US President Donald Trump always knows how to stay in news. Few days ago, he faced a lot of criticism for&nbsp;suggesting that COVID-19 patients might be injected with disinfectant. While he backtracked on his statement saying he was being sarcastic, he has yet again made the news with another tweet.

POTUS, on Saturday, missed a White House briefing stating it is 'not worth the time and effort'. Once again concentrating on the issue of fake news, in his&nbsp;tweet he mentioned that the 'Lamestream Media' only asks hostile questions and refuses to report the truth.

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What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, &amp; then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately. They get record ratings, &amp; the American people get nothing but Fake News. Not worth the time &amp; effort!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1254168730898173953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-us-witnesses-nearly-2500-deaths-in-last-24-hours-toll-over-53000-294797">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus: US witnesses nearly 2,500 deaths in last 24 hours; toll over 53,000</a>

He took the decision of missing the White House briefing after he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting coronavirus patients can be treated by shining ultraviolet light inside their bodies, or with injecting them with household disinfectant.

"Then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks (the virus) out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-city-to-provide-500000-free-halal-meals-during-ramzan-294414">Also read:&nbsp;New York City to provide 5,00,000 free halal meals during Ramzan</a>

Later, in a press conference on Thursday, Trump&nbsp;said he was being "sarcastic" and did not mean it. That press briefing was cut short to 19 minutes and no questions were accepted from the media.

The next day, on Saturday, he tweeted about not attending press briefing. The tweet did not garner a lot of positive replies, as people feel that he is running away from answering valid questions of Americans and media.&nbsp;

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You consider the softest softball a hostile question. 
 
eg: “What do you say to Americans who are scared?” <a href="https://t.co/Q4ggUjronw">pic.twitter.com/Q4ggUjronw</a>
— Helen Kennedy (@HelenKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/HelenKennedy/status/1254177993083121665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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United States of America is one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus&nbsp;with over 956,000 confirmed positive cases, and a death toll of 53,928.&nbsp;

Even with high death tolls, some southern states like Georgia decided to ignore warnings from top medical experts and opened businesses on Friday. People were later seen flocking to beaches.

US President Donald Trump always knows how to stay in news. Few days ago, he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting that COVID-19 patients might be injected with disinfectant.

US President Donald Trump always knows how to stay in news. Few days ago, he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting that COVID-19 patients might be injected with disinfectant. While he backtracked on his statement saying he was being sarcastic, he has yet again made the news with another tweet. POTUS, on Saturday, missed a White House briefing stating it is 'not worth the time and effort'. Once again concentrating on the issue of fake news, in his tweet he mentioned that the 'Lamestream Media' only asks hostile questions and refuses to report the truth. What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately. They get record ratings, & the American people get nothing but Fake News. Not worth the time & effort! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2020 × Also read: Coronavirus: US witnesses nearly 2,500 deaths in last 24 hours; toll over 53,000 He took the decision of missing the White House briefing after he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting coronavirus patients can be treated by shining ultraviolet light inside their bodies, or with injecting them with household disinfectant. "Then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks (the virus) out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs," he said. Also read: New York City to provide 5,00,000 free halal meals during Ramzan Later, in a press conference on Thursday, Trump said he was being "sarcastic" and did not mean it. That press briefing was cut short to 19 minutes and no questions were accepted from the media. The next day, on Saturday, he tweeted about not attending press briefing. The tweet did not garner a lot of positive replies, as people feel that he is running away from answering valid questions of Americans and media. You consider the softest softball a hostile question. eg: “What do you say to Americans who are scared?” pic.twitter.com/Q4ggUjronw — Helen Kennedy (@HelenKennedy) April 25, 2020 × United States of America is one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus with over 956,000 confirmed positive cases, and a death toll of 53,928. Even with high death tolls, some southern states like Georgia decided to ignore warnings from top medical experts and opened businesses on Friday. People were later seen flocking to beaches.

Not worth the time: US President Donald Trump says about media briefings after backtracking on his controversial comment

The U.S. President has suggested that researchers should try inserting 'disinfectant' into the bodies of Coronavirus patients. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why Trump's idea is dangerous and irresponsible.

Gravitas: Outrage over Donald Trump's 'disinfectant' idea

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first at-home COVID-19 test kit. People would now be able to get tested for COVID-19 at home. The US President Donald Trump on Friday (April 24) promoted the roll out of the first in-home test for the coronavirus that the FDA had granted emergency clearance to.

FDA grants emergency clearance to at-home COVID-19 tests

The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday cautioned against the use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which US President Donald Trump constantly and strongly advocates to treat coronavirus.&nbsp;

The FDA on Friday said that it was aware of increased use of HCQ and chloroquine through outpatient prescriptions and malaria drugs could lead to abnormal heart rhythms and dangerously rapid heart rate.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-over-50000-fatalities-us-witnesses-lowest-coronavirus-death-toll-in-three-weeks-294668">With over 50,000 fatalities, US witnesses lowest coronavirus death toll in three weeks</a>

After the FDA's announcement, US President Donald Trump said, "You hear it both ways," in a White House briefing on Friday. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-unite-to-accelerate-covid-19-tests-vaccine-us-stays-away-from-who-initiative-294673">World leaders unite to accelerate COVID-19 tests, vaccine; US stays away from WHO initiative</a>

"I'm not a doctor. A study has to be done. If it helps, it's great. If it doesn't work, don't do it," Trump said.

Since mid-March, Trump has strongly supported the use of chloroquine, despite a lack of studies to substantiate his claims.&nbsp;

He has described the drug as a "gift of God" and a "game-changer" to treat COVID-19.&nbsp;

Dr. Rick Bright, who was the head of the US agency responsible to develop coronavirus vaccine, said on Wednesday that he was sacked as he was opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by Trump.

The results of the largest study yet on hydroxychloroquine, funded by the US government, said that the drug showed no benefit against the virus over standard care, and in fact caused more deaths.&nbsp;

The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday cautioned against the use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which US President Donald Trump constantly and strongly advocates to treat coronavirus.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday cautioned against the use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which US President Donald Trump constantly and strongly advocates to treat coronavirus. The FDA on Friday said that it was aware of increased use of HCQ and chloroquine through outpatient prescriptions and malaria drugs could lead to abnormal heart rhythms and dangerously rapid heart rate. Also read | With over 50,000 fatalities, US witnesses lowest coronavirus death toll in three weeks After the FDA's announcement, US President Donald Trump said, "You hear it both ways," in a White House briefing on Friday. Also read | World leaders unite to accelerate COVID-19 tests, vaccine; US stays away from WHO initiative "I'm not a doctor. A study has to be done. If it helps, it's great. If it doesn't work, don't do it," Trump said. Since mid-March, Trump has strongly supported the use of chloroquine, despite a lack of studies to substantiate his claims. He has described the drug as a "gift of God" and a "game-changer" to treat COVID-19. Dr. Rick Bright, who was the head of the US agency responsible to develop coronavirus vaccine, said on Wednesday that he was sacked as he was opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by Trump. The results of the largest study yet on hydroxychloroquine, funded by the US government, said that the drug showed no benefit against the virus over standard care, and in fact caused more deaths.

