U.S. President Donald Trump has retweeted a letter that brands protesters as terrorists. He has also termed the conduct of protesters as 'acts of domestic terror'. Can such a view be endorsed?

Gravitas: Trump thinks protesters are terrorists!

Protests over the killing of George Floyd continue across the World. In Mexico, vandalism is denting the credibility of the cause, in South Korea, the anger is shifting towards the Government.

Gravitas: 'Black Lives Matter' protests: Vandalism denting credibility?

World's Oldest Democracy is the often-used adjective for the United States of America, a country where freedom of expression is one of the strongest pillars.&nbsp;

However, what happens to this freedom when Americans express their protest against racial killing? These protesters are branded as&nbsp;terrorists. The same word is used for people like Osama bin Laden and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrible-pandemic-largely-through-weve-made-every-decision-correctly-says-trump-303695">Horrible pandemic largely through, we've made every decision correctly, says Trump</a>

Trump retweeted a letter from John Dowd, his former attorney. It was addressed to Trump's first defense secretary Jim Mattis, and said: "The phony protesters near Lafayette Park were not peaceful and are not real".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I thought this letter from respected retired Marine and Super Star lawyer, John Dowd, would be of interest to the American People. Read it! <a href="https://t.co/I5tjysckZh">pic.twitter.com/I5tjysckZh</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1268675068814659584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"They are terrorists using idle hate filled students to burn and destroy."

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-world-environment-day-5-videos-you-cannot-miss-303724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It went on to say that the protesters were "abusing and disrespecting the police when the police were preparing for the area for the 1900 curfew".&nbsp;

For the unversed, protesters were violently dispersed from the park near the White House in Washington, US on Monday. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Trump's tweets and retweets are a story in itself, but here's a fact-check.&nbsp;

Many videos from Monday's protest show two things: firstly, there was tension and secondly, no violence was reported.&nbsp;

Protesters recently across the country have turned violent, where there were many incidents of arson and looting, all of which require condemning.&nbsp;

However, the Monday protests near the WH park were not among the violent ones until police entered the scene. Protesters were hit by rubber bullets, sprayed tear gas shells, and journalists were attacked.&nbsp;

All of this happened at 6:30 pm local time, thirty minutes before the curfew was imposed. &nbsp;

It was a perfect photo-op for Trump with a Bible. US President was to visit a church and that is why protesters were shooed away from the park.&nbsp;

Earlier this week too, Trump made a reference to the word terror.&nbsp;

"Here in the nation's capital, the Lincoln Memorial and the World War Two Memorial have been vandalized. One of our most historic churches was set ablaze. A federal officer in California, an African-American enforcement hero, was shot and killed. These are not acts of peaceful protests. These are acts of domestic terror. The destruction of innocent life and the spilling of innocent blood is an offense to humanity and a crime against God," Trump had said on Tuesday.

Nothing justifies vandalism and the ones committed this must be brought to books just as the murderers of Geroge Floyd.&nbsp;

However, calling protesters as terrorists is also not justified.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

World's Oldest Democracy is the often-used adjective for the United States of America, a country where freedom of expression is one of the strongest pillars. However, what happens to this freedom when Americans express their protest against racial killing?

World's Oldest Democracy is the often-used adjective for the United States of America, a country where freedom of expression is one of the strongest pillars. However, what happens to this freedom when Americans express their protest against racial killing? These protesters are branded as terrorists. The same word is used for people like Osama bin Laden and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Also read | Horrible pandemic largely through, we've made every decision correctly, says Trump Trump retweeted a letter from John Dowd, his former attorney. It was addressed to Trump's first defense secretary Jim Mattis, and said: "The phony protesters near Lafayette Park were not peaceful and are not real". I thought this letter from respected retired Marine and Super Star lawyer, John Dowd, would be of interest to the American People. Read it! pic.twitter.com/I5tjysckZh — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020 × "They are terrorists using idle hate filled students to burn and destroy." Watch | It went on to say that the protesters were "abusing and disrespecting the police when the police were preparing for the area for the 1900 curfew". For the unversed, protesters were violently dispersed from the park near the White House in Washington, US on Monday. Trump's tweets and retweets are a story in itself, but here's a fact-check. Many videos from Monday's protest show two things: firstly, there was tension and secondly, no violence was reported. Protesters recently across the country have turned violent, where there were many incidents of arson and looting, all of which require condemning. However, the Monday protests near the WH park were not among the violent ones until police entered the scene. Protesters were hit by rubber bullets, sprayed tear gas shells, and journalists were attacked. All of this happened at 6:30 pm local time, thirty minutes before the curfew was imposed. It was a perfect photo-op for Trump with a Bible. US President was to visit a church and that is why protesters were shooed away from the park. Earlier this week too, Trump made a reference to the word terror. "Here in the nation's capital, the Lincoln Memorial and the World War Two Memorial have been vandalized. One of our most historic churches was set ablaze. A federal officer in California, an African-American enforcement hero, was shot and killed. These are not acts of peaceful protests. These are acts of domestic terror. The destruction of innocent life and the spilling of innocent blood is an offense to humanity and a crime against God," Trump had said on Tuesday. Nothing justifies vandalism and the ones committed this must be brought to books just as the murderers of Geroge Floyd. However, calling protesters as terrorists is also not justified.

Can Donald Trump justify branding protesters as terrorists?

On June 5 1989, the world woke up to the images of the massacre in Tiananmen. Democracies across the world were shaken by the images of the crackdown. There were calls for action.

On June 5 1989, the world woke up to the images of the massacre in Tiananmen. Democracies across the world were shaken by the images of the crackdown. There were calls for action. What action did the so called big players take? What did they have to say? How much have their views changed 31 years on? Starting with the United States, George Bush Sr was the president. His administration was already being criticised for its "do-nothing" approach. The US Congress was up in arms. It wanted George H.W. Bush to make his stand clear. The White House announced the suspension of government-to-government sales and commercial exports of weapons to China. But the US refused to end ties completely with the Communist leadership. Bush Sr said: "What I want to do is preserve this relationship as best as I can." "I want them to know that I view this relationship as important and I view the life of every single student as important," he added. 31 years down the line there's no such balancing act. America not only wants China to acknowledge the Tiananmen massacre. It is slapping sanctions over what's happening in Hong Kong. Donald Trump, now the president of the US held a very different view in 1989. Then, he endorsed China's crackdown at Tiananmen Square. He called the protests, a "riot". And he praised China for showing what he called the "power of strength". Then there was the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher was in power. On the day of the massacre she said: "It is a reminder that despite some recent easing of east-west tension, a great gulf remains between the democratic and communist societies.'' She further said, "Communism stands ready to impose its will by force on innocent people. Clearly, normal business with Chinese authorities cannot continue." Today the United Kingdom not only wants justice for the victims. It is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. Next, is France, it said China's actions run counter to the cause of history. On June 8, 1969, French president Francois Mitterand decided to freeze relations with China at all levels. He urged member-states of the European Union to do the same. Today, France and most of Europe is backing Taiwan's sovereignty. In the erstwhile eastern bloc, the USSR was still intact. On June 6, the Soviet parliament condemned all outside attempts to put pressure on Beijing. It labelled the massacre a mere clash between troops and civilians. It said this was China's internal affairs and that some nations were whipping up passions and not promoting stability. Not much has changed there. Russia is still backing China. It hasn't commented on the Tiananmen anniversary and it remains tight-lipped on what is happening in Hong Kong. Japan was unsparing. The Japanese Foreign Ministry called the Chinese regime's actions "intolerable from a humanitarian standpoint". The Japanese parliament pushed for economic sanctions against Beijing. Today, Japan along with the rest of the world is seeking an independent probe into the Wuhan virus outbreak. The then Australian Prime minister, Bob Hawke joined Chinese students in solidarity on the streets of Sydney. He granted them a four-year asylum to stay in Australia. A decision which he is said to have taken without consulting his cabinet. Today, Australia is at the forefront of seeking accountability from China for the pandemic. In 1989, Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister. Fresh from his visit to Beijing, he or his government did not say a word about the massacre. Reports say the Indian government told the state television which was the only kind of television then to tone down the coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests. It was believed to be a signal to Beijing that India would not revel in China's domestic troubles. Even today, India does not comment on China's so-called internal matters. No official statement on Hong Kong or Taiwan. But India has backed the international call for a probe into the Wuhan virus outbreak and India is facing China at the border.

Then & now: Global reaction on Tiananmen Square massacre

Google said state-based hackers have targetted the campaigns of both United States President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, adding it saw no evidence that the attempts were successful.

The director of its Threat Analysis Group, Shane Huntley, disclosed the attempts on Thursday on Twitter.

It's been reported that a Chinese group known as Hurricane Panda targetted Trump campaign staffers while an Iranian outfit known as Charming Kitten had attempted to breach accounts of Biden campaign workers.

Such attempts involve forged emails with links designed to harvest passwords or infect devices with malware.

The effort targeted personal email accounts of staffers in both campaigns, according to the company statement.&nbsp;

A Google spokesman added that "the timeline is recent and that a couple of people were targetted on both campaigns. We sent targetted users our standard government-backed attack warning and referred the incidents to federal law enforcement."

Neither the Biden nor the Trump campaign would not say how many staffers were targetted, when the attempts took place or whether the phishing was successful.

Iranian attempts to break into Trump campaign officials’ emails have been documented before. Last year, Microsoft Corp&nbsp;announced that a group often nicknamed Charming Kitten had tried to break into email accounts belonging to an unnamed US&nbsp;presidential campaign, which sources identified as Trump’s.

Earlier this year, the threat intelligence company Area 1 Security said Russian hackers had targeted companies tied to a Ukrainian gas firm where Biden’s son once served on the board.

Google declined to offer details beyond Huntley’s tweets, but the unusually public attribution is a sign of how sensitive Americans have become to digital espionage efforts aimed at political campaigns.

In addition, Charming Kitten, also known as Newscaster and APT35, is reported to have targetted US and Middle Eastern government officials and businesses, also for information theft and spying.

In October, 2019, Microsoft said hackers linked to Iran's government had targetted a US presidential campaign and the New York Times and Reuters identified the target as Trump's re-election campaign.

(with inputs from agencies)

Google said state-based hackers have targetted the campaigns of both United States President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, adding it saw no evidence that the attempts were successful.

