The US does not rule out the possibility of closing more Chinese diplomatic missions in the country, President Donald Trump has said, hours after Washington ordered the closure of Beijing's consulate in Houston.

The US said it had shut down the consulate to "protect American intellectual property and private information".

The US move came after the Justice Department said that hackers working with the Chinese government targeted firms developing vaccines for the coronavirus and stole hundreds of millions of dollars worth of intellectual property and trade secrets from companies across the world.

The consulate in Houston, Texas, is one of five Chinese diplomatic missions in the US, not counting the embassy in Washington DC.

The US move came amid a growing number of disputes between the two countries ranging from the coronavirus outbreak, the new security law imposed on Hong Kong and the Uighur Muslims.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-state-media-blasts-houston-consulate-shutdown-as-trump-election-gambit-315289">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese state media blasts Houston consulate shutdown as Trump election gambit</a>

"As far as closing additional embassies, it's always possible," Trump told reporters on Wednesday during a daily press briefing at the White House when asked if he is looking at closing more Chinese diplomatic missions in the US.

The US State Department in a brief statement on Wednesday said it has "directed the closure of PRC (People's Republic of China) Consulate General Houston, in order to protect American intellectual property and American's private information".

State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said the US would not tolerate the PRC's violations of its sovereignty and intimidation of its people, just as it has not tolerated the PRC's unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behaviour. 
She said Trump "insists on fairness and reciprocity in US-China relations."

During the press conference, Trump referred to the news reports of fire in the Chinese Consulate in Houston apparently due to burning of documents in its courtyard.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-houston-consulate-closed-to-protect-american-intellectual-property-us-315168">Also read |&nbsp;China's Houston consulate closed to 'protect American intellectual property': US</a>

The move to shutdown the Chinese consulate in Houston was welcomed by top American lawmakers.

Apart from the Chinese embassy in Washington, Beijing has an office at the United Nations and consulates in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago.

The US does not rule out the possibility of closing more Chinese diplomatic missions in the country, President Donald Trump has said, hours after Washington ordered the closure of Beijing's consulate in Houston.

The US does not rule out the possibility of closing more Chinese diplomatic missions in the country, President Donald Trump has said, hours after Washington ordered the closure of Beijing's consulate in Houston. The US said it had shut down the consulate to "protect American intellectual property and private information". The US move came after the Justice Department said that hackers working with the Chinese government targeted firms developing vaccines for the coronavirus and stole hundreds of millions of dollars worth of intellectual property and trade secrets from companies across the world. The consulate in Houston, Texas, is one of five Chinese diplomatic missions in the US, not counting the embassy in Washington DC. The US move came amid a growing number of disputes between the two countries ranging from the coronavirus outbreak, the new security law imposed on Hong Kong and the Uighur Muslims. Also read | Chinese state media blasts Houston consulate shutdown as Trump election gambit "As far as closing additional embassies, it's always possible," Trump told reporters on Wednesday during a daily press briefing at the White House when asked if he is looking at closing more Chinese diplomatic missions in the US. The US State Department in a brief statement on Wednesday said it has "directed the closure of PRC (People's Republic of China) Consulate General Houston, in order to protect American intellectual property and American's private information". State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said the US would not tolerate the PRC's violations of its sovereignty and intimidation of its people, just as it has not tolerated the PRC's unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behaviour. She said Trump "insists on fairness and reciprocity in US-China relations." During the press conference, Trump referred to the news reports of fire in the Chinese Consulate in Houston apparently due to burning of documents in its courtyard. Also read | China's Houston consulate closed to 'protect American intellectual property': US The move to shutdown the Chinese consulate in Houston was welcomed by top American lawmakers. Apart from the Chinese embassy in Washington, Beijing has an office at the United Nations and consulates in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago.

Closure of more Chinese embassies 'possible', says Trump as US shuts down consulate in Houston

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Since September, 2019, Trump properties in the US have imported more than eight tonnes of goods from China, CNN reported.

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There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

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The South-west state of Germany Baden-Württemberg's government has decided to ban full-face Islamic veils in schools as intense debate continues over a nationwide law.

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The Justice Department said that the Chinese hackers also targeted human rights activists in the United States and Hong Kong while adding that they were &nbsp;working with China's ministry of state security. 
&nbsp;

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Trump properties have imported over 8 tonnes of goods from China since Sep: Report Since September, 2019, Trump properties in the US have imported more than eight tonnes of goods from China, CNN reported.

Trump properties have imported over 8 tonnes of goods from China since Sep: Report Since September, 2019, Trump properties in the US have imported more than eight tonnes of goods from China, CNN reported. Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious beyond 2 metres There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit. German state Baden-Württemberg bans burqa in schools The South-west state of Germany Baden-Württemberg's government has decided to ban full-face Islamic veils in schools as intense debate continues over a nationwide law. US indicts two Chinese nationals for seeking to steal COVID-19 vaccine The Justice Department said that the Chinese hackers also targeted human rights activists in the United States and Hong Kong while adding that they were working with China's ministry of state security.

Morning news brief: Trump properties' Chinese imports, coronavirus research and more

In the aftermath of the novel coronavirus spreading far and wide across the world, and primarily ravaging the United States, President Donald Trump has been harsh on China and its policies. But to the contrary, Trump-owned properties have continued to contribute to the trade deficit with the country he rails about.

Since September, 2019, Trump properties in the US have imported more than eight tonnes of goods from China, CNN reported.

CNN said it reviewed US customs data compiled by ImportGenius, which tracks information companies are legally bound to provide to US customs when they import goods to the US. The imports have arrived to decorate his properties while the President has sought to dress down China.

More than six tonnes of tables were delivered to Trump International Hotel in New York last fall. On the same day, Trump tweeted, "We are doing very well in our negotiations with China."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-virus-crisis-to-get-worse-before-it-gets-better-warns-donald-trump-315005">Also read |&nbsp;US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump</a>

A shipment of two tonnes of wooden and glass showcase cabinets arrived at the Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles from Shanghai just two months ago.&nbsp;

The Trump organisation's Chinese purchases also contradict messages coming from the members of his own Cabinet warning Americans to be wary of doing business with China.

Earlier in the week Trump announced he was signing legislation, sent to his desk by Congress, to sanction businesses and individuals that help China restrict Hong Kong's autonomy.

Also last week, Trump said he was not interested in a second phase trade deal with Beijing, as the tensions between the two countries have mounted amid the coronavirus pandemic and as China clamps down on Hong Kong's autonomy. Trump also said last week that China is "buying a lot" after the deal was struck but provided no specific figures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-vows-court-action-as-trump-mulls-sending-federal-troops-315012">Also read |&nbsp;New York vows court action as Trump mulls sending federal troops</a>

Trump has also said that he has not talked to President Xi Jinping, does not have plans to speak to him and said the US holds China "fully responsible for concealing the virus and unleashing it upon the world."

In the aftermath of the novel coronavirus spreading far and wide across the world, and primarily ravaging the United States, President Donald Trump has been harsh on China and its policies.

In the aftermath of the novel coronavirus spreading far and wide across the world, and primarily ravaging the United States, President Donald Trump has been harsh on China and its policies. But to the contrary, Trump-owned properties have continued to contribute to the trade deficit with the country he rails about. Since September, 2019, Trump properties in the US have imported more than eight tonnes of goods from China, CNN reported. CNN said it reviewed US customs data compiled by ImportGenius, which tracks information companies are legally bound to provide to US customs when they import goods to the US. The imports have arrived to decorate his properties while the President has sought to dress down China. More than six tonnes of tables were delivered to Trump International Hotel in New York last fall. On the same day, Trump tweeted, "We are doing very well in our negotiations with China." Also read | US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump A shipment of two tonnes of wooden and glass showcase cabinets arrived at the Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles from Shanghai just two months ago. The Trump organisation's Chinese purchases also contradict messages coming from the members of his own Cabinet warning Americans to be wary of doing business with China. Earlier in the week Trump announced he was signing legislation, sent to his desk by Congress, to sanction businesses and individuals that help China restrict Hong Kong's autonomy. Also last week, Trump said he was not interested in a second phase trade deal with Beijing, as the tensions between the two countries have mounted amid the coronavirus pandemic and as China clamps down on Hong Kong's autonomy. Trump also said last week that China is "buying a lot" after the deal was struck but provided no specific figures. Also read | New York vows court action as Trump mulls sending federal troops Trump has also said that he has not talked to President Xi Jinping, does not have plans to speak to him and said the US holds China "fully responsible for concealing the virus and unleashing it upon the world."

Trump properties have imported over 8 tonnes of goods from China since September: Report

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum to disallow the votes of illegal migrants in the country from being counted at congressional voting districts after voting maps are redrawn this year.

This has received backlash from Democrats, who have threatened to take legal action. Democratic-led states like New York are already planning to respond legally. However, experts believe the memorandum is legally invalid, and may not even be practiced.

To benefit Republican Party?

If, somehow, this were allowed, the Republican Party would largely benefit from it. A majority of the non-white voting population would then not be allowed to vote. His voter base though, which comprises Caucasian Americans, will be able to vote nevertheless.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portland-protest-crackdown-biden-accuses-trump-of-egregious-tactics-315040" hreflang="en">Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics'</a>

Many states in the US have a large immigrant population, including California and New York. If these were to be legally mandated, such states would lose seats in the US House of Representatives. California currently has 53 seats, while New York has 27.

The process of “apportionment” is set to begin in the US, which will carve out voting maps for federal congressional districts.

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"Illegal aliens"

"Including these illegal aliens in the population of the state for the purpose of apportionment could result in the allocation of two or three more congressional seats than would otherwise be allocated," the memo said.

Redistricting is set to take place in 2021. This is undertaken to take into account changes in the population, and will be done after the 2020 US census.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-us-capitol-164-pairs-of-shoes-represent-nurses-dead-from-covid-315023" hreflang="en">At US Capitol, 164 pairs of shoes represent nurses dead from COVID</a>

Historically, the distribution of 435 seats has been done keeping in mind the total population, not considering the status of immigration. Trump’s new memorandum will attempt to exclude those who are in the US legally.

The US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a statement called the measure “unlawful”, and further said that it was "designed to again inject fear and distrust into vulnerable and traditionally undercounted communities, while sowing chaos with the Census."

