The Trump administration has notified Congress and the United Nations that the US is formally withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that comes amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in the country over the past week.

The United States will leave WHO on July 6, 2021, the United Nations said on Tuesday, after receiving notification of the decision by President Donald Trump, who has accused the agency of becoming a puppet for China during the coronavirus pandemic.

The withdrawal has drawn criticism from various organisations. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed Tuesday to reverse the decision "on (his) first day" if elected.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-caused-great-damage-to-united-states-and-rest-of-the-world-fumes-trump-311117">Also read |&nbsp;China has caused great damage to United States and rest of the world, fumes Trump</a>

Trump, who announced the decision over a month ago, has to give one-year notice of the U.S. withdrawal from the Geneva-based body and pay all Washington’s dues under a 1948 joint resolution of the U.S. Congress. The United States currently owes the WHO more than $200 million in assessed contributions, according to the WHO website.

After more than 70 years of membership, the United States moved to quit the WHO amid escalating tensions with China over the coronavirus pandemic. The virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.

The WHO has denied assertions by Trump that it promoted Chinese “disinformation” about the virus.

(with inputs from agencies)

The Trump administration has notified Congress and the United Nations that the US is formally withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that comes amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in the country over the past week.

The Trump administration has notified Congress and the United Nations that the US is formally withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that comes amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in the country over the past week. The United States will leave WHO on July 6, 2021, the United Nations said on Tuesday, after receiving notification of the decision by President Donald Trump, who has accused the agency of becoming a puppet for China during the coronavirus pandemic. The withdrawal has drawn criticism from various organisations. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed Tuesday to reverse the decision "on (his) first day" if elected. Also read | China has caused great damage to United States and rest of the world, fumes Trump Trump, who announced the decision over a month ago, has to give one-year notice of the U.S. withdrawal from the Geneva-based body and pay all Washington’s dues under a 1948 joint resolution of the U.S. Congress. The United States currently owes the WHO more than $200 million in assessed contributions, according to the WHO website. After more than 70 years of membership, the United States moved to quit the WHO amid escalating tensions with China over the coronavirus pandemic. The virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. The WHO has denied assertions by Trump that it promoted Chinese “disinformation” about the virus. (with inputs from agencies)

Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO

Top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci on Tuesday warned that Americans shouldn't take comfort in the dropping death rate among coronavirus patients in the US even as President Donald Trump says the trend is evidence of a successful response to the virus.

Fauci, one of the health experts serving on the White House coronavirus task force, appeared on a livestreamed press conference with Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama on Tuesday.

"It's a false narrative to take comfort in a lower rate of death," Fauci said.

His comments come after the White House repeatedly pointed to the falling US mortality rate as proof of a productive response despite states across the country grappling with record-breaking spikes in the virus.

Trump tweeted on Monday that "the Mortality Rate for the China Virus in the U.S. is just about the LOWEST IN THE WORLD," doubling down on this stance with a subsequent tweet definitively declaring that "we now have the lowest Fatality (Mortality) Rate in the World."

Conversely, while US coronavirus mortality rates have declined recently, they are not the lowest in the world. At least 14 have lower death rates than the US.

Fauci also said he does not anticipate a federal coronavirus vaccine mandate in the US once one is made available.

He also explained he "could see individual institutions mandating a vaccine" but not at the nationwide level "merely because of all the situations you have encroaching upon a person's freedom to make their own choice of their own health."

While Fauci did not publicly comment on the contradiction between his comments and that of the president, he said he thinks "any politicization of anything that's a public health matter has negative consequences, and that's the reason why we try as best as we can not to let political issues get involved."

Fauci stressed the importance of face masks in combating the virus -- something he said he's "strongly in favour" of mandating, just not on the federal level.

White House officials are also now discussing taking a more active role in encouraging masks. After appearing at a string of events without social distancing and where masks were scarce, Trump's campaign said Sunday it would host a New Hampshire campaign rally where attendees will be "provided a face mask that they are strongly encouraged to wear."

Top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci on Tuesday warned that Americans shouldn't take comfort in the dropping death rate among coronavirus patients in the US even as President Donald Trump says the trend is evidence of a successful response to the virus.

Top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci on Tuesday warned that Americans shouldn't take comfort in the dropping death rate among coronavirus patients in the US even as President Donald Trump says the trend is evidence of a successful response to the virus. Fauci, one of the health experts serving on the White House coronavirus task force, appeared on a livestreamed press conference with Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama on Tuesday. "It's a false narrative to take comfort in a lower rate of death," Fauci said. His comments come after the White House repeatedly pointed to the falling US mortality rate as proof of a productive response despite states across the country grappling with record-breaking spikes in the virus. Trump tweeted on Monday that "the Mortality Rate for the China Virus in the U.S. is just about the LOWEST IN THE WORLD," doubling down on this stance with a subsequent tweet definitively declaring that "we now have the lowest Fatality (Mortality) Rate in the World." Conversely, while US coronavirus mortality rates have declined recently, they are not the lowest in the world. At least 14 have lower death rates than the US. Fauci also said he does not anticipate a federal coronavirus vaccine mandate in the US once one is made available. He also explained he "could see individual institutions mandating a vaccine" but not at the nationwide level "merely because of all the situations you have encroaching upon a person's freedom to make their own choice of their own health." While Fauci did not publicly comment on the contradiction between his comments and that of the president, he said he thinks "any politicization of anything that's a public health matter has negative consequences, and that's the reason why we try as best as we can not to let political issues get involved." Fauci stressed the importance of face masks in combating the virus -- something he said he's "strongly in favour" of mandating, just not on the federal level. White House officials are also now discussing taking a more active role in encouraging masks. After appearing at a string of events without social distancing and where masks were scarce, Trump's campaign said Sunday it would host a New Hampshire campaign rally where attendees will be "provided a face mask that they are strongly encouraged to wear."

Fauci warns against 'false narrative', promoted by Trump emphasising on lower coronavirus death rate

US President Donald Trump lashed out at Harvard University on Tuesday, calling its decision to move all its courses online in the fall due to the coronavirus pandemic "ridiculous."

Donald Trump vs Harvard feud intensifies; 'Give money back to Americans', says Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;has snubbed the NAFTA&nbsp;meeting invite from Washington this week to celebrate a new North American trade pact with his US and Mexican counterparts Donald Trump and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, his office Monday.

"Despite recent discussions about Canada's possible participation, the Prime Minister will be in Ottawa this week to hold scheduled cabinet meetings and take part in a long-planned&nbsp;meeting of parliament," his office said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-row-now-china-issues-travel-warning-against-canada-311150" hreflang="en">Hong Kong row: Now, China issues travel warning against Canada</a>

The Mexican president had earlier said on Twitter that&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;would not be attending the event on Wednesday, but said that he had agreed to visit Mexico "as soon as possible."

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Conversamos con Justin Trudeau, primer ministro de Canadá. Coincidimos en la importancia del T-MEC. No podrá acompañarnos en Washington, pero aceptó visitar México tan pronto sea posible. Tenemos muy buena relación. <a href="https://t.co/yRsSM3VsnE">pic.twitter.com/yRsSM3VsnE</a>
— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) <a href="https://twitter.com/lopezobrador_/status/1280161345305018369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The trip to Washington will be Lopez Obrador's first official overseas visit, and he will meet Trump on Wednesday.&nbsp;

On Friday,&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;hinted that he was in two minds about the visit in part because of concerns about the US reimposing tariffs on Canadian aluminum.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-trade-accord-with-mexico-canada-next-week-276253">Donald Trump to sign trade accord with Mexico, Canada next week</a>

Another cause for concern for the Canadian leader was "the health situation and the coronavirus" which is still sweeping through all three countries, with the US the worst-hit country in the world with 2.8 million cases diagnosed by Monday, and more than 130,000 deaths.&nbsp;

The new trade pact, known as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, came into effect last Wednesday, when the borders between the three countries were partially closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which came into effect in 1994.

In June 2018, while the trade pact was being renegotiated, Trump slapped punitive tariffs on Canadian aluminum, stunning the US's historic ally.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has snubbed the NAFTA meeting invite from Washington this week to celebrate a new North American trade pact with his US and Mexican counterparts Donald Trump and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, his office Monday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has snubbed the NAFTA meeting invite from Washington this week to celebrate a new North American trade pact with his US and Mexican counterparts Donald Trump and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, his office Monday. "Despite recent discussions about Canada's possible participation, the Prime Minister will be in Ottawa this week to hold scheduled cabinet meetings and take part in a long-planned meeting of parliament," his office said. Also read| Hong Kong row: Now, China issues travel warning against Canada The Mexican president had earlier said on Twitter that Trudeau would not be attending the event on Wednesday, but said that he had agreed to visit Mexico "as soon as possible." Conversamos con Justin Trudeau, primer ministro de Canadá. Coincidimos en la importancia del T-MEC. No podrá acompañarnos en Washington, pero aceptó visitar México tan pronto sea posible. Tenemos muy buena relación. pic.twitter.com/yRsSM3VsnE — Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) July 6, 2020 × The trip to Washington will be Lopez Obrador's first official overseas visit, and he will meet Trump on Wednesday. On Friday, Trudeau hinted that he was in two minds about the visit in part because of concerns about the US reimposing tariffs on Canadian aluminum. Also read| Donald Trump to sign trade accord with Mexico, Canada next week Another cause for concern for the Canadian leader was "the health situation and the coronavirus" which is still sweeping through all three countries, with the US the worst-hit country in the world with 2.8 million cases diagnosed by Monday, and more than 130,000 deaths. The new trade pact, known as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, came into effect last Wednesday, when the borders between the three countries were partially closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which came into effect in 1994. In June 2018, while the trade pact was being renegotiated, Trump slapped punitive tariffs on Canadian aluminum, stunning the US's historic ally.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declines Trump's meeting invitation

US President Donald Trump lashed out on NASCAR's only black driver Bubba Wallace and has urged him to apologise after FBI denied any hate crime against the racer.&nbsp;

Last month, NASCAR released a statement that a noose was found in the garage stall of black driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, and they have launched a probe of the "heinous" act.&nbsp;The noose has been a symbol of lynchings in the American South.&nbsp;

Wallace took to Twitter to condemn this "despicable act of racism" against him. He wrote: "The despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a society and how persistent we must be in the fight against racism."