Google said state-based hackers have targetted the campaigns of both United States President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, adding it saw no evidence that the attempts were successful. The director of its Threat Analysis Group, Shane Huntley, disclosed the attempts on Thursday on Twitter. It's been reported that a Chinese group known as Hurricane Panda targetted Trump campaign staffers while an Iranian outfit known as Charming Kitten had attempted to breach accounts of Biden campaign workers. Such attempts involve forged emails with links designed to harvest passwords or infect devices with malware. The effort targeted personal email accounts of staffers in both campaigns, according to the company statement. A Google spokesman added that "the timeline is recent and that a couple of people were targetted on both campaigns. We sent targetted users our standard government-backed attack warning and referred the incidents to federal law enforcement." Neither the Biden nor the Trump campaign would not say how many staffers were targetted, when the attempts took place or whether the phishing was successful. Iranian attempts to break into Trump campaign officials’ emails have been documented before. Last year, Microsoft Corp announced that a group often nicknamed Charming Kitten had tried to break into email accounts belonging to an unnamed US presidential campaign, which sources identified as Trump’s. Earlier this year, the threat intelligence company Area 1 Security said Russian hackers had targeted companies tied to a Ukrainian gas firm where Biden’s son once served on the board. Google declined to offer details beyond Huntley’s tweets, but the unusually public attribution is a sign of how sensitive Americans have become to digital espionage efforts aimed at political campaigns. In addition, Charming Kitten, also known as Newscaster and APT35, is reported to have targetted US and Middle Eastern government officials and businesses, also for information theft and spying. In October, 2019, Microsoft said hackers linked to Iran's government had targetted a US presidential campaign and the New York Times and Reuters identified the target as Trump's re-election campaign. (with inputs from agencies)

State-based hackers targetted Trump, Biden campaigns, says Google

US President Donald Trump held a press conference to discuss job numbers and lauded the US economy. Watch the video to know more.

WION Fineprint: US President Donald Trump lauds US Economy, Donald Trump press conference

A clinical trial considered the "gold standard" for clinical investigation has concluded that "no benefit" of hydroxychloroquine was found on patients hospitalised with the coronavirus, researchers said on Friday.

"We have concluded that there is no beneficial effect of hydroxychloroquine in patients hospitalised with COVID-19," the statement from the chief investigators in the Recovery trial said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-study-says-trump-backed-hydroxychloroquine-no-better-than-placebo-303250">New study says Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine no better than placebo</a>

The statement added that this trial that was run by the University of Oxford would stop "with immediate effect".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-temporary-pause-who-to-resume-hydroxychloroquine-trials-303045">After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials</a>

Hydroxychloroquine, a drug to treat malaria and was backed consistently by US President Donald Trump, with White House recently announcing that Trump took the drugs without complaining of any side-effects.&nbsp;

The study included 1,542 patients who were randomly given hydroxychloroquine. Their data was compared with 3,132 patients who were given standard hospital care.&nbsp;

The researchers said, "no significant difference" in mortality was noticed after 28 days between the two groups.

Also, no evidence suggested that the anti-malarial drug would shorten the hospitalisation period.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the &nbsp;World Health Organization (WHO) restarted its trials that were temporarily stopped because of a now-retracted study in The Lancet medical journal.

(With inputs from AFP)

A clinical trial considered the "gold standard" for clinical investigation has concluded that "no benefit" of hydroxychloroquine was found on patients hospitalised with the coronavirus, researchers said on Friday.

A clinical trial considered the "gold standard" for clinical investigation has concluded that "no benefit" of hydroxychloroquine was found on patients hospitalised with the coronavirus, researchers said on Friday. "We have concluded that there is no beneficial effect of hydroxychloroquine in patients hospitalised with COVID-19," the statement from the chief investigators in the Recovery trial said. Also read | New study says Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine no better than placebo The statement added that this trial that was run by the University of Oxford would stop "with immediate effect". Also read | After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials Hydroxychloroquine, a drug to treat malaria and was backed consistently by US President Donald Trump, with White House recently announcing that Trump took the drugs without complaining of any side-effects. The study included 1,542 patients who were randomly given hydroxychloroquine. Their data was compared with 3,132 patients who were given standard hospital care. The researchers said, "no significant difference" in mortality was noticed after 28 days between the two groups. Also, no evidence suggested that the anti-malarial drug would shorten the hospitalisation period. Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) restarted its trials that were temporarily stopped because of a now-retracted study in The Lancet medical journal. (With inputs from AFP)

Major trial says 'no benefit' of Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-challenges-donald-trump-to-return-to-nuclear-deal-303659" hreflang="en">Iran challenges Donald Trump to return to nuclear deal</a>

Iran's foreign minister challenged the US&nbsp;president Donald Trump on Friday to return to the nuclear deal that Washington abandoned two years ago. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-challenges-donald-trump-to-return-to-nuclear-deal-303659">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-facebook-for-unfairly-targeting-its-biggest-media-companies-303642" hreflang="en">China slams Facebook for 'unfairly targeting' its biggest media companies</a>

China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-facebook-for-unfairly-targeting-its-biggest-media-companies-303642">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-conducts-airstrikes-against-taliban-first-time-since-eid-ceasefire-303638" hreflang="en">US conducts airstrikes against Taliban first time since Eid ceasefire</a>

The United States conducted airstrikes against Taliban positions in Afghanistan for the first time since the start of the Eid ceasefire. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-conducts-airstrikes-against-taliban-first-time-since-eid-ceasefire-303638">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-nation-fiji-declares-itself-free-from-coronavirus-303620" hreflang="en">Pacific nation Fiji declares itself free from coronavirus</a>

Fiji announced it was coronavirus free Friday after the island nation's last known infected patient was given the all-clear, continuing the Pacific's remarkable record of success against the virus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-nation-fiji-declares-itself-free-from-coronavirus-303620">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-disables-trump-campaign-tribute-to-floyd-for-copyright-foul-303548" hreflang="en">Twitter disables Trump campaign tribute to Floyd for copyright foul</a>

American microblogging and social networking service Twitter has disabled a video by Donald Trump’s campaign team that pays tribute to George Floyd, saying it is the subject of a copyright complaint. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-disables-trump-campaign-tribute-to-floyd-for-copyright-foul-303548">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444" hreflang="en">Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service</a>

Hundreds of mourners in Minneapolis on Thursday remembered George Floyd, the black man whose death in police custody set off a wave of nationwide protests and ignited a debate about racial justice. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-top-66-million-death-toll-soars-past-390000-303513">Global coronavirus cases top 6.6 million, death toll soars past 390,000</a>

The total number of global coronavirus has increased to over 6.6 million, while the death toll has topped 390,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-top-66-million-death-toll-soars-past-390000-303513">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversial-lancet-study-linking-hcq-deaths-in-covid-19-treatment-retracted-303474" hreflang="en">Controversial Lancet study linking HCQ, deaths in COVID-19 treatment retracted</a>

The authors of the Lancet study linking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and increased death risk during COVID-19 treatment have retracted their statement over unavailability of full dataset for an independent peer-review. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversial-lancet-study-linking-hcq-deaths-in-covid-19-treatment-retracted-303474">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-is-possible-trump-says-thank-you-to-iran-as-us-navy-veteran-michael-white-released-from-prison-303443" hreflang="en">Deal is possible: Trump says 'thank you to Iran' as US Navy veteran Michael White released from prison</a>

US President Donald Trump tweeted that Navy veteran Michael White, who had been detained in Iran for over 600 days, was now on his way back to the United States. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-is-possible-trump-says-thank-you-to-iran-as-us-navy-veteran-michael-white-released-from-prison-303443">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pushing-territorial-claims-under-cover-of-covid-19-says-us-military-commander-303629" hreflang="en">China pushing territorial claims under cover of COVID-19, says US military commander</a>

China is using the coronavirus as a cover to push territorial claims in the South China Sea through a surge in naval activity meant to intimidate other countries that claim the waters, the commander of US&nbsp;Forces in Japan said on Friday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pushing-territorial-claims-under-cover-of-covid-19-says-us-military-commander-303629">Read more</a>

Iran challenges Donald Trump to return to nuclear deal Iran's foreign minister challenged the US president Donald Trump on Friday to return to the nuclear deal that Washington abandoned two years ago.

Iran challenges Donald Trump to return to nuclear deal Iran's foreign minister challenged the US president Donald Trump on Friday to return to the nuclear deal that Washington abandoned two years ago. Read more China slams Facebook for 'unfairly targeting' its biggest media companies China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets. Read more US conducts airstrikes against Taliban first time since Eid ceasefire The United States conducted airstrikes against Taliban positions in Afghanistan for the first time since the start of the Eid ceasefire. Read more Pacific nation Fiji declares itself free from coronavirus Fiji announced it was coronavirus free Friday after the island nation's last known infected patient was given the all-clear, continuing the Pacific's remarkable record of success against the virus. Read more Twitter disables Trump campaign tribute to Floyd for copyright foul American microblogging and social networking service Twitter has disabled a video by Donald Trump’s campaign team that pays tribute to George Floyd, saying it is the subject of a copyright complaint. Read more Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service Hundreds of mourners in Minneapolis on Thursday remembered George Floyd, the black man whose death in police custody set off a wave of nationwide protests and ignited a debate about racial justice. Read more Global coronavirus cases top 6.6 million, death toll soars past 390,000 The total number of global coronavirus has increased to over 6.6 million, while the death toll has topped 390,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. Read more Controversial Lancet study linking HCQ, deaths in COVID-19 treatment retracted The authors of the Lancet study linking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and increased death risk during COVID-19 treatment have retracted their statement over unavailability of full dataset for an independent peer-review. Read more Deal is possible: Trump says 'thank you to Iran' as US Navy veteran Michael White released from prison US President Donald Trump tweeted that Navy veteran Michael White, who had been detained in Iran for over 600 days, was now on his way back to the United States. Read more China pushing territorial claims under cover of COVID-19, says US military commander China is using the coronavirus as a cover to push territorial claims in the South China Sea through a surge in naval activity meant to intimidate other countries that claim the waters, the commander of US Forces in Japan said on Friday. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Iran challenges Trump, China slams Facebook and more

Seizing on Donald Trump’s conciliatory tone after Tehran released an American Navy veteran, Iran’s foreign minister&nbsp;Javad Zarif challenged the US&nbsp;president on Friday to return to the nuclear deal that Washington abandoned two years ago.

