Canadian officials are investigating reports that American tourists are making covert forays into the country, violating a border closure imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Prime Minister&nbsp;Justin Trudeau&nbsp;says the government is looking into reports of American tourists getting around the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;border shutdown by saying they are going to Alaska then sticking around.

The frontier has remained closed since 21 March, but US citizens without coronavirus symptoms are still allowed to enter Canada in order to reach the US state of&nbsp;Alaska. Such travelers are required to use drive-thru windows for food and pay for gas at the pump, and must undergo quarantine if they use a hotel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-us-set-to-extend-border-closure-to-end-july-304681">Canada, US set to extend border closure to end-July</a>

But a string of reports suggests that some US citizens are crossing the border on the pretext of visiting Alaska – only to stay in&nbsp;Canada.

Such reports have prompted the deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, to plead with Americans to avoid entering the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-objects-to-us-plan-to-post-troops-at-border-288786">Canada objects to US plan to post troops at border&nbsp;</a>

“I would say to our American friends and neighbours: I love the Rockies, too. I grew up in Alberta. Personally, I can think of no better place to spend time. But now is not the time to visit. Hopefully, we will be back to normal at some point soon,” she said. “These measures are in place for a reason. They are to protect us, and they are to protect our neighbours.”

The United States has more than 2m documented cases of the coronavirus, with new surges reported in a number of states. Earlier this week, the two countries agreed the border would remain closed until at least 21 July.

In the case of a clear breach of the rules, Canadian police could lay charges – or escort lockdown scofflaws to a government quarantine facility.

Canadian officials are investigating reports that American tourists are making covert forays into the country, violating a border closure imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Canadian officials are investigating reports that American tourists are making covert forays into the country, violating a border closure imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is looking into reports of American tourists getting around the coronavirus border shutdown by saying they are going to Alaska then sticking around. The frontier has remained closed since 21 March, but US citizens without coronavirus symptoms are still allowed to enter Canada in order to reach the US state of Alaska. Such travelers are required to use drive-thru windows for food and pay for gas at the pump, and must undergo quarantine if they use a hotel. Also read: Canada, US set to extend border closure to end-July But a string of reports suggests that some US citizens are crossing the border on the pretext of visiting Alaska – only to stay in Canada. Such reports have prompted the deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, to plead with Americans to avoid entering the country. Also read: Canada objects to US plan to post troops at border “I would say to our American friends and neighbours: I love the Rockies, too. I grew up in Alberta. Personally, I can think of no better place to spend time. But now is not the time to visit. Hopefully, we will be back to normal at some point soon,” she said. “These measures are in place for a reason. They are to protect us, and they are to protect our neighbours.” The United States has more than 2m documented cases of the coronavirus, with new surges reported in a number of states. Earlier this week, the two countries agreed the border would remain closed until at least 21 July. In the case of a clear breach of the rules, Canadian police could lay charges – or escort lockdown scofflaws to a government quarantine facility.

American tourists risking arrests, making covert forays in Canada: Report

US President Donald Trump tried to get China's Xi Jinping to help him secure re-election, ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton's claims in new book.

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Trump met with Xi at a summit last June when he "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win," Bolton says.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-government-files-lawsuit-to-prevent-publication-of-boltons-book-306373">Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book</a>

The allegation that Trump asked the leader of a major US adversary to help him win the next election will reverberate across Washington six months after Trump was impeached on charges he sought help from Ukraine with his reelection bid.

The United States on Tuesday sued Bolton, seeking to block him from publishing a book about his time in the White House that it said contained classified information and would compromise national security.

The civil lawsuit came one day after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said&nbsp;Bolton&nbsp;would be breaking the law if the book were published.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-bolton-hopes-his-book-is-not-suppressed-by-white-house-281298">Bolton hopes his book is not 'suppressed' by White House</a>

The book, entitled The Room Where It Happened, is due to be released on 23 June.

Bolton also addresses the claims that formed a central part of the president's impeachment trial.

In January, President Trump was impeached for withholding military aid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into starting a corruption investigation into Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

The president denied the reports and&nbsp;Trump was acquitted after a two-week trial&nbsp;in the Republican-controlled Senate, which did not include any witnesses.

Bolton says the inquiry might have had a different outcome if it had gone beyond Ukraine and investigated other instances of political interference.

He had joined the White House in April 2018 and left in September the following year, saying he had decided to quit as national security adviser.&nbsp;President Trump, however, said he had fired Bolton&nbsp;because he disagreed "strongly" with him.
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US President Donald Trump tried to get China's Xi Jinping to help him secure re-election, ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton's claims in new book. Trump met with Xi at a summit last June when he "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win," Bolton says.

US President Donald Trump tried to get China's Xi Jinping to help him secure re-election, ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton's claims in new book. Trump met with Xi at a summit last June when he "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win," Bolton says. Also read: Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book The allegation that Trump asked the leader of a major US adversary to help him win the next election will reverberate across Washington six months after Trump was impeached on charges he sought help from Ukraine with his reelection bid. The United States on Tuesday sued Bolton, seeking to block him from publishing a book about his time in the White House that it said contained classified information and would compromise national security. The civil lawsuit came one day after US President Donald Trump said Bolton would be breaking the law if the book were published. Also read: Bolton hopes his book is not 'suppressed' by White House The book, entitled The Room Where It Happened, is due to be released on 23 June. Bolton also addresses the claims that formed a central part of the president's impeachment trial. In January, President Trump was impeached for withholding military aid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into starting a corruption investigation into Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The president denied the reports and Trump was acquitted after a two-week trial in the Republican-controlled Senate, which did not include any witnesses. Bolton says the inquiry might have had a different outcome if it had gone beyond Ukraine and investigated other instances of political interference. He had joined the White House in April 2018 and left in September the following year, saying he had decided to quit as national security adviser. President Trump, however, said he had fired Bolton because he disagreed "strongly" with him.

Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton

The US Supreme Court on Thursday dealt President Donald Trump a major setback on his hardline immigration policies, ruling against his bid to end a programme that protects from deportation hundreds of thousands of immigrants.

These immigrants are dubbed as "Dreamers," who entered the United States illegally as children.

The justices on a 5-4 vote upheld the lower court rulings that found Trump's 2017 move to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, created in 2012 by his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama, was unlawful.

The bench found that the administrations actions were "arbitrary and capricious" under a federal law called the Administrative Procedure Act.

The ruling means that the roughly 649,000 immigrants, mostly young Hispanic adults born in Mexico and other Latin American countries, currently enrolled in DACA will remain protected from deportation and eligible to obtain renewable two-year work permits.

The ruling does not prevent Trump from trying again to end the programme. But his administration is unlikely to be able to end DACA before the Nov. 3 election in which Trump is seeking a second four-year term in office.

Trump's administration has argued that Obama exceeded his constitutional powers when he created DACA by executive action, bypassing Congress.

A collection of states including California and New York, people currently enrolled in DACA and civil rights groups all filed suit to block Trump's plan to end the programme. Lower courts in California, New York and the District of Columbia ruled against Trump and left DACA in place, finding that his move to revoke the programme violated a US law called the Administrative Procedure Act.

Trump has made his crackdown on legal and illegal immigration, including pursuing construction of a wall along the US-Mexican border, a central part of his presidency and his 2020 re-election campaign.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The US Supreme Court on Thursday dealt President Donald Trump a major setback on his hardline immigration policies, ruling against his bid to end a programme that protects from deportation hundreds of thousands of immigrants.

The US Supreme Court on Thursday dealt President Donald Trump a major setback on his hardline immigration policies, ruling against his bid to end a programme that protects from deportation hundreds of thousands of immigrants. These immigrants are dubbed as "Dreamers," who entered the United States illegally as children. The justices on a 5-4 vote upheld the lower court rulings that found Trump's 2017 move to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, created in 2012 by his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama, was unlawful. The bench found that the administrations actions were "arbitrary and capricious" under a federal law called the Administrative Procedure Act. The ruling means that the roughly 649,000 immigrants, mostly young Hispanic adults born in Mexico and other Latin American countries, currently enrolled in DACA will remain protected from deportation and eligible to obtain renewable two-year work permits. The ruling does not prevent Trump from trying again to end the programme. But his administration is unlikely to be able to end DACA before the Nov. 3 election in which Trump is seeking a second four-year term in office. Trump's administration has argued that Obama exceeded his constitutional powers when he created DACA by executive action, bypassing Congress. A collection of states including California and New York, people currently enrolled in DACA and civil rights groups all filed suit to block Trump's plan to end the programme. Lower courts in California, New York and the District of Columbia ruled against Trump and left DACA in place, finding that his move to revoke the programme violated a US law called the Administrative Procedure Act. Trump has made his crackdown on legal and illegal immigration, including pursuing construction of a wall along the US-Mexican border, a central part of his presidency and his 2020 re-election campaign. (with inputs from Reuters)

US Supreme Court blocks Trump bid to end DACA

Beijing on Thursday slammed a US bill that would sanction Chinese officials over the mass incarceration of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities, saying it "maliciously attacks" China's policy in the Xinjiang region.

China will "resolutely hit back and the US will bear the burden of all subsequent consequences", the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement after US President Donald Trump signed the Uighur Human Rights Act into law Wednesday.

A White House spokesman had confirmed that&nbsp;Trump signed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-passes-uighur-human-rights-bill-prodding-trump-to-punish-china-301436">US Congress passes Uighur human rights bill, prodding Trump to punish China</a>

On the same day&nbsp;his former national security adviser John Bolton claimed&nbsp;Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping he should proceed in building detainment camps for the group.

In an excerpt of his forthcoming book&nbsp;Bolton wrote&nbsp;Trump discussed the detention camps built by the Chinese government for Uyghurs in western China during a dinner at the G20 last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644" hreflang="en">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says Ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

The US State Department estimates that more than one million Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim minority groups have been detained by the Chinese government in internment camps, where they are reportedly "subjected to torture, cruel and inhumane treatment such as physical and sexual abuse, forced labor and death.''

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Beijing's actions in Xinjiang "the stain of the century."

The&nbsp;Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020&nbsp;passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate. The legislation condemns the Chinese Communist Party for the detention centers and recommends a tougher response to the human rights abuses suffered by Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs and other Muslim minorities in the region.

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Under the legislation, the President would have 180 days to submit a report to Congress identifying Chinese officials and any other individuals who are responsible for carrying out torture; prolonged detention without charges and a trial; abduction; cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment of Muslim minority groups; and other flagrant denials of the "right to life, liberty, or the security" of people in Xinjiang.

The individuals identified in the report would then be subject to sanctions, including asset blocking, visa revocation, and ineligibility for entry into the United States. The legislation gives Trump room to opt against imposing sanctions on the officials if he determines and certifies to Congress that holding back on sanctions is in the national interest of the United States.

Beijing on Thursday slammed a US bill that would sanction Chinese officials over the mass incarceration of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities, saying it "maliciously attacks" China's policy in the Xinjiang region.