The US constitution says that congressional districts should be based on “the whole number of persons” in every district.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum to disallow the votes of illegal migrants in the country from being counted at congressional voting districts after voting maps are redrawn this year.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum to disallow the votes of illegal migrants in the country from being counted at congressional voting districts after voting maps are redrawn this year. This has received backlash from Democrats, who have threatened to take legal action. Democratic-led states like New York are already planning to respond legally. However, experts believe the memorandum is legally invalid, and may not even be practiced. To benefit Republican Party? If, somehow, this were allowed, the Republican Party would largely benefit from it. A majority of the non-white voting population would then not be allowed to vote. His voter base though, which comprises Caucasian Americans, will be able to vote nevertheless. Also read: Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics' Many states in the US have a large immigrant population, including California and New York. If these were to be legally mandated, such states would lose seats in the US House of Representatives. California currently has 53 seats, while New York has 27. The process of “apportionment” is set to begin in the US, which will carve out voting maps for federal congressional districts. "Illegal aliens" "Including these illegal aliens in the population of the state for the purpose of apportionment could result in the allocation of two or three more congressional seats than would otherwise be allocated," the memo said. Redistricting is set to take place in 2021. This is undertaken to take into account changes in the population, and will be done after the 2020 US census. Also read: At US Capitol, 164 pairs of shoes represent nurses dead from COVID Historically, the distribution of 435 seats has been done keeping in mind the total population, not considering the status of immigration. Trump’s new memorandum will attempt to exclude those who are in the US legally. The US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a statement called the measure “unlawful”, and further said that it was "designed to again inject fear and distrust into vulnerable and traditionally undercounted communities, while sowing chaos with the Census." The US constitution says that congressional districts should be based on “the whole number of persons” in every district.

Trump orders congressional districts to disallow 'illegal aliens' from voting

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration&nbsp;of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country.

In his first public comments on the Portland unrest,&nbsp;Biden said in a statement that Homeland Security agents in Portland, some without any identifying markings, had been "brutally attacking peaceful protesters" and ranging far from federal property to detain people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-virus-crisis-to-get-worse-before-it-gets-better-warns-donald-trump-315005">US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump</a>

"We have a president who is determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better,"&nbsp;he added.

Trump and Department of Homeland Security officials have defended the efforts of officers in Portland as the city has faced prolonged demonstrations against racial injustice, saying they were trying to protect federal property.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-portland-trump-will-send-unknown-forces-to-liberal-democrat-cities-to-muzzle-protests-314802">After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests</a>

Portland's mayor has protested the federal presence and Oregon's attorney general has filed a lawsuit, saying federal agents had seized and detained people without probable cause.

Congressional Democrats have demanded an internal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.

On Monday, Trump suggested he would send federal law enforcement agents into other cities, saying without presenting evidence that Democratic mayors in those places had failed to control crime.

Biden said officers had the right to protect federal property but could do it without "resorting to these egregious tactics, and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country."

Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh&nbsp;said Biden's statement showed the former vice president was "siding with the criminals."

"That Biden would accuse law enforcement of 'stoking the fires of division' while the mob is literally setting fires to police buildings is unconscionable. Biden has clearly lost his moral bearings and failed the leadership test."

Biden&nbsp;served as Democratic President Barack Obama's vice president and leads Republican President Donald Trump in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country. In his first public comments on the Portland unrest, Biden said in a statement that Homeland Security agents in Portland, some without any identifying markings, had been "brutally attacking peaceful protesters" and ranging far from federal property to detain people. Also read: US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump "We have a president who is determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better," he added. Trump and Department of Homeland Security officials have defended the efforts of officers in Portland as the city has faced prolonged demonstrations against racial injustice, saying they were trying to protect federal property. Also read: After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests Portland's mayor has protested the federal presence and Oregon's attorney general has filed a lawsuit, saying federal agents had seized and detained people without probable cause. Congressional Democrats have demanded an internal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general. On Monday, Trump suggested he would send federal law enforcement agents into other cities, saying without presenting evidence that Democratic mayors in those places had failed to control crime. Biden said officers had the right to protect federal property but could do it without "resorting to these egregious tactics, and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country." Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said Biden's statement showed the former vice president was "siding with the criminals." "That Biden would accuse law enforcement of 'stoking the fires of division' while the mob is literally setting fires to police buildings is unconscionable. Biden has clearly lost his moral bearings and failed the leadership test." Biden served as Democratic President Barack Obama's vice president and leads Republican President Donald Trump in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election.

Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics'

Twitter Inc said on Tuesday it would permanently suspend accounts that violate its policies while tweeting about&nbsp;QAnon, a fringe group that claims "deep-state" traitors are plotting against President Donald Trump.

Twitter, which announced the change on its Twitter Safety page, said it would not serve content and accounts associated with&nbsp;QAnon&nbsp;in trends and recommendations, and would block URLs associated with the group from being shared on the platform.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-properties-have-imported-over-8-tonnes-of-goods-from-china-since-sep-report-315020" hreflang="en">Trump properties have imported tonnes of goods from China since Sep: Report</a>

The suspension, which will be rolled out this week, is expected to impact about 150,000 accounts globally, Twitter said. More than 7,000 accounts have been removed in the last several weeks for violating the company's rules against spam, platform manipulation and ban evasion.

The suspensions will be applied to accounts "engaged in violations of our multi-account policy, coordinating abuse around individual victims, or are attempting to evade a previous suspension,&nbsp;something we’ve seen more of in recent weeks," Twitter said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/trump-campaign-runs-facebook-advertisements-asking-if-he-should-ban-tiktok-314800" hreflang="en">Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok</a>

In online conspiracies, the term "deep-state" is used to refer to a combination of elites from the intelligence, political, business and entertainment fields, with&nbsp;QAnon's theories claiming that the "deep-state" is at a secret war with Trump.

QAnon&nbsp;has also claimed that Democratic Party members are behind international crime rings. The group's content has spread widely on mainstream social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Earlier this year, Facebook removed a US&nbsp;network of fake accounts linked to&nbsp;QAnon.

Last year, the FBI issued a warning about "conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists" and designated&nbsp;QAnon&nbsp;as a potential domestic extremist threat.

Earlier,&nbsp;Anti-Defamation League (ADL)&nbsp;chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt had pointed out&nbsp;the social media giant's "haphazard" placement of advertising, pointing to an example in which a Verizon ad appeared next to "a video from the conspiracy group&nbsp;QAnon&nbsp;drawing on hateful and anti-Semitic rhetoric."

Facebook is under increasing pressure for its hands-off approach to misinformation and inflammatory posts, particularly by US President Donald Trump.

The social media company made an estimated $70 billion annually from ads, the coalition -- which includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) -- behind #StopHateForProfit claimed in a statement on the ADL website.

Twitter Inc said on Tuesday it would permanently suspend accounts that violate its policies while tweeting about QAnon, a fringe group that claims "deep-state" traitors are plotting against President Donald Trump.

Twitter Inc said on Tuesday it would permanently suspend accounts that violate its policies while tweeting about QAnon, a fringe group that claims "deep-state" traitors are plotting against President Donald Trump. Twitter, which announced the change on its Twitter Safety page, said it would not serve content and accounts associated with QAnon in trends and recommendations, and would block URLs associated with the group from being shared on the platform. Also read: Trump properties have imported tonnes of goods from China since Sep: Report The suspension, which will be rolled out this week, is expected to impact about 150,000 accounts globally, Twitter said. More than 7,000 accounts have been removed in the last several weeks for violating the company's rules against spam, platform manipulation and ban evasion. The suspensions will be applied to accounts "engaged in violations of our multi-account policy, coordinating abuse around individual victims, or are attempting to evade a previous suspension, something we’ve seen more of in recent weeks," Twitter said. Also read: Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok In online conspiracies, the term "deep-state" is used to refer to a combination of elites from the intelligence, political, business and entertainment fields, with QAnon's theories claiming that the "deep-state" is at a secret war with Trump. QAnon has also claimed that Democratic Party members are behind international crime rings. The group's content has spread widely on mainstream social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Earlier this year, Facebook removed a US network of fake accounts linked to QAnon. Last year, the FBI issued a warning about "conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists" and designated QAnon as a potential domestic extremist threat. Earlier, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt had pointed out the social media giant's "haphazard" placement of advertising, pointing to an example in which a Verizon ad appeared next to "a video from the conspiracy group QAnon drawing on hateful and anti-Semitic rhetoric." Facebook is under increasing pressure for its hands-off approach to misinformation and inflammatory posts, particularly by US President Donald Trump. The social media company made an estimated $70 billion annually from ads, the coalition -- which includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) -- behind #StopHateForProfit claimed in a statement on the ADL website.

Twitter announces broad crackdown on conspiracy theory group QAnon

Trump's decision to have federal law enforcement troops intervene in local anti-racism protests has sparked anger and legal questions. Some of these agents don't even wear identification badges.

New York would go to court to stop US President Donald Trump sending federal agents to the city, as he puts law and order at the forefront of his re-election bid.

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security deployed Border Patrol police and federal marshals at Portland, Oregon, to tackle anti-racism protests.

Trump said they had done "a fantastic job" locking up "anarchists," and threatened to deploy the military-garbed law enforcement agents to other Democrat-led cities.

He called the move necessary, even claiming Chicago was "worse than Afghanistan," but critics labelled it an election year political stunt.&nbsp;

To this end, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city was mulling court action.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-portland-trump-will-send-unknown-forces-to-liberal-democrat-cities-to-muzzle-protests-314802">Also read | After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests</a>

Also, the mayors of six major cities -- Atlanta, Washington, Seattle, Chicago, Portland and Kansas City -- said in a letter to Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf and Attorney General Bill Barr that the uninvited paramilitary deployments violate the Constitution.

Oregon has sued DHS for rights violations, while the state's governor, Kate Brown, demanded that the officers be withdrawn, calling the deployment a political "photo op."

The White House has, however, denied accusations of abuse of power, insisting the agents are needed to protect federal buildings targeted by anti-racism demonstrators.

Since African-American man George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, sparking nationwide protests against police brutality, Trump has sought to paint the demonstrators as radical leftists intent on destroying the country.

WHAT HE ACTUALLY SAID

Trump is using the protests -- and upticks in crime following them -- to rally support from his conservative base, Democrats say.