Iran freed Michael White on Thursday as part of a deal in which the United States allowed Iranian-American physician Majid Taheri to visit Iran.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-is-possible-trump-says-thank-you-to-iran-as-us-navy-veteran-michael-white-released-from-prison-303443">Deal is possible: Trump says 'thank you to Iran' as US Navy veteran Michael White released from prison</a>

Trump tweeted on Thursday of White's release: "Thank you to Iran, it shows a deal is possible!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I just got off the phone with former American hostage Michael White, who is now in Zurich after being released from Iran. He will be on a U.S. plane shortly, and is COMING HOME...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1268670883121500160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, addressing Trump, said on Twitter, "We achieved humanitarian swap despite your subordinates' efforts".

"We had a deal when you entered office. ... Your advisors -most fired by now - made a dumb bet. Up to you to decide when you want to fix it."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-detained-in-iran-since-2018-freed-to-rejoin-family-in-us-very-soon-trump-303410" hreflang="en">American detained in Iran since 2018 freed, to rejoin family in US 'very soon': Trump</a>

Trump pulled out in 2018 of the nuclear deal with major powers, under which Tehran curbed its nuclear work in return for the lifting of many international sanctions on Iran. Since quitting the agreement, Washington has reimposed sanctions to throttle Iran’s oil exports as part of a policy of “maximum pressure”.

Thursday’s prisoner swap was a rare instance of US-Iranian cooperation. Also on Friday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi confirmed that Zarif met Bill Richardson, a former US&nbsp;envoy to the United Nations, "months ago" over prisoner releases.

"We have always responded positively to humanitarian efforts that would lead to the release of Iranian hostages in the United States and elsewhere," Mousavi told the official IRNA news agency.

Seizing on Donald Trump’s conciliatory tone after Tehran released an American Navy veteran, Iran’s foreign minister Javad Zarif challenged the US president on Friday to return to the nuclear deal that Washington abandoned two years ago.

Seizing on Donald Trump’s conciliatory tone after Tehran released an American Navy veteran, Iran’s foreign minister Javad Zarif challenged the US president on Friday to return to the nuclear deal that Washington abandoned two years ago. Iran freed Michael White on Thursday as part of a deal in which the United States allowed Iranian-American physician Majid Taheri to visit Iran. Also read: Deal is possible: Trump says 'thank you to Iran' as US Navy veteran Michael White released from prison Trump tweeted on Thursday of White's release: "Thank you to Iran, it shows a deal is possible!" I just got off the phone with former American hostage Michael White, who is now in Zurich after being released from Iran. He will be on a U.S. plane shortly, and is COMING HOME... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020 × Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, addressing Trump, said on Twitter, "We achieved humanitarian swap despite your subordinates' efforts". "We had a deal when you entered office. ... Your advisors -most fired by now - made a dumb bet. Up to you to decide when you want to fix it." Also read: American detained in Iran since 2018 freed, to rejoin family in US 'very soon': Trump Trump pulled out in 2018 of the nuclear deal with major powers, under which Tehran curbed its nuclear work in return for the lifting of many international sanctions on Iran. Since quitting the agreement, Washington has reimposed sanctions to throttle Iran’s oil exports as part of a policy of “maximum pressure”. Thursday’s prisoner swap was a rare instance of US-Iranian cooperation. Also on Friday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi confirmed that Zarif met Bill Richardson, a former US envoy to the United Nations, "months ago" over prisoner releases. "We have always responded positively to humanitarian efforts that would lead to the release of Iranian hostages in the United States and elsewhere," Mousavi told the official IRNA news agency.

Iran challenges Donald Trump to return to nuclear deal

American microblogging and social networking service Twitter has disabled a video by Donald Trump’s campaign team that pays tribute to George Floyd, saying it is the subject of a copyright complaint. The video was retweeted nearly 7,000 times by people including the US president and his son Donald Jr.

Twitter takes down Trump's video: Trump's tribute to George Floyd

The American Civil Liberties Union&nbsp;and other civil rights groups are suing Donald Trump, William Barr and other federal officials over the&nbsp;assault on peaceful protesters near the White House on Monday, to allow the president to hold a photo op at a historic church.

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb60fd71-f913-4c03-8d09-ad833af061bd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/142898-donaldt.jpg" /> 
US President Donald Trump holds a Bible while visiting St. John's Church Photograph:( AFP )

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-rebukes-trumps-photo-op-in-front-of-riot-damaged-church-302527">Biden rebukes Trump's photo op in front of riot-damaged church</a>

According to&nbsp;a release from the ACLU of the District of Columbia, the lawsuit filed on behalf of Black Lives Matter DC and individual protesters accuses Trump and the other officials are accused of ''violating their constitutional rights and engaging in an unlawful conspiracy to violate those rights.''

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archbishop-attacks-trumps-visit-to-a-shrine-amid-civil-unrest-in-us-302758">Archbishop attacks Trump's visit to a shrine amid civil unrest in US</a>

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the law firm of Arnold and&nbsp;Porter also filed the suit.

Protesters demonstrating over the&nbsp;killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis&nbsp;were gassed, shot with&nbsp;rubber bullets&nbsp;and forcefully cleared on Barr’s orders so Trump could walk to St John’s church, the so-called Church of the Presidents, and&nbsp;hold up a Bible in a photo op&nbsp;meant to reassure evangelical supporters.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups are suing Donald Trump, William Barr and other federal officials over the assault on peaceful protesters near the White House on Monday, to allow the president to hold a photo op at a historic church.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups are suing Donald Trump, William Barr and other federal officials over the assault on peaceful protesters near the White House on Monday, to allow the president to hold a photo op at a historic church. US President Donald Trump holds a Bible while visiting St. John's Church Photograph:( AFP ) Also read: Biden rebukes Trump's photo op in front of riot-damaged church According to a release from the ACLU of the District of Columbia, the lawsuit filed on behalf of Black Lives Matter DC and individual protesters accuses Trump and the other officials are accused of ''violating their constitutional rights and engaging in an unlawful conspiracy to violate those rights.'' Also read: Archbishop attacks Trump's visit to a shrine amid civil unrest in US The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the law firm of Arnold and Porter also filed the suit. Protesters demonstrating over the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis were gassed, shot with rubber bullets and forcefully cleared on Barr’s orders so Trump could walk to St John’s church, the so-called Church of the Presidents, and hold up a Bible in a photo op meant to reassure evangelical supporters.

Civil rights groups sue Trump, Barr over assault on peaceful protesters to click picture

The U.S. is planning to investigate countries over digital tax. From the European Union to India - everybody is a target. U.S. President Donald Trump claims American tech companies are being unfairly targetted. WION's Palki Shama gets you the story.

Gravitas: U.S. probe over Digital Tax | A new trade war?

There is an internal protest on Facebook. Employees are unhappy with CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision to not remove a post by U.S. President Donald Trump. Facebook employees are tweeting against their CEO, some are even staging virtual walkouts. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the details.

Gravitas: Facebook is facing a mutiny

Racism is an American reality and the ongoing riots are holding up a mirror to those in denial, from the streets of America to social media, thousands are joining hands to say enough is enough!

Racism is an American reality and the ongoing riots are holding up a mirror to those in denial, from the streets of America to social media, thousands are joining hands to say enough is enough! Hundreds of Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout on Monday. They logged in to their systems only to leave a message that they would be out of the office in a show of protest. The employees were unhappy with the action, or rather inaction of the leadership after CEO Mark Zuckerberg refused to take down Donald Trump's posts. Last week, the US president wrote: "When the looting starts, the shooting starts". The message was shared on Facebook and Twitter. While the latter slapped a warning on the post, Facebook left it intact. In a post, Zuckerberg said he is "struggling with how to respond". He said: "I know many people are upset that we have left the president's post up, but our position is that we should enable as much expression as possible." Facebook employees were quick to voice their disagreement. Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook's news feed design team, tweeted: "Mark is wrong, and I will endeavour in the loudest possible way to change his mind." Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind. — Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) June 1, 2020 × Similar tweets were put out by other employees. Jason Toff who joined Facebook last year as a director of Product Management pointed to a broader surge in employee activism. "We are making our voices heard", he said. The head of design for Facebook's portal video-phone said he disagrees with the position of his leadership. There was also an intense debate on Facebook's chat system known as Workplace. Some employees argued that Trump's post violated the spirit of Facebook while the others said that Facebook is making concessions for the president. All of this nudged CEO Mark Zuckerberg to act. Zuckerberg committed $10 million donation to groups working on racial justice. That said, Trump's Facebook post has still not been taken down. Meanwhile, Google and YouTube homepages in the United States are sporting a black ribbon. CEO Sundar Pichai said it was in solidarity with the black community. He tweeted: "For all those feeling grief, anger, sadness and fear, you are not alone." Today on US Google & YouTube homepages we share our support for racial equality in solidarity with the Black community and in memory of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery & others who don’t have a voice. For those feeling grief, anger, sadness & fear, you are not alone. pic.twitter.com/JbPCG3wfQW — Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) May 31, 2020 × Microsoft put out a statement on May 31. The company said that CEO Satya Nadella addressed the issue of racism in a monthly employee townhall. At this time, we will be using our platform to amplify voices from the Black and African American community at Microsoft. pic.twitter.com/r7ltlxVnHB — Microsoft (@Microsoft) June 1, 2020 × Nadella himself has been retweeting voices from African American employees at Microsoft. There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more. I stand with the Black and African American community and we are committed to building on this work in our company and in our communities. https://t.co/WaEuhRqBho — Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) June 1, 2020 × In one of the tweets, he said: "There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more."

Tech biggies condemn racism but Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg retains Trump's controversial post

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Thursday is expected to sign an executive order that would give federal agencies emergency powers to fast-track major infrastructure projects by overriding environmental permitting requirements, two sources familiar with the proposal said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-trumps-campaigns-targeted-by-chinese-and-iranian-hackers-google-303417" hreflang="en">Biden and Trump's campaigns targeted by Chinese and Iranian hackers: Google</a>

The order is billed as a way to "support and accelerate" the economic recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and improve US energy and other infrastructure, according to bullet points summarizing the order seen by Reuters.

It calls for public works and highway projects as well as energy projects like pipelines and terminals to be expedited, and instructs the Interior, Agriculture and Defense Departments to accelerate projects on federal lands.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told reporters earlier on Thursday that Trump would sign an order related to permitting for energy and other projects in the afternoon, but did not give details.

