United States President Donald Trump has reportedly said he would lose the presidential election to be held in November due to falling poll numbers as Joe Biden takes the lead.

Trump acknowledged his failure due to his falling ratings, catalysed by his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in his nation, the Black Lives Matter movement and the recent New York Times report -- that said a Russian military intelligence unit had offered bounties for US and allied soldiers and that he received a written briefing on the matter in February.

After Trump initially said he was not briefed on the matter, the White House said Trump was not “personally” briefed but did not address whether he had received a written report or read it, and why he had not responded more aggressively if so.

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And to add to this was a controversial, tell-all book by his niece -- which reportedly reveals Trump's tax plans and other details of his family. A US judge has, however, temporarily stopped the publication of the book.

Taking all this into consideration, the approval rating of Trump over his handling of coronavirus recently dropped to its lowest level ever recorded, given the resurgence of virus across major American cities.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed the newly record low numbers, especially in the backdrop of Trump recently suggesting to “slow down testing” to control the number of cases.

But the real question is -- is Trump really set to lose?

Because this looks like a repeat of what happened in 2016. Trump was the underdog and Hillary Clinton was poised to win the election.

The opposite happened.

The world is witnessing a similar turn of events yet again, and what can be only said right now is clear -- Trump may be down, but he is surely not out.

United States President Donald Trump has reportedly said he would lose the presidential election to be held in November due to falling poll numbers as Joe Biden takes the lead.

United States President Donald Trump has reportedly said he would lose the presidential election to be held in November due to falling poll numbers as Joe Biden takes the lead. Trump acknowledged his failure due to his falling ratings, catalysed by his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in his nation, the Black Lives Matter movement and the recent New York Times report -- that said a Russian military intelligence unit had offered bounties for US and allied soldiers and that he received a written briefing on the matter in February. After Trump initially said he was not briefed on the matter, the White House said Trump was not “personally” briefed but did not address whether he had received a written report or read it, and why he had not responded more aggressively if so. And to add to this was a controversial, tell-all book by his niece -- which reportedly reveals Trump's tax plans and other details of his family. A US judge has, however, temporarily stopped the publication of the book. Taking all this into consideration, the approval rating of Trump over his handling of coronavirus recently dropped to its lowest level ever recorded, given the resurgence of virus across major American cities. A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed the newly record low numbers, especially in the backdrop of Trump recently suggesting to “slow down testing” to control the number of cases. But the real question is -- is Trump really set to lose? Because this looks like a repeat of what happened in 2016. Trump was the underdog and Hillary Clinton was poised to win the election. The opposite happened. The world is witnessing a similar turn of events yet again, and what can be only said right now is clear -- Trump may be down, but he is surely not out.

Trump may be down. But he's definitely not out

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday called New York City’s decision to paint ‘Black Lives Matter’ on Fifth Avenue a "symbol of hate," in a way decrying the rallying cry that has stirred worldwide protests against racism.

Trump also criticised cuts to the city’s police department and wrote on Twitter that Mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision to paint Black Lives Matter on the street outside Trump Tower is “denigrating this luxury Avenue”.

“This will further antagonise New York’s Finest, who LOVE New York &amp; vividly remember the horrible BLM chant, ‘Pigs In A Blanket, Fry ‘Em Like Bacon,’” Trump wrote. “Maybe our GREAT Police, who have been neutralized and scorned by a mayor who hates &amp; disrespects them, won’t let this symbol of hate be affixed to New York’s greatest street. Spend this money fighting crime instead!”

The street painting would be completed outside Trump Tower in a matter of days. The mayor's office ordered the letters painted on Fifth Avenue last week.

In the weeks since the police killing of George Floyd ignited mass demonstrations opposing police violence, Trump has not adopted the message of Black Lives Matter protesters.

Activists said Trump's tweet distracted from efforts to combat police brutality.

According to a report in POLITICO, the painting of Black Lives Matter on Fifth Avenue follows the passing of the city’s budget in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday called New York City’s decision to paint ‘Black Lives Matter’ on Fifth Avenue a "symbol of hate," in a way decrying the rallying cry that has stirred worldwide protests against racism.

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday called New York City’s decision to paint ‘Black Lives Matter’ on Fifth Avenue a "symbol of hate," in a way decrying the rallying cry that has stirred worldwide protests against racism. Trump also criticised cuts to the city’s police department and wrote on Twitter that Mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision to paint Black Lives Matter on the street outside Trump Tower is “denigrating this luxury Avenue”. “This will further antagonise New York’s Finest, who LOVE New York & vividly remember the horrible BLM chant, ‘Pigs In A Blanket, Fry ‘Em Like Bacon,’” Trump wrote. “Maybe our GREAT Police, who have been neutralized and scorned by a mayor who hates & disrespects them, won’t let this symbol of hate be affixed to New York’s greatest street. Spend this money fighting crime instead!” The street painting would be completed outside Trump Tower in a matter of days. The mayor's office ordered the letters painted on Fifth Avenue last week. In the weeks since the police killing of George Floyd ignited mass demonstrations opposing police violence, Trump has not adopted the message of Black Lives Matter protesters. Activists said Trump's tweet distracted from efforts to combat police brutality. According to a report in POLITICO, the painting of Black Lives Matter on Fifth Avenue follows the passing of the city’s budget in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Trump says Black Lives Matter is a 'symbol of hate'

United States President Donald Trump's resistance to intelligence warnings about Moscow led his national security team to brief him verbally less often on Russia-related threats to the US.

The White House has denied Trump was briefed about Russia placing bounties on US soldiers in Afghanistan, bringing his aversion to hearing negative analysis about Russia into renewed focus.

According to a report in CNN, the President's briefers had one simple rule with Trump -- never lead with Russia.

Early in his term, Trump's briefers discovered that when his oral briefing included intelligence related to Russia's malign activities against the United States, including evidence of its interference in US politics, he would often blow up at them. The CNN report further says Trump would demand to know why they kept focussing on Russia and often questioning the intelligence itself.

In response, his briefers reduced the amount of Russian-related intelligence they included in his oral briefings. They instead often placed it only in his written briefing book.

But they discovered over time that he often did not read the briefing book, leaving him unaware of crucial intelligence, including threats related to Russia and other parts of the world.

When asked about this, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe told CNN, "this is totally false" in a statement on Tuesday. Ratcliffe took the job in May.

National security advisor Robert O'Brien said Wednesday that the President was not briefed on the Russia bounty intelligence because it had not been corroborated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-briefed-because-russia-bounty-reports-uncorroborated-white-house-309949">Also read | Trump not briefed because Russia bounty reports uncorroborated: White House</a>

Among his national security staff, this approach led to fears that the President was becoming less and less aware of the threat from Russia, even as the intelligence confirming the country's misbehaviour mounted.

The President's reluctance to hear intelligence about Russia may explain why the White House is currently denying that he was aware of intelligence. Former intelligence officials say that it's "inconceivable" that Trump would not have been briefed on the bounties, which the New York Times first reported on Friday evening.

Trump initially reacted to media reports of the bounty by tweeting on Sunday that "there have not been many attacks" on US troops as evidence that the reports may be "phony."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-wasnt-briefed-on-russia-taliban-bounty-intelligence-309193">Also read | Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence</a>

United States President Donald Trump's resistance to intelligence warnings about Moscow led his national security team to brief him verbally less often on Russia-related threats to the US.

United States President Donald Trump's resistance to intelligence warnings about Moscow led his national security team to brief him verbally less often on Russia-related threats to the US. The White House has denied Trump was briefed about Russia placing bounties on US soldiers in Afghanistan, bringing his aversion to hearing negative analysis about Russia into renewed focus. According to a report in CNN, the President's briefers had one simple rule with Trump -- never lead with Russia. Early in his term, Trump's briefers discovered that when his oral briefing included intelligence related to Russia's malign activities against the United States, including evidence of its interference in US politics, he would often blow up at them. The CNN report further says Trump would demand to know why they kept focussing on Russia and often questioning the intelligence itself. In response, his briefers reduced the amount of Russian-related intelligence they included in his oral briefings. They instead often placed it only in his written briefing book. But they discovered over time that he often did not read the briefing book, leaving him unaware of crucial intelligence, including threats related to Russia and other parts of the world. When asked about this, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe told CNN, "this is totally false" in a statement on Tuesday. Ratcliffe took the job in May. National security advisor Robert O'Brien said Wednesday that the President was not briefed on the Russia bounty intelligence because it had not been corroborated. Also read | Trump not briefed because Russia bounty reports uncorroborated: White House Among his national security staff, this approach led to fears that the President was becoming less and less aware of the threat from Russia, even as the intelligence confirming the country's misbehaviour mounted. The President's reluctance to hear intelligence about Russia may explain why the White House is currently denying that he was aware of intelligence. Former intelligence officials say that it's "inconceivable" that Trump would not have been briefed on the bounties, which the New York Times first reported on Friday evening. Trump initially reacted to media reports of the bounty by tweeting on Sunday that "there have not been many attacks" on US troops as evidence that the reports may be "phony." Also read | Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence

How Trump's resistance to intel warnings about Russia led his team to brief him less

The U.S. President is suffering setbacks from all sides in the run-up to the Presidential polls. Will he manage to secure another term or is he set to suffer a historic defeat?@palkisu decodes the challenges before Trump.

Gravitas: Will Trump lose 2020 Presidential elections?

Al-Qaeda's regional affiliate in Afghanistan maintains close ties to the Taliban and has an "enduring interest" in attacking US and foreign troops, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

Under a deal the Taliban signed with the United States in February, the insurgents agreed to stop Al-Qaeda from using Afghanistan as a safe haven to plot attacks.&nbsp;

But in the months since, the Taliban have continued to work with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the US Defense Department said in a report.

