nutshell, Evanina's statement put two of the biggest American adversaries on opposite sides of the election: Russia for Trump and China for Biden. "China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China's interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China," Evanina added. "We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia 'establishment.' This is consistent with Moscow's public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration's policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia." According to CNN, Evanina also stated that Iran is seeking to "undermine US democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country." The statement from the top counterintelligence official is also the clearest the intelligence community has been in suggesting Russia prefers one candidate over the other in the 2020 race. In response, Trump appeared reluctant to accept the intelligence community findings. He, when asked, said, "It could be. I mean it could be, very much." "I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody's been tougher on Russia -- ever," Trump said, adding later, "the last thing that Russia wants, and China wants, and Iran wants is for Donald Trump to win." Evanina used "denigrate" to denote what Russia wanted. It is the word the intelligence community used in its 2017 assessment citing Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" aimed at harming Hillary Clinton. US intelligence officials presented information to lawmakers and presidential campaigns. An official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told CNN that there's "no particular rank or order by which the threat actors are listed" in Evanina's statement. The Biden and Trump campaigns responded to the news of Evanina's warning by volleying attacks at one another. The Biden campaign's foreign policy adviser, Tony Blinken, accused Trump of having "publically and repeatedly invited, emboldened, and even tried to coerce foreign interference in American elections." Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed the administration has held Moscow accountable and is "tougher on Russia than any administration in history," also attacking Obama's former national security adviser Susan Rice, who is a potential running mate for Biden. Many officials who oversee US election technology and outside security experts now worry less about hacking in the elections than about misinformation and logistics such as a shortage of poll workers and slowdowns at the US postal service.

China wants Trump to lose election, Russia working to insult Biden, US intel says

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it recently removed a small network of accounts operating from Romania that had been promoting President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with stories about his support from conservatives, Black Americans, Christians and followers of the QAnon web of baseless conspiracy theories.

Many of the 35 Facebook and 88 Instagram accounts posed as Americans, and some managed Trump fan pages, but they ran afoul of the social network’s rules on what it calls coordinated inauthentic behavior. In addition to misleading people about their location, some account holders ran multiple personas with similar names that posted identical content.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-asks-facebook-tiktok-and-disney-to-pay-10-vat-tax-reports-318797">Also read|&nbsp;Indonesia asks Facebook, TikTok and Disney to pay 10% VAT: Tax reports</a>

The network had a small reach, with only 1,600 accounts following the Facebook pages and 7,200 tracking the accounts on Instagram, which is owned by Facebook.

Facebook security policy head Nathaniel Gleicher said the company was unable to tell whether the Romanian group was motivated by money, ideology or government directive.

The nonprofit Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensics Research Lab said some pages only shared content from Trump`s page, while others promoted QAnon, which connects various theories around the idea that Trump is secretly waging a war against powerful Democrats who worship the devil and abuse children. The FBI warned last year that QAnon would likely motivate extremists to commit violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-employees-to-work-from-home-until-july-2021-get-1000-for-home-offices-318749">Also read|&nbsp;Facebook employees to work from home until July 2021; get $1,000 for home offices</a>

Atlantic Council Lab Director Graham Brookie said there were no clear connections to Trump associates or surrogates, and Gleicher said there were no obvious ties to established commercial players such as companies that sell "likes" and followers.

Facebook previously removed much larger and better-connected networks that supported Trump, including one connected to the Epoch Times, which was founded by supporters of the Falun Gong spiritual movement and often criticizes the government of China.

Facebook said on Thursday it had removed another network that reposted content from the Epoch Times and other Falun Gong media in a follow-up action.

While smaller than the network in the December takedown, the new one had amassed more than 2 million followers by posting on topics including the Hong Kong protests, the coronavirus, and U.S. policy toward China, as well as posting animal pictures.

Other July takedowns dismantled a major operation aimed at politics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than a million accounts followed pages in the network, which sometimes impersonated political figures.

Facebook said it connected the activity to Congolese political party Force des Patriotes.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it recently removed a small network of accounts operating from Romania that had been promoting President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with stories about his support from conservatives, Black Americans, Christians and followers of the QAnon web of baseless conspiracy theories.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it recently removed a small network of accounts operating from Romania that had been promoting President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with stories about his support from conservatives, Black Americans, Christians and followers of the QAnon web of baseless conspiracy theories. Many of the 35 Facebook and 88 Instagram accounts posed as Americans, and some managed Trump fan pages, but they ran afoul of the social network’s rules on what it calls coordinated inauthentic behavior. In addition to misleading people about their location, some account holders ran multiple personas with similar names that posted identical content. Also read| Indonesia asks Facebook, TikTok and Disney to pay 10% VAT: Tax reports The network had a small reach, with only 1,600 accounts following the Facebook pages and 7,200 tracking the accounts on Instagram, which is owned by Facebook. Facebook security policy head Nathaniel Gleicher said the company was unable to tell whether the Romanian group was motivated by money, ideology or government directive. The nonprofit Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensics Research Lab said some pages only shared content from Trump`s page, while others promoted QAnon, which connects various theories around the idea that Trump is secretly waging a war against powerful Democrats who worship the devil and abuse children. The FBI warned last year that QAnon would likely motivate extremists to commit violence. Also read| Facebook employees to work from home until July 2021; get $1,000 for home offices Atlantic Council Lab Director Graham Brookie said there were no clear connections to Trump associates or surrogates, and Gleicher said there were no obvious ties to established commercial players such as companies that sell "likes" and followers. Facebook previously removed much larger and better-connected networks that supported Trump, including one connected to the Epoch Times, which was founded by supporters of the Falun Gong spiritual movement and often criticizes the government of China. Facebook said on Thursday it had removed another network that reposted content from the Epoch Times and other Falun Gong media in a follow-up action. While smaller than the network in the December takedown, the new one had amassed more than 2 million followers by posting on topics including the Hong Kong protests, the coronavirus, and U.S. policy toward China, as well as posting animal pictures. Other July takedowns dismantled a major operation aimed at politics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than a million accounts followed pages in the network, which sometimes impersonated political figures. Facebook said it connected the activity to Congolese political party Force des Patriotes.

Facebook removes small pro-Trump network based in Romania

The United States is negotiating the sale of at least four sophisticated aerial drones to Taiwan for the first time, according to six U.S. sources familiar with the negotiations, aircraft that can keep watch over huge swathes of sea and land.

The SeaGuardian surveillance drones have a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km), far greater than the 160-mile range of Taiwan’s current fleet of drones, potentially giving the island greater capacity to peer into China, observing its air force, missiles and other facilities.

While the State Department tacitly authorized the sale of the unmanned aerial vehicles, two of the people said, it is not known whether the U.S. officials have approved exporting the drones with weapons attached, one of them said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-builds-on-taiwan-ties-us-highest-level-visit-to-taiwan-world-news-318374">Also watch|&nbsp;US builds on Taiwan ties: US highest-level visit to Taiwan | World News</a>

The deal must be approved by members of Congress, who may receive formal notification as soon as next month, two of the people said. Congress could block a final agreement.

Such a sale would most likely anger China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday that would block the export, transfer or trade of many advanced drones to countries that are not close U.S. allies. Sales would be allowed to NATO members, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Israel.

A deal with Taiwan would be the first drone sale after President Donald Trump’s administration moved ahead with its plan to sell more drones to more countries by reinterpreting an international arms control agreement called the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry declined to comment.

While Taiwan’s military is well-trained and well-equipped with mostly US-made hardware, China has a huge numerical advantage and is adding advanced equipment of its own, including stealthy fighters, anti-satellite missiles and aircraft carriers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-health-chief-to-visit-taiwan-likely-angering-china-318231">Also read|&nbsp;US health chief to visit Taiwan, likely angering China</a>

Taiwan submitted its request to buy armed drones early this year, one of the people familiar with the talks said. The United States last week sent Taiwan the pricing and availability data for the deal, a key step that denotes official approval to advance the sale. It is, however, non-binding and could be reversed.

A deal for the four drones, ground stations, spares, training and support could be worth around $600 million using previous sales as a guide. There could also be options for additional units in the future, one of the people said.

The island is bolstering its defenses in the face of what it sees as increasingly threatening moves by Beijing, such as regular Chinese air force and naval exercises near Taiwan

Taiwan unveiled its largest defense spending increase in more than a decade last year. President Tsai Ing-wen has made defense modernization a priority, including building new submarines and upgrading Taiwan’s F-16 fighter fleet.

Relations between Beijing and Washington - already at their lowest point in decades over accusations of spying, a trade war, the coronavirus and Hong Kong - could fray more if the deal gets the final go-ahead from U.S. officials. The Pentagon has said arms sales to Taiwan will continue, and the Trump administration has kept a steady pace of Navy warships passing through the Taiwan Strait.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring the democratic island under its control. Beijing has denounced the Trump administration’s increased support for Taiwan.

China’s sophisticated air defenses could likely shoot down a handful of drones, according to Bonnie Glaser, the director of the China Power Project at CSIS, a Washington think tank. But she still expects “China to scream about even the smallest arms sale that the U.S. makes to Taiwan because any sale challenges the ‘One China’ principle.”

&nbsp; &nbsp; “They get particularly agitated if they think it’s an offensive capability,” she said, adding that she expected the Trump administration to be less cautious than its predecessors.

“As a matter of policy we do not comment on or confirm proposed defense sales or transfers until they have been formally notified to Congress,” a State Department spokesman said.

Only for few US allies 
The U.S. has been eager to sell Taiwan tanks and fighter jets, but the deal to sell drones would be notable since only a few close allies - including Britain, Italy, Australia, Japan and South Korea - have been allowed to purchase the largest U.S.-made drones.

Currently, the Taiwanese government has a fleet of 26 Albatross drones made by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, a quasi-defense ministry research agency, that can fly 160 nautical miles (300 km), or 80 before returning to base, according to records kept by the Bard Center for the Study of the Drone.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc’s SeaGuardian has an airframe that can handle carrying weapons - but only if contractually allowed by the U.S. government.

The United States has sold France unarmed MQ-9 Reapers which are similar to SeaGuardians, and later here gave permission to arm them.

Last year, the United States approved a potential sale to Taiwan of 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2 Abrams tanks worth around $2 billion as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft munitions. A separate sale of 66 Lockheed Martin-made fighter jets also made it through the State Department’s process.

