Donald Trump has postponed his planned election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the scene of one of the&nbsp;worst race massacres in US history, amid outcry over its clash with the Juneteenth holiday marking the end of US slavery.

The gathering, which had also caused alarm among health officials tackling the coronavirus pandemic – was to be held on 19 June, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when a general read out Abraham Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation in Texas, freeing slaves in the last un-emancipated state.

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>

On Friday night, the US president reversed his decision to hold a rally then as a “celebration” of that day, pushing it back one day to “honour requests” from the African American community.

The change came as Trump further stoked controversy over race issues and policing by saying that chokeholds sounded “so innocent and so perfect”, and once again claimed he has been the best president for black Americans, only partially conceding that Abraham Lincoln may have surpassed him.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-police-generally-should-not-use-choke-holds-305497">US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds</a>

As Black Lives Matter protests reverberate around the US and the world, the choice of date had been criticised as incendiary given the historic symbolism of the Tulsa race massacre in which up to 300 black Americans were killed by white mobs.

Donald Trump has postponed his planned election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the scene of one of the worst race massacres in US history, amid outcry over its clash with the Juneteenth holiday marking the end of US slavery.

Donald Trump has postponed his planned election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the scene of one of the worst race massacres in US history, amid outcry over its clash with the Juneteenth holiday marking the end of US slavery. The gathering, which had also caused alarm among health officials tackling the coronavirus pandemic – was to be held on 19 June, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when a general read out Abraham Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation in Texas, freeing slaves in the last un-emancipated state. Also read: Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa On Friday night, the US president reversed his decision to hold a rally then as a “celebration” of that day, pushing it back one day to “honour requests” from the African American community. The change came as Trump further stoked controversy over race issues and policing by saying that chokeholds sounded “so innocent and so perfect”, and once again claimed he has been the best president for black Americans, only partially conceding that Abraham Lincoln may have surpassed him. Also read: US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds As Black Lives Matter protests reverberate around the US and the world, the choice of date had been criticised as incendiary given the historic symbolism of the Tulsa race massacre in which up to 300 black Americans were killed by white mobs.

Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate.

Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women&nbsp;he may pick to be on the ticket.

The letter is the latest sign of the public pressure Biden and his campaign are facing to select a woman of color to be on the Democratic ticket in November.

The letter reads, "We urge you to seize this historic opportunity to choose a Black woman running mate who will fight for the issues that matter most to the American people and help deliver a decisive victory and a successful Biden presidency."

It adds the women listed "have the experience, qualifications and principled core values of a true leader that would make for the right partner to help catapult the Democrats to victory in November."

The letter, signed by black women working in both the public and private sectors, lists several potential candidates: former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, California Rep. Karen Bass, Florida Rep. Val Demings, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former national security adviser Susan Rice.

Signers include actors Vanessa Williams, Latanya Richardson Jackson and Pauletta Washington, the former chairman and president of the US Tennis Association, Katrina Adams, the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Susan Taylor, and the first female African American president of Spelman College, Johnnetta Cole.

Abrams has said she would be honoured to accept the position and that she would make an "excellent running mate".

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan have also all been mentioned in conversations by the former vice president as potential candidates.

Biden said earlier this month that he expects the group that will vet the potential candidates for vice president will be formed by May 1 and that the list of contenders will be narrowed down sometime in July.

Only two women have been vice presidential nominees for a major party in the US: former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008 and former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate. Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women he may pick to be on the ticket.

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate. Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women he may pick to be on the ticket. The letter is the latest sign of the public pressure Biden and his campaign are facing to select a woman of color to be on the Democratic ticket in November. The letter reads, "We urge you to seize this historic opportunity to choose a Black woman running mate who will fight for the issues that matter most to the American people and help deliver a decisive victory and a successful Biden presidency." It adds the women listed "have the experience, qualifications and principled core values of a true leader that would make for the right partner to help catapult the Democrats to victory in November." The letter, signed by black women working in both the public and private sectors, lists several potential candidates: former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, California Rep. Karen Bass, Florida Rep. Val Demings, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former national security adviser Susan Rice. Signers include actors Vanessa Williams, Latanya Richardson Jackson and Pauletta Washington, the former chairman and president of the US Tennis Association, Katrina Adams, the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Susan Taylor, and the first female African American president of Spelman College, Johnnetta Cole. Abrams has said she would be honoured to accept the position and that she would make an "excellent running mate". Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan have also all been mentioned in conversations by the former vice president as potential candidates. Biden said earlier this month that he expects the group that will vet the potential candidates for vice president will be formed by May 1 and that the list of contenders will be narrowed down sometime in July. Only two women have been vice presidential nominees for a major party in the US: former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008 and former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Joe Biden urged to pick a black woman as running mate

US President Donald Trump has sought to dismiss fears that he might not leave office willingly if he lost the election in November, but said if he failed to get reelected, it would be a "bad thing" for the country. His comments aired on Friday appear to be the first time he has publically committed to doing so. "Certainly, if I don't win, I don't win," Trump told Fox News in an interview that was aired on Friday. If he does not win the election scheduled for November 3, Trump continued, "you go on, do other things."

Donald Trump says he'll leave peacefully if he loses election in November

Ukrainian officials on Saturday said they were offered $5 million in bribes to end a probe into energy company Burisma's founder, adding there was no connection to former board member Hunter Biden.

Hunter's father, Joe Biden, is running for the US presidency.

The Ukrainian company was thrust into the global spotlight last year in the impeachment inquiry into whether US President Donald Trump improperly pressured Kiev into opening a case against his rival for the November election race.

Trump wants an investigation into the Democrats' 2020 candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden, and his son.

Three people had been detained, including one current and former tax official, over the bribe offer. The money was the largest cash bribe ever seized in the country.

Burisma said in a statement it had nothing to do with the matter.

The bribe related to a case of embezzling state money given to a bank, officials said. Some $5 million was offered to anti-corruption officials and a further $1 million was intended for an official acting as a middleman.

The suspects were in a hurry to pay the bribe because they wanted to end the case against Zlochevsky in time for his birthday on Sunday.

The country's former prosecutor general told Reuters in June that an audit he commissioned while in office of thousands of old case files had found no evidence of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden while he worked for Burisma.

Hunter Biden joined Burisma in 2014, one of several high-profile names to join what the private company said was an attempt to strengthen corporate governance. His role has been attacked as corrupt without evidence by Trump and congressional Republicans in Washington. The Bidens deny any wrongdoing and Democrats said Trump was trying to help his re-election prospects.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Ukrainian officials on Saturday said they were offered $5 million in bribes to end a probe into energy company Burisma's founder, adding there was no connection to former board member Hunter Biden.

Ukrainian officials on Saturday said they were offered $5 million in bribes to end a probe into energy company Burisma's founder, adding there was no connection to former board member Hunter Biden. Hunter's father, Joe Biden, is running for the US presidency. The Ukrainian company was thrust into the global spotlight last year in the impeachment inquiry into whether US President Donald Trump improperly pressured Kiev into opening a case against his rival for the November election race. Trump wants an investigation into the Democrats' 2020 candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden, and his son. Three people had been detained, including one current and former tax official, over the bribe offer. The money was the largest cash bribe ever seized in the country. Burisma said in a statement it had nothing to do with the matter. The bribe related to a case of embezzling state money given to a bank, officials said. Some $5 million was offered to anti-corruption officials and a further $1 million was intended for an official acting as a middleman. The suspects were in a hurry to pay the bribe because they wanted to end the case against Zlochevsky in time for his birthday on Sunday. The country's former prosecutor general told Reuters in June that an audit he commissioned while in office of thousands of old case files had found no evidence of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden while he worked for Burisma. Hunter Biden joined Burisma in 2014, one of several high-profile names to join what the private company said was an attempt to strengthen corporate governance. His role has been attacked as corrupt without evidence by Trump and congressional Republicans in Washington. The Bidens deny any wrongdoing and Democrats said Trump was trying to help his re-election prospects. (with inputs from Reuters)

Ukraine alleges $5 million bribe over Burisma, claims there's no Biden link

White House infectious disease expert&nbsp;Anthony Fauci&nbsp;has said his advice to people who want to attend US president&nbsp;Donald Trump’s&nbsp;campaign rallies is the same for Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump protestors.

He said the gatherings are “a danger” and “risky.” He urged those attending wear a mask and use hand sanitiser.

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>

Fauci made the comments during an interview. “You know, it’s a danger to the people who are trying to control the demonstration,” he said. “And it’s a danger to the people who are demonstrating. So at the end of the day, it is a risky procedure.” When asked whether his advice applied to Trump campaign rallies, Fauci said “I am consistent. I stick by what I say.”

Trump announced his campaign rallies are planned for 19 June, known as Juneteenth in the US, a holiday marking the end of slavery. Trump has insisted he did not choose the date on purpose.

Also read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-says-supporters-should-attend-his-rally-at-their-own-risk-305266">:&nbsp;Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk'</a>

“The fact that I’m having a rally on that day,&nbsp;you can really think about that very positively as a celebration,” Trump said.

“Because a rally to me is a celebration. It’s an interesting date. It wasn’t done for that reason, but it’s an interesting date.”

Amid protests against racial injustice, President Donald Trump is defending his decision to schedule his first campaign rally in months on a day commemorating the end of US&nbsp;slavery and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city where white mobs massacred African-Americans a century ago.

Trump, seeking re-election on November&nbsp;3, scheduled the Tulsa rally for June 19, a day celebrated as Juneteenth. On that date in 1865, Texas became the last of the pro-slavery Confederate states forced to comply with President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War declaring all people held as slaves free.

White House infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci has said his advice to people who want to attend US president Donald Trump’s campaign rallies is the same for Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump protestors.