Trump has been a vocal advocate of fossil fuels as president and has sought to roll back regulations slowing their development and reduce state powers to block projects for environmental reasons.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration proposed to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a bedrock environmental regulation that creates time-consuming environmental reviews and public feedback requirements for major infrastructure projects.

The proposal is currently going through a public comment and review period.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday is expected to sign an executive order that would give federal agencies emergency powers to fast-track major infrastructure projects by overriding environmental permitting requirements, two sources familiar with the proposal said.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday is expected to sign an executive order that would give federal agencies emergency powers to fast-track major infrastructure projects by overriding environmental permitting requirements, two sources familiar with the proposal said. Also read: Biden and Trump's campaigns targeted by Chinese and Iranian hackers: Google The order is billed as a way to "support and accelerate" the economic recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and improve US energy and other infrastructure, according to bullet points summarizing the order seen by Reuters. It calls for public works and highway projects as well as energy projects like pipelines and terminals to be expedited, and instructs the Interior, Agriculture and Defense Departments to accelerate projects on federal lands. White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told reporters earlier on Thursday that Trump would sign an order related to permitting for energy and other projects in the afternoon, but did not give details. Trump has been a vocal advocate of fossil fuels as president and has sought to roll back regulations slowing their development and reduce state powers to block projects for environmental reasons. Earlier this year, the Trump administration proposed to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a bedrock environmental regulation that creates time-consuming environmental reviews and public feedback requirements for major infrastructure projects. The proposal is currently going through a public comment and review period.

Trump to give agencies power to fast-track big infrastructure projects, sources say

President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed the release from Iranian detention of US Navy veteran Michael White and said he'd be rejoining his family in the United States shortly.

White "is on a Swiss plane that just left Iranian Airspace. We expect him to be home with his family in America very soon," Trump wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am to happy announce that Navy Veteran, Michael White, who has been detained by Iran for 683 days, is on a Swiss plane that just left Iranian Airspace. We expect him to be home with his family in America very soon....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1268564689069527042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A White House spokesman said Michael White's release may lead to an opening in the otherwise deeply bitter relationship between Iran and the United States.

White had been released from an Iranian prison in mid-March on medical furlough but had been held in Iran under Swiss custody.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-claims-that-he-went-to-bunker-for-inspection-amid-clashes-303369" hreflang="en">Donald Trump claims that he went to bunker for 'inspection' amid clashes</a>

Switzerland looks after US&nbsp;interests with Tehran because the United States and Iran lack diplomatic relations.

White's release is a rare bright spot in an otherwise deeply frayed relationship between the United States and Iran, which have grown more hostile toward each other since Trump took office in 2017.

Asked whether White's release could be an opening in terms of US-Iranian relations, White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told Fox News Channel, "Hopefully so. The president has built incredible relationships with leaders across this globe."

US-Iranian relations have been bitter since the Islamic Revolution toppled the US-backed Shah of Iran in 1979 and ushered in an era of theocratic rule.

Tensions flared after Trump pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed US&nbsp;sanctions that have crippled the country's economy.

Tensions escalated after a January&nbsp;3 US&nbsp;drone strike in Iraq killed Qassem Soleimani, the powerful head of Iran's elite Quds Force.

Both the United States and Iran have called for the release of prisoners due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Iran is one of the worst-hit countries in the Middle East, while the United States has reported the highest number of deaths and infections in the world from the virus.

White's release comes two days after the United States deported Sirous Asgari, an Iranian professor imprisoned in the United States despite being acquitted on charges of stealing trade secrets. Iranian media reported his arrival on Wednesday.

Both the U.S. State Department and Iranian officials have repeatedly denied that Asgari was part of a swap with White, or anyone else and said his case was separate.

President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed the release from Iranian detention of US Navy veteran Michael White and said he'd be rejoining his family in the United States shortly.

President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed the release from Iranian detention of US Navy veteran Michael White and said he'd be rejoining his family in the United States shortly. White "is on a Swiss plane that just left Iranian Airspace. We expect him to be home with his family in America very soon," Trump wrote on Twitter. I am to happy announce that Navy Veteran, Michael White, who has been detained by Iran for 683 days, is on a Swiss plane that just left Iranian Airspace. We expect him to be home with his family in America very soon.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020 × A White House spokesman said Michael White's release may lead to an opening in the otherwise deeply bitter relationship between Iran and the United States. White had been released from an Iranian prison in mid-March on medical furlough but had been held in Iran under Swiss custody. Also read: Donald Trump claims that he went to bunker for 'inspection' amid clashes Switzerland looks after US interests with Tehran because the United States and Iran lack diplomatic relations. White's release is a rare bright spot in an otherwise deeply frayed relationship between the United States and Iran, which have grown more hostile toward each other since Trump took office in 2017. Asked whether White's release could be an opening in terms of US-Iranian relations, White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told Fox News Channel, "Hopefully so. The president has built incredible relationships with leaders across this globe." US-Iranian relations have been bitter since the Islamic Revolution toppled the US-backed Shah of Iran in 1979 and ushered in an era of theocratic rule. Tensions flared after Trump pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed US sanctions that have crippled the country's economy. Tensions escalated after a January 3 US drone strike in Iraq killed Qassem Soleimani, the powerful head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Both the United States and Iran have called for the release of prisoners due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Iran is one of the worst-hit countries in the Middle East, while the United States has reported the highest number of deaths and infections in the world from the virus. White's release comes two days after the United States deported Sirous Asgari, an Iranian professor imprisoned in the United States despite being acquitted on charges of stealing trade secrets. Iranian media reported his arrival on Wednesday. Both the U.S. State Department and Iranian officials have repeatedly denied that Asgari was part of a swap with White, or anyone else and said his case was separate.

American detained in Iran since 2018 freed, to rejoin family in US 'very soon': Trump

After the United States said that it will suspend Chinese flights entering the country, Beijing announced the resumption of foreign airline services, providing relief to US carriers.&nbsp;

The qualified foreign airlines currently barred from operating in&nbsp;China will be allowed once-per-week flights into a city of their choice from June 8, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/domestic-passenger-flights-to-resume-on-monday-mumbai-airport-to-deal-with-50-per-day-300798">Domestic passenger flights to resume on Monday; Mumbai airport to deal with 50 per day</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

This latest relaxation came after CAAC limited the foreign airline services based on their activity from March 12.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-resumes-domestic-flights-partially-as-nation-wide-lockdown-eased-299067">Pakistan resumes domestic flights partially as nation-wide lockdown eased</a>

Earlier, the US announced that it would not allow flights coming from China into its country from June 16 in a move to pressurise Beijing letting airlines from the US operate.&nbsp;

However, the move required a nod of US President Donald Trump, who has accused China of mishandling coronavirus pandemic and slammed its actions directed towards Hong Kong.

The Chinese aviation agency also said that routes whose passengers all test negative for three successive weeks will be given an additional flight each week.&nbsp;

In late March, China said that domestic and foreign carriers could not run more than one weekly flight on one route and could not fly any more than the number of flights they were operating on March 12.&nbsp;

The relations between both the nations have reached a new low and Trump on May 29 announced the US terminating ties with World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the global health agency of having biases&nbsp;towards China, despite the US being its largest donor.&nbsp;

After the United States said that it will suspend Chinese flights entering the country, Beijing announced the resumption of foreign airline services, providing relief to US carriers.

After the United States said that it will suspend Chinese flights entering the country, Beijing announced the resumption of foreign airline services, providing relief to US carriers. The qualified foreign airlines currently barred from operating in China will be allowed once-per-week flights into a city of their choice from June 8, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement. Also read | Domestic passenger flights to resume on Monday; Mumbai airport to deal with 50 per day This latest relaxation came after CAAC limited the foreign airline services based on their activity from March 12. Also read | Pakistan resumes domestic flights partially as nation-wide lockdown eased Earlier, the US announced that it would not allow flights coming from China into its country from June 16 in a move to pressurise Beijing letting airlines from the US operate. However, the move required a nod of US President Donald Trump, who has accused China of mishandling coronavirus pandemic and slammed its actions directed towards Hong Kong. The Chinese aviation agency also said that routes whose passengers all test negative for three successive weeks will be given an additional flight each week. In late March, China said that domestic and foreign carriers could not run more than one weekly flight on one route and could not fly any more than the number of flights they were operating on March 12. The relations between both the nations have reached a new low and Trump on May 29 announced the US terminating ties with World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the global health agency of having biases towards China, despite the US being its largest donor.

China eases foreign flight curbs following US suspension of passenger planes

US President Donald Trump has come up with an explanation as to why he went in an underground bunker when during clashes outside his residence on Friday. He termed it as an "inspection" instead of a retreat for his 'own safety'.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-was-rushed-to-underground-bunker-as-protests-raged-outside-white-house-report-302257">Trump was 'rushed to underground bunker' as protests raged outside White House: Report</a>

During an interview with a radio channel, he said: "They said it would be a good time to go down and take a look because maybe sometime you're going to need it."

He even said that he was in the bunker for a "tiny" amount of time.&nbsp;

"I was there for a tiny, short little period of time," he said, adding it was "more for an inspection." He said that he has visited the bunker "two and a half times."

Donald Trump's leadership skills were questioned by his Democrats counter-parts, he was criticised heavily for going into a bunker while many American cities were burning due to the protests.&nbsp;

Trump has not addressed the nation since the protests and has repeatedly sent inflammatory messages over Twitter.

Last Friday, Trump tweeted that protesters could have been attacked with “vicious dogs and ominous weapons” wielded by the US Secret Service and accused the DC mayor of supposedly not providing police to protect the White House.

“They let the ‘protesters’ scream and rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard – didn’t know what hit them,” Trump said.

“If they had [breached the fence],” the president continued, “they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen. That’s when people would have been badly hurt, at least.”

US President Donald Trump has come up with an explanation as to why he went in an underground bunker when during clashes outside his residence on Friday. He termed it as an "inspection" instead of a retreat for his 'own safety'.