In recent weeks, China said it will sanction Lockheed Martin Co for involvement in the latest U.S. arms sale to Taiwan.

The United States is negotiating the sale of at least four sophisticated aerial drones to Taiwan for the first time, according to six U.S. sources familiar with the negotiations, aircraft that can keep watch over huge swathes of sea and land.

The United States is negotiating the sale of at least four sophisticated aerial drones to Taiwan for the first time, according to six U.S. sources familiar with the negotiations, aircraft that can keep watch over huge swathes of sea and land. The SeaGuardian surveillance drones have a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km), far greater than the 160-mile range of Taiwan’s current fleet of drones, potentially giving the island greater capacity to peer into China, observing its air force, missiles and other facilities. While the State Department tacitly authorized the sale of the unmanned aerial vehicles, two of the people said, it is not known whether the U.S. officials have approved exporting the drones with weapons attached, one of them said. Also watch| US builds on Taiwan ties: US highest-level visit to Taiwan | World News The deal must be approved by members of Congress, who may receive formal notification as soon as next month, two of the people said. Congress could block a final agreement. Such a sale would most likely anger China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory. Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday that would block the export, transfer or trade of many advanced drones to countries that are not close U.S. allies. Sales would be allowed to NATO members, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Israel. A deal with Taiwan would be the first drone sale after President Donald Trump’s administration moved ahead with its plan to sell more drones to more countries by reinterpreting an international arms control agreement called the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Taiwan’s Defense Ministry declined to comment. While Taiwan’s military is well-trained and well-equipped with mostly US-made hardware, China has a huge numerical advantage and is adding advanced equipment of its own, including stealthy fighters, anti-satellite missiles and aircraft carriers. Also read| US health chief to visit Taiwan, likely angering China Taiwan submitted its request to buy armed drones early this year, one of the people familiar with the talks said. The United States last week sent Taiwan the pricing and availability data for the deal, a key step that denotes official approval to advance the sale. It is, however, non-binding and could be reversed. A deal for the four drones, ground stations, spares, training and support could be worth around $600 million using previous sales as a guide. There could also be options for additional units in the future, one of the people said. The island is bolstering its defenses in the face of what it sees as increasingly threatening moves by Beijing, such as regular Chinese air force and naval exercises near Taiwan Taiwan unveiled its largest defense spending increase in more than a decade last year. President Tsai Ing-wen has made defense modernization a priority, including building new submarines and upgrading Taiwan’s F-16 fighter fleet. Relations between Beijing and Washington - already at their lowest point in decades over accusations of spying, a trade war, the coronavirus and Hong Kong - could fray more if the deal gets the final go-ahead from U.S. officials. The Pentagon has said arms sales to Taiwan will continue, and the Trump administration has kept a steady pace of Navy warships passing through the Taiwan Strait. China has never renounced the use of force to bring the democratic island under its control. Beijing has denounced the Trump administration’s increased support for Taiwan. China’s sophisticated air defenses could likely shoot down a handful of drones, according to Bonnie Glaser, the director of the China Power Project at CSIS, a Washington think tank. But she still expects “China to scream about even the smallest arms sale that the U.S. makes to Taiwan because any sale challenges the ‘One China’ principle.” “They get particularly agitated if they think it’s an offensive capability,” she said, adding that she expected the Trump administration to be less cautious than its predecessors. “As a matter of policy we do not comment on or confirm proposed defense sales or transfers until they have been formally notified to Congress,” a State Department spokesman said. Only for few US allies The U.S. has been eager to sell Taiwan tanks and fighter jets, but the deal to sell drones would be notable since only a few close allies - including Britain, Italy, Australia, Japan and South Korea - have been allowed to purchase the largest U.S.-made drones. Currently, the Taiwanese government has a fleet of 26 Albatross drones made by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, a quasi-defense ministry research agency, that can fly 160 nautical miles (300 km), or 80 before returning to base, according to records kept by the Bard Center for the Study of the Drone. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc’s SeaGuardian has an airframe that can handle carrying weapons - but only if contractually allowed by the U.S. government. The United States has sold France unarmed MQ-9 Reapers which are similar to SeaGuardians, and later here gave permission to arm them. Last year, the United States approved a potential sale to Taiwan of 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2 Abrams tanks worth around $2 billion as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft munitions. A separate sale of 66 Lockheed Martin-made fighter jets also made it through the State Department’s process. In recent weeks, China said it will sanction Lockheed Martin Co for involvement in the latest U.S. arms sale to Taiwan.

Taiwan in talks to make first purchase of sophisticated US drones: Sources

US Republican President Donald Trump has said that his Democratic opponent in November's election, Joe Biden, is "against God". With Trump trailing Biden in four recent polls in Ohio, the president is fighting to win voters in the traditional swing state as the coronavirus pandemic threatens his chances of a second term.

To this end, in a campaign-style speech at a Whirlpool plant in Clyde, Ohio, Trump said: "He's against God."

"He's following the radical-left agenda: take away your guns, destroy your Second Amendment, no religion, no anything, hurt the Bible, hurt God," Trump had said about Biden in his Cleveland speech.&nbsp;

The Second Amendment of the US Constitution gives Americans the right to keep and bear arms.

Trump did not explain what he meant. His accusation, though, could solidify support from his party's sizable conservative Christian bloc and also damage voters' view of Biden, the first Catholic Vice President in US history.

John Kennedy was the first and only Catholic elected President when he won in 1960.

In a statement on Thursday night, Biden said Trump's attack was "shameful" and that faith had been the bedrock foundation of his life.

"President Trump’s comments reveal more about him than they do about anyone else. They show us a man willing to stoop to any low for political gain, and someone whose actions are completely at odds with the values and teachings that he professes to believe in," Biden said.

More than three-fourths of Americans practice Christianity or another religion, according to the Pew Research Center. Trump has been hurt politically by his response to the coronavirus pandemic that has recently killed on average more than 1,000 Americans each day.

While he speaks very little about his own Presbyterian faith and rarely attends church, Trump works closely with evangelical Christians and puts their causes of restricting abortion and preserving gun ownership at the top of his policy agenda.

After a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, killed 20 children in 2012, Biden pushed for some restrictions on gun ownership, but he has not called for confiscating firearms.

He has said he would seek to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, let people who own assault weapons sell them back voluntarily, and expand background checks.

US Republican President Donald Trump has said that his Democratic opponent in November's election, Joe Biden, is "against God". With Trump trailing Biden in four recent polls in Ohio, the president is fighting to win voters in the traditional swing state as the coronavirus pandemic threatens his chances of a second term.

US Republican President Donald Trump has said that his Democratic opponent in November's election, Joe Biden, is "against God". With Trump trailing Biden in four recent polls in Ohio, the president is fighting to win voters in the traditional swing state as the coronavirus pandemic threatens his chances of a second term. To this end, in a campaign-style speech at a Whirlpool plant in Clyde, Ohio, Trump said: "He's against God." "He's following the radical-left agenda: take away your guns, destroy your Second Amendment, no religion, no anything, hurt the Bible, hurt God," Trump had said about Biden in his Cleveland speech. The Second Amendment of the US Constitution gives Americans the right to keep and bear arms. Trump did not explain what he meant. His accusation, though, could solidify support from his party's sizable conservative Christian bloc and also damage voters' view of Biden, the first Catholic Vice President in US history. John Kennedy was the first and only Catholic elected President when he won in 1960. In a statement on Thursday night, Biden said Trump's attack was "shameful" and that faith had been the bedrock foundation of his life. "President Trump’s comments reveal more about him than they do about anyone else. They show us a man willing to stoop to any low for political gain, and someone whose actions are completely at odds with the values and teachings that he professes to believe in," Biden said. More than three-fourths of Americans practice Christianity or another religion, according to the Pew Research Center. Trump has been hurt politically by his response to the coronavirus pandemic that has recently killed on average more than 1,000 Americans each day. While he speaks very little about his own Presbyterian faith and rarely attends church, Trump works closely with evangelical Christians and puts their causes of restricting abortion and preserving gun ownership at the top of his policy agenda. After a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, killed 20 children in 2012, Biden pushed for some restrictions on gun ownership, but he has not called for confiscating firearms. He has said he would seek to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, let people who own assault weapons sell them back voluntarily, and expand background checks.

Trump says rival Biden opposes 'God and guns'; he responds

A New York judge cancelled US President Donald Trump's bid to delay a lawsuit from a woman who accused him of rape. The judge said on Thursday that the presidency doesn't shield Trump from the case.

Manhattan judge Verna Saunders pointed to a recent US Supreme Court ruling that the president isn't immune from a New York prosecutor's criminal investigation, and said the same principle applies to E Jean Carroll's defamation suit, in which Trump's lawyers have argued that the Constitution bars presidents from being dragged into lawsuits in state courts.

The decision allows Carroll -- who's seeking Trump's DNA as potential evidence -- to keep pursuing her suit. She says he slurred her in denying her claim that he raped her in the 1990s.

Carroll, who was a longtime Elle magazine advice columnist until December, went public last year with an allegation that Trump raped her in a Manhattan luxury department store dressing room in the mid-1990s.

Trump said Carroll was lying to sell a memoir and that he'd never met her.

Previous US&nbsp;Supreme Court decisions have said incumbent presidents can't be sued anywhere over official actions. But they are subject to federal civil suits regarding private behaviour.

The high court hasn't specifically addressed whether suits over a president's private conduct can unfold in state courts. 
&nbsp;

A New York judge cancelled US President Donald Trump's bid to delay a lawsuit from a woman who accused him of rape. The judge said on Thursday that the presidency doesn't shield Trump from the case.

A New York judge cancelled US President Donald Trump's bid to delay a lawsuit from a woman who accused him of rape. The judge said on Thursday that the presidency doesn't shield Trump from the case. Manhattan judge Verna Saunders pointed to a recent US Supreme Court ruling that the president isn't immune from a New York prosecutor's criminal investigation, and said the same principle applies to E Jean Carroll's defamation suit, in which Trump's lawyers have argued that the Constitution bars presidents from being dragged into lawsuits in state courts. The decision allows Carroll -- who's seeking Trump's DNA as potential evidence -- to keep pursuing her suit. She says he slurred her in denying her claim that he raped her in the 1990s. Carroll, who was a longtime Elle magazine advice columnist until December, went public last year with an allegation that Trump raped her in a Manhattan luxury department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Trump said Carroll was lying to sell a memoir and that he'd never met her. Previous US Supreme Court decisions have said incumbent presidents can't be sued anywhere over official actions. But they are subject to federal civil suits regarding private behaviour. The high court hasn't specifically addressed whether suits over a president's private conduct can unfold in state courts.