"We're looking at Chicago, too. We're looking at New York," Trump told reporters on Monday, also singling out Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore and Oakland.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-virus-crisis-to-get-worse-before-it-gets-better-warns-donald-trump-315005">Also read |&nbsp;US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump</a>

"Look at what's going on. All run by Democrats, all run by very liberal Democrats, all run really by radical left. We can't let this happen to the city."

According to reports, the DHS was preparing to send 150 paramilitary personnel to Chicago, which has high levels of violent crime, after police there clashed with demonstrators seeking to tear down a statue of Christopher Columbus.

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said no decision had been made but added that the city's Democratic mayor is "clearly unable to control her streets.

Trump's decision to have federal law enforcement troops intervene in local anti-racism protests has sparked anger and legal questions. Some of these agents don't even wear identification badges.

Trump's decision to have federal law enforcement troops intervene in local anti-racism protests has sparked anger and legal questions. Some of these agents don't even wear identification badges. New York would go to court to stop US President Donald Trump sending federal agents to the city, as he puts law and order at the forefront of his re-election bid. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security deployed Border Patrol police and federal marshals at Portland, Oregon, to tackle anti-racism protests. Trump said they had done "a fantastic job" locking up "anarchists," and threatened to deploy the military-garbed law enforcement agents to other Democrat-led cities. He called the move necessary, even claiming Chicago was "worse than Afghanistan," but critics labelled it an election year political stunt. To this end, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city was mulling court action. Also read | After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests Also, the mayors of six major cities -- Atlanta, Washington, Seattle, Chicago, Portland and Kansas City -- said in a letter to Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf and Attorney General Bill Barr that the uninvited paramilitary deployments violate the Constitution. Oregon has sued DHS for rights violations, while the state's governor, Kate Brown, demanded that the officers be withdrawn, calling the deployment a political "photo op." The White House has, however, denied accusations of abuse of power, insisting the agents are needed to protect federal buildings targeted by anti-racism demonstrators. Since African-American man George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, sparking nationwide protests against police brutality, Trump has sought to paint the demonstrators as radical leftists intent on destroying the country. WHAT HE ACTUALLY SAID Trump is using the protests -- and upticks in crime following them -- to rally support from his conservative base, Democrats say. "We're looking at Chicago, too. We're looking at New York," Trump told reporters on Monday, also singling out Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore and Oakland. Also read | US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump "Look at what's going on. All run by Democrats, all run by very liberal Democrats, all run really by radical left. We can't let this happen to the city." According to reports, the DHS was preparing to send 150 paramilitary personnel to Chicago, which has high levels of violent crime, after police there clashed with demonstrators seeking to tear down a statue of Christopher Columbus. White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said no decision had been made but added that the city's Democratic mayor is "clearly unable to control her streets.

New York vows court action as Trump mulls sending federal troops

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday during his first White House coronavirus press briefing in nearly three months has said that the covid-19 pandemic situation in the US will “get worse before it gets better”.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-indicts-two-chinese-nationals-for-seeking-to-steal-covid-19-vaccine-314980">Also read: US indicts two Chinese nationals for seeking to steal COVID-19 vaccine</a>

"Some areas of our country are doing very well.Others are doing less well. It will probably unfortunately get worse before it gets better," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-north-korea-enters-vaccine-race-314957">Also Read:&nbsp;North Korea enters vaccine race</a>

He said there had been an "a concerning rise in (virus) cases in many parts of our South." 
 
On Monday, President Donald Trump&nbsp;offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic. For months Trump has been refusing to encourage mask wearing as a way to combat the coronavirus.

Trump urged Americans to wear facemasks to help prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus which has left more than 141,000 people dead in the United States.

"We are asking everybody that when you are not able to socially distance, wear a mask," he said.

"Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact. They will have an effect and we need everything we can get."

Trump said the goal is "not merely to manage the pandemic but to end it."

"The vaccines are coming and they're coming a lot sooner than anyone thought possible," he said.

Trump also repeated his assertion that the virus "will disappear."

"It will disappear," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday during his first White House coronavirus press briefing in nearly three months has said that the covid-19 pandemic situation in the US will “get worse before it gets better”.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday during his first White House coronavirus press briefing in nearly three months has said that the covid-19 pandemic situation in the US will “get worse before it gets better”. Also read: US indicts two Chinese nationals for seeking to steal COVID-19 vaccine "Some areas of our country are doing very well.Others are doing less well. It will probably unfortunately get worse before it gets better," he said. Also Read: North Korea enters vaccine race He said there had been an "a concerning rise in (virus) cases in many parts of our South." On Monday, President Donald Trump offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic. For months Trump has been refusing to encourage mask wearing as a way to combat the coronavirus. Trump urged Americans to wear facemasks to help prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus which has left more than 141,000 people dead in the United States. "We are asking everybody that when you are not able to socially distance, wear a mask," he said. "Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact. They will have an effect and we need everything we can get." Trump said the goal is "not merely to manage the pandemic but to end it." "The vaccines are coming and they're coming a lot sooner than anyone thought possible," he said. Trump also repeated his assertion that the virus "will disappear." "It will disappear," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump

Slamming China's aggression over India, the US House of Representatives has unanimously passed an amendment to the National Defence Authorization Act. The amendment states that India and China should work against de-escalating the situation along the LAC. Watch report.

US lower house stands against China: Anti-US amendment passed against China

US President Donald Trump has now changed his stance on the novel coronavirus and now said that the pandemic will get more before getting better and he also urged all Americans to wear masks. Watch report.

Donald Trump: 'COVID to get worse before it gets better'

Social Media giant Facebook has placed an informational disclaimer on a post from US president Donald Trump on Tuesday. The post by Trump claims mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election.

This disclaimer comes as follow-through on Facebook's pledge to fight misinformation including from world leaders and shifting slightly from its hands-off policy on political speech.

Trump wrote on Facebook claiming that mail-in voting, unless changed by the courts, "will lead to the most CORRUPT ELECTION in our Nation's History!" and added the hashtag #RIGGEDELECTION.

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RIGGED 2020 ELECTION: MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WILL BE PRINTED BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND OTHERS. IT WILL BE THE SCANDAL OF OUR TIMES!
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DonaldTrump/">Donald J. Trump</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://developers.facebook.com/DonaldTrump/posts/10164935809995725">Monday, June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The social media site added a tag on it saying: Get official voting info on how to vote in the 2020 US Election" with a link to the government-sponsored USA.gov page on how to cast ballots.

Facebook has always held firm on its policy not to fact check political leaders but has vowed to take down any post which could instigate violence and mislead people about the voting process.&nbsp;

Recently, it promised to add labels to posts which would normally be removed for violating platform rules, but which are left online as "newsworthy," following the example of Twitter.

Social Media giant Facebook has placed an informational disclaimer on a post from US president Donald Trump on Tuesday. The post by Trump claims mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election.

Social Media giant Facebook has placed an informational disclaimer on a post from US president Donald Trump on Tuesday. The post by Trump claims mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election. This disclaimer comes as follow-through on Facebook's pledge to fight misinformation including from world leaders and shifting slightly from its hands-off policy on political speech. Trump wrote on Facebook claiming that mail-in voting, unless changed by the courts, "will lead to the most CORRUPT ELECTION in our Nation's History!" and added the hashtag #RIGGEDELECTION. RIGGED 2020 ELECTION: MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WILL BE PRINTED BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND OTHERS. IT WILL BE THE SCANDAL OF OUR TIMES! Posted by Donald J. Trump on Monday, June 22, 2020 × The social media site added a tag on it saying: Get official voting info on how to vote in the 2020 US Election" with a link to the government-sponsored USA.gov page on how to cast ballots. Facebook has always held firm on its policy not to fact check political leaders but has vowed to take down any post which could instigate violence and mislead people about the voting process. Recently, it promised to add labels to posts which would normally be removed for violating platform rules, but which are left online as "newsworthy," following the example of Twitter.

Facebook tags disclaimer on Donald Trump's post on 'mail- in voting'

US President Donald Trump has now warned that he will now send Federal troops to some major US cities amid the 'Black Lives Matter' protests. Watch report.

Donald Trump: Federal troops charge at Portland protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-who-applauds-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-data-but-warns-theres-still-a-long-way-to-go-314786">WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/04/143224-vaccine-reuters.jpg?itok=cDanS6RO" />

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-months-of-resisting-wearing-one-trump-says-wearing-mask-patriotic-in-tweet-314794">After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/21/150768-trump-mask.jpg?itok=PXHg8bt1" />President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-coronavirus-rate-triples-in-three-weeks-after-covid-19-lockdown-easing-314784">Spain’s coronavirus rate triples in three weeks after COVID-19 lockdown easing</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/06/148403-coronavirus-in-spain.jpg?itok=f9Nlw2P_" />The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday. 
 
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WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'.

WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'. After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic. Spain’s coronavirus rate triples in three weeks after COVID-19 lockdown easing The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday.

Morning news brief: WHO hails Oxford vaccine, Trump wears mask and more

United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he would send more law enforcement agents to multiple US cities in an attempt to shut down protests that have been raging in the country for more than a month now.

Calling for an end to racism and police brutality, the protests initially began after a black man, George Floyd was murdered in the hands of a policeman, Chauvin in the city of Minneapolis.

"Unknown forces"

He recently dispatched “unknown” forces to Portland, Oregon, where the protests are currently on. These civilian-looking officers arrested people and unleashed violence, according to reports. None of them were wearing a uniform, which has caused a furore among activists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/the-very-hard-test-trump-keeps-bragging-about-acing-is-actually-very-simple-314592" hreflang="en">The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple</a>

While referring to Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Oakland, Detroit, and Oakland, the Republican president promised to send in more forces, solely because the cities’ mayors are “Liberal Democrats”.

"We're sending law enforcement… We can’t let this happen to the cities”, he said at the White House.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/confederate-flags-not-about-racism-but-about-freedom-of-speech-donald-trump-314522" hreflang="en">Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump</a>

After footage showed police forces from the Department of Homeland Security rounding up people and taking them away in black minivans, leaders in Oregon along with activists and members of US Congress have called on Trump to take back the forces.

State and local leaders in Oregon, as well as members of Congress, have called for Trump to remove the secret police.