"AQIS routinely supports and works with low-level Taliban members in its efforts to undermine the Afghan government, and maintains an enduring interest in attacking US forces and Western targets in the region," the Pentagon said in a security assessment compiled for the US Congress.

"Despite recent progress in the peace process, AQIS maintains close ties to the Taliban in Afghanistan, likely for protection and training."

The Pentagon report comes on the heels of a UN analysis released last month that found Al-Qaeda and the Taliban "remain close" and were in regular consultations over negotiations with America.

Afghan watchers have long questioned whether Washington is being naive in thinking the Taliban would honor a pledge to restrict Al-Qaeda, the jihadist group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks that led to America's invasion of Afghanistan.

The report added that any "core" Al-Qaeda members still in Afghanistan are focused mainly on survival, and have delegated regional leadership to AQIS.

"AQIS's interest in attacking US forces and other Western targets in Afghanistan and the region persists, but continuing coalition (counterterrorism) pressure has reduced AQIS's ability to conduct operations in Afghanistan without the support of the Taliban," the Pentagon said.&nbsp;

The UN report highlighted the connections between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who sheltered former leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan ahead of 9/11.

The two groups "remain close, based on friendship, a history of shared struggle, ideological sympathy and intermarriage," the UN report stated.

The US-Taliban deal signed February 29 was supposed to lead to peace talks starting by March 10 between the insurgents and the Kabul government.&nbsp;

But negotiations have proved elusive amid a contentious prisoner swap and rising violence.

Under the US-Taliban deal, foreign forces are supposed to quit Afghanistan next year.

But General Kenneth McKenzie, who heads US Central Command, said last month that "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan" before the US would pull out.&nbsp;

Al-Qaeda's regional affiliate in Afghanistan maintains close ties to the Taliban and has an "enduring interest" in attacking US and foreign troops, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

Al-Qaeda's regional affiliate in Afghanistan maintains close ties to the Taliban and has an "enduring interest" in attacking US and foreign troops, the Pentagon said Wednesday. Under a deal the Taliban signed with the United States in February, the insurgents agreed to stop Al-Qaeda from using Afghanistan as a safe haven to plot attacks. But in the months since, the Taliban have continued to work with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the US Defense Department said in a report. "AQIS routinely supports and works with low-level Taliban members in its efforts to undermine the Afghan government, and maintains an enduring interest in attacking US forces and Western targets in the region," the Pentagon said in a security assessment compiled for the US Congress. "Despite recent progress in the peace process, AQIS maintains close ties to the Taliban in Afghanistan, likely for protection and training." The Pentagon report comes on the heels of a UN analysis released last month that found Al-Qaeda and the Taliban "remain close" and were in regular consultations over negotiations with America. Afghan watchers have long questioned whether Washington is being naive in thinking the Taliban would honor a pledge to restrict Al-Qaeda, the jihadist group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks that led to America's invasion of Afghanistan. The report added that any "core" Al-Qaeda members still in Afghanistan are focused mainly on survival, and have delegated regional leadership to AQIS. "AQIS's interest in attacking US forces and other Western targets in Afghanistan and the region persists, but continuing coalition (counterterrorism) pressure has reduced AQIS's ability to conduct operations in Afghanistan without the support of the Taliban," the Pentagon said. The UN report highlighted the connections between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who sheltered former leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan ahead of 9/11. The two groups "remain close, based on friendship, a history of shared struggle, ideological sympathy and intermarriage," the UN report stated. The US-Taliban deal signed February 29 was supposed to lead to peace talks starting by March 10 between the insurgents and the Kabul government. But negotiations have proved elusive amid a contentious prisoner swap and rising violence. Under the US-Taliban deal, foreign forces are supposed to quit Afghanistan next year. But General Kenneth McKenzie, who heads US Central Command, said last month that "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan" before the US would pull out.

Taliban maintain ties to Al-Qaeda affiliate: Pentagon

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday applauded India's sweeping ban on Chinese apps including TikTok, saying New Delhi was ensuring its own security.

"We welcome India's ban on certain mobile apps that can serve as appendages of the CCP surveillance state," Pompeo said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

"India's clean app approach will boost India's sovereignty and will also boost India's integrity and national security, as the Indian government cell itself has stated," he said.

India had been the top international market for TikTok, the blockbuster Chinese app popular with young people that lets users upload and share short videos.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat and Weibo as relations deteriorate in the wake of a brutal border clash.

India's ministry of information technology said the apps "are engaged in activities... prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order."

The head of TikTok India denied charges that the company shared any information from its users with a foreign government, including China.

Pompeo has been on a campaign, with limited success, to dissuade other nations from embracing Chinese telecom giant Huawei, a leader in fifth-generation internet technology.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday applauded India's sweeping ban on Chinese apps including TikTok, saying New Delhi was ensuring its own security. "We welcome India's ban on certain mobile apps that can serve as appendages of the CCP surveillance state," Pompeo said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday applauded India's sweeping ban on Chinese apps including TikTok, saying New Delhi was ensuring its own security. "We welcome India's ban on certain mobile apps that can serve as appendages of the CCP surveillance state," Pompeo said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. "India's clean app approach will boost India's sovereignty and will also boost India's integrity and national security, as the Indian government cell itself has stated," he said. India had been the top international market for TikTok, the blockbuster Chinese app popular with young people that lets users upload and share short videos. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat and Weibo as relations deteriorate in the wake of a brutal border clash. India's ministry of information technology said the apps "are engaged in activities... prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order." The head of TikTok India denied charges that the company shared any information from its users with a foreign government, including China. Pompeo has been on a campaign, with limited success, to dissuade other nations from embracing Chinese telecom giant Huawei, a leader in fifth-generation internet technology.

Pompeo welcomes India's ban on Chinese apps including TikTok

Two sources have also claimed Mr Donald Trump often so unprepared and outplayed in conversations with world leaders that senior White House officials feared he posed a danger to the national security

Donald Trump's phone calls with world leader under question; But why?

Russian bounty reports from Afganistan have kicked up a political storm in the United States. The White House continues to defend Donald Trump over his alleged inaction. Watch report.

Russian Bounty Reports: Trump doesn't like intel briefs

President Donald Trump was not verbally briefed on a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan because the allegations were not corroborated at the time, White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said on Wednesday.

O’Brien, however, declined to say whether the intelligence, which U.S. ally Britain has said it was aware of, had been included in a written presidential briefing earlier this year.

“The president’s career CIA briefer decided not to brief him because it was unverified intelligence,” O’Brien said on Fox News. He said the CIA briefer was an outstanding officer and he supported her decision.

The Republican president has faced a barrage of criticism after New York Times reports that a Russian military intelligence unit had offered bounties for U.S. and allied soldiers and that Trump received a written briefing on the matter in February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-wasnt-briefed-on-russia-taliban-bounty-intelligence-309193">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence</a>

After Trump initially said he was not briefed on the matter, the White House said Trump was not “personally” briefed but did not address whether he had received a written report or read it, and why he had not responded more aggressively if so.

O’Brien told reporters later that Trump has now been briefed on the Russian bounty reports.

“The president’s been fully briefed,” O’Brien said outside the White House, “We don’t get into written classified documents.”

Democrats on Tuesday called on Trump to consider imposing new economic sanctions on Russia if the information was confirmed.

Trump has tried to deflect criticism by saying the intelligence was not conclusive enough to be brought to his attention, and by calling news reports “fake news.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-all-about-him-john-bolton-criticises-trumps-statement-on-russian-bounties-309243">Also read |&nbsp;It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties</a>

“I was never briefed because any info that they may have had did not rise to that level,” he wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

Democratic lawmakers have asked for more in-depth briefings on the issue. O’Brien said the Gang of Eight - congressional leaders and intelligence committee lawmakers - would be briefed by intelligence officials, possibly on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump was not verbally briefed on a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan because the allegations were not corroborated at the time, White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump was not verbally briefed on a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan because the allegations were not corroborated at the time, White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said on Wednesday. O’Brien, however, declined to say whether the intelligence, which U.S. ally Britain has said it was aware of, had been included in a written presidential briefing earlier this year. “The president’s career CIA briefer decided not to brief him because it was unverified intelligence,” O’Brien said on Fox News. He said the CIA briefer was an outstanding officer and he supported her decision. The Republican president has faced a barrage of criticism after New York Times reports that a Russian military intelligence unit had offered bounties for U.S. and allied soldiers and that Trump received a written briefing on the matter in February. Also read | Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence After Trump initially said he was not briefed on the matter, the White House said Trump was not “personally” briefed but did not address whether he had received a written report or read it, and why he had not responded more aggressively if so. O’Brien told reporters later that Trump has now been briefed on the Russian bounty reports. “The president’s been fully briefed,” O’Brien said outside the White House, “We don’t get into written classified documents.” Democrats on Tuesday called on Trump to consider imposing new economic sanctions on Russia if the information was confirmed. Trump has tried to deflect criticism by saying the intelligence was not conclusive enough to be brought to his attention, and by calling news reports “fake news.” Also read | It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties “I was never briefed because any info that they may have had did not rise to that level,” he wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. Democratic lawmakers have asked for more in-depth briefings on the issue. O’Brien said the Gang of Eight - congressional leaders and intelligence committee lawmakers - would be briefed by intelligence officials, possibly on Wednesday.

Trump not briefed because Russia bounty reports uncorroborated: White House

New US&nbsp;coronavirus cases could more than double to 100,000 per day if the current surge spirals further out of control, the government's top infectious disease expert warned on Tuesday, although he was "cautiously optimistic" a vaccine would be available early next year.