US FDA warns against use of Donald Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus

The president offered his idea for a cure in the White House briefing room Thursday after a presentation that mentioned disinfectants can kill the novel coronavirus on surfaces and in the air.

Trump suggest injecting disinfectants as cure

The United States on Friday witnessed its lowest novel coronavirus daily death toll in three weeks with 1,258 new deaths, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University.

With the new fatalities, the overall COVID-19 death toll in the US stands at 51,017, as per the tracker.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-speaking-sarcastically-says-trump-on-his-injecting-disinfectants-comment-294649">Was speaking 'sarcastically', says Trump on his injecting disinfectants comment</a>

The US is by the far the worst-affected country from the pandemic, both in terms of infections and deaths. The country has witnessed 890,000 coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-to-launch-who-covid-19-plan-but-us-wont-take-part-294566">World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part</a>

Health experts said that the sharp drop from 3,176 deaths on Thursday should be continued for a longer period for the country to enter into the declining phase.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, netizens on Thursday took a dig at President Donald Trump's suggestion of using industrial cleaners to treat COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

"Is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?" Trump said in a televised briefing.&nbsp;

"It sounds interesting to me."

Also, the US state of Georgia on Friday opened some businesses, that include gyms, hair salons and tattoo parlors.&nbsp;

Georgia, which is governed by Republican Brian Kemp, has over 22,000 COVID-19 cases, including 892 deaths.&nbsp;

The United States on Friday witnessed its lowest novel coronavirus daily death toll in three weeks with 1,258 new deaths, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University.

The United States on Friday witnessed its lowest novel coronavirus daily death toll in three weeks with 1,258 new deaths, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University. With the new fatalities, the overall COVID-19 death toll in the US stands at 51,017, as per the tracker. Also read | Was speaking 'sarcastically', says Trump on his injecting disinfectants comment The US is by the far the worst-affected country from the pandemic, both in terms of infections and deaths. The country has witnessed 890,000 coronavirus cases. Also read | World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part Health experts said that the sharp drop from 3,176 deaths on Thursday should be continued for a longer period for the country to enter into the declining phase. Meanwhile, netizens on Thursday took a dig at President Donald Trump's suggestion of using industrial cleaners to treat COVID-19 patients. "Is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?" Trump said in a televised briefing. "It sounds interesting to me." Also, the US state of Georgia on Friday opened some businesses, that include gyms, hair salons and tattoo parlors. Georgia, which is governed by Republican Brian Kemp, has over 22,000 COVID-19 cases, including 892 deaths.

With over 50,000 fatalities, US witnesses lowest coronavirus death toll in three weeks

NASA engineers have designed new technologies, including a ventilator for the treatment of novel coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

New high-pressure devices called VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally) have been designed to treat COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms. These devices are designed by engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, US and are now waiting for approval from the Food and Drug Administrations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hopes-grow-for-antibody-tests-but-experts-urge-caution-294686">Hopes grow for antibody tests, but experts urge caution</a>

"COVID-19 patients --- their lungs are not compliant, so you need high pressure and this is a high pressure ventilator," JPL's Dave Gallagher told US President Donald Trump at a White House meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-warns-against-use-of-donald-trump-backed-hydroxychloroquine-to-treat-coronavirus-294682">US FDA warns against use of Donald Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus</a>

He also said that these ventilators used special parts and therefore would not hamper&nbsp;the production chain of traditional ventilators.&nbsp;

Other devices designed by NASA, include AMBUstat that will utilize technology that had been used in sterilizing spacecrafts to disinfect bigger areas inside of schools, prisons, and businesses.

(With Reuters inputs)

NASA engineers have designed new technologies, including a ventilator for the treatment of novel coronavirus patients. New high-pressure devices called VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally) have been designed to treat COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms.

NASA engineers have designed new technologies, including a ventilator for the treatment of novel coronavirus patients. New high-pressure devices called VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally) have been designed to treat COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms. These devices are designed by engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, US and are now waiting for approval from the Food and Drug Administrations. Also read | Hopes grow for antibody tests, but experts urge caution "COVID-19 patients --- their lungs are not compliant, so you need high pressure and this is a high pressure ventilator," JPL's Dave Gallagher told US President Donald Trump at a White House meeting. Also read | US FDA warns against use of Donald Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus He also said that these ventilators used special parts and therefore would not hamper the production chain of traditional ventilators. Other devices designed by NASA, include AMBUstat that will utilize technology that had been used in sterilizing spacecrafts to disinfect bigger areas inside of schools, prisons, and businesses. (With Reuters inputs)

NASA designs special ventilator for coronavirus patients

In United States of America (USA), the COVID-19 death toll has surpassed the mark of 50,000. Meanwhile, US President Trump has refused to take the responsibility for these 50,000 deaths.

US: COVID-19 death toll surpasses the mark of 50,000, President Trump refuse to take responsibility

After creating furore earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said the was speaking sarcastically, referring to his earlier comment that people could try injecting disinfectants to fight the novel coronavirus.

President Trump on Thursday during a press conference suggested injecting disinfectants into people to help patients flush the virus from their system.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-trump-suggests-injection-of-disinfectant-to-treat-coronavirus-294429">Watch: Trump suggests 'injection' of disinfectant to treat coronavirus</a>

"I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you, just to see what would happen," he told journalists at the White House.

During a press conference late Thursday, Trump turned to government scientists in the room and asked them about the role of disinfectants in killing the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-viral-drug-being-hailed-as-coronavirus-cure-fails-first-clinical-trial-294417">Also read: Anti-viral drug being hailed as coronavirus cure, fails first clinical trial</a>

"It knocks (the virus) out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs," he said while talking directly to&nbsp;a Department of Homeland Security official in the briefing room, Bill Bryan.

Sitting alongside Bryan was top White House coronavirus medical advisor Dr Deborah Birx.

Trump often spars with journalists at his daily briefings and he did again Thursday, calling two of them "fake." He also repeated his regular complaints that the media does not treat him fairly and plays down his accomplishments.

The comment about the disinfectants caused widespread confusion and alarm Friday.

The parent group of popular household product Lysol said in a statement that "under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route)."

The White House spokeswoman, Kayleigh McEnany, said the media had taken "President Trump out of context," but did not say he was being sarcastic.

(With inputs from Reuters)

After creating furore earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said the was speaking sarcastically, referring to his earlier comment that people could try injecting disinfectants to fight the novel coronavirus.

