US President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled the new logo of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-space-force-unveils-camouflage-uniform-gets-trolled-on-twitter-275237">America's newest military branch, Space Force</a>. However, the latest announcement did not go well on social media as people quickly started drawing similarities to a "Star Trek" insignia.

"After consultation with our Great Military Leaders, designers, and others, I am pleased to present the new logo for the United States Space Force, the Sixth Branch of our Magnificent Military!" Trump wrote on Twitter as he revealed the new logo.

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After consultation with our Great Military Leaders, designers, and others, I am pleased to present the new logo for the United States Space Force, the Sixth Branch of our Magnificent Military! <a href="https://t.co/TC8pT4yHFT">pic.twitter.com/TC8pT4yHFT</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1220821545746141187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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With a central symbol resembling an arrowhead, ringed by an orbiting object and set to a starry backdrop, It drew immediate <a href="http://wionews.com/world/united-states-space-force-donald-trump-creates-new-warfare-service-branch-of-pentagon-269433">mockery among social media</a> users as many users pointed out the striking similarities and argued the design has been stolen from the famous science fiction franchise.

However, the spokesperson of the branch has denied the allegations and argued that the "Delta" emblem had been used by Air Force space organisations as early as 1961, before the first Star Trek show aired.&nbsp;

"The delta symbol, the central design element in the seal, was first used as early as 1942 by the US Army Air Forces; and was used in early Air Force space organisation emblems dating back to 1961," the spokesperson said.

The logo bears an uncanny resemblance to the insignia of Starfleet, the peacekeeping and exploration force of the United Federation of Planets alliance, which is headquartered on Earth whose adversaries include Klingons and Romulans.

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🧐 <a href="https://t.co/j1A1yDcTOy">pic.twitter.com/j1A1yDcTOy</a>
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano/status/1220890915989909505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Space Force. To boldly go where Star Trek went before. <a href="https://t.co/kpNUTzuA5F">pic.twitter.com/kpNUTzuA5F</a>
— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) <a href="https://twitter.com/kenolin1/status/1221107625716260864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Space Force. <a href="https://t.co/m4DYJUlBVf">pic.twitter.com/m4DYJUlBVf</a>
— Space Explorer Mike (@MichaelGalanin) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelGalanin/status/1221099864160907264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump revealed the new space force logo and it is plagiarism from Star Trek! We can do better! Which logo do you prefer? <a href="https://t.co/0fsuFfr3rO">pic.twitter.com/0fsuFfr3rO</a>
— Paul van der Meer (@Paul_VanDerMeer) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paul_VanDerMeer/status/1221074077672247304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled the new logo of America's newest military branch, Space Force. However, the latest announcement did not go well on social media as people quickly started drawing similarities to a "Star Trek" insignia.

US President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled the new logo of America's newest military branch, Space Force. However, the latest announcement did not go well on social media as people quickly started drawing similarities to a "Star Trek" insignia. "After consultation with our Great Military Leaders, designers, and others, I am pleased to present the new logo for the United States Space Force, the Sixth Branch of our Magnificent Military!" Trump wrote on Twitter as he revealed the new logo. After consultation with our Great Military Leaders, designers, and others, I am pleased to present the new logo for the United States Space Force, the Sixth Branch of our Magnificent Military! pic.twitter.com/TC8pT4yHFT — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2020 × With a central symbol resembling an arrowhead, ringed by an orbiting object and set to a starry backdrop, It drew immediate mockery among social media users as many users pointed out the striking similarities and argued the design has been stolen from the famous science fiction franchise. However, the spokesperson of the branch has denied the allegations and argued that the "Delta" emblem had been used by Air Force space organisations as early as 1961, before the first Star Trek show aired. "The delta symbol, the central design element in the seal, was first used as early as 1942 by the US Army Air Forces; and was used in early Air Force space organisation emblems dating back to 1961," the spokesperson said. The logo bears an uncanny resemblance to the insignia of Starfleet, the peacekeeping and exploration force of the United Federation of Planets alliance, which is headquartered on Earth whose adversaries include Klingons and Romulans. 🧐 pic.twitter.com/j1A1yDcTOy — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 25, 2020 × Space Force. To boldly go where Star Trek went before. pic.twitter.com/kpNUTzuA5F — Ken Olin (@kenolin1) January 25, 2020 × Space Force. pic.twitter.com/m4DYJUlBVf — Space Explorer Mike (@MichaelGalanin) January 25, 2020 × Trump revealed the new space force logo and it is plagiarism from Star Trek! We can do better! Which logo do you prefer? pic.twitter.com/0fsuFfr3rO — Paul van der Meer (@Paul_VanDerMeer) January 25, 2020 × (With inputs from agencies)

Trump launches Space force logo; Twitter points out striking similarities with Star Trek emblem

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said on Friday that he will step in to force U.S. intelligence chief to release information about the assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi If the administration does not produce a report on the assassination before the end of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial.

U.S. Senator Pushes To Publish Report In Jamal Khashoggi's Murder Case

Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed telecoms security with US President Donald Trump as he prepares to announce if Britain will use China's Huawei in its 5G networks, officials said Saturday.

In a phone call on Friday evening, the two leaders "discussed a range of issues, including cooperation to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks", a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

A White House statement also confirmed they discussed "working together to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks".

The United States has banned Huawei from the rollout of its next-generation 5G mobile networks because of concerns -- strongly denied -- that the firm could be under the control of Beijing.

Washington has been lobbying London to do the same, but there is speculation that it will grant the firm some kind of limited access.

Huawei is already well established in British 3G and 4G networks, and officials have warned that banning it would be hugely costly and delay the rollout of 5G technology.

Intelligence agencies also believe that they can contain any potential risk, although Johnson will have to make the final decision, expected next week.

In his call with Trump, the prime minister also raised the "need to secure justice" for the family of Harry Dunn, Downing Street said.

The British teenager died in August when his motorbike was hit by a car being driven by Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat.

British authorities have charged Sacoolas with causing death by dangerous driving, but the US refuses to extradite her.

Johnson "reiterated the need for the individual involved to return to the UK", the spokeswoman said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed telecoms security with US President Donald Trump as he prepares to announce if Britain will use China's Huawei in its 5G networks, officials said Saturday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed telecoms security with US President Donald Trump as he prepares to announce if Britain will use China's Huawei in its 5G networks, officials said Saturday. In a phone call on Friday evening, the two leaders "discussed a range of issues, including cooperation to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks", a Downing Street spokeswoman said. A White House statement also confirmed they discussed "working together to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks". The United States has banned Huawei from the rollout of its next-generation 5G mobile networks because of concerns -- strongly denied -- that the firm could be under the control of Beijing. Washington has been lobbying London to do the same, but there is speculation that it will grant the firm some kind of limited access. Huawei is already well established in British 3G and 4G networks, and officials have warned that banning it would be hugely costly and delay the rollout of 5G technology. Intelligence agencies also believe that they can contain any potential risk, although Johnson will have to make the final decision, expected next week. In his call with Trump, the prime minister also raised the "need to secure justice" for the family of Harry Dunn, Downing Street said. The British teenager died in August when his motorbike was hit by a car being driven by Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat. British authorities have charged Sacoolas with causing death by dangerous driving, but the US refuses to extradite her. Johnson "reiterated the need for the individual involved to return to the UK", the spokeswoman said.

Trump, Johnson talk telecoms security ahead of Huawei decision

At the core of&nbsp; US President Donald Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran lies the belief that Iran can be forced to negotiate terms for the lifting of harsh US economic sanctions even if it has no confidence in US intentions and adherence to agreements.

The Trump administration’s belief, despite the conviction of much of the international community that maximum pressure has failed and risks provoking a devastating all-out war in the Middle East, says much about the president’s transactional approach towards foreign policy that rests on the assumption that bluster, intimidation and the brute wielding of power can protect US interests and impose US will.

Richard Goldberg, an Iran-hawk who this month resigned as the official on the president’s national security council responsible for countering Iranian weapons of mass destruction, signalled in an op-ed in The New York Times, entitled “Trump Has an Iran Strategy. This Is It,” that Trump attributes no importance to deep-seated Iranian concerns that he is gunning for regime change in Tehran and that building trust is not needed to resolve the Iran crisis.

“The Iranian regime doesn’t need to trust America or Trump to strike a deal; it just needs to act as a rational actor to avoid collapse,” said Goldberg, who backed by former national security advisor John Bolton, served for a year in the White House.

Goldberg appeared to ignore the fact that the US withdrawal 20 months ago from a 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program sparked doubts not only in Iran but across the globe about the value of a US signature on any agreement.