White House infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci has said his advice to people who want to attend US president Donald Trump’s campaign rallies is the same for Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump protestors. He said the gatherings are “a danger” and “risky.” He urged those attending wear a mask and use hand sanitiser. Also read: Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa Fauci made the comments during an interview. “You know, it’s a danger to the people who are trying to control the demonstration,” he said. “And it’s a danger to the people who are demonstrating. So at the end of the day, it is a risky procedure.” When asked whether his advice applied to Trump campaign rallies, Fauci said “I am consistent. I stick by what I say.” Trump announced his campaign rallies are planned for 19 June, known as Juneteenth in the US, a holiday marking the end of slavery. Trump has insisted he did not choose the date on purpose. Also read: Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk' “The fact that I’m having a rally on that day, you can really think about that very positively as a celebration,” Trump said. “Because a rally to me is a celebration. It’s an interesting date. It wasn’t done for that reason, but it’s an interesting date.” Amid protests against racial injustice, President Donald Trump is defending his decision to schedule his first campaign rally in months on a day commemorating the end of US slavery and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city where white mobs massacred African-Americans a century ago. Trump, seeking re-election on November 3, scheduled the Tulsa rally for June 19, a day celebrated as Juneteenth. On that date in 1865, Texas became the last of the pro-slavery Confederate states forced to comply with President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War declaring all people held as slaves free.

US lead virus expert warns Trump allies; says attending rallies 'dangerous'

US President Donald Trump has sought to dismiss fears that he might not leave office willingly if he lost the election in November, but said if he failed to get reelected, it would be a "bad thing" for the country.

His comments aired on Friday appear to be the first time he has publically committed to doing so.

"Certainly, if I don't win, I don't win," Trump told Fox News in an interview that was aired on Friday. If he does not win the election scheduled for November 3, Trump continued, "you go on, do other things."

Trump went on to say that if he loses the election: "I think it would be a very bad thing for our country."

In the presidential election, Trump, a Republican, is expected to face the Democratic Party's presumptive candidate and former vice president Joe Biden.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-delays-oklahoma-rally-after-decry-of-massacre-on-juneteenth-305547">Also read |&nbsp;Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth</a>

After three years of relative peace and prosperity, Trump is in danger of being overwhelmed by cascading disasters: the coronavirus pandemic, which has taken more than 100,000 lives, an economic slump that has cost 40 million jobs, and rising social unrest after the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd.

Floyd, a 46-year-old man died after a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking widespread protests across the US and several other countries.

The protests against racial injustice have quickly spread deep into white, small-town America, notably throughout parts of the US that delivered the presidency for Trump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-police-generally-should-not-use-choke-holds-305497">Also read |&nbsp;US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds</a>

US President Donald Trump has sought to dismiss fears that he might not leave office willingly if he lost the election in November, but said if he failed to get reelected, it would be a "bad thing" for the country.

US President Donald Trump has sought to dismiss fears that he might not leave office willingly if he lost the election in November, but said if he failed to get reelected, it would be a "bad thing" for the country. His comments aired on Friday appear to be the first time he has publically committed to doing so. "Certainly, if I don't win, I don't win," Trump told Fox News in an interview that was aired on Friday. If he does not win the election scheduled for November 3, Trump continued, "you go on, do other things." Trump went on to say that if he loses the election: "I think it would be a very bad thing for our country." In the presidential election, Trump, a Republican, is expected to face the Democratic Party's presumptive candidate and former vice president Joe Biden. Also read | Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth After three years of relative peace and prosperity, Trump is in danger of being overwhelmed by cascading disasters: the coronavirus pandemic, which has taken more than 100,000 lives, an economic slump that has cost 40 million jobs, and rising social unrest after the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd. Floyd, a 46-year-old man died after a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking widespread protests across the US and several other countries. The protests against racial injustice have quickly spread deep into white, small-town America, notably throughout parts of the US that delivered the presidency for Trump. Also read | US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds

Trump says he'll leave peacefully if he loses election in November, but it'll be 'bad' for US

US President Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Friday it would be a good thing if police use of choke holds was ended in most instances, although he suggested their use would be understandable in situations where an officer was in danger.

US President Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Friday it would be a good thing if police use of choke holds was ended in most instances, although he suggested their use would be understandable in situations where an officer was in danger. "I don't like choke holds ... (but) sometimes, if you're alone and you're fighting someone, it's tough," Trump told Fox News Channel, while adding: "It would be, I think, a very good thing that, generally speaking, it should be ended." Some Republicans in Congress have indicated support for a ban on choke holds proposed by Democrats following the May 25 death of George Floyd, an African American who died after a Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Floyd's death ignited a wave of protests in American cities. Trump on Thursday announced modest plans for an executive order on policing, while making it clear he would not support sweeping proposals in response to the protests. In the Fox News interview, Trump said the concept of banning choke holds "sounds so perfect." But he suggested their use could be understandable "if a police officer is in a bad scuffle and he's got somebody in a choke hold." Asked if here were referring to a situation where an officer was in a one-on-one fight and feared for his life, Trump said: "And that does happen. So, you have to be careful." US Attorney General William Barr, in an interview on Fox News on Monday, said he was in favor of banning choke holds, except in instances where police officers were "confronted with potentially lethal force." Republican US Senator Tim Scott, who is crafting police reform legislation, told CNN on Friday that he and Democrats are in agreement that police should use choke holds "infinitely less."

US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds

Amid protests against racial injustice, President Donald Trump is defending his decision to schedule his first campaign rally in months on a day commemorating the end of US&nbsp;slavery and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city where white mobs massacred African-Americans a century ago.

Trump, seeking re-election on Nov. 3, scheduled the Tulsa rally for June 19, a day celebrated as Juneteenth. On that date in 1865, Texas became the last of the pro-slavery Confederate states forced to comply with President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War declaring all people held as slaves free.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-says-supporters-should-attend-his-rally-at-their-own-risk-305266">Also read:&nbsp;Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk'</a>

Tulsa, a city important in African-American history, in 1921 was the site of one of the bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence in U.S. history in which white mobs attacked black residents and businesses.

Referring to his rally, Trump told Fox News in an interview aired on Friday: "Think about it as a celebration."

The Republican president suspended his political rallies in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Trump denied that scheduling the Tulsa rally on Juneteenth was deliberate.

The rally will take place against a backdrop of protests around the United States against racism and police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The officer was fired and has been charged with second-degree murder.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-to-sidestep-another-arms-pact-to-sell-more-us-drones-305386">Also read:&nbsp;Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones</a>

Fox News interviewer Harris Faulkner, who is black, later said she was not sure whether Trump was aware of the painful history of Tulsa for African-Americans because her questions in the interview, held on Thursday, focused on the Juneteenth date of the rally.

"This isn't just a wink to white supremacists - he's throwing them a welcome home party," U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, a contender to be Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's vice presidential pick, wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

Trump, who this week rejected calls to rename U.S. military bases named for Confederate military figures, said in the Fox News interview that what Lincoln had done was "questionable," but was cut off before he could elaborate.

"I think I've done more for the black community than any other president. And let's take a pass on Abraham Lincoln 'cause he did good, although it's always questionable. You know, in other words the end result," Trump said without explanation.

Faulkner then spoke over him saying: "But we are free, Mr. President. He did pretty well."

"We are free. You understand what I mean. I'm going to take a pass on Abe - Honest Abe as we call him," Trump responded.

Democrats and other critics have accused Trump of stoking racial divisions.

The president said during the Floyd protests in which looting occurred in some cities that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Trump told Fox News he was not aware that this phrase originated with a white segregationist who was Miami mayor in the 1960s.

On Thursday, the Republican Party scheduled Trump's speech to formally accept its presidential nomination for Aug. 27 in Jacksonville, Florida.

That day will mark the 60th anniversary of what is called "Ax Handle Saturday," when a white mob wielding ax handles began a riot over black youth attempting to order food from a whites-only lunch counter in Jacksonville.

Amid protests against racial injustice, President Donald Trump is defending his decision to schedule his first campaign rally in months on a day commemorating the end of US slavery and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city where white mobs massacred African-Americans a century ago.

Amid protests against racial injustice, President Donald Trump is defending his decision to schedule his first campaign rally in months on a day commemorating the end of US slavery and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city where white mobs massacred African-Americans a century ago. Trump, seeking re-election on Nov. 3, scheduled the Tulsa rally for June 19, a day celebrated as Juneteenth. On that date in 1865, Texas became the last of the pro-slavery Confederate states forced to comply with President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War declaring all people held as slaves free. Also read: Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk' Tulsa, a city important in African-American history, in 1921 was the site of one of the bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence in U.S. history in which white mobs attacked black residents and businesses. Referring to his rally, Trump told Fox News in an interview aired on Friday: "Think about it as a celebration." The Republican president suspended his political rallies in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Trump denied that scheduling the Tulsa rally on Juneteenth was deliberate. The rally will take place against a backdrop of protests around the United States against racism and police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The officer was fired and has been charged with second-degree murder. Also read: Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones Fox News interviewer Harris Faulkner, who is black, later said she was not sure whether Trump was aware of the painful history of Tulsa for African-Americans because her questions in the interview, held on Thursday, focused on the Juneteenth date of the rally. "This isn't just a wink to white supremacists - he's throwing them a welcome home party," U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, a contender to be Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's vice presidential pick, wrote on Twitter on Thursday. Trump, who this week rejected calls to rename U.S. military bases named for Confederate military figures, said in the Fox News interview that what Lincoln had done was "questionable," but was cut off before he could elaborate. "I think I've done more for the black community than any other president. And let's take a pass on Abraham Lincoln 'cause he did good, although it's always questionable. You know, in other words the end result," Trump said without explanation. Faulkner then spoke over him saying: "But we are free, Mr. President. He did pretty well." "We are free. You understand what I mean. I'm going to take a pass on Abe - Honest Abe as we call him," Trump responded. Democrats and other critics have accused Trump of stoking racial divisions. The president said during the Floyd protests in which looting occurred in some cities that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Trump told Fox News he was not aware that this phrase originated with a white segregationist who was Miami mayor in the 1960s. On Thursday, the Republican Party scheduled Trump's speech to formally accept its presidential nomination for Aug. 27 in Jacksonville, Florida. That day will mark the 60th anniversary of what is called "Ax Handle Saturday," when a white mob wielding ax handles began a riot over black youth attempting to order food from a whites-only lunch counter in Jacksonville.

Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa

The International Criminal Court says United States President Donald Trump's decision to&nbsp;impose sanctions&nbsp;on court employees investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan is not only an attack on the court and the system of international criminal justice, but on the interests of the victims of atrocities.

"These are the latest in a series of unprecedented attacks on the ICC," the Hague-based court said in a statement.

"These attacks constitute an escalation and an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the rule of law and the Court's judicial proceedings," said the ICC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-authorises-sanctions-over-icc-afghanistan-war-crimes-case-305171" hreflang="en">Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case</a>

In a statement, ICC president O-Gon Kwon said he “rejects measures taken against” the Hague-based body.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized sanctions against any official at the International Criminal Court who investigates US troops, ramping up pressure to stop its case into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

The administration had accused the court, which the US has never recognised, of infringing on its sovereignty.

"We cannot, we will not stand by as our people are threatened by a kangaroo court," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in announcing the move.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell voiced “serious concern” and said the court “must be respected and supported by all nations.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said he was “very disturbed” by the US move, and said The Netherlands supported the court on its soil.

“The ICC is crucial in the fight against impunity and upholding international rule of law,” Blok wrote on Twitter.

Human Rights Watch said Trump’s order “demonstrates contempt for the global rule of law.”

“This assault on the ICC is an effort to block victims of serious crimes whether in Afghanistan, Israel or Palestine from seeing justice,” said the group’s Washington director, Andrea&nbsp;Prasow.

The ICC was established in&nbsp;2002 to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity and genocide in areas where perpetrators might not otherwise face justice. Some 123 states from across the world recognise its jurisdiction.

The International Criminal Court says United States President Donald Trump's decision to impose sanctions on court employees investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan is not only an attack on the court and the system of international criminal justice, but on the interests of the victims of atrocities.

The International Criminal Court says United States President Donald Trump's decision to impose sanctions on court employees investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan is not only an attack on the court and the system of international criminal justice, but on the interests of the victims of atrocities. "These are the latest in a series of unprecedented attacks on the ICC," the Hague-based court said in a statement. "These attacks constitute an escalation and an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the rule of law and the Court's judicial proceedings," said the ICC. Also read: Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case In a statement, ICC president O-Gon Kwon said he “rejects measures taken against” the Hague-based body. US President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized sanctions against any official at the International Criminal Court who investigates US troops, ramping up pressure to stop its case into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. The administration had accused the court, which the US has never recognised, of infringing on its sovereignty. "We cannot, we will not stand by as our people are threatened by a kangaroo court," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in announcing the move. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell voiced “serious concern” and said the court “must be respected and supported by all nations.” Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said he was “very disturbed” by the US move, and said The Netherlands supported the court on its soil. “The ICC is crucial in the fight against impunity and upholding international rule of law,” Blok wrote on Twitter. Human Rights Watch said Trump’s order “demonstrates contempt for the global rule of law.” “This assault on the ICC is an effort to block victims of serious crimes whether in Afghanistan, Israel or Palestine from seeing justice,” said the group’s Washington director, Andrea Prasow. The ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity and genocide in areas where perpetrators might not otherwise face justice. Some 123 states from across the world recognise its jurisdiction.

Trump's sanctions attack the court, victims of atrocities: International Criminal Court of Justice

As the race for US elections has&nbsp;tightened, Joe Biden raised money at a star-filled virtual fundraiser. It included performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andra Day, Barbra Streisand and others.

Barbra Streisand took a dig at the Donald Trump at the virtual fundraiser as she said, “Think of how many lives could have been saved if he had paid attention to the warnings and acted earlier,” on coronavirus outbreak in the US.&nbsp;

She added, “In other words, Donald Trump is dangerous to our health. We cannot afford four more years of malice, division and lies, and neither can our planet. We don’t need a bully as a president who picks fights and rules by retaliation. Let’s face it: Trump is unfit mentally and morally to hold this office.”

The virtual fundraiser was joined by 600 people who raised money for the Biden Victory Fund, a joint committee of the campaign and the Democratic National Committee, with tickets priced at $2,800 per person.

Streisand also said of Trump, “He calls himself the law and order president, but he doesn’t obey the law, and he can’t keep the order. This reckless man doesn’t have the wisdom or the character to lead the nation.”

Barbra Streisand is a longtime Democratic donor having appeared at fundraising events for past nominees including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Streisand also took note of the current situation in the US and said, “Black lives mattered then, and they matter now. The nation has never reckoned with the racism that brought human beings here in chains. No one should die with a knee on their neck.” 
&nbsp;

As the race for US elections has tightened, Joe Biden raised money at a star-filled virtual fundraiser. It included performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andra Day, Barbra Streisand and others.

As the race for US elections has tightened, Joe Biden raised money at a star-filled virtual fundraiser. It included performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Andra Day, Barbra Streisand and others. Barbra Streisand took a dig at the Donald Trump at the virtual fundraiser as she said, “Think of how many lives could have been saved if he had paid attention to the warnings and acted earlier,” on coronavirus outbreak in the US. She added, “In other words, Donald Trump is dangerous to our health. We cannot afford four more years of malice, division and lies, and neither can our planet. We don’t need a bully as a president who picks fights and rules by retaliation. Let’s face it: Trump is unfit mentally and morally to hold this office.” The virtual fundraiser was joined by 600 people who raised money for the Biden Victory Fund, a joint committee of the campaign and the Democratic National Committee, with tickets priced at $2,800 per person. Streisand also said of Trump, “He calls himself the law and order president, but he doesn’t obey the law, and he can’t keep the order. This reckless man doesn’t have the wisdom or the character to lead the nation.” Barbra Streisand is a longtime Democratic donor having appeared at fundraising events for past nominees including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Streisand also took note of the current situation in the US and said, “Black lives mattered then, and they matter now. The nation has never reckoned with the racism that brought human beings here in chains. No one should die with a knee on their neck.”

Barbra Streisand calls Trump 'dangerous to our health' at Joe Biden's fundraiser rally

North Korea sees no improvement in relations to be made by maintaining a relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, state media reported on Friday on the two-year anniversary of the&nbsp;leaders’ first summit.

US policies prove Washington remains a long-term threat to the North Korean state and its people, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

The Singapore summit in June 2018 represented the first time a sitting American president met with a North Korean leader, but&nbsp;the statement that came out of the meeting was light on specifics, opting instead for four general commitments

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-meddling-in-inter-korean-affairs-can-affect-election-north-korea-304974">US meddling in inter-Korean affairs can affect election: North Korea</a>

Ri said in retrospect the Trump administration appears to have been open to talks while seeking to isolate and suffocate&nbsp;North Korea, and threatening it with preemptive nuclear strikes and regime change.

“Never again will we provide the US chief executive with another package to be used for achievements without receiving any returns,” he said. “Nothing is more hypocritical than an empty promise.”

On Thursday North Korea criticised the United States for commenting on inter-Korean affairs, and said Washington should stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly.

Ri said North Korea’s desire to open a new cooperative era runs deep as ever, but that the situation on the Korean peninsula is daily taking a turn for the worse.

“The US professes to be an advocate for improved relations with the DPRK, but in fact, it is hell-bent on only exacerbating the situation,” Ri said.

The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

North Korea will continue to build up its military forces to cope with the threats from the United States, Ri said.

North Korea sees no improvement in relations to be made by maintaining a relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, state media reported on Friday on the two-year anniversary of the leaders’ first summit.

North Korea sees no improvement in relations to be made by maintaining a relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, state media reported on Friday on the two-year anniversary of the leaders’ first summit. US policies prove Washington remains a long-term threat to the North Korean state and its people, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA. The Singapore summit in June 2018 represented the first time a sitting American president met with a North Korean leader, but the statement that came out of the meeting was light on specifics, opting instead for four general commitments Also read: US meddling in inter-Korean affairs can affect election: North Korea Ri said in retrospect the Trump administration appears to have been open to talks while seeking to isolate and suffocate North Korea, and threatening it with preemptive nuclear strikes and regime change. “Never again will we provide the US chief executive with another package to be used for achievements without receiving any returns,” he said. “Nothing is more hypocritical than an empty promise.” On Thursday North Korea criticised the United States for commenting on inter-Korean affairs, and said Washington should stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly. Ri said North Korea’s desire to open a new cooperative era runs deep as ever, but that the situation on the Korean peninsula is daily taking a turn for the worse. “The US professes to be an advocate for improved relations with the DPRK, but in fact, it is hell-bent on only exacerbating the situation,” Ri said. The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). North Korea will continue to build up its military forces to cope with the threats from the United States, Ri said.

North Korea sees no future benefit of Kim's relationship with Trump

The UN human rights office on Friday regretted the impact that US sanctions authorised by President Donald Trump may have on trials and investigations under way at the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying its independence must be protected.

Trump on Thursday authorised US economic and travel sanctions against employees of the Hague-based tribunal involved in an investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

“The independence of the ICC and its ability to operate without interference must be guaranteed so that it can decide matters without any improper influence, inducement, pressures, threats or interference, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reasons,”&nbsp; 
UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a briefing in Geneva. “Victims of gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law and their families have the right to redress and the truth.”

The UN human rights office on Friday regretted the impact that US sanctions authorised by President Donald Trump may have on trials and investigations under way at the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying its independence must be protected.

The UN human rights office on Friday regretted the impact that US sanctions authorised by President Donald Trump may have on trials and investigations under way at the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying its independence must be protected. Trump on Thursday authorised US economic and travel sanctions against employees of the Hague-based tribunal involved in an investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan. “The independence of the ICC and its ability to operate without interference must be guaranteed so that it can decide matters without any improper influence, inducement, pressures, threats or interference, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reasons,” UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a briefing in Geneva. “Victims of gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law and their families have the right to redress and the truth.”

