This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 11th, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump said that another meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is possible after U.S.-South Korea exercises. North Korea presently is on a missile launching spree. As it launched 4 missiles in a week.

North Korean leader want to meet again: Donald Trump

After the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report of China's economic slowdown due to trade tariff imposed by the Trump administration, US President Donald Trump on Saturday took a swipe at China saying it wants to "badly" chalk out an agreement with his country.

He also claimed that Beijing "maybe" hoping for a Democrat to win the next year`s presidential election."China wants to make a deal so badly. Thousands of companies are leaving because of the Tariffs, they must stem the flow. At the same time China may be hoping for a Democrat to win so they could continue the great ripoff of America, &amp; the theft of hundreds of Billions of $'s!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

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China wants to make a deal so badly. Thousands of companies are leaving because of the Tariffs, they must stem the flow. At the same time China may be hoping for a Democrat to win so they could continue the great ripoff of America, &amp; the theft of hundreds of Billions of $’s!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1160309383701680129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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His tweet came a day after Trump said that the US was talking to China but asserted that Washington was not ready to strike an agreement with the Asian nation, ruling out an immediate breakthrough to end the trade war.

"We are talking to China. We are not ready to make a deal, but we will see what happens. They want to make a deal. I'm not ready to make a deal," he was quoted by The Hill as saying.

On August 1, Trump had announced that he would impose a 10 per cent tariff on the remaining $300 billion worth of untaxed imports from China, which came after trade talks between the two sides were held in Shanghai.

This means everything that China sells to the US, including clothes and iPhones to chemicals and construction equipment, will have levies of between 10 and 25 per cent on them starting from September 1, escalating the trade tensions between the world`s two largest economies.

The US had already slapped a 25 per cent tariff on a separate $250 billion of Chinese imports. China retaliated by lowering the value of the yuan and suspended purchases of US agricultural products.

Calling the US's decision a "serious violation" of the consensus reached by the two sides at the G20 summit in Osaka, Beijing said the move deviated from the right course and will in no way help to end the trade war.

(With inputs from ANI)

After the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report of China's economic slowdown due to trade tariff imposed by the Trump administration, US President Donald Trump on Saturday took a swipe at China saying it wants to "badly" chalk out an agreement with his country.

After the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report of China's economic slowdown due to trade tariff imposed by the Trump administration, US President Donald Trump on Saturday took a swipe at China saying it wants to "badly" chalk out an agreement with his country. He also claimed that Beijing "maybe" hoping for a Democrat to win the next year`s presidential election."China wants to make a deal so badly. Thousands of companies are leaving because of the Tariffs, they must stem the flow. At the same time China may be hoping for a Democrat to win so they could continue the great ripoff of America, & the theft of hundreds of Billions of $'s!" Trump wrote on Twitter. China wants to make a deal so badly. Thousands of companies are leaving because of the Tariffs, they must stem the flow. At the same time China may be hoping for a Democrat to win so they could continue the great ripoff of America, & the theft of hundreds of Billions of $’s! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2019 × His tweet came a day after Trump said that the US was talking to China but asserted that Washington was not ready to strike an agreement with the Asian nation, ruling out an immediate breakthrough to end the trade war. "We are talking to China. We are not ready to make a deal, but we will see what happens. They want to make a deal. I'm not ready to make a deal," he was quoted by The Hill as saying. On August 1, Trump had announced that he would impose a 10 per cent tariff on the remaining $300 billion worth of untaxed imports from China, which came after trade talks between the two sides were held in Shanghai. This means everything that China sells to the US, including clothes and iPhones to chemicals and construction equipment, will have levies of between 10 and 25 per cent on them starting from September 1, escalating the trade tensions between the world`s two largest economies. The US had already slapped a 25 per cent tariff on a separate $250 billion of Chinese imports. China retaliated by lowering the value of the yuan and suspended purchases of US agricultural products. Calling the US's decision a "serious violation" of the consensus reached by the two sides at the G20 summit in Osaka, Beijing said the move deviated from the right course and will in no way help to end the trade war. (With inputs from ANI)

China 'badly' wants to make deal with US and may want a Democrat to beat me: Donald Trump

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally inspected the test of a new weapon, state media KCNA said on Sunday, as a senior diplomat dismissed the possibility of inter-Korean talks in protest against South Korea-U.S. military drills.

Kim Jong Un personally inspects test of a new weapon

A photo of U.S. President Donald Trump smiling broadly and giving a thumbs-up as his wife, Melania, cradles a baby orphaned in the El Paso, Texas mass shooting has become a social media talking point days after the first lady posted it on Twitter. The image was taken on Wednesday at the University Medical Center of El Paso during Trump's visit to the West Texas border city to meet with first responders, medical personnel and surviving victims from Saturday's gun violence at a Walmart store.

Trump thumbs-up photo with orphaned baby in El Paso sparks controversy

President Donald Trump on Friday defended controversial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-largest-immigration-raid-us-authorities-arrest-680-workers-at-mississippi-241598">mass raids that led to the arrest of 680 undocumented migrants</a> in the southeastern United States, saying they were an effective way to thwart illegal entry into the country.

The raids, which took place at seven chicken processing plants scattered across six Mississippi cities, were the largest in a single state in US history.

"I want people to know if they're coming into the US illegally, they're getting out," Trump told reporters. "And this serves as a very good deterrent."

He added that when "people see what they saw (Wednesday), like they will see for a long time, they know that they’re not staying here."

Local media showed images of confused children crying after coming home from school and finding themselves with nowhere to go and nothing to eat after their parents had been detained.

Mississippi Attorney General Mike Hurst, who was in charge of the operation, has also defended the raids, assuring that officers had been concerned about the children's ability to reconnect with their parents.

"We are unaware of any child presently w/o (without) a parent as a result of this operation," he wrote Thursday on Twitter.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/ICEgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICEgov</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> conducted yesterday's operation w/ respect &amp; dignity for fellow man/woman. HSI procedures ensured child/parent were united afterwards 
 
We are unaware of any child presently w/o a parent as a result of this operation 
 
If so, let us know &amp; call CPS 800-222-8000 <a href="https://t.co/ja2b5TCnRd">https://t.co/ja2b5TCnRd</a>
— US Attorney Mike Hurst (@USAttyHurst) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAttyHurst/status/1159527027877093376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, area chicken processing plants found themselves with drastically reduced staffs.

Koch Foods, a $3.2 billion business, posted on Facebook that it would hold a job fair Monday, while another plant belonging to PH Food had closed its doors on Thursday after 70 to 80 of its 100 workers were arrested, according to local media.

Of those detained, 300 have been released with ankle monitoring devices and instructions to appear before an immigration court judge to determine whether they will be deported, according to officials.

Authorities added that 30 were released on a humanitarian basis so that their children would not be left without a guardian.

On Thursday, former vice president Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primary race, said the raids were "simply wrong."

"What are we doing?" he asked during a meeting with Latinos and Asians on the campaign trail in Iowa.

"There are US-born children wondering whether or not they'll ever see their parents again."