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"Breaking the law"

"Not only do I believe he is breaking the law, but he is also endangering the lives of Portlanders," the city's mayor, Ted Wheeler, tweeted. Wheeler had earlier to referred to federal forces in the city as “political theater” given the upcoming election.

In June, Trump had referred to himself as a president of “law and order” and had threatened to send in US military to stop violence in many US cities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/after-months-of-resisting-wearing-one-trump-says-wearing-mask-patriotic-in-tweet-314794" hreflang="en">After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet</a>

Since last week, under Trump’s orders, federal agents have used tear gas against protesters in Portland, and have arrested many without explanation.

"They grab a lot of people and jail the leaders. These are anarchists," Trump said while talking about the federal agents.

Department of Homeland Security on Monday said that they don’t intend to back down, and they will not apologise.

The state of Oregon has responded by suing the Trump administration for unlawful detention of its residents, with many Republican leaders like Rand Paul also lending support to the sentiment.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he would send more law enforcement agents to multiple US cities in an attempt to shut down protests that have been raging in the country for more than a month now.

United States President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he would send more law enforcement agents to multiple US cities in an attempt to shut down protests that have been raging in the country for more than a month now. Calling for an end to racism and police brutality, the protests initially began after a black man, George Floyd was murdered in the hands of a policeman, Chauvin in the city of Minneapolis. "Unknown forces" He recently dispatched “unknown” forces to Portland, Oregon, where the protests are currently on. These civilian-looking officers arrested people and unleashed violence, according to reports. None of them were wearing a uniform, which has caused a furore among activists. Also read: The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple While referring to Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Oakland, Detroit, and Oakland, the Republican president promised to send in more forces, solely because the cities’ mayors are “Liberal Democrats”. "We're sending law enforcement… We can’t let this happen to the cities”, he said at the White House. Also read: Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump After footage showed police forces from the Department of Homeland Security rounding up people and taking them away in black minivans, leaders in Oregon along with activists and members of US Congress have called on Trump to take back the forces. State and local leaders in Oregon, as well as members of Congress, have called for Trump to remove the secret police. "Breaking the law" "Not only do I believe he is breaking the law, but he is also endangering the lives of Portlanders," the city's mayor, Ted Wheeler, tweeted. Wheeler had earlier to referred to federal forces in the city as “political theater” given the upcoming election. In June, Trump had referred to himself as a president of “law and order” and had threatened to send in US military to stop violence in many US cities. Also read: After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet Since last week, under Trump’s orders, federal agents have used tear gas against protesters in Portland, and have arrested many without explanation. "They grab a lot of people and jail the leaders. These are anarchists," Trump said while talking about the federal agents. Department of Homeland Security on Monday said that they don’t intend to back down, and they will not apologise. The state of Oregon has responded by suing the Trump administration for unlawful detention of its residents, with many Republican leaders like Rand Paul also lending support to the sentiment. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests

Over the past few months, the world as we know it has undergone drastic changes. coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed our lives – from the way we educate our children to the way we work and conduct business.

One such sphere greatly affected by COVID-19 is diplomacy, a profession which involves a fair amount of travel, physical meetings. The way diplomacy is conducted was scuppered by travel restrictions, border closures and shelter-in-place orders.

As the novel coronavirus spread globally, leaders hunkered down at home and diplomats had to adapt to working from home and hold virtual meetings.

Among the world leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads in rankings in terms of true reach as calculated by klear. com. The Indian prime minister reaches on average 40 million followers or 70 per cent of his followers with his tweets while US President Trump reaches 24 per cent of his followers.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi: 40.8 mn true reach, 70% of total followers 
Donald trump: 20.3 mn true reach, 25% of total followers 
PMO India: 16 mn true reach, 45% of total followers 
Imran khan: 7.5 mn true reach, 64% of total followers 
Joko Widodo: 6.5 mn true reach, 48% of total followers

Trump with 81.1mn, 33% follower growth, leads among the most followed leaders in 2020. Indian PM Modi has 57.9mn followers with 21% followers growth.

<img alt="Twitter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e6a215f-543d-4e67-9691-72f0368d51ee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MOST%20FOLLOWED%20LEADER.png" />

Pope Francis: 51.2mn, 6% 
PMO India: 35.9mn, 23% 
President Trump: 30.2mn, 17% 
The white House: 22.8mn, 23% 
Turkish President Erdogan: 16.1mn, 17% 
Joko Widodo: 13.8mn, 20% 
Imran khan: 11.8mn, 22%

Trump is also the most effective world leader&nbsp;on Twitter as each one of his tweets garners on average 24,000 retweets which is slightly better than Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who garners 23,573 retweets per tweet.

Over the past few months, the world as we know it has undergone drastic changes. coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed our lives – from the way we educate our children to the way we work and conduct business.

Over the past few months, the world as we know it has undergone drastic changes. coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed our lives – from the way we educate our children to the way we work and conduct business. One such sphere greatly affected by COVID-19 is diplomacy, a profession which involves a fair amount of travel, physical meetings. The way diplomacy is conducted was scuppered by travel restrictions, border closures and shelter-in-place orders. As the novel coronavirus spread globally, leaders hunkered down at home and diplomats had to adapt to working from home and hold virtual meetings. Among the world leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads in rankings in terms of true reach as calculated by klear. com. The Indian prime minister reaches on average 40 million followers or 70 per cent of his followers with his tweets while US President Trump reaches 24 per cent of his followers. Narendra Modi: 40.8 mn true reach, 70% of total followers Donald trump: 20.3 mn true reach, 25% of total followers PMO India: 16 mn true reach, 45% of total followers Imran khan: 7.5 mn true reach, 64% of total followers Joko Widodo: 6.5 mn true reach, 48% of total followers Trump with 81.1mn, 33% follower growth, leads among the most followed leaders in 2020. Indian PM Modi has 57.9mn followers with 21% followers growth. Pope Francis: 51.2mn, 6% PMO India: 35.9mn, 23% President Trump: 30.2mn, 17% The white House: 22.8mn, 23% Turkish President Erdogan: 16.1mn, 17% Joko Widodo: 13.8mn, 20% Imran khan: 11.8mn, 22% Trump is also the most effective world leader on Twitter as each one of his tweets garners on average 24,000 retweets which is slightly better than Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who garners 23,573 retweets per tweet.

PM Modi leads in 'true reach' of leaders worldwide in Twiplomacy: Study

The United States of America continues to be the worst-hit coronavirus country in the world. Close to 4 million people have been affected and 150,000 people have lost their lives. Watch report.

Donald Trump to resume daily COVID-19 briefing: Long queues for testing in Texas, Florida

Did US President Donald Trump have a troubled childhood? Did he keep a diary of women who refused to date him? Did he make suggestive comments about his niece? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes excerpts from Mary Trump's tell-all book on her uncle.

Gravitas: Decoding Mary Trump's tell-all book

President Donald Trump assailed likely opponent Joe Biden as "not competent" to lead the country, speaking as polls over the weekend showed deepening voter disenchantment with his own handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-as-us-president-would-help-india-get-seat-on-unsc-former-american-diplomat-314422">Also read|&nbsp;Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat</a>

"He's shot, he's mentally shot," Trump said about Biden in a wide-ranging interview with "Fox News Sunday."

He said that if Biden is elected on November 3, he will "destroy this country."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-not-losing-donald-trump-refuses-to-commit-to-election-results-if-defeated-314500">Also read: I'm not losing, says&nbsp;Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated</a> 
 
Facing the multiple challenges of a spreading pandemic, racial unrest and a struggling economy, Trump made several unfounded or highly speculative accusations against the former vice president, saying Biden would "triple your taxes" and "defund the police."

He added, "Religion will be gone," referring to Democratic officials banning large church services to stem the virus spread.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-disables-trump-tweet-over-copyright-complaint-314405">Also read|&nbsp;Twitter disables Trump tweet over copyright complaint</a>

Asked whether he would accept the election result in November, even if he loses, Trump echoed his position of 2016, saying, "I have to see ... I'm not going to just say yes."

The interview, which was taped in advance, came as new polling results showed support for Biden surging as doubts about Trump's handling of the pandemic grow amid a resurgence in many states.

Interviewer Chris Wallace told the president that a new Fox opinion poll showed Biden with a substantial lead over Trump not only on his ability to manage the pandemic (with a 17-point edge) and to deal with racial unrest (by 21 points), but even -- by a single point -- on handling the economy, long a Trump strong point.

And a new Washington Post-ABC News poll has Biden leading Trump among registered voters nationwide by a resounding 15-point margin, 55-to-40 percent.

Trump dismissed such polling as "fake," saying White House surveys show him winning both nationally and in key swing states.

'Mommy, Mommy...'

He repeatedly pummeled Biden, who has kept a relatively low profile amid the restraints imposed by the pandemic.

Trump claimed that the Democrat wanted to "defund the police" -- a battle cry of some anti-racist protesters -- and insisted that such language was in a Biden policy document, though he was unable to produce it when challenged by Wallace.

As he repeatedly questioned his rival's mental acuity, Wallace asked him directly if thought Biden was senile.

"I don't want to say that," Trump replied. "I say he's not competent to be president."

He questioned whether the Democrat could pass a cognitive ability test that he said he had "aced," and said the former vice president would fall apart under tough questioning.

"Let Biden sit through an interview like this, he'll be on the ground crying for Mommy. He'll say, 'Mommy, Mommy, please take me home.'"

'Envy of the world'

Trump again defended his handling of the pandemic, claiming that "we are the envy of the world" on testing; and, of his early prediction that the virus would someday disappear, said, "I'll be right eventually."

He again opposed any national mandate for mask-wearing, saying, "I want people to have a certain freedom."

Referring to the racial unrest in the country, and a recent spike in violent crime in some cities, the president blamed "Democrat-run cities," which he said were "stupidly run."

Asked about statistics showing American blacks are twice as likely to be shot and killed by police as whites, Trump replied, "Many whites are killed also. You have to say that."

And he equated those who fly the Confederate flag with those saying that "Black Lives Matter," adding, "It's freedom of speech."

'Long overdue'

Trump again stated his opposition to renaming US military bases named after Confederate generals -- even after the military supported the idea.

"I don't care what the military says," the president said.

"We're going to name it after the Reverend Al Sharpton?" he asked rhetorically, referring to a prominent African-American civil rights leader.

There was no immediate response to the interview from Biden or his campaign, though the former vice president did tweet that "Banning the Confederate flag from military installations was long overdue."