Beijing on Thursday slammed a US bill that would sanction Chinese officials over the mass incarceration of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities, saying it "maliciously attacks" China's policy in the Xinjiang region. China will "resolutely hit back and the US will bear the burden of all subsequent consequences", the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement after US President Donald Trump signed the Uighur Human Rights Act into law Wednesday. A White House spokesman had confirmed that Trump signed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 on Wednesday. Also read: US Congress passes Uighur human rights bill, prodding Trump to punish China On the same day his former national security adviser John Bolton claimed Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping he should proceed in building detainment camps for the group. In an excerpt of his forthcoming book Bolton wrote Trump discussed the detention camps built by the Chinese government for Uyghurs in western China during a dinner at the G20 last year. Also read: Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says Ex-NSA John Bolton The US State Department estimates that more than one million Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim minority groups have been detained by the Chinese government in internment camps, where they are reportedly "subjected to torture, cruel and inhumane treatment such as physical and sexual abuse, forced labor and death.'' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Beijing's actions in Xinjiang "the stain of the century." The Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate. The legislation condemns the Chinese Communist Party for the detention centers and recommends a tougher response to the human rights abuses suffered by Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs and other Muslim minorities in the region. Under the legislation, the President would have 180 days to submit a report to Congress identifying Chinese officials and any other individuals who are responsible for carrying out torture; prolonged detention without charges and a trial; abduction; cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment of Muslim minority groups; and other flagrant denials of the "right to life, liberty, or the security" of people in Xinjiang. The individuals identified in the report would then be subject to sanctions, including asset blocking, visa revocation, and ineligibility for entry into the United States. The legislation gives Trump room to opt against imposing sanctions on the officials if he determines and certifies to Congress that holding back on sanctions is in the national interest of the United States.

China threatens consequences over 'malicious' US Uighur bill

Democratic lawmakers on Thursday said they were considering next steps, including a subpoena, on how to respond to allegations by former top White House aide John Bolton that President Donald Trump sought foreign help to get re-elected.

In a new book that paints a withering portrait of his ex-boss, the former national security adviser accused Trump of sweeping misdeeds that included explicitly seeking Chinese President Xi Jinping’s aid in winning a second term in the Nov. 3 presidential election.

The Republican president rejected the book as a "compilation of lies" and called his former adviser a "sick puppy" who was trying to avenge his firing.

Bolton refused to testify in the US House of Representatives impeachment probe and threatened to sue if subpoenaed, but he offered to testify in the subsequent Senate trial. The Republican-controlled Senate did not take Bolton up on his offer.

Democrats were angry that Bolton saved his revelations for a book, rather than participate in the probe.

US Representative Adam Schiff, the Intelligence Committee chairman who led the impeachment inquiry late last year, sharply criticised Bolton as unpatriotic for withholding the information.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eight-of-the-most-stunning-claims-made-by-trumps-former-nsa-in-his-tell-all-book-306844">IN PICS&nbsp;|&nbsp;Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA in his tell-all book</a>

"We will continue to hold Trump accountable, and work to expose his abuses and corruption. In the coming days, we will be consulting with the Speaker and other chairs on next steps," he said in a statement.

The new allegations, Schiff said, are "further proof" that Trump's actions in Ukraine are part of a pattern of abusing his power and the US government for personal political gain.

Asked whether the Democratic-led House would consider subpoenaing Bolton now, US Representative James Clyburn said, "I think that's something we ought to consider."

Clyburn told CNN that Bolton cannot claim executive privilege and should "come down and let the American people know that this election this year is under threat of being invaded once again by a foreign power."

Bolton, who left the White House in September, also said Trump expressed a willingness to halt criminal investigations to favor dictators he liked, according to excerpts published in several major newspapers on Wednesday.

The allegations include far more extensive accusations of impropriety than those that drove Trump's impeachment.

"I don't think he's fit for office," Bolton told ABC News in an interview aired on Thursday.

The US Justice Department on Tuesday sued to block Bolton from publishing the book.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-trump-unfit-for-office-as-book-alleges-sweeping-misdeeds-306850">Also read |&nbsp;Bolton says Trump unfit for office as book alleges sweeping misdeeds</a>

In the memoir, Bolton cited multiple conversations in which Trump demonstrated behavior "that eroded the very legitimacy of the presidency."

"There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's re-election," Bolton told ABC News.

Trump told China's Xi in June 2019 to go ahead and build camps for its mostly Muslim Uighur minority and other Muslim groups despite the Trump administration's criticism of China's mass detention.

Bolton also wrote that Trump said invading Venezuela would be "cool" even as the US government has said it does not favor using force to topple Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

At a summer 2019 meeting in New Jersey, Trump made some of his most alarming remarks to date on the media, saying journalists should be jailed so they have to divulge their sources and "should be executed," Bolton said, according to one excerpt.

Democratic lawmakers on Thursday said they were considering next steps, including a subpoena, on how to respond to allegations by former top White House aide John Bolton that President Donald Trump sought foreign help to get re-elected.

Democratic lawmakers on Thursday said they were considering next steps, including a subpoena, on how to respond to allegations by former top White House aide John Bolton that President Donald Trump sought foreign help to get re-elected. In a new book that paints a withering portrait of his ex-boss, the former national security adviser accused Trump of sweeping misdeeds that included explicitly seeking Chinese President Xi Jinping’s aid in winning a second term in the Nov. 3 presidential election. The Republican president rejected the book as a "compilation of lies" and called his former adviser a "sick puppy" who was trying to avenge his firing. Bolton refused to testify in the US House of Representatives impeachment probe and threatened to sue if subpoenaed, but he offered to testify in the subsequent Senate trial. The Republican-controlled Senate did not take Bolton up on his offer. Democrats were angry that Bolton saved his revelations for a book, rather than participate in the probe. US Representative Adam Schiff, the Intelligence Committee chairman who led the impeachment inquiry late last year, sharply criticised Bolton as unpatriotic for withholding the information. IN PICS | Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA in his tell-all book "We will continue to hold Trump accountable, and work to expose his abuses and corruption. In the coming days, we will be consulting with the Speaker and other chairs on next steps," he said in a statement. The new allegations, Schiff said, are "further proof" that Trump's actions in Ukraine are part of a pattern of abusing his power and the US government for personal political gain. Asked whether the Democratic-led House would consider subpoenaing Bolton now, US Representative James Clyburn said, "I think that's something we ought to consider." Clyburn told CNN that Bolton cannot claim executive privilege and should "come down and let the American people know that this election this year is under threat of being invaded once again by a foreign power." Bolton, who left the White House in September, also said Trump expressed a willingness to halt criminal investigations to favor dictators he liked, according to excerpts published in several major newspapers on Wednesday. The allegations include far more extensive accusations of impropriety than those that drove Trump's impeachment. "I don't think he's fit for office," Bolton told ABC News in an interview aired on Thursday. The US Justice Department on Tuesday sued to block Bolton from publishing the book. Also read | Bolton says Trump unfit for office as book alleges sweeping misdeeds In the memoir, Bolton cited multiple conversations in which Trump demonstrated behavior "that eroded the very legitimacy of the presidency." "There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's re-election," Bolton told ABC News. Trump told China's Xi in June 2019 to go ahead and build camps for its mostly Muslim Uighur minority and other Muslim groups despite the Trump administration's criticism of China's mass detention. Bolton also wrote that Trump said invading Venezuela would be "cool" even as the US government has said it does not favor using force to topple Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro. At a summer 2019 meeting in New Jersey, Trump made some of his most alarming remarks to date on the media, saying journalists should be jailed so they have to divulge their sources and "should be executed," Bolton said, according to one excerpt.

Democrats consider next steps after Bolton revelations on Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eight-of-the-most-stunning-claims-made-by-trumps-former-nsa-in-his-tell-all-book-306844">In pics: Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA</a>

<img alt="Bolton's book on Trump's secrets" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5bb7f764-180a-401b-8199-c0bcf59593ce" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled_0.jpg" />

Donald Trump’s former national security advisor John Bolton has authored a book titled, 'The Room Where It Happened', whose production is apparently being blocked by the White House. However, the book has been released to the New York Times and Washington Post a week before its official release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/black-lives-matter-english-premier-league-players-take-knee-in-solidarity-306656">Black Lives Matter: English Premier League players take knee in solidarity</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/18/145289-knee.jpg?itok=UUkXqhDo" />

Players and coaches from all four sides including &nbsp;Aston Villa and Sheffield United who clashed on Wednesday took a knee for nearly 10 seconds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-finds-heavy-coronavirus-traces-in-seafood-meat-sections-of-beijing-food-market-306858">China finds heavy coronavirus traces in seafood, meat sections of Beijing food market</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/18/145462-xinfadi-market-reuters.jpg?itok=TW2Qk4Ns" />

A preliminary report comes as Beijing tackles a resurgence of COVID-19 cases over the past week linked to the massive Xinfadi food centre, which houses warehouses and trading halls in an area the size of nearly 160 soccer pitches.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-coronavirus-outbreak-under-control-chinese-expert-says-306810">Beijing's coronavirus outbreak under control, Chinese expert says</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/10/139929-china-reuters.jpg?itok=nj4QMCaQ" />

Going by recent case numbers, June 13 -- with 31 cases in 24 hours -- was the peak of the current outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/magnitude-74-earthquake-hits-705-km-north-east-of-opotiki-new-zealand-306863">Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits 705 km north-east of Opotiki, New Zealand</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/03/143013-earthquake.jpg?itok=oClJ1AFD" />

The government agency GNS Science is still evaluating the tsunami threat from the quake.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-college-wants-to-remove-statue-of-colonialist-rhodes-after-rhodesmustfall-spreads-306782">Oxford college wants to remove statue of colonialist Rhodes after #RhodesMustFall spreads</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/18/145388-untitled-design.jpg?itok=EKLq-taf" />

"Rhodes must fall" has been a popular slogan for the past few years now, as he is believed to have expressed racist beliefs and implemented racial segregation measures that started 'apartheid'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/donald-trump-takes-u-turn-says-colin-kaepernick-absolutely-deserves-a-shot-in-nfl-306771">Donald Trump takes U-turn, says Colin Kaepernick 'absolutely' deserves a shot in NFL</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/18/145385-pjimage.jpg?itok=uVooKD8K" />

Looks like Donald Trump has had a change of hearts as president of the USA said he is “absolutely” in favour of giving Colin Kaepernick another chance in the NFL.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-no-intention-to-interfere-in-us-election-306764">China has no intention to interfere in US election</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138728-xi-jinping.jpg?itok=xdjg2SO3" />

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-model-predicts-200000-coronavirus-deaths-in-us-306716">White House model predicts 200,000 coronavirus deaths in US</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/18/145325-coroin-us.jpg?itok=Qp4i-kEy" />

In Texas, there were 2,793 patients hospitalized with the virus. Arizona reported 1,827 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 40,924.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-changes-stand-to-now-use-google-apple-model-for-coronavirus-tracing-app-306865">UK changes stand, to now use Google-Apple model for coronavirus tracing app</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/18/145470-coronavirusreuters.jpg?itok=MiGCakde" />

The head of the UK's programme said last month a centralised app of the kind Britain had been developing can potentially give more insight into outbreaks of COVID-19, but offers less privacy than decentralised rivals.

In pics: Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA Donald Trump’s former national security advisor John Bolton has authored a book titled, 'The Room Where It Happened', whose production is apparently being blocked by the White House.