Judge cancels Trump bid to delay suit from woman alleging rape

After Microsoft declared its intentions to buy the US operations of the famous short-video sharing app TikTok, reports are now claiming that the tech giant might be looking at buying more of TikTok.

Talking with few insiders, a financial publication claimed Microsoft is planning to buy the global operations of the Chinese app TikTok.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-banning-transactions-with-tiktok-owner-after-45-days-318735">Also read:&nbsp;Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days</a>

Microsoft, however, has not given a confirmation on these speculations yet. As of now, the tech giant is looking to buy TikTok operations of North America,&nbsp;Australia and New Zealand. It is being reported that Microsoft is now trying to add India and Europe to this existing deal.

It has not been revealed what would be the selling amount of the social media app, however ByteDance executives value all of TikTok at more than $50 billion.

The report also claimed that Microsoft was in talks with TikTok's Chinese parent-company ByteDance for acquiring its operations in India, but the deal fell through before reaching any solid grounding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-to-label-state-owned-media-and-officials-accounts-318746">Also read:&nbsp;Twitter to label state-owned media and officials' accounts</a>

TikTok has not issued any&nbsp;comment on this report ye, while Microsoft has declined a comment to the local media houses.

The report is being circulated after Trump gave TikTok a 45-day notice to either sell its operations to a US-based company or face a ban, citing national security issues.

After Microsoft declared its intentions to buy the US operations of the famous short-video sharing app TikTok, reports are now claiming that the tech giant might be looking at buying more of TikTok.

After Microsoft declared its intentions to buy the US operations of the famous short-video sharing app TikTok, reports are now claiming that the tech giant might be looking at buying more of TikTok. Talking with few insiders, a financial publication claimed Microsoft is planning to buy the global operations of the Chinese app TikTok. Also read: Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days Microsoft, however, has not given a confirmation on these speculations yet. As of now, the tech giant is looking to buy TikTok operations of North America, Australia and New Zealand. It is being reported that Microsoft is now trying to add India and Europe to this existing deal. It has not been revealed what would be the selling amount of the social media app, however ByteDance executives value all of TikTok at more than $50 billion. The report also claimed that Microsoft was in talks with TikTok's Chinese parent-company ByteDance for acquiring its operations in India, but the deal fell through before reaching any solid grounding. Also read: Twitter to label state-owned media and officials' accounts TikTok has not issued any comment on this report ye, while Microsoft has declined a comment to the local media houses. The report is being circulated after Trump gave TikTok a 45-day notice to either sell its operations to a US-based company or face a ban, citing national security issues.

Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports

The Trump administration is considering a proposal to crackdown on Chinese companies that are listed in the US and do not follow American audit requirements, according to a media report.

As per the proposal, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, the Chinese companies listed on American stock exchanges like New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ be subject to audit by US regulators or else they would be delisted.

To comply, Chinese auditors would have to share their work papers with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a specialised audit regulator overseen by the US government, the financial daily said.

Chinese firms that are not yet public, but which plan to do an initial public offering in the US, would have to comply before they can go public on NYSE or Nasdaq, and would not get until 2022 to follow the rules, the report said, quoting senior officials from the Department of Treasury and Securities and Exchange Commission.

"These recommendations are consistent with bipartisan congressional legislation and are centered on the importance of a level playing field," US Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton was quoted as saying in the report.

Such a move comes after the US Senate passed a bipartisan legislation in May. As per the legislation, the Chinese companies that do not comply with these regulations in three years would be delisted.

The latest move of Trump Administration is part of its effort to crackdown on Chinese companies, the report said. 
President Donald Trump has given September 15 as the deadline to TikTok, the popular Chinese app, to sell it to an American owner or face its closer.

Last month, the US asked closer of Chinese consulate in Houston accusing it of being a spying hub.

In his remarks at a Whirlpool manufacturing plant in Ohio on Thursday, Trump said that his administration was bringing trade cases against China to crack down on its economic aggression.

In an op-ed in Roll Call, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger and John Joyce alleged that the Communist China Party (CCP) has increased its threats on the US through technology advances. As such, United States must push back by leading in innovation and bolstering telecommunications security.

"China's more recent technological power not only endangers America's national security, it also poses a serious threat to the human rights of Chinese citizens and freedom-loving people around the world. Communist governments do not tolerate any form of dissent, and Beijing routinely uses technology to surveil, silence and threaten its critics," they wrote.

"Huawei, another company with ties to the Chinese government, regularly comes under fire for its blatant disregard of human rights," they said.

The Trump administration is considering a proposal to crackdown on Chinese companies that are listed in the US and do not follow American audit requirements, according to a media report.

The Trump administration is considering a proposal to crackdown on Chinese companies that are listed in the US and do not follow American audit requirements, according to a media report. As per the proposal, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, the Chinese companies listed on American stock exchanges like New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ be subject to audit by US regulators or else they would be delisted. To comply, Chinese auditors would have to share their work papers with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a specialised audit regulator overseen by the US government, the financial daily said. Chinese firms that are not yet public, but which plan to do an initial public offering in the US, would have to comply before they can go public on NYSE or Nasdaq, and would not get until 2022 to follow the rules, the report said, quoting senior officials from the Department of Treasury and Securities and Exchange Commission. "These recommendations are consistent with bipartisan congressional legislation and are centered on the importance of a level playing field," US Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton was quoted as saying in the report. Such a move comes after the US Senate passed a bipartisan legislation in May. As per the legislation, the Chinese companies that do not comply with these regulations in three years would be delisted. The latest move of Trump Administration is part of its effort to crackdown on Chinese companies, the report said. President Donald Trump has given September 15 as the deadline to TikTok, the popular Chinese app, to sell it to an American owner or face its closer. Last month, the US asked closer of Chinese consulate in Houston accusing it of being a spying hub. In his remarks at a Whirlpool manufacturing plant in Ohio on Thursday, Trump said that his administration was bringing trade cases against China to crack down on its economic aggression. In an op-ed in Roll Call, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger and John Joyce alleged that the Communist China Party (CCP) has increased its threats on the US through technology advances. As such, United States must push back by leading in innovation and bolstering telecommunications security. "China's more recent technological power not only endangers America's national security, it also poses a serious threat to the human rights of Chinese citizens and freedom-loving people around the world. Communist governments do not tolerate any form of dissent, and Beijing routinely uses technology to surveil, silence and threaten its critics," they wrote. "Huawei, another company with ties to the Chinese government, regularly comes under fire for its blatant disregard of human rights," they said.

Trump administration seeks crackdown on Chinese companies listed in US

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the territory's current and former police chiefs and eight other officials for their role in curtailing political freedoms in the territory.

The sanctions were imposed under an executive order US&nbsp;President Donald Trump signed last month to punish China for its moves against dissent in Hong Kong and are the latest action by his administration against Beijing in the run-up to his November re-election bid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-arms-sales-to-taiwan-violates-one-china-principle-china-318830" hreflang="en">US arms sales to Taiwan violates 'One China' principle: China</a>

As well as Lam, the sanctions target Hong Kong Police commissioner Chris Tang and his predecessor Stephen Lo; John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong's secretary of security, and Teresa Cheng, the justice secretary, the US&nbsp;Treasury Department said in a statement.

It said Beijing's imposition of draconian national security legislation had undermined Hong Kong's autonomy and allowed mainland security services to operate with impunity, "setting the groundwork for censorship of any individuals or outlets that are deemed unfriendly to China."

"Carrie Lam is the chief executive directly responsible for implementing Beijing’s policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes," it said.

“The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong and we will use our tools and authorities to target those undermining their autonomy,” Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin said in the statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-political-manipulation-over-tiktok-wechat-ban-318816" hreflang="en">China accuses US of 'political manipulation' over TikTok, WeChat ban</a>

The sanctions freeze any US&nbsp;asset of the officials and generally bar Americans from doing business with them.

Tensions between the United States and China have been increasing daily. China's foreign ministry said on Friday it firmly opposes executive orders that Trump announced this week to ban US&nbsp;transactions with the Chinese owners of the WeChat and TikTok apps.

Last month, Carrie Lam postponed a Sept. 6 election to Hong Kong's legislature by a year because of a rise in coronavirus cases, dealing a blow to the pro-democracy opposition that had hoped to make huge gains.

The United States condemned the action, saying it was the latest example of Beijing undermining democracy in the Chinese-ruled territory.

A source familiar with the matter said US&nbsp;deliberations on the sanctions intensified after the election postponement.

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the territory's current and former police chiefs and eight other officials for their role in curtailing political freedoms in the territory.

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the territory's current and former police chiefs and eight other officials for their role in curtailing political freedoms in the territory. The sanctions were imposed under an executive order US President Donald Trump signed last month to punish China for its moves against dissent in Hong Kong and are the latest action by his administration against Beijing in the run-up to his November re-election bid. Also read: US arms sales to Taiwan violates 'One China' principle: China As well as Lam, the sanctions target Hong Kong Police commissioner Chris Tang and his predecessor Stephen Lo; John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong's secretary of security, and Teresa Cheng, the justice secretary, the US Treasury Department said in a statement. It said Beijing's imposition of draconian national security legislation had undermined Hong Kong's autonomy and allowed mainland security services to operate with impunity, "setting the groundwork for censorship of any individuals or outlets that are deemed unfriendly to China." "Carrie Lam is the chief executive directly responsible for implementing Beijing’s policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes," it said. “The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong and we will use our tools and authorities to target those undermining their autonomy,” Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. Also read: China accuses US of 'political manipulation' over TikTok, WeChat ban The sanctions freeze any US asset of the officials and generally bar Americans from doing business with them. Tensions between the United States and China have been increasing daily. China's foreign ministry said on Friday it firmly opposes executive orders that Trump announced this week to ban US transactions with the Chinese owners of the WeChat and TikTok apps. Last month, Carrie Lam postponed a Sept. 6 election to Hong Kong's legislature by a year because of a rise in coronavirus cases, dealing a blow to the pro-democracy opposition that had hoped to make huge gains. The United States condemned the action, saying it was the latest example of Beijing undermining democracy in the Chinese-ruled territory. A source familiar with the matter said US deliberations on the sanctions intensified after the election postponement.