Photos and videos showed the children crying, covering their faces, comforting each other and sitting on the floor eating slices of pizza off napkins.

Of the 680 detainees, 122 were from Mexico, a country with which the United States recently reached an agreement to help block Central American migrants from reaching US soil.&nbsp;

As a result, in July, there were 21 per cent fewer arrests at the US border with Mexico as compared to the previous month.

The raids follow a weekend in which a gunman killed 22 people in El Paso, Texas after publishing a racist manifesto online which expressed fears of a "Hispanic invasion" of the state.

The shooting suspect admitted to police he had been targeting Mexicans, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

President Donald Trump on Friday defended controversial mass raids that led to the arrest of 680 undocumented migrants in the southeastern United States, saying they were an effective way to thwart illegal entry into the country.

President Donald Trump on Friday defended controversial mass raids that led to the arrest of 680 undocumented migrants in the southeastern United States, saying they were an effective way to thwart illegal entry into the country. The raids, which took place at seven chicken processing plants scattered across six Mississippi cities, were the largest in a single state in US history. "I want people to know if they're coming into the US illegally, they're getting out," Trump told reporters. "And this serves as a very good deterrent." He added that when "people see what they saw (Wednesday), like they will see for a long time, they know that they’re not staying here." Local media showed images of confused children crying after coming home from school and finding themselves with nowhere to go and nothing to eat after their parents had been detained. Mississippi Attorney General Mike Hurst, who was in charge of the operation, has also defended the raids, assuring that officers had been concerned about the children's ability to reconnect with their parents. "We are unaware of any child presently w/o (without) a parent as a result of this operation," he wrote Thursday on Twitter. .@ICEgov @DHSgov conducted yesterday's operation w/ respect & dignity for fellow man/woman. HSI procedures ensured child/parent were united afterwards We are unaware of any child presently w/o a parent as a result of this operation If so, let us know & call CPS 800-222-8000 https://t.co/ja2b5TCnRd — US Attorney Mike Hurst (@USAttyHurst) August 8, 2019 × Meanwhile, area chicken processing plants found themselves with drastically reduced staffs. Koch Foods, a $3.2 billion business, posted on Facebook that it would hold a job fair Monday, while another plant belonging to PH Food had closed its doors on Thursday after 70 to 80 of its 100 workers were arrested, according to local media. Of those detained, 300 have been released with ankle monitoring devices and instructions to appear before an immigration court judge to determine whether they will be deported, according to officials. Authorities added that 30 were released on a humanitarian basis so that their children would not be left without a guardian. On Thursday, former vice president Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primary race, said the raids were "simply wrong." "What are we doing?" he asked during a meeting with Latinos and Asians on the campaign trail in Iowa. "There are US-born children wondering whether or not they'll ever see their parents again." Photos and videos showed the children crying, covering their faces, comforting each other and sitting on the floor eating slices of pizza off napkins. Of the 680 detainees, 122 were from Mexico, a country with which the United States recently reached an agreement to help block Central American migrants from reaching US soil. As a result, in July, there were 21 per cent fewer arrests at the US border with Mexico as compared to the previous month. The raids follow a weekend in which a gunman killed 22 people in El Paso, Texas after publishing a racist manifesto online which expressed fears of a "Hispanic invasion" of the state. The shooting suspect admitted to police he had been targeting Mexicans, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

Donald Trump defends immigration raids; says it 'serves as very good deterrent'

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he agreed with Kim Jong Un's opposition to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-lack-political-willon-peace-talks-north-korea-241083">US-South Korea war games</a>, refusing to criticise missile tests that Pyongyang said are a "solemn warning" over the exercises.

Trump said he had received a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-north-koreas-kim-sent-very-beautiful-letter-new-meeting-possible-241874">"beautiful letter" from Kim</a> expressing Pyongyang's anger over the joint war games, which spurred the series of tests of extremely fast, short-range guided missiles.

But hours after Trump said he foresaw having another meeting with Kim, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea fired two more apparent rockets into the East Sea or the Sea of Japan.

It was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-new-launches-threatens-to-take-new-road-240949">fifth round of missile launches in two weeks</a>, and came just days after US and South Korean forces began their defence readiness exercises, which Kim's government has said are a "flagrant violation" of the diplomatic process between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul.

Watch: North Korea issues warning to US

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Keeping the door open&nbsp;

The newest launch came after Trump strained to keep the door open for denuclearisation negotiations with Kim after months in which no progress has been made.

While other US officials have called the launches "provocations," Trump said he agreed with the North Korean leader and was hoping to meet him again, with talks having been frozen for months.

"I got a very beautiful letter from Kim Jong Un yesterday," Trump said. "It was a very positive letter."

"He wasn't happy with the war games," Trump said, referring to the US-South Korean military exercises.

"As you know, I've never liked it either. I've never been a fan. And you know why? I don't like paying for it."

Hours later, the White House had no immediate comment on the newest rocket tests.

"We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea, and we continue to monitor the situation. We are consulting closely with our Japanese and South Korean allies," a senior administration official told AFP.

Faltering nuclear talks

Trump has appeared determined to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-us-north-korea-in-regular-communication-for-the-resumption-of-denuclearisation-talks-official-240377">secure a denuclearisation agreement</a> with North Korea ahead of the November 2020 US presidential elections, despite faltering talks since he first met Kim in a historic ice-breaking summit in Singapore in June 2018.

At the time, the US temporarily froze military exercises with South Korea and Trump claimed Kim had agreed to give up his newly-acquired nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles.

But Pyongyang has maintained that the United States must lift its economic embargo and sanctions on the country to make any progress in nuclear talks.

Yet even after their abortive second summit in Hanoi in February, Trump has been loath to criticize the North Korean leader. &nbsp;

In June he offered an olive branch by meeting Kim in the Panmunjon truce village on the North Korea-South Korea border, the first sitting US president ever to step inside the North.

And on Friday, he said the missile launches weren't important.

"I'll say it again. There have been no nuclear tests. The missile tests have all been short-range. No ballistic missile tests, no long-range missiles," Trump said.

That contrasted with his tough words Friday for Washington's key East Asia allies, who have been locked in a searing trade row.

"South Korea and Japan are fighting all the time," he said. "They have to get along with each other. If they don't get along, what are we doing?"

Missile 'provocations'

But others in the Trump administration sound less enthusiastic about Kim's missiles.

After Pyongyang's fourth launch early this week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington was ready to resume talks, but that the target of the "full, final denuclearisation of North Korea" had not changed.&nbsp;

A senior State Department official who refused to be named told journalists last week that the missile tests were an impediment to peace.

"The missile launches, any kind of provocations, are not helpful to advancing the cause of diplomacy," the official said.

The official said there was a unified message going to the North Koreans from China and Russia that they need to "cease the provocations, reengage in diplomacy to achieve complete denuclearisation."

