Amid the ongoing impeachment row, The United States Secretary Mike Pompeo will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, US state department said.

The meet comes weeks after the US President Donald Trump was impeached over abuse of power after he pushed Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden in exchange of aid.

Apart from holding talks with Zelenskiy, Pompeo will also meet Ukraine's foreign and defence ministers to reaffirm US support for the "country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the State Department said.

So far it isn't known whether both leaders will also discuss Trump's impeachment row.

The visit is part of a trip that includes several former Soviet republics, the US State Department said.

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and since then Russian-backed rebels have been waging an insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives impeached him on December 18 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges stemming from his effort to get Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a leading contender in the 2020 Democratic presidential race.

The House inquiry into the matter concluded that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine in order to influence Kiev, sending the matter to the US Senate for trial. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

In Kiev, Pompeo will also discuss human rights, investment climate, and the government's reform agenda, the State Department said.

He will also visit Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus on a trip from Friday through to next Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing impeachment row, The United States Secretary Mike Pompeo will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, US state department said. The meet comes weeks after the US President Donald Trump was impeached over abuse of power after he pushed Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden in exchange of aid.

Amid the ongoing impeachment row, The United States Secretary Mike Pompeo will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, US state department said. The meet comes weeks after the US President Donald Trump was impeached over abuse of power after he pushed Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden in exchange of aid. Apart from holding talks with Zelenskiy, Pompeo will also meet Ukraine's foreign and defence ministers to reaffirm US support for the "country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the State Department said. So far it isn't known whether both leaders will also discuss Trump's impeachment row. The visit is part of a trip that includes several former Soviet republics, the US State Department said. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and since then Russian-backed rebels have been waging an insurgency in eastern Ukraine. The Democratic-led US House of Representatives impeached him on December 18 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges stemming from his effort to get Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a leading contender in the 2020 Democratic presidential race. The House inquiry into the matter concluded that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine in order to influence Kiev, sending the matter to the US Senate for trial. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. In Kiev, Pompeo will also discuss human rights, investment climate, and the government's reform agenda, the State Department said. He will also visit Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus on a trip from Friday through to next Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

US' Mike Pompeo to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday

Swedish Climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-mocks-greta-on-twitter-michelle-obama-tells-thunberg-to-ignore-the-doubters-268320">Greta Thunberg</a> on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention.

During an interview with British media, Thunberg was asked what she would have said to Trump during the U.N. summit; to which she responded saying, "Honestly, I don't think I would have said anything because obviously, he's not listening to scientists and experts, so why would he listen to me?"

"So I probably wouldn't have said anything, I wouldn't have wasted my time," she added.

Talking about the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teenager-working-on-anger-management-greta-thunbergs-twitter-bio-after-trump-mocks-her-267956"> jibes Trump often takes on Thunberg on social media</a>, she said that they are "funny" because they "don't mean anything". While she also added that they (Trump and Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro) are "terrified of young people bringing change".

"Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don't mean anything," she said.

&nbsp;"I guess of course it means something - they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don't want - but that is just proof that we are actually doing something and that they see us as some kind of threat."

Greta Thunberg came to world attention when she began a grassroots campaign aged 15 by skipping school every Friday to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament.&nbsp;

The protests have inspired millions of young people to take action against climate change.

Earlier this month Trump mocked Thunberg as he said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie".

"So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!"

Soon after Trump's tweet, Thunberg responded by changing her bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem."

"Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Brazillian President had called Thunberg "brat" after she condemned violence against indigenous people who were killed in the Amazon.

Swedish Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention.

Swedish Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention. During an interview with British media, Thunberg was asked what she would have said to Trump during the U.N. summit; to which she responded saying, "Honestly, I don't think I would have said anything because obviously, he's not listening to scientists and experts, so why would he listen to me?" "So I probably wouldn't have said anything, I wouldn't have wasted my time," she added. Talking about the jibes Trump often takes on Thunberg on social media, she said that they are "funny" because they "don't mean anything". While she also added that they (Trump and Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro) are "terrified of young people bringing change". "Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don't mean anything," she said. "I guess of course it means something - they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don't want - but that is just proof that we are actually doing something and that they see us as some kind of threat." Greta Thunberg came to world attention when she began a grassroots campaign aged 15 by skipping school every Friday to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament. The protests have inspired millions of young people to take action against climate change. Earlier this month Trump mocked Thunberg as he said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie". "So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!" Soon after Trump's tweet, Thunberg responded by changing her bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem." "Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read. Meanwhile, Brazillian President had called Thunberg "brat" after she condemned violence against indigenous people who were killed in the Amazon.

I wouldn't have wasted my time talking to Trump at UN summit: Greta Thunberg

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has thanked US counterpart Donald Trump for intelligence that helped foil "acts of terrorism" on Russian soil #WION #Putin #DonaldTrump

Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. #WION #WIONSpeedNews

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 29, 2019

The United States would be very disappointed if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-holds-top-party-meeting-ahead-of-us-deadline-270787">North Korea</a> tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday.

Washington has many "tools in its tool kit" to respond to any such test, O'Brien said in an interview with ABC's "This Week."

"We'll reserve judgment but the United States will take action as we do in these situations," he said. "If Kim Jong Un takes that approach we'll be extraordinarily disappointed and we'll demonstrate that disappointment."

North Korea has asked Washington to offer a new initiative to iron out differences over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. It warned Washington this month that failure to meet its expectations could result in an unwanted "Christmas gift."

US&nbsp;military commanders have said the North Korean move could involve the testing of a long-range missile - something North Korea has suspended, along with nuclear bomb tests, since 2017.

O'Brien said the United States and North Korea had open channels of communication but did not elaborate. He said Washington hoped North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would live up to his commitments to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

The United States was still the leading military power in the world and had tremendous economic power, said O'Brien. "There's a lot of pressure that we can bring to bear," he said.

North Korea threatened a Christmas surprise, despite the fact that Trump and Kim have engaged in personal diplomacy over the years and have a good personal relationship, O'Brien said.

"So perhaps he's reconsidered that," O'Brien added. "But we will have to wait and see. We're going to monitor it closely. It's a situation that concerns us, of course."

Kim convened a meeting of top ruling party officials on Saturday to discuss important policy matters ahead of the year-end deadline set by Kim for the United States, the state news agency said on Sunday.

Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat on the US&nbsp;Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said meetings between the two leaders have produced "very little" on denuclearization.

"So what I want to see, I want to see is the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, make a full declaration of his nuclear weapons program and make a real commitment to start to dismantle that," he said. "We haven’t seen any of that during the Trump administration."

The United States would be very disappointed if North Korea tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday.

The United States would be very disappointed if North Korea tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday. Washington has many "tools in its tool kit" to respond to any such test, O'Brien said in an interview with ABC's "This Week." "We'll reserve judgment but the United States will take action as we do in these situations," he said. "If Kim Jong Un takes that approach we'll be extraordinarily disappointed and we'll demonstrate that disappointment." North Korea has asked Washington to offer a new initiative to iron out differences over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. It warned Washington this month that failure to meet its expectations could result in an unwanted "Christmas gift." US military commanders have said the North Korean move could involve the testing of a long-range missile - something North Korea has suspended, along with nuclear bomb tests, since 2017. O'Brien said the United States and North Korea had open channels of communication but did not elaborate. He said Washington hoped North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would live up to his commitments to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. The United States was still the leading military power in the world and had tremendous economic power, said O'Brien. "There's a lot of pressure that we can bring to bear," he said. North Korea threatened a Christmas surprise, despite the fact that Trump and Kim have engaged in personal diplomacy over the years and have a good personal relationship, O'Brien said. "So perhaps he's reconsidered that," O'Brien added. "But we will have to wait and see. We're going to monitor it closely. It's a situation that concerns us, of course." Kim convened a meeting of top ruling party officials on Saturday to discuss important policy matters ahead of the year-end deadline set by Kim for the United States, the state news agency said on Sunday. Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said meetings between the two leaders have produced "very little" on denuclearization. "So what I want to see, I want to see is the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, make a full declaration of his nuclear weapons program and make a real commitment to start to dismantle that," he said. "We haven’t seen any of that during the Trump administration."

United States promises action on any North Korea missile test: White House

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 28, 2019

Reports have been claimed that United States President Donald Trump may appoint the new 'Secretary of State' very soon after Mike Pompeo. #DonaldTrump #USSecretaryOfState #MikePompeo

Reports: U.S. President Trump to appoint new 'Secretary of State' soon

US&nbsp;Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden on Saturday said there would be "no legal basis" for Republicans to subpoena his testimony in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, clarifying remarks from Friday that drew criticism.

"I want to clarify something I said yesterday. In my 40 years in public life, I have always complied with a lawful order and in my eight years as VP, my office — unlike Donald Trump and Mike Pence — cooperated with legitimate congressional oversight requests," Biden said on Twitter.

"But I am just not going to pretend that there is any legal basis for Republican subpoenas for my testimony in the impeachment trial," Biden added.

The statement came one day after Biden said in an interview with the Des Moines Register that he would not comply with a Senate subpoena because it would be a tactic by Trump to distract from the president's wrongdoing.

Some legal experts and commentators had criticized Biden for his remarks to the Iowa newspaper, noting that the White House's refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas was part of the reason why Trump had been impeached.

Trump was impeached on December&nbsp;18 by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of Biden, a former vice president and a top contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden’s son. Trump has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress’ investigation.

Trump has said he did nothing wrong.

A trial is anticipated in the Republican-controlled Senate to determine whether Trump should be removed from office. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the upper chamber in a bid to pressure Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats on trial rules.

Trump has raised unsubstantiated charges that Biden improperly tried to halt a Ukrainian probe of a company with ties to his son, and has said he wants Biden to testify in the impeachment trial.

Ross Garber, a Washington lawyer specializing in impeachment proceedings, said it was "incredibly unlikely" that Republican senators would back an effort to push for Biden's testimony.

US Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden on Saturday said there would be "no legal basis" for Republicans to subpoena his testimony in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, clarifying remarks from Friday that drew criticism.

US Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden on Saturday said there would be "no legal basis" for Republicans to subpoena his testimony in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, clarifying remarks from Friday that drew criticism. "I want to clarify something I said yesterday. In my 40 years in public life, I have always complied with a lawful order and in my eight years as VP, my office — unlike Donald Trump and Mike Pence — cooperated with legitimate congressional oversight requests," Biden said on Twitter. "But I am just not going to pretend that there is any legal basis for Republican subpoenas for my testimony in the impeachment trial," Biden added. The statement came one day after Biden said in an interview with the Des Moines Register that he would not comply with a Senate subpoena because it would be a tactic by Trump to distract from the president's wrongdoing. Some legal experts and commentators had criticized Biden for his remarks to the Iowa newspaper, noting that the White House's refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas was part of the reason why Trump had been impeached. Trump was impeached on December 18 by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of Biden, a former vice president and a top contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden’s son. Trump has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress’ investigation. Trump has said he did nothing wrong. A trial is anticipated in the Republican-controlled Senate to determine whether Trump should be removed from office. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the upper chamber in a bid to pressure Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats on trial rules. Trump has raised unsubstantiated charges that Biden improperly tried to halt a Ukrainian probe of a company with ties to his son, and has said he wants Biden to testify in the impeachment trial. Ross Garber, a Washington lawyer specializing in impeachment proceedings, said it was "incredibly unlikely" that Republican senators would back an effort to push for Biden's testimony.

Facing blowback, Biden clarifies stance on impeachment trial testimony

Japan&nbsp;will&nbsp;send&nbsp;a&nbsp;warship&nbsp;and patrol planes to&nbsp;protect&nbsp;Japanese ships in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;as the situation in the region, from which it sources nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil imports, remains volatile,&nbsp;Japan's top government spokesman said on Friday.

Under the plan approved by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-likely-to-visit-indias-imphal-in-december-265170">Shinzo Abe</a>'s cabinet, a helicopter-equipped destroyer and two P-3C patrol planes will be dispatched for information-gathering aimed at ensuring safe passage for&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;through the region.

If there are any emergencies, a special order would be issued by the&nbsp;Japanese defence minister to allow the forces to use weapons to&nbsp;protect&nbsp;ships in danger.

"Peace and stability in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;are extremely important for the peace and prosperity of the international community including&nbsp;Japan," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference.

"Also, it is very important to make sure&nbsp;Japan-related ships can sail safely in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East, the world's major source of energy."

Friction between Iran and the United States has increased since last year, when US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> pulled the United States out of a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran and re-imposed sanctions on it, crippling its economy.

In May and June, there were several attacks on international merchant&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;in the region, including the&nbsp;Japanese-owned tanker Kokuka Courageous, which the United States blamed on Iran. Tehran denies the accusations.

Oil importers and refiners welcomed the government's decision.

"The&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;situation remains unpredictable. We believe the decision, made against this backdrop, will benefit the safe passage of ships in the region," Petroleum Association of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;President Takashi Tsukioka said in a statement.

Japan, a US&nbsp;ally that has maintained friendly ties with Iran, has opted to launch its own operation rather than join a US-led mission to&nbsp;protect&nbsp;shipping in the region.

Abe last week briefed visiting Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-iranian-president-hassan-rouhani-discusses-progress-in-india-iran-bilateral-ties-269834">Hassan Rouhani</a> on Tokyo's plan to&nbsp;send&nbsp;naval forces to the Gulf.

The planned operation is set to cover high seas in the Gulf of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, but not the Strait of Hormuz.

The&nbsp;Japanese government aims to start the operation of the patrol planes next month, while the destroyer will likely begin activities in the region in February, a defence ministry official said.

The government decision is effective for one year through December 26, 2020. A fresh cabinet approval is necessary to extend the armed force's activities in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East.

A European operation to ensure safe shipping in the Gulf will also get underway next month when a French&nbsp;warship&nbsp;starts patrolling there.

Japan will send a warship and patrol planes to protect Japanese ships in the Middle East as the situation in the region, from which it sources nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil imports, remains volatile, Japan's top government spokesman said on Friday.

Japan will send a warship and patrol planes to protect Japanese ships in the Middle East as the situation in the region, from which it sources nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil imports, remains volatile, Japan's top government spokesman said on Friday. Under the plan approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet, a helicopter-equipped destroyer and two P-3C patrol planes will be dispatched for information-gathering aimed at ensuring safe passage for Japanese vessels through the region. If there are any emergencies, a special order would be issued by the Japanese defence minister to allow the forces to use weapons to protect ships in danger. "Peace and stability in the Middle East are extremely important for the peace and prosperity of the international community including Japan," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference. "Also, it is very important to make sure Japan-related ships can sail safely in the Middle East, the world's major source of energy." Friction between Iran and the United States has increased since last year, when US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran and re-imposed sanctions on it, crippling its economy. In May and June, there were several attacks on international merchant vessels in the region, including the Japanese-owned tanker Kokuka Courageous, which the United States blamed on Iran. Tehran denies the accusations. Oil importers and refiners welcomed the government's decision. "The Middle East situation remains unpredictable. We believe the decision, made against this backdrop, will benefit the safe passage of ships in the region," Petroleum Association of Japan President Takashi Tsukioka said in a statement. Japan, a US ally that has maintained friendly ties with Iran, has opted to launch its own operation rather than join a US-led mission to protect shipping in the region. Abe last week briefed visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tokyo's plan to send naval forces to the Gulf. The planned operation is set to cover high seas in the Gulf of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, but not the Strait of Hormuz. The Japanese government aims to start the operation of the patrol planes next month, while the destroyer will likely begin activities in the region in February, a defence ministry official said. The government decision is effective for one year through December 26, 2020. A fresh cabinet approval is necessary to extend the armed force's activities in the Middle East. A European operation to ensure safe shipping in the Gulf will also get underway next month when a French warship starts patrolling there.

Japan to send warship, aircraft to Middle East to protect vessels

In the weeks before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-do-it-trump-warns-russia-syria-iran-against-killing-civilians-in-idlib-270437">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a>’s declaration last month that he would forge ahead with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pulls-back-on-designating-mexico-cartels-as-terror-groups-266750">designating Mexican drug cartels</a> as foreign terrorist organisations, Cabinet members and top aides from across the government recommended against it, five people knowledgeable about the matter told Reuters.

The recommendations, which some of the sources described as unanimous, have not been reported previously. They were driven in part by concerns that such designations could harm US-Mexico ties, potentially jeopardizing Mexico’s cooperation with Trump’s efforts to halt illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the border, said two sources, including a senior administration official.

Another key concern was that the designations could make it easier for migrants to win asylum in the United States by claiming they were fleeing terrorism, the senior administration official and two other sources said.

Stephen Miller, one of the most influential White House advisers and the architect of Trump's policies to stem immigration, was among the officials who voiced concerns during deliberations that preceded two high-level meetings resulting in recommendations to shelve the designation plan, according to two of the sources.

The White House and Miller declined to comment on the record. All of the sources who spoke to Reuters requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the issue publicly.

Reuters could not determine whether the president had been briefed on the recommendations before announcing, during a November&nbsp;26 interview with conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly, that he was going forward with the plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Less than two weeks a later, on December&nbsp;9, the president tweeted that he was temporarily delaying the plan at Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s request.

The senior administration official portrayed the president’s announcement not as a reversal but as a strategic move.

“Even the threat of designation was extremely useful leverage in terms of obtaining further cooperation” from Mexico, the official said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The official said that reviving the plan remains “a live possibility” depending on Mexico’s cooperation on such issues as sealing the border to narcotics trafficking and controlling immigration.

The <a href="wionews.com/world/mexico-accuses-bolivia-of-intimidating-its-diplomats-in-la-paz-269871">Mexican government</a> has argued that equating drug cartels with Islamic State and al Qaeda could open the door to US&nbsp;military intervention.

In a meeting with Attorney General William Barr on December&nbsp;5, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-killed-2-injured-in-shooting-near-mexicos-presidential-residence-266902">President Lopez Obrador</a> expressed opposition to the designation plan, saying the Mexican constitution would not permit such foreign interference, a presidential spokesman told Reuters Tuesday. After the plan was delayed, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard tweeted his appreciation of Trump's decision, saying "there will be good results."

Crackdown hinged on cooperation

Trump has made halting illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking across the US-Mexican border a signature issue of his first term and his 2020 re-election campaign.

Designating a group as a foreign terrorist organization, or FTO, is aimed at disrupting its finances through sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, on their members and associates. The State Department oversees the process.

The success of Trump’s immigration crackdown hinges, however, on Mexico’s cooperation. Earlier this year, Mexico agreed to deploy thousands of national guard troops to intercept migrants moving north toward the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-the-us-mexican-border-migrants-give-up-hope-of-crossing-269434">US&nbsp;border</a> after the American president threatened to impose escalating tariffs on Mexican goods.

In addition, Mexico has taken in tens of thousands of migrants sent back from the United States to await decisions on their US&nbsp;asylum requests.

The senior administration official said Trump and many top aides have wanted to crack down on cartel trafficking in narcotics and illegal immigration for some time and were looking at novel approaches, including the FTO designation plan.

The president and senior officials believed that they needed “to have an extremely aggressive posture toward the cartels and to look at using tools that had not been used before,” he said.

Two Republican members of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives introduced legislation in March that also would have established an FTO designation for cartels.

The Trump administration began working on its plan in late August, Trump told O’Reilly in the November&nbsp;26 interview, before declaring that&nbsp;the cartels “will be designated” as FTOs.

Unanimous opposition

A few weeks earlier, according to two former officials and another knowledgeable person, deputies to Cabinet members recommended in a meeting that the administration’s plan be shelved. The November&nbsp;8 meeting was held four days after nine American women and children died in an ambush linked to what Mexican officials asserted was a territorial dispute between rival gangs in northern Mexico.

Miller attended the meeting and the decision was unanimous, according to one source.

Participants at a November&nbsp;20 Cabinet-level meeting also advised against the proposal, according to four sources. That decision, too, was unanimous and Miller was there, two of the sources said.

The agencies represented at the meetings included the departments of State, Justice, Homeland Security, Defense, Treasury and Commerce, one administration official said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Numerous current and former US&nbsp;officials and other experts say that designating Mexican cartels as FTOs would be counter-productive.