US imposes sanctions on Hong Kong's Lam, other officials over crackdown

The US seeks to end its reliance on China and other foreign nations for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, President Donald Trump has said. He on Thursday asserted that Beijing would have to pay the price for the wound it has inflicted on America and the world by spreading the deadly coronavirus.

Trump and leaders of several countries have accused China of not being transparent in reporting the deadly disease, leading to huge human casualties and economic crisis across the world.

China, however, has denied US' accusation of covering up the extent of its coronavirus outbreak and accused America of attempting to divert public attention by insinuating that the virus originated from a virology laboratory in Wuhan.

"What China did is a terrible thing. Whether it was incompetence or on purpose, it was a terrible thing that they did -- not only to the United States, but to the world. A terrible thing," Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday before flying to Ohio to visit a Whirlpool manufacturing plant.

Hours later addressing workers at the manufacturing plant in Ohio, Trump alleged that the previous Obama-Biden administration was perfectly happy to let China win.

"Over the course of the next four years, we will bring our pharmaceutical and medical supply chains home and we will end reliance on China and other foreign nations," Trump said as he laid out his vision to bring millions more jobs and thousands more factories back to American shores.

"Today, to define our path forward, I am making our incredible workers six more promises that I will keep over the next four years. First and foremost, we will defeat the China virus," he said, adding that the strategy shelters those at highest risk while allowing those at lower risk to get safely back to work and school.

Trump said he had signed a new executive order to ensure that when it comes to essential medicines, the US buys American. This executive order will require that the US government agencies purchase all the essential medicines it needs from American sources.

"As long as I am President of the United States, I will fight for you with every ounce of energy and strength that I have. I will be your voice. I will defend your jobs. I will stand up to foreign trade cheaters and violators," Trump said.

As seen in this pandemic, the United States must produce essential equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals for itself, he said.

The US seeks to end its reliance on China and other foreign nations for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, President Donald Trump has said. He on Thursday asserted that Beijing would have to pay the price for the wound it has inflicted on America and the world by spreading the deadly coronavirus.

The US seeks to end its reliance on China and other foreign nations for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, President Donald Trump has said. He on Thursday asserted that Beijing would have to pay the price for the wound it has inflicted on America and the world by spreading the deadly coronavirus. Trump and leaders of several countries have accused China of not being transparent in reporting the deadly disease, leading to huge human casualties and economic crisis across the world. China, however, has denied US' accusation of covering up the extent of its coronavirus outbreak and accused America of attempting to divert public attention by insinuating that the virus originated from a virology laboratory in Wuhan. "What China did is a terrible thing. Whether it was incompetence or on purpose, it was a terrible thing that they did -- not only to the United States, but to the world. A terrible thing," Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday before flying to Ohio to visit a Whirlpool manufacturing plant. Hours later addressing workers at the manufacturing plant in Ohio, Trump alleged that the previous Obama-Biden administration was perfectly happy to let China win. "Over the course of the next four years, we will bring our pharmaceutical and medical supply chains home and we will end reliance on China and other foreign nations," Trump said as he laid out his vision to bring millions more jobs and thousands more factories back to American shores. "Today, to define our path forward, I am making our incredible workers six more promises that I will keep over the next four years. First and foremost, we will defeat the China virus," he said, adding that the strategy shelters those at highest risk while allowing those at lower risk to get safely back to work and school. Trump said he had signed a new executive order to ensure that when it comes to essential medicines, the US buys American. This executive order will require that the US government agencies purchase all the essential medicines it needs from American sources. "As long as I am President of the United States, I will fight for you with every ounce of energy and strength that I have. I will be your voice. I will defend your jobs. I will stand up to foreign trade cheaters and violators," Trump said. As seen in this pandemic, the United States must produce essential equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals for itself, he said.

US will end reliance on China, other nations for pharmaceuticals and medical supply: Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-banning-transactions-with-tiktok-owner-after-45-days-318735">Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/20/150711-trump1.jpg?itok=_y1rsUsj" />

'The United States must take aggressive action against the owners of TikTok to protect our national security,' the order said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-led-slpp-registers-landslide-victory-in-sri-lankas-parliamentary-polls-318727">Mahinda Rajapaksa-led SLPP registers landslide victory in Sri Lanka's parliamentary polls</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/07/153446-mahinda-rajapaksa-led-slpp.jpg?itok=DmMJihmX" />

The official results declared showed that the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) alone had won 145 seats and with its allies have 150 seats, a two thirds majority in the 225-member parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-saudi-spy-accuses-crown-prince-of-trying-to-assassinate-him-318715">Ex-Saudi spy accuses crown prince of trying to assassinate him</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/07/153442-saudi-afp.jpg?itok=MQRpjWgN" />

Saad Aljabri said Prince Mohammed sent a 'hit squad' to Canada, where he lives in exile, to kill and dismember him in the same way that Khashoggi was murdered allegedly by the prince's agents in Istanbul in October 2018.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-revokes-global-do-not-travel-coronavirus-warning-318718">US revokes global 'do not travel' coronavirus warning</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/07/153443-us-travel.jpg?itok=eSXDV5xl" />

The announcement comes as President Donald Trump seeks a quick return to normal in the United States, which has suffered by far the highest number of deaths from COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-beirut-blasts-first-ground-report-on-wion-318706">Gravitas: Beirut blasts | First ground report on WION</a>

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&nbsp;

Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days 'The United States must take aggressive action against the owners of TikTok to protect our national security,' the order said.

Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days 'The United States must take aggressive action against the owners of TikTok to protect our national security,' the order said. Mahinda Rajapaksa-led SLPP registers landslide victory in Sri Lanka's parliamentary polls The official results declared showed that the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) alone had won 145 seats and with its allies have 150 seats, a two thirds majority in the 225-member parliament. Ex-Saudi spy accuses crown prince of trying to assassinate him Saad Aljabri said Prince Mohammed sent a 'hit squad' to Canada, where he lives in exile, to kill and dismember him in the same way that Khashoggi was murdered allegedly by the prince's agents in Istanbul in October 2018. US revokes global 'do not travel' coronavirus warning The announcement comes as President Donald Trump seeks a quick return to normal in the United States, which has suffered by far the highest number of deaths from COVID-19. Gravitas: Beirut blasts | First ground report on WION ×

Morning news brief: Trump issues orders for TikTok ban in 45 days, Sri Lanka poll result and more

With less than 90 days left for the US Presidential Election, both Republicans and Democrats are wooing the Indian American voters. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Indian Americans are getting special attention in this presidential election.

Gravitas: US Election 2020 | How Republicans & Democrats are wooing Indian Americans

Leading social media websites removed a post by Donald Trump - after the US President shared misinformation about the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what this means for his re-election campaign.

Gravitas: Donald Trump sanctioned on social media

US President Donald Trump has said that a vaccine may be produced by the US presidential election on November 3. This indeed makes for a more optimistic timeline than given by his top infectious diseases doctor.

Trump was responding to a question by a radio talk show host on Thursday whether a vaccine could come by the election. He said, "I think in some cases, yes, possible before. But right around that time."

Trump said the vaccine would be ready "sooner than the end of the year. Could be much sooner."

"We have a lot of vaccines under study by the way. We look like we're going to be really good on vaccines and therapeutics also," he said.

A more careful note was sounded on Wednesday by Dr Anthony Fauci, a lead government official on the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Fauci said he was "cautiously optimistic" of success and that "somewhere towards the end of the year, the beginning of 2021, we will know whether they have a safe and effective vaccine."

The Trump administration is pouring federal funds into vaccine development, seen as the only way to stop the virus and end the mass shutdowns and social distancing that have crippled economies around the world.

US President Donald Trump has said that a vaccine may be produced by the US presidential election on November 3. This indeed makes for a more optimistic timeline than given by his top infectious diseases doctor.

US President Donald Trump has said that a vaccine may be produced by the US presidential election on November 3. This indeed makes for a more optimistic timeline than given by his top infectious diseases doctor. Trump was responding to a question by a radio talk show host on Thursday whether a vaccine could come by the election. He said, "I think in some cases, yes, possible before. But right around that time." Trump said the vaccine would be ready "sooner than the end of the year. Could be much sooner." "We have a lot of vaccines under study by the way. We look like we're going to be really good on vaccines and therapeutics also," he said. A more careful note was sounded on Wednesday by Dr Anthony Fauci, a lead government official on the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Fauci said he was "cautiously optimistic" of success and that "somewhere towards the end of the year, the beginning of 2021, we will know whether they have a safe and effective vaccine." The Trump administration is pouring federal funds into vaccine development, seen as the only way to stop the virus and end the mass shutdowns and social distancing that have crippled economies around the world.

Trump says US coronavirus vaccine 'possible' by November presidential election

The United States has now recorded more than 2000 coronavirus deaths in the last 24-hours. This is the highest number of daily fatalities that the US has recorded in the last 3 months. US President Donald Trump has said that US will prepare the vaccine by the end of this year.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Vaccine to be ready by the end the year, says Donald Trump | World News

US President Donald Trump has issued executive orders banning any transactions with ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns video-sharing app TikTok, and Tencent, owner of the WeChat app, starting in 45 days.

Trump signs executive order banning any transactions with TikTok owner

President Donald Trump on Thursday moved to reimpose 10% tariffs on some Canadian aluminum products to protect U.S. industry from a "surge" in imports, angering Ottawa and some U.S. business groups.

Donald Trump reimposes tariffs on some Canadian aluminum

China has accused the United States of "arbitrary political manipulation and suppression" after US President Donald Trump ordered restrictions against the owners of messaging app WeChat and video-sharing app TikTok.

China's foreign ministry on Friday said it firmly opposes Trump's executive orders banning transactions with&nbsp;ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, and Tencent, owner of WeChat, starting in 45 days.

Beijing will defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing on Friday. He added&nbsp;the US move came at the expense of American users and companies.&nbsp;

Trump issued executive orders on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-banning-transactions-with-tiktok-owner-after-45-days-318735">Also read |&nbsp;Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days</a>

The orders come as the Trump administration said this week it was stepping up efforts to purge “untrusted” Chinese apps from US digital networks and called the Chinese-owned short-video app TikTok and messenger app WeChat "significant threats."