US President Donald Trump has come up with an explanation as to why he went in an underground bunker when during clashes outside his residence on Friday. He termed it as an "inspection" instead of a retreat for his 'own safety'. Also read: Trump was 'rushed to underground bunker' as protests raged outside White House: Report During an interview with a radio channel, he said: "They said it would be a good time to go down and take a look because maybe sometime you're going to need it." He even said that he was in the bunker for a "tiny" amount of time. "I was there for a tiny, short little period of time," he said, adding it was "more for an inspection." He said that he has visited the bunker "two and a half times." Donald Trump's leadership skills were questioned by his Democrats counter-parts, he was criticised heavily for going into a bunker while many American cities were burning due to the protests. Trump has not addressed the nation since the protests and has repeatedly sent inflammatory messages over Twitter. Last Friday, Trump tweeted that protesters could have been attacked with “vicious dogs and ominous weapons” wielded by the US Secret Service and accused the DC mayor of supposedly not providing police to protect the White House. “They let the ‘protesters’ scream and rant as much as they wanted, but whenever someone got too frisky or out of line, they would quickly come down on them, hard – didn’t know what hit them,” Trump said. “If they had [breached the fence],” the president continued, “they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen. That’s when people would have been badly hurt, at least.”

Donald Trump claims that he went to bunker for 'inspection' amid clashes

Over 30 former employees from Facebook's early days have blasted CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision to not act against inflammatory posts by US President Donald Trump as "cowardly" and a "betrayal" of company ideals.

The open letter, initially reported by the New York Times, deepened a crisis facing Facebook's leadership team, who had to defend their decision at a tense all-hands meeting the day prior following an employee walkout over the issue.

It all started after rival social network Twitter began putting warning labels on several Trump tweets that the platform said contained misleading information and glorified violence. Questions were then raised on similar posts on Facebook and apparent inaction by Zuckerberg.&nbsp;

Snapchat also has taken a hard line, booting Trump's account on Wednesday from a curated "discover" section of its app which promotes fresh content. It said it would not amplify voices inciting "racist violence."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/snapchat-stops-promoting-trumps-posts-for-inciting-racial-violence-303061">Also read |&nbsp;Snapchat stops promoting Trump's posts for inciting 'racial violence'</a>

Facebook left the same posts untouched.

The former employees, including a staffer who opened Facebook's office in Washington, implored Zuckerberg to implement checks on speech by political leaders as it does for other users, including fact-checks and labels on harmful posts.

"The company we joined valued giving individuals a voice as loud as their government's — protecting the powerless rather than the powerful," they wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-facebook-is-facing-a-mutiny-303074">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Facebook is facing a mutiny</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%2FaXU9LzExNDQwNDY1L1dpb25ld3NfVmlkZW8vV2lvbmV3c19QcmVyb2xsJmRlc2NyaXB0aW9uX3VybD1bcGxhY2Vob2xkZXJdJmVudj12cCZpbXBsPXMmY29ycmVsYXRvcj0mdGZjZD0wJm5wYT0wJmdkZnBfcmVxPTEmb3V0cHV0PXZhc3Qmc3o9NjQweDQ4MCZ1bnZpZXdlZF9wb3NpdGlvbl9zdGFydD0xIn0sImxpYnJhcnlSZXF1ZXN0ZWQiOnRydWV9LCJoZWFsdGhBbmFseXRpY3MiOnt9fSwiaHRtbDUiOnRydWV9" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Facebook's current approach, they said, "is not a noble stand for freedom. It is incoherent, and worse, it is cowardly."

The group warned that Trump's post on Friday, which used the racially charged phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" in reference to protests over the police killing of a black man in Minnesota, could incite violence.

"In an age of live-streamed shootings, Facebook should know the danger of this better than most," they said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-defends-decision-to-label-trumps-tweets-says-it-is-to-provide-context-not-fact-checking-303057">Also read |&nbsp;Twitter defends decision to label Trump's tweets, says it is to provide 'context, not fact-checking'</a>

Over 30 former employees from Facebook's early days have blasted CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision to not act against inflammatory posts by US President Donald Trump as "cowardly" and a "betrayal" of company ideals.

Over 30 former employees from Facebook's early days have blasted CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision to not act against inflammatory posts by US President Donald Trump as "cowardly" and a "betrayal" of company ideals. The open letter, initially reported by the New York Times, deepened a crisis facing Facebook's leadership team, who had to defend their decision at a tense all-hands meeting the day prior following an employee walkout over the issue. It all started after rival social network Twitter began putting warning labels on several Trump tweets that the platform said contained misleading information and glorified violence. Questions were then raised on similar posts on Facebook and apparent inaction by Zuckerberg. Snapchat also has taken a hard line, booting Trump's account on Wednesday from a curated "discover" section of its app which promotes fresh content. It said it would not amplify voices inciting "racist violence." Also read | Snapchat stops promoting Trump's posts for inciting 'racial violence' Facebook left the same posts untouched. The former employees, including a staffer who opened Facebook's office in Washington, implored Zuckerberg to implement checks on speech by political leaders as it does for other users, including fact-checks and labels on harmful posts. "The company we joined valued giving individuals a voice as loud as their government's — protecting the powerless rather than the powerful," they wrote. Watch | Gravitas: Facebook is facing a mutiny × Facebook's current approach, they said, "is not a noble stand for freedom. It is incoherent, and worse, it is cowardly." The group warned that Trump's post on Friday, which used the racially charged phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" in reference to protests over the police killing of a black man in Minnesota, could incite violence. "In an age of live-streamed shootings, Facebook should know the danger of this better than most," they said. Also read | Twitter defends decision to label Trump's tweets, says it is to provide 'context, not fact-checking'

Facebook employees from early days denounce Zuckerberg stance on Trump posts

Hong Kong&nbsp;passed the National Anthem bill on Thursday despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the&nbsp;bill as China's way to increase its&nbsp;grip on the semi-autonomous city.&nbsp;

The bill will criminalise any form of disrespect hurled on the Chinese national anthem, many international human rights groups, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have said that this bill could take away freedom from the Hong Kongers.&nbsp;

This bill also orders primary and secondary school children in Hong Kong to be taught to sing the "March of the Volunteers" (China's national anthem), along with history and etiquette.&nbsp;

Anyone who disrespects the national anthem in Hong Kong will now be sentenced up to three years in jail along with a fine up to HK$50,000 ($6,450).&nbsp;

The national anthem has been booed during the football matches and people have instead sung "Glory to Hong Kong".&nbsp;

During the council discussion, police and firefighters entered the city's legislature after two pro-democracy lawmakers threw foul-smelling liquid to protest against the "murderous" crackdown by Chinese troops in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square 31 years ago.

The disruption in the legislature came after pro-establishment lawmakers vetoed most amendments to the anthem bill proposed by pro-democracy lawmakers.

Lawmakers Eddie Chu and Ray Chan rushed to the front of the chamber and threw the reeking liquid as guards engaged with them. Police and firefighters later arrived on the scene.

"A murderous state stinks forever. What we did today is to remind the world that we should never forgive the Chinese Communist Party for killing its people 31 years ago," Chu said later before he and Chan were removed from the chamber.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong passed the National Anthem bill on Thursday despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the bill as China's way to increase its grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Hong Kong passed the National Anthem bill on Thursday despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the bill as China's way to increase its grip on the semi-autonomous city. The bill will criminalise any form of disrespect hurled on the Chinese national anthem, many international human rights groups, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have said that this bill could take away freedom from the Hong Kongers. This bill also orders primary and secondary school children in Hong Kong to be taught to sing the "March of the Volunteers" (China's national anthem), along with history and etiquette. Anyone who disrespects the national anthem in Hong Kong will now be sentenced up to three years in jail along with a fine up to HK$50,000 ($6,450). The national anthem has been booed during the football matches and people have instead sung "Glory to Hong Kong". During the council discussion, police and firefighters entered the city's legislature after two pro-democracy lawmakers threw foul-smelling liquid to protest against the "murderous" crackdown by Chinese troops in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square 31 years ago. The disruption in the legislature came after pro-establishment lawmakers vetoed most amendments to the anthem bill proposed by pro-democracy lawmakers. Lawmakers Eddie Chu and Ray Chan rushed to the front of the chamber and threw the reeking liquid as guards engaged with them. Police and firefighters later arrived on the scene. "A murderous state stinks forever. What we did today is to remind the world that we should never forgive the Chinese Communist Party for killing its people 31 years ago," Chu said later before he and Chan were removed from the chamber. (Inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong passes China national anthem bill amid protests by pro-democracy lawmakers

Former US defence secretary James Mattis joined White House protesters in spirit on June 3 with a stinging criticism of Donald Trump’s handling of the protests calling him the only President in his lifetime “who does not try to unite the American people - does not even pretend to try”.

James Mattis: Trump is trying to divide America | US riots

As US President Donald Trump continues to back the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment to novel coronavirus, a new study has claimed that the drug does not avoid infection in a statistically meaningful way.&nbsp;

The study led by a team at the University of Minnesota has also claimed that hydroxychloroquine is no significantly better than a placebo when it comes to coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-temporary-pause-who-to-resume-hydroxychloroquine-trials-303045">After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials</a>

Meanwhile, the White House said that President Trump remains healthy and free of any side-effects of hydroxychloroquine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-panning-use-of-hydroxychloroquine-against-coronavirus-faces-new-questions-302785">Study panning use of hydroxychloroquine against coronavirus faces new questions</a>

As many as 821 people across the United States and Canada were part of this study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Adults who were part of this study were those who came in contact with someone who had a confirmed case of COVID-19 for more than 10 minutes at a distance of six feet (about two meters) or less.

At least 719 people out of the total 821, were put under the category of "high-risk" exposure because they wore neither a face mask nor an eye shield at the time of their contact and were closer to a distance of two feet with the infected patient for more than 10 minutes.&nbsp;

The remaining people belonged to the "moderate-risk" category as they covered themselves with masks, but not with eyewear.&nbsp;

The participants were randomly given hydroxychloroquine, &nbsp;rheumatoid arthritis and lupus -- or a placebo, within four days of their exposure to the virus.&nbsp;

About 107 participants developed COVID-19 in the 14-day period.&nbsp;

Among those who received the anti-malarial drug, 49 developed COVID-19 or compatible symptoms such as fever or cough, while those who took a placebo, 58 of them developed coronavirus symptoms.&nbsp;

Two people in each group were hospitalised, however, none of the infected persons died.&nbsp;

Also, the participants that took HCQ had a higher rate of reporting side-effects such as nausea and stomach pain, which was 40 %, while the placebo's side effects were 17 %.&nbsp;

"This randomized trial did not demonstrate a significant benefit of hydroxychloroquine as postexposure prophylaxis for COVID-19," the authors of the study wrote. 
&nbsp;

As US President Donald Trump continues to back the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment to novel coronavirus, a new study has claimed that the drug does not avoid infection in a statistically meaningful way.