UN regrets Trump move against ICC, says court must be protected

Donald Trump supporters who attend the US President's upcoming election rally must sign a waiver promising not to sue if they catch COVID-19 at the event, according to his campaign website.

Rallygoers are asked to RSVP to gain admission to the event and by registering, they must agree to a disclaimer that states they acknowledge the "inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present."

"By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury," the disclaimer reads.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-to-unite-country-trump-reopens-re-election-campaign-305215" hreflang="en">Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign</a>

The rally is being held in the Bank of Oklahoma Center and comes as the city is in phase three of reopening from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Republican billionaire announced on Wednesday, June 10, that he would resume his campaign rallies in 4 states: Oklahoma, Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, despite the coronavirus pandemic that continues to rage in the US.

More than 113,000 people have died in the country of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, while more than two million cases have been recorded.

In Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, the number of infections has even started to rise again.

Donald Trump supporters who attend the US President's upcoming election rally must sign a waiver promising not to sue if they catch COVID-19 at the event, according to his campaign website.

Donald Trump supporters who attend the US President's upcoming election rally must sign a waiver promising not to sue if they catch COVID-19 at the event, according to his campaign website. Rallygoers are asked to RSVP to gain admission to the event and by registering, they must agree to a disclaimer that states they acknowledge the "inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present." "By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury," the disclaimer reads. Also read: Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign The rally is being held in the Bank of Oklahoma Center and comes as the city is in phase three of reopening from the coronavirus pandemic. The Republican billionaire announced on Wednesday, June 10, that he would resume his campaign rallies in 4 states: Oklahoma, Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, despite the coronavirus pandemic that continues to rage in the US. More than 113,000 people have died in the country of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, while more than two million cases have been recorded. In Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, the number of infections has even started to rise again.

Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk'

President Donald Trump defended his decision to resume campaign rallies next week on a day marking the end of US&nbsp;slavery and at the site of a black massacre 100 years ago, saying it would be a celebration.

The Republican president drew criticism for scheduling the rally on June 19, known as Juneteenth, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where white mobs attacked black citizens and businesses in one of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence.

The rally will take place amid a backdrop of widespread protests against racism in the country after the death of a 46-year-old black man at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, who is accused of murdering him. Trump has been criticized for trying to militarize the US&nbsp;response to the protests.

"Think about it as a celebration," Trump told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Friday, in which he then boasted about the size of his campaign rallies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-says-supporters-should-attend-his-rally-at-their-own-risk-305266">Also read |&nbsp;Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk'</a>

In the interview, Trump denied the Juneteenth date for the rally was on purpose.

The Fox interviewer, an African American, later said she was not sure if he was aware of the painful history of Tulsa to black Americans because her questions in the interview, which took place on Thursday, focused on the Juneteenth aspect of the visit.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States in 1865 and is celebrated as African Americans’ Independence Day.

"This isn`t just a wink to white supremacists - he's throwing them a welcome home party,” Senator Kamala Harris, a contender to be Joe Biden`s vice presidential pick, said on Twitter on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-to-sidestep-another-arms-pact-to-sell-more-us-drones-305386">Also read |&nbsp;Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones</a>

On Thursday, the Republican Party scheduled Trump`s speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination in Jacksonville on August&nbsp;27. That day will mark the 60th anniversary of what is called "Ax Handle Saturday," when a white mob wielding ax handles began a riot over black youth attempting to order food from a whites-only lunch counter in the Florida city.

President Donald Trump defended his decision to resume campaign rallies next week on a day marking the end of US slavery and at the site of a black massacre 100 years ago, saying it would be a celebration.

President Donald Trump defended his decision to resume campaign rallies next week on a day marking the end of US slavery and at the site of a black massacre 100 years ago, saying it would be a celebration. The Republican president drew criticism for scheduling the rally on June 19, known as Juneteenth, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where white mobs attacked black citizens and businesses in one of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence. The rally will take place amid a backdrop of widespread protests against racism in the country after the death of a 46-year-old black man at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, who is accused of murdering him. Trump has been criticized for trying to militarize the US response to the protests. "Think about it as a celebration," Trump told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Friday, in which he then boasted about the size of his campaign rallies. Also read | Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk' In the interview, Trump denied the Juneteenth date for the rally was on purpose. The Fox interviewer, an African American, later said she was not sure if he was aware of the painful history of Tulsa to black Americans because her questions in the interview, which took place on Thursday, focused on the Juneteenth aspect of the visit. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States in 1865 and is celebrated as African Americans’ Independence Day. "This isn`t just a wink to white supremacists - he's throwing them a welcome home party,” Senator Kamala Harris, a contender to be Joe Biden`s vice presidential pick, said on Twitter on Thursday. Also read | Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones On Thursday, the Republican Party scheduled Trump`s speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination in Jacksonville on August 27. That day will mark the 60th anniversary of what is called "Ax Handle Saturday," when a white mob wielding ax handles began a riot over black youth attempting to order food from a whites-only lunch counter in the Florida city.

'Think about it as a celebration': Trump on Juneteenth rally

The Trump administration has launched an economic and legal offensive on the international criminal court (ICC) in response to the court’s decision to open an investigation into war crimes in Afghanistan carried out by all sides. Watch report.

US vs International criminal court: US to launch counter-investigation into ICC

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, quoting unnamed administration officials.

"That could bar any new H-1B holder outside the country from coming to work until the suspension is lifted, though visa holders already in the country are unlikely to be affected,"&nbsp;the daily reported.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Such a decision by the Trump administration is likely to have an adverse impact on thousands of Indian IT professionals. Already a large number of Indians on the H-1B visas have lost their jobs and are headed back home during the coronavirus pandemic.

The White House, however, said that no final decision has been made and the administration is considering various proposals.

"The administration is currently evaluating a wide range of options, formulated by career experts, to protect American workers and job seekers especially disadvantaged and underserved citizens but no decisions of any kind have been made,"&nbsp;White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.

In addition to the H-1B visas, the suspension could apply to the H-2B visa for short-term seasonal workers, the J-1 visa for short-term workers including camp counselors and au pairs and the L-1 visa for internal company transfers, the financial daily reported.

Meanwhile, the US Chambers of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue on Thursday wrote a letter to Trump, expressing concern over his reported move on temporary work visas.

"As the economy rebounds, American businesses will need assurances that they can meet all their workforce needs. To that end, it is crucial that they have access to talent both domestically and from around the world," Donohue wrote in a letter to Trump.

According to The Hill newspaper, Donohue said that American businesses need L-1 visa holders, who have a work visa valid for a relatively short amount of time, for necessary expertise.

He noted the importance of H-1B visa holders, who have a work visa valid for multiple years, for various industries, including technology, accounting and manufacturers, the newspaper said.

"Policies that would, for example, impose wide-ranging bans on the entry of nonimmigrant workers or impose burdensome new regulatory requirements on businesses that employ foreign nationals would undermine that access to talent and in the process, undercut our economy's ability to grow and create jobs,"&nbsp;Donohue added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

US President Donald Trump is considering suspending a number of employment visas including the H-1B, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, in view of the massive unemployment in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report. The proposed suspension could extend into the government's new fiscal year beginning October 1, when many new visas are issued, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, quoting unnamed administration officials. "That could bar any new H-1B holder outside the country from coming to work until the suspension is lifted, though visa holders already in the country are unlikely to be affected," the daily reported. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. Such a decision by the Trump administration is likely to have an adverse impact on thousands of Indian IT professionals. Already a large number of Indians on the H-1B visas have lost their jobs and are headed back home during the coronavirus pandemic. The White House, however, said that no final decision has been made and the administration is considering various proposals. "The administration is currently evaluating a wide range of options, formulated by career experts, to protect American workers and job seekers especially disadvantaged and underserved citizens but no decisions of any kind have been made," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. In addition to the H-1B visas, the suspension could apply to the H-2B visa for short-term seasonal workers, the J-1 visa for short-term workers including camp counselors and au pairs and the L-1 visa for internal company transfers, the financial daily reported. Meanwhile, the US Chambers of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue on Thursday wrote a letter to Trump, expressing concern over his reported move on temporary work visas. "As the economy rebounds, American businesses will need assurances that they can meet all their workforce needs. To that end, it is crucial that they have access to talent both domestically and from around the world," Donohue wrote in a letter to Trump. According to The Hill newspaper, Donohue said that American businesses need L-1 visa holders, who have a work visa valid for a relatively short amount of time, for necessary expertise. He noted the importance of H-1B visa holders, who have a work visa valid for multiple years, for various industries, including technology, accounting and manufacturers, the newspaper said. "Policies that would, for example, impose wide-ranging bans on the entry of nonimmigrant workers or impose burdensome new regulatory requirements on businesses that employ foreign nationals would undermine that access to talent and in the process, undercut our economy's ability to grow and create jobs," Donohue added.

Fresh worry for Indian professionals as US considering suspending H-1B, other visas to tackle US unemployment

After US President Donald Trump threatened the International Criminal Court (ICC) of sanctions if they carry out investigations against US troops, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed his support for this move on Thursday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-us-imposes-sanctions-on-icc-officials-305222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This court is politicised and obsessed with carrying out a headhunt against Israel and the United States as well as other democratic countries that respect human rights, but turns a blind eye to the world's worst human rights offenders, including the terrorist regime in Iran," Netanyahu said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-authorises-sanctions-over-icc-afghanistan-war-crimes-case-305171">Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case</a>

Earlier on Thursday, Trump passed an executive order to block all property and assets in the US of anyone involved in investigating or prosecuting American forces.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US administration would not let its forces be "threatened by a kangaroo court".

The Trump administration has been furious with ICC over its probe into alleged atrocities in Afghanistan, the longest-running war of the US.&nbsp;

In December 2019, when Hague-based court's chief prosecutor said of opening a full probe into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian regions, sharp reactions were seen from Israel and the US.

Both the US and Israel, its main Middle East ally, have refused to sign up to the ICC since its formation in 2002.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

After US President Donald Trump threatened the International Criminal Court (ICC) of sanctions if they carry out investigations against US troops, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed his support for this move on Thursday.