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he agreed with Kim Jong Un's opposition to US-South Korea war games, refusing to criticise missile tests that Pyongyang said are a "solemn warning" over the exercises.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he agreed with Kim Jong Un's opposition to US-South Korea war games, refusing to criticise missile tests that Pyongyang said are a "solemn warning" over the exercises. Trump said he had received a "beautiful letter" from Kim expressing Pyongyang's anger over the joint war games, which spurred the series of tests of extremely fast, short-range guided missiles. But hours after Trump said he foresaw having another meeting with Kim, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea fired two more apparent rockets into the East Sea or the Sea of Japan. It was the fifth round of missile launches in two weeks, and came just days after US and South Korean forces began their defence readiness exercises, which Kim's government has said are a "flagrant violation" of the diplomatic process between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul. Watch: North Korea issues warning to US × Keeping the door open The newest launch came after Trump strained to keep the door open for denuclearisation negotiations with Kim after months in which no progress has been made. While other US officials have called the launches "provocations," Trump said he agreed with the North Korean leader and was hoping to meet him again, with talks having been frozen for months. "I got a very beautiful letter from Kim Jong Un yesterday," Trump said. "It was a very positive letter." "He wasn't happy with the war games," Trump said, referring to the US-South Korean military exercises. "As you know, I've never liked it either. I've never been a fan. And you know why? I don't like paying for it." Hours later, the White House had no immediate comment on the newest rocket tests. "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea, and we continue to monitor the situation. We are consulting closely with our Japanese and South Korean allies," a senior administration official told AFP. Faltering nuclear talks Trump has appeared determined to secure a denuclearisation agreement with North Korea ahead of the November 2020 US presidential elections, despite faltering talks since he first met Kim in a historic ice-breaking summit in Singapore in June 2018. At the time, the US temporarily froze military exercises with South Korea and Trump claimed Kim had agreed to give up his newly-acquired nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles. But Pyongyang has maintained that the United States must lift its economic embargo and sanctions on the country to make any progress in nuclear talks. Yet even after their abortive second summit in Hanoi in February, Trump has been loath to criticize the North Korean leader. In June he offered an olive branch by meeting Kim in the Panmunjon truce village on the North Korea-South Korea border, the first sitting US president ever to step inside the North. And on Friday, he said the missile launches weren't important. "I'll say it again. There have been no nuclear tests. The missile tests have all been short-range. No ballistic missile tests, no long-range missiles," Trump said. That contrasted with his tough words Friday for Washington's key East Asia allies, who have been locked in a searing trade row. "South Korea and Japan are fighting all the time," he said. "They have to get along with each other. If they don't get along, what are we doing?" Missile 'provocations' But others in the Trump administration sound less enthusiastic about Kim's missiles. After Pyongyang's fourth launch early this week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington was ready to resume talks, but that the target of the "full, final denuclearisation of North Korea" had not changed. A senior State Department official who refused to be named told journalists last week that the missile tests were an impediment to peace. "The missile launches, any kind of provocations, are not helpful to advancing the cause of diplomacy," the official said. The official said there was a unified message going to the North Koreans from China and Russia that they need to "cease the provocations, reengage in diplomacy to achieve complete denuclearisation."

North Korea tests two missiles shortly after Donald Trump says received 'beautiful letter' from Kim Jong-un

The International Monetary Fund on Friday stood by its assessment that the value of China's yuan was largely in line with economic fundamentals, but an IMF official said the fund was encouraging China to pursue a more flexible exchange rate with less intervention.

James Daniel, director of the IMF's China department, said that an assessment of China's economic policies found the yuan exchange rate in 2018 to be "not significantly over-valued or under-valued."

The IMF's views on the yuan are at odds with those of its largest shareholder, the United States, which this week declared China a, currency manipulator&nbsp;after it allowed the yuan to slip below 7 to the dollar to 11-year lows.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-to-soon-run-out-cash-treasury-secretary-steven-mnuchin-235422">US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin </a>is seeking to engage the IMF to help correct&nbsp;an unfair trade advantage from Beijing's currency actions, but Daniel declined to say how the IMF was responding to the request.

"Our discussions with the US treasury are ongoing on a range of issues," Daniel told reporters on a conference call, echoing an earlier statement from an IMF spokesperson.

The IMF said in the report that a worsening of trade tensions with the United States could put <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/belt-and-road-projects-china-expands-its-anti-corruption-campaign-238093">China's economic and financial stability at risk</a>, making new fiscal stimulus measures from the government warranted.

The IMF stated, if the United States were to impose 25per cent tariffs on a remaining $300 billion list of Chinese imports, this would reduce China's growth by around 0.8per cent points over the following 12 months, driven by a sharp fall in demand and a tightening of financial conditions. Negative global spillovers could be significant, it added.

Daniel said that a 10per cent tariff on this category of goods as US President Donald Trump intends to impose on Sept. 1 &nbsp;could result in a 0.3per cent point cut to growth.

Weighed down by weak demand at home and abroad, China's growth slowed to 6.2per cent in the second quarter, a near 30-year low.

More exchange rate flexibility could help China deal with these external pressures, freeing up monetary policy to deal with domestic demand conditions, Daniel said.

He also said the IMF was pressing China for structural reforms to its economy, including opening more sectors to foreign competition and reducing the role of the state in the certain industry goals also broadly sought by the Trump administration.

"We see continued rebalancing and opening up by China and increased exchange rate flexibility as being in China's interests and also benefiting the global economy."

IMF directors in a statement agreed with staff assessments that China's external position in 2018 was broadly in line with fundamentals.

But they also called for more transparency in China's exchange rate policies, the IMF said, with some seeking disclosures of China's foreign exchange market interventions.

The International Monetary Fund on Friday stood by its assessment that the value of China's yuan was largely in line with economic fundamentals, but an IMF official said the fund was encouraging China to pursue a more flexible exchange rate with less intervention.

The International Monetary Fund on Friday stood by its assessment that the value of China's yuan was largely in line with economic fundamentals, but an IMF official said the fund was encouraging China to pursue a more flexible exchange rate with less intervention. James Daniel, director of the IMF's China department, said that an assessment of China's economic policies found the yuan exchange rate in 2018 to be "not significantly over-valued or under-valued." The IMF's views on the yuan are at odds with those of its largest shareholder, the United States, which this week declared China a, currency manipulator after it allowed the yuan to slip below 7 to the dollar to 11-year lows. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is seeking to engage the IMF to help correct an unfair trade advantage from Beijing's currency actions, but Daniel declined to say how the IMF was responding to the request. "Our discussions with the US treasury are ongoing on a range of issues," Daniel told reporters on a conference call, echoing an earlier statement from an IMF spokesperson. The IMF said in the report that a worsening of trade tensions with the United States could put China's economic and financial stability at risk, making new fiscal stimulus measures from the government warranted. The IMF stated, if the United States were to impose 25per cent tariffs on a remaining $300 billion list of Chinese imports, this would reduce China's growth by around 0.8per cent points over the following 12 months, driven by a sharp fall in demand and a tightening of financial conditions. Negative global spillovers could be significant, it added. Daniel said that a 10per cent tariff on this category of goods as US President Donald Trump intends to impose on Sept. 1 could result in a 0.3per cent point cut to growth. Weighed down by weak demand at home and abroad, China's growth slowed to 6.2per cent in the second quarter, a near 30-year low. More exchange rate flexibility could help China deal with these external pressures, freeing up monetary policy to deal with domestic demand conditions, Daniel said. He also said the IMF was pressing China for structural reforms to its economy, including opening more sectors to foreign competition and reducing the role of the state in the certain industry goals also broadly sought by the Trump administration. "We see continued rebalancing and opening up by China and increased exchange rate flexibility as being in China's interests and also benefiting the global economy." IMF directors in a statement agreed with staff assessments that China's external position in 2018 was broadly in line with fundamentals. But they also called for more transparency in China's exchange rate policies, the IMF said, with some seeking disclosures of China's foreign exchange market interventions.