Trump had earlier agreed to give China's ByteDance 45 days to negotiate a sale of the popular short-video app to Microsoft Corp. He had said he would support the sale of TikTok's US operations to Microsoft Corp if the US government got a “substantial portion” of the sales price but warned he will ban the service in the United States on September 15.

 
&nbsp;

China has accused the United States of "arbitrary political manipulation and suppression" after US President Donald Trump ordered restrictions against the owners of messaging app WeChat and video-sharing app TikTok.

China has accused the United States of "arbitrary political manipulation and suppression" after US President Donald Trump ordered restrictions against the owners of messaging app WeChat and video-sharing app TikTok. China's foreign ministry on Friday said it firmly opposes Trump's executive orders banning transactions with ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, and Tencent, owner of WeChat, starting in 45 days. Beijing will defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing on Friday. He added the US move came at the expense of American users and companies. Trump issued executive orders on Thursday. Also read | Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days The orders come as the Trump administration said this week it was stepping up efforts to purge “untrusted” Chinese apps from US digital networks and called the Chinese-owned short-video app TikTok and messenger app WeChat "significant threats." Trump had earlier agreed to give China's ByteDance 45 days to negotiate a sale of the popular short-video app to Microsoft Corp. He had said he would support the sale of TikTok's US operations to Microsoft Corp if the US government got a “substantial portion” of the sales price but warned he will ban the service in the United States on September 15.

China accuses US of 'political manipulation' over TikTok, WeChat ban

US President Donald Trump is at it again -- making a gaffe and being responsible for puns and memes running wild.

Adding to the gaffe list is Trump's version of Thailand.&nbsp;

During a campaign event in Ohio on Thursday, the president mispronounced Thailand as "Thigh-land."&nbsp;

"Shifting production to Thigh-land," Trump said during the speech, before correcting himself. "Thailand and Vietnam, two places that... I like their leaders very much."&nbsp;

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Here it is in all its glory:<a href="https://t.co/PgTRnHpAA8">pic.twitter.com/PgTRnHpAA8</a>
— The Recount (@therecount) <a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1291460271404396545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ahaa!

Let's face it! Twitterati had to catch this. And had to make anatomical puns and memes.

We cannot type some of them&nbsp;out here... Because you know... Family audience! But hey, you can go through them ;)

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thighland and hondurass are nice but I’m more into titaly
— kilgore trout, new tone haver (@KT_So_It_Goes) <a href="https://twitter.com/KT_So_It_Goes/status/1291472937556619267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Thighland is just off the coast of Crotchatia.
— (((Josh Malina))) (@JoshMalina) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshMalina/status/1291467490996838400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A little afternoon trivia: The chief executive of Thighland is the Lord of the Thighs, not the prime minister. <a href="https://t.co/OW9iyfOqDx">https://t.co/OW9iyfOqDx</a>
— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) <a href="https://twitter.com/daveweigel/status/1291464815614058497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Thighland's motto: 
 
"Thick thighs save lives"
— Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelaBelcamino/status/1291472961455771668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aah! What a day!

US President Donald Trump is at it again -- making a gaffe and being responsible for puns and memes running wild. Adding to the gaffe list is Trump's version of Thailand.

US President Donald Trump is at it again -- making a gaffe and being responsible for puns and memes running wild. Adding to the gaffe list is Trump's version of Thailand. During a campaign event in Ohio on Thursday, the president mispronounced Thailand as "Thigh-land." "Shifting production to Thigh-land," Trump said during the speech, before correcting himself. "Thailand and Vietnam, two places that... I like their leaders very much." Here it is in all its glory:pic.twitter.com/PgTRnHpAA8 — The Recount (@therecount) August 6, 2020 × Ahaa! Let's face it! Twitterati had to catch this. And had to make anatomical puns and memes. We cannot type some of them out here... Because you know... Family audience! But hey, you can go through them ;) thighland and hondurass are nice but I’m more into titaly — kilgore trout, new tone haver (@KT_So_It_Goes) August 6, 2020 × Thighland is just off the coast of Crotchatia. — (((Josh Malina))) (@JoshMalina) August 6, 2020 × A little afternoon trivia: The chief executive of Thighland is the Lord of the Thighs, not the prime minister. https://t.co/OW9iyfOqDx — Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) August 6, 2020 × Thighland's motto: "Thick thighs save lives" — Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) August 6, 2020 × Aah! What a day!

Trump mispronounces Thailand. Puns and memes follow

By January 2018, Trump had used the word fake 404 times and by the end of 2019, he had made fake claims 15,313 times. That's 32 fake claims for each day spent at the White House.

And now, the US President is being pulled up for his fake claims by Facebook and Twitter.

The social media giants have finally woken up to the danger of fake news. They penalised Donald Trump. The president had claimed that children were 'almost immune' to the coronavirus.

This was during a phone interview to Fox News. The clip was posted on Trump's social media accounts. Facebook deleted it and Twitter went a step ahead and froze a Trump campaign page for retweeting it.

While Twitter has previously taken down the president's post, for Facebook this was a first.

How did Trump react?

Trump has long banked on social media for communication. Traditional media is all fake news, he would say. Now Twitter and Facebook are accusing Trump of the same.

The president was recently grilled by the host of Axios news.

Just when Trump tried to play the fake news card, his bluff was called.

So the question remains--- where does Trump go? Where does he peddle fake news? How does he secure his re-election bid?

By January 2018, Trump had used the word fake 404 times and by the end of 2019, he had made fake claims 15,313 times. That's 32 fake claims for each day spent at the White House.

By January 2018, Trump had used the word fake 404 times and by the end of 2019, he had made fake claims 15,313 times. That's 32 fake claims for each day spent at the White House. And now, the US President is being pulled up for his fake claims by Facebook and Twitter. The social media giants have finally woken up to the danger of fake news. They penalised Donald Trump. The president had claimed that children were 'almost immune' to the coronavirus. This was during a phone interview to Fox News. The clip was posted on Trump's social media accounts. Facebook deleted it and Twitter went a step ahead and froze a Trump campaign page for retweeting it. While Twitter has previously taken down the president's post, for Facebook this was a first. How did Trump react? Trump has long banked on social media for communication. Traditional media is all fake news, he would say. Now Twitter and Facebook are accusing Trump of the same. The president was recently grilled by the host of Axios news. Just when Trump tried to play the fake news card, his bluff was called. So the question remains--- where does Trump go? Where does he peddle fake news? How does he secure his re-election bid?

Facebook and Twitter penalise US President Donald Trump on his 'fake' claims

In less than 90 days, the United States will go for the presidential election and the lawmakers are going all out to secure votes.

And like any other presidential election in the country, a special focus is on the Indian American voters.

Both Democrats and Republicans are reaching out to Indians and making special promises to win their report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-movement-takes-political-colour-as-us-elections-near-317335">Black Lives Matter movement takes political colour as US elections near</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

Let's understand how Democrats and Republicans are trying to lure these voters.&nbsp;

Democrats in favour of H-1B

The Democrats want to hit US President Donald Trump where it hurts the most and that is why they picked up the issue of H-1B vias.

Trump has put a freeze on them and the Democrats have promised to bring it back.&nbsp;

The Democrats say Trump's visa freeze is illegal, chaotic and reckless and believes that programs like H-1B help the American economy.

Out of 65 thousand such visas allotted each year, almost 70 per cent is given to Indians, making them the largest beneficiaries.&nbsp;

Republicans selling the golden ticket

The Republicans, on the other hand, are selling Indians the golden ticket to America: the green card.&nbsp;

Senator Mike Lee has raised the issue in the US Congress. He was arguing in favour of removing the cap.&nbsp;

Lee said that the limits on the green card punish the Indian immigrants.&nbsp;

"If you are born anywhere else, anywhere else other than China, let's say in Ghana, Sweden, Indonesia, basically any other country other than India, your application will be considered immediately. This sort of discrimination is simply inconsistent with the principles of a merit-based immigration system and with our founding principles," Lee said.

He said that the green card waitlist for Indians runs into 200 years.

This argument is true as for many Indians, the green card queue may last longer than their lifetimes.&nbsp;

Currently, only 140,000 green cards are issued every year. More than 200,000 Indians have filed petitions for permanent residency in the US.

Skilled Indian workers make up 75 per cent of the backlog.

Over 700,000 of them are in the line of march, suggesting it's a broken system.&nbsp;

As of 2016, there were over four million people of Indian origin in the US, out of this, close to 1.8 million are of voting age.&nbsp;

This suggests that Indians is the third-largest block of voters within the Asian community alone.

The issue of visas is dear to this community as well as to the New Delhi-Washington relations.

So it's not a surprise anymore that Indian Americans will get special attention in the elections this year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In less than 90 days, the United States will go for the presidential election and the lawmakers are going all out to secure votes. And like any other presidential election in the country, a special focus is on the Indian American voters.

In less than 90 days, the United States will go for the presidential election and the lawmakers are going all out to secure votes. And like any other presidential election in the country, a special focus is on the Indian American voters. Both Democrats and Republicans are reaching out to Indians and making special promises to win their report. Also read | Black Lives Matter movement takes political colour as US elections near Let's understand how Democrats and Republicans are trying to lure these voters. Democrats in favour of H-1B The Democrats want to hit US President Donald Trump where it hurts the most and that is why they picked up the issue of H-1B vias. Trump has put a freeze on them and the Democrats have promised to bring it back. The Democrats say Trump's visa freeze is illegal, chaotic and reckless and believes that programs like H-1B help the American economy. Out of 65 thousand such visas allotted each year, almost 70 per cent is given to Indians, making them the largest beneficiaries. Republicans selling the golden ticket The Republicans, on the other hand, are selling Indians the golden ticket to America: the green card. Senator Mike Lee has raised the issue in the US Congress. He was arguing in favour of removing the cap. Lee said that the limits on the green card punish the Indian immigrants. "If you are born anywhere else, anywhere else other than China, let's say in Ghana, Sweden, Indonesia, basically any other country other than India, your application will be considered immediately. This sort of discrimination is simply inconsistent with the principles of a merit-based immigration system and with our founding principles," Lee said. He said that the green card waitlist for Indians runs into 200 years. This argument is true as for many Indians, the green card queue may last longer than their lifetimes. Currently, only 140,000 green cards are issued every year. More than 200,000 Indians have filed petitions for permanent residency in the US. Skilled Indian workers make up 75 per cent of the backlog. Over 700,000 of them are in the line of march, suggesting it's a broken system. As of 2016, there were over four million people of Indian origin in the US, out of this, close to 1.8 million are of voting age. This suggests that Indians is the third-largest block of voters within the Asian community alone. The issue of visas is dear to this community as well as to the New Delhi-Washington relations. So it's not a surprise anymore that Indian Americans will get special attention in the elections this year.