On other subjects, Trump said the economy was "doing very well," even as millions remain jobless, with some states reimposing lockdowns. The stock market, he said, was near record highs.

President Donald Trump assailed likely opponent Joe Biden as "not competent" to lead the country, speaking as polls over the weekend showed deepening voter disenchantment with his own handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Donald Trump assailed likely opponent Joe Biden as "not competent" to lead the country, speaking as polls over the weekend showed deepening voter disenchantment with his own handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat "He's shot, he's mentally shot," Trump said about Biden in a wide-ranging interview with "Fox News Sunday." He said that if Biden is elected on November 3, he will "destroy this country." Also read: I'm not losing, says Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated Facing the multiple challenges of a spreading pandemic, racial unrest and a struggling economy, Trump made several unfounded or highly speculative accusations against the former vice president, saying Biden would "triple your taxes" and "defund the police." He added, "Religion will be gone," referring to Democratic officials banning large church services to stem the virus spread. Also read| Twitter disables Trump tweet over copyright complaint Asked whether he would accept the election result in November, even if he loses, Trump echoed his position of 2016, saying, "I have to see ... I'm not going to just say yes." The interview, which was taped in advance, came as new polling results showed support for Biden surging as doubts about Trump's handling of the pandemic grow amid a resurgence in many states. Interviewer Chris Wallace told the president that a new Fox opinion poll showed Biden with a substantial lead over Trump not only on his ability to manage the pandemic (with a 17-point edge) and to deal with racial unrest (by 21 points), but even -- by a single point -- on handling the economy, long a Trump strong point. And a new Washington Post-ABC News poll has Biden leading Trump among registered voters nationwide by a resounding 15-point margin, 55-to-40 percent. Trump dismissed such polling as "fake," saying White House surveys show him winning both nationally and in key swing states. 'Mommy, Mommy...' He repeatedly pummeled Biden, who has kept a relatively low profile amid the restraints imposed by the pandemic. Trump claimed that the Democrat wanted to "defund the police" -- a battle cry of some anti-racist protesters -- and insisted that such language was in a Biden policy document, though he was unable to produce it when challenged by Wallace. As he repeatedly questioned his rival's mental acuity, Wallace asked him directly if thought Biden was senile. "I don't want to say that," Trump replied. "I say he's not competent to be president." He questioned whether the Democrat could pass a cognitive ability test that he said he had "aced," and said the former vice president would fall apart under tough questioning. "Let Biden sit through an interview like this, he'll be on the ground crying for Mommy. He'll say, 'Mommy, Mommy, please take me home.'" 'Envy of the world' Trump again defended his handling of the pandemic, claiming that "we are the envy of the world" on testing; and, of his early prediction that the virus would someday disappear, said, "I'll be right eventually." He again opposed any national mandate for mask-wearing, saying, "I want people to have a certain freedom." Referring to the racial unrest in the country, and a recent spike in violent crime in some cities, the president blamed "Democrat-run cities," which he said were "stupidly run." Asked about statistics showing American blacks are twice as likely to be shot and killed by police as whites, Trump replied, "Many whites are killed also. You have to say that." And he equated those who fly the Confederate flag with those saying that "Black Lives Matter," adding, "It's freedom of speech." 'Long overdue' Trump again stated his opposition to renaming US military bases named after Confederate generals -- even after the military supported the idea. "I don't care what the military says," the president said. "We're going to name it after the Reverend Al Sharpton?" he asked rhetorically, referring to a prominent African-American civil rights leader. There was no immediate response to the interview from Biden or his campaign, though the former vice president did tweet that "Banning the Confederate flag from military installations was long overdue." On other subjects, Trump said the economy was "doing very well," even as millions remain jobless, with some states reimposing lockdowns. The stock market, he said, was near record highs.

Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that the Confederate flag was a symbol of “pride” for people of southern US.

The Confederate flag signifies a faction of US states that revolted against plans to end slavery of African Americans, which led to the 1861-65 American Civil War. Recently, ringing bells of police brutality and institutional racism, protesters have taken over the streets across major US cities.

'It depends'

This came in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis. Since then, many such instances of police brutality have come to light in the US, and around the world.

In conversation with Fox News, the leader said that people who liked the Confederate flag need not be racist, even though the flag largely symbolises white supremacy and slavery. It is also used by many hate crime groups such as the Ku Klux Klan.&nbsp;He said, "It depends on who you're talking about, when you're talking about”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508" hreflang="en">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot’: Donald Trump</a>

”When people proudly had their Confederate flags they're not talking about racism. They love their flag, it represents the South. They like the South ... I say it's freedom of many things, but it's freedom of speech”, he added.

This comes at a time when protesters are tearing down the remnants of Confederate legacy across the country, including statues, which was recently outlawed by Trump, causing a series of arrests in Portland on Sunday.

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'Freedom of speech'?

Besides claiming it qualifies as “freedom as speech”, in 2017 Trump was critical of people taking down Confederate statues, and claimed that there were “very fine people on both sides”.

NASCAR banned the flag earlier, which drew ire from the president.

Recently, US lawmakers including Republicans had initiated an amendment to remove the names of Confederate generals from US military bases within a year. Trump recently promised to veto the “National Defense Authorization Act”, saying “I’m not gonna go changing”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-not-losing-donald-trump-refuses-to-commit-to-election-results-if-defeated-314500" hreflang="en">I'm not losing: Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated</a>

"We won World Wars out of these, out of these military bases, no I'm not gonna go changing. I'm not gonna go changing," he said.

He further said that similarly, the Black Lives Matter movement did not offend him, for it also represented freedom of speech. "I’m not offended either by Black Lives Matter. That’s freedom of speech," Trump said.

Many fear that Trump is disillusioning Republican leaders with his tactics. Recently, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, endorsed Democrat Joe Biden, while claiming that the Confederate flag represents “something that was never the USA”.

"It was the Confederate States of America. They were not part of us and this is not the time to keep demonstrating who they were and what they were back then," Powell, the black Republican leader said.

“We have one flag and only one flag only”, he added.

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that the Confederate flag was a symbol of “pride” for people of southern US. The Confederate flag signifies a faction of US states that revolted against plans to end slavery of African Americans, which led to the 1861-65 American Civil War.

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that the Confederate flag was a symbol of “pride” for people of southern US. The Confederate flag signifies a faction of US states that revolted against plans to end slavery of African Americans, which led to the 1861-65 American Civil War. Recently, ringing bells of police brutality and institutional racism, protesters have taken over the streets across major US cities. 'It depends' This came in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis. Since then, many such instances of police brutality have come to light in the US, and around the world. In conversation with Fox News, the leader said that people who liked the Confederate flag need not be racist, even though the flag largely symbolises white supremacy and slavery. It is also used by many hate crime groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. He said, "It depends on who you're talking about, when you're talking about”. Also read: Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot’: Donald Trump ”When people proudly had their Confederate flags they're not talking about racism. They love their flag, it represents the South. They like the South ... I say it's freedom of many things, but it's freedom of speech”, he added. This comes at a time when protesters are tearing down the remnants of Confederate legacy across the country, including statues, which was recently outlawed by Trump, causing a series of arrests in Portland on Sunday. 'Freedom of speech'? Besides claiming it qualifies as “freedom as speech”, in 2017 Trump was critical of people taking down Confederate statues, and claimed that there were “very fine people on both sides”. NASCAR banned the flag earlier, which drew ire from the president. Recently, US lawmakers including Republicans had initiated an amendment to remove the names of Confederate generals from US military bases within a year. Trump recently promised to veto the “National Defense Authorization Act”, saying “I’m not gonna go changing”. Also read: I'm not losing: Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated "We won World Wars out of these, out of these military bases, no I'm not gonna go changing. I'm not gonna go changing," he said. He further said that similarly, the Black Lives Matter movement did not offend him, for it also represented freedom of speech. "I’m not offended either by Black Lives Matter. That’s freedom of speech," Trump said. Many fear that Trump is disillusioning Republican leaders with his tactics. Recently, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, endorsed Democrat Joe Biden, while claiming that the Confederate flag represents “something that was never the USA”. "It was the Confederate States of America. They were not part of us and this is not the time to keep demonstrating who they were and what they were back then," Powell, the black Republican leader said. “We have one flag and only one flag only”, he added.

Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump

US rapper Kanye West broke down in tears on Sunday at the chaotic launch of his unlikely campaign to oust Donald Trump as president in November elections. 
 
Wearing a bullet-proof jacket marked "security," West gave a rambling speech in which he claimed he had wanted his wife, Kim Kardashian, to get an abortion and that renowned American abolitionist Harriet Tubman "never actually freed the slaves." 
 
West told the event in Charleston, South Carolina, how he had wanted his wife to get an abortion when she was pregnant with North, their oldest daughter. He then revealed his father also had wanted to abort him. 
 
"My dad wanted to abort me. My mom saved my life. There would've been no Kanye West because my dad was too busy," West said, bursting into tears. 
 
He later shouted, "I almost killed my daughter! I almost killed my daughter!" 
 
At another point during his speech, he said, "Harriet Tubman never actually freed the slaves, she just had the slaves go work for other white people." 
 
West's speech, clips of which went viral on social media, provoked confusion, anger and concern for the musician's mental health. 
 
The event was for registered guests only, and all attendees were required to sign a COVID-19 liability release form as well as wear masks and practice social distancing, US media reported. 
 
Less than four months ahead of November's election, West, 43, raised eyebrows on July 4 when he announced on Twitter he would challenge Trump. 
 
He has offered virtually no details about his campaign, but the hip-hop star -- who famously wore a "Make America Great Again" cap to a 2018 Oval Office meeting with Trump -- said he no longer supports the president. 
 
Reports began circulating in US media last week that West had dropped out of the race. 
 
He missed the deadline in several states to be listed on the presidential ballot, but he is listed on the ballot in Oklahoma.

&nbsp;

US rapper Kanye West broke down in tears on Sunday at the chaotic launch of his unlikely campaign to oust Donald Trump as president in November elections. Wearing a bullet-proof jacket marked "security," West gave a rambling speech in which he claimed he had wanted his wife, Kim Kardashian, to get an abortion and that renowned American abolitionist Harriet Tubman "never actually freed the slaves.