After US President Donald Trump threatened the International Criminal Court (ICC) of sanctions if they carry out investigations against US troops, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed his support for this move on Thursday. Watch | "This court is politicised and obsessed with carrying out a headhunt against Israel and the United States as well as other democratic countries that respect human rights, but turns a blind eye to the world's worst human rights offenders, including the terrorist regime in Iran," Netanyahu said. Also read | Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case Earlier on Thursday, Trump passed an executive order to block all property and assets in the US of anyone involved in investigating or prosecuting American forces. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US administration would not let its forces be "threatened by a kangaroo court". The Trump administration has been furious with ICC over its probe into alleged atrocities in Afghanistan, the longest-running war of the US. In December 2019, when Hague-based court's chief prosecutor said of opening a full probe into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian regions, sharp reactions were seen from Israel and the US. Both the US and Israel, its main Middle East ally, have refused to sign up to the ICC since its formation in 2002. (With inputs from AFP)

Benjamin Netanyahu backs Donald Trump's threat to impose sanctions on ICC

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's campaign published an open letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, calling for the company to fact-check politicians' ads in the two weeks ahead of the US presidential election in November.

The letter's other demands included that Facebook promptly remove false, viral information and that there be clear rules "applied to everyone, including Donald Trump — that prohibit threatening behavior and lies about how to participate in the election."

The move adds to pressure faced by Facebook, which exempts politicians' content from its third-party fact-checking program, to alter its policies on political ads and speech.

Zuckerberg last week promised a review of its content policies after the company faced backlash over taking no action on a post by Republican President Trump that were labeled by Twitter Inc for violating the smaller rival's rules. Twitter also for the first time last month used a fact-checking label on a tweet by Trump about mail-in ballots.

The Biden campaign also emailed supporters asking them to sign a petition for Facebook to crack down on misinformation in ads. Materials on its website used the hashtag #MOVEFASTFIXIT, a play on Facebook's early "move fast and break things" motto.

In a blog post, Facebook said it would continue to protect political speech.

"We live in a democracy, where the elected officials decide the rules around campaigns," the company said.

"Two weeks ago the President of the United States issued an executive order directing Federal agencies to prevent social media sites from engaging in activities like fact-checking political statements. This week, the Democratic candidate for President started a petition calling on us to do the exact opposite," it said, referring to an executive order signed by Trump.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's campaign published an open letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, calling for the company to fact-check politicians' ads in the two weeks ahead of the US presidential election in November.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's campaign published an open letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, calling for the company to fact-check politicians' ads in the two weeks ahead of the US presidential election in November. The letter's other demands included that Facebook promptly remove false, viral information and that there be clear rules "applied to everyone, including Donald Trump — that prohibit threatening behavior and lies about how to participate in the election." The move adds to pressure faced by Facebook, which exempts politicians' content from its third-party fact-checking program, to alter its policies on political ads and speech. Zuckerberg last week promised a review of its content policies after the company faced backlash over taking no action on a post by Republican President Trump that were labeled by Twitter Inc for violating the smaller rival's rules. Twitter also for the first time last month used a fact-checking label on a tweet by Trump about mail-in ballots. The Biden campaign also emailed supporters asking them to sign a petition for Facebook to crack down on misinformation in ads. Materials on its website used the hashtag #MOVEFASTFIXIT, a play on Facebook's early "move fast and break things" motto. In a blog post, Facebook said it would continue to protect political speech. "We live in a democracy, where the elected officials decide the rules around campaigns," the company said. "Two weeks ago the President of the United States issued an executive order directing Federal agencies to prevent social media sites from engaging in activities like fact-checking political statements. This week, the Democratic candidate for President started a petition calling on us to do the exact opposite," it said, referring to an executive order signed by Trump. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

US Democratic candidate Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said he worries President Donald Trump will try to "steal" the November election but he is confident soldiers would escort Trump from the White House if he loses and doesn't recognise the result.

"It's my greatest concern, my single greatest concern: This president is going to try to steal this election," Biden said in an interview broadcast late on Wednesday on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show."

Biden did not specify how he thought Trump, a Republican, might cheat. But the former vice president cited Trump's opposition to mail-in voting and said Democrats would have lawyers present at voting locations across the country to look out for Republican efforts to suppress the vote.

Trump has repeatedly attacked voting by mail, proclaiming without evidence that the expected increase in mail-in voting would lead to widespread fraud in the Nov. 3 contest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-to-unite-country-trump-reopens-re-election-campaign-305215">Also read |&nbsp;Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign</a>

Biden said recent comments by former senior military officials criticizing Trump's response to nationwide protests over police brutality made him confident the US military would intervene if Trump refused to accept the election results.

"I'm absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch," Biden said.

Biden has often said publically he worries Trump would try to cheat. But his rhetoric has escalated recently as most national polls show the former vice president leading the president, while Trump has stepped up criticism of voting by mail.

Trump's re-election campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump and his Republican allies say mail voting is prone to fraud and favors Democrats, even as numerous independent studies have found little evidence of either claim.

During the 2016 presidential election campaign, Trump refused to say during a final debate with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton that he would concede if Clinton won.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-administration-will-not-even-consider-renaming-military-installations-trump-304959">Also read |&nbsp;My administration will not even consider renaming military installations: Trump</a>

Election experts and officials expect a surge in mail-in voting this November due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, and warn the process could be marred by chaos of the type already seen in primary elections held in states during the viral outbreak.

Large number of mail ballots not delivered in time to be cast or counted could lead to legal challenges over election results. Counting mail ballots also take more time because a voter's identity must first be validated, raising the prospect that the election outcome won't be known well past Election Day, experts say.

A growing number of former senior military leaders have criticised the president over his handling of the civil unrest following the May 25 killing of George Floyd, a black man whose death in custody of the Minneapolis police set off protests for police reform and racial justice.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused the president earlier this month of trying to divide America and roundly denounced a militarization of the US response to civil unrest.

The current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Mark Milley, issued a message to the armed forces reminding them of their oath to uphold the US Constitution, which gives Americans the right to “freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-hold-first-campaign-rally-since-covid-19-outbreak-in-us-304970">Also read |&nbsp;Trump to hold first campaign rally since COVID-19 outbreak in US</a>

Milley on Thursday said he made a mistake by joining Trump as he walked to a church for a photo opportunity last week after authorities dispersed protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets near the White House.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said he worries President Donald Trump will try to "steal" the November election but he is confident soldiers would escort Trump from the White House if he loses and doesn't recognise the result.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said he worries President Donald Trump will try to "steal" the November election but he is confident soldiers would escort Trump from the White House if he loses and doesn't recognise the result. "It's my greatest concern, my single greatest concern: This president is going to try to steal this election," Biden said in an interview broadcast late on Wednesday on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show." Biden did not specify how he thought Trump, a Republican, might cheat. But the former vice president cited Trump's opposition to mail-in voting and said Democrats would have lawyers present at voting locations across the country to look out for Republican efforts to suppress the vote. Trump has repeatedly attacked voting by mail, proclaiming without evidence that the expected increase in mail-in voting would lead to widespread fraud in the Nov. 3 contest. Also read | Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign Biden said recent comments by former senior military officials criticizing Trump's response to nationwide protests over police brutality made him confident the US military would intervene if Trump refused to accept the election results. "I'm absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch," Biden said. Biden has often said publically he worries Trump would try to cheat. But his rhetoric has escalated recently as most national polls show the former vice president leading the president, while Trump has stepped up criticism of voting by mail. Trump's re-election campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump and his Republican allies say mail voting is prone to fraud and favors Democrats, even as numerous independent studies have found little evidence of either claim. During the 2016 presidential election campaign, Trump refused to say during a final debate with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton that he would concede if Clinton won. Also read | My administration will not even consider renaming military installations: Trump Election experts and officials expect a surge in mail-in voting this November due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, and warn the process could be marred by chaos of the type already seen in primary elections held in states during the viral outbreak. Large number of mail ballots not delivered in time to be cast or counted could lead to legal challenges over election results. Counting mail ballots also take more time because a voter's identity must first be validated, raising the prospect that the election outcome won't be known well past Election Day, experts say. A growing number of former senior military leaders have criticised the president over his handling of the civil unrest following the May 25 killing of George Floyd, a black man whose death in custody of the Minneapolis police set off protests for police reform and racial justice. Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused the president earlier this month of trying to divide America and roundly denounced a militarization of the US response to civil unrest. The current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Mark Milley, issued a message to the armed forces reminding them of their oath to uphold the US Constitution, which gives Americans the right to “freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.” Also read | Trump to hold first campaign rally since COVID-19 outbreak in US Milley on Thursday said he made a mistake by joining Trump as he walked to a church for a photo opportunity last week after authorities dispersed protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets near the White House.

Joe Biden is worried Trump may 'steal' presidential election, says military would intervene if he loses

US President Donald Trump has announced hefty sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) officials investigating abuses by Americans and Israelis.

WION Fineprint: US imposes sanctions on ICC officials

US President Donald Trump will address searing anger over racism and police brutality during a trip to Texas on Thursday but his main focus is rapidly shifting to a more personal problem -- his troubled reelection campaign.

The Republican has struggled to find the right tone to address the explosion of protests against years of police abuses and what many African-American leaders, and others, say is systemic racism.

That crisis, coupled with the economic devastation of the COVID-19 shutdown -- and the fact that the pandemic continues to kill about 1,000 people a day -- has left the country crying out for healing.

Trump, whose political style is built largely on fierce division and exciting his right-wing base, is due to address those national anxieties when he holds a roundtable meeting in Dallas.

The theme announced by the White House -- "Transition to Greatness: Restoring, Rebuilding, and Renewing" -- promotes the image of Trump as an optimistic, can-do businessman president.

But with anger in the streets, nervousness across the economic landscape, and fear of the coronavirus lingering everywhere, living up to it will be a tall order.