In pics: Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA Donald Trump’s former national security advisor John Bolton has authored a book titled, 'The Room Where It Happened', whose production is apparently being blocked by the White House. However, the book has been released to the New York Times and Washington Post a week before its official release. Black Lives Matter: English Premier League players take knee in solidarity Players and coaches from all four sides including Aston Villa and Sheffield United who clashed on Wednesday took a knee for nearly 10 seconds. China finds heavy coronavirus traces in seafood, meat sections of Beijing food market A preliminary report comes as Beijing tackles a resurgence of COVID-19 cases over the past week linked to the massive Xinfadi food centre, which houses warehouses and trading halls in an area the size of nearly 160 soccer pitches. Beijing's coronavirus outbreak under control, Chinese expert says Going by recent case numbers, June 13 -- with 31 cases in 24 hours -- was the peak of the current outbreak. Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits 705 km north-east of Opotiki, New Zealand The government agency GNS Science is still evaluating the tsunami threat from the quake. Oxford college wants to remove statue of colonialist Rhodes after #RhodesMustFall spreads "Rhodes must fall" has been a popular slogan for the past few years now, as he is believed to have expressed racist beliefs and implemented racial segregation measures that started 'apartheid'. Donald Trump takes U-turn, says Colin Kaepernick 'absolutely' deserves a shot in NFL Looks like Donald Trump has had a change of hearts as president of the USA said he is “absolutely” in favour of giving Colin Kaepernick another chance in the NFL. China has no intention to interfere in US election Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked earlier. White House model predicts 200,000 coronavirus deaths in US In Texas, there were 2,793 patients hospitalized with the virus. Arizona reported 1,827 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 40,924. UK changes stand, to now use Google-Apple model for coronavirus tracing app The head of the UK's programme said last month a centralised app of the kind Britain had been developing can potentially give more insight into outbreaks of COVID-19, but offers less privacy than decentralised rivals.

Top 10 world news today: Trump backtracks on Kaepernick, China denies involvement in US elections and more

Donald Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton said the US president is unfit for office, according to interview excerpts released on Thursday after portions of the top aide's upcoming book revealed a withering portrayal of his ex-boss.

"I don't think he's fit for office," Bolton told ABC News in an interview. "I don't think he has the competence to carry out the job."

The longtime foreign policy hawk, who left the White House in September, accused the president of sweeping misdeeds in order to seek re-election, including explicitly seeking Chinese President Xi Jinping's help, according to portions of his behind-the-scenes account.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eight-of-the-most-stunning-claims-made-by-trumps-former-nsa-in-his-tell-all-book-306844">IN PIC |&nbsp;Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA in his tell-all book</a>

Trump also expressed a willingness to halt criminal investigations to favor dictators he liked, Bolton said in excerpts published in several major newspapers on Wednesday that allege far more extensive accusations of impropriety than those that drove Trump's impeachment.

Trump, a Repulican seeking re-election on Nov. 3, bristled at the allegations and slammed Bolton's character, calling his former adviser a "liar" and a "dope."

The U.S. Justice Department has sued to block Bolton from publishing the book, citing risks to national security, but publisher Simon &amp; Schuster dismissed the accusations and said the thousands of copies have already been distributed.

Excerpts were widely published in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the New York Times.

In the memoir, Bolton cited multiple conversations in which Trump demonstrated "fundamentally unacceptable behavior that eroded the very legitimacy of the presidency."

"There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's re-election," Bolton told ABC News.

Trump told China's Xi in June 2019 to go ahead and build camps for its mostly Muslim Uighur minority and other Muslim groups despite the Trump administration's criticism of China's mass detention.

Bolton also wrote that Trump said invading Venezuela would be "cool" even as the US government has said it does not favor using force to topple Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

At a summer 2019 meeting in New Jersey, Trump made some of his most alarming remarks to date on the media, saying journalists should be jailed so they have to divulge their sources and "should be executed," Bolton said, according to one excerpt.

Donald Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton said the US president is unfit for office, according to interview excerpts released on Thursday after portions of the top aide's upcoming book revealed a withering portrayal of his ex-boss.

Donald Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton said the US president is unfit for office, according to interview excerpts released on Thursday after portions of the top aide's upcoming book revealed a withering portrayal of his ex-boss. "I don't think he's fit for office," Bolton told ABC News in an interview. "I don't think he has the competence to carry out the job." The longtime foreign policy hawk, who left the White House in September, accused the president of sweeping misdeeds in order to seek re-election, including explicitly seeking Chinese President Xi Jinping's help, according to portions of his behind-the-scenes account. IN PIC | Eight of the most stunning claims made by Trump’s former NSA in his tell-all book Trump also expressed a willingness to halt criminal investigations to favor dictators he liked, Bolton said in excerpts published in several major newspapers on Wednesday that allege far more extensive accusations of impropriety than those that drove Trump's impeachment. Trump, a Repulican seeking re-election on Nov. 3, bristled at the allegations and slammed Bolton's character, calling his former adviser a "liar" and a "dope." The U.S. Justice Department has sued to block Bolton from publishing the book, citing risks to national security, but publisher Simon & Schuster dismissed the accusations and said the thousands of copies have already been distributed. Excerpts were widely published in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the New York Times. In the memoir, Bolton cited multiple conversations in which Trump demonstrated "fundamentally unacceptable behavior that eroded the very legitimacy of the presidency." "There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's re-election," Bolton told ABC News. Trump told China's Xi in June 2019 to go ahead and build camps for its mostly Muslim Uighur minority and other Muslim groups despite the Trump administration's criticism of China's mass detention. Bolton also wrote that Trump said invading Venezuela would be "cool" even as the US government has said it does not favor using force to topple Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro. At a summer 2019 meeting in New Jersey, Trump made some of his most alarming remarks to date on the media, saying journalists should be jailed so they have to divulge their sources and "should be executed," Bolton said, according to one excerpt.

Bolton says Trump unfit for office as book alleges sweeping misdeeds

President Donald Trump signed legislation on Wednesday calling for sanctions against those responsible for the repression of Uighur Muslims in China's far western region of Xinjiang

US Administration signs bill for sanctions on china over Uighur atrocities

The temporary fences that separated protesters from the White House have come down. But its occupant, President Donald Trump, appears to be more isolated than ever.

Recent opinion surveys, including a poll from Reuters/Ipsos this week, continue to show Trump trailing Democratic challenger Joe Biden significantly with just over four months until the Nov. 3 election.

But more revealingly, they show a president increasingly disconnected from the American electorate whose views have changed rapidly following the May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in Minneapolis police custody.

The lightning-quick shift in public opinion has caused the National Football League and NASCAR to embrace athletes protesting racial injustice, and some companies to rename brands criticized for racial stereotypes, such as PepsiCo Inc's Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup.

Trump takes the less-popular side of issues that Americans right now say matter, such as the coronavirus pandemic and police reform, according to an analysis of Reuters/Ipsos polling data since March.

It also shows him steadily bleeding support among a broad swath of voters, even ones that have been most loyal to him such as rural Americans and white evangelicals.

Biden now has a 13-point lead over Trump, the biggest recorded by the Reuters/Ipsos poll since Democrats began their state nominating contests earlier this year, powered by substantial gains among suburban residents, independents and high-income earners.

Even traditionally Republican-leaning groups - men, white suburban women and those older than 55 - have recently flipped for Biden, the polling analysis shows. Trump led elderly voters until May.

Several former White House officials said the president needed to demonstrate more that he understood black people’s challenges in the United States.

"He does need to be more open to (the) legitimate concerns that a lot of minorities and African Americans are facing," one official said, asking not to be named to speak freely. 
Trump's supporters said there was plenty of time to turn things around, and a likely economic rebound would bolster his re-election bid just in time for November.

Record upside surprises in US economic data in recent weeks have raised expectations for a “V” shaped recovery from the COVID-19 recession that sent unemployment soaring. 
But Trump's apparent reluctance to try to unite a country convulsed by multiple crises, instead endearing himself further to his base of hardcore supporters, would leave him with the economy as his last saving grace, experts say.

In one silver lining for the president, 43% of registered voters in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll said they thought Trump would be a better steward of the economy than Biden, while 38% said Biden would be better.&nbsp;

“His continued focus on his base is costing him among a handful of moderate Republicans and independents,” said John Geer, a political science professor at Vanderbilt University who reviewed the polling data. “If this trend continues, this election could end up being very lopsided against the incumbent.”

The Trump campaign did not respond to the poll findings. But Trump has insisted on Twitter he is aligned with the nation's values, saying his supporters are part of a "silent majority" - a phrase used by Republican President Richard Nixon 50 years ago during a similar period of social unrest.

AGAINST THE GRAIN

The numbers tell a different story.

While polls show nearly two thirds of respondents sympathize with the protesters over police brutality, Trump has openly flirted with deploying the military to "dominate" them. Earlier this month, police in Washington forcibly removed peaceful protesters so that Trump could pose for photographs in front of a church near the White House.

Trump has also rejected growing calls for sweeping police reform proposals in the aftermath of Floyd's killing. Reuters/Ipsos polling shows 82% of Americans want to ban police from using chokeholds, 83% want to ban racial profiling, 92% want federal police to be required to wear body cameras and 91% support allowing independent investigations of police departments that show patterns of misconduct.

None of those measures were included in a police reform measure Trump signed this week. 
Trump dismissed the threat of the coronavirus early on, and sparred with state governors as they tried to slow its spread. He will resume his signature rallies on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as new COVID-19 cases are spiking in the state and 76% of Americans remain concerned about the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll.

A fresh reminder of Trump’s disconnect came on Monday, when his handpicked choice for the Supreme Court, Justice Neil Gorsuch, penned a landmark decision that granted protection against workplace discrimination to gay and transgender workers. Just last week, Trump's administration moved to strip healthcare protections from transgender patients.

LOSING RELEVANCE?

Trump has always walked the razor’s edge as a candidate. "His presidency has never been in tune with majority opinion in this country,” Geer said.

But Trump was able to position himself in 2016 as an anti-establishment insurgent, stoking the fears of white working-class voters about jobs leaving the country and an influx of immigrants. That helped him win the state-based Electoral College count, which determines the presidency, even though he lost the popular vote.

Trump's long-standing pledge to crack down on immigration has been pushed off center stage, however, as the coronavirus and the economy became chief concerns. Even among Republicans, only 8% say immigration is their top concern in the latest poll, a big drop from January 2019, when 34% of Republicans listed it as the most important problem facing the country.

Analysts also say that kind of grievance-centered politics geared toward white Americans may have lost relevance amid a reckoning over the injustices faced by African Americans - and that as president, Trump has struggled to find others to blame for the state of the nation. 
Between April and June, Trump's approval rating among white evangelicals dropped 11 percentage points. Approval among rural voters tumbled 14 points over the past month, with more than half saying they are sympathetic to the Black Lives Matter protesters.

Alex Conant, a Republican strategist, said that the party was bracing for a "very bad" year in 2020, with Trump's poll numbers affecting other key races in the Senate and down the ballot. But he added that November was not a foregone conclusion.

"Five months is a long time in politics," he said.

The temporary fences that separated protesters from the White House have come down. But its occupant, President Donald Trump, appears to be more isolated than ever.