Incident brought the NASCAR community together and many of them rallied around Wallace. NASCAR champions Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney pushed Wallace's vehicle on track as he steered it to the front of the pit road. The entire 40-driver field and all their crew members followed.

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Has <a href="https://twitter.com/BubbaWallace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BubbaWallace</a> apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers &amp; officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, &amp; were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX? That &amp; Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1280117571874951170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers &amp; officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, &amp; were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX?" Trump said on Twitter.

Trump added in his tweet that the ban and the noose controversy had "caused lowest ratings EVER!"

The FBI has concluded the investigation on Tuesday on the noose found in the garage stalls of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace and said that the rope was no evidence of racist hate crime but an object that had been there for months.

NASCAR released a statement which said: "The FBI has completed its investigation at Talladega Superspeedway and determined that Bubba Wallace was not the target of a hate crime."

US President Donald Trump lashed out on NASCAR's only black driver Bubba Wallace and has urged him to apologise after FBI denied any hate crime against the racer.

US President Donald Trump lashed out on NASCAR's only black driver Bubba Wallace and has urged him to apologise after FBI denied any hate crime against the racer. Last month, NASCAR released a statement that a noose was found in the garage stall of black driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, and they have launched a probe of the "heinous" act. The noose has been a symbol of lynchings in the American South. Wallace took to Twitter to condemn this "despicable act of racism" against him. He wrote: "The despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a society and how persistent we must be in the fight against racism." Incident brought the NASCAR community together and many of them rallied around Wallace. NASCAR champions Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney pushed Wallace's vehicle on track as he steered it to the front of the pit road. The entire 40-driver field and all their crew members followed. Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX? That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 6, 2020 × "Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX?" Trump said on Twitter. Trump added in his tweet that the ban and the noose controversy had "caused lowest ratings EVER!" The FBI has concluded the investigation on Tuesday on the noose found in the garage stalls of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace and said that the rope was no evidence of racist hate crime but an object that had been there for months. NASCAR released a statement which said: "The FBI has completed its investigation at Talladega Superspeedway and determined that Bubba Wallace was not the target of a hate crime."

'Apologise': President Donald Trump lashes out at NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace over noose protest

Following a lot of criticism for Tulsa rally last month, US President Donald Trump will conduct an outdoor campaign rally in New Hampshire, his team announced on Sunday.&nbsp;

The "Make America Great Again" rally will be held on July 11 in Portsmouth, his campaign team said in a statement, reported AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-coronavirus-will-sort-of-just-disappear-even-as-us-sets-new-record-for-cases-310291">Trump says coronavirus will 'sort of just disappear' even as US sets new record for cases</a>

It also said all attendees would be provided "ample access to hand sanitiser" and face masks that "they are strongly encouraged to wear".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-supporters-slam-ivanka-for-wearing-face-mask-310837">Trump supporters slam Ivanka for wearing face mask</a>

Earlier, the US president held a rally on June 20 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was severely criticised as coronavirus prevention measures, such as social distancing and wearing a face mask were flouted.&nbsp;

Despite Trump's claims of over a million people requesting tickets for Tulsa rally, images showed the stadium filled less than a third of its capacity.&nbsp;

Trump is facing severe backlash in the US due to his response to the coronavirus outbreak and anti-racism protests and is trailing for weeks behind his Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden.&nbsp;

Though there are calls to keep caution while interpreting poll trends, experts have noted that Biden's lead over Trump is far more than Hillary Clinton had against Trump at this point ahead of the 2016 polls.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Following a lot of criticism for Tulsa rally last month, US President Donald Trump will conduct an outdoor campaign rally in New Hampshire, his team announced on Sunday.

Following a lot of criticism for Tulsa rally last month, US President Donald Trump will conduct an outdoor campaign rally in New Hampshire, his team announced on Sunday. The "Make America Great Again" rally will be held on July 11 in Portsmouth, his campaign team said in a statement, reported AFP. Also read | Trump says coronavirus will 'sort of just disappear' even as US sets new record for cases It also said all attendees would be provided "ample access to hand sanitiser" and face masks that "they are strongly encouraged to wear". Also read | Trump supporters slam Ivanka for wearing face mask Earlier, the US president held a rally on June 20 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was severely criticised as coronavirus prevention measures, such as social distancing and wearing a face mask were flouted. Despite Trump's claims of over a million people requesting tickets for Tulsa rally, images showed the stadium filled less than a third of its capacity. Trump is facing severe backlash in the US due to his response to the coronavirus outbreak and anti-racism protests and is trailing for weeks behind his Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden. Though there are calls to keep caution while interpreting poll trends, experts have noted that Biden's lead over Trump is far more than Hillary Clinton had against Trump at this point ahead of the 2016 polls.

Donald Trump to hold outdoor campaign rally in New Hampshire

The United States continues to struggle with a fresh spike in coronavirus cases as the country recorded 39,379 new cases in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University on Sunday.&nbsp;

The US also saw 234 new fatalities, taking the total toll to 129,891 as overall cases stand at 2,876,143.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-commissioner-declines-to-defend-trumps-claim-that-99-of-covid-19-cases-are-harmless-310915">US FDA commissioner declines to defend Trump's claim that 99% of COVID-19 cases are 'harmless'</a>

The latest figures are a part of a new surge in infections and include a high of 57,683 on Friday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-6-million-people-have-recovered-from-covid-19-globally-johns-hopkins-university-310952">Over 6 million people have recovered from COVID-19 globally: Johns Hopkins University</a>

The drop witnessed on Sunday could be because of less reporting on the July 4th national holiday weekend.

By a massive margin, the US has suffered the most from the coronavirus pandemic and struggled to contain the infections and deaths.&nbsp;

In recent days, 15 states have confirmed a record increase in COVID-19 infections, which forced many towns and cities to cancel traditional Independence Day fireworks.&nbsp;

In three out of the last four days, Florida recorded over 10,000 cases, including a jump of 10,059 on Sunday, which is more than the highest daily tally witnessed by any European country when they witnessed the peak of the outbreak.&nbsp;

California, Texas, and Arizona are also witnessing a surge in cases, and Midwest states that once had low infections tally are seeing an uptick, such as Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa, according to a Reuters analysis.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

The United States continues to struggle with a fresh spike in coronavirus cases as the country recorded 39,379 new cases in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University on Sunday.

The United States continues to struggle with a fresh spike in coronavirus cases as the country recorded 39,379 new cases in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University on Sunday. The US also saw 234 new fatalities, taking the total toll to 129,891 as overall cases stand at 2,876,143. Also read | US FDA commissioner declines to defend Trump's claim that 99% of COVID-19 cases are 'harmless' The latest figures are a part of a new surge in infections and include a high of 57,683 on Friday. Also read | Over 6 million people have recovered from COVID-19 globally: Johns Hopkins University The drop witnessed on Sunday could be because of less reporting on the July 4th national holiday weekend. By a massive margin, the US has suffered the most from the coronavirus pandemic and struggled to contain the infections and deaths. In recent days, 15 states have confirmed a record increase in COVID-19 infections, which forced many towns and cities to cancel traditional Independence Day fireworks. In three out of the last four days, Florida recorded over 10,000 cases, including a jump of 10,059 on Sunday, which is more than the highest daily tally witnessed by any European country when they witnessed the peak of the outbreak. California, Texas, and Arizona are also witnessing a surge in cases, and Midwest states that once had low infections tally are seeing an uptick, such as Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa, according to a Reuters analysis. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Coronavirus US update: Nearly 40,000 new cases bring tally close to 3 million

Trump, virus and protests: Here is how Fourth of July celebrations unfolded!

The US notched over 57,800 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours. The cases are surging even as many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the virus while making extensive alterations to work and social life that could last for a year or more until a vaccine is available.

Four major US states witness record surge in COVID-19 cases

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday vowed to defeat the "radical left," in an Independence Day speech at the White House that condemned recent protests against monuments to historical figures as attempts to destroy the United States.

US President Donald Trump vows to defeat 'radical left'

US President Donald Trump thanked "friend" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his greetings on the 244th anniversary of the American Independence Day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-wishes-donald-trump-on-us-independence-day-310762" hreflang="en">PM Modi wishes Donald Trump on US Independence Day</a>

Trump tweeted: “Thank you my friend. America loves India!”

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Thank you my friend. America loves India! <a href="https://t.co/mlvJ51l8XJ">https://t.co/mlvJ51l8XJ</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1279469749567655936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, PM Modi tweeted: "I congratulate US President Donald Trump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA."

"As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates."

Independence Day is annually celebrated in the United States on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July".&nbsp;

This year the day is marred by a couple of factors -- the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, the Black Lives Matter movement and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech.

Both world leaders share a strong bond and often call each other "friend".&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump thanked "friend" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his greetings on the 244th anniversary of the American Independence Day. Also read: PM Modi wishes Donald Trump on US Independence Day Trump tweeted: “Thank you my friend.

US President Donald Trump thanked "friend" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his greetings on the 244th anniversary of the American Independence Day. Also read: PM Modi wishes Donald Trump on US Independence Day Trump tweeted: “Thank you my friend. America loves India!” Thank you my friend. America loves India! https://t.co/mlvJ51l8XJ — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2020 × Earlier, PM Modi tweeted: "I congratulate US President Donald Trump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA." "As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates." Independence Day is annually celebrated in the United States on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July". This year the day is marred by a couple of factors -- the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, the Black Lives Matter movement and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech. Both world leaders share a strong bond and often call each other "friend".

America loves India!: Trump thanks 'friend' PM Modi for Independence Day wish

The commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration on Sunday refused to comment on President Donald Trump's claim that 99 per cent of coronavirus cases are "totally harmless". He repeatedly declined to say whether Trump's remark was true or false.