After creating furore earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said the was speaking sarcastically, referring to his earlier comment that people could try injecting disinfectants to fight the novel coronavirus. President Trump on Thursday during a press conference suggested injecting disinfectants into people to help patients flush the virus from their system. Watch: Trump suggests 'injection' of disinfectant to treat coronavirus "I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you, just to see what would happen," he told journalists at the White House. During a press conference late Thursday, Trump turned to government scientists in the room and asked them about the role of disinfectants in killing the coronavirus. Also read: Anti-viral drug being hailed as coronavirus cure, fails first clinical trial "It knocks (the virus) out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs," he said while talking directly to a Department of Homeland Security official in the briefing room, Bill Bryan. Sitting alongside Bryan was top White House coronavirus medical advisor Dr Deborah Birx. Trump often spars with journalists at his daily briefings and he did again Thursday, calling two of them "fake." He also repeated his regular complaints that the media does not treat him fairly and plays down his accomplishments. The comment about the disinfectants caused widespread confusion and alarm Friday. The parent group of popular household product Lysol said in a statement that "under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route)." The White House spokeswoman, Kayleigh McEnany, said the media had taken "President Trump out of context," but did not say he was being sarcastic. (With inputs from Reuters)

Was speaking 'sarcastically', says Trump on his injecting disinfectants comment

US vaccine expert Rick Bright who was fired for opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by President Donald Trump as the cure of the coronvirus pandemic,&nbsp;is to file a whistleblower complaint, his lawyers say.

Under US law, a whistleblower complaint can be filed if a person believes their employer retaliated against them for exercising their rights as an employee.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vaccine-expert-removed-by-trump-for-opposing-chloroquine-294109">US vaccine expert removed by Trump for opposing chloroquine</a>

"In our filing we will make clear that Bright was sidelined for one reason only -because he resisted efforts to provide unfettered access to potentially dangerous drugs, including chloroquine, a drug promoted by the administration as a panacea, but which is untested and possibly deadly when used improperly," a statement from the doctor's lawyers said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-professor-becomes-a-billionaire-from-stake-in-company-discovering-covid-19-vaccine-294398" hreflang="en">Harvard professor becomes a billionaire from stake in company discovering Covid-19 vaccine</a>

Bright was&nbsp;the director of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the government agency for developing and procuring treatments and vaccines for&nbsp;against COVID-19.

However, he was removed from this position on Tuesday transferred to a lesser position in the National Institutes of Health.

Bright had claimed that the move was a direct response to his resistance to "misguided directives" to support the use of malaria treatments chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus.

However,&nbsp;Trump had denied the accusation and said that he had "never heard" of him.

US vaccine expert Rick Bright who was fired for opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by President Donald Trump as the cure of the coronvirus pandemic, is to file a whistleblower complaint, his lawyers say.

US vaccine expert Rick Bright who was fired for opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by President Donald Trump as the cure of the coronvirus pandemic, is to file a whistleblower complaint, his lawyers say. Under US law, a whistleblower complaint can be filed if a person believes their employer retaliated against them for exercising their rights as an employee. Also read: US vaccine expert removed by Trump for opposing chloroquine "In our filing we will make clear that Bright was sidelined for one reason only -because he resisted efforts to provide unfettered access to potentially dangerous drugs, including chloroquine, a drug promoted by the administration as a panacea, but which is untested and possibly deadly when used improperly," a statement from the doctor's lawyers said. Also read: Harvard professor becomes a billionaire from stake in company discovering Covid-19 vaccine Bright was the director of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the government agency for developing and procuring treatments and vaccines for against COVID-19. However, he was removed from this position on Tuesday transferred to a lesser position in the National Institutes of Health. Bright had claimed that the move was a direct response to his resistance to "misguided directives" to support the use of malaria treatments chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus. However, Trump had denied the accusation and said that he had "never heard" of him.

US vaccine expert 'ousted' by Trump to file whistleblower complaint

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was unwell.

He said that the media reports claiming that Kim was ''ailing'' are ''incorrect'' and those media organisations are using ''old documents" to fool the audience.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-may-have-known-of-coronavirus-in-november-us-renews-accusations-294377" hreflang="en">China may have known of coronavirus in November: US renews accusations</a>

Trump declined to say if he had direct knowledge from North Korea that Kim was fine.&nbsp;

US official, on Monday reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery after an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, separately said that Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month and was recovering at a villa in North Pyongan province.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-war-ii-veteran-dies-of-coronavirus-a-century-after-twin-lost-his-life-to-spanish-flu-294359" hreflang="en">World War II veteran dies of coronavirus a century after twin lost his life to Spanish flu</a>

It said that Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue.

Trump's denial of the report came two days after he declined to comment on the matter, saying only that he wished Kim well.

South Korea, which is still technically at war with the North, earlier said it had seen no unusual movements in its neighbor.

"I hope he's not in medical trouble. I hope he's not. I have gotten along very well with him," Trump said Thursday.

Trump declined to state when he was last in touch with Kim, saying ''we have a good relationship with North Korea.''

Trump has met Kim three times in historic summitry and has voiced admiration for him, although hopes have dimmed for reaching a comprehensive agreement.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was unwell. He said that the media reports claiming that Kim was ''ailing'' are ''incorrect'' and those media organisations are using ''old documents" to fool the audience.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was unwell. He said that the media reports claiming that Kim was ''ailing'' are ''incorrect'' and those media organisations are using ''old documents" to fool the audience. Also read: China may have known of coronavirus in November: US renews accusations Trump declined to say if he had direct knowledge from North Korea that Kim was fine. US official, on Monday reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery after an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, separately said that Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month and was recovering at a villa in North Pyongan province. Also read: World War II veteran dies of coronavirus a century after twin lost his life to Spanish flu It said that Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue. Trump's denial of the report came two days after he declined to comment on the matter, saying only that he wished Kim well. South Korea, which is still technically at war with the North, earlier said it had seen no unusual movements in its neighbor. "I hope he's not in medical trouble. I hope he's not. I have gotten along very well with him," Trump said Thursday. Trump declined to state when he was last in touch with Kim, saying ''we have a good relationship with North Korea.'' Trump has met Kim three times in historic summitry and has voiced admiration for him, although hopes have dimmed for reaching a comprehensive agreement.

Reports on Kim's ailing health incorrect, says Trump

Chinese agents stoked panic in US in&nbsp;the early days of COVID-19 outbreak by spreading fake warnings, according to a report published in the&nbsp;New York Times.

The report was based on interviews with&nbsp;six American officials who denied to reveal their identity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-timeline-shifts-three-weeks-earlier-in-wake-of-new-disclosure-294142" hreflang="en">US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure</a>

The study&nbsp;states that&nbsp;operatives helped spread messages claiming Trump administration would deploy national guard to enforce nationwide quarantine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-asymptomatic-cases-increase-to-over-980-294139" hreflang="en">China's asymptomatic cases increase to over 980</a>

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, a common&nbsp;message&nbsp;circulated&nbsp;in the early phase&nbsp;of the pandemic was: ''they will announce this as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters. He said he got the call last night and was told to pack and be prepared for the call today with his dispatch orders.''

<img alt="US Department of Homeland Security" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="471214f7-76c2-4b00-8110-4278594fcfed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NPEK45S6VZAENIYE5JMK5LSPSQ_0.jpg" /> 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-pet-cats-in-us-test-positive-for-covid-19-294134" hreflang="en">Two pet cats in US test positive for COVID-19</a>

Since the disinformation appeared as text messages on the mobile phones of several Americans, the Department&nbsp;issued an announcement on&nbsp;Twitter declaring that they were all&nbsp;''fake''.