Several pointed out that a 1999 law allowing US&nbsp;officials to designate foreign drug traffickers as narcotics kingpins already allow the imposition of sanctions similar to those authorized by an FTO designation.

The senior administration official said that US&nbsp;officials’ ability to use the 1999 law contributed to the decision to delay the FTO designation plan.

A December&nbsp;19 report published by the conservative Heritage Foundation warned that designating cartels as FTOs would weaken Trump’s immigration policies.

“A terrorist designation could allow unintended numbers to apply for political asylum in the US,” said the report. “The pool of applicants could logically extend beyond Mexico. While Mexican cartels’ territorial stronghold is within their own country, they have representatives on every continent except Antarctica.”

Jason Blazakis, who oversaw the designation process at the State Department’s Counter-Terrorism Bureau from 2008-2018, said that in addition to damaging <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deports-mexicans-far-from-border-may-send-others-to-guatemala-269267">US-Mexican relations</a>, the FTO designation could hurt Mexico’s economy by prompting foreign businesses to leave the country or reconsider investing there.

Asset freezes and bans on travel to the US&nbsp;could affect Mexican officials, military commanders, and businessmen in league with the cartels.

“You are blurring the lines between criminality and terrorism and that is extremely problematic,” said Blazakis, now a professor of international relations at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California.

He added: "There are hundreds of Brazilian gangs eligible for the list. There are numerous Chinese and Russian criminal gangs eligible for the list. Where would you stop?”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the weeks before US President Donald Trump’s declaration last month that he would forge ahead with designating Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organisations, Cabinet members and top aides from across the government recommended against it, five people knowledgeable about the matter told Reuters.

In the weeks before US President Donald Trump’s declaration last month that he would forge ahead with designating Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organisations, Cabinet members and top aides from across the government recommended against it, five people knowledgeable about the matter told Reuters. The recommendations, which some of the sources described as unanimous, have not been reported previously. They were driven in part by concerns that such designations could harm US-Mexico ties, potentially jeopardizing Mexico’s cooperation with Trump’s efforts to halt illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the border, said two sources, including a senior administration official. Another key concern was that the designations could make it easier for migrants to win asylum in the United States by claiming they were fleeing terrorism, the senior administration official and two other sources said. Stephen Miller, one of the most influential White House advisers and the architect of Trump's policies to stem immigration, was among the officials who voiced concerns during deliberations that preceded two high-level meetings resulting in recommendations to shelve the designation plan, according to two of the sources. The White House and Miller declined to comment on the record. All of the sources who spoke to Reuters requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the issue publicly. Reuters could not determine whether the president had been briefed on the recommendations before announcing, during a November 26 interview with conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly, that he was going forward with the plan. Less than two weeks a later, on December 9, the president tweeted that he was temporarily delaying the plan at Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s request. The senior administration official portrayed the president’s announcement not as a reversal but as a strategic move. “Even the threat of designation was extremely useful leverage in terms of obtaining further cooperation” from Mexico, the official said. The official said that reviving the plan remains “a live possibility” depending on Mexico’s cooperation on such issues as sealing the border to narcotics trafficking and controlling immigration. The Mexican government has argued that equating drug cartels with Islamic State and al Qaeda could open the door to US military intervention. In a meeting with Attorney General William Barr on December 5, President Lopez Obrador expressed opposition to the designation plan, saying the Mexican constitution would not permit such foreign interference, a presidential spokesman told Reuters Tuesday. After the plan was delayed, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard tweeted his appreciation of Trump's decision, saying "there will be good results." Crackdown hinged on cooperation Trump has made halting illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking across the US-Mexican border a signature issue of his first term and his 2020 re-election campaign. Designating a group as a foreign terrorist organization, or FTO, is aimed at disrupting its finances through sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, on their members and associates. The State Department oversees the process. The success of Trump’s immigration crackdown hinges, however, on Mexico’s cooperation. Earlier this year, Mexico agreed to deploy thousands of national guard troops to intercept migrants moving north toward the US border after the American president threatened to impose escalating tariffs on Mexican goods. In addition, Mexico has taken in tens of thousands of migrants sent back from the United States to await decisions on their US asylum requests. The senior administration official said Trump and many top aides have wanted to crack down on cartel trafficking in narcotics and illegal immigration for some time and were looking at novel approaches, including the FTO designation plan. The president and senior officials believed that they needed “to have an extremely aggressive posture toward the cartels and to look at using tools that had not been used before,” he said. Two Republican members of the US House of Representatives introduced legislation in March that also would have established an FTO designation for cartels. The Trump administration began working on its plan in late August, Trump told O’Reilly in the November 26 interview, before declaring that the cartels “will be designated” as FTOs. Unanimous opposition A few weeks earlier, according to two former officials and another knowledgeable person, deputies to Cabinet members recommended in a meeting that the administration’s plan be shelved. The November 8 meeting was held four days after nine American women and children died in an ambush linked to what Mexican officials asserted was a territorial dispute between rival gangs in northern Mexico. Miller attended the meeting and the decision was unanimous, according to one source. Participants at a November 20 Cabinet-level meeting also advised against the proposal, according to four sources. That decision, too, was unanimous and Miller was there, two of the sources said. The agencies represented at the meetings included the departments of State, Justice, Homeland Security, Defense, Treasury and Commerce, one administration official said. Numerous current and former US officials and other experts say that designating Mexican cartels as FTOs would be counter-productive. Several pointed out that a 1999 law allowing US officials to designate foreign drug traffickers as narcotics kingpins already allow the imposition of sanctions similar to those authorized by an FTO designation. The senior administration official said that US officials’ ability to use the 1999 law contributed to the decision to delay the FTO designation plan. A December 19 report published by the conservative Heritage Foundation warned that designating cartels as FTOs would weaken Trump’s immigration policies. “A terrorist designation could allow unintended numbers to apply for political asylum in the US,” said the report. “The pool of applicants could logically extend beyond Mexico. While Mexican cartels’ territorial stronghold is within their own country, they have representatives on every continent except Antarctica.” Jason Blazakis, who oversaw the designation process at the State Department’s Counter-Terrorism Bureau from 2008-2018, said that in addition to damaging US-Mexican relations, the FTO designation could hurt Mexico’s economy by prompting foreign businesses to leave the country or reconsider investing there. Asset freezes and bans on travel to the US could affect Mexican officials, military commanders, and businessmen in league with the cartels. “You are blurring the lines between criminality and terrorism and that is extremely problematic,” said Blazakis, now a professor of international relations at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. He added: "There are hundreds of Brazilian gangs eligible for the list. There are numerous Chinese and Russian criminal gangs eligible for the list. Where would you stop?”

After Cabinet opposed Mexican cartel policy, Trump forged ahead

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria’s Idlib province. #WION #DonaldTrump #Trump

Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib

US President Donald Trump's scene from 1990s cult classic 'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' has been deleted from the film in the version that is being aired on Canada's national broadcaster CBC.&nbsp;

CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson has stated that eight minutes from the 120-minute film had been trimmed to make way for commercials. 
 
The channel has stated that deleting Trump's scene was not in any way politically motivated and that the edit was made long before Trump was elected at the President of the United States.&nbsp;

The edited film was shown by CBC earlier this month and drew a lot of flak from Trump's supporters for the channel. 
&nbsp; 
His son Donald Trump Jr tweeted a link to a story on Thursday that called the edit 'pathetic'.

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‘Pathetic’: Canada’s CBC under fire when Trump’s cameo in ‘Home Alone 2’ disappears from Christmas broadcast <a href="https://t.co/zJUij9qrLe">https://t.co/zJUij9qrLe</a>
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1210228197180297216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Later, President Trump reacted to the edit and tweeted that "the movie will never be the same! (just kidding)".

Referring to several disagreements on policies with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Trump further added, "I guess Justin T doesn't much like my making him pay up on Nato or trade!"

On Christmas Eve, Mr Trump addressed US troops overseas via a video conference and referred 'Home Alone 2' as "a big Christmas hit".&nbsp;

"Well I'm in 'Home Alone 2'," Mr Trump said. "A lot of people mention it every year, especially around Christmas. They say - especially young kids- they say, 'I just saw you on the movie.' They don't see me on television as they do in the movie.

"But it's been a good movie and I was a little younger, to put it mildly. And it was an honour to do it."

Released in 1992, the film starred Macaulay Culkin in the lead. Trump shared a frame with Culkin, where the latter's character Kevin arrives at New York's Plaza Hotel and asks Trump for direction. Trump was the owner of the hotel at that point in time.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's scene from 1990s cult classic 'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' has been deleted from the film in the version that is being aired on Canada's national broadcaster CBC.

US President Donald Trump's scene from 1990s cult classic 'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' has been deleted from the film in the version that is being aired on Canada's national broadcaster CBC. CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson has stated that eight minutes from the 120-minute film had been trimmed to make way for commercials. The channel has stated that deleting Trump's scene was not in any way politically motivated and that the edit was made long before Trump was elected at the President of the United States. The edited film was shown by CBC earlier this month and drew a lot of flak from Trump's supporters for the channel. His son Donald Trump Jr tweeted a link to a story on Thursday that called the edit 'pathetic'. ‘Pathetic’: Canada’s CBC under fire when Trump’s cameo in ‘Home Alone 2’ disappears from Christmas broadcast https://t.co/zJUij9qrLe — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 26, 2019 × Later, President Trump reacted to the edit and tweeted that "the movie will never be the same! (just kidding)". Referring to several disagreements on policies with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Trump further added, "I guess Justin T doesn't much like my making him pay up on Nato or trade!" On Christmas Eve, Mr Trump addressed US troops overseas via a video conference and referred 'Home Alone 2' as "a big Christmas hit". "Well I'm in 'Home Alone 2'," Mr Trump said. "A lot of people mention it every year, especially around Christmas. They say - especially young kids- they say, 'I just saw you on the movie.' They don't see me on television as they do in the movie. "But it's been a good movie and I was a little younger, to put it mildly. And it was an honour to do it." Released in 1992, the film starred Macaulay Culkin in the lead. Trump shared a frame with Culkin, where the latter's character Kevin arrives at New York's Plaza Hotel and asks Trump for direction. Trump was the owner of the hotel at that point in time.