"I'm not going to get into who is right and who is wrong," Dr Stephen Hahn, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, told CNN.

Trump claimed without evidence that 99% of coronavirus cases "are totally harmless," during his remarks on Saturday at the White House Independence Day event.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 35% of cases are asymptomatic, but even people with mild or no symptoms can spread the virus to others.

"I totally support the CDC and the information that they're putting out with respect to this pandemic," Hahn said on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-us-president-donald-trump-says-tremendous-victory-nearby-in-fight-against-pandemic-310766">Also read |&nbsp;Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic</a>

"What I'll say is that we have data in the White House task force. Those data show us that this is a serious problem. People need to take it seriously," Hahn said, adding, "if you don't follow local and state guidelines about what to do, if you're not following the CDC and White House task force guidelines, you are putting yourselves and you're putting your loved ones at risk."

While the World Health Organization has said the global fatality rate is likely less than 1%, it also stated that about 20% of all people who are diagnosed with coronavirus are sick enough to need oxygen or hospital care.

There have been more than 2.8 million cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 1,29,000 people have died.

Trump celebrated the Fourth of July at Mount Rushmore on Friday and at the White House's "Salute to America" on Saturday, where many attendees were seen neither socially distancing nor wearing masks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-secrecy-deception-and-cover-up-allowed-coronavirus-to-spread-all-over-world-trump-310775">Also read |&nbsp;China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump</a>

This year the Fourth of July celebrations were marred by a couple of factors -- rising number of coronavirus cases, the Black Lives Matter movement and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech.

The commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration on Sunday refused to comment on President Donald Trump's claim that 99 per cent of coronavirus cases are "totally harmless".

The commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration on Sunday refused to comment on President Donald Trump's claim that 99 per cent of coronavirus cases are "totally harmless". He repeatedly declined to say whether Trump's remark was true or false. "I'm not going to get into who is right and who is wrong," Dr Stephen Hahn, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, told CNN. Trump claimed without evidence that 99% of coronavirus cases "are totally harmless," during his remarks on Saturday at the White House Independence Day event. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 35% of cases are asymptomatic, but even people with mild or no symptoms can spread the virus to others. "I totally support the CDC and the information that they're putting out with respect to this pandemic," Hahn said on Sunday. Also read | Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic "What I'll say is that we have data in the White House task force. Those data show us that this is a serious problem. People need to take it seriously," Hahn said, adding, "if you don't follow local and state guidelines about what to do, if you're not following the CDC and White House task force guidelines, you are putting yourselves and you're putting your loved ones at risk." While the World Health Organization has said the global fatality rate is likely less than 1%, it also stated that about 20% of all people who are diagnosed with coronavirus are sick enough to need oxygen or hospital care. There have been more than 2.8 million cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 1,29,000 people have died. Trump celebrated the Fourth of July at Mount Rushmore on Friday and at the White House's "Salute to America" on Saturday, where many attendees were seen neither socially distancing nor wearing masks. Also read | China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump This year the Fourth of July celebrations were marred by a couple of factors -- rising number of coronavirus cases, the Black Lives Matter movement and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech.

US FDA commissioner declines to defend Trump's claim that 99% of COVID-19 cases are 'harmless'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-us-president-donald-trump-says-tremendous-victory-nearby-in-fight-against-pandemic-310766">Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, US president Donald Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/02/147812-donald-trump-reuterss.jpg?itok=aJQWxeZS" />

The United States is the worst-hit country in terms of coronavirus pandemic with over 2.8 million cases and 130,000 deaths.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-man-in-famous-911-attacks-photograph-dies-from-coronavirus-310906">US: Man in famous 9/11 attacks photograph dies from coronavirus</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/05/148251-911-man.jpg?itok=Ic2nmveY" />

While Cooper was unaware that his photograph was being taken, he was later very proud of the click, his family said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-dead-missing-in-japan-as-heavy-rain-causes-floods-310854">Several dead, missing in Japan as heavy rain causes floods</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/05/148214-japan-floods-afp.jpg?itok=aoXxGl4r" />

Japan is currently in its rainy season, which often causes floods and landslides and prompts local authorities to issue evacuation orders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbus-statue-toppled-by-race-protesters-in-us-city-of-baltimore-310847">Columbus statue toppled by race protesters in US city of Baltimore</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/05/148247-coronavirus-in-ireland.jpg?itok=RKxf3IsW" />

The countries in the 'green list' will be the ones that have the similar, if not less, rate of coronavirus cases to Ireland.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbus-statue-toppled-by-race-protesters-in-us-city-of-baltimore-310847">Columbus statue toppled by race protesters in US city of Baltimore</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/05/148211-ym-columbus-050720.jpg?itok=XCuXqAFt" />

Statues of figures connected to colonialism and slavery have been ripped from their plinths in the United States and around the world since Black Lives Matter protests were sparked by the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-expects-france-to-apologise-for-colonial-past-310862">Algeria expects France to apologise for colonial past</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/05/148217-abdelmadjid-tebboune-1593940122.jpg?itok=BW1GMH9H" />

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Saturday expressed hope that Emmanuel Macron would build on recent conciliatory overtures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-case-of-brain-destroying-amoeba-confirmed-in-florida-310845">Rare case of brain-destroying amoeba confirmed in Florida</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/05/148210-naegleria-fowleri-1040x454.jpg?itok=4vVj2Hqt" />

In the US, there have been 143 known infected cases of the amoeba, according to the Florida DOH. Only four have survived.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-researchers-discover-ancient-underwater-archaeological-sites-310889">Australian researchers discover ancient underwater archaeological sites</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/05/148244-underwater.jpg?itok=gQuk65A8" />

Archaeologists discovered hundreds of stone tools made by aboriginal people when the seabed was dry, at two ancient sites now submerged in the Dampier Archipelago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-secrecy-deception-and-cover-up-allowed-coronavirus-to-spread-all-over-world-trump-310775">China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/05/148155-0631254310339.jpg?itok=TK9O4X9a" />

“China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed it to spread all over the world and China must be held fully accountable”, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-supporters-slam-ivanka-for-wearing-face-mask-310837">Trump supporters slam Ivanka for wearing face mask</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/11/28/76154-untitled-design-9.jpg?itok=cWQiB4v8" />

The photo shows Ivanka and the two representatives outside. Rep. Westerman wears a suit and surgical mask, Rep. McCarthy has a gray cloth mask, and Ivanka is modeling a pretty blue watercolor mask.

Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, US president Donald Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic The United States is the worst-hit country in terms of coronavirus pandemic with over 2.

Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, US president Donald Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic The United States is the worst-hit country in terms of coronavirus pandemic with over 2.8 million cases and 130,000 deaths. US: Man in famous 9/11 attacks photograph dies from coronavirus While Cooper was unaware that his photograph was being taken, he was later very proud of the click, his family said. Several dead, missing in Japan as heavy rain causes floods Japan is currently in its rainy season, which often causes floods and landslides and prompts local authorities to issue evacuation orders. Columbus statue toppled by race protesters in US city of Baltimore The countries in the 'green list' will be the ones that have the similar, if not less, rate of coronavirus cases to Ireland. Columbus statue toppled by race protesters in US city of Baltimore Statues of figures connected to colonialism and slavery have been ripped from their plinths in the United States and around the world since Black Lives Matter protests were sparked by the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May. Algeria expects France to apologise for colonial past President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Saturday expressed hope that Emmanuel Macron would build on recent conciliatory overtures. Rare case of brain-destroying amoeba confirmed in Florida In the US, there have been 143 known infected cases of the amoeba, according to the Florida DOH. Only four have survived. Australian researchers discover ancient underwater archaeological sites Archaeologists discovered hundreds of stone tools made by aboriginal people when the seabed was dry, at two ancient sites now submerged in the Dampier Archipelago. China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump “China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed it to spread all over the world and China must be held fully accountable”, he added. Trump supporters slam Ivanka for wearing face mask The photo shows Ivanka and the two representatives outside. Rep. Westerman wears a suit and surgical mask, Rep. McCarthy has a gray cloth mask, and Ivanka is modeling a pretty blue watercolor mask.

Top 10 world news today: Columbus statue toppled in US, Japan's floods and more

Donald Trump has been vocal about his thoughts on the topic of China allegedly spreading the novel coronavirus to the whole world. He has said it in various rallies, campaigns, press conferences and even on his favourite platform -- Twitter.

SO, when the whole country came together to celebrate Independence Day, US President Donald Trump made sure he reminds the country, and the rest of the world, that he blames China for coronavirus, or what he calls 'Kung Flu'.

On Saturday, in celebration of the 244th independence day, Trump also applauded his administration for handling the pandemic nicely, even though the number of cases are dangerously increasing in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-again-blames-china-for-covid-19-terms-it-kung-flu-307466">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump again blames China for COVID-19, terms it ‘Kung flu'</a>

"We have the manufacturing record for ventilators. We have the most and the finest testing anywhere in the world. We are producing gowns, masks, and surgical equipment in our country?It was almost exclusively made in foreign lands, in particular, China, where ironically this virus and others came from," he said in his address from the lawns of the White House.

"China's secrecy, deception, and cover-up allowed it to spread all over the world, 189 countries and China must be held fully accountable," he added.

Trump also said that China should be blamed and held accountable for the secrecy around the coronavirus and for hiding the truth about the pandemic. He expressed disappointment over the way China handled the pandemic and blamed China's&nbsp;"incompetence" attitude which led to the mass killing across the globe.

China, on the other hand, has denied the accusations made by Donald Trump. World Health Organization (WHO) has now started an investigation on how, where and when did the novel coronavoirus originate.

Donald Trump has been vocal about his thoughts on the topic of China allegedly spreading the novel coronavirus to the whole world. He has said it in various rallies, campaigns, press conferences and even on his favourite platform -- Twitter.