However, China has denied broader claims that it is involved in misinformation campaigns.

The tactic was especially alarming to intelligence officials because&nbsp;several of them said they had not seen before.

The findings appear to represent an escalation by foreign powers like Russia and China in trying to capitalise on the panic surrounding the pandemic to sow confusion in the US, and intelligence agencies are taking a new look at how operatives may have exploited the situation.

Chinese agents stoked panic in US in the early days of COVID-19 outbreak by spreading fake warnings, according to a report published in the New York Times. The report was based on interviews with six American officials who denied to reveal their identity.

Chinese agents stoked panic in US in the early days of COVID-19 outbreak by spreading fake warnings, according to a report published in the New York Times. The report was based on interviews with six American officials who denied to reveal their identity. Also read: US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure The study states that operatives helped spread messages claiming Trump administration would deploy national guard to enforce nationwide quarantine. Also read: China's asymptomatic cases increase to over 980 According to the US Department of Homeland Security, a common message circulated in the early phase of the pandemic was: ''they will announce this as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters. He said he got the call last night and was told to pack and be prepared for the call today with his dispatch orders.'' Also read: Two pet cats in US test positive for COVID-19 Since the disinformation appeared as text messages on the mobile phones of several Americans, the Department issued an announcement on Twitter declaring that they were all ''fake''. However, China has denied broader claims that it is involved in misinformation campaigns. The tactic was especially alarming to intelligence officials because several of them said they had not seen before. The findings appear to represent an escalation by foreign powers like Russia and China in trying to capitalise on the panic surrounding the pandemic to sow confusion in the US, and intelligence agencies are taking a new look at how operatives may have exploited the situation.

Chinese agents fuelled panic in US by spreading fake warnings, says report

US President Donald Trump openly threatened to shoot Iran in vessels out of the border. The latest war of words started last week when Washington accused Iran of 'harassing their ships in the gulf', a claim which Iran rejects. Watch report.

US-Iran tensions flare: Trump threatens to destroy Iranian ships

President Donald Trump on Wednesday (April 22) signed an order to temporarily block some foreigners from permanent residence in the United States, saying he was doing so in order to protect American workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Watch report.

Donald Trump defends immigration ban into US citing COVID-19

Filmmaker Michael Moore took a sly dig at US President Donald Trump when he appeared on 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'. 
 
Trump had earlier tweeted about 'liberating Michigan' and Moore, who is from Michigan stated that the people have been planning liberation there for a long time. 
 
"We've been planning our liberation for the last four years," said Moore. "Sadly, Michigan voted for Trump, so it was a huge embarrassment," the Oscar winner added. 
 
The documentary filmmaker joked that he and his friends already have "Liberation Day all set," which he revealed falls on Election Day, November 3, 2020. 
 
"The party starts around 8 p.m. that night. We'll have a parade," he added. 
 
He also questioned why Trump tweeted that he wanted to liberate Minnesota. "Who wants to liberate Minnesota? Why are they in on this?" he asked. Trump had also tweeted about Virginia and Minnesota. 
 
Colbert also asked Moore about coronavirus and the filmmaker lauded the work of essential workers that are keeping everyone safe during the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
He added that the thinks "we're going to be different people" following the pandemic and "we're never going to think that anybody should have to work for $7.25 an hour." 
 
Moore also said that there are three viruses in the United States. 
 
"The obvious one, the coronavirus, that we're all trying to survive," he said. "The second virus is the Trump virus that needs to be eradicated non-violently and legally at the polls." 
 
"The third virus is what I call the 'pre-Trump virus.' The one that we had for many years, long before Trump," he continued. 
 
"We had a number of things that we hadn't quite fixed yet in this country and they were causing us, still, a lot of pain and despair and whatever," the director added. 
 
The director though stated that the country should focus on the coronavirus and getting Trump out of office for the time being before we fixing the third 'virus'.

Filmmaker Michael Moore took a sly dig at US President Donald Trump when he appeared on 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'. Trump had earlier tweeted about 'liberating Michigan' and Moore, who is from Michigan stated that the people have been planning liberation there for a long time.

Filmmaker Michael Moore took a sly dig at US President Donald Trump when he appeared on 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'. Trump had earlier tweeted about 'liberating Michigan' and Moore, who is from Michigan stated that the people have been planning liberation there for a long time. "We've been planning our liberation for the last four years," said Moore. "Sadly, Michigan voted for Trump, so it was a huge embarrassment," the Oscar winner added. The documentary filmmaker joked that he and his friends already have "Liberation Day all set," which he revealed falls on Election Day, November 3, 2020. "The party starts around 8 p.m. that night. We'll have a parade," he added. He also questioned why Trump tweeted that he wanted to liberate Minnesota. "Who wants to liberate Minnesota? Why are they in on this?" he asked. Trump had also tweeted about Virginia and Minnesota. Colbert also asked Moore about coronavirus and the filmmaker lauded the work of essential workers that are keeping everyone safe during the coronavirus pandemic. He added that the thinks "we're going to be different people" following the pandemic and "we're never going to think that anybody should have to work for $7.25 an hour." Moore also said that there are three viruses in the United States. "The obvious one, the coronavirus, that we're all trying to survive," he said. "The second virus is the Trump virus that needs to be eradicated non-violently and legally at the polls." "The third virus is what I call the 'pre-Trump virus.' The one that we had for many years, long before Trump," he continued. "We had a number of things that we hadn't quite fixed yet in this country and they were causing us, still, a lot of pain and despair and whatever," the director added. The director though stated that the country should focus on the coronavirus and getting Trump out of office for the time being before we fixing the third 'virus'.

Michael Moore calls Trump a 'virus' as he discusses liberating Michigan with host Stephen Colbert

US President Donald Trump has now officially signed the executive orders suspending the immigration into the United States. Watch report.

Donald Trump suspends immigration into US: Immediate relatives of US citizens exempted

Iran's military spokesman on&nbsp;Wednesday said US President Donald Trump should concentrate on "saving" his own country from the "major crisis" caused by coronavirus rather than&nbsp;making threats.

Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for&nbsp;Iran's armed forces, said "today, instead of intimidating others, the Americans would do better to save their troops infected by the coronavirus."

"If the US is skilful and competent, they will withdraw their troops (from the Middle East) in order to save (the country) from the coronavirus disease... before mobilising all other forces in the US... to save the people from this major crisis hitting their country," Shekarchi said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/instructed-us-navy-to-shoot-down-iranian-gunboats-if-they-harass-our-ships-at-sea-trump-294036" hreflang="en">Instructed US Navy to shoot Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships: Trump</a>

His comments came after Trump said on Twitter he had "instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea".

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I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea.
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The Pentagon later said the US military considered the tweet a message to the Iranian regime, suggesting that no new orders had been issued to US Navy ships patrolling the Gulf.

The US Defence Department had accused Iran of "dangerous and provocative" actions in the Gulf. The US department had said that eleven Iran boats had "repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns" of US vessels in international waters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-due-to-coronavirus-rises-to-5391-in-iran-businesses-open-294039" hreflang="en">Death toll due to coronavirus rises to 5,391 in Iran; businesses open</a>

Iran dismissed the US allegation, saying that it was a "Hollywood account of the encounter" while warning the US that any "miscalculation will receive a decisive response".