Canadian channel deletes Donald Trump's scene from 'Home Alone 2'; claim it's not politically motivated

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 27, 2019

Iran, China and Russia started four days of joint naval drills in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-india-vs-china-battle-for-influence-in-indian-ocean-266210">Indian Ocean</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-attacks-in-gulf-of-oman-stoke-security-and-oil-fears-226939">Gulf of Oman</a>&nbsp;on Friday, the commander of Iran's flotilla announced.

The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions since the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May last year.

"The message of this exercise is peace, friendship and lasting security through cooperation and unity and its effect will be to show that Iran cannot be isolated," Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said on state television.

Tahani added that the drills included rescuing ships on fire or vessels under attack by pirates and shooting exercises, with both Iran's navy and its Revolutionary Guards participating.

State television showed what it said was a Russian warship arriving at Chabahar port in southern Iran and said the Chinese will join shortly, calling the three countries "the new triangle of power in the sea".

"The aim of this drill is to bolster security of international maritime commerce, combatting piracy and terrorism and sharing information and experience," the flotilla commander said.

"Us hosting these powers shows that our relations have reached a meaningful point and may have an international impact," he added.

The United States reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran after quitting the nuclear deal last year, prompting Tehran to hit back with countermeasures by dropping nuclear commitments.

Remaining parties to the badly weakened agreement include Britain, France and Germany as well as China and Russia.

In June, US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> authorised a military strike after Iran shot down a US drone, only to call off the retaliation at the last moment.

The crisis deepened with the September 14 attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oilfield, which halved the kingdom's crude output.

Yemen's Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack but Washington accused Tehran, a charge it has strongly denied.

Washington has responded with a military build-up in the Gulf and has launched an operation with its allies to protect navigation in Gulf waters.

Iran, China and Russia started four days of joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman on Friday, the commander of Iran's flotilla announced. The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions since the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May last year.

Iran, China and Russia started four days of joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman on Friday, the commander of Iran's flotilla announced. The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions since the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May last year. "The message of this exercise is peace, friendship and lasting security through cooperation and unity and its effect will be to show that Iran cannot be isolated," Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said on state television. Tahani added that the drills included rescuing ships on fire or vessels under attack by pirates and shooting exercises, with both Iran's navy and its Revolutionary Guards participating. State television showed what it said was a Russian warship arriving at Chabahar port in southern Iran and said the Chinese will join shortly, calling the three countries "the new triangle of power in the sea". "The aim of this drill is to bolster security of international maritime commerce, combatting piracy and terrorism and sharing information and experience," the flotilla commander said. "Us hosting these powers shows that our relations have reached a meaningful point and may have an international impact," he added. The United States reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran after quitting the nuclear deal last year, prompting Tehran to hit back with countermeasures by dropping nuclear commitments. Remaining parties to the badly weakened agreement include Britain, France and Germany as well as China and Russia. In June, US President Donald Trump authorised a military strike after Iran shot down a US drone, only to call off the retaliation at the last moment. The crisis deepened with the September 14 attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oilfield, which halved the kingdom's crude output. Yemen's Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack but Washington accused Tehran, a charge it has strongly denied. Washington has responded with a military build-up in the Gulf and has launched an operation with its allies to protect navigation in Gulf waters.

Iran, China, Russia start joint naval drills

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-and-xi-jinping-will-sign-china-trade-deal-270340">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria's Idlib province and said Turkey was working hard to stop the "carnage."

"Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands if inocent (sic) civilians in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib Province</a>. Don’t do it! Turkey is working hard to stop this carnage," Trump said in a tweet.

Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it.

The leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran agreed in Ankara in September to "de-escalate" conflict in Idlib after a months-long campaign that forced at least 500,000 civilians to flee. With diplomacy on a Syria peace settlement stalled, the de-escalation deal has been unravelling of late.

Turkish Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Tuesday that Russia will work to stop attacks in Idlib after talks with a Turkish delegation in Moscow.

Trump has sought a close relationship with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, even after Ankara's recent incursion against American Kurdish allies in Syria and Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria's Idlib province and said Turkey was working hard to stop the "carnage.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria's Idlib province and said Turkey was working hard to stop the "carnage." "Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands if inocent (sic) civilians in Idlib Province. Don’t do it! Turkey is working hard to stop this carnage," Trump said in a tweet. Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it. The leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran agreed in Ankara in September to "de-escalate" conflict in Idlib after a months-long campaign that forced at least 500,000 civilians to flee. With diplomacy on a Syria peace settlement stalled, the de-escalation deal has been unravelling of late. Turkish Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Tuesday that Russia will work to stop attacks in Idlib after talks with a Turkish delegation in Moscow. Trump has sought a close relationship with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, even after Ankara's recent incursion against American Kurdish allies in Syria and Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system.

Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib

China, Iran, and Russia will hold joint naval drills starting on Friday in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-hope-for-pakistan-to-get-membership-of-indian-ocean-rim-association-208989"> Indian Ocean</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-attacks-in-gulf-of-oman-stoke-security-and-oil-fears-226939">Gulf of Oman</a>, China's defence ministry said on Thursday，amid heightened tension in the region between Iran and the United States.

China will send the Xining, a guided-missile destroyer, to the drills, which will last until Monday, and are meant to deepen cooperation between the three countries' navies, ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a monthly news briefing.

The drill was a "normal military exchange" between the three armed forces and was in line with international law and practices, Wu said.

"It is not necessarily connected with the regional situation," he said, without elaborating.

The Gulf of Oman is a particularly sensitive waterway as it connects to the Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes which in turn connects to the Gulf.

The drills are also coming at a time of fraught tensions between the United States and Iran.

Friction has increased since last year when US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> pulled the United States out of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on it, crippling its economy.

Washington has proposed a US-led naval mission after several attacks in May and June on international merchant vessels, including Saudi tankers, in Gulf waters which the United States blamed on Iran. It denies the accusations.

Tension has risen in the region not only over Iran's disputed nuclear programme but also over a September attack on Saudi oil facilities blamed on Iran by the United States and Saudi Arabia. Iran also denies involvement.

China has close diplomatic, trade and energy ties with Iran.

But China also has good relations with Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, meaning it has long had to tread a fine line in a part of the world where it has traditionally exerted far less sway than the United States, Russia, France or Britain.

Chinese President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-president-xi-jinping-a-study-in-contrast-255342"> Xi Jinping </a>is likely to visit Saudi Arabia next year as it is the host of the 2020 G20 summit.

China, Iran, and Russia will hold joint naval drills starting on Friday in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman, China's defence ministry said on Thursday，amid heightened tension in the region between Iran and the United States.

China, Iran, and Russia will hold joint naval drills starting on Friday in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman, China's defence ministry said on Thursday，amid heightened tension in the region between Iran and the United States. China will send the Xining, a guided-missile destroyer, to the drills, which will last until Monday, and are meant to deepen cooperation between the three countries' navies, ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a monthly news briefing. The drill was a "normal military exchange" between the three armed forces and was in line with international law and practices, Wu said. "It is not necessarily connected with the regional situation," he said, without elaborating. The Gulf of Oman is a particularly sensitive waterway as it connects to the Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes which in turn connects to the Gulf. The drills are also coming at a time of fraught tensions between the United States and Iran. Friction has increased since last year when US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on it, crippling its economy. Washington has proposed a US-led naval mission after several attacks in May and June on international merchant vessels, including Saudi tankers, in Gulf waters which the United States blamed on Iran. It denies the accusations. Tension has risen in the region not only over Iran's disputed nuclear programme but also over a September attack on Saudi oil facilities blamed on Iran by the United States and Saudi Arabia. Iran also denies involvement. China has close diplomatic, trade and energy ties with Iran. But China also has good relations with Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, meaning it has long had to tread a fine line in a part of the world where it has traditionally exerted far less sway than the United States, Russia, France or Britain. Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit Saudi Arabia next year as it is the host of the 2020 G20 summit.

China, Russia, Iran to hold joint naval drills starting Friday

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" by the Senate leader's approach to working with White House counsel on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-no-proof-i-want-an-immediate-trial-trump-on-impeachment-proceedings-269248">impeachment trial of President Donald Trump</a>, saying there should be distance between the two.

The comments by the Alaska lawmaker come after Mitch&nbsp;McConnell, majority leader of the Republican-led Senate, said during an&nbsp;interview earlier this month that he was working in "total coordination" with the White House on the upcoming trial.

"To me, it means that we have to take that step back from being hand-in-glove with the defence," Murkowski said in comments aired late on Tuesday during an interview. "I heard what leader&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;had said. I happened to think that has further confused the process."

&nbsp;

Also Watch: Trump impeachment gets mixed reviews

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&nbsp;

Murkowski, who says she remains undecided in how she will vote in the upcoming impeachment proceedings, cited the need for distance between the White House and the Senate on how the trial should be conducted.

Trump was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/so-unfair-donald-trump-slams-impeachment-delay-in-senate-269522">impeached</a> last week by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, one of the top contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden's son. He has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation.

Trump has said he did nothing wrong.

Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-schumer-outlines-documents-he-wants-for-impeachment-trial-269912">Senate</a>, where 51 votes are needed to pass a set of rules for the Trump trial. The actual impeachment trial in the Senate would need a two-thirds majority vote for a conviction.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, a bid to pressure Senate Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats in the chamber on trial rules.&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;said the Senate could not take any action until it receives the articles.

Whether or not to call witnesses has been one of the main sticking points between the Democrats and the Republicans in drafting rules for the impeachment proceedings.&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;on Monday said that Republicans had not ruled out hearing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-no-proof-i-want-an-immediate-trial-trump-on-impeachment-proceedings-269248">witnesses</a> in the impeachment trial the Republican president.

However,&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;made clear he would not accede to a Democratic request for the Senate to agree ahead of time to take testimony during the trial.