US rapper Kanye West broke down in tears on Sunday at the chaotic launch of his unlikely campaign to oust Donald Trump as president in November elections. Wearing a bullet-proof jacket marked "security," West gave a rambling speech in which he claimed he had wanted his wife, Kim Kardashian, to get an abortion and that renowned American abolitionist Harriet Tubman "never actually freed the slaves." West told the event in Charleston, South Carolina, how he had wanted his wife to get an abortion when she was pregnant with North, their oldest daughter. He then revealed his father also had wanted to abort him. "My dad wanted to abort me. My mom saved my life. There would've been no Kanye West because my dad was too busy," West said, bursting into tears. He later shouted, "I almost killed my daughter! I almost killed my daughter!" At another point during his speech, he said, "Harriet Tubman never actually freed the slaves, she just had the slaves go work for other white people." West's speech, clips of which went viral on social media, provoked confusion, anger and concern for the musician's mental health. The event was for registered guests only, and all attendees were required to sign a COVID-19 liability release form as well as wear masks and practice social distancing, US media reported. Less than four months ahead of November's election, West, 43, raised eyebrows on July 4 when he announced on Twitter he would challenge Trump. He has offered virtually no details about his campaign, but the hip-hop star -- who famously wore a "Make America Great Again" cap to a 2018 Oval Office meeting with Trump -- said he no longer supports the president. Reports began circulating in US media last week that West had dropped out of the race. He missed the deadline in several states to be listed on the presidential ballot, but he is listed on the ballot in Oklahoma.

Kanye West holds chaotic opening of 2020 presidential bid

Yet another campaign video of US President Donald Trump has irked members of the music fraternity. Linkin Park has issued a cease and desist after their hit song 'In The End' featured in a campaign video for Donald Trump. The video was shared by White House social media director David Scavino and retweeted by Trump. The band reportedly were not asked before their music was lifted for the video. 
 
"Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music," a Saturday tweet from the band's official Twitter reads. "A cease and desist has been issued."

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Following the tweet from the band's official handle, Twitter disabled the video that Scavino had shared. 
 
The version of the song used in the video was a cover, performed by Tommee Profitt featuring Fleurie and Jung Youth. 
"Earlier today I found out that Trump illegally used a cover song that I am part of in a propaganda video which he tweeted," he tweeted. "Anyone who knows me knows I stand firmly against bigotry and racism. Much love to everyone in the twitter community who helped get the video taken down fr!!" Young reacted on the video. 
 
This is not the first time that musicians have raised objection to the usage of their music in various Trump rallies and campaigns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/linkin%20park-rihanna-adele-donald-trump-vs-musicians-a-long-running-feud-314620">In pics: Donald Trump Vs Musicians: A long-running feud</a> 
 
Artists like&nbsp; Neil Young, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Adele have also complained against Trump's team before.

Yet another campaign video of US President Donald Trump has irked members of the music fraternity. Linkin Park has issued a cease and desist after their hit song 'In The End' featured in a campaign video for Donald Trump.

Yet another campaign video of US President Donald Trump has irked members of the music fraternity. Linkin Park has issued a cease and desist after their hit song 'In The End' featured in a campaign video for Donald Trump. The video was shared by White House social media director David Scavino and retweeted by Trump. The band reportedly were not asked before their music was lifted for the video. "Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music," a Saturday tweet from the band's official Twitter reads. "A cease and desist has been issued." Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued. — LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 19, 2020 × Following the tweet from the band's official handle, Twitter disabled the video that Scavino had shared. The version of the song used in the video was a cover, performed by Tommee Profitt featuring Fleurie and Jung Youth. "Earlier today I found out that Trump illegally used a cover song that I am part of in a propaganda video which he tweeted," he tweeted. "Anyone who knows me knows I stand firmly against bigotry and racism. Much love to everyone in the twitter community who helped get the video taken down fr!!" Young reacted on the video. This is not the first time that musicians have raised objection to the usage of their music in various Trump rallies and campaigns. In pics: Donald Trump Vs Musicians: A long-running feud Artists like Neil Young, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Adele have also complained against Trump's team before.

Linkin Park complaints after Donald Trump uses band's music for campaign video

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the&nbsp;world’s most influential countries

Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test. However, the test he keeps alluding to - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is designed to not be challenging. It is mostly used to diagnose minor dysfunctions.&nbsp;

So how challenging could&nbsp;it&nbsp;be? Turns out, not much!

Just yesterday, on July 19, Trump again bragged about passing the test on Fox News. He said the last five questions “get very hard”. However precursory exam instructions in the MoCA claim that it is “designed as a rapid screening instrument for mild cognitive dysfunction”.

When Mashable traced the measuring indices of the test, it ascertained that this test is designed not to measure one’s intellect or wit, in fact it is simply a signifier of whether one has or is developing any cognitive impairment which could become a cause of concern later on in life.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508" hreflang="en">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump</a>

Serving as a quick screening test for healthcare workers, it helps with early diagnosis of mental dysfunction.

The instructions which are available on the MoCa website claim that the maximum total score cannot exceed 30. Any score above 26 is considered normal.

The test is administered&nbsp;in multiple languages. The English version on the website ask people to perform tasks like imitating a drawing as accurately as possible, naming an animal, or to draw a clock. In essence, tasks which even kids can do without struggling much. It also asks exam takers to draw a clock, and the likes.

Below is an excerpt from his conversation with Fox News.

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"Very hard"? Barely

Coming to Trump’s claims about the last five questions being hard, this is what the section titled “orientation” demands.

In fact, it is far from “very hard”, asking people to fill in the day of the week, or today’s date. Additionally, it involves questions about time and space along the lines of “What city are we in?”. It relies on the specifics. For instance, one would be expected to name the city and the country. When talking about the date, the examiner would expect the date, month, year. Each correct answer in this section fetches one point.

To what end did Trump find answering where he was “very hard”, we’ll never know.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/confederate-flags-not-about-racism-but-about-freedom-of-speech-donald-trump-314522" hreflang="en">Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump</a>

Another section toward the end is titled “abstraction”. It is based on categorising and placing objects in the same pool of similarly occurring characteristics.

For instance, one may be asked the similarity between an orange and a pear, which is that they’re both fruits.

Trump indeed did “ace” this test, as he should have. However, if he found the last five questions “very hard”, it is perhaps the first for any US president.

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the world’s most influential countries Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test.

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the world’s most influential countries Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test. However, the test he keeps alluding to - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is designed to not be challenging. It is mostly used to diagnose minor dysfunctions. So how challenging could it be? Turns out, not much! Just yesterday, on July 19, Trump again bragged about passing the test on Fox News. He said the last five questions “get very hard”. However precursory exam instructions in the MoCA claim that it is “designed as a rapid screening instrument for mild cognitive dysfunction”. When Mashable traced the measuring indices of the test, it ascertained that this test is designed not to measure one’s intellect or wit, in fact it is simply a signifier of whether one has or is developing any cognitive impairment which could become a cause of concern later on in life. Also read: Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump Serving as a quick screening test for healthcare workers, it helps with early diagnosis of mental dysfunction. The instructions which are available on the MoCa website claim that the maximum total score cannot exceed 30. Any score above 26 is considered normal. The test is administered in multiple languages. The English version on the website ask people to perform tasks like imitating a drawing as accurately as possible, naming an animal, or to draw a clock. In essence, tasks which even kids can do without struggling much. It also asks exam takers to draw a clock, and the likes. Below is an excerpt from his conversation with Fox News. pic.twitter.com/8lE6zY4SuM — Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) July 19, 2020 × "Very hard"? Barely Coming to Trump’s claims about the last five questions being hard, this is what the section titled “orientation” demands. In fact, it is far from “very hard”, asking people to fill in the day of the week, or today’s date. Additionally, it involves questions about time and space along the lines of “What city are we in?”. It relies on the specifics. For instance, one would be expected to name the city and the country. When talking about the date, the examiner would expect the date, month, year. Each correct answer in this section fetches one point. To what end did Trump find answering where he was “very hard”, we’ll never know. Also read: Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump Another section toward the end is titled “abstraction”. It is based on categorising and placing objects in the same pool of similarly occurring characteristics. For instance, one may be asked the similarity between an orange and a pear, which is that they’re both fruits. Trump indeed did “ace” this test, as he should have. However, if he found the last five questions “very hard”, it is perhaps the first for any US president.

The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple

US President Donald Trump in an interview refused to publically commit to accepting the results of the upcoming presidential polls if he were to lose. Watch report.

Donald trump on 2020 Presidential elections: May not accept results if defeated

The US President Donald Trump's niece Mary L. Trump has been in the news for the past few months due to her controversial tell-all book titled&nbsp;“Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man”.

The book broke the first-day sale record for Simon &amp; Schuster as more than 950,000 copies, including presales, were sold. The Trump family, especially the President, is however not very happy about it.

After a successful launch of the book, Donald Trump has called his niece "stupid" and "vicious" on a televised interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-donald-trump-bats-for-goya-nieces-tell-all-book-registers-record-sales-314123">Also read:&nbsp;As Donald Trump bats for Goya, niece's 'tell-all' book registers record sales</a>

During an interview, Mary had stated that Donald Trump learned to "become the killer you mentioned. The man who needs to succeed at all costs ... who will do anything to get attention, financial rewards and to win."

This comment did not go well with Trump. He replied back by saying, “My father liked to win. My father was a very good man. He was a strong man.”

“It’s disgraceful that she said that,” he continued. He also claimed that Mary was&nbsp;“not exactly a family favorite” and “we didn’t have a lot of respect or like for her.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-john-bolton-imitates-donald-trump-312528">Also watch: John Bolton imitates Donald Trump</a>

“I would’ve never said that except she writes a book that’s so stupid and so vicious and it’s a lie,” Trump continued. “My father was a great, wonderful man.”

He also added that he never spent much time with Mary in the past, and he is very glad now that he didn't.

When asked if such statements hurt him, even after all these years of being a common name in the US controversies, he said, “It hurts me more about attacking my father, not being kind to my mother. I have a mother who was like a saint. She was incredible. She was an incredible woman and she was nasty even to my mother.”

“She’s a very scarred person,” he continued. “She was not much of a family person.”

Calling her a "disgrace", Trump banished the book to be a lie.

Mary L. Trump's book is the second tell-all book on Donald Trump. The first one was authored by Trump's old NSA John Bolton.

