The US-China "Phase 1" trade deal reached in January is not falling apart and the two countries are still working to implement it, the White House`s top economic adviser said on Friday, but President Donald Trump added that he was not "thrilled" with the agreement.

Larry Kudlow told reporters at the White House the trade deal "is continuing," a day after Trump suggested he could cut ties with the world`s second-largest economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-us-unveils-plan-to-hold-china-accountable-for-covid-19-outbreak-298915">Also watch:&nbsp;WION Dispatch: US unveils plan to hold China accountable for COVID-19 outbreak&nbsp;</a>

In an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Thursday, Trump said he was very disappointed with China's failure to contain the coronavirus outbreak and that the pandemic had cast a pall over the trade deal with Beijing that he considers a major achievement.

Tensions between the world's two largest economies have spiked in recent weeks, with officials on both sides suggesting the hard-fought trade deal that defused a bitter 18-month trade war could be abandoned. 
Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, was asked if the trade deal was falling apart. "Absolutely not," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-the-world-is-forming-an-alliance-against-china-298934">Also read:&nbsp;How the world is forming an alliance against China</a>

The Chinese are working toward holding up their end of the agreement, which calls for Beijing to boost purchases of American farm goods, manufactured products, energy and services by $200 billion over two years, Kudlow said.

"They're a little slow on the commodity purchases. I think that has a lot to do with market and economic positions," he said.

Kudlow`s comments came at the end of a week of complaints from Trump about China`s early handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and separate steps by his government to crack down on China`s blacklisted telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies and curb US&nbsp;investment in some Chinese companies.

On Thursday, Trump said he now feels differently about the trade deal and may even cut economic ties with Beijing.

Asked at a White House Rose Garden event on Friday whether he is planning to impose additional tariffs on China or tear up the trade deal, Trump said: "I don`t want to talk about it. I can say China is buying a lot of our product. But the trade deal, the ink was barely dry when this (the virus) came in from China, so it's not like we're thrilled."

Kudlow noted what he described as a successful phone call last week with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Liu He, China's vice premier, as well as a positive deputies call on Thursday night.

"We have other issues with China, and of course the origin of the virus ... but with respect to the trade deal, it is continuing, absolutely," Kudlow said.

Earlier this week, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, which oversees billions in federal retirement dollars, said it would indefinitely delay plans to invest in some Chinese companies that are under scrutiny in Washington.

And on Friday, the Commerce Department moved to block supplies to Huawei, spurring threats of Chinese retaliation against US&nbsp;companies such as Apple and Boeing.

The US-China "Phase 1" trade deal reached in January is not falling apart and the two countries are still working to implement it, the White House`s top economic adviser said on Friday, but President Donald Trump added that he was not "thrilled" with the agreement.

The US-China "Phase 1" trade deal reached in January is not falling apart and the two countries are still working to implement it, the White House`s top economic adviser said on Friday, but President Donald Trump added that he was not "thrilled" with the agreement. Larry Kudlow told reporters at the White House the trade deal "is continuing," a day after Trump suggested he could cut ties with the world`s second-largest economy. Also watch: WION Dispatch: US unveils plan to hold China accountable for COVID-19 outbreak In an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Thursday, Trump said he was very disappointed with China's failure to contain the coronavirus outbreak and that the pandemic had cast a pall over the trade deal with Beijing that he considers a major achievement. Tensions between the world's two largest economies have spiked in recent weeks, with officials on both sides suggesting the hard-fought trade deal that defused a bitter 18-month trade war could be abandoned. Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, was asked if the trade deal was falling apart. "Absolutely not," he said. Also read: How the world is forming an alliance against China The Chinese are working toward holding up their end of the agreement, which calls for Beijing to boost purchases of American farm goods, manufactured products, energy and services by $200 billion over two years, Kudlow said. "They're a little slow on the commodity purchases. I think that has a lot to do with market and economic positions," he said. Kudlow`s comments came at the end of a week of complaints from Trump about China`s early handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and separate steps by his government to crack down on China`s blacklisted telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies and curb US investment in some Chinese companies. On Thursday, Trump said he now feels differently about the trade deal and may even cut economic ties with Beijing. Asked at a White House Rose Garden event on Friday whether he is planning to impose additional tariffs on China or tear up the trade deal, Trump said: "I don`t want to talk about it. I can say China is buying a lot of our product. But the trade deal, the ink was barely dry when this (the virus) came in from China, so it's not like we're thrilled." Kudlow noted what he described as a successful phone call last week with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Liu He, China's vice premier, as well as a positive deputies call on Thursday night. "We have other issues with China, and of course the origin of the virus ... but with respect to the trade deal, it is continuing, absolutely," Kudlow said. Earlier this week, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, which oversees billions in federal retirement dollars, said it would indefinitely delay plans to invest in some Chinese companies that are under scrutiny in Washington. And on Friday, the Commerce Department moved to block supplies to Huawei, spurring threats of Chinese retaliation against US companies such as Apple and Boeing.

US-China trade deal not falling apart: White House adviser

United States of America will donate ventilators to India in battle against pandemic Coronavirus. US President Trump said that India, US will beat this invisible enemy together.

US to donate ventilators to India in battle against pandemic Coronavirus

The Hacking group who recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/website-of-a-high-profile-law-firm-hacked-clients-include-celebrities-like-lady-gaga-priyanka-chopra-298447">attacked a celebrity</a>&nbsp;law firm&nbsp;has now raised their demands. On Thursday, the group went from demanding $20 million to a ​ransom of $42 million and effectively roped the nation by threatening President Donald Trump as well.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/confirmed-scarface-reboot-is-officially-happening-with-call-me-by-your-name-director-to-helm-the-project-298939" hreflang="en">Confirmed! 'Scarface' reboot is officially happening with 'Call Me By Your Name' director to helm the project</a>

One of the most prominent entertainment law firms in the world by Attorney Allen Grubman has been shaken by hackers who attacked his New York law firm website earlier this week. The firm represents big celebrities like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Priyanka Chopra and many more.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-parasite-to-the-pianist-cannes-film-festival-winners-you-can-stream-at-home-298901" hreflang="en">From 'Parasite' to 'The Pianist': Cannes Film Festival winners you can stream at home</a> 
 
On Thursday, the hackers doubled the ransom and posted a new message saying, “The ransom is now&nbsp; $42,000,000 The next person we’ll be publishing is Donald Trump. There’s an election going on, and we found a ton of dirty laundry on time.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jonas-brothers-team-up-with-karol-g-for-their-new-song-titled-x-298922" hreflang="en">Jonas Brothers' team-up with Karol G for their new song titled 'X'</a> 
 
A source said, “His view is, if he paid, the hackers might release the documents anyway. Plus the FBI has stated this hack is considered an act of international terrorism, and we don’t negotiate with terrorists.” 
 
Hacking group Revil has&nbsp;stolen over 756 gigabytes of confidential documents of the stars including celebrity contracts and personal e-mails. They have also deleted the firm’s backups and the only way to get the data back is to pay the criminals.

The Hacking group who recently attacked a celebrity law firm has now raised their demands. On Thursday, the group went from demanding $20 million to a ransom of $42 million and effectively roped the nation by threatening President Donald Trump as well.

The Hacking group who recently attacked a celebrity law firm has now raised their demands. On Thursday, the group went from demanding $20 million to a ransom of $42 million and effectively roped the nation by threatening President Donald Trump as well. Also read: Confirmed! 'Scarface' reboot is officially happening with 'Call Me By Your Name' director to helm the project One of the most prominent entertainment law firms in the world by Attorney Allen Grubman has been shaken by hackers who attacked his New York law firm website earlier this week. The firm represents big celebrities like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Priyanka Chopra and many more. In pics: From 'Parasite' to 'The Pianist': Cannes Film Festival winners you can stream at home On Thursday, the hackers doubled the ransom and posted a new message saying, “The ransom is now $42,000,000 The next person we’ll be publishing is Donald Trump. There’s an election going on, and we found a ton of dirty laundry on time.” Also read: Jonas Brothers' team-up with Karol G for their new song titled 'X' A source said, “His view is, if he paid, the hackers might release the documents anyway. Plus the FBI has stated this hack is considered an act of international terrorism, and we don’t negotiate with terrorists.” Hacking group Revil has stolen over 756 gigabytes of confidential documents of the stars including celebrity contracts and personal e-mails. They have also deleted the firm’s backups and the only way to get the data back is to pay the criminals.

Hackers of celebrity law firm double ransom demand to $42M, threaten Donald Trump

House Democrats on Friday passed a $3 trillion tax cut and spending bill aimed at addressing the devastating economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.