IMF stands by yuan view; says China could need stimulus if trade war worsens

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (August 9) that the United States and China were still pursuing a trade agreement, but he was not ready to make a deal. Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for fundraisers in New York state, Trump also said the United States would continue to refrain from doing business with Chinese telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies. U.S. stocks extended losses after his comments, looking set to end a punishing week deep in the red on rising trade war worries.

Trump says U.S., China still talking on trade but not ready for a deal

A cavalcade of Democratic presidential hopefuls on Friday tried to turn a few precious minutes before Iowa voters into the momentum needed to catapult their campaigns in the pivotal state.

A cavalcade of Democratic presidential hopefuls on Friday tried to turn a few precious minutes before Iowa voters into the momentum needed to catapult their campaigns in the pivotal state. A rite of passage for Democratic presidential candidates, the annual "Wing Ding Dinner" featured five-minute speeches from almost two dozen contenders seeking the party's nomination to take on Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. Lowa's caucuses in February kicked off the Democratic nomination process and can provide a candidate with crucial early momentum. Even though many of the candidates urgently need to differentiate themselves among the horde, most of them trained their fire at Trump, not each other. Some said Trump had inflamed social tensions with anti-immigrant and racially charged rhetoric, helping prompt mass shootings in Texas and Ohio last weekend that left 31 dead. Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, accused Trump of "coddling white nationalists." The suspect in the El Paso shooting reportedly posted a hate-filled manifesto directed at Latinos before the massacre. Former Vice President Joe Biden said Trump "offers no moral leadership. He has no interest in unifying this country." Trump, he said, has adopted a political strategy of "hate, racism, and division." Former US Congressman Beto O'Rourke, who is from El Paso, did not speak at the event, but appeared in a video accusing Trump of fostering "hatred, racism, and intolerance." Tim Ryan, a US congressman from Ohio, urged Congress to pass an assault weapons ban. "People are dying on the streets of this country, being killed by weapons made for the battlefield," Ryan said. "This country will never be safe until we get these weapons of war off the streets." There were some signs of the ideological and generational tensions within the party. Montana Governor Steve Bullock, a moderate, decried sweeping progressive proposals that he said were "written for press releases." But when progressive US Senator Elizabeth Warren championed her plan to provide "Medicare for All" and levy a tax on the nation's wealthiest, she received loud cheers. Buttigieg took a subtle jab at Biden, who often touts his work as vice president under President Barack Obama. "We can't look like we're the party of back to normal," Buttigieg said. "What we have now isn't working, but normal wasn't working either." FARMER FALLOUT There were also references to Iowa's economy, where farmers have been caught in the fallout from Trump's decision to slap tariffs on Chinese goods. "Trade war by tweet is not working for our farmers," Warren said. After the event, Cynthia Donovan, 62, of Sioux City, Iowa said she was most impressed by Buttigieg and Warren. Donovan, who has not chosen a candidate to support, said she was "looking for somebody who can unify. Somebody who can change some of the damage that this current administration has done on trade, immigration, and humanity." The event, a fundraiser for the state Democratic Party that serves up piles of chicken wings, attracts activists and organizers in the Midwestern state whose support can bolster a presidential bid. As the state that holds the first nominating contest each election cycle, Iowa plays an outsized role in picking presidential nominees. Only the top finishers in Iowa's February caucuses will likely survive to continue their candidacies. Underscoring the state's importance, several 2020 candidates made Iowa their first presidential campaign stop this year. That included Biden, who said he was not taking his front-runner status for granted as he returned to Iowa this week. US Senators Kamala Harris of California and Senator Warren of Massachusetts both embarked this week on bus tours across the state to try to galvanize their supporters. Throughout the weekend, some 20 candidates will also take turns appearing at the Iowa State Fair, ascending the infamous "soapbox" to deliver their pitch to voters and take questions.

Parade of Democratic 2020 hopefuls push for momentum in Iowa

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-operations-at-kochi-airport-suspended-till-sunday-afternoon-in-wake-of-heavy-rainfall-241608">Kerala rains: Over 20,000 evacuated, more than 300 camps set up across state for assistance</a>

Operations at Cochin International Airport, Kerala have been suspended till August 11, 3 pm in the wake of heavy rains and flooding at the airport.&nbsp;

According to reports, the water level in the Periyar river has been on the rise.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-given-mixed-signals-from-of-those-purporting-to-represent-us-including-macron-trump-241611">Iran given mixed signals from of those purporting to represent us, including Macron: Trump</a>

President Trump on Thursday hit out at French President Macron for giving "mixed signals" to Iran as the US president asserted that "no one is authorised in any way, shape or form to represent to the US."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-largest-immigration-raid-us-authorities-arrest-680-workers-at-mississippi-241598">In largest immigration raid, US authorities arrest 680 workers at Mississippi</a>

US immigration authorities arrested nearly 700 people at seven agricultural processing plants across Mississippi on Wednesday in what federal officials said could be the largest worksite enforcement operation in a single state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-us-slaps-duties-on-44-billion-in-imported-chinese-cabinets-vanities-241604">Now, US slaps duties on $4.4 billion in imported Chinese cabinets, vanities</a>

The United States hit China with new import duties Thursday on more than $4 billion in imported wooden cabinets and vanities, after finding manufacturers there benefit from unfair subsidies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uber-loses-5-billion-misses-wall-street-targets-despite-easing-price-war-241603">Uber loses $5 billion, misses Wall Street targets despite easing price war</a>

Uber Technologies Inc reported a record $5.2 billion loss and revenue that fell short of Wall Street targets on Thursday as growth in its core ride-hailing business slowed, sending its shares down 6%.

&nbsp;

Kerala rains: Over 20,000 evacuated, more than 300 camps set up across state for assistance Operations at Cochin International Airport, Kerala have been suspended till August 11, 3 pm in the wake of heavy rains and flooding at the airport.