The US President Donald Trump's niece Mary L. Trump has been in the news for the past few months due to her controversial tell-all book titled “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man”.

The US President Donald Trump's niece Mary L. Trump has been in the news for the past few months due to her controversial tell-all book titled “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man”. The book broke the first-day sale record for Simon & Schuster as more than 950,000 copies, including presales, were sold. The Trump family, especially the President, is however not very happy about it. After a successful launch of the book, Donald Trump has called his niece "stupid" and "vicious" on a televised interview. Also read: As Donald Trump bats for Goya, niece's 'tell-all' book registers record sales During an interview, Mary had stated that Donald Trump learned to "become the killer you mentioned. The man who needs to succeed at all costs ... who will do anything to get attention, financial rewards and to win." This comment did not go well with Trump. He replied back by saying, “My father liked to win. My father was a very good man. He was a strong man.” “It’s disgraceful that she said that,” he continued. He also claimed that Mary was “not exactly a family favorite” and “we didn’t have a lot of respect or like for her.” Also watch: John Bolton imitates Donald Trump “I would’ve never said that except she writes a book that’s so stupid and so vicious and it’s a lie,” Trump continued. “My father was a great, wonderful man.” He also added that he never spent much time with Mary in the past, and he is very glad now that he didn't. When asked if such statements hurt him, even after all these years of being a common name in the US controversies, he said, “It hurts me more about attacking my father, not being kind to my mother. I have a mother who was like a saint. She was incredible. She was an incredible woman and she was nasty even to my mother.” “She’s a very scarred person,” he continued. “She was not much of a family person.” Calling her a "disgrace", Trump banished the book to be a lie. Mary L. Trump's book is the second tell-all book on Donald Trump. The first one was authored by Trump's old NSA John Bolton.

Donald Trump says Mary Trump's book is a lie; calls it 'stupid' and 'vicious'

US President Donald Trump is considering an Indian American lawyer to head the Asia Bureau of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the White House said.

If confirmed, Sue Ghosh Stricklett from Maryland would become Assistant Administrator of USAID (Bureau for Asia).

Stricklett is an attorney in private practice with over 25 years of experience in national security law and foreign affairs, the White House said.

The scope of her practice includes Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance, intellectual property licensing and technology transfer, US dual-use and defense trade control licensing, and sanctions law enforcement.

"She has served as an Asia policy advisor to three Presidential campaigns and several major Indo-American advocacy organisations," the White House said.

Stricklett hails from Queens in New York and is a graduate of the State University of New York.

She earned her Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.

US President Donald Trump is considering an Indian American lawyer to head the Asia Bureau of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the White House said.

US President Donald Trump is considering an Indian American lawyer to head the Asia Bureau of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the White House said. If confirmed, Sue Ghosh Stricklett from Maryland would become Assistant Administrator of USAID (Bureau for Asia). Stricklett is an attorney in private practice with over 25 years of experience in national security law and foreign affairs, the White House said. The scope of her practice includes Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance, intellectual property licensing and technology transfer, US dual-use and defense trade control licensing, and sanctions law enforcement. "She has served as an Asia policy advisor to three Presidential campaigns and several major Indo-American advocacy organisations," the White House said. Stricklett hails from Queens in New York and is a graduate of the State University of New York. She earned her Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.

Trump considering Indian-American lawyer to head Asia Bureau of USAID

Twitter Inc has disabled a campaign-style video that President Donald Trump retweeted on Saturday, citing a copyright complaint.

The video -- retweeted from White House social media director Dan Scavino -- included music from the group Linkin Park, and got disappeared from the president's Twitter feed late Saturday with the notification -- "This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner."

According to a notice posted on the Lumen Database which collects requests for removal of online materials, the tweet received a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice from Machine Shop Entertainment.

Machine Shop is a management company owned by the rock band Linkin Park, according to its LinkedIn page.

The official handle of Linkin Park also tweeted in response to Trump's tweet.

"Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued," it said.

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"We respond to valid copyright complaints sent to us by a copyright owner or their authorised representatives," a Twitter representative said in an email statement.

Twitter began challenging Trump's tweets in May and has repeatedly clashed with him since. The social media company has several times disabled or commented on tweets by the president because of what it said were copyright complaints or violations of a policy against threatening violence.

Twitter removed an image the president tweeted on June 30, which included a picture of Trump, because of a complaint from the New York Times, whose photographer had shot the image.

The company also put a tweet from the president behind a warning label in late May, saying that he had violated its rules against "glorifying violence" when he advocated that Minneapolis authorities be tough in responding to protests over the death of George Floyd.

 
&nbsp;

Twitter Inc has disabled a campaign-style video that President Donald Trump retweeted on Saturday, citing a copyright complaint. The video -- retweeted from White House social media director Dan Scavino -- included music from the group Linkin Park, and got disappeared from the president's Twitter feed late Saturday with the notification -- "This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner.

Twitter Inc has disabled a campaign-style video that President Donald Trump retweeted on Saturday, citing a copyright complaint. The video -- retweeted from White House social media director Dan Scavino -- included music from the group Linkin Park, and got disappeared from the president's Twitter feed late Saturday with the notification -- "This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner." According to a notice posted on the Lumen Database which collects requests for removal of online materials, the tweet received a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice from Machine Shop Entertainment. Machine Shop is a management company owned by the rock band Linkin Park, according to its LinkedIn page. The official handle of Linkin Park also tweeted in response to Trump's tweet. "Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued," it said. Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued. — LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 19, 2020 × "We respond to valid copyright complaints sent to us by a copyright owner or their authorised representatives," a Twitter representative said in an email statement. Twitter began challenging Trump's tweets in May and has repeatedly clashed with him since. The social media company has several times disabled or commented on tweets by the president because of what it said were copyright complaints or violations of a policy against threatening violence. Twitter removed an image the president tweeted on June 30, which included a picture of Trump, because of a complaint from the New York Times, whose photographer had shot the image. The company also put a tweet from the president behind a warning label in late May, saying that he had violated its rules against "glorifying violence" when he advocated that Minneapolis authorities be tough in responding to protests over the death of George Floyd.

Twitter disables Trump tweet over copyright complaint

US President Donald Trump, who earlier said he would&nbsp;&nbsp;peacefully leave if he is voted out in the upcoming presidential elections, has now taken a U-turn.

Trump is now refusing to publicly commit to accepting the results of the upcoming White House elections as the polls are showing him lagging behind his opponent Joe Biden.

"I have to see. Look ... I have to see," Trump said in an interview with Fox news.&nbsp;“No, I''m not going to just say yes. I''m not going to say no, and I didn't last time either.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-as-us-president-would-help-india-get-seat-on-unsc-former-american-diplomat-314422">Also read|&nbsp;Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat</a>

Trump, as he has made it clear earlier too, does not trust the initial polls. Calling them "fake polls", he compared the situation to the 2016 Presidential elections and said,&nbsp;“First of all, I'm not losing, because those are fake polls. They were fake in 2016 and now they're even more fake. The polls were much worse in 2016.”

The race for a second-term of Presidency was, reportedly, going better than the present situation till the pandemic and 'Black Lives Matter' protests hit the country. The American citizens&nbsp;have been divided on Trump's response to the pandemic. While some agree with the President on reopening the economy, experts strongly urge the President to come up with better plans to save the country from the widespread of the deadly virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-disables-trump-tweet-over-copyright-complaint-314405">Also read|&nbsp;Twitter disables Trump tweet over copyright complaint</a>

Trump has not adhered to the health experts' advices and has continued to hold rallies and large gatherings without following the health and safety protocols and guidelines issued by the health experts of the country.

The protests, too, have added fuel to the fire. President Trump has gone out of his way, this year, to show his support to the minority groups of the country to gain votes after the hate crimes against the African-American community increased massively, and Trump too was spotted passing apparent racist comments towards Asian-American journalists during White House press conference.

US President Donald Trump, who earlier said he would peacefully leave if he is voted out in the upcoming presidential elections, has now taken a U-turn. Trump is now refusing to publicly commit to accepting the results of the upcoming White House elections as the polls are showing him lagging behind his opponent Joe Biden.

US President Donald Trump, who earlier said he would peacefully leave if he is voted out in the upcoming presidential elections, has now taken a U-turn. Trump is now refusing to publicly commit to accepting the results of the upcoming White House elections as the polls are showing him lagging behind his opponent Joe Biden. "I have to see. Look ... I have to see," Trump said in an interview with Fox news. “No, I''m not going to just say yes. I''m not going to say no, and I didn't last time either.” Also read| Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat Trump, as he has made it clear earlier too, does not trust the initial polls. Calling them "fake polls", he compared the situation to the 2016 Presidential elections and said, “First of all, I'm not losing, because those are fake polls. They were fake in 2016 and now they're even more fake. The polls were much worse in 2016.” The race for a second-term of Presidency was, reportedly, going better than the present situation till the pandemic and 'Black Lives Matter' protests hit the country. The American citizens have been divided on Trump's response to the pandemic. While some agree with the President on reopening the economy, experts strongly urge the President to come up with better plans to save the country from the widespread of the deadly virus. Also read| Twitter disables Trump tweet over copyright complaint Trump has not adhered to the health experts' advices and has continued to hold rallies and large gatherings without following the health and safety protocols and guidelines issued by the health experts of the country. The protests, too, have added fuel to the fire. President Trump has gone out of his way, this year, to show his support to the minority groups of the country to gain votes after the hate crimes against the African-American community increased massively, and Trump too was spotted passing apparent racist comments towards Asian-American journalists during White House press conference.

I'm not losing: Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States.

Philipson served three years as acting chairman of the administration's Council of Economic Advisers before stepping down in June to resume his teaching role at the University of Chicago. Philipson acknowledged testing positive for coronavirus less than a month before his White House departure, according to The Wall Street Journal.

On Friday, he&nbsp;told CNN he co-authored and published a CEA report titled "Mitigating the Impact of Pandemic Influenza through Vaccine Innovation" that warned a pandemic disease could kill as many as half a million Americans and cause up to $3.79 trillion in damage to the US economy.

Trump has insisted that no one could have foreseen or prevented the coronavirus outbreak. And Philipson noted it's not uncommon for White House officials to disagree over what course of action the President should take on certain issues.

The contentious process then compelled Philipson to leave the administration roughly two months before he was scheduled to return to the University of Chicago.