Democrats, Republicans eye support of Indian Americans

US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka raised USD 4 million for his reelection campaign during a virtual event.

Approximately 100 people attended her first virtual fundraiser, held over Zoom.

Also, Trump briefly addressed the contributors after he telephoned his daughter during the event and she put the call on speakerphone.

The proceeds will be used to pay for field work and to highlight Trump's pro-worker agenda for voters.

Ivanka Trump plans to appear at another fundraiser next week in Wyoming.

She campaigned for her father's 2016 campaign, including before and after the birth of her third child. She works in the White House as an unpaid adviser to the president.

The USD 4 million raised Wednesday topped a recent online fundraiser for Joe Biden, Trump's likely Democratic opponent. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren netted USD 1.7 million at a virtual Biden fundraiser August 1.

US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka raised USD 4 million for his reelection campaign during a virtual event. Approximately 100 people attended her first virtual fundraiser, held over Zoom.

US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka raised USD 4 million for his reelection campaign during a virtual event. Approximately 100 people attended her first virtual fundraiser, held over Zoom. Also, Trump briefly addressed the contributors after he telephoned his daughter during the event and she put the call on speakerphone. The proceeds will be used to pay for field work and to highlight Trump's pro-worker agenda for voters. Ivanka Trump plans to appear at another fundraiser next week in Wyoming. She campaigned for her father's 2016 campaign, including before and after the birth of her third child. She works in the White House as an unpaid adviser to the president. The USD 4 million raised Wednesday topped a recent online fundraiser for Joe Biden, Trump's likely Democratic opponent. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren netted USD 1.7 million at a virtual Biden fundraiser August 1.

Ivanka raises $4M at fundraiser for President Donald Trump

Facebook has removed a video post by US President Donald Trump in which he contended that children are "almost immune" to the coronavirus.

The social network called termed this claim as a "harmful COVID misinformation."

This was the first time the leading social network has pulled a post from the president's page for being dangerously incorrect.

The move came as Facebook faces pressure to prevent the spread of misinformation while simultaneously being accused of silencing viewpoints by calling for posts to be truthful.

A tweet containing the video that was posted by the Trump campaign's @TeamTrump account and shared by the president was also later hidden by Twitter Inc for breaking its COVID-19 misinformation rules.

A Twitter spokesman said the @TeamTrump account owner would be required to remove the tweet before they could tweet again.

The Trump campaign accused the companies of bias against the president, saying Trump had stated a fact. "Social media companies are not the arbiters of truth," said Courtney Parella, a spokeswoman with the campaign.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that while adults make up most of the known COVID-19 cases to date, some children and infants have been sick with the disease and they can also transmit it to others.

Trump defended his comments when questioned about them during a White House press briefing.

"I'm talking about (being immune) from getting very sick," Trump said.

"If you look at children I mean they are able to throw it off very easily."

Health officials have urged people of all age groups to protect themselves against exposure to the virus, saying everyone is at risk.

Facebook placed an informational disclaimer last month on a post from Trump claiming mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election.

The move appeared to follow through on the social network giant's pledge to step up efforts to fight misinformation, including from world leaders, shifting slightly from its hands-off policy on political speech.

Facebook has largely held firm to a policy that it would not fact-check political leaders, but it has pledged to take down any post which could lead to violence or mislead people about the voting process.

Trump last week unleashed a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories.

That put an end to a brief period during which Trump sought to get his shaky reelection campaign back on track by addressing national criticism of a leadership void in a crisis that has already killed nearly 160,000 Americans and wreaked havoc on the world's biggest economy.

Trump said it was unfair that leading US infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci was more popular than him.

He pushed his pet theory -- counter to advice from his own government and most doctors -- that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

And he took pains to praise Stella Immanuel, a doctor and preacher who believes in witchcraft and a plot being carried out to vaccinate people against being religious, calling her "spectacular." 
&nbsp;

Facebook has removed a video post by US President Donald Trump in which he contended that children are "almost immune" to the coronavirus. The social network called termed this claim as a "harmful COVID misinformation.

Facebook has removed a video post by US President Donald Trump in which he contended that children are "almost immune" to the coronavirus. The social network called termed this claim as a "harmful COVID misinformation." This was the first time the leading social network has pulled a post from the president's page for being dangerously incorrect. The move came as Facebook faces pressure to prevent the spread of misinformation while simultaneously being accused of silencing viewpoints by calling for posts to be truthful. A tweet containing the video that was posted by the Trump campaign's @TeamTrump account and shared by the president was also later hidden by Twitter Inc for breaking its COVID-19 misinformation rules. A Twitter spokesman said the @TeamTrump account owner would be required to remove the tweet before they could tweet again. The Trump campaign accused the companies of bias against the president, saying Trump had stated a fact. "Social media companies are not the arbiters of truth," said Courtney Parella, a spokeswoman with the campaign. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that while adults make up most of the known COVID-19 cases to date, some children and infants have been sick with the disease and they can also transmit it to others. Trump defended his comments when questioned about them during a White House press briefing. "I'm talking about (being immune) from getting very sick," Trump said. "If you look at children I mean they are able to throw it off very easily." Health officials have urged people of all age groups to protect themselves against exposure to the virus, saying everyone is at risk. Facebook placed an informational disclaimer last month on a post from Trump claiming mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election. The move appeared to follow through on the social network giant's pledge to step up efforts to fight misinformation, including from world leaders, shifting slightly from its hands-off policy on political speech. Facebook has largely held firm to a policy that it would not fact-check political leaders, but it has pledged to take down any post which could lead to violence or mislead people about the voting process. Trump last week unleashed a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories. That put an end to a brief period during which Trump sought to get his shaky reelection campaign back on track by addressing national criticism of a leadership void in a crisis that has already killed nearly 160,000 Americans and wreaked havoc on the world's biggest economy. Trump said it was unfair that leading US infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci was more popular than him. He pushed his pet theory -- counter to advice from his own government and most doctors -- that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat COVID-19 patients. And he took pains to praise Stella Immanuel, a doctor and preacher who believes in witchcraft and a plot being carried out to vaccinate people against being religious, calling her "spectacular."

Facebook, Twitter remove Trump post over 'false' coronavirus claims

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday ratcheted up rhetoric on President Donald Trump’s handling of the United States’ increasingly tense trade relationship with China.

“Trump’s ‘phase one’ trade deal with China is failing - badly,” Biden said in a statement sent to Reuters after Commerce Department data showed the U.S.-China trade deficit widened 5% to $28.4 billion in June from the month prior and confirming Beijing is falling well short of its commitments to buy U.S. goods.

Trump has made closing that imbalance a pillar of his approach to relations with China.

A trade pact between Washington and Beijing that was signed in January is at risk.

Under the Phase 1 deal, China pledged to boost purchases of U.S. goods by some $200 billion over 2017 levels, including agricultural and manufactured products, energy and services. China, battered by the global coronavirus recession, is far behind the pace needed to meet its first-year goal of a $77 billion increase.

Biden said the current trade deal is “unenforceable,” and “full of vague, weak, and recycled commitments from Beijing,” allowing the country to keep “providing harmful subsidies to its state-owned enterprises” and “stealing America’s ideas.”

The statement confirms that a hawkish back-and-forth on China will continue to be the signature foreign policy issue ahead of the Nov. 3 election showdown between Trump and Biden. Trump’s campaign have characterized the former vice president as “Beijing Biden,” and weak in the face of China’s economic rise at the expense of the United States.

Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are set to review the implementation of the Phase 1 trade deal and likely air mutual grievances during an Aug. 15 videoconference, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the plans.

China’s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, said on Tuesday that a meeting between the two sides would “be very positive.”

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday ratcheted up rhetoric on President Donald Trump’s handling of the United States’ increasingly tense trade relationship with China.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday ratcheted up rhetoric on President Donald Trump’s handling of the United States’ increasingly tense trade relationship with China. “Trump’s ‘phase one’ trade deal with China is failing - badly,” Biden said in a statement sent to Reuters after Commerce Department data showed the U.S.-China trade deficit widened 5% to $28.4 billion in June from the month prior and confirming Beijing is falling well short of its commitments to buy U.S. goods. Trump has made closing that imbalance a pillar of his approach to relations with China. A trade pact between Washington and Beijing that was signed in January is at risk. Under the Phase 1 deal, China pledged to boost purchases of U.S. goods by some $200 billion over 2017 levels, including agricultural and manufactured products, energy and services. China, battered by the global coronavirus recession, is far behind the pace needed to meet its first-year goal of a $77 billion increase. Biden said the current trade deal is “unenforceable,” and “full of vague, weak, and recycled commitments from Beijing,” allowing the country to keep “providing harmful subsidies to its state-owned enterprises” and “stealing America’s ideas.” The statement confirms that a hawkish back-and-forth on China will continue to be the signature foreign policy issue ahead of the Nov. 3 election showdown between Trump and Biden. Trump’s campaign have characterized the former vice president as “Beijing Biden,” and weak in the face of China’s economic rise at the expense of the United States. Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are set to review the implementation of the Phase 1 trade deal and likely air mutual grievances during an Aug. 15 videoconference, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the plans. China’s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, said on Tuesday that a meeting between the two sides would “be very positive.”

Biden says Trump's China trade deal is 'failing' badly

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday offered a $10 million reward aimed at preventing foreign interference in the November presidential election.

The reward implies that the members of President Donald Trump's administration are taking election meddling seriously. The State Department has been accusing Russia of waging an increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaign.

The United States "is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, interferes with US elections by engaging in certain criminal cyber activities," Pompeo told reporters.

US intelligence concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to support Trump, especially through manipulation of social media, although it did not find that his campaign colluded with Moscow.

Trump has been outraged by the "Russia hoax" and in February removed the director of national intelligence over a briefing to lawmakers that found that Russia appeared to want Trump to win a new term on November 3.

Last month four top Democratic lawmakers with access to intelligence said they were "gravely concerned" about a new "foreign interference campaign," but their joint statement was notably not signed by members of Trump's Republican Party.