Donald Trump has been vocal about his thoughts on the topic of China allegedly spreading the novel coronavirus to the whole world. He has said it in various rallies, campaigns, press conferences and even on his favourite platform -- Twitter. SO, when the whole country came together to celebrate Independence Day, US President Donald Trump made sure he reminds the country, and the rest of the world, that he blames China for coronavirus, or what he calls 'Kung Flu'. On Saturday, in celebration of the 244th independence day, Trump also applauded his administration for handling the pandemic nicely, even though the number of cases are dangerously increasing in the country. Also read: Donald Trump again blames China for COVID-19, terms it ‘Kung flu' "We have the manufacturing record for ventilators. We have the most and the finest testing anywhere in the world. We are producing gowns, masks, and surgical equipment in our country?It was almost exclusively made in foreign lands, in particular, China, where ironically this virus and others came from," he said in his address from the lawns of the White House. "China's secrecy, deception, and cover-up allowed it to spread all over the world, 189 countries and China must be held fully accountable," he added. Trump also said that China should be blamed and held accountable for the secrecy around the coronavirus and for hiding the truth about the pandemic. He expressed disappointment over the way China handled the pandemic and blamed China's "incompetence" attitude which led to the mass killing across the globe. China, on the other hand, has denied the accusations made by Donald Trump. World Health Organization (WHO) has now started an investigation on how, where and when did the novel coronavoirus originate.

Secrecy, deception and cover-up: Trump blames China yet again for COVID-19

Veteran singer Neil Young has slammed US President Donald Trump for using his songs at a 4th of July rally at Mount Rushmore. 
 
By re-tweeting the clip of his 'Rockin in the Free World', that was used at the July 4 weekend celebration he wrote, ''This is NOT ok with me…''.&nbsp;

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This is NOT ok with me... <a href="https://t.co/Q9j9NRPMhi">https://t.co/Q9j9NRPMhi</a>
— Neil Young Archives (@NeilYoungNYA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilYoungNYA/status/1279213965990678528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Young also tweeted, ''I stand in solidarity with the Lakota Sioux &amp; this is NOT ok with me'', &nbsp;by re-tweeting another clip of 'Like a Hurricane'.&nbsp;

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I stand in solidarity with the Lakota Sioux &amp; this is NOT ok with me <a href="https://t.co/iPVcFplOHa">https://t.co/iPVcFplOHa</a>
— Neil Young Archives (@NeilYoungNYA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilYoungNYA/status/1279214219632746497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In February, Neil penned down an open letter to Trump and wrote, ''You are a disgrace to my country. Your mindless destruction of our shared natural resources, our environment, and our relationships with friends around the world is unforgivable. Our first black president was a better man than you are''.

"' 'Rockin in the Free World' is not a song you can trot out at one of your rallies… Every time ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ or one of my songs is played at your rallies, I hope you hear my voice. Remember it is the voice of a tax-paying U.S. citizen who does not support you. Me,"he had added. 
 
Young, who became a US citizen this year, said he began his path to US citizenship because he wanted to vote against Trump in the 2020 election.

Veteran singer Neil Young has slammed US President Donald Trump for using his songs at a 4th of July rally at Mount Rushmore. By re-tweeting the clip of his 'Rockin in the Free World', that was used at the July 4 weekend celebration he wrote, ''This is NOT ok with me…''.

Veteran singer Neil Young has slammed US President Donald Trump for using his songs at a 4th of July rally at Mount Rushmore. By re-tweeting the clip of his 'Rockin in the Free World', that was used at the July 4 weekend celebration he wrote, ''This is NOT ok with me…''. This is NOT ok with me... https://t.co/Q9j9NRPMhi — Neil Young Archives (@NeilYoungNYA) July 4, 2020 × Young also tweeted, ''I stand in solidarity with the Lakota Sioux & this is NOT ok with me'', by re-tweeting another clip of 'Like a Hurricane'. I stand in solidarity with the Lakota Sioux & this is NOT ok with me https://t.co/iPVcFplOHa — Neil Young Archives (@NeilYoungNYA) July 4, 2020 × In February, Neil penned down an open letter to Trump and wrote, ''You are a disgrace to my country. Your mindless destruction of our shared natural resources, our environment, and our relationships with friends around the world is unforgivable. Our first black president was a better man than you are''. "' 'Rockin in the Free World' is not a song you can trot out at one of your rallies… Every time ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ or one of my songs is played at your rallies, I hope you hear my voice. Remember it is the voice of a tax-paying U.S. citizen who does not support you. Me,"he had added. Young, who became a US citizen this year, said he began his path to US citizenship because he wanted to vote against Trump in the 2020 election.

Neil Young slams Donald Trump for playing his music at 4th July event: 'This is not ok with me'

The girlfriend of President Donald Trump's eldest son has tested positive for coronavirus, US media reported Friday.

Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former&nbsp;television personality who is dating Donald Trump Junior, had traveled to South Dakota to see the US president’s Fourth of July speech and celebration fireworks at Mount Rushmore.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-left-wing-cultural-revolution-rails-against-removal-of-statues-at-mount-rushmore-310621">Trump uses Mount Rushmore address to blast 'left wing cultural revolution'</a>

Guilfoyle was immediately isolated after the positive result to limit exposure said Sergio Gor, chief of staff to the Trump campaign’s finance committee.

"She's doing well, and will be retested to ensure the diagnosis is correct since she's asymptomatic.''

"As a precaution (she) will cancel all upcoming events. Donald Trump Jr was tested negative, but as a precaution is also self-isolating and is canceling all public events."

Guilfoyle is the third person close to the US president to return a positive COVID-19 test, US media reported. Others include Trump's personal valet and the US vice president's press secretary.

Trump has presided over a several large-crowd events, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and at an Arizona megachurch despite health officials warning against large gatherings and recommending face masks and social distancing.

He plans a July Fourth celebration on the National Mall in Washington despite health concerns from DC’s mayor. Trump and Melania Trump plan to host events from the White House South Lawn and from the Ellipse.

The pandemic has claimed nearly 130,000 American lives and a recent resurgence "puts the entire country at risk," top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci has said.

&nbsp;

The girlfriend of President Donald Trump's eldest son has tested positive for coronavirus, US media reported Friday. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former television personality who is dating Donald Trump Junior, had traveled to South Dakota to see the US president’s Fourth of July speech and celebration fireworks at Mount Rushmore.

The girlfriend of President Donald Trump's eldest son has tested positive for coronavirus, US media reported Friday. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former television personality who is dating Donald Trump Junior, had traveled to South Dakota to see the US president’s Fourth of July speech and celebration fireworks at Mount Rushmore. Also read: Trump uses Mount Rushmore address to blast 'left wing cultural revolution' Guilfoyle was immediately isolated after the positive result to limit exposure said Sergio Gor, chief of staff to the Trump campaign’s finance committee. "She's doing well, and will be retested to ensure the diagnosis is correct since she's asymptomatic.'' "As a precaution (she) will cancel all upcoming events. Donald Trump Jr was tested negative, but as a precaution is also self-isolating and is canceling all public events." Guilfoyle is the third person close to the US president to return a positive COVID-19 test, US media reported. Others include Trump's personal valet and the US vice president's press secretary. Trump has presided over a several large-crowd events, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and at an Arizona megachurch despite health officials warning against large gatherings and recommending face masks and social distancing. He plans a July Fourth celebration on the National Mall in Washington despite health concerns from DC’s mayor. Trump and Melania Trump plan to host events from the White House South Lawn and from the Ellipse. The pandemic has claimed nearly 130,000 American lives and a recent resurgence "puts the entire country at risk," top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci has said.

Donald Trump Junior's girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle tests positive for coronavirus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated US President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the country's 244th Independence Day.

"I congratulate US President Donald Trump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

"As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates."

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I congratulate <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA. As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates. <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>
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Independence Day is annually celebrated in the United States on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July".&nbsp;

This year the day is marred by a couple of factors -- the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, the Black Lives Matter movement, and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-coronavirus-and-blm-movement-us-faces-a-grim-july-4-weekend-310752">Also read |&nbsp;With coronavirus and BLM movement, US faces a grim July 4 weekend</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated US President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the country's 244th Independence Day. "I congratulate US President Donald Trump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA," PM Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated US President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the country's 244th Independence Day. "I congratulate US President Donald Trump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA," PM Modi tweeted. "As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates." I congratulate @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and the people of the USA on the 244th Independence Day of the USA. As the world's largest democracies, we cherish freedom and human enterprise that this day celebrates. @WhiteHouse — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2020 × Independence Day is annually celebrated in the United States on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July". This year the day is marred by a couple of factors -- the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, the Black Lives Matter movement, and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech. Also read | With coronavirus and BLM movement, US faces a grim July 4 weekend

PM Modi wishes Donald Trump on US Independence Day

A normal July 4 weekend in the United States would be one that of pomp and show -- with popular beaches packed. But summer 2020 has not been all that kind to the US -- as with the rising number of coronavirus cases, there's the Black Lives Matter movement that has taken over the nation.

An angry speech from President Donald Trump marking US' Independence Day hasn't quite helped matters.

The US coronavirus death toll is fast approaching 1,30,000, roughly one-quarter the world's total, even as many European countries are edging back toward normality.

Social distancing is the need of the hour, and this need is science-based.

To this end, across the country, Main Street parades have been cancelled, boisterous backyard barbecues scaled down, and family reunions&nbsp;put off amid worries about air travel and concerns about spreading the virus.&nbsp;

Some events will be held virtually, as states and cities grapple with a new surge in the coronavirus, using a mix of admonitions and prohibitions.&nbsp;Miami Beach, for one, has imposed a weekend curfew and made it mandatory to wear a mask in public.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-decides-to-go-big-for-july-4-amid-rising-coronavirus-cases-310726">Also read |&nbsp;Trump decides to 'go big' for July 4 amid rising coronavirus cases</a>

Fireworks displays are typically a high point of the holiday, with crowds of thousands gathering to ooh and aah, but an estimated 80 percent of the events have been cancelled this year.&nbsp;

What has cast a particularly darker cast on the celebrations is Trump's speech in South Dakota.