Critics say he is incapable, pointing to the contrast between shows of empathy from previous presidents during crises and Trump's instinct for fighting and insulting foes, even in the midst of calamity.

"For weeks we've seen President Trump run away from a meaningful conversation on systemic racism and police brutality. Instead, he's further divided our country," Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday.

"Today's trip to Texas won't change any of that. President Trump is more interested in photo-ops than offering a healing voice as our nation mourns."

With his poll numbers underwater five months ahead of election day, Trump seems unlikely to change tack.

Despite the extraordinary turmoil, his base remains loyal and he has made clear his priority is getting back on the campaign trail.

Immediately after his remarks in Dallas, the president heads to his first campaign fundraiser since the COVID-19 lockdown began -- a $580,600 per couple event. Then he flies to his golf course resort in New Jersey for the weekend, another post-COVID first.

Next Friday, he will restart his mothballed series of rallies -- raucous, often two-hour love fests between Trump the entertainer-in-chief and thousands of his most loyal supporters -- with an event in Oklahoma.

The choice of Texas for Thursday's trip is notable because this has been a Republican state for decades but things are changing. Trump won narrowly in 2016 and a Quinnipiac poll last week put him only one percentage point ahead of Biden.

In 2016, polls and politics watchers in general got it wrong about Trump, who ran a chaotic campaign against the ultra-professional Hillary Clinton yet still scored a famous electoral college win.

This has left many election watchers gun-shy. Even so, current polls make grim reading for the Republican.

The FiveThirtyEight.com average shows Trump's approval rating at just 41 percent, having taken a big hit from his handling of the COVID-19 and race crises.

The realclearpolitics.com average for a presidential election match-up puts Biden at 49.8 to Trump's 41.7.

Worse for Trump -- given his hope of repeating his electoral college win, even if losing the overall popular vote -- Biden leads in almost every swing state.

US President Donald Trump will address searing anger over racism and police brutality during a trip to Texas on Thursday but his main focus is rapidly shifting to a more personal problem -- his troubled reelection campaign.

US President Donald Trump will address searing anger over racism and police brutality during a trip to Texas on Thursday but his main focus is rapidly shifting to a more personal problem -- his troubled reelection campaign. The Republican has struggled to find the right tone to address the explosion of protests against years of police abuses and what many African-American leaders, and others, say is systemic racism. That crisis, coupled with the economic devastation of the COVID-19 shutdown -- and the fact that the pandemic continues to kill about 1,000 people a day -- has left the country crying out for healing. Trump, whose political style is built largely on fierce division and exciting his right-wing base, is due to address those national anxieties when he holds a roundtable meeting in Dallas. The theme announced by the White House -- "Transition to Greatness: Restoring, Rebuilding, and Renewing" -- promotes the image of Trump as an optimistic, can-do businessman president. But with anger in the streets, nervousness across the economic landscape, and fear of the coronavirus lingering everywhere, living up to it will be a tall order. Critics say he is incapable, pointing to the contrast between shows of empathy from previous presidents during crises and Trump's instinct for fighting and insulting foes, even in the midst of calamity. "For weeks we've seen President Trump run away from a meaningful conversation on systemic racism and police brutality. Instead, he's further divided our country," Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday. "Today's trip to Texas won't change any of that. President Trump is more interested in photo-ops than offering a healing voice as our nation mourns." With his poll numbers underwater five months ahead of election day, Trump seems unlikely to change tack. Despite the extraordinary turmoil, his base remains loyal and he has made clear his priority is getting back on the campaign trail. Immediately after his remarks in Dallas, the president heads to his first campaign fundraiser since the COVID-19 lockdown began -- a $580,600 per couple event. Then he flies to his golf course resort in New Jersey for the weekend, another post-COVID first. Next Friday, he will restart his mothballed series of rallies -- raucous, often two-hour love fests between Trump the entertainer-in-chief and thousands of his most loyal supporters -- with an event in Oklahoma. The choice of Texas for Thursday's trip is notable because this has been a Republican state for decades but things are changing. Trump won narrowly in 2016 and a Quinnipiac poll last week put him only one percentage point ahead of Biden. In 2016, polls and politics watchers in general got it wrong about Trump, who ran a chaotic campaign against the ultra-professional Hillary Clinton yet still scored a famous electoral college win. This has left many election watchers gun-shy. Even so, current polls make grim reading for the Republican. The FiveThirtyEight.com average shows Trump's approval rating at just 41 percent, having taken a big hit from his handling of the COVID-19 and race crises. The realclearpolitics.com average for a presidential election match-up puts Biden at 49.8 to Trump's 41.7. Worse for Trump -- given his hope of repeating his electoral college win, even if losing the overall popular vote -- Biden leads in almost every swing state.

Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;said on Thursday the United States has no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs, and it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly, state media reported.

The statement comes after the US&nbsp;State Department said it was disappointed at&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;for suspending communication hotlines with South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-take-legal-action-against-defectors-sending-messages-to-the-north-304816" hreflang="en">South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North</a>

"If the US&nbsp;pokes its nose into others' affairs with careless remarks, far from minding its internal affairs, at a time when its political situation is in the worst-ever confusion, it may encounter an unpleasant thing hard to deal with," Kwon Jong Gun, director-general for U.S. affairs at&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea’s Foreign Ministry, said in comments carried by state news agency KCNA.

The United States should "hold its tongue" and address its own domestic problems unless it wants to "experience a hair-raiser," he said.

"It would be good not only for the US&nbsp;interests but also for the easy holding of upcoming presidential election."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-cut-communications-with-enemy-south-in-row-over-leafleting-304397">North Korea to cut communications with 'enemy' South in row over leafleting</a>

It is unclear what&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;would do to disrupt the election or cause problems for US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's re-election campaign, said James Kim, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

"If anything, there’s a chance that provocation may even rally the country around the incumbent," he said.

After a series of historic summits in 2018 and 2019 between Trump and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un, little progress has been made in dismantling the&nbsp;North's nuclear weapons programme, and Pyongyang has expressed increasing frustration with Washington's refusal to ease sanctions.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;said on Tuesday it would sever hotlines with South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;after days of lashing out at Seoul for not stopping defectors from sending leaflets and other material into the&nbsp;North.

On Wednesday, South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct such operations.

(with inputs from Reuters)

North Korea said on Thursday the United States has no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs, and it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly, state media reported.

North Korea said on Thursday the United States has no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs, and it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly, state media reported. The statement comes after the US State Department said it was disappointed at North Korea for suspending communication hotlines with South Korea on Tuesday. Also read: South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North "If the US pokes its nose into others' affairs with careless remarks, far from minding its internal affairs, at a time when its political situation is in the worst-ever confusion, it may encounter an unpleasant thing hard to deal with," Kwon Jong Gun, director-general for U.S. affairs at North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, said in comments carried by state news agency KCNA. The United States should "hold its tongue" and address its own domestic problems unless it wants to "experience a hair-raiser," he said. "It would be good not only for the US interests but also for the easy holding of upcoming presidential election." Also read: North Korea to cut communications with 'enemy' South in row over leafleting It is unclear what North Korea would do to disrupt the election or cause problems for US President Donald Trump's re-election campaign, said James Kim, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. "If anything, there’s a chance that provocation may even rally the country around the incumbent," he said. After a series of historic summits in 2018 and 2019 between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, little progress has been made in dismantling the North's nuclear weapons programme, and Pyongyang has expressed increasing frustration with Washington's refusal to ease sanctions. North Korea said on Tuesday it would sever hotlines with South Korea after days of lashing out at Seoul for not stopping defectors from sending leaflets and other material into the North. On Wednesday, South Korea said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct such operations. (with inputs from Reuters)

US meddling in inter-Korean affairs can affect election: North Korea

US President Donald Trump will hold his first campaign rally&nbsp;Tulsa, Oklahoma, next Friday since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in the country&nbsp;which has claimed more than 110,000 lives.

The 19 June rally will likely rattle some public health experts, as coronavirus infections rise in about a dozen states. On Wednesday, the US approached nearly 2 million confirmed cases.

Trump’s signature rallies often draw tens of thousands of people but have been on hiatus since 2 March because of the coronavirus. The president’s campaign has been eager to resume them as it tries to move past the pandemic, even as cases continue to rise in some parts of the country.

A Trump campaign spokesperson tweeted a movie trailer-style video earlier Wednesday that advertised: ''This month we’re back.''

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There is nothing like a <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> rally! <a href="https://t.co/ZQRDnQoxAp">pic.twitter.com/ZQRDnQoxAp</a>
— Erin Perrine (@ErinMPerrine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ErinMPerrine/status/1270768406946553858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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''A beautiful new venue, brand new. We’re looking forward to it,''&nbsp;Trump said during a White House event. ''They’ve done a great job with Covid, as you know, the state of&nbsp;Oklahoma.''

The announcement, which comes amid sweeping protests against racism and police brutality in the wake of George Floyd’s death, also raised eyebrows for its date,&nbsp;a day known as Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery,&nbsp;as well as its location in Tulsa, a city with a troubling history of racial violence.

Tulsa’s 1921 race massacre saw the destruction of black businesses and residences at the hands of angry, white mobs, and&nbsp;has been described&nbsp;as “the single worst incident of racial violence in American history.”

US President Donald Trump will hold his first campaign rally Tulsa, Oklahoma, next Friday since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in the country which has claimed more than 110,000 lives.