Trump at a 2018 joint press conference appeared to accept Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials of meddling. Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, in an explosive memoir wrote that the mogul believed that any talk of interference discredited his victory.

The State Department's Global Engagement Centre, which is in charge of studying and countering foreign propaganda, warned in a report on Wednesday that Russia has invested "massively" in disinformation efforts on the internet.

The report, which did not focus specifically on election meddling, said that Russia has relied on proxy voices to amplify messages that boost propaganda goals such as stirring up opposition to the United States.

On Twitter, material of the Strategic Culture Foundation and six similar sites was tweeted or retweeted 173,000 times from April through June, the study said.

Britain, not Russia, appeared to be the top source of Twitter activity involving the suspicious material, it said.

Russia has denied allegations of election meddling as well as charges led by Britain that Moscow is hacking coronavirus vaccine research.

Pompeo, for his part, has promoted a theory discounted by mainstream scientists that the new coronavirus came out of a Chinese laboratory.

(with inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday offered a $10 million reward aimed at preventing foreign interference in the November presidential election. The reward implies that the members of President Donald Trump's administration are taking election meddling seriously.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday offered a $10 million reward aimed at preventing foreign interference in the November presidential election. The reward implies that the members of President Donald Trump's administration are taking election meddling seriously. The State Department has been accusing Russia of waging an increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaign. The United States "is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, interferes with US elections by engaging in certain criminal cyber activities," Pompeo told reporters. US intelligence concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to support Trump, especially through manipulation of social media, although it did not find that his campaign colluded with Moscow. Trump has been outraged by the "Russia hoax" and in February removed the director of national intelligence over a briefing to lawmakers that found that Russia appeared to want Trump to win a new term on November 3. Last month four top Democratic lawmakers with access to intelligence said they were "gravely concerned" about a new "foreign interference campaign," but their joint statement was notably not signed by members of Trump's Republican Party. Trump at a 2018 joint press conference appeared to accept Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials of meddling. Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, in an explosive memoir wrote that the mogul believed that any talk of interference discredited his victory. The State Department's Global Engagement Centre, which is in charge of studying and countering foreign propaganda, warned in a report on Wednesday that Russia has invested "massively" in disinformation efforts on the internet. The report, which did not focus specifically on election meddling, said that Russia has relied on proxy voices to amplify messages that boost propaganda goals such as stirring up opposition to the United States. On Twitter, material of the Strategic Culture Foundation and six similar sites was tweeted or retweeted 173,000 times from April through June, the study said. Britain, not Russia, appeared to be the top source of Twitter activity involving the suspicious material, it said. Russia has denied allegations of election meddling as well as charges led by Britain that Moscow is hacking coronavirus vaccine research. Pompeo, for his part, has promoted a theory discounted by mainstream scientists that the new coronavirus came out of a Chinese laboratory. (with inputs from agencies)

US offers $10 million reward against election interference

The next geopolitical battleground is the technology and it is not just China that is a target. Countries around the world are building borders for their internet.

Cutting off access for everything. From apps to even manpower.&nbsp;

Trump along with the prime ministers of Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom is citing a threat to national security to strike at Chinese tech titans.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-aftershocks-of-the-pandemic-tech-sector-is-the-new-battleground-318195/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But, what’s happening right now is no game. Technology companies are feeling the aftershock of the pandemic. It began with TikTok.

India banned it first and now the United States might break it up. US President Donald Trump is willing to allow a deal.&nbsp;

The United States is trying to get reimbursed or be paid a substantial amount of money.&nbsp;

Donald Trump dealt another big blow to techies. This time he is targeting IT professionals of Indian-origin and shutting off another door for employment via the H1-B visa.

Trump has signed an order reserving government jobs for Americans. Now, American government agencies won’t be allowed to contract or subcontract foreign workers...

He said: "Today i am signing an executive order to ensure that the federal government lives by a very simple rule: hire American. We've been doing it at a level that hasn't been done, maybe ever."

In Europe, the union is taking on three countries with cyber sanctions.

For the first time, the European Union has imposed sanctions for cyber attacks.

A total of six people and three groups have been punished.

This includes four Russians. Allegedly part of the Russian GRU military agency.

Two Chinese nationals have been sanctioned for operation cloud hopper.

A hack that targeted different companies across six continents.

Northern Korean firm Chosun expo is the sixth name on the list.

World leaders are laying the foundations for post-pandemic world order. One that will be dictated by optic fibres and not weapons.

Big tech is now a geopolitical force and technology companies around the world can’t afford to stay above the political fray.

The next geopolitical battleground is the technology and it is not just China that is a target. Countries around the world are building borders for their internet.

The next geopolitical battleground is the technology and it is not just China that is a target. Countries around the world are building borders for their internet. Cutting off access for everything. From apps to even manpower. Trump along with the prime ministers of Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom is citing a threat to national security to strike at Chinese tech titans. But, what’s happening right now is no game. Technology companies are feeling the aftershock of the pandemic. It began with TikTok. India banned it first and now the United States might break it up. US President Donald Trump is willing to allow a deal. The United States is trying to get reimbursed or be paid a substantial amount of money. Donald Trump dealt another big blow to techies. This time he is targeting IT professionals of Indian-origin and shutting off another door for employment via the H1-B visa. Trump has signed an order reserving government jobs for Americans. Now, American government agencies won’t be allowed to contract or subcontract foreign workers... He said: "Today i am signing an executive order to ensure that the federal government lives by a very simple rule: hire American. We've been doing it at a level that hasn't been done, maybe ever." In Europe, the union is taking on three countries with cyber sanctions. For the first time, the European Union has imposed sanctions for cyber attacks. A total of six people and three groups have been punished. This includes four Russians. Allegedly part of the Russian GRU military agency. Two Chinese nationals have been sanctioned for operation cloud hopper. A hack that targeted different companies across six continents. Northern Korean firm Chosun expo is the sixth name on the list. World leaders are laying the foundations for post-pandemic world order. One that will be dictated by optic fibres and not weapons. Big tech is now a geopolitical force and technology companies around the world can’t afford to stay above the political fray.

Technology: World's next geopolitical battleground

President Donald Trump now is encouraging voters in the critical swing state of Florida to vote by mail after months of criticising the practice

2020 U.S elections: Donald Trump changes tune, backs mail-in vote

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday referred to a massive explosion in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut as a possible attack, and extended help to the country.

Trump said that he had spoken to US military officials about the attack, who believed that it caused by a “bomb of some kind”.

According to Lebanon’s interior minister, highly explosive material which was seized years ago and was stored at the port had blown up, causing the deaths of at least 78 people, and injuring thousands.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-massive-explosion-in-beirut-rises-to-78-pm-says-those-responsible-will-pay-318197" hreflang="en">Death toll from explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM vows to make culprits pay</a>

"It would seem like it based on the explosion, I met with some of our great generals and they just seem to feel that it was. This was not a some kind of a manufacturing explosion type of event. This was a seems to be according to them, they would know better than I would, but they seemed to think it was an attack. It was a bomb of some kind. Yes”, the US president said.

The president also offered his sympathies to the people of Lebanon.

"Let me begin by sending America's deepest sympathies to the people of Lebanon, where reports indicate that many, many people were killed, hundreds more were very badly wounded in a large explosion in Beirut. Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families. The United States stands ready to assist Lebanon, a very good relationship with the people of Lebanon. And we will be there to help. It looks like a terrible attack”, he said at a press briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beirut-blast-indian-mission-in-lebanon-in-touch-with-indian-community-318188" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community</a>

According to local officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Been seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis.

Michel Aoun, the president has claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”.

While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks.

The blast hit the city at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), following which a fire continue to blaze across the port district, which cast an orange glow in the night sky.

The buzzing of helicopters, and ambulance sirens could be heard in the city.

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday referred to a massive explosion in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut as a possible attack, and extended help to the country.

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday referred to a massive explosion in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut as a possible attack, and extended help to the country. Trump said that he had spoken to US military officials about the attack, who believed that it caused by a “bomb of some kind”. According to Lebanon’s interior minister, highly explosive material which was seized years ago and was stored at the port had blown up, causing the deaths of at least 78 people, and injuring thousands. Also read: Death toll from explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM vows to make culprits pay "It would seem like it based on the explosion, I met with some of our great generals and they just seem to feel that it was. This was not a some kind of a manufacturing explosion type of event. This was a seems to be according to them, they would know better than I would, but they seemed to think it was an attack. It was a bomb of some kind. Yes”, the US president said. The president also offered his sympathies to the people of Lebanon. "Let me begin by sending America's deepest sympathies to the people of Lebanon, where reports indicate that many, many people were killed, hundreds more were very badly wounded in a large explosion in Beirut. Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families. The United States stands ready to assist Lebanon, a very good relationship with the people of Lebanon. And we will be there to help. It looks like a terrible attack”, he said at a press briefing. Also read: Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community According to local officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Been seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis. Michel Aoun, the president has claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”. While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks. The blast hit the city at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), following which a fire continue to blaze across the port district, which cast an orange glow in the night sky. The buzzing of helicopters, and ambulance sirens could be heard in the city.

Trump promises to assist Lebanon, calls the Beirut explosion an 'attack'

Teachers are also demanding financial help for parents in need, including rent and mortgage assistance, a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures, and cash assistance.

Teachers protest across U.S over reopening schools amid pandemic

Have you heard of 'The Lincoln Project'? The Anti-Trump group which is waging an information war against Donald Trump. How has this group vaulted into the centre of the U.S. Presidential race? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: The Lincoln Project's information war against Trump

In a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order preventing federal agencies from contracting or subcontracting foreign workers — mainly those on H-1B visa — from hiring.

The move came over a month after the Trump administration in June 23 suspended the H-1B visas along with other types of foreign work visas until the end of 2020 to protect American workers in a crucial election year. The new restrictions took effect from June 24.

The H1B visa, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-sue-nevada-for-mail-in-ballots-317967">Also read|&nbsp;Trump threatens to sue Nevada for mail-in ballots</a>

The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. "Today I am signing an executive order to ensure that the federal government lives by a very simple rule, higher American," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House before signing the order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts.

Trump told reporters that his administration will not tolerate firing of hardworking Americans in the pursuit of cheap foreign labour.

"As we speak, we're finalising the H-1B regulation so that no American workers be replaced ever again. H-1B should be used for top highly paid talent to create American jobs, not as inexpensive labour programmes and destroy American job,” said the president who was surrounded across the Cabinet Room table with individuals campaigning against job outsourcing.