California, Texas and Arizona have emerged as new epicenters of the pandemic, each reporting record increases in COVID-19 cases, adding to pressure on scores of potential vaccines being rushed into trials.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-california-texas-see-record-covid-19-surges-arizona-clamps-down-309630">US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down</a>

"Clearly we are not in total control right now," Dr. Anthony&nbsp;Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told a US&nbsp;Senate committee. "I am very concerned because it could get very bad."

Fauci&nbsp;said the daily increase in new cases nationwide, currently around 40,000, could reach 100,000 unless a full nationwide effort was undertaken to tamp down the resurgent virus.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-releases-pilot-safe-list-for-non-essential-travel-no-us-citizens-allowed-309758">EU releases pilot 'safe list' for non-essential travel, no US citizens allowed</a>

"We can't just focus on those areas that are having the surge. It puts the entire country at risk," he said.

Fauci&nbsp;said there was no guarantee of having vaccine to prevent infection soon, but that early data had left scientists "cautiously optimistic" for 2021. "Hopefully there will be doses available by the beginning of next year," he said.

COVID-19 cases more than doubled in June in at least 10 states, including Texas and Florida, a Reuters tally showed. In parts of Texas and Arizona, hospital intensive care beds for COVID-19 patients are in short supply.

More than 126,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 and millions have lost their jobs, as states and major cities ordered residents to stay home and businesses closed. The economy contracted sharply in the first quarter and is expected to crater in the second.

New US coronavirus cases could more than double to 100,000 per day if the current surge spirals further out of control, the government's top infectious disease expert warned on Tuesday, although he was "cautiously optimistic" a vaccine would be available early next year.

New US coronavirus cases could more than double to 100,000 per day if the current surge spirals further out of control, the government's top infectious disease expert warned on Tuesday, although he was "cautiously optimistic" a vaccine would be available early next year. California, Texas and Arizona have emerged as new epicenters of the pandemic, each reporting record increases in COVID-19 cases, adding to pressure on scores of potential vaccines being rushed into trials. Also read| US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down "Clearly we are not in total control right now," Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told a US Senate committee. "I am very concerned because it could get very bad." Fauci said the daily increase in new cases nationwide, currently around 40,000, could reach 100,000 unless a full nationwide effort was undertaken to tamp down the resurgent virus. Also read| EU releases pilot 'safe list' for non-essential travel, no US citizens allowed "We can't just focus on those areas that are having the surge. It puts the entire country at risk," he said. Fauci said there was no guarantee of having vaccine to prevent infection soon, but that early data had left scientists "cautiously optimistic" for 2021. "Hopefully there will be doses available by the beginning of next year," he said. COVID-19 cases more than doubled in June in at least 10 states, including Texas and Florida, a Reuters tally showed. In parts of Texas and Arizona, hospital intensive care beds for COVID-19 patients are in short supply. More than 126,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 and millions have lost their jobs, as states and major cities ordered residents to stay home and businesses closed. The economy contracted sharply in the first quarter and is expected to crater in the second.

US top health expert Fauci warns of 100,000 new COVID-19 cases per day

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday&nbsp;criticized President Donald Trump's handling of a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying his actions were a "dereliction of duty."

The White House has said Trump did not receive a personal briefing on intelligence about the alleged Russian program.&nbsp;

White House press&nbsp;secretary&nbsp;Kayleigh&nbsp;McEnany&nbsp;defended Trump during a press briefing by saying&nbsp;"he is constantly being informed and briefed on intelligence matters.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-press-secretary-mocked-after-saying-trump-is-most-informed-person-309771" hreflang="en">White House press secretary mocked after calling Trump 'most informed person'</a>

Biden spoke at a high school in Wilmington, Delaware, where he took questions from reporters for the first time in months after delivering a speech attacking Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

"He doesn't seem to be cognitively aware of what's going on," Biden said, throwing one of Trump's criticisms of the Democrat back at him and previewing the sparring that could take place at their debates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-wasnt-briefed-on-russia-taliban-bounty-intelligence-309193">Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence</a>

He also launched a fresh attack on President Donald Trump's "historic mismanagement" of the coronavirus pandemic as the number of confirmed cases in many states rises.

Biden argued that earlier action by Trump would have reduced the number who fell ill and the economic impact of the virus.

He released an updated plan to tackle the pandemic, which would include more COVID-19 testing and hiring at least 100,000 contract tracers.

He predicted that the coronavirus outbreak would likely worsen with the onset of the flu season, and said preparations should include more flu vaccines.

Biden&nbsp;said that, if elected, he would ask the federal government's top disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, to serve another term.

The Republican president trails Biden in opinion polls ahead of the November&nbsp;3 election amid the pandemic's health and economic crises, and nationwide protests against police brutality.

Answering a reporter's question on whether he had been tested for cognitive decline, Biden said he was looking forward to comparing his "cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I'm running against."

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday criticized President Donald Trump's handling of a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying his actions were a "dereliction of duty.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday criticized President Donald Trump's handling of a reported Russian effort to pay the Taliban to kill American troops in Afghanistan, saying his actions were a "dereliction of duty." The White House has said Trump did not receive a personal briefing on intelligence about the alleged Russian program. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended Trump during a press briefing by saying "he is constantly being informed and briefed on intelligence matters.'' Also read: White House press secretary mocked after calling Trump 'most informed person' Biden spoke at a high school in Wilmington, Delaware, where he took questions from reporters for the first time in months after delivering a speech attacking Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. "He doesn't seem to be cognitively aware of what's going on," Biden said, throwing one of Trump's criticisms of the Democrat back at him and previewing the sparring that could take place at their debates. Also read: Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence He also launched a fresh attack on President Donald Trump's "historic mismanagement" of the coronavirus pandemic as the number of confirmed cases in many states rises. Biden argued that earlier action by Trump would have reduced the number who fell ill and the economic impact of the virus. He released an updated plan to tackle the pandemic, which would include more COVID-19 testing and hiring at least 100,000 contract tracers. He predicted that the coronavirus outbreak would likely worsen with the onset of the flu season, and said preparations should include more flu vaccines. Biden said that, if elected, he would ask the federal government's top disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, to serve another term. The Republican president trails Biden in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election amid the pandemic's health and economic crises, and nationwide protests against police brutality. Answering a reporter's question on whether he had been tested for cognitive decline, Biden said he was looking forward to comparing his "cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I'm running against."

Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence

People made fun of White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany after she said that although Trump ''does not read'' he is the ''most informed person on planet Earth when it comes to facing threats''.

Kayleigh made the statement&nbsp;in response to backlash Trump has received over his professed ignorance of an alleged Russian program to pay the Taliban bounties for killing US troops.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitch-reddit-ban-pro-trump-content-amid-hate-speech-crackdown-309586" hreflang="en">Twitch, Reddit ban pro-Trump content amid hate speech crackdown</a>

Kayleigh was trolled by Twiiter users who were skeptical of the defense of Trump.

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So yesterday they said "The President hasn't been briefed" on the bounties and today they're saying "He's the most informed person on matters of national security." 
 
🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
— Jesse (@Ackackadack1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ackackadack1/status/1278063255701860355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“Consuming intelligence verbally” is what stoners call snacking on edibles and talking horseshit. 
Explains a lot, tbf. <a href="https://t.co/NZOXt5hjTU">https://t.co/NZOXt5hjTU</a>
— Philip O'Connor (@philipoconnor) <a href="https://twitter.com/philipoconnor/status/1278058390321840128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I’m pretty sure that “Consuming intelligence verbally” can cause high blood pressure and other secondary infections. Check with your doctor before beginning a course of “verbal intelligence.” <a href="https://t.co/UHEIJMFBlH">https://t.co/UHEIJMFBlH</a>
— Molly Jong-Fast🏡 (@MollyJongFast) <a href="https://twitter.com/MollyJongFast/status/1278057874921533442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Nothing hammers home the WH talking point that Joe Biden is old and confused quite like insisting that their guy knows how to read. <a href="https://t.co/TYwXdWOCvy">https://t.co/TYwXdWOCvy</a>
— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) <a href="https://twitter.com/briantylercohen/status/1278058441861300224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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How can she not burst out laughing when she says that "Donald Trump is the most informed person on Earth". <a href="https://t.co/ydLwWSGFqU">https://t.co/ydLwWSGFqU</a>
— ᴬˢˢᴵˢᵀᴬᴺᵀ ᵀᴼ ᵀᴴᴱ ᴮᴿᴬᴺᶜᴴ ᴹᴳᴿ ᴼᶠ 🄰🄽🅃🄸🄵🄰 (@billymocolorad2) <a href="https://twitter.com/billymocolorad2/status/1278056963377520640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The New York Times, citing two unnamed officials, reported the president had received a written briefing about the bounties at the end of February, undercutting his assertion that he was not told of the threat.

Democrats demanded more information from intelligence officials earlier Tuesday, as questions have been raised about Trump's degree of involvement with sensitive files and the attention he pays to the confidential documents sent to him.

The White House said Monday the claim had been kept from Trump because the intelligence underpinning it was unverified.

People made fun of White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany after she said that although Trump ''does not read'' he is the ''most informed person on planet Earth when it comes to facing threats''.