The tensions between the two nations have escalated since a US drone strike killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, the former head of the country's elite Quds Force.

However, with the coronavirus sweeping the country Iran has accused the US of hurting it with sanctions at a time when its citizens are suffering.&nbsp;

Iran's military spokesman on Wednesday said US President Donald Trump should concentrate on "saving" his own country from the "major crisis" caused by coronavirus rather than making threats.

Iran's military spokesman on Wednesday said US President Donald Trump should concentrate on "saving" his own country from the "major crisis" caused by coronavirus rather than making threats. Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for Iran's armed forces, said "today, instead of intimidating others, the Americans would do better to save their troops infected by the coronavirus." "If the US is skilful and competent, they will withdraw their troops (from the Middle East) in order to save (the country) from the coronavirus disease... before mobilising all other forces in the US... to save the people from this major crisis hitting their country," Shekarchi said. Also read: Instructed US Navy to shoot Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships: Trump His comments came after Trump said on Twitter he had "instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea". I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2020 × The Pentagon later said the US military considered the tweet a message to the Iranian regime, suggesting that no new orders had been issued to US Navy ships patrolling the Gulf. The US Defence Department had accused Iran of "dangerous and provocative" actions in the Gulf. The US department had said that eleven Iran boats had "repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns" of US vessels in international waters. Also read: Death toll due to coronavirus rises to 5,391 in Iran; businesses open Iran dismissed the US allegation, saying that it was a "Hollywood account of the encounter" while warning the US that any "miscalculation will receive a decisive response". The tensions between the two nations have escalated since a US drone strike killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, the former head of the country's elite Quds Force. However, with the coronavirus sweeping the country Iran has accused the US of hurting it with sanctions at a time when its citizens are suffering.

Iran general takes jibe at Trump, says should focus on saving US from virus

Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, the United States Secretary Mike Pompeo hit out at China&nbsp;over coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday. During media briefings,&nbsp;Pompeo refused to rule out that deadly coronavirus leaked out of a laboratory in China's Wuhan city and pressed to allow inspectors into the sensitive laboratories surrounding the city.

"You have to remember -- these labs are still open inside of China these labs that contain complex pathogens that were being studied. It's not just the Wuhan Institute of Virology," Pompeo told reporters.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-china-could-have-made-covid-19-while-hiding-its-origin-294223">How China could have made COVID-19 while hiding its origin</a>

"It's important that those materials are being handled in a safe and secure way such that there isn't accidental release," Pompeo told reporters.

During the media briefing, Pompeo also said that the United States "strongly believed" Beijing had failed to report the outbreak in a timely manner, in breach of World Health Organisation rules, and had failed to report human-to-human transmission of the virus "for a month until it was in every province inside of China."

China had halted testing of new virus samples, "destroyed existing samples" and failed to share samples with the outside world, "making it impossible to track the disease’s evolution," Pompeo also said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-china-announces-additional-usd-30-million-grant-for-who-294221">China announces additional USD 30 million grant for WHO</a>

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which began late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic. The outbreak has killed around 180,000 people globally, including more than 45,000 in the United States, according to a Reuters tally.

Chinese authorities initially suppressed news of the deadly virus, including detaining a prominent whistleblower.

Chinese scientists have since said that they suspect that the virus emerged late last year in a Wuhan meat market that butchered exotic animals.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joshua-wong-effect-china-set-to-disallow-local-gamers-to-play-with-foreigners-294079">Joshua Wong effect - China set to disallow local gamers to play with foreigners</a>

But questions immediately arose because of the presence nearby of the maximum-security virology lab, with senior US officials bringing into the mainstream what was initially an online conspiracy theory.

Critics say President Donald Trump is eager to deflect from blame over his own handling of the pandemic, which has killed some 45,000 people in the United States, more than any other country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, the United States Secretary Mike Pompeo hit out at China over coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday. During media briefings, Pompeo refused to rule out that deadly coronavirus leaked out of a laboratory in China's Wuhan city and pressed to allow inspectors into the sensitive laboratories surrounding the city.

Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, the United States Secretary Mike Pompeo hit out at China over coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday. During media briefings, Pompeo refused to rule out that deadly coronavirus leaked out of a laboratory in China's Wuhan city and pressed to allow inspectors into the sensitive laboratories surrounding the city. "You have to remember -- these labs are still open inside of China these labs that contain complex pathogens that were being studied. It's not just the Wuhan Institute of Virology," Pompeo told reporters. Also read: How China could have made COVID-19 while hiding its origin "It's important that those materials are being handled in a safe and secure way such that there isn't accidental release," Pompeo told reporters. During the media briefing, Pompeo also said that the United States "strongly believed" Beijing had failed to report the outbreak in a timely manner, in breach of World Health Organisation rules, and had failed to report human-to-human transmission of the virus "for a month until it was in every province inside of China." China had halted testing of new virus samples, "destroyed existing samples" and failed to share samples with the outside world, "making it impossible to track the disease’s evolution," Pompeo also said. Also read: China announces additional USD 30 million grant for WHO The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which began late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic. The outbreak has killed around 180,000 people globally, including more than 45,000 in the United States, according to a Reuters tally. Chinese authorities initially suppressed news of the deadly virus, including detaining a prominent whistleblower. Chinese scientists have since said that they suspect that the virus emerged late last year in a Wuhan meat market that butchered exotic animals. Also read: Joshua Wong effect - China set to disallow local gamers to play with foreigners But questions immediately arose because of the presence nearby of the maximum-security virology lab, with senior US officials bringing into the mainstream what was initially an online conspiracy theory. Critics say President Donald Trump is eager to deflect from blame over his own handling of the pandemic, which has killed some 45,000 people in the United States, more than any other country. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Mike Pompeo hits out at China over not allowing lab inspections

Chief of the US agency responsible for&nbsp;making a vaccine against COVID-19 said that he was removed from his job for opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by President Donald Trump.

Rick Bright said he was removed on Tuesday as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the government agency for developing and procuring treatments and vaccines, and transferred to a lesser position in the National Institutes of Health.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-no-mistake-coronavirus-will-be-with-us-for-a-long-time-who-chief-tedros-294088" hreflang="en">Make no mistake, coronavirus will be with us for a long time: WHO chief Tedros</a>

In a statement to the US media he said, "I believe this transfer was in response to my insistence that the government invest the billions of dollars allocated by Congress to address the COVID-19 pandemic into safe and scientifically vetted solutions, and not in drugs, vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-to-pass-nearly-500-billion-more-in-coronavirus-aid-on-thursday-pelosi-294046" hreflang="en">US House to pass nearly $500 billion more in coronavirus aid: Pelosi</a>

He said the move was a direct response to his resistance to "misguided directives" to support the use of malaria treatments chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus.

Those treatments, he said, were "promoted by the administration as a panacea," but "clearly lack scientific merit.".