Prominent among them were Sara Blackwell, founder and president of Florida-based Protect US Workers organisation; Jonathan Hicks, a software engineer in the Tennessee Valley Authority; and Kevin Lynn, founder of Pennsylvania-based US Tech Workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-h-1b-visa-holder-unable-to-reunite-with-family-in-us-310763">Also watch:Indian H-1B visa holder unable to reunite with family in US</a>

The executive order requires all federal agencies to complete an internal audit and assess whether they are in compliance with the requirement that only US citizens and nationals are appointed to the competitive service. As a result, the Department of Labour will also finalise guidlines to prevent H-1B employers from moving H-1B workers to other employers'' job sites to displace Americans workers.

Trump's order follows the federally-owned Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) announcement that it will outsource 20 per cent of its technology jobs to companies based in foreign countries.

TVA’s action could cause more than 200 highly-skilled American tech workers in Tennessee to lose their jobs to low-wage, foreign workers hired on temporary work visas, the president said.

Outsourcing hundreds of workers is especially detrimental in the middle of a pandemic, which has already cost millions of Americans their jobs, the White House said in a statement.

Given the current climate of rampant intellectual property theft, outsourcing IT jobs that involve sensitive information could pose a national security risk, it said.

According to the White House, Trump’s actions will help combat employers’ misuse of H-1B visas, which were never intended to replace qualified American workers with low-cost foreign labour.

One of the participants present during the signing of the order told the president that as many as 70 per cent of the H-1B visa goes to people from India.

Trump said he favours a merit-based immigration system that brings in high-skilled people that creates jobs inside the US and not take jobs of Americans.

“We are going to be discussing very shortly an immigration bill, which covers this and many other things. It will be a very, very comprehensive bill. It''s a word that some people love, and some people hate. But it'd be very comprehensive only in the sense that it covered just about everything. It will be based on merit. It will cover territory that nobody would have thought could have ever been agreed to,” Trump said.

The bill, he said, will be signed after the convention.

“Immigration will be very merit based, but it'll be, it'll be great for the worker. And it'll be great for people coming into our country, but coming into our country legally and loving the country and wanting to help our country as opposed to people coming in. And they don''t like our country," Trump said.

In a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order preventing federal agencies from contracting or subcontracting foreign workers — mainly those on H-1B visa — from hiring.

In a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order preventing federal agencies from contracting or subcontracting foreign workers — mainly those on H-1B visa — from hiring. The move came over a month after the Trump administration in June 23 suspended the H-1B visas along with other types of foreign work visas until the end of 2020 to protect American workers in a crucial election year. The new restrictions took effect from June 24. The H1B visa, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Also read| Trump threatens to sue Nevada for mail-in ballots The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. "Today I am signing an executive order to ensure that the federal government lives by a very simple rule, higher American," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House before signing the order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts. Trump told reporters that his administration will not tolerate firing of hardworking Americans in the pursuit of cheap foreign labour. "As we speak, we're finalising the H-1B regulation so that no American workers be replaced ever again. H-1B should be used for top highly paid talent to create American jobs, not as inexpensive labour programmes and destroy American job,” said the president who was surrounded across the Cabinet Room table with individuals campaigning against job outsourcing. Prominent among them were Sara Blackwell, founder and president of Florida-based Protect US Workers organisation; Jonathan Hicks, a software engineer in the Tennessee Valley Authority; and Kevin Lynn, founder of Pennsylvania-based US Tech Workers. Also watch:Indian H-1B visa holder unable to reunite with family in US The executive order requires all federal agencies to complete an internal audit and assess whether they are in compliance with the requirement that only US citizens and nationals are appointed to the competitive service. As a result, the Department of Labour will also finalise guidlines to prevent H-1B employers from moving H-1B workers to other employers'' job sites to displace Americans workers. Trump's order follows the federally-owned Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) announcement that it will outsource 20 per cent of its technology jobs to companies based in foreign countries. TVA’s action could cause more than 200 highly-skilled American tech workers in Tennessee to lose their jobs to low-wage, foreign workers hired on temporary work visas, the president said. Outsourcing hundreds of workers is especially detrimental in the middle of a pandemic, which has already cost millions of Americans their jobs, the White House said in a statement. Given the current climate of rampant intellectual property theft, outsourcing IT jobs that involve sensitive information could pose a national security risk, it said. According to the White House, Trump’s actions will help combat employers’ misuse of H-1B visas, which were never intended to replace qualified American workers with low-cost foreign labour. One of the participants present during the signing of the order told the president that as many as 70 per cent of the H-1B visa goes to people from India. Trump said he favours a merit-based immigration system that brings in high-skilled people that creates jobs inside the US and not take jobs of Americans. “We are going to be discussing very shortly an immigration bill, which covers this and many other things. It will be a very, very comprehensive bill. It''s a word that some people love, and some people hate. But it'd be very comprehensive only in the sense that it covered just about everything. It will be based on merit. It will cover territory that nobody would have thought could have ever been agreed to,” Trump said. The bill, he said, will be signed after the convention. “Immigration will be very merit based, but it'll be, it'll be great for the worker. And it'll be great for people coming into our country, but coming into our country legally and loving the country and wanting to help our country as opposed to people coming in. And they don''t like our country," Trump said.

Trump signs executive order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts

The US President Donald Trump has given an ultimatum to the Chinese short-video sharing app TikTok to either sell its US operations to a US-based company or face the ban.

The President believes the Chinese parent company ByteDance is a tool for Chinese Intelligence. However, Trump has reportedly not provided any proof of this accusation.

The accusation, therefore, is being met with criticism from China.&nbsp;

Following the 'final warning' given to ByteDance from trump, the Editor-in-Chief of the state-run media house Global Times took to Twitter to express his displeasure over the whole situation.

Hu Xijin claimed that it is not just the Chinese companies but also the Chinese journalists who have been facing hostility from the Trump administration. He accused the US government of not renewing the visas of the Chinese journalists, and claimed that if situations do not improve, China will retaliate.

“Given that the US side hasn’t renewed visa of Chinese journalists, Chinese side has prepared for the worst scenario that all Chinese journalists have to leave the US,” Hu said on Twitter. “If that’s the case, Chinese side will retaliate, including targeting US journalists based in HK.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Based on what I know, after expulsion of more than 60 Chinese journalists by the US, the visa of other Chinese journalists will expire on Aug 6, but none of them have got their visa renewed. China-US conflict of expelling journalists could severely escalate. China will retaliate.
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1290281654653554688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time the two countries have got into a verbal war regarding journalists. Both the countries have been retaliating actions against each other for a few months now. The US put a limit on the number of Chinese journalists who would get a visa to travel to the US for work, and in return China fired three journalists from&nbsp;New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

Global Times is not the only Chinese media house&nbsp;that has expressed concerns about the US actions against Chinese companies.

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China urged some US politicians to stop politicizing economic issues and abusing the concept of national security after US Secretary of State Mike <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pompeo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pompeo</a> said the US plans to take broad action on Chinese software companies. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TikTok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TikTok</a> <a href="https://t.co/tT8OAT0HLU">https://t.co/tT8OAT0HLU</a>
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaDaily/status/1290456839654641666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;China Daily newspaper reported on Tuesday that China will not accept the “theft” of Chinese technology company and will respond to the "bullying" by the US.

“China’s opening-up to the outside world and disintegrating the U.S. decoupling strategy should be priorities,” it said in an editorial.

The report also said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has expressed opinion on the situation and has claimed&nbsp;that the US has abused the concept of national security and is threatening a Chinese company without any evidence.&nbsp;"That has violated the principles of the market economy, exposed US hypocrisy of maintaining fairness and its typical double standards, and violated the World Trade Organization's principle of openness, transparency and nondiscrimination," the report quoted Wenbin.

The US President Donald Trump has given an ultimatum to the Chinese short-video sharing app TikTok to either sell its US operations to a US-based company or face the ban.

The US President Donald Trump has given an ultimatum to the Chinese short-video sharing app TikTok to either sell its US operations to a US-based company or face the ban. The President believes the Chinese parent company ByteDance is a tool for Chinese Intelligence. However, Trump has reportedly not provided any proof of this accusation. The accusation, therefore, is being met with criticism from China. Following the 'final warning' given to ByteDance from trump, the Editor-in-Chief of the state-run media house Global Times took to Twitter to express his displeasure over the whole situation. Hu Xijin claimed that it is not just the Chinese companies but also the Chinese journalists who have been facing hostility from the Trump administration. He accused the US government of not renewing the visas of the Chinese journalists, and claimed that if situations do not improve, China will retaliate. “Given that the US side hasn’t renewed visa of Chinese journalists, Chinese side has prepared for the worst scenario that all Chinese journalists have to leave the US,” Hu said on Twitter. “If that’s the case, Chinese side will retaliate, including targeting US journalists based in HK.” Based on what I know, after expulsion of more than 60 Chinese journalists by the US, the visa of other Chinese journalists will expire on Aug 6, but none of them have got their visa renewed. China-US conflict of expelling journalists could severely escalate. China will retaliate. — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) August 3, 2020 × This is not the first time the two countries have got into a verbal war regarding journalists. Both the countries have been retaliating actions against each other for a few months now. The US put a limit on the number of Chinese journalists who would get a visa to travel to the US for work, and in return China fired three journalists from New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. Global Times is not the only Chinese media house that has expressed concerns about the US actions against Chinese companies. China urged some US politicians to stop politicizing economic issues and abusing the concept of national security after US Secretary of State Mike #Pompeo said the US plans to take broad action on Chinese software companies. #TikTok https://t.co/tT8OAT0HLU — China Daily (@ChinaDaily) August 4, 2020 × The China Daily newspaper reported on Tuesday that China will not accept the “theft” of Chinese technology company and will respond to the "bullying" by the US. “China’s opening-up to the outside world and disintegrating the U.S. decoupling strategy should be priorities,” it said in an editorial. The report also said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has expressed opinion on the situation and has claimed that the US has abused the concept of national security and is threatening a Chinese company without any evidence. "That has violated the principles of the market economy, exposed US hypocrisy of maintaining fairness and its typical double standards, and violated the World Trade Organization's principle of openness, transparency and nondiscrimination," the report quoted Wenbin.

China will retaliate against US bullying Chinese companies and journalists: Chinese media

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