He also appeared oblivious to the fact that Iranian suspicions were reinforced by allegations that his salary, while at the White House, was paid by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a hardline Washington-based think tank that is believed to have close ties to Israel and the United Arab Emirates. So did anecdotes about how his hardline views provoked clashes with other administration officials.

In his op-ed, Goldberg suggested that any new agreement with Iran could be ratified by the US Senate.

The Trump administration and Goldberg’s misreading of what it would take to steer the United States and Iran off a road of more than 40 years of deep-seated mutual distrust and animosity and towards the turning of a new page in their relationship was evident in indirect responses to the former national security council official’s assertions.

”Even if one day we negotiate with the US, the talks will not be with Trump, won’t be strategic (no normalization of ties) and will be done only by conservatives, not reformists. We need to see changes in the (US) Congress; whether Democrats will pursue a fair policy by which Iran is not under pressure over its missile program,” said a regime insider.

The Trump administration has demanded among other things that Iran curb its ballistic missile program, a core element of the Islamic republic’s defence strategy given that its armed forces lack a credible air force and navy.

Hardliners, who rather than moderates have proven in other Middle Eastern conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian dispute to be the ones capable of cutting deals, are expected to win next month’s parliamentary elections in Iran. The likelihood of hardline advances was enhanced by the fact that scores of moderates have been barred from running for office.

Iranian reformists argue that the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps demonstrates the risk of an Iranian strategy that is pre-empted on eternal hostility towards the United States.

Goldberg offered a rare indication that the Trump administration recognizes Iran’s strategy of gradual escalation that, based on the assumption that neither the United States nor Iran wants an all-out war, aims to bring the two countries to the brink of an armed conflict in the belief that this would break the logjam and force a return to the negotiating table on terms acceptable to Iran.

Noting that Trump had failed in the past nine months to respond to multiple Iranian provocations, including the downing of a US drone and attacks on tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and on key Saudi oil facilities, Goldberg asserted that Trump “recognized those traps for what they were and exercised strategic patience.”

Trump’s patience ended in December when he responded to the death of an American contractor in an attack by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias and the militias’ siege of the US embassy in Baghdad by first authorizing airstrikes against militias bases in Iraq and Syria and then the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani

Goldberg would likely describe the president’s decision not to respond to a subsequent Iranian retaliatory attack on housing facilities for US military personnel in Iraq as a renewed act of strategic patience. 
&nbsp;Trump’s strategic patience is bolstered by his retention of options to further increase maximum pressure on Iran. “Many wrongly believe the United States has already reached full ‘maximum pressure on Iran,” Goldberg said.

Goldberg pointed to sanctions targeting Iranian state shipping lines that are set to take effect in June, the administration’s recent identification of Iran’s financial sector as a “primary jurisdiction of money-laundering concern,” this month’s imposition of sanctions on its construction, mining and manufacturing sectors, and Europe’s triggering of the nuclear accord’s dispute mechanism that could lead to the return of United Nations-mandated sanctions.

Goldberg and Trump’s belief that imminent economic collapse and international political isolation could prompt Iranian leaders to suddenly place a call to the White House turns Trump’s handling of the Iran crisis into a litmus test of the president’s approach to foreign relations.

There is little in the torturous history of relations between the United States and the Islamic republic that suggests that pressure will persuade Iran, convinced that Washington is gunning for the fall of the regime, to gamble on an unconditional return to the negotiating table.

Nor does North Korea’s failure to succumb to US pressure even if Trump, in contrast to his remarks about Iranian spiritual leader Ali Khamenei, professed his love for Kim Jong-un.

Trump’s policy towards Iran, rather than reinforcing Gulf confidence in the United States’ reliability as a guarantor of regional security, has sparked a wait-and-see attitude and nagging doubts about US reliability.

If anything, risky US and Iranian strategies are likely to prove that the crisis can only be defused if both sides garner an understanding of the others’ objectives and some degree of confidence that both parties would remain committed to any agreement they conclude.

So far, US and Iranian policies amount to a dialogue of the deaf that is likely to perpetuate the risk of hostility getting out of hand and incentivize regional players to think about alternative arrangements that ultimately could weaken US influence and reduce tensions with Iran by including it, despite US policy, in a more multilateral security architecture.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

At the core of US President Donald Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran lies the belief that Iran can be forced to negotiate terms for the lifting of harsh US economic sanctions even if it has no confidence in US intentions and adherence to agreements.

At the core of US President Donald Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran lies the belief that Iran can be forced to negotiate terms for the lifting of harsh US economic sanctions even if it has no confidence in US intentions and adherence to agreements. The Trump administration’s belief, despite the conviction of much of the international community that maximum pressure has failed and risks provoking a devastating all-out war in the Middle East, says much about the president’s transactional approach towards foreign policy that rests on the assumption that bluster, intimidation and the brute wielding of power can protect US interests and impose US will. Richard Goldberg, an Iran-hawk who this month resigned as the official on the president’s national security council responsible for countering Iranian weapons of mass destruction, signalled in an op-ed in The New York Times, entitled “Trump Has an Iran Strategy. This Is It,” that Trump attributes no importance to deep-seated Iranian concerns that he is gunning for regime change in Tehran and that building trust is not needed to resolve the Iran crisis. “The Iranian regime doesn’t need to trust America or Trump to strike a deal; it just needs to act as a rational actor to avoid collapse,” said Goldberg, who backed by former national security advisor John Bolton, served for a year in the White House. Goldberg appeared to ignore the fact that the US withdrawal 20 months ago from a 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program sparked doubts not only in Iran but across the globe about the value of a US signature on any agreement. He also appeared oblivious to the fact that Iranian suspicions were reinforced by allegations that his salary, while at the White House, was paid by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a hardline Washington-based think tank that is believed to have close ties to Israel and the United Arab Emirates. So did anecdotes about how his hardline views provoked clashes with other administration officials. In his op-ed, Goldberg suggested that any new agreement with Iran could be ratified by the US Senate. The Trump administration and Goldberg’s misreading of what it would take to steer the United States and Iran off a road of more than 40 years of deep-seated mutual distrust and animosity and towards the turning of a new page in their relationship was evident in indirect responses to the former national security council official’s assertions. ”Even if one day we negotiate with the US, the talks will not be with Trump, won’t be strategic (no normalization of ties) and will be done only by conservatives, not reformists. We need to see changes in the (US) Congress; whether Democrats will pursue a fair policy by which Iran is not under pressure over its missile program,” said a regime insider. The Trump administration has demanded among other things that Iran curb its ballistic missile program, a core element of the Islamic republic’s defence strategy given that its armed forces lack a credible air force and navy. Hardliners, who rather than moderates have proven in other Middle Eastern conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian dispute to be the ones capable of cutting deals, are expected to win next month’s parliamentary elections in Iran. The likelihood of hardline advances was enhanced by the fact that scores of moderates have been barred from running for office. Iranian reformists argue that the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps demonstrates the risk of an Iranian strategy that is pre-empted on eternal hostility towards the United States. Goldberg offered a rare indication that the Trump administration recognizes Iran’s strategy of gradual escalation that, based on the assumption that neither the United States nor Iran wants an all-out war, aims to bring the two countries to the brink of an armed conflict in the belief that this would break the logjam and force a return to the negotiating table on terms acceptable to Iran. Noting that Trump had failed in the past nine months to respond to multiple Iranian provocations, including the downing of a US drone and attacks on tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and on key Saudi oil facilities, Goldberg asserted that Trump “recognized those traps for what they were and exercised strategic patience.” Trump’s patience ended in December when he responded to the death of an American contractor in an attack by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias and the militias’ siege of the US embassy in Baghdad by first authorizing airstrikes against militias bases in Iraq and Syria and then the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani Goldberg would likely describe the president’s decision not to respond to a subsequent Iranian retaliatory attack on housing facilities for US military personnel in Iraq as a renewed act of strategic patience. Trump’s strategic patience is bolstered by his retention of options to further increase maximum pressure on Iran. “Many wrongly believe the United States has already reached full ‘maximum pressure on Iran,” Goldberg said. Goldberg pointed to sanctions targeting Iranian state shipping lines that are set to take effect in June, the administration’s recent identification of Iran’s financial sector as a “primary jurisdiction of money-laundering concern,” this month’s imposition of sanctions on its construction, mining and manufacturing sectors, and Europe’s triggering of the nuclear accord’s dispute mechanism that could lead to the return of United Nations-mandated sanctions. Goldberg and Trump’s belief that imminent economic collapse and international political isolation could prompt Iranian leaders to suddenly place a call to the White House turns Trump’s handling of the Iran crisis into a litmus test of the president’s approach to foreign relations. There is little in the torturous history of relations between the United States and the Islamic republic that suggests that pressure will persuade Iran, convinced that Washington is gunning for the fall of the regime, to gamble on an unconditional return to the negotiating table. Nor does North Korea’s failure to succumb to US pressure even if Trump, in contrast to his remarks about Iranian spiritual leader Ali Khamenei, professed his love for Kim Jong-un. Trump’s policy towards Iran, rather than reinforcing Gulf confidence in the United States’ reliability as a guarantor of regional security, has sparked a wait-and-see attitude and nagging doubts about US reliability. If anything, risky US and Iranian strategies are likely to prove that the crisis can only be defused if both sides garner an understanding of the others’ objectives and some degree of confidence that both parties would remain committed to any agreement they conclude. So far, US and Iranian policies amount to a dialogue of the deaf that is likely to perpetuate the risk of hostility getting out of hand and incentivize regional players to think about alternative arrangements that ultimately could weaken US influence and reduce tensions with Iran by including it, despite US policy, in a more multilateral security architecture. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Iran crisis test drives fundaments of Donald Trump’s foreign policy