House Democrats pass $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill

President Donald Trump said on Friday the US government would invest in all the top coronavirus vaccine candidates and said a list had been narrowed to 14 promising possibilities with a plan to narrow further.

President Donald Trump said on Friday the US government would invest in all the top coronavirus vaccine candidates and said a list had been narrowed to 14 promising possibilities with a plan to narrow further. At an event in the White House Rose Garden, Trump expressed his hope that a vaccine would be in place before the end of the year and said his administration would mobilize its forces to get a vaccine distributed once one was in place. During remarks in the White House Rose Garden on Friday, the US president also urged schools to reopen in the autumn and insisted: “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.” Unveiling details of “Operation Warp Speed”, Trump said: “That means big and it means fast. A massive scientific, industrial and logistical endeavour unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project.” He added: “Its objective is to finish developing and then manufacture and distribute a proven coronavirus vaccine as fast as possible. Again, we’d love to see if we can do it prior to the end of the year.” (With inputs from agencies)

US government will invest in top coronavirus vaccine candidates: Trump

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President Donald Trump for donating ventilators to India on Saturday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. 
 
This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us. In such times, it’s always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make our world healthier and free from COVID-19. 
 
More power to 🇮🇳 - 🇺🇸 friendship! <a href="https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR">https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1261581118458888192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 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>

The tweet came in response to&nbsp;Trump's tweet.

Donald Trump, on Saturday morning, tweeted that the US will be donating ventilators to India to support the country, and will also be cooperating on development of vaccine for coronavirus treatment.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1261368451555360774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 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 href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-states-will-donate-ventilators-to-india-says-president-trump-299011">Also read:&nbsp;United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump</a>

Modi thanked Trump and stressed on the importance of nations working together to fight the deadly coronavirus, which has affected more than 4 million people worldwide in almost 120 countries.

In an event at the White House, Trump also assured that the US and India are closely working together to develop a vaccine for the virus. "'Many of the people you are talking about are working on the vaccine too. Great scientists and researches. We are working very closely with India too and say hello to your prime minister,'' he told a reporter.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President Donald Trump for donating ventilators to India on Saturday. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President Donald Trump for donating ventilators to India on Saturday. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us. In such times, it’s always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make our world healthier and free from COVID-19. More power to 🇮🇳 - 🇺🇸 friendship! https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2020 × The tweet came in response to Trump's tweet. Donald Trump, on Saturday morning, tweeted that the US will be donating ventilators to India to support the country, and will also be cooperating on development of vaccine for coronavirus treatment. I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and @narendramodi during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 15, 2020 × Also read: United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump Modi thanked Trump and stressed on the importance of nations working together to fight the deadly coronavirus, which has affected more than 4 million people worldwide in almost 120 countries. In an event at the White House, Trump also assured that the US and India are closely working together to develop a vaccine for the virus. "'Many of the people you are talking about are working on the vaccine too. Great scientists and researches. We are working very closely with India too and say hello to your prime minister,'' he told a reporter.

PM Modi thanks Donald Trump for donating ventilators

The United States is developing&nbsp;a ''super duper missile''&nbsp;to outpace military rivals including China and Russia, according to US President Donald Trump.

Unveiling the flag for&nbsp;his new&nbsp;space&nbsp;force&nbsp;in the Oval Office&nbsp;on Friday, Trump touted that the US&nbsp;is ''right now building incredible military equipment,''&nbsp;including a missile that&nbsp;is ''17 times faster'' than his adversaries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed his country has already developed and fielded a hypersonic nuclear missile ahead of the US&nbsp;The Pentagon has been working on the technology.

According to Russian state media, Putin has said his Avangard missiles can ''travel at up to 20 times the speed of sound, like a 'meteorite'&nbsp;or a 'fireball'.''

Later Friday, Jonathan Rath Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman, tweeted that “the Department of Defense is working on developing a range of hypersonic missiles to counter our adversaries.”

''Not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons,''&nbsp;Putin told military chiefs in December.

Last December, Trump signed into law a measure to create the Space Force, saying the US&nbsp;needed to expand its military presence in space. The Air Force previously oversaw offensive and defensive operations in space.

The United States is developing a ''super duper missile'' to outpace military rivals including China and Russia, according to US President Donald Trump. Unveiling the flag for his new space force in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump touted that the US is ''right now building incredible military equipment,'' including a missile that is ''17 times faster'' than his adversaries.

The United States is developing a ''super duper missile'' to outpace military rivals including China and Russia, according to US President Donald Trump. Unveiling the flag for his new space force in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump touted that the US is ''right now building incredible military equipment,'' including a missile that is ''17 times faster'' than his adversaries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed his country has already developed and fielded a hypersonic nuclear missile ahead of the US The Pentagon has been working on the technology. According to Russian state media, Putin has said his Avangard missiles can ''travel at up to 20 times the speed of sound, like a 'meteorite' or a 'fireball'.'' Later Friday, Jonathan Rath Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman, tweeted that “the Department of Defense is working on developing a range of hypersonic missiles to counter our adversaries.” ''Not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons,'' Putin told military chiefs in December. Last December, Trump signed into law a measure to create the Space Force, saying the US needed to expand its military presence in space. The Air Force previously oversaw offensive and defensive operations in space.

US to defeat China and Russia with 'super duper missile'

US President Donald Trump has announced the nuances of the 'warp-speed' effort to create coronavirus vaccine by year's end, defying expert warnings that such a breakthrough could take longer than 18 months.

During remarks in the White House Rose Garden on Friday, he likened the vaccine project, dubbed "Operation Warp Speed", to the World War Two effort to produce the world's first nuclear weapons.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-3-trillion-coronavirus-aid-bill-fate-uncertain-in-senate-298971" hreflang="en">US House passes $3 trillion coronavirus aid bill, fate uncertain in Senate</a>

The project would begin with studies on 14 promising vaccine candidates for accelerated research and approval.

Trump called the operation, "a&nbsp;massive scientific, industrial and logistical endeavour unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project."

Moncef Slaoui, who previously led the vaccines division at pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, will lead the mission, while Gen Gustave Perna, who oversees distribution for the US Army, is to serve as chief operating officer.

He insisted that US is reopening,&nbsp;''vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.''

In testimony to Congress on Tuesday, Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned: “There’s no guarantee that the vaccine is actually going to be effective.”

And on Thursday Rick Bright, the ousted head of a government agency seeking a vaccine, told Congress: “Normally, it takes up to 10 years to make a vaccine. A lot of optimism is swirling around a 12-to-18-month time frame, if everything goes perfectly. We’ve never seen everything go perfectly.”

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<ul>
</ul>

US President Donald Trump has announced the nuances of the 'warp-speed' effort to create coronavirus vaccine by year's end, defying expert warnings that such a breakthrough could take longer than 18 months.

US President Donald Trump has announced the nuances of the 'warp-speed' effort to create coronavirus vaccine by year's end, defying expert warnings that such a breakthrough could take longer than 18 months. During remarks in the White House Rose Garden on Friday, he likened the vaccine project, dubbed "Operation Warp Speed", to the World War Two effort to produce the world's first nuclear weapons. Also read: US House passes $3 trillion coronavirus aid bill, fate uncertain in Senate The project would begin with studies on 14 promising vaccine candidates for accelerated research and approval. Trump called the operation, "a massive scientific, industrial and logistical endeavour unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project." Moncef Slaoui, who previously led the vaccines division at pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, will lead the mission, while Gen Gustave Perna, who oversees distribution for the US Army, is to serve as chief operating officer. He insisted that US is reopening, ''vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.'' In testimony to Congress on Tuesday, Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned: “There’s no guarantee that the vaccine is actually going to be effective.” And on Thursday Rick Bright, the ousted head of a government agency seeking a vaccine, told Congress: “Normally, it takes up to 10 years to make a vaccine. A lot of optimism is swirling around a 12-to-18-month time frame, if everything goes perfectly. We’ve never seen everything go perfectly.”

Trump unveils operation 'warp speed' for rapid vaccine development

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) revealed a $12 billion investment plan in Arizona on Friday. The chip manufacturing company claimed that it will be generating over 1,600 jobs in the US.

TSMC is the biggest contract chipmaker. It is also a major supplier to U.S. tech giants such as Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc, as well as Chinese firms like Huawei Technologies, which has not been America's favourite right now

However,&nbsp;Keith Krach, the U.S. undersecretary for economic growth, energy and the environment, claimed that&nbsp;no assurance has been provided that TSMC will be granted a license to allow it to sell US technology to China's Huawei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsmc-plans-to-build-chip-plant-in-arizona-amid-us-china-rivalry-298838">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry</a>

"I think roughly around 10-12% of TMSC`s business is China, and I think that is in essence almost primarily Huawei," Krach said. "So they will be restricted unless they're granted a license, and there is no assurances on that and we don't anticipate that."