Kerala rains: Over 20,000 evacuated, more than 300 camps set up across state for assistance Operations at Cochin International Airport, Kerala have been suspended till August 11, 3 pm in the wake of heavy rains and flooding at the airport. According to reports, the water level in the Periyar river has been on the rise. Iran given mixed signals from of those purporting to represent us, including Macron: Trump President Trump on Thursday hit out at French President Macron for giving "mixed signals" to Iran as the US president asserted that "no one is authorised in any way, shape or form to represent to the US." In largest immigration raid, US authorities arrest 680 workers at Mississippi US immigration authorities arrested nearly 700 people at seven agricultural processing plants across Mississippi on Wednesday in what federal officials said could be the largest worksite enforcement operation in a single state. Now, US slaps duties on $4.4 billion in imported Chinese cabinets, vanities The United States hit China with new import duties Thursday on more than $4 billion in imported wooden cabinets and vanities, after finding manufacturers there benefit from unfair subsidies. Uber loses $5 billion, misses Wall Street targets despite easing price war Uber Technologies Inc reported a record $5.2 billion loss and revenue that fell short of Wall Street targets on Thursday as growth in its core ride-hailing business slowed, sending its shares down 6%.

News brief: Big stories of the day

President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said on Friday he has received a "very beautiful letter" on Thursday from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> and added that he could have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-president-donald-trump-and-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-have-to-find-real-common-ground-233182">another meeting </a>with him.

Speaking to reporters,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;did not say when such a meeting would take place. North Korea has been testing missiles despite a June 30 meeting between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Kim at which the two agreed to revive stalled working-level talks, which have yet to resume.

Trump&nbsp;and Kim have met three times since last year to discuss ways to resolve a crisis over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, but progress has been scant on Washington's aim of getting the North Korea leader to give up his weapons.

The recent missile tests have raised questions about the future of dialogue. Pyongyang has warned of a possible end to its freeze of nuclear and long-range missile tests in place since 2017.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has repeatedly pointed to that freeze as evidence of the success of more than a year of engagement with Kim.

Keen to tout his North Korea policy as a success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has sought to play down the missile launches, saying they do not violate Kim's pledge to forego nuclear and long-range tests.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was hopeful talks would resume in coming and that the US side was planning for negotiations in a couple of weeks.

A summit between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Kim in Hanoi in February collapsed over a failure to narrow differences over US demands for North Korea to give up all of its nuclear weapons and Pyongyang's demands for relief from punishing sanctions. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said on Friday he has received a "very beautiful letter" on Thursday from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and added that he could have another meeting with him.

President Donald Trump said on Friday he has received a "very beautiful letter" on Thursday from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and added that he could have another meeting with him. Speaking to reporters, Trump did not say when such a meeting would take place. North Korea has been testing missiles despite a June 30 meeting between Trump and Kim at which the two agreed to revive stalled working-level talks, which have yet to resume. Trump and Kim have met three times since last year to discuss ways to resolve a crisis over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, but progress has been scant on Washington's aim of getting the North Korea leader to give up his weapons. The recent missile tests have raised questions about the future of dialogue. Pyongyang has warned of a possible end to its freeze of nuclear and long-range missile tests in place since 2017. Trump has repeatedly pointed to that freeze as evidence of the success of more than a year of engagement with Kim. Keen to tout his North Korea policy as a success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid, Trump has sought to play down the missile launches, saying they do not violate Kim's pledge to forego nuclear and long-range tests. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was hopeful talks would resume in coming and that the US side was planning for negotiations in a couple of weeks. A summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi in February collapsed over a failure to narrow differences over US demands for North Korea to give up all of its nuclear weapons and Pyongyang's demands for relief from punishing sanctions.

Trump says North Korea's Kim sent 'very beautiful letter'; new meeting possible

President Donald Trump's re-election campaign and leading Republicans on Thursday vowed to spend no money on Twitter ads after the social media platform froze Senator Mitch McConnell's re-election account for breaking site rules.

Twitter locked the "Team Mitch" account after it posted a video of protesters outside the Senate majority leader's home in Kentucky shouting that he should die.

The video violated Twitter's violent threats policy, "specifically threats involving physical safety," the social media platform said.

The demonstration came after "Team Mitch" shared a picture over the weekend originally posted on Instagram of young McConnell supporters groping and choking a life-size cardboard cutout of New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The conservative backlash over McConnell's frozen account was swift.

"Twitter's hostile actions toward Leader McConnell's campaign are outrageous, and we will not tolerate it," National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Jesse Hunt said in a statement.

Watch: Twitter suspends 100k Accounts; Fixes Abuse &amp; Harassment

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He said his group "will suspend all spending with Twitter until further notice. We will not spend our resources on a platform that silences conservatives."

The Republican Party "and @TeamTrump stand with the @Team_Mitch and the @NRSC," tweeted Republican National Committee chief of staff Richard Walters.

"Any future ad $ either organization was planning to spend with @Twitter has been halted until they address this disgusting bias," he wrote.

Republicans often complain that social media platforms try to silence conservative voices.

The weekend photo posted by the Team Mitch account led Ocasio-Cortez herself to fire back.

"Hey @senatemajldr - these young men look like they work for you," she tweeted Monday.&nbsp;

"Just wanted to clarify: are you paying for young men to practice groping &amp; choking members of Congress w/ your payroll, or is this just the standard culture of #TeamMitch? Thanks."

The original Instagram photo was taken down and the user who posted it apologized - but McConnell's campaign manager, Kevin Golden, was unapologetic.

He complained that "the far-left and the media" were working hard "to demonize, stereotype, and publicly castigate every young person who dares to get involved with Republican politics," noting that the young men in the photo who wore Team Mitch t-shirts were high school supporters.

Golden then condemned "aggressive, suggestive, or demeaning act toward life-sized cardboard cutouts of any gender."

President Donald Trump's re-election campaign and leading Republicans on Thursday vowed to spend no money on Twitter ads after the social media platform froze Senator Mitch McConnell's re-election account for breaking site rules.

President Donald Trump's re-election campaign and leading Republicans on Thursday vowed to spend no money on Twitter ads after the social media platform froze Senator Mitch McConnell's re-election account for breaking site rules. Twitter locked the "Team Mitch" account after it posted a video of protesters outside the Senate majority leader's home in Kentucky shouting that he should die. The video violated Twitter's violent threats policy, "specifically threats involving physical safety," the social media platform said. The demonstration came after "Team Mitch" shared a picture over the weekend originally posted on Instagram of young McConnell supporters groping and choking a life-size cardboard cutout of New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The conservative backlash over McConnell's frozen account was swift. "Twitter's hostile actions toward Leader McConnell's campaign are outrageous, and we will not tolerate it," National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Jesse Hunt said in a statement. Watch: Twitter suspends 100k Accounts; Fixes Abuse & Harassment × He said his group "will suspend all spending with Twitter until further notice. We will not spend our resources on a platform that silences conservatives." The Republican Party "and @TeamTrump stand with the @Team_Mitch and the @NRSC," tweeted Republican National Committee chief of staff Richard Walters. "Any future ad $ either organization was planning to spend with @Twitter has been halted until they address this disgusting bias," he wrote. Republicans often complain that social media platforms try to silence conservative voices. The weekend photo posted by the Team Mitch account led Ocasio-Cortez herself to fire back. "Hey @senatemajldr - these young men look like they work for you," she tweeted Monday. "Just wanted to clarify: are you paying for young men to practice groping & choking members of Congress w/ your payroll, or is this just the standard culture of #TeamMitch? Thanks." The original Instagram photo was taken down and the user who posted it apologized - but McConnell's campaign manager, Kevin Golden, was unapologetic. He complained that "the far-left and the media" were working hard "to demonize, stereotype, and publicly castigate every young person who dares to get involved with Republican politics," noting that the young men in the photo who wore Team Mitch t-shirts were high school supporters. Golden then condemned "aggressive, suggestive, or demeaning act toward life-sized cardboard cutouts of any gender."