While presidents' July 4 speeches traditionally are uplifting affairs that emphasise patriotism and national unity, Trump's speech angrily lashed out at the protests that have erupted since the death at police hands of George Floyd.

Trump denounced "violent mayhem" on US streets, though most demonstrations have been peaceful, and accused protesters of waging "a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children."

In his Mount Rushmore speech, Trump made little mention of the pandemic that has hit his re-election hopes, even as COVID-19 moved further into Trump’s inner circle. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a senior campaign official and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., tested positive in South Dakota before the event.

It's assumed the guile in the speech came from the fact that Trump faces a tough re-election battle in November and is eager to mobilise his political base. But his presumptive&nbsp;opponent in the fall, Democrat Joe Biden, has struck a sharply different tone on the country's raw racial tensions. He tweeted on Saturday: "Our nation was founded on a simple idea: We're all created equal. We've never lived up to it — but we've never stopped trying. This Independence Day, let's not just celebrate those words, let's commit to finally fulfill them."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-left-wing-cultural-revolution-rails-against-removal-of-statues-at-mount-rushmore-310621">Also read |&nbsp;Trump blasts 'left wing cultural revolution'; rails against removal of statues at Mount Rushmore</a>

A large protest, planned for Sunday, is expected to include a George Floyd memorial March beginning at the Lincoln Memorial; a Black Out March at the US Capitol; and a Black Lives Matter protest at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

All the protests -- in theory -- should be over before the night's celebration on the Mall.

Trump, fresh from his appearance Friday before the monumental sculpture of four presidents on Mount Rushmore, plans to be on the Mall for a "Salute to America" complete with military music and flyovers.

Public health officials have hence been bracing for a new spike in virus cases after this grim weekend's celebrations and protests.

(with inputs from agencies)

A normal July 4 weekend in the United States would be one that of pomp and show -- with popular beaches packed. But summer 2020 has not been all that kind to the US -- as with the rising number of coronavirus cases, there's the Black Lives Matter movement that has taken over the nation.

A normal July 4 weekend in the United States would be one that of pomp and show -- with popular beaches packed. But summer 2020 has not been all that kind to the US -- as with the rising number of coronavirus cases, there's the Black Lives Matter movement that has taken over the nation. An angry speech from President Donald Trump marking US' Independence Day hasn't quite helped matters. The US coronavirus death toll is fast approaching 1,30,000, roughly one-quarter the world's total, even as many European countries are edging back toward normality. Social distancing is the need of the hour, and this need is science-based. To this end, across the country, Main Street parades have been cancelled, boisterous backyard barbecues scaled down, and family reunions put off amid worries about air travel and concerns about spreading the virus. Some events will be held virtually, as states and cities grapple with a new surge in the coronavirus, using a mix of admonitions and prohibitions. Miami Beach, for one, has imposed a weekend curfew and made it mandatory to wear a mask in public. Also read | Trump decides to 'go big' for July 4 amid rising coronavirus cases Fireworks displays are typically a high point of the holiday, with crowds of thousands gathering to ooh and aah, but an estimated 80 percent of the events have been cancelled this year. What has cast a particularly darker cast on the celebrations is Trump's speech in South Dakota. While presidents' July 4 speeches traditionally are uplifting affairs that emphasise patriotism and national unity, Trump's speech angrily lashed out at the protests that have erupted since the death at police hands of George Floyd. Trump denounced "violent mayhem" on US streets, though most demonstrations have been peaceful, and accused protesters of waging "a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children." In his Mount Rushmore speech, Trump made little mention of the pandemic that has hit his re-election hopes, even as COVID-19 moved further into Trump’s inner circle. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a senior campaign official and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., tested positive in South Dakota before the event. It's assumed the guile in the speech came from the fact that Trump faces a tough re-election battle in November and is eager to mobilise his political base. But his presumptive opponent in the fall, Democrat Joe Biden, has struck a sharply different tone on the country's raw racial tensions. He tweeted on Saturday: "Our nation was founded on a simple idea: We're all created equal. We've never lived up to it — but we've never stopped trying. This Independence Day, let's not just celebrate those words, let's commit to finally fulfill them." Also read | Trump blasts 'left wing cultural revolution'; rails against removal of statues at Mount Rushmore A large protest, planned for Sunday, is expected to include a George Floyd memorial March beginning at the Lincoln Memorial; a Black Out March at the US Capitol; and a Black Lives Matter protest at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. All the protests -- in theory -- should be over before the night's celebration on the Mall. Trump, fresh from his appearance Friday before the monumental sculpture of four presidents on Mount Rushmore, plans to be on the Mall for a "Salute to America" complete with military music and flyovers. Public health officials have hence been bracing for a new spike in virus cases after this grim weekend's celebrations and protests. (with inputs from agencies)

With coronavirus and BLM movement, US faces a grim July 4 weekend

US President Donald Trump will rail against a "left wing mob" for seeking to "tear down" US&nbsp;history during a visit to Mount Rushmore on Friday amid concerns over holding a large gathering during a pandemic and criticism from Native Americans.

Trump will view a fireworks display as part of July 4 celebrations with thousands of people at the South Dakota landmark, which depicts the images of US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

<img alt="Rushmore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8093e842-90ad-4e39-abc4-741f47527b3b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2889%29_2.jpg" />

US&nbsp;presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are sculpted on Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, US&nbsp;in this US&nbsp;National Park Service|&nbsp;REUTERS

A Trump campaign official said the president, who has criticized protesters for tearing down statues during demonstrations against racial inequality, would criticize people who are trying to "tear down" the United States.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-jobs-report-proves-us-economy-roaring-back-310334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The left wing mob and those practicing cancel culture are engaging in totalitarian behavior that is completely alien to American life - and we must not accept it," the official said, paraphrasing Trump's expected remarks.

Trump sounded an optimistic note as he left Washington.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-visit-mount-rushmore-amid-controversy-coronavirus-concerns-310527">Trump to visit Mount Rushmore amid controversy, coronavirus concerns</a>

"A lot of good things are happening, a lot of very powerful things are happening, and our country is doing very well," Trump told reporters.

The president has come under criticism for his reaction to nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis. Trump has emphasized a "law and order" response to the demonstrations.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) tweeted at one point that Trump had disrespected Native Americans and that his South Dakota trip was "glorifying white supremacy." It later deleted the tweet.

Both Washington and Jefferson, revered for their roles in the founding of the nation, were slave owners.

Mount Rushmore has not had fireworks since 2009 because of environmental concerns.

Trump advocated for a resumption of the display, and the state says the surrounding Black Hills National Forest has "gained strength" since then and that fireworks technology has advanced.

US President Donald Trump will rail against a "left wing mob" for seeking to "tear down" US history during a visit to Mount Rushmore on Friday amid concerns over holding a large gathering during a pandemic and criticism from Native Americans.

US President Donald Trump will rail against a "left wing mob" for seeking to "tear down" US history during a visit to Mount Rushmore on Friday amid concerns over holding a large gathering during a pandemic and criticism from Native Americans. Trump will view a fireworks display as part of July 4 celebrations with thousands of people at the South Dakota landmark, which depicts the images of US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are sculpted on Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, US in this US National Park Service| REUTERS A Trump campaign official said the president, who has criticized protesters for tearing down statues during demonstrations against racial inequality, would criticize people who are trying to "tear down" the United States. "The left wing mob and those practicing cancel culture are engaging in totalitarian behavior that is completely alien to American life - and we must not accept it," the official said, paraphrasing Trump's expected remarks. Trump sounded an optimistic note as he left Washington. Also read: Trump to visit Mount Rushmore amid controversy, coronavirus concerns "A lot of good things are happening, a lot of very powerful things are happening, and our country is doing very well," Trump told reporters. The president has come under criticism for his reaction to nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis. Trump has emphasized a "law and order" response to the demonstrations. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) tweeted at one point that Trump had disrespected Native Americans and that his South Dakota trip was "glorifying white supremacy." It later deleted the tweet. Both Washington and Jefferson, revered for their roles in the founding of the nation, were slave owners. Mount Rushmore has not had fireworks since 2009 because of environmental concerns. Trump advocated for a resumption of the display, and the state says the surrounding Black Hills National Forest has "gained strength" since then and that fireworks technology has advanced.

Trump to criticise 'cancel culture' during Mount Rushmore trip

President Donald Trump on Friday railed against "angry mobs" that tried to tear down statues of Confederate leaders and other historical figures, warning thousands of supporters at Mount Rushmore that protestors were trying to erase US&nbsp;history.

Speaking underneath a famed landmark that depicts four US&nbsp;presidents, Trump warned that the demonstrations over racial inequality in American society threatened the foundations of the US&nbsp;political system.

"Make no mistake, this left wing cultural revolution is designed to overthrow the American revolution," Trump said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-criticise-cancel-culture-during-mount-rushmore-trip-310591">Trump to criticise 'cancel culture' during Mount Rushmore trip</a>

"Our children are taught in school to hate their own country," he added.

The event drew an estimated 7,500 people, packed tightly into an amphitheater beneath the famed landmark that depicts the images of US&nbsp;presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Masks were offered to attendees but many did not wear them.

Trump has held three public events that have drawn thousands of supporters over the past three weeks, despite warnings from public-health officials who have urged Americans to avoid large gatherings as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country. Seven states posted a record number of new COVID-19 cases on Friday.

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0852928b-8ae8-4c19-a20c-b53c7223bc22" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2892%29_3.jpg" />

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump looks at US&nbsp;Navy Blue Angels aerial flypast as he and first lady Melania Trump attend South Dakota's US&nbsp;Independence Day Mount Rushmore fireworks celebrations at Mt. Rushmore|&nbsp;REUTERS

The virus has even reached Trump's inner circle. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a senior campaign official and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., tested positive in South Dakota before attending the Mount Rushmore event, according to a source familiar with the situation. Trump Jr. has tested negative, the source said.