The conflict happened as American President Donald Trump threatened to cut all ties with China accusing the Chinese government of hiding information about&nbsp;coronavirus. Following this accusation and suspecting Huawei of hacking the US research data, the American government blacklisted Chinese technology company&nbsp;Huawei.

"In terms of incentives, I know there is a number of things the U.S. Congress is looking at. I think there are some really good possibilities coming down the road," Krach said, while talking about the incentives being provided to TMSC.

He also urged people and political leaders to join forces in bringing back the manufacturing units back to the US.

China and the US have been at crossroads for the past few months as the US government has accused China of not only withholding information about coronavirus, but also of stealing US research on COVID-19.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) revealed a $12 billion investment plan in Arizona on Friday. The chip manufacturing company claimed that it will be generating over 1,600 jobs in the US.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) revealed a $12 billion investment plan in Arizona on Friday. The chip manufacturing company claimed that it will be generating over 1,600 jobs in the US. TSMC is the biggest contract chipmaker. It is also a major supplier to U.S. tech giants such as Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc, as well as Chinese firms like Huawei Technologies, which has not been America's favourite right now However, Keith Krach, the U.S. undersecretary for economic growth, energy and the environment, claimed that no assurance has been provided that TSMC will be granted a license to allow it to sell US technology to China's Huawei. Also read: Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry "I think roughly around 10-12% of TMSC`s business is China, and I think that is in essence almost primarily Huawei," Krach said. "So they will be restricted unless they're granted a license, and there is no assurances on that and we don't anticipate that." The conflict happened as American President Donald Trump threatened to cut all ties with China accusing the Chinese government of hiding information about coronavirus. Following this accusation and suspecting Huawei of hacking the US research data, the American government blacklisted Chinese technology company Huawei. "In terms of incentives, I know there is a number of things the U.S. Congress is looking at. I think there are some really good possibilities coming down the road," Krach said, while talking about the incentives being provided to TMSC. He also urged people and political leaders to join forces in bringing back the manufacturing units back to the US. China and the US have been at crossroads for the past few months as the US government has accused China of not only withholding information about coronavirus, but also of stealing US research on COVID-19.

No assurance given to TSMC to sell to Huawei: US top official

Foreign policy and its making is sheer and pure craftsmanship. It is either more because, essentially it revolves around power, its exercise and how it relates to interstate relations. There are other dimensions of foreign policy like diplomacy, spycraft, foreign economic relations, military relations and so on but embedded or implicated even in these is power. For a small state or even a middle power, power and foreign policy, do not pose an insuperable problem but for major powers, say like the United States, a country that has a rather inexhaustible supply of power, wielding and crafting it in the sinews of foreign policy is a challenge.

One minor error, say of judgement, in the making of US foreign policy can cost dear in lives, men and material and have far-reaching consequences spanning decades. So, how does the US foreign policymaking establishment make foreign policy? The answer calls for delineating the component and constituent institutions of the US foreign policy establishment. There are the state department, the Pentagon, the CIA, the office of National security and the Congress.&nbsp;

A supplementary role appears to be provided by think tanks.

Foreign policy is made by the synergies and linkages between these institutions of the government. Of course, there are turf wars and at times, their institutions work at cross purposes but in the main, it is the coordination between these and the policy and conceptual inputs garnered and produced by these that go into the making of US foreign policy. The process then is necessarily a top-down affair percolated and mediated through these institutions. Yes, there is the tedium of bureaucracy and the natural inertia of government but sometimes things can be speeded up.

Among these institutions who or what institution is the most powerful or potent one? While there are no definitive answers to these but I would hazard an educated guess and posit that it is the Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and the National Security adviser plus the secretary of the state that are most important and critical. While a powerful, strong and highly intelligent secretary of the state like Henry Kissinger can roll these institutions into one, so to speak, to make these more coherent, oftentimes, it appears that it is the CIA and the National Security office and adviser that constitute the centre of gravity of the making of US foreign policy. This is not to demean other institutions but provide an account of the institutional pecking order.

What about think tanks? Do they have an influence on the making of US foreign policy? Yes, they do. But their role is that of an outsider. By providing area expertise and policy ideas, think tanks have played a role in US foreign policy. But, over the years, the research and policy output produced by the US think tanks have degenerated to an atrocious level.

Till now, a glaring omission in this essay has been the United States’ president. Does he have a role? Indeed, a pivotal one, given that it is the president who signs off a given policy. But, the president is occasionally a generalist and hardly a specialist. He depends upon advice on issues on experts, especially the national security adviser. The quality of advice and how issues are framed and interpreted then become cardinally critical. Real power then rests with those who dispense this advice and who have the president’s ear. However, a president might have strong instincts, preferences and even biases. He may want to leave an imprint of these on foreign policy. Donald Trump springs to mind here. If and when this happens, it can lead to policy disasters. But, yet again, there are checks and balances in the US foreign policy institutional firmament that can act as a check on the president’s worst impulses.

All in all, it would appear that the centre of gravity of US foreign policymaking is institutions like the CIA and the National Security advisor with the president the one who signs policy. There have, in US history been some exceptional presidents like Roosevelt and Abe Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson who have left a mark on the country’s foreign policy.&nbsp;

But, in the final analysis, it is the duo of institutions and experts like the NSA that inform the US foreign policy. Since the CIA operates in secret, naturally given its nature, the onus lies on area experts and policy advisers like the NSA to determine the thrust of foreign policy. (At times, NSAs bring their pet projects and theories to the office which can be dangerous.)&nbsp;

Examples include John Bolton and Brent Snowcroft, to name a couple). Does the current dispensation in the US inspire confidence that sober and prudent foreign policies will be devised, formulated and implemented? The answer is bleak no. This is because the United States is and remains an enormously powerful actor in international relations. If the county sneezes the proverbial sneeze, ripples are felt across the globe. It is then not only the president of the country that must be wise, prudent and far-sighted but also the critical institutions and advisors that must be men of both practical and technical expertise but also be visionaries. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Foreign policy and its making is sheer and pure craftsmanship. It is either more because, essentially it revolves around power, its exercise and how it relates to interstate relations.

Foreign policy and its making is sheer and pure craftsmanship. It is either more because, essentially it revolves around power, its exercise and how it relates to interstate relations. There are other dimensions of foreign policy like diplomacy, spycraft, foreign economic relations, military relations and so on but embedded or implicated even in these is power. For a small state or even a middle power, power and foreign policy, do not pose an insuperable problem but for major powers, say like the United States, a country that has a rather inexhaustible supply of power, wielding and crafting it in the sinews of foreign policy is a challenge. One minor error, say of judgement, in the making of US foreign policy can cost dear in lives, men and material and have far-reaching consequences spanning decades. So, how does the US foreign policymaking establishment make foreign policy? The answer calls for delineating the component and constituent institutions of the US foreign policy establishment. There are the state department, the Pentagon, the CIA, the office of National security and the Congress. A supplementary role appears to be provided by think tanks. Foreign policy is made by the synergies and linkages between these institutions of the government. Of course, there are turf wars and at times, their institutions work at cross purposes but in the main, it is the coordination between these and the policy and conceptual inputs garnered and produced by these that go into the making of US foreign policy. The process then is necessarily a top-down affair percolated and mediated through these institutions. Yes, there is the tedium of bureaucracy and the natural inertia of government but sometimes things can be speeded up. Among these institutions who or what institution is the most powerful or potent one? While there are no definitive answers to these but I would hazard an educated guess and posit that it is the Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and the National Security adviser plus the secretary of the state that are most important and critical. While a powerful, strong and highly intelligent secretary of the state like Henry Kissinger can roll these institutions into one, so to speak, to make these more coherent, oftentimes, it appears that it is the CIA and the National Security office and adviser that constitute the centre of gravity of the making of US foreign policy. This is not to demean other institutions but provide an account of the institutional pecking order. What about think tanks? Do they have an influence on the making of US foreign policy? Yes, they do. But their role is that of an outsider. By providing area expertise and policy ideas, think tanks have played a role in US foreign policy. But, over the years, the research and policy output produced by the US think tanks have degenerated to an atrocious level. Till now, a glaring omission in this essay has been the United States’ president. Does he have a role? Indeed, a pivotal one, given that it is the president who signs off a given policy. But, the president is occasionally a generalist and hardly a specialist. He depends upon advice on issues on experts, especially the national security adviser. The quality of advice and how issues are framed and interpreted then become cardinally critical. Real power then rests with those who dispense this advice and who have the president’s ear. However, a president might have strong instincts, preferences and even biases. He may want to leave an imprint of these on foreign policy. Donald Trump springs to mind here. If and when this happens, it can lead to policy disasters. But, yet again, there are checks and balances in the US foreign policy institutional firmament that can act as a check on the president’s worst impulses. All in all, it would appear that the centre of gravity of US foreign policymaking is institutions like the CIA and the National Security advisor with the president the one who signs policy. There have, in US history been some exceptional presidents like Roosevelt and Abe Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson who have left a mark on the country’s foreign policy. But, in the final analysis, it is the duo of institutions and experts like the NSA that inform the US foreign policy. Since the CIA operates in secret, naturally given its nature, the onus lies on area experts and policy advisers like the NSA to determine the thrust of foreign policy. (At times, NSAs bring their pet projects and theories to the office which can be dangerous.) Examples include John Bolton and Brent Snowcroft, to name a couple). Does the current dispensation in the US inspire confidence that sober and prudent foreign policies will be devised, formulated and implemented? The answer is bleak no. This is because the United States is and remains an enormously powerful actor in international relations. If the county sneezes the proverbial sneeze, ripples are felt across the globe. It is then not only the president of the country that must be wise, prudent and far-sighted but also the critical institutions and advisors that must be men of both practical and technical expertise but also be visionaries. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The making of US foreign policy: Problems and challenges