As US President Donald Trump continues to back the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment to novel coronavirus, a new study has claimed that the drug does not avoid infection in a statistically meaningful way. The study led by a team at the University of Minnesota has also claimed that hydroxychloroquine is no significantly better than a placebo when it comes to coronavirus. Also read | After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials Meanwhile, the White House said that President Trump remains healthy and free of any side-effects of hydroxychloroquine. Also read | Study panning use of hydroxychloroquine against coronavirus faces new questions As many as 821 people across the United States and Canada were part of this study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Adults who were part of this study were those who came in contact with someone who had a confirmed case of COVID-19 for more than 10 minutes at a distance of six feet (about two meters) or less. At least 719 people out of the total 821, were put under the category of "high-risk" exposure because they wore neither a face mask nor an eye shield at the time of their contact and were closer to a distance of two feet with the infected patient for more than 10 minutes. The remaining people belonged to the "moderate-risk" category as they covered themselves with masks, but not with eyewear. The participants were randomly given hydroxychloroquine, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus -- or a placebo, within four days of their exposure to the virus. About 107 participants developed COVID-19 in the 14-day period. Among those who received the anti-malarial drug, 49 developed COVID-19 or compatible symptoms such as fever or cough, while those who took a placebo, 58 of them developed coronavirus symptoms. Two people in each group were hospitalised, however, none of the infected persons died. Also, the participants that took HCQ had a higher rate of reporting side-effects such as nausea and stomach pain, which was 40 %, while the placebo's side effects were 17 %. "This randomized trial did not demonstrate a significant benefit of hydroxychloroquine as postexposure prophylaxis for COVID-19," the authors of the study wrote.

New study says Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine no better than placebo

US President Donald Trump appears as the first result of suggested accounts when users type "racist" into Twitter's people search, it emerged Wednesday.&nbsp;

The result, reported by the British news outlet The Independent and verified by AFP, highlights the intense discord around the president.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-long-silence-former-defence-secy-mattis-denounces-trump-and-military-response-to-crisis-303128">After long silence, former defence secy Mattis denounces Trump and military response to crisis</a>

Trump has more than 80 million followers, although there is much dispute about how many of them are genuine, active human Twitter users.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-riots-over-floyds-killing-intensifies-more-than-4000-protesters-arrested-303118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Analysts said the news suggests Trump opponents, more than critics of any other Twitter account, have been labeling him as racist, although the social media giant itself did not confirm this was the case.

Trump has been facing heightened criticism for his comments during protests over police brutality but has always dismissed suggestions that he is racist. &nbsp;

Twitter offered little in the way of explanation, pointing out only that its search algorithms may reflect what is happening on the platform.

Trump, in the midst of a heated war with social media over what he claims is bias, recently signed an executive order calling for more oversight of internet platforms, a move which could prove difficult to enforce.

Greg Sterling, a contributing editor at the website Search Engine Land, said the result suggests that "so many people are using the words 'racist' or 'racism' to respond to or describe Donald Trump, or there's a concerted effort to associate Trump's account with those terms."

Evidently, it is also possible that a large number of supporters defending Trump from charges of racism would also use the word 'racist' in their replies.&nbsp;

Sterling said Twitter's ranking algorithm for individual tweets "uses a variety of signals, including how recently the tweet was published, its relevance (personalization), user engagement with the tweet, the presence of rich media (such as video or images) and several other variables."

The analyst noted however that in 2007, a concerted effort known as "Google bombing" was able to manipulate search results for then-president George W. Bush to associate him with the term "miserable failure" on the search engine until the flaw was corrected.

Kjerstin Thorson, a Michigan State University politics and social media professor, said it would require a detailed analysis to understand the reasons for the association of Trump and racism.

But Thorson said "it's not unlikely this could be an accurate representation of what people are saying" on Twitter and that bias is probably not a factor.

"The platforms have gone out of their way to avoid any appearance of bias," she said.

US President Donald Trump appears as the first result of suggested accounts when users type "racist" into Twitter's people search, it emerged Wednesday. The result, reported by the British news outlet The Independent and verified by AFP, highlights the intense discord around the president.

US President Donald Trump appears as the first result of suggested accounts when users type "racist" into Twitter's people search, it emerged Wednesday. The result, reported by the British news outlet The Independent and verified by AFP, highlights the intense discord around the president. Also read | After long silence, former defence secy Mattis denounces Trump and military response to crisis Trump has more than 80 million followers, although there is much dispute about how many of them are genuine, active human Twitter users. Watch | Analysts said the news suggests Trump opponents, more than critics of any other Twitter account, have been labeling him as racist, although the social media giant itself did not confirm this was the case. Trump has been facing heightened criticism for his comments during protests over police brutality but has always dismissed suggestions that he is racist. Twitter offered little in the way of explanation, pointing out only that its search algorithms may reflect what is happening on the platform. Trump, in the midst of a heated war with social media over what he claims is bias, recently signed an executive order calling for more oversight of internet platforms, a move which could prove difficult to enforce. Greg Sterling, a contributing editor at the website Search Engine Land, said the result suggests that "so many people are using the words 'racist' or 'racism' to respond to or describe Donald Trump, or there's a concerted effort to associate Trump's account with those terms." Evidently, it is also possible that a large number of supporters defending Trump from charges of racism would also use the word 'racist' in their replies. Sterling said Twitter's ranking algorithm for individual tweets "uses a variety of signals, including how recently the tweet was published, its relevance (personalization), user engagement with the tweet, the presence of rich media (such as video or images) and several other variables." The analyst noted however that in 2007, a concerted effort known as "Google bombing" was able to manipulate search results for then-president George W. Bush to associate him with the term "miserable failure" on the search engine until the flaw was corrected. Kjerstin Thorson, a Michigan State University politics and social media professor, said it would require a detailed analysis to understand the reasons for the association of Trump and racism. But Thorson said "it's not unlikely this could be an accurate representation of what people are saying" on Twitter and that bias is probably not a factor. "The platforms have gone out of their way to avoid any appearance of bias," she said.

Search 'racist' on Twitter and Donald Trump will be the top result

After long refusing to explicitly criticise a sitting president, former Defense Secretary James&nbsp;Mattis accused President Donald Trump on Wednesday of trying to divide America and roundly denounced a militarisation of the US response to civil unrest.

The remarks by Mattis, an influential retired Marine general who resigned over policy differences in 2018, are the strongest to date by a former Pentagon leader over Trump's response to the killing of George Floyd, an African-American, while in Minneapolis police custody.

They accompany a growing affirmation from within the Pentagon's leadership of the US military's core values, including to uphold a constitution that protects freedom of assembly and the principles of equality.

"Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people — does not even pretend to try," Mattis, who resigned as Trump's defense secretary in 2018, wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic.

"Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort."

Trump has turned to militaristic rhetoric in response to demonstrations against police brutality following Floyd's killing by a white police officer, who knelt on the unarmed man's neck for almost nine minutes in Minneapolis last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-want-you-to-know-that-you-matter-obamas-message-to-young-people-of-colour-303089">Also read |&nbsp;I want you to know that you matter: Obama’s message to young people of colour</a>

On Monday Trump threatened to send active duty US troops to stamp out civil unrest gripping several cities, against the wishes of state governors - alarming current and former military officials who fear dissent in the ranks and lasting damage to the US military itself, one of America's most revered and well-funded institutions.

"Militarizing our response, as we witnessed in Washington, D.C., sets up a conflict — a false conflict — between the military and civilian society," Mattis wrote.

Trump reacted on Twitter by calling Mattis "the world's most overrated General!"

"I didn't like his 'leadership' style or much else about him, and many others agree. Glad he is gone!" Trump wrote.

A prominent figure in military circles, Mattis's strong words could inspire others in uniform and veterans to speak out. They are particularly surprising given his extreme reluctance to criticize Trump in scores of interviews and appearances since he left office over policy differences with the US president.

His comments follow denunciations by other retired top brass, including Navy admiral Mike Mullen and retired Army general Martin Dempsey, both former chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-cops-charged-in-floyd-death-one-faces-2nd-degree-murder-count-homicide-303080">Also read |&nbsp;Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide</a>

The current chairman, 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." Similar messages were delivered by other top military leaders.

COMPARISON TO BATTLE AGAINST NAZIS

As he called for unity, Mattis even drew a comparison to the US war against Nazi Germany, saying US troops were reminded before the Normandy invasion: "The Nazi slogan for destroying us ... was 'Divide and Conquer.' Our American answer is 'In Union there is Strength.'"

Mattis also took a swipe at current US military leadership for participating in a Monday photo-op led by Trump after law enforcement - including National Guard - cleared away peaceful protesters.

He criticised use of the word "battlespace" by Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Milley to describe protest sites in the United States during a call with state governors this week.&nbsp;

Esper, Mattis's successor in the job, has said he regretted using that wording.

"We must reject any thinking of our cities as a 'battlespace,'" Mattis wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/autopsy-report-says-george-floyd-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-303176">Also read |&nbsp;Autopsy report says George Floyd tested positive for coronavirus</a>

Esper said at a Wednesday news conference he did not support invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty forces to quell civil unrest for now, in remarks that did not go over well with either the president or his top aides, an administration official said.

The head of the National Guard, whose troops have been reinforcing local law enforcement, issued a strong statement condemning racism and reminding his troops of their oath to the constitution.

"If we are to fulfill our obligation as service members, as Americans, as decent human beings, we have to take our oath seriously," said Air Force General Joseph Lengyel, the chief of the Guard. "We cannot tolerate racism, discrimination or casual violence. We cannot abide divisiveness and hate." 
&nbsp;

After long refusing to explicitly criticise a sitting president, former Defense Secretary James Mattis accused President Donald Trump on Wednesday of trying to divide America and roundly denounced a militarisation of the US response to civil unrest.