Donald Trump became the first US president to attend the annual March for Life in Washington on Friday, unleashing a fierce attack on his Democratic rivals during a rally in an election-year show of support for opponents of abortion rights.

Donald Trump became the first US president to attend the annual March for Life in Washington on Friday, unleashing a fierce attack on his Democratic rivals during a rally in an election-year show of support for opponents of abortion rights. "Unborn children have never had a stronger defender in the White House," the Republican president told thousands of cheering people at the rally, touting his anti-abortion policies and his appointments of conservatives to the federal judiciary including Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch. Demonstrators from around the country converged on a cool, overcast day in the US capital for the event held annually around the anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that recognised a woman's constitutional right to an abortion and legalized the procedure nationwide. Many high school and college students joined in the rally. Trump, seeking re-election on November 3, addressed the event in the midst of his impeachment trial in the US Senate on charges passed by the Democratic-led House of Representatives. While not mentioning impeachment, he assailed congressional Democrats on abortion policy. Trump drew loud applause from the crowd. Among his most loyal political supporters are evangelical Christians, who strongly oppose abortion rights. The event took on aspects of a campaign rally, with Trump lashing out at his political opponents and some in the crowd chanting "Four More Years!" "Sadly, the far left is actively working to erase our God-given rights, shut down faith-based charities, ban religious believers from the public square and silence Americans who believe in the sanctity of life," Trump said. "They are coming after me because I am fighting for you. And we are fighting for those who have no voice, and we will win." "Democrats have embraced the most radical and extreme positions taken and seen in this country for years and decades and you could even say for centuries. Nearly every top Democrat in Congress now supports taxpayer-funded abortion all the way up until the moment of birth," Trump said, eliciting boos and jeers from the crowd. Trump, who years earlier had supported abortion rights, cast himself as a committed abortion opponent on religious grounds. "We know that every human soul is divine and ever human life, born and unborn, is made in the holy image of almighty God," Trump said. Trump vowed during the 2016 presidential campaign to appoint justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. Abortion remains one of the most divisive issues in the United States. About 58% of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in most or all cases, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll last year. Past U.S. presidents have opted to stay away from the march, though Republicans Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush both previously delivered remarks to the rally remotely. The Supreme Court on March 4 will hear arguments in a major case concerning the legality of abortion clinic regulations in Louisiana that could lead to new curbs on access to the procedure. The case will test the willingness of the court, which has a 5-4 conservative majority that includes Trump's two appointees, to uphold Republican-backed abortion restrictions being pursued in numerous conservative states.

At anti-abortion rally, Trump assails Democrats, draws applause

The Democrats layed out their case against President Trump for abuse of power as the Senate impeachment trial continues. Trump is charged with obstruction of Congress. However, Trump has denied these charges.

Donald Trump's Impeachment: Democrats lay out abuse of power case

Lead House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adam-schiff-to-lead-prosecution-in-us-senate-on-trump-impeachment-trial-pelosi-274484">Adam Schiff</a> called dramatically for the Senate to remove President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-trade-accord-with-mexico-canada-next-week-276253">Donald Trump</a> from office Thursday, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own.

"The American people deserve a president they can count on, to put their interest first," said Schiff.

His impassioned words capped a long day in which Democrats detailed Trump's illicit scheme to pressure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-accuse-trump-at-impeachment-trial-of-corrupt-scheme-to-pressure-ukraine-276105">Ukraine</a> to help his 2020 reelection campaign.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-accuse-trump-at-impeachment-trial-of-corrupt-scheme-to-pressure-ukraine-276105"> Democrats accuse Trump at impeachment trial of corrupt scheme to pressure Ukraine</a>

"You know, you can't trust this president to do what is right for this country. You can trust he will do what's right for Donald Trump," Schiff added.

"He'll do it now. He's done it before. He'll do it for the next several months. He'll do it in the election if he's allowed to. This is why, if you find him guilty, you must find that he should be removed."

"Because right matters. And truth matters. Otherwise, we are lost."

Also watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump's Impeachment: Democrats lay out abuse of power case

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trumps-impeachment-democrats-lay-out-abuse-of-power-case-276260/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'It is illegal'

As the 100 senators sat as jurors and millions of Americans watched on television, House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;managers mustered scores of videos, internal documents and extensive witness testimony to lay out a strong case that the US leader abused his powers.

Schiff's prosecution team detailed how Trump flagrantly undertook last year to force <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bodies-of-ukrainian-victims-of-downed-plane-repatriated-from-iran-275279">Kiev </a>to help him tarnish his possible 2020 reelection rival, former vice president Joe Biden.

"President Trump used the powers of his office to solicit a foreign nation to interfere in our elections for his own personal benefit," House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler told the chamber.

"Since President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-washington-gold-coin-sells-for-17-million-159678">George Washington </a>took office in 1789, no president has abused his power in this way," Nadler said.

"The president has repeatedly, flagrantly, violated his oath... The president's conduct is wrong. It is illegal. And it is dangerous."

'Unfair and corrupt'

Over nine hours the Democrats methodically dismantled Republican claims that Trump did nothing wrong.&nbsp;

They left few doubts that Trump's sole motivation in secretly freezing aid to Ukraine last July was to force Ukraine President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-getting-tired-of-trump-scandal-263215">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> to announce one investigation into Biden and a second into an unsupported story that Kiev helped Democrats in the 2016 election.

To puncture a key White House argument that the US constitution requires a specific crime to remove a president, they played old videos in which two of Trump's closest defenders, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and storied criminal defense attorney Alan Dershowitz, said that abuse of power itself is a clear impeachable offense.&nbsp;

And they detailed the extensive role of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani in the scheme to pressure Zelensky, even while US intelligence and diplomatic chiefs disagreed with it.

"Donald Trump chose Rudy Giuliani over his own intelligence agencies. He chose Rudy Giuliani over his own national security advisors... That makes him dangerous to our country," said Schiff, who leads the House Intelligence Committee.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-dream-team-meet-us-president-trumps-star-studded-legal-team-274978">&nbsp;Impeachment dream team: Meet US President Trump's star-studded legal team</a>

Uphill battle&nbsp;

Yet, three days into arguments into the historic trial, there were few signs that any of the Republican majority that Trump commands in the Senate would buy into the evidence and turn against him.

<img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="51672510-212d-4906-8c46-95972b7ed0a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020-01-22T231541Z_1_LYNXMPEG0L2GF_RTROPTP_3_USA-TRUMP-IMPEACHMENT-POLL.JPG" />

"What we heard from the managers yesterday, the day before, it is the same thing, day after day after day," said Republican Senator John Barrasso.

"We're hearing the same things over and over," said Trump attorney Jay Sekulow. "We will be putting on vigorous defense of both facts and rebutting what they've said."

At the White House, Trump unleashed a barrage of tweets attacking the process as "loaded with lies and misrepresentations."

"Most unfair &amp; corrupt hearing in Congressional history!" he tweeted

Witness issue

Democratic prosecutors will complete their arguments Friday with a focus on the second&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;charge, obstruction of Congress, before Trump's legal team holds the floor in his defense for three days.

Democrats are hoping their arguments will at least persuade some Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, to support their call to issue subpoenas next week for four top current and former Trump aides to testify, and for internal White House records about the Ukraine affair.

But all indications were that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in coordination with the White House, will seek to stifle witness requests and bring the trial to a close with a vote to acquit Trump by the end of next week.