Republicans vow to not buy Twitter ads after Mitch McConnell account blocked

US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that his respected Deputy Director of National Intelligence was resigning, the latest chapter in a broad reshuffle at the top of the country's spy agencies.

Sue Gordon spent a quarter-century in the CIA before becoming second-in-command to outgoing Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and was in line to serve as acting director.

"Sue Gordon is a great professional with a long and distinguished career. I have gotten to know Sue over the past 2 years and have developed great respect for her," Trump said on Twitter.

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Sue Gordon is a great professional with a long and distinguished career. I have gotten to know Sue over the past 2 years and have developed great respect for her. Sue has announced she will be leaving on August 15, which....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1159590032514134016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Sue has announced she will be leaving on August 15, which coincides with the retirement of Dan Coats," Trump added.

Minutes later Trump tweeted that Joseph Maguire, a retired US Navy vice-admiral and the current Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), would replace Gordon.&nbsp;

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I am pleased to inform you that the Honorable Joseph Maguire, current Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, will be named Acting Director of National Intelligence, effective August 15th. Admiral Maguire has a long and distinguished....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1159603339363004418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I have no doubt he will do a great job!" Trump said.

Trump praised the 67-year-old's "long and distinguished" military career, during which he served as commanding officer of SEAL Team 2 and led the Naval Special Warfare Center.

But the departure of another seasoned, independent-minded senior official in Gordon will be seen as a blow to an intelligence community already uneasy about Coats leaving.

Gordon enjoyed support on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill, but critics say Trump is suspicious of career officials in an establishment he has long hoped to reshape in his own image.

Mark Warner, the Democratic vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, described Gordon's departure as "a real loss" to the intelligence community and the country.

Backlash

"President Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that he is seemingly incapable of hearing facts that contradict his own views," Warner said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The mission of the intelligence community is to speak truth to power. Yet in pushing out two dedicated public servants in as many weeks, once again the president has shown that he has no problem prioritizing his political ego even if it comes at the expense of our national security."

Federal law dictates that if the director of national intelligence leaves, the deputy should serve as acting director.

Trump announced last month he would nominate Republican congressman John Ratcliffe to replace Coats in the permanent role but he withdrew from consideration last week amid questions over his credentials.

The staunch Trump loyalist received only tepid support from key Republicans, and a backlash from Democrats worried about the politicization of the intelligence community.

Coats did not see eye-to-eye with Trump on a range of issues while serving as the official who oversees and coordinates the CIA, the National Security Agency and 15 other US intelligence bodies.

"It has been a privilege serving with Sue Gordon to lead... the intelligence community over these past two years. She is a visionary leader who has made an enormous impact on the IC over the more than three decades she has served," Coats said in a statement.

"I have had the pleasure of working with NCTC Director Joseph Maguire as part of my leadership team... and I am pleased that the President has announced that Joe will serve as Acting DNI. Joe has had a long, distinguished career serving the nation and will lead the men and women in the IC with distinction."

US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that his respected Deputy Director of National Intelligence was resigning, the latest chapter in a broad reshuffle at the top of the country's spy agencies.

US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that his respected Deputy Director of National Intelligence was resigning, the latest chapter in a broad reshuffle at the top of the country's spy agencies. Sue Gordon spent a quarter-century in the CIA before becoming second-in-command to outgoing Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and was in line to serve as acting director. "Sue Gordon is a great professional with a long and distinguished career. I have gotten to know Sue over the past 2 years and have developed great respect for her," Trump said on Twitter. Sue Gordon is a great professional with a long and distinguished career. I have gotten to know Sue over the past 2 years and have developed great respect for her. Sue has announced she will be leaving on August 15, which.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 8, 2019 × "Sue has announced she will be leaving on August 15, which coincides with the retirement of Dan Coats," Trump added. Minutes later Trump tweeted that Joseph Maguire, a retired US Navy vice-admiral and the current Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), would replace Gordon. I am pleased to inform you that the Honorable Joseph Maguire, current Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, will be named Acting Director of National Intelligence, effective August 15th. Admiral Maguire has a long and distinguished.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 8, 2019 × "I have no doubt he will do a great job!" Trump said. Trump praised the 67-year-old's "long and distinguished" military career, during which he served as commanding officer of SEAL Team 2 and led the Naval Special Warfare Center. But the departure of another seasoned, independent-minded senior official in Gordon will be seen as a blow to an intelligence community already uneasy about Coats leaving. Gordon enjoyed support on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill, but critics say Trump is suspicious of career officials in an establishment he has long hoped to reshape in his own image. Mark Warner, the Democratic vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, described Gordon's departure as "a real loss" to the intelligence community and the country. Backlash "President Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that he is seemingly incapable of hearing facts that contradict his own views," Warner said in a statement. "The mission of the intelligence community is to speak truth to power. Yet in pushing out two dedicated public servants in as many weeks, once again the president has shown that he has no problem prioritizing his political ego even if it comes at the expense of our national security." Federal law dictates that if the director of national intelligence leaves, the deputy should serve as acting director. Trump announced last month he would nominate Republican congressman John Ratcliffe to replace Coats in the permanent role but he withdrew from consideration last week amid questions over his credentials. The staunch Trump loyalist received only tepid support from key Republicans, and a backlash from Democrats worried about the politicization of the intelligence community. Coats did not see eye-to-eye with Trump on a range of issues while serving as the official who oversees and coordinates the CIA, the National Security Agency and 15 other US intelligence bodies. "It has been a privilege serving with Sue Gordon to lead... the intelligence community over these past two years. She is a visionary leader who has made an enormous impact on the IC over the more than three decades she has served," Coats said in a statement. "I have had the pleasure of working with NCTC Director Joseph Maguire as part of my leadership team... and I am pleased that the President has announced that Joe will serve as Acting DNI. Joe has had a long, distinguished career serving the nation and will lead the men and women in the IC with distinction."

Donald Trump names Joseph Maguire new acting intelligence director as Sue Gordon quits

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-immigration-raids-sweep-up-hundreds-of-undocumented-migrants-241420">US immigration authorities</a> arrested nearly 700 people at seven agricultural processing plants across Mississippi on Wednesday in what federal officials said could be the largest worksite enforcement operation in a single state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-man-dead-after-attacking-united-states-immigration-jail-235787">Immigration and Customs Enforcement</a> (ICE) said in a statement they detained about 680 people who were working illegally at the plants. They said they also seized business records as part of a federal criminal investigation.

Some of those detained will be released for "humanitarian reasons" and required to appear in the US immigration court, the US Attorney's Office of the Southern District of Mississippi, which partnered with ICE, said in a statement. Others will be transported to an ICE facility in Jena, Louisiana, it said.