"While I am prepared to look at all options and to think 'outside the box' for effective treatments, I rightly resisted efforts to provide an unproven drug on demand to the American public."

Trump has advocated for the use of chloroquine to treat COVID-19 infections since mid-March, with scant evidence from studies of its safety or effectiveness.

Chief of the US agency responsible for making a vaccine against COVID-19 said that he was removed from his job for opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by President Donald Trump.

Chief of the US agency responsible for making a vaccine against COVID-19 said that he was removed from his job for opposing the chloroquine treatment promoted by President Donald Trump. Rick Bright said he was removed on Tuesday as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the government agency for developing and procuring treatments and vaccines, and transferred to a lesser position in the National Institutes of Health. Also read: Make no mistake, coronavirus will be with us for a long time: WHO chief Tedros In a statement to the US media he said, "I believe this transfer was in response to my insistence that the government invest the billions of dollars allocated by Congress to address the COVID-19 pandemic into safe and scientifically vetted solutions, and not in drugs, vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit." Also read: US House to pass nearly $500 billion more in coronavirus aid: Pelosi He said the move was a direct response to his resistance to "misguided directives" to support the use of malaria treatments chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus. Those treatments, he said, were "promoted by the administration as a panacea," but "clearly lack scientific merit.". "While I am prepared to look at all options and to think 'outside the box' for effective treatments, I rightly resisted efforts to provide an unproven drug on demand to the American public." Trump has advocated for the use of chloroquine to treat COVID-19 infections since mid-March, with scant evidence from studies of its safety or effectiveness.

US vaccine expert removed by Trump for opposing chloroquine

Donald Trump suspends immigration into US for 60 days

The United States' warships will be destroyed if they threaten Tehran's security in the Gulf, Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Chief warned the US on Tursday. The warning comes a day after US President Donald Trump warned Iran over harassment of US ships on Twitter.

The United States' warships will be destroyed if they threaten Tehran's security in the Gulf, Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Chief warned the US on Tursday. The warning comes a day after US President Donald Trump warned Iran over harassment of US ships on Twitter. "I have ordered our naval forces to destroy any American terrorist force in the Persian Gulf that threatens the security of Iran's military or non-military ships," Hossein Salami said during an interview with local media. Also read: Instructed US Navy to shoot Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships: Trump "Security of the Persian Gulf is part of Iran's strategic priorities," he also added. Taking to the micro-blogging site on Wednesday, Trump said that he had instructed the US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea. Also read: Iran general takes jibe at Trump, says should focus on saving US from virus His comments came after Trump said on Twitter he had "instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea". × The Pentagon later said the US military considered the tweet a message to the Iranian regime, suggesting that no new orders had been issued to US Navy ships patrolling the Gulf. The US Defence Department had accused Iran of "dangerous and provocative" actions in the Gulf. The US department had said that eleven Iran boats had "repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns" of US vessels in international waters. Also read: Death toll due to coronavirus rises to 5,391 in Iran; businesses open Iran dismissed the US allegation, saying that it was a "Hollywood account of the encounter" while warning the US that any "miscalculation will receive a decisive response". I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2020 × The tensions between the two nations have escalated since a US drone strike killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, the former head of the country's elite Quds Force. However, with the coronavirus sweeping the country Iran has accused the US of hurting it with sanctions at a time when its citizens are suffering.

US warships will be destroyed if Tehran's interests threatened: Iran Revolutionary Guards Chief

Struggling to contain the Coronavirus, The US has now suspended the entry of outsiders. Critics say the decision is a case of misplaced priorities. Is this President Donald Trump's best bet against fighting the pandemic?

Coronavirus: United States suspends immigration temporarily | Gravitas

The United States of America, a nation built by migrants has decided to suspend the entry of outsiders.

President Trump&nbsp;says he won't allow any new immigrants to enter the country because he says he wants to protect jobs for American citizens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/we-will-never-let-the-great-us-oil-gas-industry-down-says-trump-after-prices-crash-293854" hreflang="en">We will never let the great US oil &amp; gas industry down, says Trump after prices crash</a>

31 per cent of the coronavirus cases are in the US and the most number of coronavirus deaths have occurred in Trump's America.

The United States prides itself on being a nation of immigrants or centuries -- America has absorbed people from across the globe.

But now -- this great nation is sealing itself from the rest of the world.

The American president intends to close the United States to people trying to immigrate,&nbsp;live and work in the country. 
&nbsp; 
A drastic and unprecedented move aimed at protecting American workers from foreign competition.

But Donald Trump's critics don't agree. They say that if the US economy is ready to reopen. Why does the country need to suspend immigration?

Some others say the US president is using the pandemic to advance his anti-immigration agenda and while others feel that it&nbsp;is a bid to distract attention from his administration's fumbled coronavirus response.

The reality it seems is a mix of all three. Trump is locking down immigration, instead of locking down the country.

From Arizona to Michigan, &nbsp;thousands of Americans -- mostly Trump supporters are out on the streets undeterred by the virus.

'Liberate!': Trump goads Michigan, other states to lift virus restrictions.

Worldwide&nbsp;the outbreak has infected more than 2.1 million people and killed over 145,000, according to a Johns Hopkins University's tally based on figures supplied by government health authorities.

In the name of liberation &amp; mutiny against his opponents,Trump has given a free-run to coronavirus deniers.

The result is this -- the death toll in the US has as breached the 42,000 mark --- this is more than the number of active cases right next door in Canada.

The United States of America has 787,000 cases of coronavirus and counting. As Americans struggle --- a formal order temporarily barring the provision of new green cards and work visas is on its way.

On the surface, it may seem like xenophobic scapegoating. But a good look at the murderous rate of the outbreak in the US will tell you that Donald Trump may, in fact, be doing a favour to the rest of the world by sealing his country.

The United States of America, a nation built by migrants has decided to suspend the entry of outsiders. President Trump says he won't allow any new immigrants to enter the country because he says he wants to protect jobs for American citizens.

The United States of America, a nation built by migrants has decided to suspend the entry of outsiders. President Trump says he won't allow any new immigrants to enter the country because he says he wants to protect jobs for American citizens. Also read: We will never let the great US oil & gas industry down, says Trump after prices crash 31 per cent of the coronavirus cases are in the US and the most number of coronavirus deaths have occurred in Trump's America. The United States prides itself on being a nation of immigrants or centuries -- America has absorbed people from across the globe. But now -- this great nation is sealing itself from the rest of the world. The American president intends to close the United States to people trying to immigrate, live and work in the country. A drastic and unprecedented move aimed at protecting American workers from foreign competition. But Donald Trump's critics don't agree. They say that if the US economy is ready to reopen. Why does the country need to suspend immigration? Some others say the US president is using the pandemic to advance his anti-immigration agenda and while others feel that it is a bid to distract attention from his administration's fumbled coronavirus response. The reality it seems is a mix of all three. Trump is locking down immigration, instead of locking down the country. From Arizona to Michigan, thousands of Americans -- mostly Trump supporters are out on the streets undeterred by the virus. 'Liberate!': Trump goads Michigan, other states to lift virus restrictions. Worldwide the outbreak has infected more than 2.1 million people and killed over 145,000, according to a Johns Hopkins University's tally based on figures supplied by government health authorities. In the name of liberation & mutiny against his opponents,Trump has given a free-run to coronavirus deniers. The result is this -- the death toll in the US has as breached the 42,000 mark --- this is more than the number of active cases right next door in Canada. The United States of America has 787,000 cases of coronavirus and counting. As Americans struggle --- a formal order temporarily barring the provision of new green cards and work visas is on its way. On the surface, it may seem like xenophobic scapegoating. But a good look at the murderous rate of the outbreak in the US will tell you that Donald Trump may, in fact, be doing a favour to the rest of the world by sealing his country.