Both Trump and McConnell said early this week that the White House could claim executive privilege to refuse the subpoenas, forcing a court challenge that could prolong the case well into February.

Lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff called dramatically for the Senate to remove President Donald Trump from office Thursday, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own.

Lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff called dramatically for the Senate to remove President Donald Trump from office Thursday, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own. "The American people deserve a president they can count on, to put their interest first," said Schiff. His impassioned words capped a long day in which Democrats detailed Trump's illicit scheme to pressure Ukraine to help his 2020 reelection campaign. Also read: Democrats accuse Trump at impeachment trial of corrupt scheme to pressure Ukraine "You know, you can't trust this president to do what is right for this country. You can trust he will do what's right for Donald Trump," Schiff added. "He'll do it now. He's done it before. He'll do it for the next several months. He'll do it in the election if he's allowed to. This is why, if you find him guilty, you must find that he should be removed." "Because right matters. And truth matters. Otherwise, we are lost." Also watch: Donald Trump's Impeachment: Democrats lay out abuse of power case 'It is illegal' As the 100 senators sat as jurors and millions of Americans watched on television, House impeachment managers mustered scores of videos, internal documents and extensive witness testimony to lay out a strong case that the US leader abused his powers. Schiff's prosecution team detailed how Trump flagrantly undertook last year to force Kiev to help him tarnish his possible 2020 reelection rival, former vice president Joe Biden. "President Trump used the powers of his office to solicit a foreign nation to interfere in our elections for his own personal benefit," House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler told the chamber. "Since President George Washington took office in 1789, no president has abused his power in this way," Nadler said. "The president has repeatedly, flagrantly, violated his oath... The president's conduct is wrong. It is illegal. And it is dangerous." 'Unfair and corrupt' Over nine hours the Democrats methodically dismantled Republican claims that Trump did nothing wrong. They left few doubts that Trump's sole motivation in secretly freezing aid to Ukraine last July was to force Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce one investigation into Biden and a second into an unsupported story that Kiev helped Democrats in the 2016 election. To puncture a key White House argument that the US constitution requires a specific crime to remove a president, they played old videos in which two of Trump's closest defenders, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and storied criminal defense attorney Alan Dershowitz, said that abuse of power itself is a clear impeachable offense. And they detailed the extensive role of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani in the scheme to pressure Zelensky, even while US intelligence and diplomatic chiefs disagreed with it. "Donald Trump chose Rudy Giuliani over his own intelligence agencies. He chose Rudy Giuliani over his own national security advisors... That makes him dangerous to our country," said Schiff, who leads the House Intelligence Committee. Also read: Impeachment dream team: Meet US President Trump's star-studded legal team Uphill battle Yet, three days into arguments into the historic trial, there were few signs that any of the Republican majority that Trump commands in the Senate would buy into the evidence and turn against him. "What we heard from the managers yesterday, the day before, it is the same thing, day after day after day," said Republican Senator John Barrasso. "We're hearing the same things over and over," said Trump attorney Jay Sekulow. "We will be putting on vigorous defense of both facts and rebutting what they've said." At the White House, Trump unleashed a barrage of tweets attacking the process as "loaded with lies and misrepresentations." "Most unfair & corrupt hearing in Congressional history!" he tweeted Witness issue Democratic prosecutors will complete their arguments Friday with a focus on the second impeachment charge, obstruction of Congress, before Trump's legal team holds the floor in his defense for three days. Democrats are hoping their arguments will at least persuade some Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, to support their call to issue subpoenas next week for four top current and former Trump aides to testify, and for internal White House records about the Ukraine affair. But all indications were that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in coordination with the White House, will seek to stifle witness requests and bring the trial to a close with a vote to acquit Trump by the end of next week. Both Trump and McConnell said early this week that the White House could claim executive privilege to refuse the subpoenas, forcing a court challenge that could prolong the case well into February.

Donald Trump 'should be removed': Adam Schiff

U.S. President Donald Trump claims to be Number 1 on Facebook. But, the numbers tell a different tale. Here is a fact check.

Gravitas: Reality Check: Trump's Facebook Popularity

US President Donald Trump will sign the new North American trade pact with Mexico and Canada next week, a White House official said Thursday.

The USMCA, the fruit of years of negotiation between the three key trading partners, is billed as an update to the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump had long thrashed as a job killer and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/mexican-businesses-want-clarity-on-details-of-usmca-trade-deal-267698">threatened to scrap outright</a>.

<img alt="NAFTA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3349387-d5f0-41e7-9ba0-c19f18aa21ad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2885%29_1.jpg" /> 
[Flags of all three nations involved in the agreement&nbsp;(Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The US Senate approved the pact last week and White House officials said Trump will sign it Wednesday. The earlier NAFTA created a vast free-trade zone across North America, leading to radical shifts in the makeup of industries in the three countries and vastly increasing cross-border exchanges in goods, services and people.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usmca-united-states-mexico-and-canada-finalize-new-trade-agreement-267552">United States, Mexico, Canada sign deal finalizing USMCA trade pact</a>

While the agreement produced winners and losers in some areas, economists say overall it increased growth and raised the standard of living in North America. The new deal changes content rules on auto manufacturing and requires higher salaries for some Mexican auto workers.

It also makes changes to e-commerce, intellectual property protection and dispute settlement for investors, as well as tougher labour provisions that require reforms to Mexico's labour laws. Mexico ratified the new agreement December 10, and Canada is expected to follow suit in coming weeks.

US President Donald Trump will sign the new North American trade pact with Mexico and Canada next week, a White House official said Thursday. The USMCA, the fruit of years of negotiation between the three key trading partners, is billed as an update to the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump had long thrashed as a job killer and threatened to scrap outright.

US President Donald Trump will sign the new North American trade pact with Mexico and Canada next week, a White House official said Thursday. The USMCA, the fruit of years of negotiation between the three key trading partners, is billed as an update to the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump had long thrashed as a job killer and threatened to scrap outright. [Flags of all three nations involved in the agreement (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The US Senate approved the pact last week and White House officials said Trump will sign it Wednesday. The earlier NAFTA created a vast free-trade zone across North America, leading to radical shifts in the makeup of industries in the three countries and vastly increasing cross-border exchanges in goods, services and people. Also Read: United States, Mexico, Canada sign deal finalizing USMCA trade pact While the agreement produced winners and losers in some areas, economists say overall it increased growth and raised the standard of living in North America. The new deal changes content rules on auto manufacturing and requires higher salaries for some Mexican auto workers. It also makes changes to e-commerce, intellectual property protection and dispute settlement for investors, as well as tougher labour provisions that require reforms to Mexico's labour laws. Mexico ratified the new agreement December 10, and Canada is expected to follow suit in coming weeks.

Donald Trump to sign trade accord with Mexico, Canada next week

Nine parents who were deported as the Donald Trump administration separated thousands of migrant families landed back into the U.S. to reunite with children they had not seen in a year and a half.

Your Story: Deported migrant parents return to US

US President Donald Trump faced sharp reaction on Twitter after he shared a morphed image with former president Barack Obama&nbsp;on Friday.&nbsp;

As per the photograph, Obama is peeping through a window with binoculars as Trump posed opposite a wall.&nbsp;

The post garnered over 103,000 likes and was retweeted nearly 29,000 times so far.&nbsp;

However, the US president got a lot of angry reactions from the Twitteratis and some even hailed Obama.

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do you have any idea just how ridiculous you are
— Jeff Tiedrich (@itsJeffTiedrich) <a href="https://twitter.com/itsJeffTiedrich/status/1220536997774798848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DonaldTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DonaldTrump</a> will always be jealous of President Obama, and will never measure up. 😳
— Jules Morgan (@glamelegance) <a href="https://twitter.com/glamelegance/status/1220537342026489856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Has no reason to do that... 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/o78WEQQJBr">pic.twitter.com/o78WEQQJBr</a>
— Bobby’s Thoughts (@bobby_thoughts) <a href="https://twitter.com/bobby_thoughts/status/1220537560084242432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Really should be the other way around, Dirty Don. Obama on the inside, u the perpetual outsider. Always looking in. Jealous. Feeling insecure &amp; inadequate. Wanting to be "in" but knowing you never will be. Bc you're ignorant. Incompetent. A fraud. Easily exposed. Scared. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trump</a>
— Andy Ostroy (@AndyOstroy) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyOstroy/status/1220550452103786496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Some users also shared contrary views.&nbsp;

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You are the BEST, sir! <a href="https://t.co/HVafo7KTIx">pic.twitter.com/HVafo7KTIx</a>
— Rep. Steven Smith 🇺🇸 (@RepStevenSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepStevenSmith/status/1220537846731243520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Journalists right now furiously writing articles claiming this is a DaNgErOuS dOcToReD ImAgE!!! <a href="https://t.co/18Tlto6Lyn">pic.twitter.com/18Tlto6Lyn</a>
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimRunsHisMouth/status/1220538337276186624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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US President Donald Trump faced sharp reaction on Twitter after he shared a morphed image with former president Barack Obama on Friday. As per the photograph, Obama is peeping through a window with binoculars as Trump posed opposite a wall.