There is an unsaid rule in Washington that presidents and ex-presidents do not publically clash at any given point. However, American President Donald Trump has called out his White House predecessor Barack Obama to testify in the Senate over a conspiracy theory.

President Trump has termed this conspiracy theory as "Obamagate".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
OBAMAGATE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260735992727769096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 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>

On Thursday, Trump tweeted and asked Obama to testify against the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA by far. He asked Lindsey Graham, a senator, to "just do it".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
If I were a Senator or Congressman, the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA, by FAR, is former President Obama. He knew EVERYTHING. Do it <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LindseyGrahamSC</a>, just do it. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more talk!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260938381254701060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 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>

The tweet come after declassified documents, few days ago, revealed a list of officials from Obama's administration that had requested Trump's national security adviser Flynn to be "unmasked" in intelligence reports regarding calls with the Russian ambassador in 2016.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey, and intelligence chiefs John Brennan and James Clapper were among those named in the declassified documents who were allegedly a part of the plan to undermine Trump's administration.

Not a lot of US Presidents have openly clashed with ex-presidents. However, Trump has left no stone unturned to make his opinion public by tweeting against Obama.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Obama was always wrong! <a href="https://t.co/xRU4kJtExs">https://t.co/xRU4kJtExs</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260562505845354497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 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>

Special counsel Robert Mueller had earlier claimed that&nbsp;Trump and his election campaign contacts with Russians, and there was a direct involvement of Russians in the 2016 election. However, Trump has denied all the rumours by calling it a hoax.

Ex-president Obama replied to Trump's tweet simply by commenting 'vote'.

There is an unsaid rule in Washington that presidents and ex-presidents do not publically clash at any given point. However, American President Donald Trump has called out his White House predecessor Barack Obama to testify in the Senate over a conspiracy theory.

There is an unsaid rule in Washington that presidents and ex-presidents do not publically clash at any given point. However, American President Donald Trump has called out his White House predecessor Barack Obama to testify in the Senate over a conspiracy theory. President Trump has termed this conspiracy theory as "Obamagate". OBAMAGATE! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2020 × On Thursday, Trump tweeted and asked Obama to testify against the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA by far. He asked Lindsey Graham, a senator, to "just do it". If I were a Senator or Congressman, the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA, by FAR, is former President Obama. He knew EVERYTHING. Do it @LindseyGrahamSC, just do it. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more talk! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2020 × The tweet come after declassified documents, few days ago, revealed a list of officials from Obama's administration that had requested Trump's national security adviser Flynn to be "unmasked" in intelligence reports regarding calls with the Russian ambassador in 2016. Former Vice President Joe Biden, former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey, and intelligence chiefs John Brennan and James Clapper were among those named in the declassified documents who were allegedly a part of the plan to undermine Trump's administration. Not a lot of US Presidents have openly clashed with ex-presidents. However, Trump has left no stone unturned to make his opinion public by tweeting against Obama. Obama was always wrong! https://t.co/xRU4kJtExs — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2020 × Special counsel Robert Mueller had earlier claimed that Trump and his election campaign contacts with Russians, and there was a direct involvement of Russians in the 2016 election. However, Trump has denied all the rumours by calling it a hoax. Ex-president Obama replied to Trump's tweet simply by commenting 'vote'.

Donald Trump blames Obama for conspiracy on Twitter; calls it 'Obamagate'

US Senator Thom Tillis presented an 18-point plan. The plan aims at using the help of regional allies to hold the Chinese government accountable for its “lies, deception, and cover-ups” that led to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This plan also includes enhancing military ties with India.

WION Dispatch: US unveils plan to hold China accountable for COVID-19 outbreak

As the US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all ties with China and bring manufacturing back overseas, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) has announced plans to build a&nbsp;$12 billion factory in Arizona. The factory aims to create over 1,600 jobs in the US.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said the deal is&nbsp;"another indication that President Trump’s policy agenda has led to a renaissance in American manufacturing."

TSMC is the biggest contract chipmaker. It is also a major supplier to U.S. tech giants such as Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc, as well as Chinese firms like Huawei Technologies, which has not been America's favourite right now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-covid-19-crisis-trump-threatens-to-cut-off-whole-relationship-with-china-298711">Also read:&nbsp;Amid COVID-19 crisis, Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China'</a>

"This project is of critical, strategic importance to a vibrant and competitive U.S. semiconductor ecosystem that enables leading U.S. companies to fabricate their cutting-edge semiconductor products within the United States," TSMC said.

TSMC aims to build the plant over nine years.&nbsp;"The scale and technology is similar to what TSMC did in China, suggesting a balance between the US &amp; China,"&nbsp; Bernstein analysts commented.

This project can act as a peacemaker between the countries who have been engaged in a vocal war for the past few months. "While it is hard to be certain, we believe that TSMC announcing a U.S. Fab could remove the threat of further Huawei restrictions in the very near-term at least," JP Morgan analysts noted.

However, nothing can be guaranteed at this point, considering the political environment in both the countries.

The plant, the biggest foreign investment by TSMC, will produce the most sophisticated 5 nanometer chips, which can be used in high-end defense and communications devices.

(With inputs from Reuters)

As the US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all ties with China and bring manufacturing back overseas, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) has announced plans to build a $12 billion factory in Arizona.

As the US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all ties with China and bring manufacturing back overseas, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) has announced plans to build a $12 billion factory in Arizona. The factory aims to create over 1,600 jobs in the US. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said the deal is "another indication that President Trump’s policy agenda has led to a renaissance in American manufacturing." TSMC is the biggest contract chipmaker. It is also a major supplier to U.S. tech giants such as Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc, as well as Chinese firms like Huawei Technologies, which has not been America's favourite right now. Also read: Amid COVID-19 crisis, Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China' "This project is of critical, strategic importance to a vibrant and competitive U.S. semiconductor ecosystem that enables leading U.S. companies to fabricate their cutting-edge semiconductor products within the United States," TSMC said. TSMC aims to build the plant over nine years. "The scale and technology is similar to what TSMC did in China, suggesting a balance between the US & China," Bernstein analysts commented. This project can act as a peacemaker between the countries who have been engaged in a vocal war for the past few months. "While it is hard to be certain, we believe that TSMC announcing a U.S. Fab could remove the threat of further Huawei restrictions in the very near-term at least," JP Morgan analysts noted. However, nothing can be guaranteed at this point, considering the political environment in both the countries. The plant, the biggest foreign investment by TSMC, will produce the most sophisticated 5 nanometer chips, which can be used in high-end defense and communications devices. (With inputs from Reuters)

Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry

From a verbal threat to an official warning, the US has alleged China of launching cyber attacks to steal its Covid-19 vaccine research.

Is China stealing US vaccine research?

A judge in the US federal court has appointed a&nbsp;former prosecutor and judge on Wednesday to oppose the Justice Department’s effort to drop the case and to explore a perjury charge against US President Donald Trump's former aide Michael&nbsp;Flynn.

Sullivan said he was seeking Gleeson’s recommendation on whether Flynn should face a criminal contempt charge for perjury because he testified under oath that he was guilty of lying to the&nbsp;FBI&nbsp;but then reversed course and said he had never lied.

The surprising decision of the Department of Justice to drop its case against Flynn on 7 May came after growing pressure from Donald Trump and his political allies who repeatedly accused the FBI of improprieties in how it handled the investigation.

Until then, the DoJ had defended the FBI’s actions in the case.

Interestingly, the decision by the Justice Department was led by Trump's&nbsp;close ally Attorney General Bill Barr.

It sparked accusations that Barr was undermining longstanding department policies barring interference in cases involving political cronies.