Trump using COVID-19 pandemic to advance anti-immigration agenda?

US President Donald Trump is moving ahead with his plan to partially reopen the American economy. The public opinion is divided on the President's decision with many experts saying that full-scale recovery is not possible without universal testing.

Donald Trump: 20 states to restart economy | Coronavirus Pandemic

US President Donald Trump has championed the cause of hydroxychloroquine. The anti-malarial pill that's now being stocked up by many countries. With a long way to go for a vaccine.

US President Donald Trump has championed the cause of hydroxychloroquine. The anti-malarial pill that's now being stocked up by many countries. With a long way to go for a vaccine. It's being considered as a plan B. Also read: Amid coronavirus outbreak, China's economy contracts, job losses mount But a trial conducted to test the drug in Brazil turned fatal. Instead of saving lives. The drug's usage is taking lives. Research has emerged that there is no evidence that it cures the infection and the drug is known to have side-effects on a patient's heart. Also read: Germany approves first trial of COVID-19 vaccine candidate It is currently considered the next best thing to a vaccine for COVID-19. Anti-malarial pill hydroxychloroquine has been touted as the go-to drug. American president Donald Trump called it "the biggest game-changer in the history of medicine. But any hopes of it becoming one are crashing down. Red flags are being raised by one research study after another. The drug is not just failing to save lives but is endangering them even further. Starting with the US where a study showed higher death rates of those taking the drug compared to those who did not take it. A study in France too proved that hydroxychloroquine doesn't reduce deaths or admissions to ICUs. A research trial in Brazil even proved fatal. Two patients got high doses of the drug and developed dangerous heart problems. A known side-effect of hydroxychloroquine that led to their deaths. Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro has been a major Trump ally on this drug. Echoing Donald Trump's extravagant claims, he had ordered the Brazilian army to stock up on it. But now the fundamental safety of administering the drug is being questioned. The signs have been ominous right from the beginning. Even as President Trump went to town with it, his food & drug authority chief Stephen Hahn's inhibitions were clear. He was reluctant to approve the drug without clinical trials. Same were the sentiments of America's COVID-19 taskforce chief Dr Anthony Fauci too. The trials to study the drug's efficacy in treating COVID-19 are turning dangerous. None of the results of the studies conducted so far have been peer-reviewed. In the meanwhile, the drug itself has become a political matter. Is hydroxychloroquine risking people's lives? It's a drug that can be widely used. It's also a drug with serious side effects, especially to the heart. Its efficacy is the subject of a debate that is far from settled.

Will Trump's 'game-changing' hydroxychloroquine complicate battle against COVID-19?

Recently, discharged from hospital after being treated from the coronavirus, British PM Boris Johnson returned to work on April 21. He spoke with US President Donald Trump over a phone call. Both the leaders discussed the need to reopen economies.

UK PM Boris Johnson agrees on the need to reopen economies: Spoke to Donald Trump over call

Former Homeland security secretary Jeh Johnson said that US President Donald Trump's plan to suspend immigration for 60 days into the United States is a complicated thing. Watch report.

Former Homeland security secretary Jeh Johnson: Trump can't just shut down all immigration

UK PM Boris Johnson speaks to Donald Trump

United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will be issuing a temporary suspension of immigrants into the United States. He mentioned that this move is for the benefit of American workers.

US President Donald Trump to issue suspension of immigration for 60 days | Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus death toll in the United States, the country with the most fatalities in the pandemic, has climbed by 2,751 in the past 24 hours, the latest tally from Johns Hopkins University showed Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-benefit-higher-death-rate-for-malaria-drug-in-coronavirus-study-293900" hreflang="en">No benefit, higher death rate for malaria drug in coronavirus study</a>

The US has recorded more than 800,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to the Baltimore-based university, with 44,845 deaths.

Nearly 40,000 new cases were reported between Monday at 8:30pm local time, and Tuesday at the same time, the university said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suspends-issuing-of-new-green-cards-for-60-days-293898" hreflang="en">Trump suspends issuing of new Green Cards for 60 days</a>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;US President Donald Trump announced partial curbs on immigration Tuesday to "protect American workers" amid the economic carnage of the coronavirus pandemic.

The US Senate approved a bipartisan, nearly half-trillion-dollar coronavirus relief package Tuesday, with funding earmarked for devastated small businesses, overwhelmed hospitals, and a ramp-up of testing nationwide during the pandemic.

Also,&nbsp;US failed to block UN virus vaccine resolution.&nbsp;

The coronavirus death toll in the United States, the country with the most fatalities in the pandemic, has climbed by 2,751 in the past 24 hours, the latest tally from Johns Hopkins University showed Tuesday.

The coronavirus death toll in the United States, the country with the most fatalities in the pandemic, has climbed by 2,751 in the past 24 hours, the latest tally from Johns Hopkins University showed Tuesday. Also read: No benefit, higher death rate for malaria drug in coronavirus study The US has recorded more than 800,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to the Baltimore-based university, with 44,845 deaths. Nearly 40,000 new cases were reported between Monday at 8:30pm local time, and Tuesday at the same time, the university said. Also read: Trump suspends issuing of new Green Cards for 60 days Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced partial curbs on immigration Tuesday to "protect American workers" amid the economic carnage of the coronavirus pandemic. The US Senate approved a bipartisan, nearly half-trillion-dollar coronavirus relief package Tuesday, with funding earmarked for devastated small businesses, overwhelmed hospitals, and a ramp-up of testing nationwide during the pandemic. Also, US failed to block UN virus vaccine resolution.

More than 2,700 dead in US from coronavirus in last 24 hours

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will issue an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States to protect US&nbsp;workers amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak

"It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad," Trump said during a White House press briefing. "We must first take care of the American worker."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-wish-him-well-trump-on-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-ill-reports-293899" hreflang="en">'I wish him well': Trump on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill reports</a>

Still, some questions remained unanswered on Tuesday as the Trump administration continued to work on the order, which follows a series of previous steps the president has taken to clamp down on legal immigration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suspends-issuing-of-new-green-cards-for-60-days-293898" hreflang="en">Trump suspends issuing of new Green Cards for 60 days</a>

WHO WILL BE AFFECTED?

Trump said the executive order would only apply to immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States, a process informally known as obtaining a green card.

The order will not affect people entering on temporary non-immigrant visas, he said. Such visas are used by tourists, business travelers and foreign workers.