US President Donald Trump faced sharp reaction on Twitter after he shared a morphed image with former president Barack Obama on Friday. As per the photograph, Obama is peeping through a window with binoculars as Trump posed opposite a wall. The post garnered over 103,000 likes and was retweeted nearly 29,000 times so far. However, the US president got a lot of angry reactions from the Twitteratis and some even hailed Obama. do you have any idea just how ridiculous you are — Jeff Tiedrich (@itsJeffTiedrich) January 24, 2020 × #DonaldTrump will always be jealous of President Obama, and will never measure up. 😳 — Jules Morgan (@glamelegance) January 24, 2020 × Has no reason to do that... 🤣 pic.twitter.com/o78WEQQJBr — Bobby’s Thoughts (@bobby_thoughts) January 24, 2020 × Really should be the other way around, Dirty Don. Obama on the inside, u the perpetual outsider. Always looking in. Jealous. Feeling insecure & inadequate. Wanting to be "in" but knowing you never will be. Bc you're ignorant. Incompetent. A fraud. Easily exposed. Scared. #Trump — Andy Ostroy (@AndyOstroy) January 24, 2020 × Some users also shared contrary views. You are the BEST, sir! pic.twitter.com/HVafo7KTIx — Rep. Steven Smith 🇺🇸 (@RepStevenSmith) January 24, 2020 × Journalists right now furiously writing articles claiming this is a DaNgErOuS dOcToReD ImAgE!!! pic.twitter.com/18Tlto6Lyn — Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) January 24, 2020 ×

Netizens furious after Donald Trump shares morphed image with Barack Obama

Donald Trump administration has adopted a strict visa policy ever since taking charge.And now the US government is set to announce new visa restrictions aimed at restricting 'birth tourism'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/birthright-citizenship-has-created-an-entire-industry-called-birth-tourism-says-trump-at-election-rally-175102">Also read: Birthright citizenship has created an entire industry, called birth tourism, says Trump at election rally</a>

In what is referred to as birth tourism pregnant women apparently travel to the US&nbsp;to give birth so their children can have the coveted US&nbsp;passport.

As per the US constitution, a child born in the united states is a naturalized US citizen and hence eligible for a US&nbsp;passport irrespective of her parents' origin country.

Under the new visa laws, pregnant women applying for a visa will be treated like other foreigners coming to the US&nbsp;for medical treatment.

The applicants will have to prove they are coming for medical treatment and also have the money to pay for it.The US state department will be publicising the rules today. And the new rules will take effect from Friday.

A spokesperson from the state department said that the draft rule is intended to address national security and law enforcement risks associated with birth tourism.The practice of coming to the united states to give birth will remain fundamentally legal.

In the past, though there have been scattered cases of birth tourism operatives being arrested for visa fraud or tax evasion.President Trump is known to be skeptic about the US&nbsp;birth-right citizenship.

He has often railed against the practice and even threatened to end it.Regulating tourist visas for pregnant women is one way for Trump to get at the issue.

Donald Trump administration has adopted a strict visa policy ever since taking charge.And now the US government is set to announce new visa restrictions aimed at restricting 'birth tourism'.

Donald Trump administration has adopted a strict visa policy ever since taking charge.And now the US government is set to announce new visa restrictions aimed at restricting 'birth tourism'. Also read: Birthright citizenship has created an entire industry, called birth tourism, says Trump at election rally In what is referred to as birth tourism pregnant women apparently travel to the US to give birth so their children can have the coveted US passport. As per the US constitution, a child born in the united states is a naturalized US citizen and hence eligible for a US passport irrespective of her parents' origin country. Under the new visa laws, pregnant women applying for a visa will be treated like other foreigners coming to the US for medical treatment. The applicants will have to prove they are coming for medical treatment and also have the money to pay for it.The US state department will be publicising the rules today. And the new rules will take effect from Friday. A spokesperson from the state department said that the draft rule is intended to address national security and law enforcement risks associated with birth tourism.The practice of coming to the united states to give birth will remain fundamentally legal. In the past, though there have been scattered cases of birth tourism operatives being arrested for visa fraud or tax evasion.President Trump is known to be skeptic about the US birth-right citizenship. He has often railed against the practice and even threatened to end it.Regulating tourist visas for pregnant women is one way for Trump to get at the issue.

No more birth tourism: US to impose visa restrictions on pregnant women

There are two things we all know about US President Donald Trump -&nbsp;first, he despises traditional media,&nbsp;and second, he absolutely loves social media.

The US President recently broke his own record of tweets by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/125-tweets-in-a-day-donald-trump-floods-twitter-with-impeachment-proceedings-276114">tweeting 125 times within 24 hours</a>.

Now, during an interview at the World Economic Forum, Trump claimed that he is number one on the social media site Facebook.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-reality-check-trumps-facebook-popularity-276214/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During an interview at Davos, Trump said, ''Well, I met him (Mark Zuckerberg), and he told me that I am number one in the world on&nbsp;Facebook''.

"Zuckerberg told me I'm number one on Facebook", Trump said, adding, "it is always nice to be number one".

The US president claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the second position on Facebook. 
&nbsp; 
Trump has over 27 million followers (27, 266,004), the number which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi easily surpasses.

PM Modi has over 44 million followers (44,259,851).

Interestingly, Portugal&nbsp;football star Cristiano Ronaldo has over 123 million followers, while Colombian singer Shakira follows him with close to&nbsp;a hundred million followers.

Actor Vin Diesel makes the top three with a little over 94 million followers.

There are two things we all know about US President Donald Trump - first, he despises traditional media, and second, he absolutely loves social media. The US President recently broke his own record of tweets by tweeting 125 times within 24 hours.

There are two things we all know about US President Donald Trump - first, he despises traditional media, and second, he absolutely loves social media. The US President recently broke his own record of tweets by tweeting 125 times within 24 hours. Now, during an interview at the World Economic Forum, Trump claimed that he is number one on the social media site Facebook. During an interview at Davos, Trump said, ''Well, I met him (Mark Zuckerberg), and he told me that I am number one in the world on Facebook''. "Zuckerberg told me I'm number one on Facebook", Trump said, adding, "it is always nice to be number one". The US president claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the second position on Facebook. Trump has over 27 million followers (27, 266,004), the number which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi easily surpasses. PM Modi has over 44 million followers (44,259,851). Interestingly, Portugal football star Cristiano Ronaldo has over 123 million followers, while Colombian singer Shakira follows him with close to a hundred million followers. Actor Vin Diesel makes the top three with a little over 94 million followers.

Now, Trump brags about beating PM Modi on Facebook

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem</a>, US Vice President Mike Pence was caught on mic using the term "unstoppable"&nbsp;to describe Donald Trump.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-israel-hosts-world-holocaust-forum-276196">WION Dispatch: Israel hosts World Holocaust Forum</a>

"We're contending. He's unstoppable, like somebody else I know," the US vice president said in a chat with PM Netanyahu which was picked up by a camera team nearby.

His comments precede hours of damning remarks from the US President's impeachment trial, where the prosecution is deliberating the evidence against the US president&nbsp;of abusing the power of his office.

Pence and&nbsp;Netanyahu had&nbsp;gathered with other world leaders in Jerusalem to attend a memorial to commemorate&nbsp;the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps in Nazi-occupied Poland.

The US vice president said that the meeting with&nbsp;Netanyahu will "continue discussions about a broad range of issues of mutual concern between the United States and Israel, but also about the prospect of peace." Netanyahu intends to discuss his plans with Trump "on how to advance peace and to work closely with him to advance that goal".

Netanyahu's political rival, Benjamin Gantz has stated that he will consider making territorial concessions to Palestinians but is yet to commit recognising statehood.

Netanyahu stated that Gantz's inclusive approach is an effort to achieve "broad consensus in the efforts to achieve security and peace ... for the state of Israel."

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem, US Vice President Mike Pence was caught on mic using the term "unstoppable" to describe Donald Trump.