A video released by ICE showed buses arriving at a Canton, Mississippi, processing facility where agents searched workers and checked their identification documents. Some workers had their hands restrained with nylon ties, the video showed.

Meanwhile, Mexico said&nbsp;that 122 of its citizens were among the&nbsp;people arrested in the raids.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the government would provide consular assistance and "guarantee the adequate legal defence of all Mexican nationals" detained.

Past large operations to enforce immigration laws at workplaces have included the arrest in 2008 of more than 300 workers at a kosher meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa.

Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border

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During the administration of former President Barack Obama, ICE prioritised the arrests of recent border crossers, people who had previously been ordered deported and those seen as a threat to public safety.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-visit-el-paso-tomorrow-following-mass-shooting-mayor-241082">President Donald Trump</a> has made cracking down on illegal immigration a centrepiece of his presidency, however, and ICE has stepped up its activities considerably since he took office in January 2017.

ICE said it has made more than 2,300 criminal and administrative arrests related to workplaces in the 2018 fiscal year, which ended in September, compared to just over 300 in the previous year.

Among the facilities targeted in Wednesday's operation was a Peco Foods processing plant in Canton. On its website, Peco Foods says it is the 8th largest poultry producer in the United States.

Tom Super, the spokesman for the National Chicken Council, an industry group, said meat processing companies do their best to hire legal workers.

"The chicken industry uses every tool in the toolbox to ensure a legal workforce," Super said.

US immigration authorities arrested nearly 700 people at seven agricultural processing plants across Mississippi on Wednesday in what federal officials said could be the largest worksite enforcement operation in a single state.

US immigration authorities arrested nearly 700 people at seven agricultural processing plants across Mississippi on Wednesday in what federal officials said could be the largest worksite enforcement operation in a single state. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in a statement they detained about 680 people who were working illegally at the plants. They said they also seized business records as part of a federal criminal investigation. Some of those detained will be released for "humanitarian reasons" and required to appear in the US immigration court, the US Attorney's Office of the Southern District of Mississippi, which partnered with ICE, said in a statement. Others will be transported to an ICE facility in Jena, Louisiana, it said. A video released by ICE showed buses arriving at a Canton, Mississippi, processing facility where agents searched workers and checked their identification documents. Some workers had their hands restrained with nylon ties, the video showed. Meanwhile, Mexico said that 122 of its citizens were among the people arrested in the raids. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the government would provide consular assistance and "guarantee the adequate legal defence of all Mexican nationals" detained. Past large operations to enforce immigration laws at workplaces have included the arrest in 2008 of more than 300 workers at a kosher meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa. Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border × During the administration of former President Barack Obama, ICE prioritised the arrests of recent border crossers, people who had previously been ordered deported and those seen as a threat to public safety. President Donald Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a centrepiece of his presidency, however, and ICE has stepped up its activities considerably since he took office in January 2017. ICE said it has made more than 2,300 criminal and administrative arrests related to workplaces in the 2018 fiscal year, which ended in September, compared to just over 300 in the previous year. Among the facilities targeted in Wednesday's operation was a Peco Foods processing plant in Canton. On its website, Peco Foods says it is the 8th largest poultry producer in the United States. Tom Super, the spokesman for the National Chicken Council, an industry group, said meat processing companies do their best to hire legal workers. "The chicken industry uses every tool in the toolbox to ensure a legal workforce," Super said.

In largest immigration raid, US authorities arrest 680 workers at Mississippi

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the resignation of the deputy director of NIA Sue Gordon. Joseph Maguire has been announced as the acting NIA director. Watch the full video to know more.

Trump names new NIA director as deputy Sue Gordon steps down

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on Wednesday accused Republican President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;of fueling the&nbsp;white supremacy beliefs blamed for several U.S. mass shootings, as&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;visited two cities where 31 people were killed in rampages last weekend. 
"In both clear language and code, this president has fanned the flames of&nbsp;white&nbsp;supremacy in this nation,"&nbsp;Biden, the former vice president, said in a speech in Burlington, Iowa.

Another contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, took up the themes of&nbsp;white&nbsp;nationalism and gun violence in a speech at the historically black South Carolina church where&nbsp;white&nbsp;supremacist Dylann Roof shot dead nine people in 2015. 
"These acts of hatred do not happen in a vacuum," Booker said at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. "They are harvested only once they have been planted."

The weekend's back-to-back mass shootings intensified criticism of what many say is incendiary rhetoric by&nbsp;Trump. 
The president, who has insisted he is not a racist, said Americans must "condemn&nbsp;racism, bigotry and&nbsp;white&nbsp;supremacy" in a speech on Monday.

On Saturday, a gunman killed 22 people in El Paso, a Texas city on the border with Mexico. Law enforcement agencies say the suspected gunman was driven by hatred for Hispanics, citing an online manifesto written by the shooter that was rife with anti-immigrant hatred. 
In the second mass shooting 13 hours later, a gunman in Dayton, Ohio, fatally shot nine people, including his sister, before he was killed by police.

Trump's rhetoric, including calling Central Americans trying to enter the United States "an invasion," and his hard-line immigration policies have exposed him to renewed condemnation following the El Paso shooting. 
"How far is it from&nbsp;Trump's saying this 'is an invasion' to the shooter in El Paso declaring 'his&nbsp;attack&nbsp;is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas?' Not far at all,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in a fiery address. 
Trump&nbsp;aides deny his rhetoric was a cause of the shootings. In his national address, the president proposed reforming mental health laws, working with social media to detect possible mass shooters and keeping guns away from people considered potentially violent. He stopped short of calling for major gun law reforms. 
Trump&nbsp;visited El Paso and Dayton on Wednesday, where he was greeted by protesters. 
Biden&nbsp;and Booker are among 24 candidates vying to become the nominee to take on&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the November 2020 election. 
Most of the&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;have called for stricter gun laws, including universal background checks for purchases and banning assault-style weapons. Booker has also proposed requiring licenses to own firearms. 
Biden&nbsp;invoked the rhetoric of previous presidents of both parties, including Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Bill Clinton, who he said 'oppose hate.' 
"We have a president who has aligned himself with the darkest forces in the nation,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in Iowa. "We have a president with a toxic tongue who has publicly and unapologetically embraced a political strategy of hate,&nbsp;racism, and division." 
In his remarks, Booker rejected the debate over whether&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;is a racist, saying that what matters is how people intend to address the problem. 
"If the answer to the question, 'Do&nbsp;racism&nbsp;and&nbsp;white&nbsp;supremacy exist?' is yes, then the real question isn't who is or isn't a racist - but who is and isn't doing something about it," he said.

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden on Wednesday accused Republican President Donald Trump of fueling the white supremacy beliefs blamed for several U.