US President Donald Trump will hold his first campaign rally Tulsa, Oklahoma, next Friday since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in the country which has claimed more than 110,000 lives. The 19 June rally will likely rattle some public health experts, as coronavirus infections rise in about a dozen states. On Wednesday, the US approached nearly 2 million confirmed cases. Trump’s signature rallies often draw tens of thousands of people but have been on hiatus since 2 March because of the coronavirus. The president’s campaign has been eager to resume them as it tries to move past the pandemic, even as cases continue to rise in some parts of the country. A Trump campaign spokesperson tweeted a movie trailer-style video earlier Wednesday that advertised: ''This month we’re back.'' There is nothing like a @realDonaldTrump rally! pic.twitter.com/ZQRDnQoxAp — Erin Perrine (@ErinMPerrine) June 10, 2020 × ''A beautiful new venue, brand new. We’re looking forward to it,'' Trump said during a White House event. ''They’ve done a great job with Covid, as you know, the state of Oklahoma.'' The announcement, which comes amid sweeping protests against racism and police brutality in the wake of George Floyd’s death, also raised eyebrows for its date, a day known as Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery, as well as its location in Tulsa, a city with a troubling history of racial violence. Tulsa’s 1921 race massacre saw the destruction of black businesses and residences at the hands of angry, white mobs, and has been described as “the single worst incident of racial violence in American history.”

Trump to hold first campaign rally since COVID-19 outbreak in US

US President Donald Trump on Thursday issued an executive order authorising sanctions against individuals involved in an International Criminal Court investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

A senior Trump administration official, without providing details, said the ICC investigation is "being pushed forward by an organisation of dubious integrity" and accused Russia of having a role.

The order authorises Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in consultation with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, to block assets in the United States of ICC employees involved in the probe, the official said.

It also authorizes Pompeo to block entry into the United States of these individuals. 
Trump has repeatedly assailed The Hague-based ICC set up to prosecute war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. It has jurisdiction only if a member state is unable or unwilling to prosecute atrocities itself.

Afghanistan is a member of the ICC, though Kabul has argued that any war crimes should be prosecuted locally. The US government has never been a member of the court, established in 2002. The Trump administration imposed travel restrictions and other sanctions against ICC employees a year ago.

The ICC decided to investigate after prosecutors’ preliminary examination in 2017 found reasonable grounds to believe war crimes were committed in Afghanistan and that the ICC has jurisdiction.

The senior administration official, describing the order to a group of reporters on a conference call, said the directive authorizes sanctions against any individual directly engaged in any effort by the ICC to investigate US personnel without American consent. 
The official said the probe threatens to infringe on American sovereignty and that while the ICC was established to provide accountability, "in practice the court is an unaccountable, ineffective and out-of-control international bureaucracy that threatens American service members and intelligence officers and those of our allies.”

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda wants to investigate possible crimes committed between 2003 and 2014, including alleged mass killings of civilians by the Taliban, as well as the alleged torture of prisoners by Afghan authorities and, to a lesser extent, by US forces and the CIA.

"We have reason to believe there is corruption and misconduct at the highest levels of the ICC’s office of prosecutor, calling into question the integrity of this investigation into American personnel. We are concerned that Russia may be manipulating the ICC by encouraging these allegations into US personnel," the US official said.

(with inputs from Reuters)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday issued an executive order authorising sanctions against individuals involved in an International Criminal Court investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday issued an executive order authorising sanctions against individuals involved in an International Criminal Court investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan. A senior Trump administration official, without providing details, said the ICC investigation is "being pushed forward by an organisation of dubious integrity" and accused Russia of having a role. The order authorises Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in consultation with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, to block assets in the United States of ICC employees involved in the probe, the official said. It also authorizes Pompeo to block entry into the United States of these individuals. Trump has repeatedly assailed The Hague-based ICC set up to prosecute war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. It has jurisdiction only if a member state is unable or unwilling to prosecute atrocities itself. Afghanistan is a member of the ICC, though Kabul has argued that any war crimes should be prosecuted locally. The US government has never been a member of the court, established in 2002. The Trump administration imposed travel restrictions and other sanctions against ICC employees a year ago. The ICC decided to investigate after prosecutors’ preliminary examination in 2017 found reasonable grounds to believe war crimes were committed in Afghanistan and that the ICC has jurisdiction. The senior administration official, describing the order to a group of reporters on a conference call, said the directive authorizes sanctions against any individual directly engaged in any effort by the ICC to investigate US personnel without American consent. The official said the probe threatens to infringe on American sovereignty and that while the ICC was established to provide accountability, "in practice the court is an unaccountable, ineffective and out-of-control international bureaucracy that threatens American service members and intelligence officers and those of our allies.” ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda wants to investigate possible crimes committed between 2003 and 2014, including alleged mass killings of civilians by the Taliban, as well as the alleged torture of prisoners by Afghan authorities and, to a lesser extent, by US forces and the CIA. "We have reason to believe there is corruption and misconduct at the highest levels of the ICC’s office of prosecutor, calling into question the integrity of this investigation into American personnel. We are concerned that Russia may be manipulating the ICC by encouraging these allegations into US personnel," the US official said. (with inputs from Reuters)

Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case

United States: President Trump tweeted Tuesday that the 75-year-old protester who was shoved to the ground by Buffalo, NYPD last week could be an ANTIFA provocateur.

Donald Trump platforms conspiracy theory on buffalo incident; Watch this video

The move would reduce US troop numbers in Germany to 25,000, compared with the 34,500 currently there, a senior US official said.

Trump orders to withdraw 9500 US troops from Germany

President Donald Trump has suggested a man pushed over by police during protests in the US city of Buffalo last week was trying to "scan police communications in order to black out the equipment".

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Trump&nbsp;offered no evidence other than a report by pro-Trump&nbsp;channel, which also cited no evidence.

Two Buffalo police officers have been arraigned on felony assault charges after a viral video showed one of them, Officer Aaron Torgalski, 39, shoving Gugino and the other, Officer Robert McCabe, 32, walking past his still body after he fell to the sidewalk. As Gugino tumbles, his head strikes the pavement and trickles blood, according to the video.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-slams-trumps-claim-that-protester-fell-harder-than-was-pushed-304648" hreflang="en">New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump's claim that protester 'fell harder than was pushed'</a>

Footage of 75-year-old Gugino showed&nbsp;him approaching police lines holding up what appears to be a mobile phone.

One of the police officers then pushes Gugino over, who was later taken to hospital. He left hospital today but was not well enough to comment.

From the clip, it's not possible to tell what he was doing with the phone.

There are plenty of apps claiming to be able to listen into police audio that have been popular during the recent wave of protests in the United States.

But these apps wouldn't allow you to interfere with a police device - or to "black out police equipment" as the president suggested.

Buffalo police say their dispatch channels are not encrypted, and there are even websites that broadcast police calls.

If someone&nbsp; is attempting to jam police radio signals, that person wouldn't need to be physically close to an officer.

However, most modern radio systems used by emergency services have defences against such jamming, says Professor Alan Woodward, a cyber security expert at Surrey University.

"In any event, even if you were attempting to scan police radios in order to jam them using a mobile phone, which is what the man appeared to be holding, this is not the equipment you would use. You would need much more sophisticated scanning equipment.

"In terms of interfering with police communications frequencies, mobile phones simply don't have components that work at those frequencies," he adds.

Twitter,&nbsp;which has censored previous tweets by the president, said this tweet did not violate its rules.

The claim appeared to first gain traction from a widely shared conservative blog post published on 6 June also claiming that antifa activists use this technique to track police movements or "black out" communication.

President Donald Trump has suggested a man pushed over by police during protests in the US city of Buffalo last week was trying to "scan police communications in order to black out the equipment".

President Donald Trump has suggested a man pushed over by police during protests in the US city of Buffalo last week was trying to "scan police communications in order to black out the equipment". Trump offered no evidence other than a report by pro-Trump channel, which also cited no evidence. Two Buffalo police officers have been arraigned on felony assault charges after a viral video showed one of them, Officer Aaron Torgalski, 39, shoving Gugino and the other, Officer Robert McCabe, 32, walking past his still body after he fell to the sidewalk. As Gugino tumbles, his head strikes the pavement and trickles blood, according to the video. Also read: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump's claim that protester 'fell harder than was pushed' Footage of 75-year-old Gugino showed him approaching police lines holding up what appears to be a mobile phone. One of the police officers then pushes Gugino over, who was later taken to hospital. He left hospital today but was not well enough to comment. From the clip, it's not possible to tell what he was doing with the phone. There are plenty of apps claiming to be able to listen into police audio that have been popular during the recent wave of protests in the United States. But these apps wouldn't allow you to interfere with a police device - or to "black out police equipment" as the president suggested. Buffalo police say their dispatch channels are not encrypted, and there are even websites that broadcast police calls. If someone is attempting to jam police radio signals, that person wouldn't need to be physically close to an officer. However, most modern radio systems used by emergency services have defences against such jamming, says Professor Alan Woodward, a cyber security expert at Surrey University. "In any event, even if you were attempting to scan police radios in order to jam them using a mobile phone, which is what the man appeared to be holding, this is not the equipment you would use. You would need much more sophisticated scanning equipment. "In terms of interfering with police communications frequencies, mobile phones simply don't have components that work at those frequencies," he adds. Twitter, which has censored previous tweets by the president, said this tweet did not violate its rules. The claim appeared to first gain traction from a widely shared conservative blog post published on 6 June also claiming that antifa activists use this technique to track police movements or "black out" communication.

Martin Gugino: Donald Trump's police scanner tweet fact-checked

The White House on Wednesday defended US President Donald Trump's promotion of an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about a 75-year-old protestor injured by police in Buffalo, saying it was Trump's "prerogative" to raise questions about the incident.

The protestor, Martin Gugino, was shoved by police and critically injured when he approached them during a march against racism and police brutality in an incident that was captured on video and led to criminal charges against the officers involved. It was one of many protests after George Floyd, a black man, died on May 25 in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

Trump, offering no evidence, tweeted on Tuesday that Gugino's fall could be a "set up" with ties to the anti-fascist movement antifa. Trump and other Republicans have sought to blame violence that has flared at some protests on antifa despite little evidence.

Trump cited a report by One America News Network, which also offered no evidence. The OANN piece was narrated by a Russian native who has worked for the Kremlin-controlled Sputnik news outlet, according to the Daily Beast and the New York Times.

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Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. <a href="https://twitter.com/OANN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OANN</a> I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1270333484528214018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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To this end, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News on Wednesday: "The president was just raising some questions, some legitimate ones, about that particular interaction. And it's his prerogative to do so." 
&nbsp; 
Democrats and other critics have slammed Trump's tweet and urged the president to apologise, while numerous Republicans in Congress and Trump's chief of Staff Mark Meadows declined to comment.