The temporary fences that separated protesters from the White House have come down. But its occupant, President Donald Trump, appears to be more isolated than ever. Recent opinion surveys, including a poll from Reuters/Ipsos this week, continue to show Trump trailing Democratic challenger Joe Biden significantly with just over four months until the Nov. 3 election. But more revealingly, they show a president increasingly disconnected from the American electorate whose views have changed rapidly following the May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in Minneapolis police custody. The lightning-quick shift in public opinion has caused the National Football League and NASCAR to embrace athletes protesting racial injustice, and some companies to rename brands criticized for racial stereotypes, such as PepsiCo Inc's Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup. Trump takes the less-popular side of issues that Americans right now say matter, such as the coronavirus pandemic and police reform, according to an analysis of Reuters/Ipsos polling data since March. It also shows him steadily bleeding support among a broad swath of voters, even ones that have been most loyal to him such as rural Americans and white evangelicals. Biden now has a 13-point lead over Trump, the biggest recorded by the Reuters/Ipsos poll since Democrats began their state nominating contests earlier this year, powered by substantial gains among suburban residents, independents and high-income earners. Even traditionally Republican-leaning groups - men, white suburban women and those older than 55 - have recently flipped for Biden, the polling analysis shows. Trump led elderly voters until May. Several former White House officials said the president needed to demonstrate more that he understood black people’s challenges in the United States. "He does need to be more open to (the) legitimate concerns that a lot of minorities and African Americans are facing," one official said, asking not to be named to speak freely. Trump's supporters said there was plenty of time to turn things around, and a likely economic rebound would bolster his re-election bid just in time for November. Record upside surprises in US economic data in recent weeks have raised expectations for a “V” shaped recovery from the COVID-19 recession that sent unemployment soaring. But Trump's apparent reluctance to try to unite a country convulsed by multiple crises, instead endearing himself further to his base of hardcore supporters, would leave him with the economy as his last saving grace, experts say. In one silver lining for the president, 43% of registered voters in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll said they thought Trump would be a better steward of the economy than Biden, while 38% said Biden would be better. “His continued focus on his base is costing him among a handful of moderate Republicans and independents,” said John Geer, a political science professor at Vanderbilt University who reviewed the polling data. “If this trend continues, this election could end up being very lopsided against the incumbent.” The Trump campaign did not respond to the poll findings. But Trump has insisted on Twitter he is aligned with the nation's values, saying his supporters are part of a "silent majority" - a phrase used by Republican President Richard Nixon 50 years ago during a similar period of social unrest. AGAINST THE GRAIN The numbers tell a different story. While polls show nearly two thirds of respondents sympathize with the protesters over police brutality, Trump has openly flirted with deploying the military to "dominate" them. Earlier this month, police in Washington forcibly removed peaceful protesters so that Trump could pose for photographs in front of a church near the White House. Trump has also rejected growing calls for sweeping police reform proposals in the aftermath of Floyd's killing. Reuters/Ipsos polling shows 82% of Americans want to ban police from using chokeholds, 83% want to ban racial profiling, 92% want federal police to be required to wear body cameras and 91% support allowing independent investigations of police departments that show patterns of misconduct. None of those measures were included in a police reform measure Trump signed this week. Trump dismissed the threat of the coronavirus early on, and sparred with state governors as they tried to slow its spread. He will resume his signature rallies on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as new COVID-19 cases are spiking in the state and 76% of Americans remain concerned about the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll. A fresh reminder of Trump’s disconnect came on Monday, when his handpicked choice for the Supreme Court, Justice Neil Gorsuch, penned a landmark decision that granted protection against workplace discrimination to gay and transgender workers. Just last week, Trump's administration moved to strip healthcare protections from transgender patients. LOSING RELEVANCE? Trump has always walked the razor’s edge as a candidate. "His presidency has never been in tune with majority opinion in this country,” Geer said. But Trump was able to position himself in 2016 as an anti-establishment insurgent, stoking the fears of white working-class voters about jobs leaving the country and an influx of immigrants. That helped him win the state-based Electoral College count, which determines the presidency, even though he lost the popular vote. Trump's long-standing pledge to crack down on immigration has been pushed off center stage, however, as the coronavirus and the economy became chief concerns. Even among Republicans, only 8% say immigration is their top concern in the latest poll, a big drop from January 2019, when 34% of Republicans listed it as the most important problem facing the country. Analysts also say that kind of grievance-centered politics geared toward white Americans may have lost relevance amid a reckoning over the injustices faced by African Americans - and that as president, Trump has struggled to find others to blame for the state of the nation. Between April and June, Trump's approval rating among white evangelicals dropped 11 percentage points. Approval among rural voters tumbled 14 points over the past month, with more than half saying they are sympathetic to the Black Lives Matter protesters. Alex Conant, a Republican strategist, said that the party was bracing for a "very bad" year in 2020, with Trump's poll numbers affecting other key races in the Senate and down the ballot. But he added that November was not a foregone conclusion. "Five months is a long time in politics," he said.

Months before election, Trump finds himself at odds with most Americans' views

Looks like Donald Trump has had a change of hearts as president of the USA&nbsp;said he is “absolutely” in favour of giving Colin Kaepernick another chance in the NFL. The comments made by Trump is a complete contrast to his statement in 2017 when he said that players like Kaepernick, who kneel during the US anthem, are “sons of bi***s” and should be expelled from the league.&nbsp;

"If he deserves it, he should," Trump told a Washington, DC television station when asked if Kaepernick should get another shot.&nbsp;

"If he has the playing ability. He started off great, and then he didn't end up very great in terms of a player. He was terrific in his rookie year. I think he was very good in his second year. And then something happened. So his playing wasn't up to snuff.

ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-goal-line-technology-howler-robs-sheffield-united-goal-hawkeye-apologies-306732" hreflang="en">Watch: Goal-line technology howler robs Sheffield United goal; HawkEye apologies</a>

"The answer is absolutely I would. As far as kneeling, I would love to see him get another shot."

<h2>Black Lives Matter movement - making an impact</h2>

With the wave of protest continuing across the United States following the death of George Floyd, an African-America, in Minneapolis police custody, Trumps’ comments come as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement.&nbsp;

Recently, Trump had tweeted that no one should kneel in front of the American flag.&nbsp;

"There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag -- NO KNEELING!"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
...We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1268998143733051394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Recently, Roger Goodell had encouraged teams to sign Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roland-garros-to-be-held-with-fans-french-tennis-federation-306721" hreflang="en">Roland Garros to be held with fans: French tennis federation</a>

"If he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it's gonna take a team to make that decision," Goodell said.

"But I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that." 
Kaepernick has not played in the NFL in four years. In 12 games with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, he completed 59.2 per cent of his passes, threw 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.&nbsp;

Looks like Donald Trump has had a change of hearts as president of the USA said he is “absolutely” in favour of giving Colin Kaepernick another chance in the NFL.

Looks like Donald Trump has had a change of hearts as president of the USA said he is “absolutely” in favour of giving Colin Kaepernick another chance in the NFL. The comments made by Trump is a complete contrast to his statement in 2017 when he said that players like Kaepernick, who kneel during the US anthem, are “sons of bi***s” and should be expelled from the league. "If he deserves it, he should," Trump told a Washington, DC television station when asked if Kaepernick should get another shot. "If he has the playing ability. He started off great, and then he didn't end up very great in terms of a player. He was terrific in his rookie year. I think he was very good in his second year. And then something happened. So his playing wasn't up to snuff. ALSO: Watch: Goal-line technology howler robs Sheffield United goal; HawkEye apologies "The answer is absolutely I would. As far as kneeling, I would love to see him get another shot." Black Lives Matter movement - making an impact With the wave of protest continuing across the United States following the death of George Floyd, an African-America, in Minneapolis police custody, Trumps’ comments come as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement. Recently, Trump had tweeted that no one should kneel in front of the American flag. "There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag -- NO KNEELING!" ...We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020 × Recently, Roger Goodell had encouraged teams to sign Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback. ALSO READ: Roland Garros to be held with fans: French tennis federation "If he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it's gonna take a team to make that decision," Goodell said. "But I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that." Kaepernick has not played in the NFL in four years. In 12 games with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, he completed 59.2 per cent of his passes, threw 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Donald Trump takes U-turn, says Colin Kaepernick 'absolutely' deserves a shot in NFL

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-emergency-order-to-block-release-of-john-boltons-book-306708">Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book</a>

The former NSA has said that US President Donald Trump pleaded to China to help him in his re-election when he met his Chinese counterpart last year in June.

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>

Trump "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win", one of the excerpts of the book said.&nbsp;

Earlier today, the US filed an emergency order to block the release of the book, claiming that Bolton "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book."

The book also claimed that Trump favoured dictators and backed Xi for China's internment camps.&nbsp;

Bolton, who was a part of the Trump administration for 17 months, resigned from the office of NSA last September due to his disagreements with the US president.&nbsp;

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times.

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times. Also read | Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book The former NSA has said that US President Donald Trump pleaded to China to help him in his re-election when he met his Chinese counterpart last year in June. Also read | Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton Trump "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win", one of the excerpts of the book said. Earlier today, the US filed an emergency order to block the release of the book, claiming that Bolton "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book." The book also claimed that Trump favoured dictators and backed Xi for China's internment camps. Bolton, who was a part of the Trump administration for 17 months, resigned from the office of NSA last September due to his disagreements with the US president.

China has no intention to interfere in US election

US President Donald Trump on June 16 signed an executive order urging police departments to adopt best practices and "highest professional standards" amid calls for police reforms following nationwide protests over the brutal killing of African-American George Floyd in police custody.

Cautious Trump unveils police reforms | Police choke holds to be banned in US

The Trump administration on Tuesday filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent publication of former national security advisor John Bolton's book, which is expected to provide a damning insider portrait of the White House.

The Trump administration on Tuesday filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent publication of former national security advisor John Bolton's book, which is expected to provide a damning insider portrait of the White House. The Department of Justice alleged in its suit, filed in federal court in Washington, that publication of the book risks "compromising national security" through revelation of classified information that Bolton had access to during his turbulent 17-month stint in the White House, according to news agency AFP. . The suit says Bolton failed to have the text vetted, meaning his book would be in "clear breach of agreements he signed as a condition of his employment and as a condition of gaining access to highly classified information." Bolton's "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," is set to be published on June 23. The publisher, Simon and Schuster, said in a news release on Friday the book provides an insider account of Trump's "inconsistent, scattershot decision-making process." The book details Trump's dealings with China, Russia, Ukraine, North Korea, Iran, Britain, France and Germany, the publisher said. "This is the book Donald Trump doesn’t want you to read," Simon and Schuster said. Ben Wizner, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said the effort to block the book's publication was doomed to fail. "As usual, the government's threats have nothing to do with safeguarding national security, and everything to do with avoiding scandal and embarrassment," Wizner said. Trump said the problem of publishing classified information including conversations with the president "becomes even worse if he lies about the conversation, which I understand he might have in some cases." He said he had not read the book. "So we'll see what happens. They're in court, or they'll soon be in court," Trump said.

Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book

US President Donald Trump, facing criticism that his policies and inflammatory rhetoric have aggravated a racial divide in the United States, signed an order on Tuesday that he said would reform police practices even as he pressed for "law and order" nationwide.

After weeks of protests against racism and policy brutality prompted by the death of George Floyd, a black man killed on May 25 in police custody in Minneapolis, Trump sought to offer a policy response to rising concerns about racial injustice going into the Nov. 3 election, in which he is seeking a second term.

Trump, a Republican, opened his remarks by expressing sympathy to the families of victims of police violence, pledging to fight for justice and promising them their loved ones will not have died in vain. But he quickly pivoted to a defense of law enforcement officers and a threat of penalties to looters.

"Americans want law and order, they demand law and order," Trump said at a ceremony at the White House, reiterating a call that has angered protesters who have poured onto streets from New York to Los Angeles.

"Americans know the truth: Without police there is chaos, without law there is anarchy, and without safety there is catastrophe," he said.

In his public comments and on Twitter, Trump has called for crackdowns on protesters and emphasized a forceful and militarized response to the social unrest sparked by the death of Floyd and others. Despite issuing a call for unity, he used his Rose Garden address on Tuesday to criticize former President Barack Obama, the first black U.S. president, for his record on police reforms. Opinion polls show widespread concerns among Americans about police brutality.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-floyd-protests-spread-far-and-wide-at-least-25-us-cities-impose-curfew-302194">Also read:&nbsp;George Floyd protests spread far and wide; at least 25 US cities impose curfew</a>

Tuesday's order encourages police departments to employ the latest standards for use of force, improve information sharing so that officers with poor records are not hired without their backgrounds being known, and add social workers to law enforcement responses to non-violent cases involving drug addiction and homelessness, officials said.