There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" by the Senate leader's approach to working with White House counsel on the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, saying there should be distance between the two.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" by the Senate leader's approach to working with White House counsel on the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, saying there should be distance between the two. The comments by the Alaska lawmaker come after Mitch McConnell, majority leader of the Republican-led Senate, said during an interview earlier this month that he was working in "total coordination" with the White House on the upcoming trial. "To me, it means that we have to take that step back from being hand-in-glove with the defence," Murkowski said in comments aired late on Tuesday during an interview. "I heard what leader McConnell had said. I happened to think that has further confused the process." Also Watch: Trump impeachment gets mixed reviews × Murkowski, who says she remains undecided in how she will vote in the upcoming impeachment proceedings, cited the need for distance between the White House and the Senate on how the trial should be conducted. Trump was impeached last week by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, one of the top contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden's son. He has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation. Trump has said he did nothing wrong. Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the Senate, where 51 votes are needed to pass a set of rules for the Trump trial. The actual impeachment trial in the Senate would need a two-thirds majority vote for a conviction. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, a bid to pressure Senate Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats in the chamber on trial rules. McConnell said the Senate could not take any action until it receives the articles. Whether or not to call witnesses has been one of the main sticking points between the Democrats and the Republicans in drafting rules for the impeachment proceedings. McConnell on Monday said that Republicans had not ruled out hearing witnesses in the impeachment trial the Republican president. However, McConnell made clear he would not accede to a Democratic request for the Senate to agree ahead of time to take testimony during the trial. There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

Republican senator 'disturbed' by McConnell's work with White House on impeachment trial

China’s official spokesperson of the commerce ministry said on Thursday that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-is-done-will-have-signing-ceremony-soon-trump-on-china-trade-deal-270074">United States and China </a>are going through necessary procedures before the signing the Phase 1 of the trade deal.

Gao Feng, the commerce ministry spokesman, made the comments to reporters at a regular briefing.

He also said that China is in close touch with the United States on signing a Phase 1 trade deal.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a signing ceremony to sign the first phase of the US-China trade deal agreed to this month.

"We will be having a signing ceremony, yes," Trump told reporters. "We will ultimately, yes, when we get together. And we'll be having a quicker signing because we want to get it done. The deal is done, it's just being translated right now."

(With inputs from Reuters)

China’s official spokesperson of the commerce ministry said on Thursday that the United States and China are going through necessary procedures before the signing the Phase 1 of the trade deal.

China’s official spokesperson of the commerce ministry said on Thursday that the United States and China are going through necessary procedures before the signing the Phase 1 of the trade deal. Gao Feng, the commerce ministry spokesman, made the comments to reporters at a regular briefing. He also said that China is in close touch with the United States on signing a Phase 1 trade deal. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a signing ceremony to sign the first phase of the US-China trade deal agreed to this month. "We will be having a signing ceremony, yes," Trump told reporters. "We will ultimately, yes, when we get together. And we'll be having a quicker signing because we want to get it done. The deal is done, it's just being translated right now." (With inputs from Reuters)

US-China trade deal: Both countries near Phase 1 signing, says China commerce ministry

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-schumer-outlines-documents-he-wants-for-impeachment-trial-269912">Donald Trump</a> said on Tuesday he had not&nbsp;yet&nbsp;bought a&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;present for the first lady, just a day before the holiday that could bring a more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canadian-military-tracker-norad-eyes-santa-christmas-gift-from-north-korea-269861">ominous&nbsp;gift</a>&nbsp;from North Korea.

During a video teleconference with members of the US&nbsp;Armed Forces from his resort residence in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said in response to a question he picked out "a beautiful card" for first lady&nbsp;Melania&nbsp;Trump.

"I'm still working on a&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;present. There's a little time left. Not too much, but a little time," he said.

Another holiday surprise may be on the president's mind.

Earlier this month, Pyongyang warned Washington of a possible "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canadian-military-tracker-norad-eyes-santa-christmas-gift-from-north-korea-269861">Christmas&nbsp;gift</a>," after North Korean leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-discusses-strengthening-military-as-deadline-for-potential-us-concessions-approaches-269527">Kim Jong Un</a> gave the United States until year-end to propose new concessions in talks over his country's nuclear arsenal.

Many experts have speculated that the&nbsp;gift&nbsp;could refer to a long-range missile test. But Trump <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/well-deal-with-it-successfully-donald-trump-on-north-koreas-christmas-gift-threat-270065">brushed off concerns</a> as he spoke to reporters from his resort.

"We'll see what happens," he said. "Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase as opposed to a missile test," he joked. "You never know."

This would not be the first time Trump has marked an important occasion with a card for the first lady.

When asked in April 2018 on television show "Fox and Friends" what he got his wife for her birthday, Trump said, "I better not get into that because I may get in trouble. Maybe I didn't get her so much." He added that he was very busy and got her a beautiful card and flowers.

Trump has visited the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-democrats-to-probe-into-pences-stay-at-trump-hotel-in-ireland-248189">Trump International Golf Course</a> each day after he arrived on Friday night, delivering remarks to young conservatives at an&nbsp;event on Saturday as well.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had not yet bought a Christmas present for the first lady, just a day before the holiday that could bring a more ominous gift from North Korea.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had not yet bought a Christmas present for the first lady, just a day before the holiday that could bring a more ominous gift from North Korea. During a video teleconference with members of the US Armed Forces from his resort residence in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said in response to a question he picked out "a beautiful card" for first lady Melania Trump. "I'm still working on a Christmas present. There's a little time left. Not too much, but a little time," he said. Another holiday surprise may be on the president's mind. Earlier this month, Pyongyang warned Washington of a possible "Christmas gift," after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave the United States until year-end to propose new concessions in talks over his country's nuclear arsenal. Many experts have speculated that the gift could refer to a long-range missile test. But Trump brushed off concerns as he spoke to reporters from his resort. "We'll see what happens," he said. "Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase as opposed to a missile test," he joked. "You never know." This would not be the first time Trump has marked an important occasion with a card for the first lady. When asked in April 2018 on television show "Fox and Friends" what he got his wife for her birthday, Trump said, "I better not get into that because I may get in trouble. Maybe I didn't get her so much." He added that he was very busy and got her a beautiful card and flowers. Trump has visited the Trump International Golf Course each day after he arrived on Friday night, delivering remarks to young conservatives at an event on Saturday as well.

US President Donald Trump 'still working' on Christmas present for the First Lady

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 25, 2019

President Donald Trump has brushed off North Korea's warning of a 'Christmas gift', saying the United States would “deal with it very successfully”.

He said that Kim Jong-un might send him a beautiful vase amid concerns that Pyongyang might be preparing for a missile test.

US President Donald Trump when asked about the threatening 'Christmas surprise' from North Korea, &nbsp;said "Oh, that's okay. We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully. And, let's see what happens. Everybody has got surprises for me but let's see what happens. I handle them as they come along."

"We'll see what happens. We'll see what happens. We will —, let's see. Maybe it's a nice present. Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase, as opposed to a missile test. Right? I may get a vase. I may get a nice present from him. You don't know. You never know," he added.

Earlier this month, North Korea had warned Washington of an ominous "Christmas gift" after its leader Kim Jong-un gave the United States until the end of the year to propose new concessions in the stalled denuclearisation talks.

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)

President Donald Trump has brushed off North Korea's warning of a 'Christmas gift', saying the United States would “deal with it very successfully”. He said that Kim Jong-un might send him a beautiful vase amid concerns that Pyongyang might be preparing for a missile test.

President Donald Trump has brushed off North Korea's warning of a 'Christmas gift', saying the United States would “deal with it very successfully”. He said that Kim Jong-un might send him a beautiful vase amid concerns that Pyongyang might be preparing for a missile test. US President Donald Trump when asked about the threatening 'Christmas surprise' from North Korea, said "Oh, that's okay. We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully. And, let's see what happens. Everybody has got surprises for me but let's see what happens. I handle them as they come along." "We'll see what happens. We'll see what happens. We will —, let's see. Maybe it's a nice present. Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase, as opposed to a missile test. Right? I may get a vase. I may get a nice present from him. You don't know. You never know," he added. Earlier this month, North Korea had warned Washington of an ominous "Christmas gift" after its leader Kim Jong-un gave the United States until the end of the year to propose new concessions in the stalled denuclearisation talks. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump brushes off Kim Jong-un's ‘Christmas gift” warning

President Donald Trump has brushed off North Korea’s warning of a “Christmas gift”, saying the United States would “deal with it very successfully”, amid concerns that Pyongyang might be preparing a long-range missile test. Trump on December 24 said that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may be planning to give him “a nice present” such as a “beautiful vase” for Christmas rather than a missile launch when the president was asked how he would react to a long-range test. #NorthKorea #ChristmasGift #DonaldTrump #KimJongUnGift

Donald Trump brushes off North Korea's warning of Christmas gift

Asian shares edged lower and US&nbsp;stock futures darted in and out of losses on Tuesday, as the holiday lull offset optimism that a US China trade deal will boost exports and corporate earnings.

MSCI's broadest index of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asia-pacific-private-equity-india-and-china-lead-deals-but-fund-raising-slowing-203978">Asia-Pacific</a> shares outside Japan was down 0.14 per cent.

Blue-chip shares in China rose 0.37per cent&nbsp;after Premier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-premier-li-keqiang-warns-us-against-trade-war-13404">Li Keqiang</a> said on Monday the government was considering more measures to lower corporate financing costs.

Australian shares rose 0.13 per cent, while South Korean shares fell 0.54 per cent. Japan's Nikkei nudged 0.04 per cent higher.

Sterling traded near a four-week low versus the euro and a three-week trough against the dollar on growing doubts over how Britain will navigate the transition period for its exit from the European Union.

Oil prices held steady before data on US&nbsp;crude inventories later on Tuesday, but there are signs that recent supply cuts may not last after Russia's energy minister said oil producers could ease output restrictions in March.

Wall Street's main indexes posted record closing highs on Monday after US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a> said an initial US-China trade pact would be signed soon.

A de-escalation of a trade conflict between the world's two largest economies is a positive for companies that feed global supply chains, but some investors want to wait until next year to see how long the current thaw in Sino-US&nbsp;relations lasts.

"Risks to the outlook receded this year, which supported financial markets, but we cannot say the same thing about next year," said Hiroshi Miyazaki, senior economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities in Tokyo.