A lawyer for Gugino called Trump's statement "dark, dangerous, and untrue," according to media reports. Gugino told USA TODAY he had "no comment other than Black Lives Matter" and that he has been released from intensive care and "should recover eventually."

Buffalo Police Officers Aaron Torgalski and Robert McCabe face felony assault charges over the incident.

The White House on Wednesday defended US President Donald Trump's promotion of an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about a 75-year-old protestor injured by police in Buffalo, saying it was Trump's "prerogative" to raise questions about the incident.

The White House on Wednesday defended US President Donald Trump's promotion of an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about a 75-year-old protestor injured by police in Buffalo, saying it was Trump's "prerogative" to raise questions about the incident. The protestor, Martin Gugino, was shoved by police and critically injured when he approached them during a march against racism and police brutality in an incident that was captured on video and led to criminal charges against the officers involved. It was one of many protests after George Floyd, a black man, died on May 25 in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Trump, offering no evidence, tweeted on Tuesday that Gugino's fall could be a "set up" with ties to the anti-fascist movement antifa. Trump and other Republicans have sought to blame violence that has flared at some protests on antifa despite little evidence. Trump cited a report by One America News Network, which also offered no evidence. The OANN piece was narrated by a Russian native who has worked for the Kremlin-controlled Sputnik news outlet, according to the Daily Beast and the New York Times. Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. @OANN I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020 × To this end, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News on Wednesday: "The president was just raising some questions, some legitimate ones, about that particular interaction. And it's his prerogative to do so." Democrats and other critics have slammed Trump's tweet and urged the president to apologise, while numerous Republicans in Congress and Trump's chief of Staff Mark Meadows declined to comment. A lawyer for Gugino called Trump's statement "dark, dangerous, and untrue," according to media reports. Gugino told USA TODAY he had "no comment other than Black Lives Matter" and that he has been released from intensive care and "should recover eventually." Buffalo Police Officers Aaron Torgalski and Robert McCabe face felony assault charges over the incident.

White House defends Trump's conspiracy theory tweet on Buffalo protestor

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed General Charles Brown Jr as chief of staff of the US Air Force, making him the first Black officer to lead one of the nation's military services.&nbsp;

Vice President Mike Pence took the unusual step of presiding over the vote, something he usually does to break ties. But Brown's confirmation, 98-0, was not close. Pence called the moment "historic".

Brown most recently served as the commander of US Pacific Air Forces. He is a fighter pilot, with more than 2,900 flying hours, including 130 in combat.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777" hreflang="en">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a>

He recounted his experiences in an emotional video, speaking of how during his Air Force career he was often the only African American in my squadron or, as a senior officer, the only African American in the room and of wearing the same flight suit with wings pinned on his chest as his squadron yet being asked if he was a pilot.

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What are you thinking about? Listen to Air Force General Charles Brown, he will share with you what he is thinking about. Just maybe maybe not you are having similar thoughts. Watch his video, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/leadershipmatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#leadershipmatters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/leadershipwhe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#leadershipwhe</a>…<a href="https://t.co/aqMZRPVxL7">https://t.co/aqMZRPVxL7</a> <a href="https://t.co/nnuWTC8o0d">https://t.co/nnuWTC8o0d</a>
— Jeff Willie (@jeffwillie02) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffwillie02/status/1269372129369182209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He expressed hope that his confirmation would make a positive difference after centuries of racism in the United States.

“I am thinking about how I can make improvements, personally, professionally and institutionally so that all airmen, both today and tomorrow, appreciate the value of diversity and can serve in an environment where they can reach their full potential,”&nbsp;Brown said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/martyr-for-change-george-floyd-memorialised-in-his-hometown-houston-304771" hreflang="en">'Martyr for change': George Floyd memorialised in his hometown Houston</a>

The vote came as the Trump administration and the mostly white Senate Republican conference grapple with the&nbsp;aftermath&nbsp;of the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.

Protests have convulsed the nation alongside the coronavirus pandemic, with racial discrimination being the common thread between them. The vote in Washington, DC overlapped with Floyd's&nbsp;funeral in Houston.

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed General Charles Brown Jr as chief of staff of the US Air Force, making him the first Black officer to lead one of the nation's military services.

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed General Charles Brown Jr as chief of staff of the US Air Force, making him the first Black officer to lead one of the nation's military services. Vice President Mike Pence took the unusual step of presiding over the vote, something he usually does to break ties. But Brown's confirmation, 98-0, was not close. Pence called the moment "historic". Brown most recently served as the commander of US Pacific Air Forces. He is a fighter pilot, with more than 2,900 flying hours, including 130 in combat. Also see: World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest He recounted his experiences in an emotional video, speaking of how during his Air Force career he was often the only African American in my squadron or, as a senior officer, the only African American in the room and of wearing the same flight suit with wings pinned on his chest as his squadron yet being asked if he was a pilot. What are you thinking about? Listen to Air Force General Charles Brown, he will share with you what he is thinking about. Just maybe maybe not you are having similar thoughts. Watch his video, #leadershipmatters #leadershipwhe…https://t.co/aqMZRPVxL7 https://t.co/nnuWTC8o0d — Jeff Willie (@jeffwillie02) June 6, 2020 × He expressed hope that his confirmation would make a positive difference after centuries of racism in the United States. “I am thinking about how I can make improvements, personally, professionally and institutionally so that all airmen, both today and tomorrow, appreciate the value of diversity and can serve in an environment where they can reach their full potential,” Brown said. Also see: 'Martyr for change': George Floyd memorialised in his hometown Houston The vote came as the Trump administration and the mostly white Senate Republican conference grapple with the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. Protests have convulsed the nation alongside the coronavirus pandemic, with racial discrimination being the common thread between them. The vote in Washington, DC overlapped with Floyd's funeral in Houston.

US Senate confirms first black Air Force chief of staff in 'historic' vote

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slammed US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Cuomo said he was "disgusted" by Trump's claim that the 75-year-old man seen in the video "fell harder than he was pushed."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-george-floyd-to-be-buried-in-houston-on-tuesday-304629" hreflang="en">Amid protests, George Floyd to be buried in Houston on Tuesday</a>

"President Trump did a tweet today that surprises me even after all the tweets he has done," Cuomo said at his daily news briefing.

"You read his tweets, you get to a point where you say, 'Well, nothing could surprise me - I've seen it all,'" Cuomo added. "And then you get surprised again. You get shocked again. You get disgusted again."

Trump suggested that the protestor, Martin Gugino could be "an ANTIFA provocateur" and staged his fall at the hands of an officer.&nbsp;

"I watched, he fell harder than was pushed," the president said on Twitter. "Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?"

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Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. <a href="https://twitter.com/OANN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OANN</a> I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1270333484528214018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The two Buffalo officers who were seen pushing him and were charged with assault on Saturday. Gugino has been hospitalized after the incident.&nbsp;

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slammed US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Cuomo said he was "disgusted" by Trump's claim that the 75-year-old man seen in the video "fell harder than he was pushed.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slammed US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Cuomo said he was "disgusted" by Trump's claim that the 75-year-old man seen in the video "fell harder than he was pushed." Also read: Amid protests, George Floyd to be buried in Houston on Tuesday "President Trump did a tweet today that surprises me even after all the tweets he has done," Cuomo said at his daily news briefing. "You read his tweets, you get to a point where you say, 'Well, nothing could surprise me - I've seen it all,'" Cuomo added. "And then you get surprised again. You get shocked again. You get disgusted again." Trump suggested that the protestor, Martin Gugino could be "an ANTIFA provocateur" and staged his fall at the hands of an officer. "I watched, he fell harder than was pushed," the president said on Twitter. "Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?" Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. @OANN I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020 × The two Buffalo officers who were seen pushing him and were charged with assault on Saturday. Gugino has been hospitalized after the incident.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump's claim that protester 'fell harder than was pushed'

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday&nbsp;that he does not support some calls to&nbsp;"defund the police,"&nbsp;declining to embrace a rallying cry that has gained support among progressive activists and protesters demonstrating against police brutality.

"I support conditioning federal aid to police based on whether or not they meet certain basic standards of decency and honorableness. And, in fact, are able to demonstrate they can protect the community and everybody in the community,"&nbsp;Biden said in an interview excerpt aired Monday evening.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-sets-1-million-bail-for-minneapolis-cop-no-dismantling-of-police-says-trump-304389" hreflang="en">Minneapolis cop set $1 million bail; no dismantling of police, says Trump</a>

Earlier in the day, the presumptive his campaign stressed the need for law enforcement reforms like community policing, increased diversity in police hiring and funding for body cameras.

Yet Biden’s desire for “transformative change” in the criminal justice system falls short of what many progressive activists are calling for in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died last month in Minneapolis.

The comments came as President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;and his campaign sought to tie Biden to calls to "defund the police," which have emerged in recent days at protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

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Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday that he does not support some calls to "defund the police," declining to embrace a rallying cry that has gained support among progressive activists and protesters demonstrating against police brutality.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday that he does not support some calls to "defund the police," declining to embrace a rallying cry that has gained support among progressive activists and protesters demonstrating against police brutality. "I support conditioning federal aid to police based on whether or not they meet certain basic standards of decency and honorableness. And, in fact, are able to demonstrate they can protect the community and everybody in the community," Biden said in an interview excerpt aired Monday evening. Also read: Minneapolis cop set $1 million bail; no dismantling of police, says Trump Earlier in the day, the presumptive his campaign stressed the need for law enforcement reforms like community policing, increased diversity in police hiring and funding for body cameras. Yet Biden’s desire for “transformative change” in the criminal justice system falls short of what many progressive activists are calling for in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died last month in Minneapolis. The comments came as President Donald Trump and his campaign sought to tie Biden to calls to "defund the police," which have emerged in recent days at protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

Biden rejects calls to defund police, faces balancing act

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