Trump's proposal would steer federal money toward police departments that get certification by outside bodies and would ban chokeholds unless an officer's life was in danger. It also would encourage them to use less-lethal weapons such as stun guns.

Civil-rights groups and top Democrats, including former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, said the order was insufficient.

Trump reiterated that he opposes calls to "defund the police" by reimagining or dismantling police departments. Leading Democrats, including Biden, have not embraced such calls, but Republicans have jumped on the issue.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives is expected to vote later this month on sweeping legislation put forward by the Congressional Black Caucus to rein in police misconduct.

Senate Republicans are expected to unveil their own legislation on Wednesday that concentrates more on data collection than on policy changes in areas involving lethal force. Trump urged Congress to act.

Democrats want to allow victims of misconduct and their families to sue police. Republicans are pushing to reduce job protections for members of law enforcement unions.

Trump's decision to ban chokeholds appears similar to the ban included in the Democratic legislation.

Republican lawmakers are divided on that issue.

Inimai Chettiar of the Justice Action Network said the use of grant money to influence police department policies could be an effective way to get results, but she noted that Trump's Justice Department has resisted other reform efforts.

"I have a lot of skepticism in terms of how rigorously this is going to be implemented," she said. Other civil-rights groups said Trump's order did not go far enough.

US President Donald Trump, facing criticism that his policies and inflammatory rhetoric have aggravated a racial divide in the United States, signed an order on Tuesday that he said would reform police practices even as he pressed for "law and order" nationwide.

US President Donald Trump, facing criticism that his policies and inflammatory rhetoric have aggravated a racial divide in the United States, signed an order on Tuesday that he said would reform police practices even as he pressed for "law and order" nationwide. After weeks of protests against racism and policy brutality prompted by the death of George Floyd, a black man killed on May 25 in police custody in Minneapolis, Trump sought to offer a policy response to rising concerns about racial injustice going into the Nov. 3 election, in which he is seeking a second term. Trump, a Republican, opened his remarks by expressing sympathy to the families of victims of police violence, pledging to fight for justice and promising them their loved ones will not have died in vain. But he quickly pivoted to a defense of law enforcement officers and a threat of penalties to looters. "Americans want law and order, they demand law and order," Trump said at a ceremony at the White House, reiterating a call that has angered protesters who have poured onto streets from New York to Los Angeles. "Americans know the truth: Without police there is chaos, without law there is anarchy, and without safety there is catastrophe," he said. In his public comments and on Twitter, Trump has called for crackdowns on protesters and emphasized a forceful and militarized response to the social unrest sparked by the death of Floyd and others. Despite issuing a call for unity, he used his Rose Garden address on Tuesday to criticize former President Barack Obama, the first black U.S. president, for his record on police reforms. Opinion polls show widespread concerns among Americans about police brutality. Also read: George Floyd protests spread far and wide; at least 25 US cities impose curfew Tuesday's order encourages police departments to employ the latest standards for use of force, improve information sharing so that officers with poor records are not hired without their backgrounds being known, and add social workers to law enforcement responses to non-violent cases involving drug addiction and homelessness, officials said. Trump's proposal would steer federal money toward police departments that get certification by outside bodies and would ban chokeholds unless an officer's life was in danger. It also would encourage them to use less-lethal weapons such as stun guns. Civil-rights groups and top Democrats, including former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, said the order was insufficient. Trump reiterated that he opposes calls to "defund the police" by reimagining or dismantling police departments. Leading Democrats, including Biden, have not embraced such calls, but Republicans have jumped on the issue. The Democratic-led House of Representatives is expected to vote later this month on sweeping legislation put forward by the Congressional Black Caucus to rein in police misconduct. Senate Republicans are expected to unveil their own legislation on Wednesday that concentrates more on data collection than on policy changes in areas involving lethal force. Trump urged Congress to act. Democrats want to allow victims of misconduct and their families to sue police. Republicans are pushing to reduce job protections for members of law enforcement unions. Trump's decision to ban chokeholds appears similar to the ban included in the Democratic legislation. Republican lawmakers are divided on that issue. Inimai Chettiar of the Justice Action Network said the use of grant money to influence police department policies could be an effective way to get results, but she noted that Trump's Justice Department has resisted other reform efforts. "I have a lot of skepticism in terms of how rigorously this is going to be implemented," she said. Other civil-rights groups said Trump's order did not go far enough.

Trump signs order on police reform after weeks of protests about racial injustice

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has opened up a 13-point lead over President Donald Trump - the widest margin this year - according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll as Americans grow more critical of Trump over the coronavirus pandemic and protests against police brutality.

In the June 10-16 poll, 48% of registered voters said they would back Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in the Nov. 3 election, while 35% said they would support Trump.

Biden's advantage is the biggest recorded by the Reuters/Ipsos poll since Democrats began their state nominating contests this year to pick their party's nominee to challenge Trump in November. A similar CNN poll from earlier this month showed Biden with a 14-point lead over Trump among registered voters.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll also showed that 57% of US adults disapproved of Trump's performance in office, while just 38% approved, marking Trump's lowest approval rating since November, when Congress was conducting its impeachment inquiry into the Republican president.

In a clear warning sign for Trump, his own support base appears to be eroding. Republicans' net approval of Trump is down 13 points from March to June, declining every month in that span.

The shift in opinion comes as Americans are whipsawed by the coronavirus pandemic, the ensuing economic collapse and the outpouring of anger and frustration following numerous deadly confrontations between police and African Americans, including the death last month of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody.

Trump, who dismissed the threat of the coronavirus early on, sparred with state governors as they tried to slow its spread and has pushed authorities to allow businesses to reopen despite warnings from health experts about increasing risks of transmission.

More than 116,000 people in the United States have died from the virus and more than 2.1 million people have been infected, by far the most in the world. Some states that have reopened such as Florida, Arizona and Texas are seeing a jump in cases.

Altogether, 55% of Americans said they disapproved of Trump's handling of the coronavirus, while 40% approved, which is the lowest net approval for the president on the subject since Reuters/Ipsos started tracking the question in early March.

TRUMP EDGE ON ECONOMY

The president also has been criticised for the way he has responded to the protests that were sparked by Floyd's killing.

While nearly two thirds of respondents sympathised with the protesters, according to the poll, Trump has openly flirted with deploying the military to "dominate" them. Earlier this month, police in Washington forcibly removed peaceful protesters so that Trump could pose for photographs in front of a church near the White House.

As businesses shuttered across the country because of coronavirus lockdowns, Americans have increasingly turned their focus to the economy and jobs as a top concern.

In that area, Trump still has the upper hand over Biden. Forty-three percent of registered voters said they thought Trump would be a better steward of the economy than Biden, while 38% said Biden would be better.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the United States. The poll gathered responses from 4,426 American adults, including 2,047 Democrats and 1,593 Republicans. The poll had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has opened up a 13-point lead over President Donald Trump - the widest margin this year - according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll as Americans grow more critical of Trump over the coronavirus pandemic and protests against police brutality.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has opened up a 13-point lead over President Donald Trump - the widest margin this year - according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll as Americans grow more critical of Trump over the coronavirus pandemic and protests against police brutality. In the June 10-16 poll, 48% of registered voters said they would back Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in the Nov. 3 election, while 35% said they would support Trump. Biden's advantage is the biggest recorded by the Reuters/Ipsos poll since Democrats began their state nominating contests this year to pick their party's nominee to challenge Trump in November. A similar CNN poll from earlier this month showed Biden with a 14-point lead over Trump among registered voters. The Reuters/Ipsos poll also showed that 57% of US adults disapproved of Trump's performance in office, while just 38% approved, marking Trump's lowest approval rating since November, when Congress was conducting its impeachment inquiry into the Republican president. In a clear warning sign for Trump, his own support base appears to be eroding. Republicans' net approval of Trump is down 13 points from March to June, declining every month in that span. The shift in opinion comes as Americans are whipsawed by the coronavirus pandemic, the ensuing economic collapse and the outpouring of anger and frustration following numerous deadly confrontations between police and African Americans, including the death last month of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody. Trump, who dismissed the threat of the coronavirus early on, sparred with state governors as they tried to slow its spread and has pushed authorities to allow businesses to reopen despite warnings from health experts about increasing risks of transmission. More than 116,000 people in the United States have died from the virus and more than 2.1 million people have been infected, by far the most in the world. Some states that have reopened such as Florida, Arizona and Texas are seeing a jump in cases. Altogether, 55% of Americans said they disapproved of Trump's handling of the coronavirus, while 40% approved, which is the lowest net approval for the president on the subject since Reuters/Ipsos started tracking the question in early March. TRUMP EDGE ON ECONOMY The president also has been criticised for the way he has responded to the protests that were sparked by Floyd's killing. While nearly two thirds of respondents sympathised with the protesters, according to the poll, Trump has openly flirted with deploying the military to "dominate" them. Earlier this month, police in Washington forcibly removed peaceful protesters so that Trump could pose for photographs in front of a church near the White House. As businesses shuttered across the country because of coronavirus lockdowns, Americans have increasingly turned their focus to the economy and jobs as a top concern. In that area, Trump still has the upper hand over Biden. Forty-three percent of registered voters said they thought Trump would be a better steward of the economy than Biden, while 38% said Biden would be better. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the United States. The poll gathered responses from 4,426 American adults, including 2,047 Democrats and 1,593 Republicans. The poll had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Trump popularity drops to seven-month low; Biden opens 13-point advantage

Two upcoming books are giving the U.S. President Donald Trump a nightmare. One spills the beans on Trump's personal life, other argues he has committed several impeachable offenses.

Gravitas: Books Trump does not want you to read

The US Supreme Court has delivered a major victory for LGBT rights and a defeat for President Donald Trump's administration. The top court passed a ruling that a longstanding law barring workplace discrimination also protects gay and transgender employees.

US top court bars workplace discrimination: Extends civil rights to LGBT workers

A Russian court on June 15 sentenced ex-US marine Paul Whelan to 16 years in prison in an espionage case. The trial was held behind closed doors since Whelan was accused of gathering state secrets, however, he called it a "sham trial" and asked for US President Donald Trump's intervention.

Russia: Paul Whelan sentenced on spying charges

People attending President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday will receive temperature checks, masks and hand sanitizer before entering the arena, a Reuters report stated Republican's campaign as saying.

People attending President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday will receive temperature checks, masks and hand sanitizer before entering the arena, a Reuters report stated Republican's campaign as saying. There have been more than 1 million ticket requests for the indoor rally, said Republican campaign. The rally is Trump's first in the three months since the new coronavirus curbed travel and shut down the economy. People lining up to get into the venue will face temperatures forecast to be up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Precautions will be taken against the heat and there will be bottled water, campaign spokesman Brad Parscale said on Monday on Twitter. The rally was postponed from Friday after a public outcry because it coincided with Juneteenth and would be held in a city where one of the largest black massacres took place a century ago. African Americans mark June 19 as the day in 1865 that slaves in Texas found out they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation made more than two years previously, Tulsa's chief health official told a local newspaper on Saturday he was concerned about a large event of any kind taking place indoors when coronavirus infections in the area were rising. Other health experts have expressed concern the event could be a "superspreader" for the virus, which is seeing a flareup in several states after their economies began to reopen. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump campaign to give Oklahoma rally-goers masks, fever checks

US President Donald Trump is considering launching a $1 trillion infrastructure stimulus plan

Trump administration weighs $1 trillion proposal for infrastructure

The US embassy in South Korea has taken down a Black Lives Matter banner, reportedly after pressure from US leaders.