The US&nbsp;Department of State issued roughly 462,000 immigrant visas in fiscal year 2019, which began on October&nbsp;1, 2018. How many immigrant visa applicants might be affected by Trump`s planned executive order remains unclear.

Trump said the order, which could be signed as soon as Wednesday, will have exemptions, but did not provide details.

Trump did not say what the executive order would mean for people who have immigrant visas and jobs secured in the United States but have not yet moved to the United States.

HOW LONG WILL THE SUSPENSION LAST?

The suspension will last 60 days, according to Trump. After that, the president said he will review US&nbsp;economic conditions and decide whether it should be extended. Future extensions could potentially be longer than 60 days, Trump said.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS?

A senior administration official told Reuters the White House was considering a separate action that could deal with skilled workers who enter the country on H-1B visas and others affected by US&nbsp;immigration policy.

The potential executive order would include exemptions for people involved in responding to the coronavirus outbreak, including farm workers and those helping to secure US&nbsp;food supplies, the official said.

Trump said at the briefing Tuesday that he may issue a second order at a later date, but did not provide details.

DOES TRUMP HAVE THE POWER TO SUSPEND IMMIGRATION?

The Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that Trump could block the entry of certain foreigners from countries deemed a security threat, an affirmation of the president`s power to restrict legal immigration under federal law.

Some legal experts argue the court`s ruling does not permit a broad, worldwide ban on immigration into the United States and expect any order to be challenged in court.

Andrea Flores, a deputy policy director with the American Civil Liberties Union, which has sued over a number of Trump immigration policies, said Trump appeared “more interested in fanning anti-immigrant flames than in saving lives” with his latest proposal.

HOW HAS TRUMP RESTRICTED IMMIGRATION BEFORE?

The Trump administration has used several legal avenues to restrict travel to the United States in the past.

Trump issued an executive order in late January that barred entry to certain travelers from China, where the coronavirus first surfaced. He similarly blocked certain travelers from Iran in February and Europe in March.

Well before the pandemic, Trump had issued travel bans for national security reasons. In late January, he added Nigeria and five other countries to a list of countries subject to visa restrictions.

WHAT DOES IMMIGRATION LOOK LIKE NOW?

The United States suspended routine visa services in most countries worldwide on March 18 due to the coronavirus outbreak, which was expected to dramatically slow legal immigration.

In addition, countries around the world have closed their borders and enacted quarantines to limit the spread of the virus, greatly reducing travel worldwide.

The State Department issues monthly visa reports that illustrate the latest trends, but that data for March is not yet public.

WOULD BLOCKING IMMIGRANTS HELP THE ECONOMY?

A record 22 million Americans sought unemployment benefits over the past month, nearly wiping out all the job gains since the Great Recession.

Trump said on Tuesday that an immigration suspension would protect US&nbsp;workers, an extension of the message he employed during his 2016 presidential campaign.

The plan drew both praise and criticism.

Thomas Homan, Trump’s former acting director of US&nbsp;Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said it "makes sense" and will keep the country safer while preserving jobs for unemployed Americans.

Giovanni Peri, an economics professor at the University of California, Davis, said researchers generally agree that immigration into the United States has stimulated economic growth, increased the size of the economy and created jobs.

“The idea that immigration threatens American jobs is just not there in any data,” he said.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will issue an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States to protect US workers amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak "It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad," Trump said during a White House press briefing.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will issue an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States to protect US workers amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak "It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad," Trump said during a White House press briefing. "We must first take care of the American worker." Also read: 'I wish him well': Trump on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill reports Still, some questions remained unanswered on Tuesday as the Trump administration continued to work on the order, which follows a series of previous steps the president has taken to clamp down on legal immigration. Also read: Trump suspends issuing of new Green Cards for 60 days WHO WILL BE AFFECTED? Trump said the executive order would only apply to immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States, a process informally known as obtaining a green card. The order will not affect people entering on temporary non-immigrant visas, he said. Such visas are used by tourists, business travelers and foreign workers. The US Department of State issued roughly 462,000 immigrant visas in fiscal year 2019, which began on October 1, 2018. How many immigrant visa applicants might be affected by Trump`s planned executive order remains unclear. Trump said the order, which could be signed as soon as Wednesday, will have exemptions, but did not provide details. Trump did not say what the executive order would mean for people who have immigrant visas and jobs secured in the United States but have not yet moved to the United States. HOW LONG WILL THE SUSPENSION LAST? The suspension will last 60 days, according to Trump. After that, the president said he will review US economic conditions and decide whether it should be extended. Future extensions could potentially be longer than 60 days, Trump said. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS? A senior administration official told Reuters the White House was considering a separate action that could deal with skilled workers who enter the country on H-1B visas and others affected by US immigration policy. The potential executive order would include exemptions for people involved in responding to the coronavirus outbreak, including farm workers and those helping to secure US food supplies, the official said. Trump said at the briefing Tuesday that he may issue a second order at a later date, but did not provide details. DOES TRUMP HAVE THE POWER TO SUSPEND IMMIGRATION? The Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that Trump could block the entry of certain foreigners from countries deemed a security threat, an affirmation of the president`s power to restrict legal immigration under federal law. Some legal experts argue the court`s ruling does not permit a broad, worldwide ban on immigration into the United States and expect any order to be challenged in court. Andrea Flores, a deputy policy director with the American Civil Liberties Union, which has sued over a number of Trump immigration policies, said Trump appeared “more interested in fanning anti-immigrant flames than in saving lives” with his latest proposal. HOW HAS TRUMP RESTRICTED IMMIGRATION BEFORE? The Trump administration has used several legal avenues to restrict travel to the United States in the past. Trump issued an executive order in late January that barred entry to certain travelers from China, where the coronavirus first surfaced. He similarly blocked certain travelers from Iran in February and Europe in March. Well before the pandemic, Trump had issued travel bans for national security reasons. In late January, he added Nigeria and five other countries to a list of countries subject to visa restrictions. WHAT DOES IMMIGRATION LOOK LIKE NOW? The United States suspended routine visa services in most countries worldwide on March 18 due to the coronavirus outbreak, which was expected to dramatically slow legal immigration. In addition, countries around the world have closed their borders and enacted quarantines to limit the spread of the virus, greatly reducing travel worldwide. The State Department issues monthly visa reports that illustrate the latest trends, but that data for March is not yet public. WOULD BLOCKING IMMIGRANTS HELP THE ECONOMY? A record 22 million Americans sought unemployment benefits over the past month, nearly wiping out all the job gains since the Great Recession. Trump said on Tuesday that an immigration suspension would protect US workers, an extension of the message he employed during his 2016 presidential campaign. The plan drew both praise and criticism. Thomas Homan, Trump’s former acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said it "makes sense" and will keep the country safer while preserving jobs for unemployed Americans. Giovanni Peri, an economics professor at the University of California, Davis, said researchers generally agree that immigration into the United States has stimulated economic growth, increased the size of the economy and created jobs. “The idea that immigration threatens American jobs is just not there in any data,” he said.

Inside Trump's proposal to suspend legal immigration amid the coronavirus crisis

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