After long refusing to explicitly criticise a sitting president, former Defense Secretary James Mattis accused President Donald Trump on Wednesday of trying to divide America and roundly denounced a militarisation of the US response to civil unrest. The remarks by Mattis, an influential retired Marine general who resigned over policy differences in 2018, are the strongest to date by a former Pentagon leader over Trump's response to the killing of George Floyd, an African-American, while in Minneapolis police custody. They accompany a growing affirmation from within the Pentagon's leadership of the US military's core values, including to uphold a constitution that protects freedom of assembly and the principles of equality. "Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people — does not even pretend to try," Mattis, who resigned as Trump's defense secretary in 2018, wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic. "Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort." Trump has turned to militaristic rhetoric in response to demonstrations against police brutality following Floyd's killing by a white police officer, who knelt on the unarmed man's neck for almost nine minutes in Minneapolis last week. Also read | I want you to know that you matter: Obama’s message to young people of colour On Monday Trump threatened to send active duty US troops to stamp out civil unrest gripping several cities, against the wishes of state governors - alarming current and former military officials who fear dissent in the ranks and lasting damage to the US military itself, one of America's most revered and well-funded institutions. "Militarizing our response, as we witnessed in Washington, D.C., sets up a conflict — a false conflict — between the military and civilian society," Mattis wrote. Trump reacted on Twitter by calling Mattis "the world's most overrated General!" "I didn't like his 'leadership' style or much else about him, and many others agree. Glad he is gone!" Trump wrote. A prominent figure in military circles, Mattis's strong words could inspire others in uniform and veterans to speak out. They are particularly surprising given his extreme reluctance to criticize Trump in scores of interviews and appearances since he left office over policy differences with the US president. His comments follow denunciations by other retired top brass, including Navy admiral Mike Mullen and retired Army general Martin Dempsey, both former chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Also read | Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide The current chairman, 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." Similar messages were delivered by other top military leaders. COMPARISON TO BATTLE AGAINST NAZIS As he called for unity, Mattis even drew a comparison to the US war against Nazi Germany, saying US troops were reminded before the Normandy invasion: "The Nazi slogan for destroying us ... was 'Divide and Conquer.' Our American answer is 'In Union there is Strength.'" Mattis also took a swipe at current US military leadership for participating in a Monday photo-op led by Trump after law enforcement - including National Guard - cleared away peaceful protesters. He criticised use of the word "battlespace" by Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Milley to describe protest sites in the United States during a call with state governors this week. Esper, Mattis's successor in the job, has said he regretted using that wording. "We must reject any thinking of our cities as a 'battlespace,'" Mattis wrote. Also read | Autopsy report says George Floyd tested positive for coronavirus Esper said at a Wednesday news conference he did not support invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty forces to quell civil unrest for now, in remarks that did not go over well with either the president or his top aides, an administration official said. The head of the National Guard, whose troops have been reinforcing local law enforcement, issued a strong statement condemning racism and reminding his troops of their oath to the constitution. "If we are to fulfill our obligation as service members, as Americans, as decent human beings, we have to take our oath seriously," said Air Force General Joseph Lengyel, the chief of the Guard. "We cannot tolerate racism, discrimination or casual violence. We cannot abide divisiveness and hate."

Trump trying to divide America: Former defence secy Mattis breaks silence on US civil unrest

A lawsuit has been filed by a non-profit group against US President Donald Trump's executive order targetting social media firms Facebook and Twitter claiming&nbsp;the edict violates free-speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. 
 
The suit, filed in US&nbsp;District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the executive order violates the First Amendment by curtailing and chilling the constitutionally protected speech of online platforms and individuals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-doubles-down-dares-twitter-to-block-another-trumps-tweet-301891">White House doubles down &amp; dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet</a>

The Justice Department declined to comment, according to spokeswoman Brianna Herlihy.

Trump, irate over&nbsp;Twitter’s move to append fact-checking labels to his inaccurate tweets&nbsp;about mail-in voting, issued an executive order May 28 that seeks to&nbsp;rescind legal immunity social networks have under current US&nbsp;law if they ''censor''&nbsp;speech.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-shut-social-media-companies-after-twitter-adds-warning-to-his-tweets-301375">Trump threatens to shut social media companies after Twitter adds warning to his tweets</a>

&nbsp;

The law, as it currently stands, lets internet companies like&nbsp;Facebook, YouTube and&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;moderate content on their services as they see fit, while protecting them from lawsuits over content shared on them.

He had asked federal regulators to look at provisions, contained in Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, that insulate the companies from liability for content posted by users.

A lawsuit has been filed by a non-profit group against US President Donald Trump's executive order targetting social media firms Facebook and Twitter claiming the edict violates free-speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.

A lawsuit has been filed by a non-profit group against US President Donald Trump's executive order targetting social media firms Facebook and Twitter claiming the edict violates free-speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. The suit, filed in US District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the executive order violates the First Amendment by curtailing and chilling the constitutionally protected speech of online platforms and individuals. Also read: White House doubles down & dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet The Justice Department declined to comment, according to spokeswoman Brianna Herlihy. Trump, irate over Twitter’s move to append fact-checking labels to his inaccurate tweets about mail-in voting, issued an executive order May 28 that seeks to rescind legal immunity social networks have under current US law if they ''censor'' speech. Also read: Trump threatens to shut social media companies after Twitter adds warning to his tweets The law, as it currently stands, lets internet companies like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter moderate content on their services as they see fit, while protecting them from lawsuits over content shared on them. He had asked federal regulators to look at provisions, contained in Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, that insulate the companies from liability for content posted by users.

Lawsuit filed against Trump's executive order targeting social media firms

Russia on Tuesday batted for G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world after Trump invited Russia, India and other countries to attend G7 summit. &nbsp;

The idea of an expanded G7 summit is, in general, a step in the right direction but doesn't mean a true representation as it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China, said&nbsp;Russian Foreign Ministry Spox Maria Zakharova.&nbsp;

''The idea of an expanded G7 summit is in general a step in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-postpones-g7-summit-talks-about-inviting-india-302073">right direction</a> but doesn't mean a true representation. For instance, it's obvious that it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China,'' &nbsp;Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

''We currently have an efficient, tried and tested format, G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world, not just one part of it,'' &nbsp;Zakharova added.&nbsp;

G7 is the group of top seven developed economies. These include the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada. Heads of States of these countries meet annually to discuss issues of global governance, including climate change, security and the economy.

Trump has postponed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-bid-to-counter-china-invite-india-russia-to-g7-302693">G7 Summit</a> till September and expressed his desire to expand the "outdated" bloc to G10 or G11, including India, Russia, South Korea and Australia to the grouping of the world's top economies.

Russia on Tuesday batted for G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world after Trump invited Russia, India and other countries to attend G7 summit.

Russia on Tuesday batted for G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world after Trump invited Russia, India and other countries to attend G7 summit. The idea of an expanded G7 summit is, in general, a step in the right direction but doesn't mean a true representation as it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China, said Russian Foreign Ministry Spox Maria Zakharova. ''The idea of an expanded G7 summit is in general a step in the right direction but doesn't mean a true representation. For instance, it's obvious that it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China,'' Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying. ''We currently have an efficient, tried and tested format, G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world, not just one part of it,'' Zakharova added. G7 is the group of top seven developed economies. These include the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada. Heads of States of these countries meet annually to discuss issues of global governance, including climate change, security and the economy. Trump has postponed the G7 Summit till September and expressed his desire to expand the "outdated" bloc to G10 or G11, including India, Russia, South Korea and Australia to the grouping of the world's top economies.

Russia bats for G20 after US President Trump's invitation to attend for G7

Washington's Catholic archbishop has strongly criticised President Donald Trump's visit to a shrine as civil unrest continues in the US over the death of George Floyd.

According to Archbishop Wilton D Gregory,&nbsp;Trump's visit&nbsp;"misused" and "manipulated" the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and he found action "baffling and reprehensible".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-poses-for-cameras-with-bible-in-hand-amid-riots-302684" hreflang="en">US President Trump poses for cameras with bible in hand amid riots</a>

On Tuesday, the&nbsp;Las Vegas sheriff had said an officer died&nbsp;in a shooting after police attempted to disperse a crowd, and four officers were injured on Monday in St Louis, Missouri.

Trump threatened to send in the military to quell disturbances, vowing to "dominate the streets", as protests sparked by the killing of Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis continued.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-pelosi-promises-legislation-on-the-issues-raised-by-murder-of-george-floyd-302739" hreflang="en">Nancy Pelosi promises legislation on the issues raised by murder of George Floyd</a>

The president said he would deploy the army if cities and states failed to control the protests. But on Tuesday at least one mayor rejected the use of National Guard and military forces.

Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden criticised Trump for using the crisis to appeal to his supporters, saying he was "serving the passions of his base".

&nbsp;

Washington's Catholic archbishop has strongly criticised President Donald Trump's visit to a shrine as civil unrest continues in the US over the death of George Floyd.

Washington's Catholic archbishop has strongly criticised President Donald Trump's visit to a shrine as civil unrest continues in the US over the death of George Floyd. According to Archbishop Wilton D Gregory, Trump's visit "misused" and "manipulated" the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and he found action "baffling and reprehensible". Also read: US President Trump poses for cameras with bible in hand amid riots On Tuesday, the Las Vegas sheriff had said an officer died in a shooting after police attempted to disperse a crowd, and four officers were injured on Monday in St Louis, Missouri. Trump threatened to send in the military to quell disturbances, vowing to "dominate the streets", as protests sparked by the killing of Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis continued. Also read: Nancy Pelosi promises legislation on the issues raised by murder of George Floyd The president said he would deploy the army if cities and states failed to control the protests. But on Tuesday at least one mayor rejected the use of National Guard and military forces. Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden criticised Trump for using the crisis to appeal to his supporters, saying he was "serving the passions of his base".

Archbishop attacks Trump's visit to a shrine amid civil unrest in US

There are at least 1,827,206 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 106,028 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University data. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-ripped-to-pieces-governor-refuses-dominating-national-guard-trump-302738">Also read: New York ripped to pieces, Governor refuses dominating National Guard — Trump</a> 
 
A total of 15,846 new COVID-19 cases and 863 more deaths were reported on Tuesday amid rising protests over George Floyd's death, CNN reported. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadians-watching-the-us-in-horror-says-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-302710" hreflang="en">Canadians watching the US 'in horror', says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau</a>

As protests have continued, more cities have announced curfew including Los Angeles County, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Oakland, New York City and Cleveland.

US health officials are concerned that the angry protests which have gripped the entire nation against the injustices by law enforcement agencies and police crackdown may lead to a surge in the rate of coronavirus infections, The Washington Post reported.