The large banner went up on Saturday but was removed on Monday.

US media said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and President Donald Trump were unhappy with the display.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-in-seoul-displays-black-lives-matter-banner-in-support-of-anti-racism-protests-305757">US embassy in Seoul displays 'Black Lives Matter' banner in support of anti-racism protests</a>

People have marched around the world as part of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations&nbsp;following the death of George Floyd in the US last month.

After taking the banner down, the embassy said it did not intend to "support or encourage donations to any specific organisation".

Black Lives Matter is both a rallying cry for protesters, and a&nbsp;non-profit organisation&nbsp;"whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on black communities".

When the banner was originally displayed on Saturday, the embassy tweeted a photo of it, along with a message of support both in Korean and English.

"The US Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change,"&nbsp;the embassy tweet said.

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“We will never forget.” The U.S. Embassy is proud to honor the Korean War veterans who fought and sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom by displaying a banner on our Chancery this month. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoreanWar70Years?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoreanWar70Years</a> <a href="https://t.co/AsDaqbl0hP">pic.twitter.com/AsDaqbl0hP</a>
— U.S. Embassy Seoul (@USEmbassySeoul) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassySeoul/status/1272714808236707841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive and just society."

The ambassador, Harry Harris, also tweeted a picture of the banner,&nbsp;saying: "USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength."

But two days later the banner came down. A rainbow flag, symbolising gay rights, was also removed.

On Tuesday, the embassy posted a picture of a new banner, honouring Korean War veterans.

The US embassy in South Korea has taken down a Black Lives Matter banner, reportedly after pressure from US leaders. The large banner went up on Saturday but was removed on Monday.

The US embassy in South Korea has taken down a Black Lives Matter banner, reportedly after pressure from US leaders. The large banner went up on Saturday but was removed on Monday. US media said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and President Donald Trump were unhappy with the display. Also read: US embassy in Seoul displays 'Black Lives Matter' banner in support of anti-racism protests People have marched around the world as part of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in the US last month. After taking the banner down, the embassy said it did not intend to "support or encourage donations to any specific organisation". Black Lives Matter is both a rallying cry for protesters, and a non-profit organisation "whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on black communities". When the banner was originally displayed on Saturday, the embassy tweeted a photo of it, along with a message of support both in Korean and English. "The US Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change," the embassy tweet said. “We will never forget.” The U.S. Embassy is proud to honor the Korean War veterans who fought and sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom by displaying a banner on our Chancery this month. #KoreanWar70Years pic.twitter.com/AsDaqbl0hP — U.S. Embassy Seoul (@USEmbassySeoul) June 16, 2020 × "Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive and just society." The ambassador, Harry Harris, also tweeted a picture of the banner, saying: "USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength." But two days later the banner came down. A rainbow flag, symbolising gay rights, was also removed. On Tuesday, the embassy posted a picture of a new banner, honouring Korean War veterans.

US embassy in South Korea takes down Black Lives Matter banner

President Donald Trump on Monday rejected pleas from Tulsa, Oklahoma, not to risk aggravating coronavirus risks by holding a rally there, announcing he wants to triple the crowd to 60,000 people.

"We have a 22,000 seat arena, but I think we're also going to take the convention hall next door and that's going to hold 40,000," he told reporters at the White House.

He was responding to criticism from the local Tulsa newspaper and a top public health official in the city about his election campaign rally, which is scheduled for Saturday and comes as Oklahoma is seeing a recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

"This is the wrong time," the Tulsa World newspaper said in a bluntly worded editorial.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-delays-oklahoma-rally-after-decry-of-massacre-on-juneteenth-305547">Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth</a>

"We don't know why he chose Tulsa, but we can't see any way that his visit will be good for the city."

The newspaper pointed out that COVID-19 continues to spread and there is no vaccine.

"It will be our health care system that will have to deal with whatever effects follow," it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-holding-first-rally-in-months-on-juneteenth-in-tulsa-305494">Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa</a>

The arena that the Trump campaign has booked holds about 20,000 people, who would be packed closely together.

In a tweet Monday, Trump claimed that applications to attend the rally in the city, which has a population of less than half a million, were flooding in.

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Almost One Million people request tickets for the Saturday Night Rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1272521253136498690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He hadn’t previously mentioned plans to pack a second, bigger venue. The former real estate tycoon frequently exaggerates numbers, regularly claiming that as many as tens of thousands of people are outside the arenas, unable to get in, when that is not true.

Trump said Oklahoma had done “really fantastic work” on fighting Covid-19. He said he’d predicted there would be “hotspots” and “we’ll take care of the hotspots”.

However, the coronavirus pandemic forced Trump to shelve his rally schedule, putting a serious dent in his re-election strategy.

An initial plan to reopen the rallies in Tulsa this Friday, June 19, was criticised because this would coincide with the annual “Juneteenth” commemorations for the end of slavery in the United States.

With protests unfolding across the country against what campaigners call systemic racism against African Americans, Trump’s campaign decided to put the rally off by a day.

President Donald Trump on Monday rejected pleas from Tulsa, Oklahoma, not to risk aggravating coronavirus risks by holding a rally there, announcing he wants to triple the crowd to 60,000 people.

President Donald Trump on Monday rejected pleas from Tulsa, Oklahoma, not to risk aggravating coronavirus risks by holding a rally there, announcing he wants to triple the crowd to 60,000 people. "We have a 22,000 seat arena, but I think we're also going to take the convention hall next door and that's going to hold 40,000," he told reporters at the White House. He was responding to criticism from the local Tulsa newspaper and a top public health official in the city about his election campaign rally, which is scheduled for Saturday and comes as Oklahoma is seeing a recent increase in COVID-19 cases. "This is the wrong time," the Tulsa World newspaper said in a bluntly worded editorial. Also read: Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth "We don't know why he chose Tulsa, but we can't see any way that his visit will be good for the city." The newspaper pointed out that COVID-19 continues to spread and there is no vaccine. "It will be our health care system that will have to deal with whatever effects follow," it said. Also read: Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa The arena that the Trump campaign has booked holds about 20,000 people, who would be packed closely together. In a tweet Monday, Trump claimed that applications to attend the rally in the city, which has a population of less than half a million, were flooding in. Almost One Million people request tickets for the Saturday Night Rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2020 × He hadn’t previously mentioned plans to pack a second, bigger venue. The former real estate tycoon frequently exaggerates numbers, regularly claiming that as many as tens of thousands of people are outside the arenas, unable to get in, when that is not true. Trump said Oklahoma had done “really fantastic work” on fighting Covid-19. He said he’d predicted there would be “hotspots” and “we’ll take care of the hotspots”. However, the coronavirus pandemic forced Trump to shelve his rally schedule, putting a serious dent in his re-election strategy. An initial plan to reopen the rallies in Tulsa this Friday, June 19, was criticised because this would coincide with the annual “Juneteenth” commemorations for the end of slavery in the United States. With protests unfolding across the country against what campaigners call systemic racism against African Americans, Trump’s campaign decided to put the rally off by a day.

Trump rejects Tulsa rally coronavirus concerns, saying will triple crowd

With the US Presidential election only a few months away, a substantial section of US citizens must have made up their mind now about casting their vote in favour of Joe Biden or Donald Trump.

Normally, before the US Presidential election, there would be a considerable wrangle about the choice of Presidential candidate by both the principal parties. However, this time, the Democratic party chose Biden as it’s a candidate without much of debate and Republican party too decided in favour of Trump as its candidate without much of debate. The usual excitement that would be associated with the nomination of a Presidential candidate has been missing this time, causing disappointment for the curious observers.

Even before the last Presidential election, the section of print and visual media in the US&nbsp;carried out vituperative criticism against Donald Trump and the severity of such criticism has not tapered down during the Presidency of Trump. Therefore, people in the US&nbsp;are aware of the views and prejudices of the section of media against Trump and, therefore, continued criticism&nbsp;against Trump may not have a significant impact on the results of the forthcoming US Presidential election.

Two recent unhappy events namely COVID-19 crisis and the death of George Floyd by white policeman are bound to become an electoral issue in the coming election, with the opposition parties, a section of media and sworn critics holding Trump responsible for these two unhappy problems confronting the US.

However, the discerning observers amongst citizens who do not hold any particular view for or against Trump would introspect deeper before casting their votes. The votes of these unprejudiced citizens are likely to be the deciding factor in the choice of next US President.

Many impartial observers refuse to blame President Trump for COVID-19 crisis in the US&nbsp;and any criticism that Trump did not take preventive steps to avoid COVID-19 crisis cannot stand independent scrutiny. No country in the world anticipated such magnitude of the COVID-19 problem and the fact that China concealed the information to the world when it occurred in Wuhan and WHO colluded with China in concealing the information is believed by many people to be correct.

President Trump left it to the Governors to handle the COVID-19 crisis and this is what it should be. It is true that Trump underestimated the seriousness of COVID-19 crisis earlier, which is a matter of judgement and the benefit of the doubt should be given to him. Several governments in Europe and other countries reacted in the same way as the US did.

In the case of George Floyd's death, it would be extremely unfair to blame President Trump for this and he lost no time in condemning it. When the violent prone protestors took law into their own hands and destroyed public properties, President Trump had no alternative other than issuing a&nbsp;warning&nbsp;to put down such violence by force. No government can afford to remain as a spectator when the protestors indulge in violence, whatever may be the cause.

The critics and opposition party exploiting the above two unhappy events to discredit President Trump and spoil his public image may not cut ice amongst many discerning people.

&nbsp;

The basic approach of President Trump in defending the American business interests and stating clearly “America first” is certainly recognised and applauded by many people. His decision to confront China is a matter of absolute need and he has taken the bull by the horn in dealing with China, &nbsp;with no other US President having done so before.

The fact that the American economy has done reasonably well during Trump’s tenure and the steps he has taken to revive the economy after the COVID-19 crisis will not go unnoticed even by the worst critics.

Many would wonder whether the Democratic party candidate would go soft on China if he were to be the next President. &nbsp;No American would want this.

Former President Obama campaigning for Biden may not help his electoral prospects significantly. Many people would still remember that President Obama suddenly visited a mosque and asked the African Americans to defend their rights before the last Presidential election, which inevitably gave an impression that Obama was trying to please a section of people by appeasing them for the sake of votes. Considering the fact that Obama himself is not a white person, many may ask as to what he did to enhance the status of blacks in America during his Presidentship.

Obama was not tough against China and this became very clear when he received the respected Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama through the backdoors of White House so that Chinese government would not be annoyed by his entertaining the Dalai Lama. &nbsp;By this process, many think that Obama insulted the Dalai Lama.

As of now, the US Presidential election campaigning is still open and it would become more bitter as the days go on. But, the discerning observers amongst US citizens would not be guided by rhetorics and media views. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With the US Presidential election only a few months away, a substantial section of US citizens must have made up their mind now about casting their vote in favour of Joe Biden or Donald Trump.