"No one can predict what will happen with US-China relations, and the US&nbsp;still has some tariffs on Chinese goods in place."

Trading is expected to be subdued as many financial markets will start closing from Tuesday for the Christmas holidays.

US&nbsp;stock futures rose 0.04 per cent after the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.09&nbsp;per cent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.34&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;on Monday.

Shares of Boeing Co gave the Dow a boost after the planemaker ousted its chief executive officer over a prolonged crisis following two fatal crashes of its best-selling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/financial-hit-from-737-max-will-not-slow-appetite-for-services-deals-boeing-ceo-dennis-muilenburg-246131">737 MAX jetliner</a>.

Equity investors got a rare double dose of positive news earlier this month when Washington and Beijing agreed a preliminary deal to avoid additional US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese goods and a British general election gave the ruling Conservative Party a free hand to enact its Brexit agenda.

However, currency markets shows some investors remain circumspect, because new problems with trade friction and Brexit could easily emerge next year.

Against the euro, sterling was quoted at 85.66 pence, close to its lowest since November&nbsp;22. The pound traded at $1.2946, close to its lowest since December 2.

Sterling has given up all the gains it made immediately after the British general election on December&nbsp;12.

Spot gold rose 0.3&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to $1,490.30 per ounce. Earlier in the day, prices hit their highest since November&nbsp;7, in another sign that some investors remain wary of risk.

In the onshore market, China's yuan reversed early losses to trade at 7.0115 per dollar.

China's government is considering broad-based and "targeted" cuts in banks' reserve requirement ratio to lower financing costs for small firms, the country's premier said on Monday, showing policymakers remain under pressure to counter an economic slowdown.

US&nbsp;crude ticked up 0.12 per cent&nbsp;to $60.61 a barrel, and Brent crude rose 0.24 per cent&nbsp;to $66.55 per barrel.

OPEC and other leading oil producers may consider easing oil output restrictions at their meeting in March, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview aired on Monday.

Asian shares edged lower and US stock futures darted in and out of losses on Tuesday, as the holiday lull offset optimism that a US China trade deal will boost exports and corporate earnings.

Asian shares edged lower and US stock futures darted in and out of losses on Tuesday, as the holiday lull offset optimism that a US China trade deal will boost exports and corporate earnings. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.14 per cent. Blue-chip shares in China rose 0.37per cent after Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday the government was considering more measures to lower corporate financing costs. Australian shares rose 0.13 per cent, while South Korean shares fell 0.54 per cent. Japan's Nikkei nudged 0.04 per cent higher. Sterling traded near a four-week low versus the euro and a three-week trough against the dollar on growing doubts over how Britain will navigate the transition period for its exit from the European Union. Oil prices held steady before data on US crude inventories later on Tuesday, but there are signs that recent supply cuts may not last after Russia's energy minister said oil producers could ease output restrictions in March. Wall Street's main indexes posted record closing highs on Monday after US President Donald Trump said an initial US-China trade pact would be signed soon. A de-escalation of a trade conflict between the world's two largest economies is a positive for companies that feed global supply chains, but some investors want to wait until next year to see how long the current thaw in Sino-US relations lasts. "Risks to the outlook receded this year, which supported financial markets, but we cannot say the same thing about next year," said Hiroshi Miyazaki, senior economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities in Tokyo. "No one can predict what will happen with US-China relations, and the US still has some tariffs on Chinese goods in place." Trading is expected to be subdued as many financial markets will start closing from Tuesday for the Christmas holidays. US stock futures rose 0.04 per cent after the S&P 500 gained 0.09 per cent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.34 per cent on Monday. Shares of Boeing Co gave the Dow a boost after the planemaker ousted its chief executive officer over a prolonged crisis following two fatal crashes of its best-selling 737 MAX jetliner. Equity investors got a rare double dose of positive news earlier this month when Washington and Beijing agreed a preliminary deal to avoid additional US tariffs on Chinese goods and a British general election gave the ruling Conservative Party a free hand to enact its Brexit agenda. However, currency markets shows some investors remain circumspect, because new problems with trade friction and Brexit could easily emerge next year. Against the euro, sterling was quoted at 85.66 pence, close to its lowest since November 22. The pound traded at $1.2946, close to its lowest since December 2. Sterling has given up all the gains it made immediately after the British general election on December 12. Spot gold rose 0.3 per cent to $1,490.30 per ounce. Earlier in the day, prices hit their highest since November 7, in another sign that some investors remain wary of risk. In the onshore market, China's yuan reversed early losses to trade at 7.0115 per dollar. China's government is considering broad-based and "targeted" cuts in banks' reserve requirement ratio to lower financing costs for small firms, the country's premier said on Monday, showing policymakers remain under pressure to counter an economic slowdown. US crude ticked up 0.12 per cent to $60.61 a barrel, and Brent crude rose 0.24 per cent to $66.55 per barrel. OPEC and other leading oil producers may consider easing oil output restrictions at their meeting in March, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview aired on Monday.

Asia stocks ease slightly as doubts about risk factors linger

US&nbsp;Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday outlined the kinds of documents he would like to have introduced as evidence in the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-does-not-want-prolonged-impeachment-trial-senior-official-269602">impeachment trial</a> of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/so-unfair-donald-trump-slams-impeachment-delay-in-senate-269522">Donald Trump</a>, including emails and other communications held by the White House and State Department.

In a letter to his 99 fellow senators, Schumer wrote that denying the Senate these documents "would be to turn a willfully blind eye to the facts" in the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges against Trump that were approved by the House of Representatives last week.

On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that he and Schumer were at an impasse over the Democrat's demand for four administration witnesses to testify and for documents to be entered into the trial record.

The Republican president was charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation. He has said he did nothing wrong.

His trial in the Senate is likely to start in January but no exact date has been set as Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads over the rules for a trial.

Also watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump becomes third US President to be impeached

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Examples Schumer listed of potentially important documents were records between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy related to the "scheduling, preparation for, and follow-up from" their April 21 and July 25 telephone calls.

Schumer also listed email communications related to "several occasions" in which National Security Council officials "reported their concerns to the NSC legal advisor about the decision to delay" almost $400 million in US&nbsp;security assistance to Ukraine.

Detailed notes, emails and text messages that State Department witnesses told House investigators have been withheld by the administration also were included in Schumer's letter.

McConnell said on Monday that Republicans had not ruled out hearing witnesses in the impeachment trial, as sought by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-seek-high-profile-trial-for-trump-in-senate-269263">Democrats</a>, but wanted to leave the decision until after the trial begins.

Trump was impeached on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden, a potential Democratic candidate to run against Republican Trump in the November 2020 election.

There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday outlined the kinds of documents he would like to have introduced as evidence in the upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, including emails and other communications held by the White House and State Department.

US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday outlined the kinds of documents he would like to have introduced as evidence in the upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, including emails and other communications held by the White House and State Department. In a letter to his 99 fellow senators, Schumer wrote that denying the Senate these documents "would be to turn a willfully blind eye to the facts" in the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges against Trump that were approved by the House of Representatives last week. On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that he and Schumer were at an impasse over the Democrat's demand for four administration witnesses to testify and for documents to be entered into the trial record. The Republican president was charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation. He has said he did nothing wrong. His trial in the Senate is likely to start in January but no exact date has been set as Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads over the rules for a trial. Also watch: Donald Trump becomes third US President to be impeached × Examples Schumer listed of potentially important documents were records between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy related to the "scheduling, preparation for, and follow-up from" their April 21 and July 25 telephone calls. Schumer also listed email communications related to "several occasions" in which National Security Council officials "reported their concerns to the NSC legal advisor about the decision to delay" almost $400 million in US security assistance to Ukraine. Detailed notes, emails and text messages that State Department witnesses told House investigators have been withheld by the administration also were included in Schumer's letter. McConnell said on Monday that Republicans had not ruled out hearing witnesses in the impeachment trial, as sought by the Democrats, but wanted to leave the decision until after the trial begins. Trump was impeached on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden, a potential Democratic candidate to run against Republican Trump in the November 2020 election. There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

US Senator Schumer outlines documents he wants for impeachment trial

Christianity Today, the magazine founded by the late Reverend Billy Graham, renewed its criticism of President Donald Trump in a new editorial that cited his "misuses of power" and asked fellow Christians to examine their loyalty to him, days after a controversial editorial that called for his impeachment.

The 130,000-circulation magazine, which has 4.3 million monthly website viewers, in its editorial last week cited Trump's "profoundly immoral" conduct in office, drawing immediate criticism from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-seek-high-profile-trial-for-trump-in-senate-269263">Trump</a> and dozens of evangelical leaders.

Evangelicals have been a bedrock of support for the Republican president, and the magazine noted in its new editorial, published Sunday, that Trump "has done a lot of good for causes we all care about."

But the magazine's president, Timothy Dalrymple, wrote in the editorial, headlined "The Flag in the Whirlwind," that evangelicals' embrace of Trump means being tied to his "rampant immorality, greed, and corruption; his divisiveness and race-baiting; his cruelty and hostility to immigrants and refugees."

"With profound love and respect," Dalrymple said, "we ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to consider whether they have given to Caesar what belongs only to God: their unconditional loyalty."

The editorial praised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-unveils-development-at-arak-reactor-amid-us-sanctions-pressure-269852">Trump administration</a>'s judicial appointment, "advocacy of life, family, and religious liberty." But it said, "It is one thing to praise his accomplishments; it is another to excuse and deny his obvious misuses of power.

Dalrymple pledged to open up a "serious discussion about how our activity as Christians shapes our activity as citizens" in 2020. He declined to be interviewed until after the Christmas holiday.

Evangelical Christians make up about 25 pet cent&nbsp;of the US&nbsp;population. According to a Pew Research poll from last January, 69 per cent&nbsp;of white evangelicals approved of the job Trump is doing, compared with 48 pet cent&nbsp;of white mainline Protestants and 12 per cent&nbsp;of black Protestants.

On January&nbsp;3, Trump will hold an "Evangelicals for Trump coalition launch" in Miami.