People made fun of White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany after she said that although Trump ''does not read'' he is the ''most informed person on planet Earth when it comes to facing threats''. Kayleigh made the statement in response to backlash Trump has received over his professed ignorance of an alleged Russian program to pay the Taliban bounties for killing US troops. Also read: Twitch, Reddit ban pro-Trump content amid hate speech crackdown Kayleigh was trolled by Twiiter users who were skeptical of the defense of Trump. So yesterday they said "The President hasn't been briefed" on the bounties and today they're saying "He's the most informed person on matters of national security." 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 — Jesse (@Ackackadack1) June 30, 2020 × “Consuming intelligence verbally” is what stoners call snacking on edibles and talking horseshit. Explains a lot, tbf. https://t.co/NZOXt5hjTU — Philip O'Connor (@philipoconnor) June 30, 2020 × I’m pretty sure that “Consuming intelligence verbally” can cause high blood pressure and other secondary infections. Check with your doctor before beginning a course of “verbal intelligence.” https://t.co/UHEIJMFBlH — Molly Jong-Fast🏡 (@MollyJongFast) June 30, 2020 × Nothing hammers home the WH talking point that Joe Biden is old and confused quite like insisting that their guy knows how to read. https://t.co/TYwXdWOCvy — Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) June 30, 2020 × How can she not burst out laughing when she says that "Donald Trump is the most informed person on Earth". https://t.co/ydLwWSGFqU — ᴬˢˢᴵˢᵀᴬᴺᵀ ᵀᴼ ᵀᴴᴱ ᴮᴿᴬᴺᶜᴴ ᴹᴳᴿ ᴼᶠ 🄰🄽🅃🄸🄵🄰 (@billymocolorad2) June 30, 2020 × The New York Times, citing two unnamed officials, reported the president had received a written briefing about the bounties at the end of February, undercutting his assertion that he was not told of the threat. Democrats demanded more information from intelligence officials earlier Tuesday, as questions have been raised about Trump's degree of involvement with sensitive files and the attention he pays to the confidential documents sent to him. The White House said Monday the claim had been kept from Trump because the intelligence underpinning it was unverified.

White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person'

In a series of explosive details emerging from US President Donald Trump’s current tenure, his close aides believed that Trump was a danger to national security after sitting in on his phone calls with other world leaders.

The classified calls, obtained by CNN, asserts how important figures in his administration including former national security adviser John Bolton, former Defense Secretary James Mattis, and former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson felt that Trump was “delusional” after seeing him deal with other leaders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/new-york-judge-temporarily-blocks-tell-all-book-by-trumps-niece-309785" hreflang="en">New York judge temporarily blocks 'tell-all' book by Trump's niece</a>

According to the report, Trump, in conversation with former British Prime Minister Theresa May referred to her as “a fool”, and even called her a coward in how she dealt with the Brexit crisis, NATO, and heavily criticised her immigration policy.

Additionally, he also told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that she was “stupid”, and accused her of being paid by the Russians. CNN’s report also highlighted that Merkel kept her calm during the calls, and the German administration was highly concerned about the way Trump addressed Merkel. However, she kept her composure and always retorted with facts, to Trump’s dismay.

<h6><img alt="US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, northeast of London on December 4, 2019. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab764af1-8018-45f3-97bb-23c26e85d15c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-8_3.jpg" /> 
US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, northeast of London on December 4, 2019 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The sources describe his verbal communications with May and Merkel as “near-sadistic”, whereby he “demeaned and denigrated” them. It got so bad that access to the phone calls between Merkel and Trump was put under high scrutiny and was limited to only her immediate aides.

As per the report, Merkel’s rebuttal of the attacks against her were claim, “like water off a duck’s back”. However, he was able to intimidate May, who got “flustered and nervous” after Trump’s remarks. The source told CNN, “he intimidated her and meant to”.

It was owing to such “problematic calls” that Merkel had to limit access to the calls.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/biden-slams-trumps-cognitive-capability-over-russian-bounty-intelligence-309774" hreflang="en">Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence</a>

The report also mentioned other world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The former allegedly reached out to him multiple times in a bid to convince him to change his stance on policies, especially concerning the environment. However, he also “bullied and disparaged” them.

Additionally, Trump remained friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Erdogan. In fact, he boasted about his victories as US president to Putin, who according to the sources, was always one step ahead of Trump. He also played down and insulted former US presidents like Obama and Bush, and claimed responsibility for getting US economy booming.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/white-house-press-secretary-mocked-after-saying-trump-is-most-informed-person-309771" hreflang="en">White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person'</a>

Many close aides also alleged that Trump came to meetings with other leaders unprepared, which worried his close circle.

Trump is currently under fire after Bolton released a book which claimed that he sought favours from Beijing, and that he put his own presidency over the US’ national interests when engaging with world leaders.

In a series of explosive details emerging from US President Donald Trump’s current tenure, his close aides believed that Trump was a danger to national security after sitting in on his phone calls with other world leaders.

In a series of explosive details emerging from US President Donald Trump’s current tenure, his close aides believed that Trump was a danger to national security after sitting in on his phone calls with other world leaders. The classified calls, obtained by CNN, asserts how important figures in his administration including former national security adviser John Bolton, former Defense Secretary James Mattis, and former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson felt that Trump was “delusional” after seeing him deal with other leaders. Also read: New York judge temporarily blocks 'tell-all' book by Trump's niece According to the report, Trump, in conversation with former British Prime Minister Theresa May referred to her as “a fool”, and even called her a coward in how she dealt with the Brexit crisis, NATO, and heavily criticised her immigration policy. Additionally, he also told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that she was “stupid”, and accused her of being paid by the Russians. CNN’s report also highlighted that Merkel kept her calm during the calls, and the German administration was highly concerned about the way Trump addressed Merkel. However, she kept her composure and always retorted with facts, to Trump’s dismay. US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, northeast of London on December 4, 2019 | AFP The sources describe his verbal communications with May and Merkel as “near-sadistic”, whereby he “demeaned and denigrated” them. It got so bad that access to the phone calls between Merkel and Trump was put under high scrutiny and was limited to only her immediate aides. As per the report, Merkel’s rebuttal of the attacks against her were claim, “like water off a duck’s back”. However, he was able to intimidate May, who got “flustered and nervous” after Trump’s remarks. The source told CNN, “he intimidated her and meant to”. It was owing to such “problematic calls” that Merkel had to limit access to the calls. Also read: Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence The report also mentioned other world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The former allegedly reached out to him multiple times in a bid to convince him to change his stance on policies, especially concerning the environment. However, he also “bullied and disparaged” them. Additionally, Trump remained friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Erdogan. In fact, he boasted about his victories as US president to Putin, who according to the sources, was always one step ahead of Trump. He also played down and insulted former US presidents like Obama and Bush, and claimed responsibility for getting US economy booming. Also read: White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person' Many close aides also alleged that Trump came to meetings with other leaders unprepared, which worried his close circle. Trump is currently under fire after Bolton released a book which claimed that he sought favours from Beijing, and that he put his own presidency over the US’ national interests when engaging with world leaders.

Trump 'disparaged' global leaders, called Germany's Merkel 'stupid' on the phone

Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden.

Bush was the country’s 43rd president.

According to Reuters, the officials, including Cabinet secretaries and other senior people in the Bush administration, have formed a political action committee - 43 Alumni for Biden - to support the former vice president in his November 3 race -- the latest Republican-led group coming out to oppose the re-election of Donald Trump.

It is often said Trump has alienated some in his own party, most recently with his response to the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests over racial injustice and police brutality against Black Americans.

The Super PAC will launch on Wednesday with a website and Facebook page. It plans to release “testimonial videos” praising Biden from high-profile Republicans and will hold get-out-the-vote efforts in the most competitive states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-slams-trumps-cognitive-capability-over-russian-bounty-intelligence-309774">Also read |&nbsp;Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence</a>

Bush’s office has been informed about the group, but the former president is not involved and has not indicated if he approves of its aims.

Freddy Ford, a spokesman for Bush, said Bush had retired “and won’t be wading into this election.”

Bush, who is still admired by many moderate Republicans, won praise for saying the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, in police custody reflected a “shocking failure”, and urged that protesters be heard.

Earlier, he released a video calling for Americans to unite in the face of the pandemic.

Despite policy differences with Biden, “hundreds” of former Bush officials believe the Democrat has the integrity to meet America’s challenges, the 43 Alumni members said.

As a Super PAC, the group’s members are forbidden by law from working with or communicating with the Biden campaign, but can raise unlimited amounts of money and run ads or hold events to support the candidate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-press-secretary-mocked-after-saying-trump-is-most-informed-person-309771">Also read |&nbsp;White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person'</a>

Dozens of Republican former national security officials are set to back Biden, claiming that Trump is a threat to US security, people involved in the effort told Reuters.

Other Republican groups opposing his re-election include the Lincoln Project, co-founded by George Conway, husband of Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway.

Trump has also drawn sharp criticism from retired military leaders over his apparent attempts to involve the armed forces in efforts to quell the anti-racism protests.

Trump has expressed contempt for Republican and conservative figures who oppose him, saying on Twitter that “Never Trumper” Republicans are “human scum.”

Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden. Bush was the country’s 43rd president.

Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden. Bush was the country’s 43rd president. According to Reuters, the officials, including Cabinet secretaries and other senior people in the Bush administration, have formed a political action committee - 43 Alumni for Biden - to support the former vice president in his November 3 race -- the latest Republican-led group coming out to oppose the re-election of Donald Trump. It is often said Trump has alienated some in his own party, most recently with his response to the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests over racial injustice and police brutality against Black Americans. The Super PAC will launch on Wednesday with a website and Facebook page. It plans to release “testimonial videos” praising Biden from high-profile Republicans and will hold get-out-the-vote efforts in the most competitive states. Also read | Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence Bush’s office has been informed about the group, but the former president is not involved and has not indicated if he approves of its aims. Freddy Ford, a spokesman for Bush, said Bush had retired “and won’t be wading into this election.” Bush, who is still admired by many moderate Republicans, won praise for saying the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, in police custody reflected a “shocking failure”, and urged that protesters be heard. Earlier, he released a video calling for Americans to unite in the face of the pandemic. Despite policy differences with Biden, “hundreds” of former Bush officials believe the Democrat has the integrity to meet America’s challenges, the 43 Alumni members said. As a Super PAC, the group’s members are forbidden by law from working with or communicating with the Biden campaign, but can raise unlimited amounts of money and run ads or hold events to support the candidate. Also read | White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person' Dozens of Republican former national security officials are set to back Biden, claiming that Trump is a threat to US security, people involved in the effort told Reuters. Other Republican groups opposing his re-election include the Lincoln Project, co-founded by George Conway, husband of Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway. Trump has also drawn sharp criticism from retired military leaders over his apparent attempts to involve the armed forces in efforts to quell the anti-racism protests. Trump has expressed contempt for Republican and conservative figures who oppose him, saying on Twitter that “Never Trumper” Republicans are “human scum.”

Hundreds of George W Bush administration officials to back Biden, says report

Joe Biden trashed President Trump on Saturday for failing to respond to intelligence reports that Russia put a bounty on the heads of American troops in Afghanistan.

Biden accuses trump for ignoring intel over Russian bounty reports

By Arie Perliger

As US&nbsp;politics heat up in advance of the November election, it’s not surprising that extremist groups across the political spectrum are becoming more active and engaged in acts of political violence.

A growing number of scholars and policymakers suggest this problem should be dealt with by designating violent groups as “domestic terrorist” organizations.

Like most students of American extremism, I agree that some members of domestic extremist groups do engage in terrorist acts – using violence to spread fear among targeted groups of people, with the aim of promoting political objectives. Nonetheless, as someone who has studied democracies’ response to domestic terrorism for almost 20 years, I believe that legally designating domestic extremist groups as terrorist organizations will have limited benefits, if any at all.

What is domestic terrorism 
 
There is not a formal legal definition of a domestic terrorist group, the way there is for international terrorism.

A federal law and a presidential executive order allow the government to designate groups as foreign terrorist organizations. Most scholars agree that some American far-right groups are involved in foreign conflicts, and others communicate with foreign groups. But that is not enough to be considered a foreign organization: American extremists do not have permanent logistical, operational and leadership apparatus abroad.

The law, or the executive order, could be revised or replaced in ways that would cover U.S.-based groups.

But the real problem is that designating specific groups as terrorists doesn’t actually curb terrorism.

Too little organization 
 
Many acts of far-right violence are perpetrated by individuals, not organized groups. These people may be loosely associated with, or perhaps supporters or online followers of, far-right movements. But they usually operate independently, without help or involvement from others. My research has shown that in many cases, the acts of violence aren’t even planned in advance.

In any case, the two major contemporary extremist movements which attracted calls to designate them as terrorist organizations, the “boogaloo” movement on the right and antifa on the left, both lack any hierarchy or central coordination and, therefore, don’t fit the criteria of a formal organization.

No real effect on operations 
 
There are several organizations that the U.S. has designated as “terrorists” over the years – including Hamas, Hezbollah, FARC, Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Islamic State group and its affiliates. Being named to the list subjects a group and its supporters to certain legal, administrative and financial sanctions: Americans who give them money, for instance, can be imprisoned. Non-Americans who are deemed members can be deported from the U.S. or denied permission to enter the country. Banks can be ordered to seize the group’s funds.

Despite decades on the list, though, many of these groups are still flourishing. Some are even powerful enough to be dominant political movements in their regions or hold territory outside the control of national governments.

Others of these groups appear to have disappeared, but really didn’t. Kahane Chai, for instance, was an Israeli organization that advocated violence against Palestinians in the West Bank in order to ensure Jewish control of what its members considered part of the Jewish homeland. The U.S. State Department designated it a terrorist group in 1997. Kahane Chai is no longer operating, but many of its members are active in other associations, promoting a similar ideology and engaging in violence.

Similar dynamics are also visible among American extremist movements. In my book on the American far right, I explain that after the Aryan Nations, the most prominent white supremacy group of its time, collapsed in the late 1990s, most of its members dispersed and joined other organizations. The American far-right community was largely unaffected.

Also in the late 1990s, many states passed anti-militia laws, seeking to limit the American militia movement in the wake of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by Timothy McVeigh, who was linked to the Michigan Militia and similar groups in Arizona. The state laws banned people from gathering to practice military-style training, and had a limited effect for about a decade. But in the last 15 years, a second wave of militias has emerged, which actually seems to be more popular, more organized and more capable of mobilizing members than their predecessors.

Most domestic groups remain decentralized, small and without formal structure, even if they coordinate with like-minded people online. The few groups that are more organized tend to split, merge or change their names frequently. In my view, that’s too fragmented a situation for any formal terrorist designation to have much use. A better solution would be to advance policies that can slow political polarization and counter the development of extremist beliefs in the first place.

(Arie Perliger is Director of Security Studies and Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-domestic-terrorist-designation-wont-stop-extremism-141258">original article</a>) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By Arie Perliger As US politics heat up in advance of the November election, it’s not surprising that extremist groups across the political spectrum are becoming more active and engaged in acts of political violence.

By Arie Perliger As US politics heat up in advance of the November election, it’s not surprising that extremist groups across the political spectrum are becoming more active and engaged in acts of political violence. A growing number of scholars and policymakers suggest this problem should be dealt with by designating violent groups as “domestic terrorist” organizations. Like most students of American extremism, I agree that some members of domestic extremist groups do engage in terrorist acts – using violence to spread fear among targeted groups of people, with the aim of promoting political objectives. Nonetheless, as someone who has studied democracies’ response to domestic terrorism for almost 20 years, I believe that legally designating domestic extremist groups as terrorist organizations will have limited benefits, if any at all. What is domestic terrorism There is not a formal legal definition of a domestic terrorist group, the way there is for international terrorism. A federal law and a presidential executive order allow the government to designate groups as foreign terrorist organizations. Most scholars agree that some American far-right groups are involved in foreign conflicts, and others communicate with foreign groups. But that is not enough to be considered a foreign organization: American extremists do not have permanent logistical, operational and leadership apparatus abroad. The law, or the executive order, could be revised or replaced in ways that would cover U.S.-based groups. But the real problem is that designating specific groups as terrorists doesn’t actually curb terrorism. Too little organization Many acts of far-right violence are perpetrated by individuals, not organized groups. These people may be loosely associated with, or perhaps supporters or online followers of, far-right movements. But they usually operate independently, without help or involvement from others. My research has shown that in many cases, the acts of violence aren’t even planned in advance. In any case, the two major contemporary extremist movements which attracted calls to designate them as terrorist organizations, the “boogaloo” movement on the right and antifa on the left, both lack any hierarchy or central coordination and, therefore, don’t fit the criteria of a formal organization. No real effect on operations There are several organizations that the U.S. has designated as “terrorists” over the years – including Hamas, Hezbollah, FARC, Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Islamic State group and its affiliates. Being named to the list subjects a group and its supporters to certain legal, administrative and financial sanctions: Americans who give them money, for instance, can be imprisoned. Non-Americans who are deemed members can be deported from the U.S. or denied permission to enter the country. Banks can be ordered to seize the group’s funds. Despite decades on the list, though, many of these groups are still flourishing. Some are even powerful enough to be dominant political movements in their regions or hold territory outside the control of national governments. Others of these groups appear to have disappeared, but really didn’t. Kahane Chai, for instance, was an Israeli organization that advocated violence against Palestinians in the West Bank in order to ensure Jewish control of what its members considered part of the Jewish homeland. The U.S. State Department designated it a terrorist group in 1997. Kahane Chai is no longer operating, but many of its members are active in other associations, promoting a similar ideology and engaging in violence. Similar dynamics are also visible among American extremist movements. In my book on the American far right, I explain that after the Aryan Nations, the most prominent white supremacy group of its time, collapsed in the late 1990s, most of its members dispersed and joined other organizations. The American far-right community was largely unaffected. Also in the late 1990s, many states passed anti-militia laws, seeking to limit the American militia movement in the wake of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by Timothy McVeigh, who was linked to the Michigan Militia and similar groups in Arizona. The state laws banned people from gathering to practice military-style training, and had a limited effect for about a decade. But in the last 15 years, a second wave of militias has emerged, which actually seems to be more popular, more organized and more capable of mobilizing members than their predecessors. Most domestic groups remain decentralized, small and without formal structure, even if they coordinate with like-minded people online. The few groups that are more organized tend to split, merge or change their names frequently. In my view, that’s too fragmented a situation for any formal terrorist designation to have much use. A better solution would be to advance policies that can slow political polarization and counter the development of extremist beliefs in the first place. (Arie Perliger is Director of Security Studies and Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

The ‘domestic terrorist’ designation won’t stop extremism

Amazon's game streaming platform&nbsp;Twitch temporarily suspended President Donald Trump's channel and social media site Reddit&nbsp;on Monday shut down r/The_Donald, a forum which long served as a popular online home base for fans of President Donald Trump, saying it violated the site's hate speech rules.

Reddit&nbsp;Chief Executive Steve Huffman said in a post detailing changes to the company's content policies that communities and users promoting hate would be barred.&nbsp;Reddit&nbsp;was banning about 2,000 subreddits, the majority of which were inactive, he said.

"r/The_Donald" was among some 2,000 forums or "subreddits" banned as tightening of rules at the news-focused social website, Reddit said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-disables-trump-campaign-tribute-to-floyd-for-copyright-foul-303548">Twitter disables Trump campaign tribute to Floyd for copyright foul</a>

"Hateful conduct is not allowed on Twitch," a spokesperson said.