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem, US Vice President Mike Pence was caught on mic using the term "unstoppable" to describe Donald Trump. Also Read: WION Dispatch: Israel hosts World Holocaust Forum "We're contending. He's unstoppable, like somebody else I know," the US vice president said in a chat with PM Netanyahu which was picked up by a camera team nearby. His comments precede hours of damning remarks from the US President's impeachment trial, where the prosecution is deliberating the evidence against the US president of abusing the power of his office. Pence and Netanyahu had gathered with other world leaders in Jerusalem to attend a memorial to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps in Nazi-occupied Poland. The US vice president said that the meeting with Netanyahu will "continue discussions about a broad range of issues of mutual concern between the United States and Israel, but also about the prospect of peace." Netanyahu intends to discuss his plans with Trump "on how to advance peace and to work closely with him to advance that goal". Netanyahu's political rival, Benjamin Gantz has stated that he will consider making territorial concessions to Palestinians but is yet to commit recognising statehood. Netanyahu stated that Gantz's inclusive approach is an effort to achieve "broad consensus in the efforts to achieve security and peace ... for the state of Israel."

He's unstoppable, like somebody else I know: Pence caught on hot mic with Israel PM Netanyahu

Water sources used by nearly a third of Americans will no longer have pollution safeguards after the Trump administration completed its rollback of environmental measures.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised a move that removes millions of miles of streams and around 50 per cent of America’s wetlands from federal oversight, which will potentially give a free hand to pesticides and other pollutants be dumped without penalty, reported Guardian.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tears-into-environmental-doom-mongers-at-davos-forum-275841">Trump tears into environmental 'doom' mongers at Davos forum</a>

US President Donald Trump has long targeted his predecessor Barack Obama for clean water protections measures, calling it a “very destructive and horrible rule”.&nbsp;

Trump has been backed by farming groups, ranchers, who assert the so-called “Water of the United States” (Wotus) rule impinged upon landowners’ rights.&nbsp;

However, the EPA staff has expressed disappointment over the move.

“The new rule is scientifically indefensible and socially unjust,” said Betsy Southerland, was scientific director of the EPA’s office for three decades, reported.&nbsp;

The industry groups who were promised by the Trump administration to revoke the law welcomed the move.&nbsp;

With this move, the major rivers such as the Mississippi River and Colorado will remain protected but impositions from short-lived streams and wetlands have been lifted.&nbsp;

Environmental groups warn that nearly 75 endangered species dependent on temporary streams will be paralysed from this decision.&nbsp;

Recently, Trump claimed at the Davos summit that the US has “among the cleanest air and drinking water on Earth”. But, more than 100 environmental rules have been dismantled during Trump's presidency.&nbsp;

Water sources used by nearly a third of Americans will no longer have pollution safeguards after the Trump administration completed its rollback of environmental measures.

Water sources used by nearly a third of Americans will no longer have pollution safeguards after the Trump administration completed its rollback of environmental measures. On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised a move that removes millions of miles of streams and around 50 per cent of America’s wetlands from federal oversight, which will potentially give a free hand to pesticides and other pollutants be dumped without penalty, reported Guardian. Also read: Trump tears into environmental 'doom' mongers at Davos forum US President Donald Trump has long targeted his predecessor Barack Obama for clean water protections measures, calling it a “very destructive and horrible rule”. Trump has been backed by farming groups, ranchers, who assert the so-called “Water of the United States” (Wotus) rule impinged upon landowners’ rights. However, the EPA staff has expressed disappointment over the move. “The new rule is scientifically indefensible and socially unjust,” said Betsy Southerland, was scientific director of the EPA’s office for three decades, reported. The industry groups who were promised by the Trump administration to revoke the law welcomed the move. With this move, the major rivers such as the Mississippi River and Colorado will remain protected but impositions from short-lived streams and wetlands have been lifted. Environmental groups warn that nearly 75 endangered species dependent on temporary streams will be paralysed from this decision. Recently, Trump claimed at the Davos summit that the US has “among the cleanest air and drinking water on Earth”. But, more than 100 environmental rules have been dismantled during Trump's presidency.

Trump administration rolls back law preventing pollution in drinking water sources

Isabelle Axelsson is one of the youngest delegates at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tears-into-environmental-doom-mongers-at-davos-forum-275841">Davos</a>, where the 19-year-old, dressed in Doc Martin boots and dungarees, and her fellow climate activists are calling on the world leaders to do more to tackle climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-uses-davos-to-pursue-global-digital-tax-goal-276157">Read More:&nbsp;France uses Davos to pursue global 'digital tax' goal</a>

"People are taking us more seriously than they were before," Axelsson told Reuters this week in the flat she is sharing with fellow campaigners from Switzerland and Germany, adding: "I think it's a lot of talk and not enough action."

&nbsp;Axelsson is part of the Stockholm branch of "Fridays for Future" which includes founding member <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-ought-to-focus-on-other-countries-says-trump-at-davos-275938">Greta Thunberg</a> who has gone from solo school strikes to sparring on the international stage with US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-made-us-president-donald-trump-threaten-iran-271452">Donald Trump</a> over climate policy.

"People have their eyes on us," Axelsson said. "I don’t know how they evaluate what we say, hopefully, they listen, but generally I do think they dismiss us because of our age.

This year the annual meeting of business leaders at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">World Economic Forum</a> in the Swiss ski resort of Davos has put climate change center stage, rolling out the red carpet for Thunberg and calling on firms to set net-zero carbon goals.

<img alt="Isabelle Axelsson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd4bbe65-8a22-48b6-82ef-a97a7fd12baa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_13.jpg" />

She said she got involved in the movement in December 2018 and has since only missed one strike.

Her parents, hesitant at first, are now supportive and Axelsson says her grades have improved, allowing her to finish high school and start studying human geography at university.

"I got more energy from striking, I was channeling all the depressed and bad feelings I had because of the climate crisis into something."

&nbsp;Although the focus on Axelsson and her fellow strikers makes climate change a talking point, she worries it is a distraction.

"There's a little bit too much attention on us, and us as people, but we need the focus to be on the science."

Isabelle Axelsson is one of the youngest delegates at Davos, where the 19-year-old, dressed in Doc Martin boots and dungarees, and her fellow climate activists are calling on the world leaders to do more to tackle climate change.

Isabelle Axelsson is one of the youngest delegates at Davos, where the 19-year-old, dressed in Doc Martin boots and dungarees, and her fellow climate activists are calling on the world leaders to do more to tackle climate change. Read More: France uses Davos to pursue global 'digital tax' goal "People are taking us more seriously than they were before," Axelsson told Reuters this week in the flat she is sharing with fellow campaigners from Switzerland and Germany, adding: "I think it's a lot of talk and not enough action." Axelsson is part of the Stockholm branch of "Fridays for Future" which includes founding member Greta Thunberg who has gone from solo school strikes to sparring on the international stage with US President Donald Trump over climate policy. "People have their eyes on us," Axelsson said. "I don’t know how they evaluate what we say, hopefully, they listen, but generally I do think they dismiss us because of our age. This year the annual meeting of business leaders at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos has put climate change center stage, rolling out the red carpet for Thunberg and calling on firms to set net-zero carbon goals. She said she got involved in the movement in December 2018 and has since only missed one strike. Her parents, hesitant at first, are now supportive and Axelsson says her grades have improved, allowing her to finish high school and start studying human geography at university. "I got more energy from striking, I was channeling all the depressed and bad feelings I had because of the climate crisis into something." Although the focus on Axelsson and her fellow strikers makes climate change a talking point, she worries it is a distraction. "There's a little bit too much attention on us, and us as people, but we need the focus to be on the science."

Young climate activist fears words not action at Davos

Philippine President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-rage-in-philippine-capital-as-president-rodrigo-duterte-defends-china-relationship-237830">Rodrigo Duterte</a> has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war.

It is the latest in a long line of Duterte's threats to shrink or sever ties with historical ally Washington, which have periodically followed criticism of his deadly narcotics crackdown.

Duterte spoke after Ronald Dela Rosa, the former national police chief who is now a senator, said the US had canceled his visa but did not tell him why.

Dela Rosa was the first enforcer of Duterte's internationally condemned campaign, in which police say they have killed just over 5,500 alleged dealers and users.&nbsp;

Human rights advocates say the true toll is four times higher and could amount to crimes against humanity.&nbsp;

The US State Department and the embassy in Manila have not responded to requests for comment about Dela Rosa's visa. &nbsp;

Duterte went on the attack in a speech late Thursday.&nbsp;

"Now, they won't let Bato go to America", he said, using Dela Rosa's nickname.&nbsp;

"If you do not make a correction there, one, I will terminate the bases Visiting Forces Agreement," Duterte added. "I'm giving... the American government one month from now."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-wants-military-cooperation-pact-with-sri-lanka-to-tackle-red-tape-report-237424">Visiting Forces Agreement</a> (VFA) outlines the rules governing the conduct of US troops participating in joint military exercises in the Philippines.