Graham's son Franklin had slammed the original Christianity Today editorial and said his father knew, believed in and voted for Trump, an endorsement that other family members dispute. Dozens of evangelical leaders signed a letter criticizing the magazine's impeachment call, and Trump said on Twitter he would stop reading the publication.

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....have a Radical Left nonbeliever, who wants to take your religion &amp; your guns, than Donald Trump as your President. No President has done more for the Evangelical community, and it’s not even close. You’ll not get anything from those Dems on stage. I won’t be reading ET again!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1207997319821615105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Christianity Today was founded in 1956, and its current impact in the evangelical community is limited, said Greg Carey, a New Testament professor at Lancaster Seminary in Pennsylvania. “Like other traditional media, their platform has fragmented, so I’m skeptical that they have the real punch to change a movement.”

Still, the way <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tells-jewish-americans-he-is-israels-best-friend-266897">Trump</a> and others have pushed back showed the outlet is being heard. “There are those who feel that a crack in that foundation (of evangelical support of Trump) is a threat” that needs to be patched, Carey said.

For evangelicals who have doubts about Trump's conduct in office and the church's embrace of the president, "having an institutional voice that has some respect gives them cover to voice their opinion," Carey said.

Christianity Today, the magazine founded by the late Reverend Billy Graham, renewed its criticism of President Donald Trump in a new editorial that cited his "misuses of power" and asked fellow Christians to examine their loyalty to him, days after a controversial editorial that called for his impeachment.

Christianity Today, the magazine founded by the late Reverend Billy Graham, renewed its criticism of President Donald Trump in a new editorial that cited his "misuses of power" and asked fellow Christians to examine their loyalty to him, days after a controversial editorial that called for his impeachment. The 130,000-circulation magazine, which has 4.3 million monthly website viewers, in its editorial last week cited Trump's "profoundly immoral" conduct in office, drawing immediate criticism from Trump and dozens of evangelical leaders. Evangelicals have been a bedrock of support for the Republican president, and the magazine noted in its new editorial, published Sunday, that Trump "has done a lot of good for causes we all care about." But the magazine's president, Timothy Dalrymple, wrote in the editorial, headlined "The Flag in the Whirlwind," that evangelicals' embrace of Trump means being tied to his "rampant immorality, greed, and corruption; his divisiveness and race-baiting; his cruelty and hostility to immigrants and refugees." "With profound love and respect," Dalrymple said, "we ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to consider whether they have given to Caesar what belongs only to God: their unconditional loyalty." The editorial praised the Trump administration's judicial appointment, "advocacy of life, family, and religious liberty." But it said, "It is one thing to praise his accomplishments; it is another to excuse and deny his obvious misuses of power. Dalrymple pledged to open up a "serious discussion about how our activity as Christians shapes our activity as citizens" in 2020. He declined to be interviewed until after the Christmas holiday. Evangelical Christians make up about 25 pet cent of the US population. According to a Pew Research poll from last January, 69 per cent of white evangelicals approved of the job Trump is doing, compared with 48 pet cent of white mainline Protestants and 12 per cent of black Protestants. On January 3, Trump will hold an "Evangelicals for Trump coalition launch" in Miami. Graham's son Franklin had slammed the original Christianity Today editorial and said his father knew, believed in and voted for Trump, an endorsement that other family members dispute. Dozens of evangelical leaders signed a letter criticizing the magazine's impeachment call, and Trump said on Twitter he would stop reading the publication. ....have a Radical Left nonbeliever, who wants to take your religion & your guns, than Donald Trump as your President. No President has done more for the Evangelical community, and it’s not even close. You’ll not get anything from those Dems on stage. I won’t be reading ET again! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2019 × Christianity Today was founded in 1956, and its current impact in the evangelical community is limited, said Greg Carey, a New Testament professor at Lancaster Seminary in Pennsylvania. “Like other traditional media, their platform has fragmented, so I’m skeptical that they have the real punch to change a movement.” Still, the way Trump and others have pushed back showed the outlet is being heard. “There are those who feel that a crack in that foundation (of evangelical support of Trump) is a threat” that needs to be patched, Carey said. For evangelicals who have doubts about Trump's conduct in office and the church's embrace of the president, "having an institutional voice that has some respect gives them cover to voice their opinion," Carey said.

Christianity Today again slams Trump, raises issue of 'unconditional loyalty'

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 24, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-falls-as-us-inventories-rise-but-demand-hopes-stem-bigger-drop-268973">Oil prices</a> fell on Monday, but were holding near recent three-month highs amid expectations that the United States and China will soon agree on a trade deal, with President Donald Trump saying an agreement would be signed "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/phase-one-trade-deal-with-china-would-be-signed-very-shortly-donald-trump-269576">very shortly</a>".

Brent crude was down 16 cents, or 0.2 per cent, at $65.98 a barrel by 0730 GMT. West Texas Intermediate was down 22 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at $60.22 a barrel.

A so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/phase-one-trade-deal-reached-with-us-china-268186">phase one deal</a> was announced earlier in December as part of a bid to end the months-long tit-for-tat trade war between the world's two largest economies, which has sent shockwaves through markets and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hopes-us-china-trade-deal-will-be-signed-by-middle-of-november-256808">roiled global growth</a>.

The United States is to agree to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-make-final-call-on-china-tariffs-likes-direction-of-talks-larry-kudlow-266889">reduce some tariffs</a> in return for a big increase in purchases by Chinese importers of American farm products, according to the deal that is due to be signed in January.

"We just achieved a breakthrough on the trade deal and we will be signing it very shortly," Trump said at a Turning Point USA event in Florida on Saturday.

The easing of tensions has improved business confidence and boosted the outlook for economic growth and energy demand.

"Oil prices will continue to benefit from the positive developments in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-xi-jinping-give-positive-signals-on-trade-deal-after-phone-call-269443">US-China&nbsp;trade</a>," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-subdued-as-investors-await-trade-deal-details-palladium-dips-268837">Stephen Innes</a>, chief&nbsp;Asia market strategist at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-slip-as-weak-china-exports-highlights-trade-war-impact-267079">AxiTrader</a>.

"With a more constructive global macro outlook than at any time in the last year, oil is well-supported by both fundamental factors and sentiment now," he said.

US&nbsp;drillers may be anticipating higher prices as well and last week increased the number of their oil rigs by the most in a week since February 2018.

Drillers added 18 oil rigs in the week to December&nbsp;20, bringing the total to 685, the most since November, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-drops-as-us-inventory-build-record-output-rekindles-supply-worries-264998">Baker Hughes</a>, an energy services company, said in its weekly report.

US&nbsp;economic growth nudged up in the third quarter, latest data shows, and the economy appears to have maintained the moderate pace of expansion as the year ended, supported by a strong labour market.

Many investors are on holiday already with the end of the year around the corner and trading is thin, potentially accentuating market moves due to the lack of liquidity.

"With the holiday season upon us with much-reduced volumes and liquidity, some choppy daily moves can&nbsp;be expected," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rises-on-hopes-for-deeper-opec-output-cuts-us-china-trade-talks-255148">Jeffrey Halley</a>, senior market analyst at OANDA.

Oil prices fell on Monday, but were holding near recent three-month highs amid expectations that the United States and China will soon agree on a trade deal, with President Donald Trump saying an agreement would be signed "very shortly".

Oil prices fell on Monday, but were holding near recent three-month highs amid expectations that the United States and China will soon agree on a trade deal, with President Donald Trump saying an agreement would be signed "very shortly". Brent crude was down 16 cents, or 0.2 per cent, at $65.98 a barrel by 0730 GMT. West Texas Intermediate was down 22 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at $60.22 a barrel. A so-called phase one deal was announced earlier in December as part of a bid to end the months-long tit-for-tat trade war between the world's two largest economies, which has sent shockwaves through markets and roiled global growth. The United States is to agree to reduce some tariffs in return for a big increase in purchases by Chinese importers of American farm products, according to the deal that is due to be signed in January. "We just achieved a breakthrough on the trade deal and we will be signing it very shortly," Trump said at a Turning Point USA event in Florida on Saturday. The easing of tensions has improved business confidence and boosted the outlook for economic growth and energy demand. "Oil prices will continue to benefit from the positive developments in the US-China trade," said Stephen Innes, chief Asia market strategist at AxiTrader. "With a more constructive global macro outlook than at any time in the last year, oil is well-supported by both fundamental factors and sentiment now," he said. US drillers may be anticipating higher prices as well and last week increased the number of their oil rigs by the most in a week since February 2018. Drillers added 18 oil rigs in the week to December 20, bringing the total to 685, the most since November, Baker Hughes, an energy services company, said in its weekly report. US economic growth nudged up in the third quarter, latest data shows, and the economy appears to have maintained the moderate pace of expansion as the year ended, supported by a strong labour market. Many investors are on holiday already with the end of the year around the corner and trading is thin, potentially accentuating market moves due to the lack of liquidity. "With the holiday season upon us with much-reduced volumes and liquidity, some choppy daily moves can be expected," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

Oil eases but supported by trade deal hopes

The White House does not want to see a prolonged impeachment trial in the US&nbsp;Senate, a senior administration official said on Sunday, suggesting President Donald Trump is comfortable with proceeding without calling witnesses in his defense.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives approved two impeachment charges against Trump on Wednesday over his pressuring of Ukraine to investigate a political rival. There is little chance he will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in a Senate controlled by fellow Republicans.

Democrats are pressing to call top Trump aides to testify, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants the Senate to consider the case without hearing from new witnesses.

While Trump had indicated an interest in calling separate witnesses in his defense, he has also said he would go along with whatever decision McConnell and other Senate Republican leaders make.

In remarks on Sunday talk shows, Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, indicated the White House was on board with McConnell's goal of a speedy trial.

"The American people are tired of this sham," Short said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"To the extent that there's a prolonged trial, we're not anxious about that," he said. "Our administration is anxious to get back to working for the American people ... We've had a lot of witnesses already."

Lawmakers left Washington for a holiday break on Friday at loggerheads over how to proceed.

To ramp up pressure on McConnell to permit new testimony, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - the top Democrat in Congress - has postponed sending the impeachment charges to the Senate.