"We do not make exceptions for political or newsworthy content, and will take action on content reported to us that violates our rules."

Twitch said the offending comments aired on the channel included Trump's remarks from 2015 saying that Mexicans coming into the United States were "bringing drugs," "bringing crime" and were "rapists."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-takes-down-trump-ads-for-violating-its-policy-against-organised-hate-306951">Facebook takes down Trump ads for violating its policy against 'organised hate'</a>

Also cited were his statements from a recent Tulsa rally that "a very tough hombre is breaking into the window of a young woman whose husband is away."

In response to the actions by&nbsp;Reddit&nbsp;and Twitch, a Trump campaign spokesman directed people to Trump's campaign app "to hear directly from the president." He did not directly address the sites' actions.

The move comes with online platforms facing pressure to crack down on hateful content, including from the president, amid a broad movement to address racial equity in the wake of police killings of African-Americans.

Trump has complained that Silicon Valley platforms are biased against conservatives, despite his own large social media following.

Huffman said earlier this month that&nbsp;Reddit&nbsp;would strengthen its content policy, after&nbsp;Reddit&nbsp;co-founder Alexis Ohanian resigned from the firm's board and former CEO Ellen Pao criticized its handling of r/The_Donald.

Reddit last year "quarantined" the pro-Trump forum for promoting violence and on Monday removed it.

The new list of banned subreddits also included the left-wing r/ChapoTrapHouse, which Huffman said consistently hosted rule-breaking content. It had an average of 42,949 daily active users, according to&nbsp;Reddit.

Reddit's list showed r/The_Donald had an average of 7,780 daily active users, down from its heyday around the 2016 presidential election when it regularly drew hundreds of thousands of visitors each day.

Only about 200 of the banned forums listed by&nbsp;Reddit&nbsp;had more than 10 daily users.

Amazon's game streaming platform Twitch temporarily suspended President Donald Trump's channel and social media site Reddit on Monday shut down r/The_Donald, a forum which long served as a popular online home base for fans of President Donald Trump, saying it violated the site's hate speech rules.

Amazon's game streaming platform Twitch temporarily suspended President Donald Trump's channel and social media site Reddit on Monday shut down r/The_Donald, a forum which long served as a popular online home base for fans of President Donald Trump, saying it violated the site's hate speech rules. Reddit Chief Executive Steve Huffman said in a post detailing changes to the company's content policies that communities and users promoting hate would be barred. Reddit was banning about 2,000 subreddits, the majority of which were inactive, he said. "r/The_Donald" was among some 2,000 forums or "subreddits" banned as tightening of rules at the news-focused social website, Reddit said. Also read: Twitter disables Trump campaign tribute to Floyd for copyright foul "Hateful conduct is not allowed on Twitch," a spokesperson said. "We do not make exceptions for political or newsworthy content, and will take action on content reported to us that violates our rules." Twitch said the offending comments aired on the channel included Trump's remarks from 2015 saying that Mexicans coming into the United States were "bringing drugs," "bringing crime" and were "rapists." Also read: Facebook takes down Trump ads for violating its policy against 'organised hate' Also cited were his statements from a recent Tulsa rally that "a very tough hombre is breaking into the window of a young woman whose husband is away." In response to the actions by Reddit and Twitch, a Trump campaign spokesman directed people to Trump's campaign app "to hear directly from the president." He did not directly address the sites' actions. The move comes with online platforms facing pressure to crack down on hateful content, including from the president, amid a broad movement to address racial equity in the wake of police killings of African-Americans. Trump has complained that Silicon Valley platforms are biased against conservatives, despite his own large social media following. Huffman said earlier this month that Reddit would strengthen its content policy, after Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian resigned from the firm's board and former CEO Ellen Pao criticized its handling of r/The_Donald. Reddit last year "quarantined" the pro-Trump forum for promoting violence and on Monday removed it. The new list of banned subreddits also included the left-wing r/ChapoTrapHouse, which Huffman said consistently hosted rule-breaking content. It had an average of 42,949 daily active users, according to Reddit. Reddit's list showed r/The_Donald had an average of 7,780 daily active users, down from its heyday around the 2016 presidential election when it regularly drew hundreds of thousands of visitors each day. Only about 200 of the banned forums listed by Reddit had more than 10 daily users.

Twitch, Reddit ban pro-Trump content amid hate speech crackdown

Many of these reports said Donald Trump and the White House have known about the bounties for months but haven't condemned them publicly or taken any retaliatory steps against Moscow.

US House leaders to be briefed on Russia bounty intel

Iran has issued an arrest warrant against United States President Donald Trump and dozens of others for the killing of its top commander Qassem Soleimani. Iranian govt issues warrant against Trump and 30 others

Iran issues arrest warrant for Trump over top commander's killing

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that&nbsp;he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US&nbsp;troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan.

He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he&nbsp;currently serves in the US&nbsp;Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer.&nbsp;

''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote.&nbsp;

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The&nbsp;New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018.&nbsp;

This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members

A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014. Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan. He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he currently serves in the US Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer. ''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote. The New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018. This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States. Meanwhile, Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

Republican congressman knew about Russia's bounty offer to kill US troops in 2014

The Rolling Stones have teamed with performing rights organization BMI, to stop U.S. President Donald Trump from using their songs in his political campaigning.

'You can't always get what you want,' BMI tells President Donald Trump

Jacksonville, Florida, where the Republicans are set to hold their national convention in August have declared that face masks will be mandatory due to surge in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-and-republicans-want-answers-from-trump-on-russia-bounty-reports-309509" hreflang="en">Democrats and Republicans want answers from Trump on Russia bounty reports</a>

The Republicans relocated the venue for the convention from Charlotte, North Carolina due to strict social distancing measures in place in the city.

The state health department reported 5,266 new infections and 28 new deaths due to COVID-19 on Monday.

The state's totals rose to 146,341 confirmed cases and 3,447 deaths.

"At 5 p.m. today, the city of Jacksonville will be adopting a mandatory mask requirement for public and indoor locations, and in other situations where individuals cannot socially distance," the city government said in a statement.

"Please continue to practice personal responsibility to help stop the spread of this virus."

On June 11, Trump's political party announced that the venue was shifted to Jacksonville attacking the strict rules set for the Charlotte convention. Trump went on to attack North Carolina governor Roy Cooper saying that he "is still in shelter-in-place mode" and "doesn't want to give an inch."&nbsp;

Jacksonville, Florida, where the Republicans are set to hold their national convention in August have declared that face masks will be mandatory due to surge in coronavirus cases.

Jacksonville, Florida, where the Republicans are set to hold their national convention in August have declared that face masks will be mandatory due to surge in coronavirus cases. Also read: Democrats and Republicans want answers from Trump on Russia bounty reports The Republicans relocated the venue for the convention from Charlotte, North Carolina due to strict social distancing measures in place in the city. The state health department reported 5,266 new infections and 28 new deaths due to COVID-19 on Monday. The state's totals rose to 146,341 confirmed cases and 3,447 deaths. "At 5 p.m. today, the city of Jacksonville will be adopting a mandatory mask requirement for public and indoor locations, and in other situations where individuals cannot socially distance," the city government said in a statement. "Please continue to practice personal responsibility to help stop the spread of this virus." On June 11, Trump's political party announced that the venue was shifted to Jacksonville attacking the strict rules set for the Charlotte convention. Trump went on to attack North Carolina governor Roy Cooper saying that he "is still in shelter-in-place mode" and "doesn't want to give an inch."

Florida city hosting Republican convention makes masks mandatory after surge in COVID-19 cases

After reports of Russian military intelligence agencies offering bounties to militants for killing United States’ troops in Afghanistan, the Democrats and Republicans have united in pressurising the president to divulge more information.

"Congress and the country need answers now. I therefore request an interagency brief for all House Members immediately," Democratic US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and CIA Director Gina Haspel on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/russia-denies-paying-militants-to-kill-us-troops-in-afghanistan-309334" hreflang="en">Russia denies paying militants to kill US troops in Afghanistan</a>

"The questions that arise are: was the President briefed, and if not, why not, and why was Congress not briefed?" Pelosi asked.

She was joined by Republican’s top representative Mac Thornberry, alongside Democratic Representative Adam Smith, while asking the Department of Defense for a detailed briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/its-all-about-him-john-bolton-criticises-trumps-statement-on-russian-bounties-309243" hreflang="en">It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties</a>

"The American people – and our service members – deserve to know the truth about what the White House knew about these Russian operations that may have directly resulted in the deaths of American service members," Smith said.

Thornberry, while referring to the debacle, said that any delay "will not be acceptable”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-says-he-wasnt-briefed-on-russia-taliban-bounty-intelligence-309193" hreflang="en">Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence</a>

A closer worker with the US Congress revealed that the Republican-only meeting would take place in the White House on Monday. US Speaker’s Pelosi’s close aides, Chuck Schumer, along with other Democrats said that they don’t expect any Democrats to be invited.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has dismissed the reports as “fake news”, and further suggested that this was an attempt to make the Republicans look bad.

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Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican acting intelligence committee chairman, said that they would "continue to conduct vigorous oversight" of threats faced by the United States.

After reports of Russian military intelligence agencies offering bounties to militants for killing United States’ troops in Afghanistan, the Democrats and Republicans have united in pressurising the president to divulge more information.