Flynn, a retired lieutenant general who served as an adviser to Trump during the 2016 campaign, pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his interactions with Russia’s US ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the weeks before Trump took office.

However, later in the case he switched lawyers and tactics, accusing the FBI of tricking him and seeking to have his guilty plea withdrawn.

<aside>&nbsp;</aside>

A judge in the US federal court has appointed a former prosecutor and judge on Wednesday to oppose the Justice Department’s effort to drop the case and to explore a perjury charge against US President Donald Trump's former aide Michael Flynn.

A judge in the US federal court has appointed a former prosecutor and judge on Wednesday to oppose the Justice Department’s effort to drop the case and to explore a perjury charge against US President Donald Trump's former aide Michael Flynn. Sullivan said he was seeking Gleeson’s recommendation on whether Flynn should face a criminal contempt charge for perjury because he testified under oath that he was guilty of lying to the FBI but then reversed course and said he had never lied. The surprising decision of the Department of Justice to drop its case against Flynn on 7 May came after growing pressure from Donald Trump and his political allies who repeatedly accused the FBI of improprieties in how it handled the investigation. Until then, the DoJ had defended the FBI’s actions in the case. Interestingly, the decision by the Justice Department was led by Trump's close ally Attorney General Bill Barr. It sparked accusations that Barr was undermining longstanding department policies barring interference in cases involving political cronies. Flynn, a retired lieutenant general who served as an adviser to Trump during the 2016 campaign, pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his interactions with Russia’s US ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the weeks before Trump took office. However, later in the case he switched lawyers and tactics, accusing the FBI of tricking him and seeking to have his guilty plea withdrawn.

US judge mulls contempt charge against Trump's ex-adviser

The head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is expected to step down from his post on Thursday.&nbsp; Roberto Azevêdo&nbsp;has scheduled a meeting a virtual meeting on Thursday afternoon, to inform national members that he will be leaving his office in September, a year before the actual term end date.

He has been Director-General at the Geneva-based trade body since 2013 and was on a second term of office.

The heads of delegations of the WTO&nbsp;were called to a special meeting to be held at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT)&nbsp;to inform them about "pressing WTO administrative issues".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-approval-rating-dips-currently-trails-behind-biden-polls-298359">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls</a>

It is being speculated that the decision has been made following the constant verbal attacks at the trade body by the US President Donald Trump's government. President Trump recently blamed it for allowing China to practise unfair trade.&nbsp;Last year too,the appellate body, the highest authority in the organisation’s dispute settlement process, ceased to function after the US blocked the appointment of new judges to replace two who retired.

There has been no news of Azevêdo replacement yet. It is believed that the process of finding a replacement for the chair might take more than few months, and could stretch out till next year.

The WTO has reserved any comments till the end of this meeting.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is expected to step down from his post on Thursday. Roberto Azevêdo has scheduled a meeting a virtual meeting on Thursday afternoon, to inform national members that he will be leaving his office in September, a year before the actual term end date.

The head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is expected to step down from his post on Thursday. Roberto Azevêdo has scheduled a meeting a virtual meeting on Thursday afternoon, to inform national members that he will be leaving his office in September, a year before the actual term end date. He has been Director-General at the Geneva-based trade body since 2013 and was on a second term of office. The heads of delegations of the WTO were called to a special meeting to be held at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT) to inform them about "pressing WTO administrative issues". Also read: Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls It is being speculated that the decision has been made following the constant verbal attacks at the trade body by the US President Donald Trump's government. President Trump recently blamed it for allowing China to practise unfair trade. Last year too,the appellate body, the highest authority in the organisation’s dispute settlement process, ceased to function after the US blocked the appointment of new judges to replace two who retired. There has been no news of Azevêdo replacement yet. It is believed that the process of finding a replacement for the chair might take more than few months, and could stretch out till next year. The WTO has reserved any comments till the end of this meeting. (With inputs from Reuters)

World Trade Organization Chief to resign in a virtual meeting

American President Donald Trump has not been spotted wearing&nbsp;face mask even once during the past few months when coronavirus has taken over the world.

The issue was raised, and the President was trolled and criticized, majorly when he visited the Honeywell plant in Arizona few weeks back. Honeywell plant, which was earlier an&nbsp;aerospace plant in Phoenix, has started producing masks&nbsp;in recent months as the country faced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).&nbsp;

Donald Trump, on his visit to examine the operation, was spotted without a mask in the mask-producing factory. Although, he claimed he wore a mask backstage. This raised the question of why does the American President not wear a mask.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fast-and-safely-donald-trump-comes-in-support-for-elon-musks-fremont-factory-298366">Also read:&nbsp;'Fast and safely': Donald Trump comes in support for Elon Musk's Fremont factory</a>

Donald Trump is not alone in this. Not wearing a mask seems to be a subtle representation of Trump's administration. Vice President Mike Pence was criticized for not wearing a mask during his tour of the Mayo Clinic in April.

When the nationwide lockdown was initiated, a lot of Americans scrambled on the streets to protest against the lockdown, asking for their lives back. Majority of these protestors, who took over the roads and the beaches, were spotted without masks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-approval-rating-dips-currently-trails-behind-biden-polls-298359">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls</a>

The absence of masks from these protests and the official tours hints towards the underlying problem of racial discrimination and&nbsp;prejudices. Wearing a mask was earlier, especially in the US, associated with Asian communities. Asian Americans have faced various racial attacks and slurs for wearing a mask.

Later, as the masks became important and compulsory, a lot of cities got complaints of police targeting Black minority groups for 'covering their faces', when they were wearing masks. These men, who were simply following the protocol of social distancing, were profiled as criminals.

Trump has not been known to bite his tongue when it comes to blaming China for spreading coronavirus in the world. In a recent press conference, when an Asian-American journalist asked Trump a question, he responded back saying "Don't ask me, ask China" and ended the press conference saying the said reporter asked a "nasty" question.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Trump storms out of coronavirus press conference after getting called out for a racist comment to an Asian American reporter. Kudos to CNN’s ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/kaitlancollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kaitlancollins</a>⁩ who let the reporter follow up with Trump over his racist question. <a href="https://t.co/NQySU4P4NH">pic.twitter.com/NQySU4P4NH</a>
— John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@aravosis) <a href="https://twitter.com/aravosis/status/1259956800645992448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 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>

Another reason why Americans have refused to listen to the health experts, is the show of 'manliness'. It has been observed that a&nbsp;lot of Americans associate wearing masks to weakness. They feel it is a sign of being weak. They like to believe that coronavirus is not an issue and everything in the world is normal. Coronavirus, according to them, is simply a small virus which has been hyped by the media. In order to prove their manliness, Americans feel it is necessary that they do not show any sign of weakness, which would include succumbing to the guidelines of health experts.

It is not only men who feel this way. Women, too, have been spotted outdoors without masks. They, too, have joined the protests and feel wearing a mask is a sign of weakness, and that everything is normal.&nbsp;

The fact that the US is one of the worst-hit countries by the deadly coronavirus pandemic points at the problematic current trend of Americans not wearing masks. It is always said that the citizens follow their ruler. Sadly, in this case, Donald Trump, has not been able to set the right example.

American President Donald Trump has not been spotted wearing face mask even once during the past few months when coronavirus has taken over the world. The issue was raised, and the President was trolled and criticized, majorly when he visited the Honeywell plant in Arizona few weeks back.