Republicans have suggested Democrats want witnesses because the case they have assembled is so weak, while Democrats portray Republicans as scared about what new testimony might reveal.

"If her case is so air tight ... why does she need more witnesses?" Short said on "Fox News Sunday."

Speaking to reporters in New York, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stuck with Democrats' position that further testimony was required. "It's a sham trial and that's why we feel so strongly there ought to be witnesses and documents," he said.

Republican moderates

Trump is only the third US&nbsp;president in history to be impeached. The others were Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 as he faced the threat of impeachment.

The House charged Trump with abusing his power by holding back $391 million in security aid to Ukraine in an effort to get Kiev to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 election.

Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry. He says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win.

"The American people and the United States Senate deserve to have a full, fair and complete trial and that means witnesses, it means documents," Democratic Senator Doug Jones told ABC's "This Week."

Responding to Republican charges that the case was thin, Jones said that if it was thin, "it's thin because the president of the United States ordered his top people who were in the room who have first-hand knowledge, not to testify."

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and Democrats are hoping a few moderate Republicans will support their bid for further testimony and force McConnell's hand.

"The leverage is our hope that four Republican senators will stand up ... and say this is much bigger than our current political squabbles," Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, told CNN's "State of the Union."

"If four Republican senators step up, it can make a big difference," he said.

The White House does not want to see a prolonged impeachment trial in the US Senate, a senior administration official said on Sunday, suggesting President Donald Trump is comfortable with proceeding without calling witnesses in his defense.

The White House does not want to see a prolonged impeachment trial in the US Senate, a senior administration official said on Sunday, suggesting President Donald Trump is comfortable with proceeding without calling witnesses in his defense. The Democratic-led House of Representatives approved two impeachment charges against Trump on Wednesday over his pressuring of Ukraine to investigate a political rival. There is little chance he will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in a Senate controlled by fellow Republicans. Democrats are pressing to call top Trump aides to testify, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants the Senate to consider the case without hearing from new witnesses. While Trump had indicated an interest in calling separate witnesses in his defense, he has also said he would go along with whatever decision McConnell and other Senate Republican leaders make. In remarks on Sunday talk shows, Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, indicated the White House was on board with McConnell's goal of a speedy trial. "The American people are tired of this sham," Short said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "To the extent that there's a prolonged trial, we're not anxious about that," he said. "Our administration is anxious to get back to working for the American people ... We've had a lot of witnesses already." Lawmakers left Washington for a holiday break on Friday at loggerheads over how to proceed. To ramp up pressure on McConnell to permit new testimony, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - the top Democrat in Congress - has postponed sending the impeachment charges to the Senate. Republicans have suggested Democrats want witnesses because the case they have assembled is so weak, while Democrats portray Republicans as scared about what new testimony might reveal. "If her case is so air tight ... why does she need more witnesses?" Short said on "Fox News Sunday." Speaking to reporters in New York, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stuck with Democrats' position that further testimony was required. "It's a sham trial and that's why we feel so strongly there ought to be witnesses and documents," he said. Republican moderates Trump is only the third US president in history to be impeached. The others were Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 as he faced the threat of impeachment. The House charged Trump with abusing his power by holding back $391 million in security aid to Ukraine in an effort to get Kiev to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 election. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry. He says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win. "The American people and the United States Senate deserve to have a full, fair and complete trial and that means witnesses, it means documents," Democratic Senator Doug Jones told ABC's "This Week." Responding to Republican charges that the case was thin, Jones said that if it was thin, "it's thin because the president of the United States ordered his top people who were in the room who have first-hand knowledge, not to testify." Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and Democrats are hoping a few moderate Republicans will support their bid for further testimony and force McConnell's hand. "The leverage is our hope that four Republican senators will stand up ... and say this is much bigger than our current political squabbles," Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, told CNN's "State of the Union." "If four Republican senators step up, it can make a big difference," he said.

White House does not want prolonged impeachment trial: Senior official

United States <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-invites-britains-johnson-to-white-house-for-new-year-sources-269520">President Donald Trump</a> criticised the House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday. According to Trump, Pelosi is restraining against forwarding the articles of impeachment against him to the Senate.

"It's so unfair," Trump said, days after he was impeached by the House, during a speech to conservative student group Turning Point USA, saying that Pelosi adopted the strategy because she has "no case."

"They are violating the Constitution," Trump said, calling Pelosi "crazy Nancy."

The Democratic-controlled House voted on December 18 to impeach Trump, setting the stage for a trial in the Senate. Trump is very unlikely to be convicted and removed from office by the upper chamber of Congress because it is controlled by his Republican Party. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is needed for a conviction on impeachment charges.

Watch: Donald Trump becomes third US President to be impeached

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-becomes-third-us-president-to-be-impeached-269255/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Republicans and Democrats are at loggerheads over how the trial will play out. Pelosi and other Democrats want to call top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-xi-jinping-give-positive-signals-on-trade-deal-after-phone-call-269443">Trump aides</a> as witnesses and are seeking assurances that the trial will be held on terms they consider fair.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said he is working in tandem with the White House on trial preparations, drawing accusations from Democrats that he is ignoring his duty to consider the evidence in an impartial manner.

Pelosi has not yet sent the impeachment package to the Senate in a bid to increase pressure on Republicans there. Pelosi has also not yet announced the managers, or prosecutors, who will present evidence in the trial.

"Until the House gets a clearer picture of what a Senate trial will look like, the Speaker will not be in the position to appoint managers and take the next steps in holding this President accountable and ensuring the Senate fulfils its constitutional duty," Pelosi's office said in a statement on Saturday.

Pelosi's office said senators have a constitutional obligation to conduct a "fair process that provides both the Senators, who will act as jurors and the public with the opportunity to understand the full extent of President Trump’s abuse of power."

Trump is accused of abusing his power by holding back $391 million in security aid to Ukraine in an effort to get Kiev to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 election.

The president is also charged with obstruction of Congress for directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-blocks-group-spreading-pro-trump-posts-from-fake-accounts-269435">Trump</a> says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win.

United States President Donald Trump criticised the House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday. According to Trump, Pelosi is restraining against forwarding the articles of impeachment against him to the Senate.

United States President Donald Trump criticised the House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday. According to Trump, Pelosi is restraining against forwarding the articles of impeachment against him to the Senate. "It's so unfair," Trump said, days after he was impeached by the House, during a speech to conservative student group Turning Point USA, saying that Pelosi adopted the strategy because she has "no case." "They are violating the Constitution," Trump said, calling Pelosi "crazy Nancy." The Democratic-controlled House voted on December 18 to impeach Trump, setting the stage for a trial in the Senate. Trump is very unlikely to be convicted and removed from office by the upper chamber of Congress because it is controlled by his Republican Party. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is needed for a conviction on impeachment charges. Watch: Donald Trump becomes third US President to be impeached Republicans and Democrats are at loggerheads over how the trial will play out. Pelosi and other Democrats want to call top Trump aides as witnesses and are seeking assurances that the trial will be held on terms they consider fair. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said he is working in tandem with the White House on trial preparations, drawing accusations from Democrats that he is ignoring his duty to consider the evidence in an impartial manner. Pelosi has not yet sent the impeachment package to the Senate in a bid to increase pressure on Republicans there. Pelosi has also not yet announced the managers, or prosecutors, who will present evidence in the trial. "Until the House gets a clearer picture of what a Senate trial will look like, the Speaker will not be in the position to appoint managers and take the next steps in holding this President accountable and ensuring the Senate fulfils its constitutional duty," Pelosi's office said in a statement on Saturday. Pelosi's office said senators have a constitutional obligation to conduct a "fair process that provides both the Senators, who will act as jurors and the public with the opportunity to understand the full extent of President Trump’s abuse of power." Trump is accused of abusing his power by holding back $391 million in security aid to Ukraine in an effort to get Kiev to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 election. The president is also charged with obstruction of Congress for directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry. Trump says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win.

'So unfair': Donald Trump slams impeachment delay in Senate

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the 'Phase One' trade deal with China would be signed "very shortly".

Trump's remarks came during an event in Florida. &nbsp;

"We just achieved a breakthrough on the trade deal and we will be signing it very shortly," Trump said at the event as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

This comes after Trump, on Friday, held a telephonic conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping and tweeted out saying that the two leaders had a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-xi-jinping-give-positive-signals-on-trade-deal-after-phone-call-269443">very good talk</a>".&nbsp;

"Had a very good talk with President Xi of China concerning our giant Trade Deal. China has already started large scale purchases of agricultural product &amp; more. Formal signing being arranged. Also talked about North Korea, where we are working with China, &amp; Hong Kong (progress!)," Trump's tweet read.&nbsp;

US-China 'Phase One' deal was announced earlier this month as part of a bid to end the months-long tit-for-tat trade war between the world's two largest economies, which has roiled markets and hit global growth.

Under the deal, the United States would agree to reduce some tariffs in exchange for a big jump in Chinese purchases of American farm products.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the 'Phase One' trade deal with China would be signed "very shortly". Trump's remarks came during an event in Florida.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the 'Phase One' trade deal with China would be signed "very shortly". Trump's remarks came during an event in Florida. "We just achieved a breakthrough on the trade deal and we will be signing it very shortly," Trump said at the event as reported by news agency Reuters. This comes after Trump, on Friday, held a telephonic conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping and tweeted out saying that the two leaders had a "very good talk". "Had a very good talk with President Xi of China concerning our giant Trade Deal. China has already started large scale purchases of agricultural product & more. Formal signing being arranged. Also talked about North Korea, where we are working with China, & Hong Kong (progress!)," Trump's tweet read. US-China 'Phase One' deal was announced earlier this month as part of a bid to end the months-long tit-for-tat trade war between the world's two largest economies, which has roiled markets and hit global growth. Under the deal, the United States would agree to reduce some tariffs in exchange for a big jump in Chinese purchases of American farm products. (With inputs from Reuters)

Phase One trade deal with China would be signed 'very shortly': Donald Trump

United States President Donald Trump has signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, authorising the establishment of Space Force which would become the sixth branch of the armed forces. #US #USPresident #DonaldTrump #USSpaceforce

President Donald Trump officially launches US Space Force

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