After reports of Russian military intelligence agencies offering bounties to militants for killing United States’ troops in Afghanistan, the Democrats and Republicans have united in pressurising the president to divulge more information. "Congress and the country need answers now. I therefore request an interagency brief for all House Members immediately," Democratic US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and CIA Director Gina Haspel on Monday. Also read: Russia denies paying militants to kill US troops in Afghanistan "The questions that arise are: was the President briefed, and if not, why not, and why was Congress not briefed?" Pelosi asked. She was joined by Republican’s top representative Mac Thornberry, alongside Democratic Representative Adam Smith, while asking the Department of Defense for a detailed briefing. Also read: It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties "The American people – and our service members – deserve to know the truth about what the White House knew about these Russian operations that may have directly resulted in the deaths of American service members," Smith said. Thornberry, while referring to the debacle, said that any delay "will not be acceptable”. Also read: Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence A closer worker with the US Congress revealed that the Republican-only meeting would take place in the White House on Monday. US Speaker’s Pelosi’s close aides, Chuck Schumer, along with other Democrats said that they don’t expect any Democrats to be invited. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has dismissed the reports as “fake news”, and further suggested that this was an attempt to make the Republicans look bad. Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican acting intelligence committee chairman, said that they would "continue to conduct vigorous oversight" of threats faced by the United States.

Democrats and Republicans want answers from Trump on Russia bounty reports

The controversial President Donald Trump amid Anti-racist protests globally retweets a video in which a man shouts 'White Power'. However after immense backlash Trump deleted this video.

Amid Anti-racist protests US Prez Trump retweets video where man shouts 'White Power'

US President Donald Trump has a long record of leaving musicians miffed by using their songs at his rallies.

The Rolling Stones

“You can’t always get what you want”, an enduring rock anthem by the&nbsp;Rolling Stones was a popular choice at many of Donald Trump's events.

It was played again at the close of Trump's recent rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma - an indoor event criticised for its potential to spread coronavirus.

This prompted the English rock band to issue a statement in which they have said that their legal team is working with BMI, a music rights organisation, to stop use of their material in Trump's reelection campaign. “If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists, then he would face a lawsuit for breaking the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed”, the statement reads.

The legendary band had also objected to this during his 2016 campaign, accusing him of using their music to fire up his conservative base at rallies.

Tom Petty

The family of the late Tom Petty also filed a cease and desist notice to the Trump campaign. Petty's 1989 hit “I won't back down" was played at the rally in Tulsa.

Neil Young

In 2018, Grammy award-winning musician Neil Young lashed out at Trump after hearing one of his songs played against his wishes during Trump's pre-midterm campaign rallies.

The Canadian-born musician admonished Trump for using his 1990 single, “Rockin’ in the free world,” in spite of earlier warnings.

Rihanna

In 2018, Rihanna discovered her music was being played during one of his rallies via twitter. She quickly put an end to it, writing “me nor my people would ever be at or around one of those tragic rallies, so thanks for the heads up.”

Elton John

While running for president, Trump used Elton John's songs “Rocket man" and “Tiny dancer" as warm-up music to his campaign rallies. But the iconic British singer made it clear that he didn't want his music involved in American politics, going on to say, “I’m not a Republican in a million years."

Adele

In 2016, upon finding out that Trump was playing her music at his events, Adele's spokesperson announced that she had not given him permission to use her music. The singer went on to endorse Hillary Clinton during a concert.

US President Donald Trump has a long record of leaving musicians miffed by using their songs at his rallies. The Rolling Stones “You can’t always get what you want”, an enduring rock anthem by the Rolling Stones was a popular choice at many of Donald Trump's events.

US President Donald Trump has a long record of leaving musicians miffed by using their songs at his rallies. The Rolling Stones “You can’t always get what you want”, an enduring rock anthem by the Rolling Stones was a popular choice at many of Donald Trump's events. It was played again at the close of Trump's recent rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma - an indoor event criticised for its potential to spread coronavirus. This prompted the English rock band to issue a statement in which they have said that their legal team is working with BMI, a music rights organisation, to stop use of their material in Trump's reelection campaign. “If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists, then he would face a lawsuit for breaking the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed”, the statement reads. The legendary band had also objected to this during his 2016 campaign, accusing him of using their music to fire up his conservative base at rallies. Tom Petty The family of the late Tom Petty also filed a cease and desist notice to the Trump campaign. Petty's 1989 hit “I won't back down" was played at the rally in Tulsa. Neil Young In 2018, Grammy award-winning musician Neil Young lashed out at Trump after hearing one of his songs played against his wishes during Trump's pre-midterm campaign rallies. The Canadian-born musician admonished Trump for using his 1990 single, “Rockin’ in the free world,” in spite of earlier warnings. Rihanna In 2018, Rihanna discovered her music was being played during one of his rallies via twitter. She quickly put an end to it, writing “me nor my people would ever be at or around one of those tragic rallies, so thanks for the heads up.” Elton John While running for president, Trump used Elton John's songs “Rocket man" and “Tiny dancer" as warm-up music to his campaign rallies. But the iconic British singer made it clear that he didn't want his music involved in American politics, going on to say, “I’m not a Republican in a million years." Adele In 2016, upon finding out that Trump was playing her music at his events, Adele's spokesperson announced that she had not given him permission to use her music. The singer went on to endorse Hillary Clinton during a concert.

The history of musicians chastising Trump for using their music at his rallies

Iran has issued an arrest warrant and asked Interpol for help in detaining President Donald Trump and dozens of others it believes carried out the drone strike that killed a top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

WION Dispatch: Iran issues arrest warrant against Donald Trump

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement.

"...Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration. With Corrupt Joe Biden &amp; Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine - Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax. Who is their “source”?," Trump had tweeted.

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Nobody briefed or told me, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Pence, or Chief of Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkMeadows?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarkMeadows</a> about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>. Everybody is denying it &amp; there have not been many attacks on us.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1277202159109537793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inaccurate-white-house-rubbishes-reports-of-trumps-failed-actions-on-russian-bounties-case-309084">Also read|&nbsp;Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case</a>

"It is pretty remarkable the President's going out of his way to say he has not heard anything about it. One asks, why would he do something like that?," said John Bolton, Trump's former National Security Advisor (NSA), and present nemesis.

White House and Trump's statements of clarification came after&nbsp;New York Times, a national top-selling newspaper, reported that the intelligence service had informed the President about Russia secretly offering bounties to Afghanistan to kill the US soldiers, but Trump had failed to take any action.

"The fact that the President feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is, is not the security of our forces, but whether he looks like he was not paying attention. So he is saying well nobody told me, therefore you cannot blame me," Bolton said.

John Bolton&nbsp;has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'.

As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House, and has become the centre of controversy as the Trump administration has tried, on multiple occasions, to suspend the publication of the book.

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement.

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement. "...Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration. With Corrupt Joe Biden & Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine - Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax. Who is their “source”?," Trump had tweeted. Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News @nytimes. Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020 × Also read| Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case "It is pretty remarkable the President's going out of his way to say he has not heard anything about it. One asks, why would he do something like that?," said John Bolton, Trump's former National Security Advisor (NSA), and present nemesis. White House and Trump's statements of clarification came after New York Times, a national top-selling newspaper, reported that the intelligence service had informed the President about Russia secretly offering bounties to Afghanistan to kill the US soldiers, but Trump had failed to take any action. "The fact that the President feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is, is not the security of our forces, but whether he looks like he was not paying attention. So he is saying well nobody told me, therefore you cannot blame me," Bolton said. John Bolton has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'. As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House, and has become the centre of controversy as the Trump administration has tried, on multiple occasions, to suspend the publication of the book.

It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties

Iran has issued an arrest warrant for Donald Trump over the killing of top general of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qassem Soleimani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-violates-international-law-272517">Also read: Does the killing of Qasem Soleimani violate international law?</a> 
 
Prosecutor-General of Tehran Ali Alqasi Mehr is looking for Donald Trump and 35 other suspects behind the alleged assassination of top general and has asked Interpol for help. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-execute-cia-agent-involved-in-commander-soleimanis-killing-says-official-304510">Also read: Iran will execute CIA agent involved in commander Soleimani's killing, says official</a>

"36 individuals who have been involved or ordered the assassination of Hajj Qassem, including the political and military officials of the US and other governments, have been identified and arrest warrants have been issued for them by the judiciary officials and red alerts have also been issued for them via the Interpol," said Ali Alqasi Mehr.

The arrest warrant for the US President comes nearly six months after the general was killed on January 3. 
 
Interpol, based in Lyon, France, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. Washington blamed Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US forces in the region.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Iran has issued an arrest warrant for Donald Trump over the killing of top general of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qassem Soleimani. Also read: Does the killing of Qasem Soleimani violate international law?

Iran has issued an arrest warrant for Donald Trump over the killing of top general of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qassem Soleimani. Also read: Does the killing of Qasem Soleimani violate international law? Prosecutor-General of Tehran Ali Alqasi Mehr is looking for Donald Trump and 35 other suspects behind the alleged assassination of top general and has asked Interpol for help. Also read: Iran will execute CIA agent involved in commander Soleimani's killing, says official "36 individuals who have been involved or ordered the assassination of Hajj Qassem, including the political and military officials of the US and other governments, have been identified and arrest warrants have been issued for them by the judiciary officials and red alerts have also been issued for them via the Interpol," said Ali Alqasi Mehr. The arrest warrant for the US President comes nearly six months after the general was killed on January 3. Interpol, based in Lyon, France, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. Washington blamed Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US forces in the region. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran issues an arrest warrant for Donald Trump over killing of top general Qassem Soleimani

US President Donald Trump on Sunday shared a video of a stand-off between his supporters and naysayers in which a man chants "white power". He later deleted the tweet amid an outcry.&nbsp;

"Thank you to the great people of The Villages," Trump tweeted above the video clip. "The Radical Left Do Nothing Democrats will Fall in the Fall."