The president has come under criticism for his "law and order" reaction to nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis.

Mount Rushmore has not hosted a fireworks spectacle since 2009 because of environmental concerns. Trump advocated for a resumption of the display, and the state says the surrounding Black Hills National Forest has "gained strength" since then and that fireworks technology has advanced.

Native American protesters were arrested after blocking a road to the South Dakota landmark, according to video livestreamed on social media. They have criticized Trump's visit for increasing the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus and for celebrating U.S. independence in an area that is sacred to them.

President Donald Trump on Friday railed against "angry mobs" that tried to tear down statues of Confederate leaders and other historical figures, warning thousands of supporters at Mount Rushmore that protestors were trying to erase US history.

President Donald Trump on Friday railed against "angry mobs" that tried to tear down statues of Confederate leaders and other historical figures, warning thousands of supporters at Mount Rushmore that protestors were trying to erase US history. Speaking underneath a famed landmark that depicts four US presidents, Trump warned that the demonstrations over racial inequality in American society threatened the foundations of the US political system. "Make no mistake, this left wing cultural revolution is designed to overthrow the American revolution," Trump said. Also read: Trump to criticise 'cancel culture' during Mount Rushmore trip "Our children are taught in school to hate their own country," he added. The event drew an estimated 7,500 people, packed tightly into an amphitheater beneath the famed landmark that depicts the images of US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Masks were offered to attendees but many did not wear them. Trump has held three public events that have drawn thousands of supporters over the past three weeks, despite warnings from public-health officials who have urged Americans to avoid large gatherings as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country. Seven states posted a record number of new COVID-19 cases on Friday. US President Donald Trump looks at US Navy Blue Angels aerial flypast as he and first lady Melania Trump attend South Dakota's US Independence Day Mount Rushmore fireworks celebrations at Mt. Rushmore| REUTERS The virus has even reached Trump's inner circle. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a senior campaign official and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., tested positive in South Dakota before attending the Mount Rushmore event, according to a source familiar with the situation. Trump Jr. has tested negative, the source said. The president has come under criticism for his "law and order" reaction to nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis. Mount Rushmore has not hosted a fireworks spectacle since 2009 because of environmental concerns. Trump advocated for a resumption of the display, and the state says the surrounding Black Hills National Forest has "gained strength" since then and that fireworks technology has advanced. Native American protesters were arrested after blocking a road to the South Dakota landmark, according to video livestreamed on social media. They have criticized Trump's visit for increasing the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus and for celebrating U.S. independence in an area that is sacred to them.

Trump blasts 'left wing cultural revolution'; rails against removal of statues at Mount Rushmore

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war.

It did give critics of the deal another reason to say the Taliban shouldn't be trusted.

The bounty information was included in Trump's president's daily intelligence brief on February 27, according to intelligence officials, and two days later, the US and Taliban signed an agreement in Qatar.

The agreement clears the way for America to end 19 years in Afghanistan and gives Trump a way to make good on his promise to end US involvement in what he calls "endless wars."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-forces-destroy-let-camp-at-afghanistan-pakistan-border-310390">Also watch:&nbsp;Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Afghanistan-Pakistan border</a>

On March 3, three days after the agreement was signed, the president had a 35-minute phone call with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and head of their political office in Qatar.

After reports of the bounties broke in late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a video conference with Baradar to make it clear that the US expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments.

Under the agreement, the US will pull all its troops out of Afghanistan by May 2021.

So far the US has reduced US troop presence in Afghanistan from 12,000 to 8,600 - a target reached ahead of schedule. Now, Trump is considering when and how quickly to further shrink the U.S. Military footprint.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-concerned-afghan-violence-aimed-at-derailing-peace-talks-310176">Also read:&nbsp;UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks</a>

For its part, the Taliban committed to reducing violence, cutting ties with al-Qaida and sitting down with other Afghans to craft a political road map for their country's future.

The Taliban have pledged to ensure that the areas they control about half the country at this time&nbsp;are not used by militant groups to target the U.S. And its allies.

Critics of the deal like Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., say the agreement is simply a "cover for withdrawal."

"I have serious concerns with how this agreement has been pursued," Waltz said.

"The Taliban has shown repeatedly "through violence and bombings both before and after the deal was signed ? that they are not serious about adhering to their end of the bargain."

The White House insists the president was not aware of the intelligence but that the administration responded to the information to protect troops.

Administration officials say Russia along with other countries, including Iran&nbsp;have been providing the Taliban money and guns for years, although bounties would signal stepped up Russian aggression.

Military experts note that the Taliban didn't need any monetary incentive to kill Americans.

They also point out that the U.S. Worked against the Soviets in the late 1980s, providing militants with shoulder-held anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, which turned around the course of the war and sped-up negotiated Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.

"Bounties or not, what we judge the Taliban on is whether they honor the deal," said Scott Smith, an expert on Afghanistan peace processes with the US Institute of Peace.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, defense officials and Afghan experts claim the Taliban has not taken steps to live up to the now four-month-old agreement and they are skeptical the Taliban will ever break with al-Qaida, which conducted the 9/11 attacks.

The US general overseeing American military operations in Afghanistan, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, said in mid-June that he is dubious of the Taliban's intentions to fulfil its commitments, suggesting that he would not favour a rapid US withdrawal.

McKenzie said it is an open question whether the Taliban will keep Afghanistan from being the launchpad for attacks on the US.

"They have not yet completely made that case," McKenzie said, adding that "time is now beginning to grow short.? 
Mike Morell, former CIA acting and deputy director, told the House Homeland Security Committee's intelligence and counterterrorism panel on June 24 that the Taliban is militarily and politically stronger than at any time since 2001 when the Taliban refused to hand over al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks.

"I believe that the Taliban, in its peace negotiations with the United States, have told us what we want to hear in order to encourage us to leave the country," Morell said.

Thomas Joscelyn, a long time critic of the deal at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the Taliban have repeatedly said al-Qaida has not been in Afghanistan since 2001.

"Without any verification or enforcement mechanisms -- and there are no such provisions specified in the text of the deal released to the public --&nbsp;there is no reason to think the Taliban is telling the truth now," he said.

The Defense Department's latest report on the war said the Taliban has stepped up violence against Afghan forces, but has avoided attacks on US or coalition troops.

The militants have joined with Afghan and US forces in hitting Islamic State fighters hard, pressuring the group to relinquish control of an area in eastern Afghanistan. But IS still has the ability to conduct mass-casualty attacks, the report said.

The report also said US-led counterterrorism operations have degraded al-Qaida, which now poses only a "limited threat' to the US.

The Pentagon report said, however, that the Taliban maintain close ties to al-Qaida.

Pompeo says only a couple hundred active al-Qaida fighters remain in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, Pompeo hinted, without elaborating, that he'd seen indications that the Taliban are no longer going to let al-Qaida operate in Afghanistan.

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war.

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war. It did give critics of the deal another reason to say the Taliban shouldn't be trusted. The bounty information was included in Trump's president's daily intelligence brief on February 27, according to intelligence officials, and two days later, the US and Taliban signed an agreement in Qatar. The agreement clears the way for America to end 19 years in Afghanistan and gives Trump a way to make good on his promise to end US involvement in what he calls "endless wars." Also watch: Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Afghanistan-Pakistan border On March 3, three days after the agreement was signed, the president had a 35-minute phone call with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and head of their political office in Qatar. After reports of the bounties broke in late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a video conference with Baradar to make it clear that the US expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments. Under the agreement, the US will pull all its troops out of Afghanistan by May 2021. So far the US has reduced US troop presence in Afghanistan from 12,000 to 8,600 - a target reached ahead of schedule. Now, Trump is considering when and how quickly to further shrink the U.S. Military footprint. Also read: UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks For its part, the Taliban committed to reducing violence, cutting ties with al-Qaida and sitting down with other Afghans to craft a political road map for their country's future. The Taliban have pledged to ensure that the areas they control about half the country at this time are not used by militant groups to target the U.S. And its allies. Critics of the deal like Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., say the agreement is simply a "cover for withdrawal." "I have serious concerns with how this agreement has been pursued," Waltz said. "The Taliban has shown repeatedly "through violence and bombings both before and after the deal was signed ? that they are not serious about adhering to their end of the bargain." The White House insists the president was not aware of the intelligence but that the administration responded to the information to protect troops. Administration officials say Russia along with other countries, including Iran have been providing the Taliban money and guns for years, although bounties would signal stepped up Russian aggression. Military experts note that the Taliban didn't need any monetary incentive to kill Americans. They also point out that the U.S. Worked against the Soviets in the late 1980s, providing militants with shoulder-held anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, which turned around the course of the war and sped-up negotiated Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. "Bounties or not, what we judge the Taliban on is whether they honor the deal," said Scott Smith, an expert on Afghanistan peace processes with the US Institute of Peace. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, defense officials and Afghan experts claim the Taliban has not taken steps to live up to the now four-month-old agreement and they are skeptical the Taliban will ever break with al-Qaida, which conducted the 9/11 attacks. The US general overseeing American military operations in Afghanistan, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, said in mid-June that he is dubious of the Taliban's intentions to fulfil its commitments, suggesting that he would not favour a rapid US withdrawal. McKenzie said it is an open question whether the Taliban will keep Afghanistan from being the launchpad for attacks on the US. "They have not yet completely made that case," McKenzie said, adding that "time is now beginning to grow short.? Mike Morell, former CIA acting and deputy director, told the House Homeland Security Committee's intelligence and counterterrorism panel on June 24 that the Taliban is militarily and politically stronger than at any time since 2001 when the Taliban refused to hand over al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks. "I believe that the Taliban, in its peace negotiations with the United States, have told us what we want to hear in order to encourage us to leave the country," Morell said. Thomas Joscelyn, a long time critic of the deal at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the Taliban have repeatedly said al-Qaida has not been in Afghanistan since 2001. "Without any verification or enforcement mechanisms -- and there are no such provisions specified in the text of the deal released to the public -- there is no reason to think the Taliban is telling the truth now," he said. The Defense Department's latest report on the war said the Taliban has stepped up violence against Afghan forces, but has avoided attacks on US or coalition troops. The militants have joined with Afghan and US forces in hitting Islamic State fighters hard, pressuring the group to relinquish control of an area in eastern Afghanistan. But IS still has the ability to conduct mass-casualty attacks, the report said. The report also said US-led counterterrorism operations have degraded al-Qaida, which now poses only a "limited threat' to the US. The Pentagon report said, however, that the Taliban maintain close ties to al-Qaida. Pompeo says only a couple hundred active al-Qaida fighters remain in Afghanistan. On Thursday, Pompeo hinted, without elaborating, that he'd seen indications that the Taliban are no longer going to let al-Qaida operate in Afghanistan.