The pact gave legal cover for the resumption of large-scale war games between the two allies after the US military closed its Philippine bases in the 1990s amid rising anti-US sentiment.

Duterte also threatened in 2016 to cancel the agreement but has generally attacked ties with the US, including an announced "separation" from its former colonial master.

Until now the president has not made good on those threats, some of which came after then US president Barack Obama was critical of Duterte's crackdown in 2016.

Relations between Washington and Manila under President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-policy-shift-a-rare-donald-trumps-foreign-policy-success-252387">Donald Trump</a>, who has voiced support for Duterte, are on a stronger footing.&nbsp;

However, recent criticism from US lawmakers has introduced new tensions.

The Philippines in December barred US senators <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-bans-two-us-senators-mulls-new-visa-rules-for-americans-270538">Richard Durbin</a> and Patrick Leahy, who were behind a measure to prevent officials involved in the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima from entering the US.&nbsp;

De Lima, one of the highest-profile critics of Duterte's narcotics crackdown, has been held since February 2017 over a&nbsp;drug charge that she claims was fabricated to silence her.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war. It is the latest in a long line of Duterte's threats to shrink or sever ties with historical ally Washington, which have periodically followed criticism of his deadly narcotics crackdown. Duterte spoke after Ronald Dela Rosa, the former national police chief who is now a senator, said the US had canceled his visa but did not tell him why. Dela Rosa was the first enforcer of Duterte's internationally condemned campaign, in which police say they have killed just over 5,500 alleged dealers and users. Human rights advocates say the true toll is four times higher and could amount to crimes against humanity. The US State Department and the embassy in Manila have not responded to requests for comment about Dela Rosa's visa. Duterte went on the attack in a speech late Thursday. "Now, they won't let Bato go to America", he said, using Dela Rosa's nickname. "If you do not make a correction there, one, I will terminate the bases Visiting Forces Agreement," Duterte added. "I'm giving... the American government one month from now." The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) outlines the rules governing the conduct of US troops participating in joint military exercises in the Philippines. The pact gave legal cover for the resumption of large-scale war games between the two allies after the US military closed its Philippine bases in the 1990s amid rising anti-US sentiment. Duterte also threatened in 2016 to cancel the agreement but has generally attacked ties with the US, including an announced "separation" from its former colonial master. Until now the president has not made good on those threats, some of which came after then US president Barack Obama was critical of Duterte's crackdown in 2016. Relations between Washington and Manila under President Donald Trump, who has voiced support for Duterte, are on a stronger footing. However, recent criticism from US lawmakers has introduced new tensions. The Philippines in December barred US senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy, who were behind a measure to prevent officials involved in the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima from entering the US. De Lima, one of the highest-profile critics of Duterte's narcotics crackdown, has been held since February 2017 over a drug charge that she claims was fabricated to silence her.

Philippines President Duterte threatens to end US military pact

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would release Middle East peace plan ahead of a meeting in Washington next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"It's a great plan. It's a plan that really would work," Trump said to reporters travelling with him to Florida on board Air Force One. Trump said that the plan would probably be unveiled before the White House meeting on Tuesday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-us-policy-on-palestine-conflict-has-changed-over-time-159087">Opinion: US policy on Palestine conflict has changed over time</a>

The Palestinians have once again reiterated its rejection to the plans as they believe the plans intend to bury the two-state solution. They are also not invited for the White House meeting regarding the same next week.&nbsp;

Asked on any contacts made by the US to Palestinians, Trump said: "We've spoken to them briefly. But we will speak to them in a period of time."

Trump also said that after the declaration of the plans, Palestinians "maybe will react negatively at first but it's actually very positive for them".&nbsp;

US President also said that he was pleased that both Netanyahu and his main electoral rival Benny Gantz would come for the meeting ahead of the elections in Israel on March 2.&nbsp;

"This step only reaffirms our absolute rejection of what the US administration has done so far, particularly the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital," spokesman of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas' said in a statement.

Palestinian President broke all ties with the US after the latter recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017, a move that went against decades of international consensus.&nbsp;

Trump earlier described his Israel-Palestine peace agreement brokered by the US as "ultimate deal".

The peace initiative was expected months ago but was postponed after the inconclusive September elections in Israel last year. &nbsp;

Israeli media claimed that the leaked outlines of the deal show that the US has accepted key Israeli demands.&nbsp;

The White House meeting coincides with an expected session in the Israeli parliament to discuss Netanyahu's potential immunity from prosecution over the corruption charges.&nbsp;

(with AFP inputs)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would release Middle East peace plan ahead of a meeting in Washington next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would release Middle East peace plan ahead of a meeting in Washington next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "It's a great plan. It's a plan that really would work," Trump said to reporters travelling with him to Florida on board Air Force One. Trump said that the plan would probably be unveiled before the White House meeting on Tuesday. Also read: Opinion: US policy on Palestine conflict has changed over time The Palestinians have once again reiterated its rejection to the plans as they believe the plans intend to bury the two-state solution. They are also not invited for the White House meeting regarding the same next week. Asked on any contacts made by the US to Palestinians, Trump said: "We've spoken to them briefly. But we will speak to them in a period of time." Trump also said that after the declaration of the plans, Palestinians "maybe will react negatively at first but it's actually very positive for them". US President also said that he was pleased that both Netanyahu and his main electoral rival Benny Gantz would come for the meeting ahead of the elections in Israel on March 2. "This step only reaffirms our absolute rejection of what the US administration has done so far, particularly the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital," spokesman of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas' said in a statement. Palestinian President broke all ties with the US after the latter recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017, a move that went against decades of international consensus. Trump earlier described his Israel-Palestine peace agreement brokered by the US as "ultimate deal". The peace initiative was expected months ago but was postponed after the inconclusive September elections in Israel last year. Israeli media claimed that the leaked outlines of the deal show that the US has accepted key Israeli demands. The White House meeting coincides with an expected session in the Israeli parliament to discuss Netanyahu's potential immunity from prosecution over the corruption charges. (with AFP inputs)

Donald Trump to unveil Israel-Palestine peace plan by Tuesday

While the world leaders have gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum 2020 to work towards a cohesive and sustainable world. Climate activists and protestors took to the streets in Davos after US President Donald Trump delivered his keynote address. US President Donald Trump has decried climate "prophets of doom" in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where sustainability is the main theme. Watch report:

Climate activists protest at Davos, Call for action on climate change

President Donald Trump's administration rolled out a new rule on Thursday that aims to limit "birth tourism" by women who enter the United States on tourist visas with the intention of obtaining citizenship for their babies born on American soil.

Under the State Department regulation, which will take effect on Friday, pregnant women applying for visitor visas could be required to prove they have a specific reason for travel beyond giving birth, such as a medical necessity.

Trump faces re-election in November and has made restricting legal and illegal immigration a focus of his 2020 campaign. During his presidency, he has criticized the right to citizenship for any person born in the United States, which applies even to children born to tourists. But scrapping that right would require a change in the US Constitution.

No US law bars foreign women from travelling to the United States to give birth, although consular officers previously could require visitors to prove they have the financial means to pay for a medical procedure if that is the reason for the trip.

In some cases, alleged operators and customers of companies promoting "birth tourism" in the United States have been charged with providing false information to immigration authorities in order to conceal plans to give birth in the United States.

A State Department official said in an emailed statement that the new rule aims to address national security risks, including criminal activity associated with the industry for birth-related trips.

The final rule says consular officers must scrutinize female travellers to determine whether they might be pregnant, but does not explain how officers will make such determinations.

The State Department official said US officials will not ask all female visa applicants if they are pregnant, or intend to become pregnant, but instead will only raise the issue if they have "a specific articulable reason" to believe the sole purpose of the US visit is to give birth.

But critics worried the new rule could lead to discrimination.

"It is absurd that the Trump administration is turning embassy employees into reproductive policemen," Kerri Talbot, a director with the Immigration Hub, a Washington-based advocacy organization, said on Thursday. "Women will have to conceal their pregnancies just to get a tourist visa to visit the US"

Statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that approximately 9,300 children were born in the United States to mothers who live overseas in 2017, with an additional 900 born in US territories. However, the CDC did not examine births to tourists specifically.

The State Department said that precisely estimating the number of individuals who give birth in the United States after entering the country on tourist visas "is challenging" since the agency does not publish data regarding applicants' reasons for travel. But the agency said there were increasing reports of the practice from US embassies and consulates abroad.