The footage was apparently taken in a Florida retirement community, and showed a man driving a golf-cart bearing "Trump 2020" and "America First" signs being heckled by a roadside protester chanting "racist."

As they yelled at each other, the driver repeatedly mouthed the words "white power" with a raised fist.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-wasnt-briefed-on-russia-taliban-bounty-intelligence-309193">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence</a>

"White power! There you go, white power. Did you hear that?" the protester yelled back at him.

<img alt="Donald Trump's deleted tweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4827cb65-7cd9-43ee-b11d-269f87322543" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump%20tweetw.jpg" />

The tweet was removed from Trump’s account hours after it was posted.

This is the video Trump quoted and tweeted.

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Seniors from The Villages in Florida protesting against each other: <a href="https://t.co/Q3GRJCTjEW">pic.twitter.com/Q3GRJCTjEW</a>
— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/davenewworld_2/status/1276965068048158720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The "Villages" video triggered an immediate backlash on social media, and Trump allies were pressed to defend it on the Sunday morning talk shows.

To this end, the White House later said Trump had not heard what the man was shouting.

"The president is a big fan of The Villages. He did not hear the one statement made on the video. What he did see was tremendous enthusiasm from his many supporters,"&nbsp;White House spokesman Judd Deere said.

Trump has long been accused of fanning racial tensions, including during the nationwide reckoning over racial inequality triggered by the death-in-custody of African American George Floyd a month ago.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday shared a video of a stand-off between his supporters and naysayers in which a man chants "white power". He later deleted the tweet amid an outcry.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday shared a video of a stand-off between his supporters and naysayers in which a man chants "white power". He later deleted the tweet amid an outcry. "Thank you to the great people of The Villages," Trump tweeted above the video clip. "The Radical Left Do Nothing Democrats will Fall in the Fall." The footage was apparently taken in a Florida retirement community, and showed a man driving a golf-cart bearing "Trump 2020" and "America First" signs being heckled by a roadside protester chanting "racist." As they yelled at each other, the driver repeatedly mouthed the words "white power" with a raised fist. Also read | Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence "White power! There you go, white power. Did you hear that?" the protester yelled back at him. The tweet was removed from Trump’s account hours after it was posted. This is the video Trump quoted and tweeted. Seniors from The Villages in Florida protesting against each other: pic.twitter.com/Q3GRJCTjEW — Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) June 27, 2020 × The "Villages" video triggered an immediate backlash on social media, and Trump allies were pressed to defend it on the Sunday morning talk shows. To this end, the White House later said Trump had not heard what the man was shouting. "The president is a big fan of The Villages. He did not hear the one statement made on the video. What he did see was tremendous enthusiasm from his many supporters," White House spokesman Judd Deere said. Trump has long been accused of fanning racial tensions, including during the nationwide reckoning over racial inequality triggered by the death-in-custody of African American George Floyd a month ago.

Trump tweets, then deletes, video of a man chanting 'white power'; WH defends

Four men have been charged for attempting to remove a statue of former president Andrew Jackson from outside the White House as part of anti-racism protests in the United States.

On Monday evening, a group of protesters attacked the statue of the former president, a slaveowner who led the United States from 1829 to 1837, which stands in Lafayette Park next to the White House.&nbsp;They wrapped ropes around the monument and tried to knock it down.&nbsp;

Based on video footage, four were identified tying or pulling the ropes, or passing a hammer to another demonstrator.&nbsp;Aged between 20 and 47, they were charged on Friday with "destruction of federal property".

The charge is punishable by one to 10 years in prison.

On Friday, Donald Trump tweeted calling for arrest of protestors involved in this week's attempt to pull down the statue of Andrew Jackson from a park directly in front of the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-issues-wanted-poster-for-people-who-vandalized-statues-308903">Also read | Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalised statues</a>

One of them was arrested on Friday and presented to a judge on Saturday, while the other three were named but have not yet been apprehended.

The death of George Floyd, an African-American killed by a white police officer on May 25, has ignited mass civil unrest across the country. On the sidelines of those protests, several statues, including of Confederate generals and pro-slavery leaders, have been targetted or pulled down.

Trump, who is running for a second term, on Friday signed an executive order pledging&nbsp;to enforce prosecution for protesters who vandalise public memorials.&nbsp;

Four men have been charged for attempting to remove a statue of former president Andrew Jackson from outside the White House as part of anti-racism protests in the United States.

Four men have been charged for attempting to remove a statue of former president Andrew Jackson from outside the White House as part of anti-racism protests in the United States. On Monday evening, a group of protesters attacked the statue of the former president, a slaveowner who led the United States from 1829 to 1837, which stands in Lafayette Park next to the White House. They wrapped ropes around the monument and tried to knock it down. Based on video footage, four were identified tying or pulling the ropes, or passing a hammer to another demonstrator. Aged between 20 and 47, they were charged on Friday with "destruction of federal property". The charge is punishable by one to 10 years in prison. On Friday, Donald Trump tweeted calling for arrest of protestors involved in this week's attempt to pull down the statue of Andrew Jackson from a park directly in front of the White House. Also read | Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalised statues One of them was arrested on Friday and presented to a judge on Saturday, while the other three were named but have not yet been apprehended. The death of George Floyd, an African-American killed by a white police officer on May 25, has ignited mass civil unrest across the country. On the sidelines of those protests, several statues, including of Confederate generals and pro-slavery leaders, have been targetted or pulled down. Trump, who is running for a second term, on Friday signed an executive order pledging to enforce prosecution for protesters who vandalise public memorials.

Four men charged for trying to pull down statue outside White House

China's President Xi Jinping had asked his United States counterpart Donald Trump for personal "favors" to influence the elimination of sanctions against Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corporation, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton claimed in his book called "The Room Where It Happened."

China's head of state allegedly raised the issue in phone calls with Trump in May 2018 and June 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/groundless-allegations-china-criticises-canadas-megaphone-diplomacy-over-spy-charges-309115" hreflang="en">Groundless allegations: China criticises Canada's 'megaphone diplomacy' over spy charges</a>

"Xi warned that, if not handled properly, Huawei would harm the overall bilateral relationship," Bolton wrote.

In talks on trade and Taiwan at the Group of 20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka in 2019, Xi lectured Trump on the humiliation that China experienced as a result of the Treaty of Versailles a century earlier, according to the book.

The treaty drafted in Paris in 1919 ended World War I but China refused to sign because it returned German-occupied Shandong in eastern China to Japanese control rather than Chinese rule.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

The G20 discussion came a year after an 8.30pm phone call on May 8 between the leaders in which Xi brought up the issue of US Commerce Department restrictions on telecom equipment giant ZTE over its alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran, restrictions that Trump described as “very strong, even harsh”, according to the book.

On May 13, less than a week after that evening call, Trump tweeted that he and Xi were “working together to give … ZTE a way to get back into business, fast” as there were “too many jobs in China lost”. In July, the US lifted the crippling sanctions on the company.

"Xi wanted the ban on Huawei lifted, and said he wanted to work jointly with Trump personally on the issue, and Trump seemed amenable," the former White House official added.

The US has sold a "tremendous amount of product" to the Chinese company, the American president announced a week later.

While Trump has dismissed Bolton’s book as a “compilation of lies and made-up stories”, the anecdotes and details from his former national security adviser offer a glimpse of the Trump administration’s often erratic policy on China and closed-door talks with Chinese officials.

The memoir described Trump’s diplomacy as relying heavily on personal relationships with foreign leaders, including Xi, and the Chinese president in turn making direct requests to Trump on key issues.

China's President Xi Jinping had asked his United States counterpart Donald Trump for personal "favors" to influence the elimination of sanctions against Huawei Technologies Co.

China's President Xi Jinping had asked his United States counterpart Donald Trump for personal "favors" to influence the elimination of sanctions against Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corporation, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton claimed in his book called "The Room Where It Happened." China's head of state allegedly raised the issue in phone calls with Trump in May 2018 and June 2019. Also read: Groundless allegations: China criticises Canada's 'megaphone diplomacy' over spy charges "Xi warned that, if not handled properly, Huawei would harm the overall bilateral relationship," Bolton wrote. In talks on trade and Taiwan at the Group of 20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka in 2019, Xi lectured Trump on the humiliation that China experienced as a result of the Treaty of Versailles a century earlier, according to the book. The treaty drafted in Paris in 1919 ended World War I but China refused to sign because it returned German-occupied Shandong in eastern China to Japanese control rather than Chinese rule. Also read: Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton The G20 discussion came a year after an 8.30pm phone call on May 8 between the leaders in which Xi brought up the issue of US Commerce Department restrictions on telecom equipment giant ZTE over its alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran, restrictions that Trump described as “very strong, even harsh”, according to the book. On May 13, less than a week after that evening call, Trump tweeted that he and Xi were “working together to give … ZTE a way to get back into business, fast” as there were “too many jobs in China lost”. In July, the US lifted the crippling sanctions on the company. "Xi wanted the ban on Huawei lifted, and said he wanted to work jointly with Trump personally on the issue, and Trump seemed amenable," the former White House official added. The US has sold a "tremendous amount of product" to the Chinese company, the American president announced a week later. While Trump has dismissed Bolton’s book as a “compilation of lies and made-up stories”, the anecdotes and details from his former national security adviser offer a glimpse of the Trump administration’s often erratic policy on China and closed-door talks with Chinese officials. The memoir described Trump’s diplomacy as relying heavily on personal relationships with foreign leaders, including Xi, and the Chinese president in turn making direct requests to Trump on key issues.

Xi Jinping asked for personal 'favours' from Trump for Huawei and ZTE: John Bolton

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