Critics of US-Taliban deal say militants can't be trusted

As usual the US President Donald Trump has decided to go against the expert opinions and defy all health protocols issued by health experts regarding spread of the novel coronavirus.

The US is one of the worst affected countries by coronavirus in the world. Amid rising cases, health officials are urging Americans to stay indoors and celebrate America's Independence day, July 04, with close family and friends only.

However, Donald Trump has decided to once again ignore the warnings and&nbsp;is going big for what he is promising will be a "special evening" in the nation's capital.

Trump started his holiday weekend by travelling to&nbsp;Mt. Rushmore for a fireworks display near the iconic mountain carvings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-left-wing-cultural-revolution-rails-against-removal-of-statues-at-mount-rushmore-310621">Also read:&nbsp;Trump blasts 'left wing cultural revolution'; rails against removal of statues at Mount Rushmore</a>

Now, he will be attending his "Salute for America" celebration on Saturday with a speech from the South lawn of the White House. Trump believes this evening will be a celebration of the American heritage. The speech will be followed by an extravagant display of fireworks, which is expected to be attended by thousands of people at the National Mall.

This pre-planned event has attracted a lot of criticism as thousands gathered even at Mt. Rushmore gathering where he did not talk much about the pandemic and the South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem insisted social distancing wasn't necessary and masks were optional.&nbsp;

While this has garnered a lot of criticism, it has&nbsp;not come as a surprise as Trump has been conducting his election rallies and all other social gatherings amid a surge in number of positive coronavirus cases.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has made it clear that she has warned the federal government about the possible spread of the virus, but she cannot stop the event as it is happening on federal land, which is not in her jurisdiction.

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Just because someone invites you to a party doesn't mean you have to go
— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) <a href="https://twitter.com/MurielBowser/status/1279127772867301376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Interior officials said they would hand out 300,000 face coverings to spectators who gather on the National Mall. Interior Department Secretary David Bernhardt said visitors would be encouraged to wear masks and keep a six-foot distance from one another. However, this has not been made clear if these instructions will merely be suggestions or mandatory rules.

Health officials have warned against this gathering and have suggested cancelling it as they fear the event can spread the virus at a greater rate.

Majority of July 4 related events, including fireworks, parties and parades,&nbsp;have been cancelled in other parts of the country.

A country is always expected to follow their leader. However, the leader, in this case, has decided to lead his citizens astray.

(With inputs from agencies)

As usual the US President Donald Trump has decided to go against the expert opinions and defy all health protocols issued by health experts regarding spread of the novel coronavirus.

As usual the US President Donald Trump has decided to go against the expert opinions and defy all health protocols issued by health experts regarding spread of the novel coronavirus. The US is one of the worst affected countries by coronavirus in the world. Amid rising cases, health officials are urging Americans to stay indoors and celebrate America's Independence day, July 04, with close family and friends only. However, Donald Trump has decided to once again ignore the warnings and is going big for what he is promising will be a "special evening" in the nation's capital. Trump started his holiday weekend by travelling to Mt. Rushmore for a fireworks display near the iconic mountain carvings. Also read: Trump blasts 'left wing cultural revolution'; rails against removal of statues at Mount Rushmore Now, he will be attending his "Salute for America" celebration on Saturday with a speech from the South lawn of the White House. Trump believes this evening will be a celebration of the American heritage. The speech will be followed by an extravagant display of fireworks, which is expected to be attended by thousands of people at the National Mall. This pre-planned event has attracted a lot of criticism as thousands gathered even at Mt. Rushmore gathering where he did not talk much about the pandemic and the South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem insisted social distancing wasn't necessary and masks were optional. While this has garnered a lot of criticism, it has not come as a surprise as Trump has been conducting his election rallies and all other social gatherings amid a surge in number of positive coronavirus cases. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has made it clear that she has warned the federal government about the possible spread of the virus, but she cannot stop the event as it is happening on federal land, which is not in her jurisdiction. Just because someone invites you to a party doesn't mean you have to go — Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) July 3, 2020 × Interior officials said they would hand out 300,000 face coverings to spectators who gather on the National Mall. Interior Department Secretary David Bernhardt said visitors would be encouraged to wear masks and keep a six-foot distance from one another. However, this has not been made clear if these instructions will merely be suggestions or mandatory rules. Health officials have warned against this gathering and have suggested cancelling it as they fear the event can spread the virus at a greater rate. Majority of July 4 related events, including fireworks, parties and parades, have been cancelled in other parts of the country. A country is always expected to follow their leader. However, the leader, in this case, has decided to lead his citizens astray. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump decides to 'go big' for July 4 amid rising coronavirus cases

A new advertisement in the United States has hammered President Donald Trump for his reaction over the Russian bounties scandal.

The ad released by the veterans group VoteVets, which is a non-profit organization has attacked Trump's response that he wasn't briefed upon the report that Russia had paid Taliban to execute US troops in Afghanistan.

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This July 4th, there is a new name synonymous with traitor. Move over Benedict Arnold. Meet...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenedictDonald?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenedictDonald</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TRE45ON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TRE45ON</a> <a href="https://t.co/zH0TgMf0Rb">pic.twitter.com/zH0TgMf0Rb</a>
— VoteVets (@votevets) <a href="https://twitter.com/votevets/status/1279097817240305670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The video's narrator says "For 244 years since we declared our independence, one man has stood up for the very definition of traitor to the US military."

It adds that "no one has betrayed those in uniforms more than Donald Trump."

VoteVets' ad has compared the President to Benedict Arnold, who infamously defected from the US Continental Army to the British side in the Revolutionary War.

The group brandishes proudly in its Twitter bio that it has been "blocked by Donald Trump".

The advertisement was published on Twitter on July 3, just a day before the Americans celebrate their independence from the British rule.

A new advertisement in the United States has hammered President Donald Trump for his reaction over the Russian bounties scandal. The ad released by the veterans group VoteVets, which is a non-profit organization has attacked Trump's response that he wasn't briefed upon the report that Russia had paid Taliban to execute US troops in Afghanistan.

A new advertisement in the United States has hammered President Donald Trump for his reaction over the Russian bounties scandal. The ad released by the veterans group VoteVets, which is a non-profit organization has attacked Trump's response that he wasn't briefed upon the report that Russia had paid Taliban to execute US troops in Afghanistan. This July 4th, there is a new name synonymous with traitor. Move over Benedict Arnold. Meet...#BenedictDonald #TRE45ON pic.twitter.com/zH0TgMf0Rb — VoteVets (@votevets) July 3, 2020 × The video's narrator says "For 244 years since we declared our independence, one man has stood up for the very definition of traitor to the US military." It adds that "no one has betrayed those in uniforms more than Donald Trump." VoteVets' ad has compared the President to Benedict Arnold, who infamously defected from the US Continental Army to the British side in the Revolutionary War. The group brandishes proudly in its Twitter bio that it has been "blocked by Donald Trump". The advertisement was published on Twitter on July 3, just a day before the Americans celebrate their independence from the British rule.

Benedict Donald: New advertisement attacks Trump over Russian bounties scandal

US President Donald Trump will begin his July Fourth celebrations with a trip to Mount Rushmore on Friday despite concerns about a large crowd amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and criticism about the visit.

It will be Trump's latest event with large crowds, defying health experts' recommendations to avoid big gatherings amid recent spikes of COVID-19 cases across the country.

Some 7,500 people are expected to attend the outdoor event. Masks will be available but are not required.

Trump will view a fireworks display with thousands of people at the South Dakota landmark, which depicts the images of US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

The site has not had fireworks since 2009 because of environmental concerns. Trump advocated for a resumption of the display, and the state says the surrounding Black Hills National Forest has "gained strength" since then and that fireworks technology has advanced.

Trump has been criticised for holding large events with little social distancing in Oklahoma and Arizona in recent weeks. On Thursday he predicted a "fireworks display like few people have seen."

Native Americans, who reportedly plan to protest during the trip, have criticised Trump's visit for increasing the risk of spreading the virus and for celebrating U.S. independence in an area that is sacred to them.

Trump will hold another celebration for the July Fourth holiday on Saturday in Washington.

US President Donald Trump will begin his July Fourth celebrations with a trip to Mount Rushmore on Friday despite concerns about a large crowd amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and criticism about the visit.

US President Donald Trump will begin his July Fourth celebrations with a trip to Mount Rushmore on Friday despite concerns about a large crowd amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and criticism about the visit. It will be Trump's latest event with large crowds, defying health experts' recommendations to avoid big gatherings amid recent spikes of COVID-19 cases across the country. Some 7,500 people are expected to attend the outdoor event. Masks will be available but are not required. Trump will view a fireworks display with thousands of people at the South Dakota landmark, which depicts the images of US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The site has not had fireworks since 2009 because of environmental concerns. Trump advocated for a resumption of the display, and the state says the surrounding Black Hills National Forest has "gained strength" since then and that fireworks technology has advanced. Trump has been criticised for holding large events with little social distancing in Oklahoma and Arizona in recent weeks. On Thursday he predicted a "fireworks display like few people have seen." Native Americans, who reportedly plan to protest during the trip, have criticised Trump's visit for increasing the risk of spreading the virus and for celebrating U.S. independence in an area that is sacred to them. Trump will hold another celebration for the July Fourth holiday on Saturday in Washington.