President Donald Trump's administration rolled out a new rule on Thursday that aims to limit "birth tourism" by women who enter the United States on tourist visas with the intention of obtaining citizenship for their babies born on American soil.

President Donald Trump's administration rolled out a new rule on Thursday that aims to limit "birth tourism" by women who enter the United States on tourist visas with the intention of obtaining citizenship for their babies born on American soil. Under the State Department regulation, which will take effect on Friday, pregnant women applying for visitor visas could be required to prove they have a specific reason for travel beyond giving birth, such as a medical necessity. Trump faces re-election in November and has made restricting legal and illegal immigration a focus of his 2020 campaign. During his presidency, he has criticized the right to citizenship for any person born in the United States, which applies even to children born to tourists. But scrapping that right would require a change in the US Constitution. No US law bars foreign women from travelling to the United States to give birth, although consular officers previously could require visitors to prove they have the financial means to pay for a medical procedure if that is the reason for the trip. In some cases, alleged operators and customers of companies promoting "birth tourism" in the United States have been charged with providing false information to immigration authorities in order to conceal plans to give birth in the United States. A State Department official said in an emailed statement that the new rule aims to address national security risks, including criminal activity associated with the industry for birth-related trips. The final rule says consular officers must scrutinize female travellers to determine whether they might be pregnant, but does not explain how officers will make such determinations. The State Department official said US officials will not ask all female visa applicants if they are pregnant, or intend to become pregnant, but instead will only raise the issue if they have "a specific articulable reason" to believe the sole purpose of the US visit is to give birth. But critics worried the new rule could lead to discrimination. "It is absurd that the Trump administration is turning embassy employees into reproductive policemen," Kerri Talbot, a director with the Immigration Hub, a Washington-based advocacy organization, said on Thursday. "Women will have to conceal their pregnancies just to get a tourist visa to visit the US" Statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that approximately 9,300 children were born in the United States to mothers who live overseas in 2017, with an additional 900 born in US territories. However, the CDC did not examine births to tourists specifically. The State Department said that precisely estimating the number of individuals who give birth in the United States after entering the country on tourist visas "is challenging" since the agency does not publish data regarding applicants' reasons for travel. But the agency said there were increasing reports of the practice from US embassies and consulates abroad.

Trump administration steps up scrutiny of pregnant visa applicants

World leaders gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum 2020 to work towards a cohesive and sustainable world. Climate activists and protestors took to the streets in Davos after US President Donald Trump delivered his keynote address. WION speaks to industry leaders. #WION #Fineprint #WEF #WEF2020

Fineprint: WION speaks to industry leaders at World Economic Forum 2020

Today is the day 2 of Donald Trump's impeachment proceedings in the Senate and the Democrats are making the opening arguments against the President. Watch what is happened at the Senate:

Donald Trump's impeachment: Democrats present opening arguments at Senate

World leaders gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum 2020 to work towards a cohesive and sustainable world. Climate activists and protestors took to the streets in Davos after US President Donald Trump delivered his keynote address. US President Donald Trump has decried climate "prophets of doom" in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where sustainability is the main theme.

Climate change tops agenda at 50th World Economic Forum

WION talk to world leaders at 50th World Economic Forum

World leaders gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum 2020 to work towards a cohesive and sustainable world. Climate activists and protestors took to the streets in Davos after US President Donald Trump delivered his keynote address. Commerce and Industry Minister of India Piyush Goyal spoke at 50th World Economic Forum. Piyush Goyal said that India won't engage with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) unless there is greater transparency.

WION Dispatch: Piyush Goyal speaks at World Economic Forum

US President Donald Trump has slammed the Democrats on the impeachment trial just before leaving from World Economic Forum 2020 in Davos. Trump called the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee corrupt and dismissed Jerrold Nadler as a sleazebag.

Donald Trump blasts at Democrats on impeachment trial, calls it a 'hoax'

French Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-deal-could-cost-europe-frances-economy-minister-bruno-le-maire-138400">Bruno Le Maire</a> is optimistic about reaching a deal on a&nbsp;global&nbsp;tax on digital companies, despite an initial failure to agree one with the United States.

"We are moving in the right direction," Le Maire told Reuters TV at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of&nbsp;Davos&nbsp;on Thursday, adding that he thought&nbsp;France&nbsp;was close to striking an agreement with the United States.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-made-us-president-donald-trump-threaten-iran-271452">Donald Trump</a> and French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colonialism-was-a-grave-mistake-french-pm-emmanuel-macron-269555">Emmanuel Macron</a> discussed the issue in a phone call on Sunday, with both sides sounding positive afterward, in contrast to the threats the US&nbsp;has made to impose tariffs on exports of champagne and other luxury goods in retaliation for a French digital tax.

But Paris and Washington failed to agree on Wednesday on how to push forward on a deal that involves a rewriting of decades-old cross-border tax rules. They did, however, agree to set aside their squabbling as they work on the&nbsp;global&nbsp;initiative.

This is being led by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oecd-hails-india-reforms-pegs-62-growth-in-2020-264158">OECD</a>), a Paris-based club of wealthier economies.

OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria has been working for years on finding ways to create a level playing field on digital taxation, but those efforts are now being accelerated to see if an agreement can be reached by December.

Speaking on a panel at the <a href="https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2020%3Anewsml_KBN1ZM1C7%3A1&amp;search=slug%3ADAVOS-MEETING-DIGITALTAX">World Economic Forum</a> with Le Maire, Gurria said he was hopeful of having a framework that would apply to more than 130 countries drafted by July. "We have no Plan B we just have to get it done," he said.

Le Maire has thrust&nbsp;France&nbsp;front and center of the digital taxation debate, despite the fact, several countries, including Italy and Britain, are already pursuing or imposing their own national digital-tax regimes.

"It would be far better to have an international framework for everybody," Le Maire said on Thursday, adding that otherwise, the world would end up with a cacophony of national systems that would compound the problem.

"So we have to build something different and that's exactly what we want to do during 2020, by building on the extremely good work being done (at the OECD)."

France's existing digital tax is based on turnover. But Le Maire admitted that was not optimal from an economic point of view, saying the OECD's plan to tax profits was more sound.

There will be intense discussion over what level of profit would be taxed and how it would be collected.

"Everything is on the table," Le Maire said.

"We just have to decide if we want to avoid a loophole in the international taxation system or have many national solutions that would be detrimental to all of us.

"We just can't go on any longer with a taxation system in which the richest companies, those that are making the biggest profits, are paying the least tax."

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is optimistic about reaching a deal on a global tax on digital companies, despite an initial failure to agree one with the United States.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is optimistic about reaching a deal on a global tax on digital companies, despite an initial failure to agree one with the United States. "We are moving in the right direction," Le Maire told Reuters TV at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos on Thursday, adding that he thought France was close to striking an agreement with the United States. US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the issue in a phone call on Sunday, with both sides sounding positive afterward, in contrast to the threats the US has made to impose tariffs on exports of champagne and other luxury goods in retaliation for a French digital tax. But Paris and Washington failed to agree on Wednesday on how to push forward on a deal that involves a rewriting of decades-old cross-border tax rules. They did, however, agree to set aside their squabbling as they work on the global initiative. This is being led by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a Paris-based club of wealthier economies. OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria has been working for years on finding ways to create a level playing field on digital taxation, but those efforts are now being accelerated to see if an agreement can be reached by December. Speaking on a panel at the World Economic Forum with Le Maire, Gurria said he was hopeful of having a framework that would apply to more than 130 countries drafted by July. "We have no Plan B we just have to get it done," he said. Le Maire has thrust France front and center of the digital taxation debate, despite the fact, several countries, including Italy and Britain, are already pursuing or imposing their own national digital-tax regimes. "It would be far better to have an international framework for everybody," Le Maire said on Thursday, adding that otherwise, the world would end up with a cacophony of national systems that would compound the problem. "So we have to build something different and that's exactly what we want to do during 2020, by building on the extremely good work being done (at the OECD)." France's existing digital tax is based on turnover. But Le Maire admitted that was not optimal from an economic point of view, saying the OECD's plan to tax profits was more sound. There will be intense discussion over what level of profit would be taxed and how it would be collected. "Everything is on the table," Le Maire said. "We just have to decide if we want to avoid a loophole in the international taxation system or have many national solutions that would be detrimental to all of us. "We just can't go on any longer with a taxation system in which the richest companies, those that are making the biggest profits, are paying the least tax."

France uses Davos to pursue global 'digital tax' goal

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