American President Donald Trump has not been spotted wearing face mask even once during the past few months when coronavirus has taken over the world. The issue was raised, and the President was trolled and criticized, majorly when he visited the Honeywell plant in Arizona few weeks back. Honeywell plant, which was earlier an aerospace plant in Phoenix, has started producing masks in recent months as the country faced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Donald Trump, on his visit to examine the operation, was spotted without a mask in the mask-producing factory. Although, he claimed he wore a mask backstage. This raised the question of why does the American President not wear a mask. Also read: 'Fast and safely': Donald Trump comes in support for Elon Musk's Fremont factory Donald Trump is not alone in this. Not wearing a mask seems to be a subtle representation of Trump's administration. Vice President Mike Pence was criticized for not wearing a mask during his tour of the Mayo Clinic in April. When the nationwide lockdown was initiated, a lot of Americans scrambled on the streets to protest against the lockdown, asking for their lives back. Majority of these protestors, who took over the roads and the beaches, were spotted without masks. Also read: Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls The absence of masks from these protests and the official tours hints towards the underlying problem of racial discrimination and prejudices. Wearing a mask was earlier, especially in the US, associated with Asian communities. Asian Americans have faced various racial attacks and slurs for wearing a mask. Later, as the masks became important and compulsory, a lot of cities got complaints of police targeting Black minority groups for 'covering their faces', when they were wearing masks. These men, who were simply following the protocol of social distancing, were profiled as criminals. Trump has not been known to bite his tongue when it comes to blaming China for spreading coronavirus in the world. In a recent press conference, when an Asian-American journalist asked Trump a question, he responded back saying "Don't ask me, ask China" and ended the press conference saying the said reporter asked a "nasty" question. Trump storms out of coronavirus press conference after getting called out for a racist comment to an Asian American reporter. Kudos to CNN’s ⁦@kaitlancollins⁩ who let the reporter follow up with Trump over his racist question. pic.twitter.com/NQySU4P4NH — John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@aravosis) May 11, 2020 × Another reason why Americans have refused to listen to the health experts, is the show of 'manliness'. It has been observed that a lot of Americans associate wearing masks to weakness. They feel it is a sign of being weak. They like to believe that coronavirus is not an issue and everything in the world is normal. Coronavirus, according to them, is simply a small virus which has been hyped by the media. In order to prove their manliness, Americans feel it is necessary that they do not show any sign of weakness, which would include succumbing to the guidelines of health experts. It is not only men who feel this way. Women, too, have been spotted outdoors without masks. They, too, have joined the protests and feel wearing a mask is a sign of weakness, and that everything is normal. The fact that the US is one of the worst-hit countries by the deadly coronavirus pandemic points at the problematic current trend of Americans not wearing masks. It is always said that the citizens follow their ruler. Sadly, in this case, Donald Trump, has not been able to set the right example.

Donald Trump's refusal to wear masks hints towards racism and masculinity in America

US President Donald Trump has supported Tesla CEO Elon Musk in his tussle with California's Alameda&nbsp;County officials over the reopening of his Fremont factory.&nbsp;

Trump took to Twitter to show his support to Elon Musk. He tweeted: "California should let Tesla &amp; @elonmusk open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast &amp; Safely!"&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
California should let Tesla &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast &amp; Safely!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260203080076931072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 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>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1260269880458178560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 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>

To which Elon musk replied "Thank you!"&nbsp;

Alameda County of California has put all the non-essential businesses on hold, including Tesla's Fremont factory. To which Musk threatened to move out his factory from California if not allowed to begin production.

Trump is trying to reopen the American economy as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Earlier, few in Trump administration have also come in support of Musk, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told a local media channel that the State (California) authorities should work harder to reopen the local economy. Mnuchin went on to call Musk as one of the biggest employers and manufacturers in California and should prioritize to solve the issues so that Tesla could resume its operations.

Governor Gavin Newsom also supported Musk calling it "county-led enforcement". Musk responded to Newsom and thanked him via tweet. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has supported Tesla CEO Elon Musk in his tussle with California's Alameda County officials over the reopening of his Fremont factory. Trump took to Twitter to show his support to Elon Musk.

US President Donald Trump has supported Tesla CEO Elon Musk in his tussle with California's Alameda County officials over the reopening of his Fremont factory. Trump took to Twitter to show his support to Elon Musk. He tweeted: "California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast & Safely!" California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast & Safely! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2020 × Thank you! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 12, 2020 × To which Elon musk replied "Thank you!" Alameda County of California has put all the non-essential businesses on hold, including Tesla's Fremont factory. To which Musk threatened to move out his factory from California if not allowed to begin production. Trump is trying to reopen the American economy as soon as possible. Earlier, few in Trump administration have also come in support of Musk, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told a local media channel that the State (California) authorities should work harder to reopen the local economy. Mnuchin went on to call Musk as one of the biggest employers and manufacturers in California and should prioritize to solve the issues so that Tesla could resume its operations. Governor Gavin Newsom also supported Musk calling it "county-led enforcement". Musk responded to Newsom and thanked him via tweet.

'Fast and safely': Donald Trump comes in support for Elon Musk's Fremont factory

Looking at coronavirus situation in the United States, Donald Trump now trails behind Joe Biden by eight per cent points among registered voters. The poll was conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and was released on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-not-yet-under-control-lifting-lockdown-too-soon-anthony-fauci-298324" hreflang="en">Coronavirus 'not yet' under control, lifting lockdown too soon: Anthony Fauci</a>

According to the poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday shows that 41 per cent of American adults approve of Trump, this is four points lower than a similar poll ran in mid-April. Around 56 per cent disapprove of Trump.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-might-take-some-time-top-health-expert-anthony-fauci-298327" hreflang="en">Coronavirus vaccine might take some time: Top health expert Anthony Fauci</a>

The poll showed that 46 per cent of registered voters said they would vote for Biden in the this year's presidential election scheduled to be held on November 3, while 38 per cent would vote for Trump. That compared with a 2-point Biden lead in Reuters/Ipsos polling last week.

Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the US. It gathered responses from 1,112 American adults, including 973 who identified as registered voters. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

The reason for the dip in Trump's approval rating is because of his coronavirus response. He downplayed the threat of the virus several times and contradicted his own virus specialists number of times.&nbsp;

The United States currently has over 80,000 casualties whereas they have 1,300,000+ cases.&nbsp;

On top of it, Donald Trump has been in favour of opening up the country's economy amidst an increasing number of cases which many citizens are worried about.&nbsp;

Looking at coronavirus situation in the United States, Donald Trump now trails behind Joe Biden by eight per cent points among registered voters. The poll was conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and was released on Tuesday.

Looking at coronavirus situation in the United States, Donald Trump now trails behind Joe Biden by eight per cent points among registered voters. The poll was conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and was released on Tuesday. Also read: Coronavirus 'not yet' under control, lifting lockdown too soon: Anthony Fauci According to the poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday shows that 41 per cent of American adults approve of Trump, this is four points lower than a similar poll ran in mid-April. Around 56 per cent disapprove of Trump. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine might take some time: Top health expert Anthony Fauci The poll showed that 46 per cent of registered voters said they would vote for Biden in the this year's presidential election scheduled to be held on November 3, while 38 per cent would vote for Trump. That compared with a 2-point Biden lead in Reuters/Ipsos polling last week. Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the US. It gathered responses from 1,112 American adults, including 973 who identified as registered voters. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of plus or minus 4 percentage points. The reason for the dip in Trump's approval rating is because of his coronavirus response. He downplayed the threat of the virus several times and contradicted his own virus specialists number of times. The United States currently has over 80,000 casualties whereas they have 1,300,000+ cases. On top of it, Donald Trump has been in favour of opening up the country's economy amidst an increasing number of cases which many citizens are worried about.

Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls

One thing is certain, the recent US military pullback from Saudi Arabia will fuel a brewing arms race in the Middle East at a time when the region, struggling with the public health and devastating economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, can least afford it. It’s a financially costly race that neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran can really afford in an era of economic meltdown.

Saudi Arabia is likely to see the withdrawal, despite a seemingly reassuring phone call between Saudi King Salman and President Donald Trump, as further evidence that it cannot fully rely, for its defence, on the United States.

The drawdown involves two US Patriot anti-missile systems that were sent to the kingdom last year to bolster its defences in the wake of alleged Iranian watershed attacks on Saudi oil facilities and oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The withdrawal came on the heels of the successful launch of Iran’s first military reconnaissance satellite that not only catapulted the Islamic Republic into an elite group of about a dozen countries capable of orbital launches but also signalled its capabilities despite crippling US economic sanctions and a public healthcare crisis.

The satellite “Will play a role in identification missions and in providing strategic assistance to the armed forces in identification, communication, and navigation missions. We must use these satellites and provide services to the armed forces,” said Iranian General Ali Jafarabadi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ space division.

Iran hawks in the United States and Israel worry that the satellite will enhance the Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile capability, a pillar of its defence strategy, as well as the ability of Hezbollah, the pro-Iranian Shiite militia in Lebanon, to convert its rocket and GPS-guided weapons stockpile into smart munitions.

The Trump administration’s drawdown decision was announced amid estimates that Iran’s gradual backing away from a 2015 international agreement – that curbed its nuclear program in response to a US withdrawal from the accord in 2018, had cut in half the time it would need to produce enough weapons-grade fuel to build a nuclear weapon.

The risk of an arms race was explicit in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s warning at the time that Trump was gearing up to withdraw from the nuclear agreement that “Without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.”

A report last week by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggested that talks with the kingdom on US help to create a Saudi civil nuclear program had stalled because of Saudi reluctance to agree to enrichment and reprocessing restrictions and signing of an Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which would allow IAEA to obtain expanded information about Saudi nuclear activities and grant it access to facilities.

The development of the local defence industry is a pillar of Prince Mohammed’s troubled Vision 2030 plan designed to streamline and diversify the Saudi economy that has been thrown into doubt by the global economic depression. The kingdom this week tripled sales taxes from five to 15 per cent and suspended cost-of-living allowances for government employees to cope with a fiscal crunch.