With the US Presidential election only a few months away, a substantial section of US citizens must have made up their mind now about casting their vote in favour of Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Normally, before the US Presidential election, there would be a considerable wrangle about the choice of Presidential candidate by both the principal parties. However, this time, the Democratic party chose Biden as it’s a candidate without much of debate and Republican party too decided in favour of Trump as its candidate without much of debate. The usual excitement that would be associated with the nomination of a Presidential candidate has been missing this time, causing disappointment for the curious observers. Even before the last Presidential election, the section of print and visual media in the US carried out vituperative criticism against Donald Trump and the severity of such criticism has not tapered down during the Presidency of Trump. Therefore, people in the US are aware of the views and prejudices of the section of media against Trump and, therefore, continued criticism against Trump may not have a significant impact on the results of the forthcoming US Presidential election. Two recent unhappy events namely COVID-19 crisis and the death of George Floyd by white policeman are bound to become an electoral issue in the coming election, with the opposition parties, a section of media and sworn critics holding Trump responsible for these two unhappy problems confronting the US. However, the discerning observers amongst citizens who do not hold any particular view for or against Trump would introspect deeper before casting their votes. The votes of these unprejudiced citizens are likely to be the deciding factor in the choice of next US President. Many impartial observers refuse to blame President Trump for COVID-19 crisis in the US and any criticism that Trump did not take preventive steps to avoid COVID-19 crisis cannot stand independent scrutiny. No country in the world anticipated such magnitude of the COVID-19 problem and the fact that China concealed the information to the world when it occurred in Wuhan and WHO colluded with China in concealing the information is believed by many people to be correct. President Trump left it to the Governors to handle the COVID-19 crisis and this is what it should be. It is true that Trump underestimated the seriousness of COVID-19 crisis earlier, which is a matter of judgement and the benefit of the doubt should be given to him. Several governments in Europe and other countries reacted in the same way as the US did. In the case of George Floyd's death, it would be extremely unfair to blame President Trump for this and he lost no time in condemning it. When the violent prone protestors took law into their own hands and destroyed public properties, President Trump had no alternative other than issuing a warning to put down such violence by force. No government can afford to remain as a spectator when the protestors indulge in violence, whatever may be the cause. The critics and opposition party exploiting the above two unhappy events to discredit President Trump and spoil his public image may not cut ice amongst many discerning people. The basic approach of President Trump in defending the American business interests and stating clearly “America first” is certainly recognised and applauded by many people. His decision to confront China is a matter of absolute need and he has taken the bull by the horn in dealing with China, with no other US President having done so before. The fact that the American economy has done reasonably well during Trump’s tenure and the steps he has taken to revive the economy after the COVID-19 crisis will not go unnoticed even by the worst critics. Many would wonder whether the Democratic party candidate would go soft on China if he were to be the next President. No American would want this. Former President Obama campaigning for Biden may not help his electoral prospects significantly. Many people would still remember that President Obama suddenly visited a mosque and asked the African Americans to defend their rights before the last Presidential election, which inevitably gave an impression that Obama was trying to please a section of people by appeasing them for the sake of votes. Considering the fact that Obama himself is not a white person, many may ask as to what he did to enhance the status of blacks in America during his Presidentship. Obama was not tough against China and this became very clear when he received the respected Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama through the backdoors of White House so that Chinese government would not be annoyed by his entertaining the Dalai Lama. By this process, many think that Obama insulted the Dalai Lama. As of now, the US Presidential election campaigning is still open and it would become more bitter as the days go on. But, the discerning observers amongst US citizens would not be guided by rhetorics and media views. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is change of leadership in the US necessary?

It was one of several “Trumptillas,” that took place along waterfront communities across Florida and the nation.

‘Trumptilla’ boat parade celebrates President Donald Trump's birthday

US President Donald Trump marked his 74th birthday on June 14 as protests continued to rage across the United States. Trump was seen returning to the White House for his birthday from West Point in New York where he was attending a graduation ceremony at the West Point military academy. Watch report.

Donald Trump's 74th birthday | Protestors against Trump in NYC, Washington

The NFL has allowed their players to protest during the anthem regretting that they were "wrong for not listening" to players earlier.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-star-marcelo-takes-a-knee-to-show-solidarity-to-black-lives-matter-campaign-305901" hreflang="en">Real Madrid star Marcelo takes a knee to show solidarity to Black Lives Matter campaign</a>

President Trump has said that he will not watch the NFL and the United States national soccer team if their players take a knee during the national anthem.

In 2017, a rule was enacted that required players to stand during the anthem and the American Soccer Federation repealed against it last week.&nbsp;

The US soccer announced on Wednesday, they said: "It has become clear that this policy was wrong and detracted from the important message of Black Lives Matter."

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And it looks like the NFL is heading in that direction also, but not with me watching! <a href="https://t.co/aGfBaK7RNA">https://t.co/aGfBaK7RNA</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1271914734724546564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I won’t be watching much anymore! <a href="https://t.co/s8nCg9EJSW">https://t.co/s8nCg9EJSW</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1271913575242780678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“I won’t be watching much anymore!” Trump wrote on Twitter, linking to a Gaetz interview with a Pensacola, Fla., television station.

In a tweet, Gaetz of Florida said he’s “rather the US not have a soccer team than have a soccer team that won’t stand for the National Anthem.”

Protests broke out after George Floyd's death giving momentum to the Black Lives Matter movement. Many football clubs and players have been seen taking the knee against police injustice and racial inequality.

Floyd died in Minneapolis after having a knee pressed into his neck for around nine minutes while being in police custody last month.&nbsp;

“You shouldn’t get to play under our flag as our national team if you won’t stand when it is raised,” he added.

The NFL has allowed their players to protest during the anthem regretting that they were "wrong for not listening" to players earlier. Also read: Real Madrid star Marcelo takes a knee to show solidarity to Black Lives Matter campaign President Trump has said that he will not watch the NFL and the United States national soccer team if their players take a knee during the national anthem.

The NFL has allowed their players to protest during the anthem regretting that they were "wrong for not listening" to players earlier. Also read: Real Madrid star Marcelo takes a knee to show solidarity to Black Lives Matter campaign President Trump has said that he will not watch the NFL and the United States national soccer team if their players take a knee during the national anthem. In 2017, a rule was enacted that required players to stand during the anthem and the American Soccer Federation repealed against it last week. The US soccer announced on Wednesday, they said: "It has become clear that this policy was wrong and detracted from the important message of Black Lives Matter." And it looks like the NFL is heading in that direction also, but not with me watching! https://t.co/aGfBaK7RNA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2020 × I won’t be watching much anymore! https://t.co/s8nCg9EJSW — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2020 × “I won’t be watching much anymore!” Trump wrote on Twitter, linking to a Gaetz interview with a Pensacola, Fla., television station. In a tweet, Gaetz of Florida said he’s “rather the US not have a soccer team than have a soccer team that won’t stand for the National Anthem.” Protests broke out after George Floyd's death giving momentum to the Black Lives Matter movement. Many football clubs and players have been seen taking the knee against police injustice and racial inequality. Floyd died in Minneapolis after having a knee pressed into his neck for around nine minutes while being in police custody last month. “You shouldn’t get to play under our flag as our national team if you won’t stand when it is raised,” he added.

'Won't watch anymore': Donald Trump warns NFL and US Soccer if players kneel during anthem

A waterways rally, dubbed “Trump’s Birthday Boat Rally,” is scheduled to kick off on Sunday morning in Florida -- in order to honour US President Donald Trump on his birthday. He turns 74 on Sunday.

“Rig up those patriotic flags, fuel up the boat, and head out to meet a couple thousand of your fellow Trump supporters for a day on the beautiful St. Johns River,” organisers stated in a Facebook flyer.

The boat parade is one planned throughout Florida, including Miami, Pensacola and Tampa. It comes nearly a month after hundreds of boaters converged on the Intracoastal Waterway for a May 16 rally, which got a shoutout from the president on Twitter.

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Trump's supporters on Saturday too took part in a "Trumptilla" boat parade in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to celebrate his birthday.

Two of the largest parades were held in South Carolina and San Diego, California.

The parades are a way for Trump supporters to show their enthusiasm for the president while practicing social distancing to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

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This is happening even as coronavirus continues to kill hundreds every day in the US and demonstrations go on in the wake of George Floyd’s death while in police custody.

Meanwhile, an incident a day earlier in which he appeared unsteady on his feet has revived concerns about his health.

Trump has always appeared vigorous for his age, but his sluggish walk on the ramp, balance problems and trouble enunciating certain words raised many an eyebrow as he heads into a gruelling re-election campaign.

But Trump has defended himself.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-unsteady-ramp-walk-raises-health-concerns-he-blames-very-slippery-ramp-305847">Also read | Trump's unsteady ramp walk raises health concerns. He blames 'very slippery' ramp</a>

Trump insists he is in perfect health and the White House recently released an annual physical that claimed he is in good shape for his age.&nbsp;

A waterways rally, dubbed “Trump’s Birthday Boat Rally,” is scheduled to kick off on Sunday morning in Florida -- in order to honour US President Donald Trump on his birthday.

A waterways rally, dubbed “Trump’s Birthday Boat Rally,” is scheduled to kick off on Sunday morning in Florida -- in order to honour US President Donald Trump on his birthday. He turns 74 on Sunday. “Rig up those patriotic flags, fuel up the boat, and head out to meet a couple thousand of your fellow Trump supporters for a day on the beautiful St. Johns River,” organisers stated in a Facebook flyer. The boat parade is one planned throughout Florida, including Miami, Pensacola and Tampa. It comes nearly a month after hundreds of boaters converged on the Intracoastal Waterway for a May 16 rally, which got a shoutout from the president on Twitter. Trump's supporters on Saturday too took part in a "Trumptilla" boat parade in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to celebrate his birthday. Two of the largest parades were held in South Carolina and San Diego, California. The parades are a way for Trump supporters to show their enthusiasm for the president while practicing social distancing to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. This is happening even as coronavirus continues to kill hundreds every day in the US and demonstrations go on in the wake of George Floyd’s death while in police custody. Meanwhile, an incident a day earlier in which he appeared unsteady on his feet has revived concerns about his health. Trump has always appeared vigorous for his age, but his sluggish walk on the ramp, balance problems and trouble enunciating certain words raised many an eyebrow as he heads into a gruelling re-election campaign. But Trump has defended himself. Also read | Trump's unsteady ramp walk raises health concerns. He blames 'very slippery' ramp Trump insists he is in perfect health and the White House recently released an annual physical that claimed he is in good shape for his age.

Trump supporters plan boat rally for president’s birthday

As US President Donald Trump turns 74 on Sunday, an incident a day earlier in which he appeared unsteady on his feet has revived concerns about his health.

Trump has always appeared vigorous for his age, but his sluggish walk on the ramp, balance problems and trouble enunciating certain words raised many an eyebrow as he heads into a gruelling re-election campaign.

Since Trump has regularly mocked the health and acuity of his presumptive election opponent, Democrat Joe Biden -- who is three years his senior -- the question of physical fitness could weigh heavily in the campaign ahead.

During the speech on Saturday, Trump used two hands to sip from a glass of water, and then gingerly descended a ramp as he looked at his feet and took what appeared to be 'baby steps'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-hell-leave-peacefully-if-he-loses-election-in-november-but-itll-be-bad-for-us-305640">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says he'll leave peacefully if he loses election in November, but it'll be 'bad' for US</a>

But Trump has defended himself.

"The ramp that I descended after my West Point Commencement speech was very long &amp; steep, had no handrail and, most importantly, was very slippery," Trump said in a tweet.