Dr Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus task force on Tuesday said that the US should have 100 million doses of one candidate coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.

"Then, by the beginning of 2021, we hope to have a couple hundred million doses," Fauci was quoted as saying by CNN.

There are at least 1,827,206 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 106,028 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Also read: New York ripped to pieces, Governor refuses dominating National Guard — Trump A total of 15,846 new COVID-19 cases and 863 more deaths were reported on Tuesday amid rising protests over George Floyd's death, CNN reported.

There are at least 1,827,206 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 106,028 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Also read: New York ripped to pieces, Governor refuses dominating National Guard — Trump A total of 15,846 new COVID-19 cases and 863 more deaths were reported on Tuesday amid rising protests over George Floyd's death, CNN reported. Also read: Canadians watching the US 'in horror', says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau As protests have continued, more cities have announced curfew including Los Angeles County, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Oakland, New York City and Cleveland. US health officials are concerned that the angry protests which have gripped the entire nation against the injustices by law enforcement agencies and police crackdown may lead to a surge in the rate of coronavirus infections, The Washington Post reported. Dr Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus task force on Tuesday said that the US should have 100 million doses of one candidate coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year. "Then, by the beginning of 2021, we hope to have a couple hundred million doses," Fauci was quoted as saying by CNN.

United States records 15,846 more COVID-19 cases amid rising protests over George Floyd's death

By Jennifer Selin

After a week of both peaceful protests and violent chaos in the wake of George Floyd’s death, President Donald Trump announced, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”

Is Trump’s warning just bluster? Does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities?

The answer to this question involves a web of legal provisions that help define the president’s constitutional roles as commander in chief and chief executive of the country and that simultaneously try to balance presidential power with the power of state leaders.

‘Protect states in times of violence’ 
 
Tracing back to the Magna Carta, the British charter of liberty signed in 1215, there is a longstanding tradition against military involvement in civilian affairs.

However, the US&nbsp;Constitution guarantees that the national government will protect the states in times of violence and permits Congress to enact laws that enable the military to aid in carrying out the law.

Almost immediately after the Constitution’s enactment in 1787, Congress passed a law that allowed the president to use the military to respond to a series of citizen rebellions.

Troops serving as what’s called “posse comitatus,” which translates roughly to “attendants with the capacity to act,” could be called to suppress insurrections and help carry out federal laws.

Following the Civil War, the national government used troops in this capacity to aid in Reconstruction efforts, particularly in states that had been part of the Confederacy.

The use of troops in this manner may even have influenced the outcome of the 1876 presidential election of Republican Rutherford B. Hayes. That happened when, in return for agreeing to withdraw federal troops from the South, Democrats informally agreed to the election of Hayes when the disputed election was thrown to a congressional commission.

Two years later, Hayes signed into law the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibited the use of the military in civilian matters.

The Posse Comitatus Act has not changed much since that time. The law prohibits the use of the military in civilian matters but, over time, Congress has passed at least 26 exemptions to the act that allow the president to send troops into states.

The exemptions range from providing military personnel to protect national parks to helping states in carrying out state quarantine and health laws.

Insurrection Act 
 
What exemption would President Trump use if he wants to send the military to one or more states?

He would likely rely on the Insurrection Act, which governs certain circumstances when the president can use the military. Signed by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Congress originally passed the law in order to help fight citizen rebellions against federal taxes.

Over time, the law has evolved to allow the use of troops in other circumstances. For example, Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson used the Insurrection Act in the 1950s and 1960s to send the military to enforce court desegregation orders and to protect civil rights marchers.

It was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, when he ordered 4,500 troops to Los Angeles after rioting erupted in response to the acquittal of police officers charged with beating Rodney King.

The Insurrection Act says that the president may use the armed forces to subdue an insurrection or rebellion and take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress violence.

But before doing so, he must issue a proclamation ordering insurgents to disperse and return to their homes.

While state governors and legislatures also have the legal authority to ask the president to use troops in this manner, none have done that during this period of unrest. The states have preferred to rely on a combination of local law enforcement and the National Guard, which is under state command, not federal.

Not only does this strategy enable governors to maintain authority over their states’ responses to the clashes in the wake of George Floyd’s death, but it also keeps things more straightforward legally and politically.

Authority uncertain 
 
Reliance on the Insurrection Act raises a host of political and practical questions about who is in charge when the military sends troops into a state.

For example, despite the fact that the act was invoked in response to the Rodney King riots, the military actually was not used as directed. The Joint Task Force Commander in control of the mission appears to have been confused regarding how the Insurrection Act worked alongside the provisions of the Posse Comitatus Act. He issued an order prohibiting troops from directly supporting law enforcement and that led to numerous denials of requests for assistance.

Questions about the federal government’s authority in the wake of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana raised similar concerns.

The administration of President George W. Bush determined that it had authority under the Insurrection Act to send federal troops to the area, despite the fact that Louisiana’s governor was opposed to military assistance.

For political reasons, President Bush did not end up deploying troops but, in 2006, Congress amended the law to address concerns that the military was unable to provide effective assistance to states in emergency situations.

The amendment was later repealed when all 50 state governors raised objections to what they perceived as a grant of unilateral power to the president.

These examples suggest a real difficulty balancing governmental responses to domestic crises. States need the flexibility and authority to respond as they see fit to the needs of their citizens.

But the federal government can and often does serve as a supplemental resource. As the events of the past week illustrate, striking an effective balance is rarely a straightforward thing.

(Jennifer Selin is Kinder Institute Assistant Professor of Constitutional Democracy, University of Missouri-Columbia)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-president-really-order-the-military-to-occupy-us-cities-and-states-139844"> original article</a>) &nbsp;

By Jennifer Selin After a week of both peaceful protests and violent chaos in the wake of George Floyd’s death, President Donald Trump announced, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.

By Jennifer Selin After a week of both peaceful protests and violent chaos in the wake of George Floyd’s death, President Donald Trump announced, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.” Is Trump’s warning just bluster? Does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities? The answer to this question involves a web of legal provisions that help define the president’s constitutional roles as commander in chief and chief executive of the country and that simultaneously try to balance presidential power with the power of state leaders. ‘Protect states in times of violence’ Tracing back to the Magna Carta, the British charter of liberty signed in 1215, there is a longstanding tradition against military involvement in civilian affairs. However, the US Constitution guarantees that the national government will protect the states in times of violence and permits Congress to enact laws that enable the military to aid in carrying out the law. Almost immediately after the Constitution’s enactment in 1787, Congress passed a law that allowed the president to use the military to respond to a series of citizen rebellions. Troops serving as what’s called “posse comitatus,” which translates roughly to “attendants with the capacity to act,” could be called to suppress insurrections and help carry out federal laws. Following the Civil War, the national government used troops in this capacity to aid in Reconstruction efforts, particularly in states that had been part of the Confederacy. The use of troops in this manner may even have influenced the outcome of the 1876 presidential election of Republican Rutherford B. Hayes. That happened when, in return for agreeing to withdraw federal troops from the South, Democrats informally agreed to the election of Hayes when the disputed election was thrown to a congressional commission. Two years later, Hayes signed into law the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibited the use of the military in civilian matters. The Posse Comitatus Act has not changed much since that time. The law prohibits the use of the military in civilian matters but, over time, Congress has passed at least 26 exemptions to the act that allow the president to send troops into states. The exemptions range from providing military personnel to protect national parks to helping states in carrying out state quarantine and health laws. Insurrection Act What exemption would President Trump use if he wants to send the military to one or more states? He would likely rely on the Insurrection Act, which governs certain circumstances when the president can use the military. Signed by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Congress originally passed the law in order to help fight citizen rebellions against federal taxes. Over time, the law has evolved to allow the use of troops in other circumstances. For example, Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson used the Insurrection Act in the 1950s and 1960s to send the military to enforce court desegregation orders and to protect civil rights marchers. It was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, when he ordered 4,500 troops to Los Angeles after rioting erupted in response to the acquittal of police officers charged with beating Rodney King. The Insurrection Act says that the president may use the armed forces to subdue an insurrection or rebellion and take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress violence. But before doing so, he must issue a proclamation ordering insurgents to disperse and return to their homes. While state governors and legislatures also have the legal authority to ask the president to use troops in this manner, none have done that during this period of unrest. The states have preferred to rely on a combination of local law enforcement and the National Guard, which is under state command, not federal. Not only does this strategy enable governors to maintain authority over their states’ responses to the clashes in the wake of George Floyd’s death, but it also keeps things more straightforward legally and politically. Authority uncertain Reliance on the Insurrection Act raises a host of political and practical questions about who is in charge when the military sends troops into a state. For example, despite the fact that the act was invoked in response to the Rodney King riots, the military actually was not used as directed. The Joint Task Force Commander in control of the mission appears to have been confused regarding how the Insurrection Act worked alongside the provisions of the Posse Comitatus Act. He issued an order prohibiting troops from directly supporting law enforcement and that led to numerous denials of requests for assistance. Questions about the federal government’s authority in the wake of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana raised similar concerns. The administration of President George W. Bush determined that it had authority under the Insurrection Act to send federal troops to the area, despite the fact that Louisiana’s governor was opposed to military assistance. For political reasons, President Bush did not end up deploying troops but, in 2006, Congress amended the law to address concerns that the military was unable to provide effective assistance to states in emergency situations. The amendment was later repealed when all 50 state governors raised objections to what they perceived as a grant of unilateral power to the president. These examples suggest a real difficulty balancing governmental responses to domestic crises. States need the flexibility and authority to respond as they see fit to the needs of their citizens. But the federal government can and often does serve as a supplemental resource. As the events of the past week illustrate, striking an effective balance is rarely a straightforward thing. (Jennifer Selin is Kinder Institute Assistant Professor of Constitutional Democracy, University of Missouri-Columbia) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

Can the president really order the military to occupy US cities and states?

Unexpanded G7 has long been in demand for the emerging world. All the member nations agree in principle that in this expansion they are divided over the decision to get the seat at the G7 table.

Putin wants China at G7 table: Trump's G7 expansion plan

Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout on Monday to protest CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision not to take action on a series of controversial posts from President Donald Trump

FB CEO defends no action against Trump's inhuman post

donald-trump

Donald Trump, News on Donald Trump, stories on Donald Trump, articles on Donald Trump, Donald Trump stories at Wion, Donald Trump news, Donald Trump latest news

donald trump