Trump to visit Mount Rushmore amid controversy, coronavirus concerns

It is no secret that the world is not completely believing that the US President Donald Trump was not aware and briefed by the security agencies on the&nbsp; matter of Russia placing secret bounties on the US soldiers.

While the White House and the President have denied that Donald Trump and Mike Pence were briefed about the proceedings, opposition leaders find it hard to believe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-trumps-resistance-to-intel-warnings-about-russia-led-his-team-to-brief-him-less-310180">Also read:&nbsp;How Trump's resistance to intel warnings about Russia led his team to brief him less</a>

Talking about the same,&nbsp;Hillary Clinton lashed out at Donald Trump and pointed out his lack of attentiveness towards the national matters in a reply to a tweet.

The matter started when a legendary singer Barbra Streisand, who has been voicing her opinion against the current President for years now, tweeted "Can you imagine how President Hillary Clinton - a Woman with a powerful mind - would have handled this pandemic?"

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Can you imagine how President Hillary Clinton - a Woman with a powerful mind - would have handled this pandemic? 
 
Being a mother and grandmother, she would’ve instinctively taken care of the public health of the people of the United States.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarbraStreisand/status/1277736920739708929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Not mincing her words, Hillary Clinton replied to the singer's tweet by saying "I would have read my damn briefs, Barbra, that's for sure."

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I would have read my damn briefs, Barbra, that's for sure. <a href="https://t.co/YSZS0Lvqo9">https://t.co/YSZS0Lvqo9</a>
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/status/1277979026187907074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The response came as Donald Trump and the White House have been constantly stating the the President was not briefed about the situation, which the experts find hard to believe.

When the press asked the White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany if Trump was not informed about this in his daily briefing document, she admitted that only Trump "was not personally briefed."

Trump carries&nbsp;the reputation of never fully reading his daily briefs. He is instead orally briefed twice or thrice by intelligence officials. The officials have maintained that Trump was not orally briefed about this issue.

It is no secret that the world is not completely believing that the US President Donald Trump was not aware and briefed by the security agencies on the matter of Russia placing secret bounties on the US soldiers.

It is no secret that the world is not completely believing that the US President Donald Trump was not aware and briefed by the security agencies on the matter of Russia placing secret bounties on the US soldiers. While the White House and the President have denied that Donald Trump and Mike Pence were briefed about the proceedings, opposition leaders find it hard to believe. Also read: How Trump's resistance to intel warnings about Russia led his team to brief him less Talking about the same, Hillary Clinton lashed out at Donald Trump and pointed out his lack of attentiveness towards the national matters in a reply to a tweet. The matter started when a legendary singer Barbra Streisand, who has been voicing her opinion against the current President for years now, tweeted "Can you imagine how President Hillary Clinton - a Woman with a powerful mind - would have handled this pandemic?" Can you imagine how President Hillary Clinton - a Woman with a powerful mind - would have handled this pandemic? Being a mother and grandmother, she would’ve instinctively taken care of the public health of the people of the United States. — Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) June 29, 2020 × Not mincing her words, Hillary Clinton replied to the singer's tweet by saying "I would have read my damn briefs, Barbra, that's for sure." I would have read my damn briefs, Barbra, that's for sure. https://t.co/YSZS0Lvqo9 — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 30, 2020 × The response came as Donald Trump and the White House have been constantly stating the the President was not briefed about the situation, which the experts find hard to believe. When the press asked the White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany if Trump was not informed about this in his daily briefing document, she admitted that only Trump "was not personally briefed." Trump carries the reputation of never fully reading his daily briefs. He is instead orally briefed twice or thrice by intelligence officials. The officials have maintained that Trump was not orally briefed about this issue.

I would have read my damn briefs: Hillary Clinton on Trump's resistance to intel warnings

After days of record spikes in new COVID-19 cases in the United States, Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said that it "is way beyond the worst spikes that we have seen."

United States records more than 53,000 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

US President Donald Trump at a press briefing celebrated a government report showing the country gained 4.8 million jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 11.1% last month, when states began allowing businesses to reopen from strict shutdowns aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump: Jobs report proves US economy 'roaring back'

The temporary ban on a "tell-all" book by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's </a>niece has been lifted by an appeals court in New York, the United States, official documents showed.&nbsp;

The verdict has cleared the way of publisher Simon &amp; Schuster to print and distribute the book by Mary Trump, who calls the US president "the world's most dangerous man".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-trump-says-will-wear-mask-if-in-tight-situation-with-people-310065">Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people'</a>

Robert Trump, brother of the president, had asked for the restraining order, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement over the estate of Fred Trump and Fred Trump Jr.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-be-down-but-hes-definitely-not-out-310024">Trump may be down. But he's definitely not out</a>

Fred Trump is the father of Donald and Robert Trump, while, Fred Trump Jr is the father of Mary.&nbsp;

Judge Alan Scheinkman did not give his decision on whether the book violated the agreement of not revealing family secrets, but said Simon &amp; Schuster "is not a party to the agreement," so the block of their publication "is vacated".&nbsp;

Mary's attorney Ted Boutrous expressed his delight on the lifting of the earlier ban and called it "very good news".&nbsp;

Mary, in the book, has mentioned her experiences of the "toxic family" in the home of her grandparents.&nbsp;

The Daily Beast earlier reported that the book will reveal that Mary Trump was the key source for explosive New York Times story on Trump's finances, which claimed the president had paid little in taxes for decades.

The temporary ban on a "tell-all" book by President Donald Trump's niece has been lifted by an appeals court in New York, the United States, official documents showed.

The temporary ban on a "tell-all" book by President Donald Trump's niece has been lifted by an appeals court in New York, the United States, official documents showed. The verdict has cleared the way of publisher Simon & Schuster to print and distribute the book by Mary Trump, who calls the US president "the world's most dangerous man". Also read | Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people' Robert Trump, brother of the president, had asked for the restraining order, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement over the estate of Fred Trump and Fred Trump Jr. Also read | Trump may be down. But he's definitely not out Fred Trump is the father of Donald and Robert Trump, while, Fred Trump Jr is the father of Mary. Judge Alan Scheinkman did not give his decision on whether the book violated the agreement of not revealing family secrets, but said Simon & Schuster "is not a party to the agreement," so the block of their publication "is vacated". Mary's attorney Ted Boutrous expressed his delight on the lifting of the earlier ban and called it "very good news". Mary, in the book, has mentioned her experiences of the "toxic family" in the home of her grandparents. The Daily Beast earlier reported that the book will reveal that Mary Trump was the key source for explosive New York Times story on Trump's finances, which claimed the president had paid little in taxes for decades.

Temporary ban on 'tell-all' book by Donald Trump's niece lifted

US President Donald Trump held a press conference on July 2 and said that the American economy is doing very well. Watch report.

Fineprint: US economy is doing amazingly well | Donald Trump

President Donald Trump criticized a proposed Black Lives Matter mural to be painted outside Trump Tower as a "symbol of hate"

Donald Trump calls proposed Black Lives Matter a 'symbol of hate'

The mayor of Richmond, Virginia, has invoked his emergency powers to remove multiple Confederate monuments in the city, including a statue honoring Confederate General&nbsp;Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, from the city's historic Monument Avenue.

Workers began removing contested statues in&nbsp;Richmond&nbsp;on Wednesday after Mayor Levar Stoney used&nbsp;his emergency powers to order the "the immediate removal of multiple monuments in the city, including Confederate statues," his office said in a statement.

The mayor's office said removing the statues "will expedite the healing process for the city, a former capital of the Confederacy constantly grappling with that legacy."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a>

"Failing to remove the statues presents a severe, immediate and growing threat to public safety," it added.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge, and protestors attempt to take down Confederate statues themselves, or confront others who are doing so, the risk grows for serious illness, injury, or death," the mayor said. "We have an urgent need to protect the public."

Work crews could be seen in televised footage beginning the removal of a statue of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a Confederate general, on the Virginia city's Monument Avenue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-judge-blocks-governors-demand-to-pull-down-confederate-statue-304443">Virginia judge blocks governor's demand to pull down Confederate statue</a>

The removal of Confederate statues and monuments has been a persistent demand during recent protests for racial justice in the United States.

President Donald Trump has opposed their removal and the Department of Homeland Security announced a special new task force on Wednesday to protect historic monuments across the country.

Many monuments have come under attack, and some have been pulled down, in the past month as protestors against police abuse of African Americans target symbols of the country's legacy of slavery.

The mayor of Richmond, Virginia, has invoked his emergency powers to remove multiple Confederate monuments in the city, including a statue honoring Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, from the city's historic Monument Avenue.

The mayor of Richmond, Virginia, has invoked his emergency powers to remove multiple Confederate monuments in the city, including a statue honoring Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, from the city's historic Monument Avenue. Workers began removing contested statues in Richmond on Wednesday after Mayor Levar Stoney used his emergency powers to order the "the immediate removal of multiple monuments in the city, including Confederate statues," his office said in a statement. The mayor's office said removing the statues "will expedite the healing process for the city, a former capital of the Confederacy constantly grappling with that legacy." Also see: World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest "Failing to remove the statues presents a severe, immediate and growing threat to public safety," it added. "As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge, and protestors attempt to take down Confederate statues themselves, or confront others who are doing so, the risk grows for serious illness, injury, or death," the mayor said. "We have an urgent need to protect the public." Work crews could be seen in televised footage beginning the removal of a statue of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a Confederate general, on the Virginia city's Monument Avenue. Also read: Virginia judge blocks governor's demand to pull down Confederate statue The removal of Confederate statues and monuments has been a persistent demand during recent protests for racial justice in the United States. President Donald Trump has opposed their removal and the Department of Homeland Security announced a special new task force on Wednesday to protect historic monuments across the country. Many monuments have come under attack, and some have been pulled down, in the past month as protestors against police abuse of African Americans target symbols of the country's legacy of slavery.

US: Richmond begins removing Confederate statues after mayor invokes emergency powers

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