Anthony Cordesman, a Washington-based Gulf military analyst, warned that the Saudi plan to build a defence industry was not the best way to diversify the kingdom’s economy even if it would create some jobs and boost its technology sector.

There is “Virtually no way to waste money more effectively than trying to create an effective technology base or fund a weapons assembly effort in an area of industry and technology which is so demanding, offers so few real-world benefits in job creation, and where there often is so little ability to use the technology needed for specific weapons or purposes – particularly civil ones,” Cordesman said.

“Such an effort would involve other problems— the domestic needs for such weapons is limited and Saudi Arabia would likely be unable to compete in selling these weapons on the international market,” Cordesman went on to say.

Iran’s satellite launch is the latest building block in an arms race that Iran, like the UAE, is ironically better placed than Saudi Arabia to compete in given its already existing defence industry and more diversified industrial base.

Ballistic missiles and drones are other building blocks.

Satellite images revealed last year that Saudi Arabia had a facility deep in the Saudi desert designed to test and possibly manufacture ballistic missiles that potentially would be capable of delivering nuclear warheads to targets thousands of kilometres from their launch point. The facility is believed to be intended to counter Iran’s far advanced ballistic missile program.

The kingdom is similarly set to begin next year producing military drones that would match Iran’s bomb-carrying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that reportedly have a range of 1,500 kilometres.

China agreed in 2017 to build a facility in Saudi Arabia to produce UAVs, the People’s Republic’s first overseas military manufacturing site.

“The Middle East has become a drone warfare theatre,” said Alessandro Arduino, a drone warfare researcher at Singapore’s Middle East Institute. “Their deployment has ushered in a new era of post-coronavirus deterrence and turned conventional military doctrine on its head. From Yemen to Libya and Syria, warring parties resist calls for a truce, emboldened by the role of armed UAVs.”

The reality on the ground, however, is neither of these countries can presently afford the extraordinary financial and technological cost of such militaristic endeavours when their economies are battered by a far-reaching global depression, a collapse of oil prices, and a health pandemic. Iran, moreover, is struggling to grope with US sanctions while Saudi Arabia faces painful fiscal problems and structural reforms.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(First Published on InsideArabia) 
&nbsp;

One thing is certain, the recent US military pullback from Saudi Arabia will fuel a brewing arms race in the Middle East at a time when the region, struggling with the public health and devastating economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, can least afford it.

One thing is certain, the recent US military pullback from Saudi Arabia will fuel a brewing arms race in the Middle East at a time when the region, struggling with the public health and devastating economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, can least afford it. It’s a financially costly race that neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran can really afford in an era of economic meltdown. Saudi Arabia is likely to see the withdrawal, despite a seemingly reassuring phone call between Saudi King Salman and President Donald Trump, as further evidence that it cannot fully rely, for its defence, on the United States. The drawdown involves two US Patriot anti-missile systems that were sent to the kingdom last year to bolster its defences in the wake of alleged Iranian watershed attacks on Saudi oil facilities and oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. The withdrawal came on the heels of the successful launch of Iran’s first military reconnaissance satellite that not only catapulted the Islamic Republic into an elite group of about a dozen countries capable of orbital launches but also signalled its capabilities despite crippling US economic sanctions and a public healthcare crisis. The satellite “Will play a role in identification missions and in providing strategic assistance to the armed forces in identification, communication, and navigation missions. We must use these satellites and provide services to the armed forces,” said Iranian General Ali Jafarabadi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ space division. Iran hawks in the United States and Israel worry that the satellite will enhance the Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile capability, a pillar of its defence strategy, as well as the ability of Hezbollah, the pro-Iranian Shiite militia in Lebanon, to convert its rocket and GPS-guided weapons stockpile into smart munitions. The Trump administration’s drawdown decision was announced amid estimates that Iran’s gradual backing away from a 2015 international agreement – that curbed its nuclear program in response to a US withdrawal from the accord in 2018, had cut in half the time it would need to produce enough weapons-grade fuel to build a nuclear weapon. The risk of an arms race was explicit in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s warning at the time that Trump was gearing up to withdraw from the nuclear agreement that “Without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.” A report last week by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggested that talks with the kingdom on US help to create a Saudi civil nuclear program had stalled because of Saudi reluctance to agree to enrichment and reprocessing restrictions and signing of an Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which would allow IAEA to obtain expanded information about Saudi nuclear activities and grant it access to facilities. The development of the local defence industry is a pillar of Prince Mohammed’s troubled Vision 2030 plan designed to streamline and diversify the Saudi economy that has been thrown into doubt by the global economic depression. The kingdom this week tripled sales taxes from five to 15 per cent and suspended cost-of-living allowances for government employees to cope with a fiscal crunch. Anthony Cordesman, a Washington-based Gulf military analyst, warned that the Saudi plan to build a defence industry was not the best way to diversify the kingdom’s economy even if it would create some jobs and boost its technology sector. There is “Virtually no way to waste money more effectively than trying to create an effective technology base or fund a weapons assembly effort in an area of industry and technology which is so demanding, offers so few real-world benefits in job creation, and where there often is so little ability to use the technology needed for specific weapons or purposes – particularly civil ones,” Cordesman said. “Such an effort would involve other problems— the domestic needs for such weapons is limited and Saudi Arabia would likely be unable to compete in selling these weapons on the international market,” Cordesman went on to say. Iran’s satellite launch is the latest building block in an arms race that Iran, like the UAE, is ironically better placed than Saudi Arabia to compete in given its already existing defence industry and more diversified industrial base. Ballistic missiles and drones are other building blocks. Satellite images revealed last year that Saudi Arabia had a facility deep in the Saudi desert designed to test and possibly manufacture ballistic missiles that potentially would be capable of delivering nuclear warheads to targets thousands of kilometres from their launch point. The facility is believed to be intended to counter Iran’s far advanced ballistic missile program. The kingdom is similarly set to begin next year producing military drones that would match Iran’s bomb-carrying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that reportedly have a range of 1,500 kilometres. China agreed in 2017 to build a facility in Saudi Arabia to produce UAVs, the People’s Republic’s first overseas military manufacturing site. “The Middle East has become a drone warfare theatre,” said Alessandro Arduino, a drone warfare researcher at Singapore’s Middle East Institute. “Their deployment has ushered in a new era of post-coronavirus deterrence and turned conventional military doctrine on its head. From Yemen to Libya and Syria, warring parties resist calls for a truce, emboldened by the role of armed UAVs.” The reality on the ground, however, is neither of these countries can presently afford the extraordinary financial and technological cost of such militaristic endeavours when their economies are battered by a far-reaching global depression, a collapse of oil prices, and a health pandemic. Iran, moreover, is struggling to grope with US sanctions while Saudi Arabia faces painful fiscal problems and structural reforms. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (First Published on InsideArabia)

US military drawdown in Saudi Arabia threatens to fuel arms race

U.S. President Donald Trump deflected all criticism to China as he lambasted an Asian-American reporter at a White House Press Conference. Meanwhile, anti-lockdown protesters in U.S. are working out on the streets and demanding that gyms be reopened.

Gravitas: Trump spars with Asian-American reporter

"Trump Death Clock," created by filmmaker Eugene Jarecki, shows the number of US coronavirus deaths that its creator says could have been avoided if President Donald Trump had acted on time, according to a report.

"Trump Death Clock," created by filmmaker Eugene Jarecki, shows the number of US coronavirus deaths that its creator says could have been avoided if President Donald Trump had acted on time, according to a report. The "clock" was installed on the roof of a Times Square building, empty due to the pandemic, the report added. As of Monday, the counter showed more than 48,000 deaths out of a total of more than 80,000 death toll worldwide. × "Trump Death Clock," ticks on the assumption that 60 per cent of COVID-19 deaths in the United States could have been prevented had the Trump administration implemented mandatory social distancing and school closures just a week earlier than it did, on March 9 instead of March 16, Jarecki explained in a post on Medium. The New York-based filmmaker, who has twice won awards at the Sundance Film Festival, explained that 60 per cent was a conservative estimate calculated by specialists following remarks made in mid-April by leading US infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci. Fauci, who has become the trusted face of the government's virus response, had said that if "you had started mitigation earlier, you could have saved lives." "The lives already unnecessarily lost demand we seek more responsible crisis leadership," Jarecki wrote in his Medium post. "Just as the names of fallen soldiers are etched on memorials to remind us of the cost of war, quantifying the lives lost to the president's delayed coronavirus response would serve a vital public function."

'Trump Death Clock' in New York's Times Square counts preventable US coronavirus deaths

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter.

CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to insist that the US was doing better than other countries when it came to testing for the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Also read: Global stocks rattled after Donald Trump says no 'deadline' on US-China trade deal</a> 
 
"Why does that matter?" she asked. "Why is this a global competition when, every day, Americans are still losing their lives?"

"They're losing their lives everywhere in the world," Trump replied. "And maybe that's a question you should ask China. Don't ask me, ask China that question, OK?"

Jiang, who identifies herself in her Twitter bio as a "Chinese born West Virginian," pushed back.

"Sir, why are you saying that to me specifically?" she said, implying it was due to her race.

"I'm saying it to anybody who would ask a nasty question like that," Trump said.

He then attempted to move on to another reporter as Jiang continued to press him about his response.

Trump called on another female reporter but then immediately called on someone else.

When the woman tried to ask her question, Trump abruptly ended the press conference and walked back into the White House.

The internet was quick to rally round Jiang, with the hashtag #StandWithWeijiaJiang soon trending on Twitter.

"I #StandWithWeijiaJiang against Trump's racist tantrums," tweeted "Star Trek" actor and prominent Asian-American activist George Takei.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithWeijiaJiang?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithWeijiaJiang</a> against Trump's racist tantrums.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeTakei/status/1259985874873454592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 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>

Reporter and CNN political analyst April Ryan, who has also been on the receiving end of Trump's words, tweeted: "Welcome to the club! This is sickening! It is his habit!"

Trump, who has never been shy about his dislike for the news media, has often locked horns with journalists during his coronavirus press briefings.

More than 80,000 people have died in the US from the coronavirus pandemic, out of more than 1.3 million cases, according to the latest figures on Monday from Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest death toll of any country.

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter. CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to insist that the US was doing better than other countries when it came to testing for the virus.

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter. CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to insist that the US was doing better than other countries when it came to testing for the virus. Also read: Global stocks rattled after Donald Trump says no 'deadline' on US-China trade deal "Why does that matter?" she asked. "Why is this a global competition when, every day, Americans are still losing their lives?" "They're losing their lives everywhere in the world," Trump replied. "And maybe that's a question you should ask China. Don't ask me, ask China that question, OK?" Jiang, who identifies herself in her Twitter bio as a "Chinese born West Virginian," pushed back. "Sir, why are you saying that to me specifically?" she said, implying it was due to her race. "I'm saying it to anybody who would ask a nasty question like that," Trump said. He then attempted to move on to another reporter as Jiang continued to press him about his response. Trump called on another female reporter but then immediately called on someone else. When the woman tried to ask her question, Trump abruptly ended the press conference and walked back into the White House. The internet was quick to rally round Jiang, with the hashtag #StandWithWeijiaJiang soon trending on Twitter. "I #StandWithWeijiaJiang against Trump's racist tantrums," tweeted "Star Trek" actor and prominent Asian-American activist George Takei. I #StandWithWeijiaJiang against Trump's racist tantrums. — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 11, 2020 × Reporter and CNN political analyst April Ryan, who has also been on the receiving end of Trump's words, tweeted: "Welcome to the club! This is sickening! It is his habit!" Trump, who has never been shy about his dislike for the news media, has often locked horns with journalists during his coronavirus press briefings. More than 80,000 people have died in the US from the coronavirus pandemic, out of more than 1.3 million cases, according to the latest figures on Monday from Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest death toll of any country.

Donald Trump abruptly ends press conference on COVID-19 after heated argument with two women reporters

Washington's policy for 50 years has been designed to manage China's rise to great power status peacefully

Has the US-China cold war now begun?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said on Saturday it would allow state health departments to distribute Gilead Sciences Inc’s remdesivir drug to fight COVID-19

White House to distribute Remdesivir to American people

China has issued a lengthy rebuttal of what it said were 24 lies by some leading US politicians over its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

China refutes 24 US' lies over coronavirus outbreak

Three key US officials including&nbsp;Anthony Fauci, a high-profile member of the White House coronavirus response team,&nbsp;have been self-quarantined after being in&nbsp;contact with&nbsp;a person who tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

Fauci,&nbsp;a well-known member of White House's coronavirus response team, has tested negative for coronavirus but is constantly being tested for the virus. The 79-year-old National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) director has been considered to be a lower risk based on his exposure.

According to the Washington Post, Robert Redfield, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be "teleworking" for the next two weeks after a low-risk exposure.&nbsp;

US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn is the third person&nbsp;in self-quarantine after the&nbsp;60-year-old came in contact with a person who was tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

All three key members are set to testify on Tuesday to a Senate committee looking at state and federal government are taking to reopen business sectors and schools that have been shut to curb the coronavirus spread.&nbsp;

The FDA spokesman Michael Felberbaum in an emailed statement said that Hahn took a diagnostic test for the coronavirus and the results were negative. He wrote: "As Dr Hahn wrote in a note to staff today, he recently came into contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. Per CDC guidelines, he is now in self-quarantine for the next two weeks."

Politico had reported that Hahn came in contact with US vice president Mike Pence's press secretary Katie Miller.

Miller is the wife of one of Trump’s senior advisers Stephen Miller, tested positive on Friday, raising alarm about the virus’ potential spread within the White House’s innermost circle.

White House immigration adviser and speechwriter Stephen Miller, was revealed by Trump in a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Friday. A valet for Vice President Mike Pence has also tested positive for coronavirus.

Three key US officials including Anthony Fauci, a high-profile member of the White House coronavirus response team, have been self-quarantined after being in contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus.

Three key US officials including Anthony Fauci, a high-profile member of the White House coronavirus response team, have been self-quarantined after being in contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus. Fauci, a well-known member of White House's coronavirus response team, has tested negative for coronavirus but is constantly being tested for the virus. The 79-year-old National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) director has been considered to be a lower risk based on his exposure. According to the Washington Post, Robert Redfield, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be "teleworking" for the next two weeks after a low-risk exposure. US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn is the third person in self-quarantine after the 60-year-old came in contact with a person who was tested positive for coronavirus. All three key members are set to testify on Tuesday to a Senate committee looking at state and federal government are taking to reopen business sectors and schools that have been shut to curb the coronavirus spread. The FDA spokesman Michael Felberbaum in an emailed statement said that Hahn took a diagnostic test for the coronavirus and the results were negative. He wrote: "As Dr Hahn wrote in a note to staff today, he recently came into contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. Per CDC guidelines, he is now in self-quarantine for the next two weeks." Politico had reported that Hahn came in contact with US vice president Mike Pence's press secretary Katie Miller. Miller is the wife of one of Trump’s senior advisers Stephen Miller, tested positive on Friday, raising alarm about the virus’ potential spread within the White House’s innermost circle. White House immigration adviser and speechwriter Stephen Miller, was revealed by Trump in a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Friday. A valet for Vice President Mike Pence has also tested positive for coronavirus.

Fauci among 3 key US members of White House response team in self-quarantine after COVID exposure

Former President Barack Obama described President Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic as "chaotic" in a conference call with former members of his administration, news agency Reuters reported quoting a source on Saturday.

Former President Barack Obama described President Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic as "chaotic" in a conference call with former members of his administration, news agency Reuters reported quoting a source on Saturday. Trump has blamed Obama and his Democratic administration for a variety of problems including not having sufficient supplies of medical equipment to battle the pandemic that has killed more than 75,000 Americans. But in his call on Friday with 3,000 members of the Obama Alumni Association, people who served in his administration, Obama urged his supporters to get behind Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who is trying to unseat Trump. The contents of the call were first reported by Yahoo News, according to Reuters. Obama said the election "is so important because what we're going to be battling is not just a particular individual or a political party." "What we're fighting against is these long-term trends in which being selfish, being tribal, being divided, and seeing others as an enemy -- that has become a stronger impulse in American life," he said. He said this is one reason why "the response to this global crisis has been so anemic and spotty." "It would have been bad even with the best of governments. It has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset -- of 'what's in it for me' and 'to heck with everybody else' -- when that mindset is operationalized in our government," Obama said. "That's why, I, by the way, am going to be spending as much time as necessary and campaigning as hard as I can for Joe Biden," he said. Obama's office declined to comment. White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said Trump's response to the coronavirus "has been unprecedented" and has saved American lives. (With inputs from Reuters)

Obama describes Trump handling of virus as chaotic in a leaked call

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said on Saturday it would allow state health departments to distribute Gilead Sciences Inc's remdesivir drug to fight COVID-19, and the United States would receive about 40% of the drug maker's global donation.

US to allow states to distribute Gilead's remdesivir drug to fight COVID-19

Obama describes Trump handling of COVID-19 as chaotic

Many people expressed concerns that their personal freedoms and constitutional rights were being curtailed in the fight to contain the pandemic.

US: Protests rally against Washington's stay-at-home orders

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