"The last thing I was going to do is 'fall' for the Fake News to have fun with. Final ten feet I ran down to level ground. Momentum!"

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The ramp that I descended after my West Point Commencement speech was very long &amp; steep, had no handrail and, most importantly, was very slippery. The last thing I was going to do is “fall” for the Fake News to have fun with. Final ten feet I ran down to level ground. Momentum!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1272000237809414149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump, however, did not address criticism that he drank his water using both hands.

It is not the first time that Trump has used two hands to sip from a cup of water, an odd tic that has led some to question whether he has a medical issue.&nbsp;

Trump's habit of sipping water with two hands has been noted since at least 2017.

Trump insists he is in perfect health and the White House recently released an annual physical that claimed he is in good shape for his age. He turns 74 on Sunday.&nbsp;

As US President Donald Trump turns 74 on Sunday, an incident a day earlier in which he appeared unsteady on his feet has revived concerns about his health. Trump has always appeared vigorous for his age, but his sluggish walk on the ramp, balance problems and trouble enunciating certain words raised many an eyebrow as he heads into a gruelling re-election campaign.

As US President Donald Trump turns 74 on Sunday, an incident a day earlier in which he appeared unsteady on his feet has revived concerns about his health. Trump has always appeared vigorous for his age, but his sluggish walk on the ramp, balance problems and trouble enunciating certain words raised many an eyebrow as he heads into a gruelling re-election campaign. Since Trump has regularly mocked the health and acuity of his presumptive election opponent, Democrat Joe Biden -- who is three years his senior -- the question of physical fitness could weigh heavily in the campaign ahead. During the speech on Saturday, Trump used two hands to sip from a glass of water, and then gingerly descended a ramp as he looked at his feet and took what appeared to be 'baby steps'. Also read | Trump says he'll leave peacefully if he loses election in November, but it'll be 'bad' for US But Trump has defended himself. "The ramp that I descended after my West Point Commencement speech was very long & steep, had no handrail and, most importantly, was very slippery," Trump said in a tweet. "The last thing I was going to do is 'fall' for the Fake News to have fun with. Final ten feet I ran down to level ground. Momentum!" The ramp that I descended after my West Point Commencement speech was very long & steep, had no handrail and, most importantly, was very slippery. The last thing I was going to do is “fall” for the Fake News to have fun with. Final ten feet I ran down to level ground. Momentum! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2020 × Trump, however, did not address criticism that he drank his water using both hands. It is not the first time that Trump has used two hands to sip from a cup of water, an odd tic that has led some to question whether he has a medical issue. Trump's habit of sipping water with two hands has been noted since at least 2017. Trump insists he is in perfect health and the White House recently released an annual physical that claimed he is in good shape for his age. He turns 74 on Sunday.

Trump's unsteady ramp walk raises health concerns. He blames 'very slippery' ramp

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that US President Donald Trump still has a good chance of being re-elected. Despite Trump's declining support in recent months, Trump is likely to win thanks to his strong support base, he said.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that US President Donald Trump still has a good chance of being re-elected. Despite Trump's declining support in recent months, Trump is likely to win thanks to his strong support base, he said. "The biggest mistake in human sciences is to predict, especially in fluid and grave conditions. But allow me to venture a prediction that Mr Trump's re-election chances are still more that 50%," Zarif said in an interview. "Of course his chances have seriously decreased compared to four to five months ago." "But Mr Trump has a 30-35% base that has not moved and, as long as this base does not move, there is still a chance of his re-election," Zarif said in the live interview on Instagram with Iranian journalist Farid Modarresi, the first of its kind with a senior official of the Islamic Republic. Tension between Washington and Tehran has escalated since 2018, when U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed crippling sanctions targeting particularly its vital oil industry. Trump said earlier this month that Iranian leaders would be wrong if they expected his defeat in the November elections. Recent opinion polls have seen President Donald Trump lose ground to Democrat Joe Biden. "Don’t wait until after U.S. Election to make the Big deal. I’m going to win. You’ll make a better deal now!," Trump tweeted, addressing Iran. Iran's Foreign Ministry responded that Iran would not base its policies on internal U.S. matters, such as elections. Zarif said in the interview that Trump himself had likely reached the conclusion that his policies of "maximum pressure" against Iran had failed. "I don't think Trump believes anymore in talk that the Islamic Republic is about to collapse," Zarif said. "But he keeps repeating his mistakes. It seems that they (U.S. officials) know they have committed errors but don't know how to correct them."

Trump favourite to win US election, says Iran Foreign Minister Zarif

The US has been witnessing protests against discrimination for the past few weeks now, after the killing of unarmed man in police custody. Thousands of protestors have been carrying out demonstrations and protests against the Trump administration and the racial discrimination.

However, the&nbsp;Trump administration has added fuel to the fire by finalizing a rule that overturns Obama's nondiscrimination rule in the healthcare sector.

The rule has been finalized in June, which is celebrate as Pride Month worldwide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gay-pride-embraces-its-roots-by-teaming-up-with-us-black-activists-305449">Also watch|&nbsp;Gay Pride embraces its roots by teaming up with U.S. black activists</a>

The Trump administration passed a rule that now defines 'sex' as either man or woman only.&nbsp;The Department of Health and Human Services has announced that the revised sex discrimination protections will now be “according to the plain meaning of the word ‘sex’ as male or female and as determined by biology.”

This new rule goes against the protection rights&nbsp;for transgender people against sex discrimination in health care, which was introduced and promoted by former US President Barack Obama.

This rule plays down the guidelines for&nbsp;nondiscrimination protections&nbsp;in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. That federal law makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of&nbsp;"race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/far-but-virtually-connected-pride-month-shifts-online-amid-covid-19-303275">Also read|&nbsp;Far but virtually connected: Pride month shifts online amid COVID 19</a>

However, considering the lack of explanation, in 2016, under the Obama administration, the rule was changed to state that&nbsp;protections regarding "sex" include those based on gender identity, which it defined as "male, female, neither, or a combination of male and female."

However, a year ago, in June 2019, the HHS office for civil rights proposed a reversal of the rule, and that was finalized this week.

Roger Severino --&nbsp;who directs the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services and has previously written about doctors having the right to refuse treatment that contradicts their religious or moral beliefs --&nbsp;believes this will&nbsp;save hospitals and insurers&nbsp;$2.9 billion over five years since they will not have to print notices of nondiscrimination in several languages.

The move has been highly criticised by the LGBTQ community and their supporters, especially at the time of a pandemic.

The US has been witnessing protests against discrimination for the past few weeks now, after the killing of unarmed man in police custody. Thousands of protestors have been carrying out demonstrations and protests against the Trump administration and the racial discrimination.

The US has been witnessing protests against discrimination for the past few weeks now, after the killing of unarmed man in police custody. Thousands of protestors have been carrying out demonstrations and protests against the Trump administration and the racial discrimination. However, the Trump administration has added fuel to the fire by finalizing a rule that overturns Obama's nondiscrimination rule in the healthcare sector. The rule has been finalized in June, which is celebrate as Pride Month worldwide. Also watch| Gay Pride embraces its roots by teaming up with U.S. black activists The Trump administration passed a rule that now defines 'sex' as either man or woman only. The Department of Health and Human Services has announced that the revised sex discrimination protections will now be “according to the plain meaning of the word ‘sex’ as male or female and as determined by biology.” This new rule goes against the protection rights for transgender people against sex discrimination in health care, which was introduced and promoted by former US President Barack Obama. This rule plays down the guidelines for nondiscrimination protections in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. That federal law makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of "race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities." Also read| Far but virtually connected: Pride month shifts online amid COVID 19 However, considering the lack of explanation, in 2016, under the Obama administration, the rule was changed to state that protections regarding "sex" include those based on gender identity, which it defined as "male, female, neither, or a combination of male and female." However, a year ago, in June 2019, the HHS office for civil rights proposed a reversal of the rule, and that was finalized this week. Roger Severino -- who directs the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services and has previously written about doctors having the right to refuse treatment that contradicts their religious or moral beliefs -- believes this will save hospitals and insurers $2.9 billion over five years since they will not have to print notices of nondiscrimination in several languages. The move has been highly criticised by the LGBTQ community and their supporters, especially at the time of a pandemic.

Trump administration reverses nondiscrimination rule; defines 'sex' as man and woman only

The US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule on Friday that would lift anti-discrimination protections under Obamacare for transgender people and women seeking abortions, drawing condemnation from Democratic lawmakers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-delays-oklahoma-rally-after-decry-of-massacre-on-juneteenth-305547" hreflang="en">Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth</a>

The rule reverses some provisions of the Affordable Care Act passed during President Barack Obama's administration, also known as Obamacare, that extended civil rights protections in healthcare to cover areas including gender identity and the termination of a pregnancy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polish-president-compares-lgbt-ideology-to-soviet-indoctrination-305628" hreflang="en">Polish president compares 'LGBT ideology' to Soviet indoctrination</a>

LGBTQ rights groups, Democratic lawmakers and Democratic-controlled states have decried efforts under the administration of Republican President Donald Trump to erode protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer citizens. One group said it planned to sue the administration over the new rule.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the decision a "shocking attack on the health and well-being of countless vulnerable communities, including women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color."

The Trump administration has also sought to restrict access to abortion.

The Health Department, or HHS, said a regulation issued by the Obama administration in 2016 to implement the anti-discrimination Section 1557 of Obamacare had "redefined sex discrimination to include termination of pregnancy and gender identity, which it defined as 'one's internal sense of gender, which may be male, female, neither, or a combination of male and female.'"

That regulation was struck down by a federal court in October 2019.

"HHS will enforce Section 1557 by returning to the government’s interpretation of sex discrimination according to the plain meaning of the word 'sex' as male or female and as determined by biology," the department said on Friday.

The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group, said it planned to "sue the Trump administration for exceeding their legal authority and attempting to remove basic health care protections from vulnerable communities including LGBTQ people."

The US Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule on Friday that would lift anti-discrimination protections under Obamacare for transgender people and women seeking abortions, drawing condemnation from Democratic lawmakers.

The US Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule on Friday that would lift anti-discrimination protections under Obamacare for transgender people and women seeking abortions, drawing condemnation from Democratic lawmakers. Also read: Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth The rule reverses some provisions of the Affordable Care Act passed during President Barack Obama's administration, also known as Obamacare, that extended civil rights protections in healthcare to cover areas including gender identity and the termination of a pregnancy. Also read: Polish president compares 'LGBT ideology' to Soviet indoctrination LGBTQ rights groups, Democratic lawmakers and Democratic-controlled states have decried efforts under the administration of Republican President Donald Trump to erode protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer citizens. One group said it planned to sue the administration over the new rule. US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the decision a "shocking attack on the health and well-being of countless vulnerable communities, including women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color." The Trump administration has also sought to restrict access to abortion. The Health Department, or HHS, said a regulation issued by the Obama administration in 2016 to implement the anti-discrimination Section 1557 of Obamacare had "redefined sex discrimination to include termination of pregnancy and gender identity, which it defined as 'one's internal sense of gender, which may be male, female, neither, or a combination of male and female.'" That regulation was struck down by a federal court in October 2019. "HHS will enforce Section 1557 by returning to the government’s interpretation of sex discrimination according to the plain meaning of the word 'sex' as male or female and as determined by biology," the department said on Friday. The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group, said it planned to "sue the Trump administration for exceeding their legal authority and attempting to remove basic health care protections from vulnerable communities including LGBTQ people."

US health agency to lift anti-discrimination protections under Obamacare for transgender

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