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States.

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States. Philipson served three years as acting chairman of the administration's Council of Economic Advisers before stepping down in June to resume his teaching role at the University of Chicago. Philipson acknowledged testing positive for coronavirus less than a month before his White House departure, according to The Wall Street Journal. On Friday, he told CNN he co-authored and published a CEA report titled "Mitigating the Impact of Pandemic Influenza through Vaccine Innovation" that warned a pandemic disease could kill as many as half a million Americans and cause up to $3.79 trillion in damage to the US economy. Trump has insisted that no one could have foreseen or prevented the coronavirus outbreak. And Philipson noted it's not uncommon for White House officials to disagree over what course of action the President should take on certain issues. The contentious process then compelled Philipson to leave the administration roughly two months before he was scheduled to return to the University of Chicago.

White House was warned of potential pandemic disaster in September: Ex-Trump economist

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-was-warned-of-potential-pandemic-disaster-in-september-ex-trump-economist-314352">White House was warned of potential pandemic disaster in September: Ex-Trump economist</a>

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-was-warned-of-potential-pandemic-disaster-in-september-ex-trump-economist-314352">READ MORE</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus in USA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f52a2a8e-4296-4d64-ab95-7b9a771509fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/usa%20afp%20coronavirus.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-daily-increase-in-global-coronavirus-cases-for-second-day-in-a-row-314375">Record daily increase in global coronavirus cases for second day in a row</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases for the second day in a row -- 259,848 in 24 hours | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-daily-increase-in-global-coronavirus-cases-for-second-day-in-a-row-314375">READ MORE</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus in USA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="472bbb19-d0d1-4125-8b89-67a55bf31528" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/coronavirus%20reu.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cracks-down-on-portland-protesters-after-trump-order-to-protect-monuments-314351">US cracks down on Portland protesters after Trump order to protect monuments</a>

US federal law enforcement officers are swooping down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect monuments in the country | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cracks-down-on-portland-protesters-after-trump-order-to-protect-monuments-314351">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-extend-summit-as-they-grapple-over-coronavirus-recovery-plan-314359">EU leaders extend summit as they grapple over coronavirus, recovery plan</a>

European Union leaders in Brussels remained deadlocked Saturday over the COVID-19 recovery plan due to resistance from the Netherlands and its allies: Austria, Denmark, Finland and Sweden | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-extend-summit-as-they-grapple-over-coronavirus-recovery-plan-314359">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-been-brought-to-our-knees-by-coronavirus-says-united-nations-314360">Have been 'brought to our knees' by coronavirus, says United Nations</a>

Coronavirus pandemic and subsequently enforced lockdown could push 100 million people into extreme poverty, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Saturday | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-been-brought-to-our-knees-by-coronavirus-says-united-nations-314360">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-asks-japan-for-huawei-alternatives-in-5g-networks-314365">UK asks Japan for Huawei alternatives in 5G networks</a>

The British government has asked Japan to help build its 5G wireless networks without Huawei Technologies. It has cited NEC Corp (6701.T) and Fujitsu Ltd (6702.T) as potential alternative suppliers | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-asks-japan-for-huawei-alternatives-in-5g-networks-314365">READ MORE</a>

White House was warned of potential pandemic disaster in September: Ex-Trump economist Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States | READ MORE Record daily increase in global coronavirus cases for second day in a row The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases for the second day in a row -- 259,848 in 24 hours | READ MORE US cracks down on Portland protesters after Trump order to protect monuments US federal law enforcement officers are swooping down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect monuments in the country | READ MORE EU leaders extend summit as they grapple over coronavirus, recovery plan European Union leaders in Brussels remained deadlocked Saturday over the COVID-19 recovery plan due to resistance from the Netherlands and its allies: Austria, Denmark, Finland and Sweden | READ MORE Have been 'brought to our knees' by coronavirus, says United Nations Coronavirus pandemic and subsequently enforced lockdown could push 100 million people into extreme poverty, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Saturday | READ MORE UK asks Japan for Huawei alternatives in 5G networks The British government has asked Japan to help build its 5G wireless networks without Huawei Technologies.

White House was warned of potential pandemic disaster in September: Ex-Trump economist Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States | READ MORE Record daily increase in global coronavirus cases for second day in a row The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases for the second day in a row -- 259,848 in 24 hours | READ MORE US cracks down on Portland protesters after Trump order to protect monuments US federal law enforcement officers are swooping down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect monuments in the country | READ MORE EU leaders extend summit as they grapple over coronavirus, recovery plan European Union leaders in Brussels remained deadlocked Saturday over the COVID-19 recovery plan due to resistance from the Netherlands and its allies: Austria, Denmark, Finland and Sweden | READ MORE Have been 'brought to our knees' by coronavirus, says United Nations Coronavirus pandemic and subsequently enforced lockdown could push 100 million people into extreme poverty, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Saturday | READ MORE UK asks Japan for Huawei alternatives in 5G networks The British government has asked Japan to help build its 5G wireless networks without Huawei Technologies. It has cited NEC Corp (6701.T) and Fujitsu Ltd (6702.T) as potential alternative suppliers | READ MORE

Morning news brief: US cracks down on protesters, coronavirus cases continue to rise, and more

US federal law enforcement officers are swooping down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect monuments in the country.

Several videos posted online show camouflage-clad officers without clear identification badges using force and unmarked vehicles to transport arrested protesters.

A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokeswoman said on Friday agents had been deployed to Portland to support a newly launched US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unit, tasked with enforcing last month’s executive order from Republican President Donald Trump to protect federal monuments and buildings.

The agents had been trained for operations “in chaotic environments.”

In addition to Border Patrol agents, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are helping DHS’s Federal Protective Service, which provides security for federal buildings, ICE said.

Media reports said federal agents had arrested 13 people, but there was no immediate confirmation from the authorities.

Demonstrators protesting against racism and police brutality gathered around the federal courthouse daily in Portland since the killing of African American George Floyd during a May 25 arrest in Minneapolis, with crowds at times exceeding 10,000. Portland police used tear gas on the protesters, some of whom sprayed graffiti on buildings, until Governor Brown in early July banned its use except in the case of riots.

One video posted online shows an officer bundling a protester into a dark minivan. The CBP spokeswoman said the agency had information that person was suspected of assaults against federal agents or destruction of federal property and “a large and violent mob” moved toward the agents once they approached the suspect.

Another video shows an officer shoving away medics trying to aid someone. And still another showed a protester bleeding profusely from his head after federal troops allegedly shot him with a weapon firing non-lethal munition.

To this end, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the US Marshals Service “will be conducting a full investigation” into the shooting.

US federal law enforcement officers are swooping down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect monuments in the country.

US federal law enforcement officers are swooping down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect monuments in the country. Several videos posted online show camouflage-clad officers without clear identification badges using force and unmarked vehicles to transport arrested protesters. A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokeswoman said on Friday agents had been deployed to Portland to support a newly launched US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unit, tasked with enforcing last month’s executive order from Republican President Donald Trump to protect federal monuments and buildings. The agents had been trained for operations “in chaotic environments.” In addition to Border Patrol agents, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are helping DHS’s Federal Protective Service, which provides security for federal buildings, ICE said. Media reports said federal agents had arrested 13 people, but there was no immediate confirmation from the authorities. Demonstrators protesting against racism and police brutality gathered around the federal courthouse daily in Portland since the killing of African American George Floyd during a May 25 arrest in Minneapolis, with crowds at times exceeding 10,000. Portland police used tear gas on the protesters, some of whom sprayed graffiti on buildings, until Governor Brown in early July banned its use except in the case of riots. One video posted online shows an officer bundling a protester into a dark minivan. The CBP spokeswoman said the agency had information that person was suspected of assaults against federal agents or destruction of federal property and “a large and violent mob” moved toward the agents once they approached the suspect. Another video shows an officer shoving away medics trying to aid someone. And still another showed a protester bleeding profusely from his head after federal troops allegedly shot him with a weapon firing non-lethal munition. To this end, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the US Marshals Service “will be conducting a full investigation” into the shooting.

US cracks down on Portland protesters after Trump order to protect monuments

A 'Black Lives Matter' mural painted on the street in front of Trump Tower in New York City has been defaced with bucketfuls of paint three times in less than a week.

In Saturday's incident, two women were arrested after, police said, they poured black paint on the block-long mural outside the tower.

A bystander video has also emerged in this case, showing police officers surrounding one of the women as she rubbed the paint on the mural's bright yellow letters.

One of the officers slipped on the paint and tumbled to the ground, sustaining injuries to his head and arm.

Saturday's vandalism happened less than 24 hours after three people were caught on surveillance video smearing blue paint on the mural on Friday evening, while a woman littered it with flyers that referenced the recent shooting death of a 1-year-old boy in Brooklyn.

Meanwhile, police are continuing to look for a man in black shorts and a dark blue T-shirt who was seen splashing red paint on the “Black Lives Matter” mural around noon on Monday.

The words “Black Lives Matter” have been painted on streets in New York and elsewhere in recent weeks to show support for the movement demanding justice and reforms after the recent police killings of George Floyd and other Black people. 
&nbsp;

A 'Black Lives Matter' mural painted on the street in front of Trump Tower in New York City has been defaced with bucketfuls of paint three times in less than a week.

A 'Black Lives Matter' mural painted on the street in front of Trump Tower in New York City has been defaced with bucketfuls of paint three times in less than a week. In Saturday's incident, two women were arrested after, police said, they poured black paint on the block-long mural outside the tower. A bystander video has also emerged in this case, showing police officers surrounding one of the women as she rubbed the paint on the mural's bright yellow letters. One of the officers slipped on the paint and tumbled to the ground, sustaining injuries to his head and arm. Saturday's vandalism happened less than 24 hours after three people were caught on surveillance video smearing blue paint on the mural on Friday evening, while a woman littered it with flyers that referenced the recent shooting death of a 1-year-old boy in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, police are continuing to look for a man in black shorts and a dark blue T-shirt who was seen splashing red paint on the “Black Lives Matter” mural around noon on Monday. The words “Black Lives Matter” have been painted on streets in New York and elsewhere in recent weeks to show support for the movement demanding justice and reforms after the recent police killings of George Floyd and other Black people.

'Black Lives Matter' mural outside Trump Tower defaced for third time

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