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden on Wednesday accused Republican President Donald Trump of fueling the white supremacy beliefs blamed for several U.S. mass shootings, as Trump visited two cities where 31 people were killed in rampages last weekend. "In both clear language and code, this president has fanned the flames of white supremacy in this nation," Biden, the former vice president, said in a speech in Burlington, Iowa. Another contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, took up the themes of white nationalism and gun violence in a speech at the historically black South Carolina church where white supremacist Dylann Roof shot dead nine people in 2015. "These acts of hatred do not happen in a vacuum," Booker said at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. "They are harvested only once they have been planted." The weekend's back-to-back mass shootings intensified criticism of what many say is incendiary rhetoric by Trump. The president, who has insisted he is not a racist, said Americans must "condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy" in a speech on Monday. On Saturday, a gunman killed 22 people in El Paso, a Texas city on the border with Mexico. Law enforcement agencies say the suspected gunman was driven by hatred for Hispanics, citing an online manifesto written by the shooter that was rife with anti-immigrant hatred. In the second mass shooting 13 hours later, a gunman in Dayton, Ohio, fatally shot nine people, including his sister, before he was killed by police. Trump's rhetoric, including calling Central Americans trying to enter the United States "an invasion," and his hard-line immigration policies have exposed him to renewed condemnation following the El Paso shooting. "How far is it from Trump's saying this 'is an invasion' to the shooter in El Paso declaring 'his attack is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas?' Not far at all," Biden said in a fiery address. Trump aides deny his rhetoric was a cause of the shootings. In his national address, the president proposed reforming mental health laws, working with social media to detect possible mass shooters and keeping guns away from people considered potentially violent. He stopped short of calling for major gun law reforms. Trump visited El Paso and Dayton on Wednesday, where he was greeted by protesters. Biden and Booker are among 24 candidates vying to become the nominee to take on Trump in the November 2020 election. Most of the Democrats have called for stricter gun laws, including universal background checks for purchases and banning assault-style weapons. Booker has also proposed requiring licenses to own firearms. Biden invoked the rhetoric of previous presidents of both parties, including Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Bill Clinton, who he said 'oppose hate.' "We have a president who has aligned himself with the darkest forces in the nation," Biden said in Iowa. "We have a president with a toxic tongue who has publicly and unapologetically embraced a political strategy of hate, racism, and division." In his remarks, Booker rejected the debate over whether Trump is a racist, saying that what matters is how people intend to address the problem. "If the answer to the question, 'Do racism and white supremacy exist?' is yes, then the real question isn't who is or isn't a racist - but who is and isn't doing something about it," he said.

Biden says Trump fans 'flames of white supremacy' as Democrats attack racism

US President Donald Trump slams French President Emmanuel Macron for Iran diplomacy. Donald Trump tweeted, "nobody speaks for the United States but the United States itself. No one is authorized in any way, shape, or form, to represent us!"

Donald Trump slams Macron for Iran diplomacy

Pressure built on the US Congress to pass tough gun control legislation Thursday as the mother of the man arrested for the slaughter of 22 people in El Paso, Texas said she had called police out of concern he had a military-style weapon.

But President Donald Trump and Republicans continued to avoid calls for action against an epidemic of mass shootings, conscious of the importance to the party of gun owners in next year's national elections.

The White House, meanwhile, was accused of using the two shootings last weekend to promote Trump, after it released a video of a hospital visit to shooting victims. An aide gushed it showed him being greeted like a "rock star."

Lawyers for the mother of Patrick Crusius, the accused El Paso shooter, said she had called police in Allen, Texas weeks before the August 3 attack because she was concerned about his owning an AK-47-type assault rifle.

The lawyers, Chris Ayres and R. Jack Ayres, of Dallas, told CNN that Crusius's mother was worried given her son's age, maturity level and lack of experience with such a weapon.

But a police&nbsp;officer told her that her 21-year-old son was legally able to purchase the weapon, and nothing was done about the "informational" call, according to the lawyers.

Angry US mayors&nbsp;

The news fed into the mounting anger in the wake of the back-to-back shootings in El Paso on Saturday and Dayton, Ohio on Sunday, which together left 31 dead and many more injured. Both attacks were carried out by solitary white men armed with assault weapons.

In an open letter, 214 US mayors demanded that the Republican-controlled US Senate be recalled from its summer break to immediately pass gun control legislation already approved in February in the Democrat-lead House of Representatives.

Their letter, addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and top Democrat Chuck Schumer, noted there have been more than 250 mass shootings in the United States this year.

"The tragic events in El Paso and Dayton this weekend are just the latest reminders that our nation can no longer wait for our federal government to take the actions necessary to prevent people who should not have access to firearms from being able to purchase them," the letter said.

The call added to the pressure on McConnell, who has stifled congressional efforts to expand gun controls amid Republicans' fears that they could suffer at the ballot box in next year's elections.

The letter pointed to two background check bills passed by the House that McConnell has essentially blocked from consideration in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Bryan Barnett, president of the US Conference of Mayors, described his members as being "on the frontlines" of an epidemic of gun violence.&nbsp;

"Keeping our cities safe is not a partisan issue," said Barnett, the mayor of Rochester Hills, Michigan.

The letter came after Trump said on Wednesday that he supported legislation to block gun sales to people with mental health issues, but did not endorse stronger measures.

"I can tell you there is no political appetite for that at this moment," Trump said.

Those measures include universal background checks for all gun sales contained in the House measure, and bans on the assault rifles used in many mass shootings.

Trump assailed for self-promotion&nbsp;

Meanwhile Trump was assailed for using his trip to the sites of the two shootings on Wednesday to promote himself.

Trump visited hospitals in both El Paso and Dayton and the White House release photographs and video footage of the visits which showed doctors and nurses applauding him.

"The President was treated like a Rock Star inside the hospital, which was all caught on video. They all loved seeing their great President!" tweeted Dan Scavino, the White House social media director.&nbsp;

"The love, the respect for the office of the presidency, it was -- I wish you could there to see it," Trump told journalists.

Protestors against Trump's visit to El Paso said he was not focusing on the victims and the tragedy.

"In El Paso, we're still healing right now, and right now he's taking all the front from the victims," said Bill Cooks.

"The only thing we're talking about is Trump right now, we're not talking about the victims, and Trump needed to stay in Washington and get some new ... gun laws."

Democrats blasted Trump, accusing him of exploiting the mass shootings "for his personal gain."

"Innocent Americans were slaughtered. And you spin a presidential visit like a vanity project," said New York legislator Hakeem Jeffries.

Pressure built on the US Congress to pass tough gun control legislation Thursday as the mother of the man arrested for the slaughter of 22 people in El Paso, Texas said she had called police out of concern he had a military-style weapon.

Pressure built on the US Congress to pass tough gun control legislation Thursday as the mother of the man arrested for the slaughter of 22 people in El Paso, Texas said she had called police out of concern he had a military-style weapon. But President Donald Trump and Republicans continued to avoid calls for action against an epidemic of mass shootings, conscious of the importance to the party of gun owners in next year's national elections. The White House, meanwhile, was accused of using the two shootings last weekend to promote Trump, after it released a video of a hospital visit to shooting victims. An aide gushed it showed him being greeted like a "rock star." Lawyers for the mother of Patrick Crusius, the accused El Paso shooter, said she had called police in Allen, Texas weeks before the August 3 attack because she was concerned about his owning an AK-47-type assault rifle. The lawyers, Chris Ayres and R. Jack Ayres, of Dallas, told CNN that Crusius's mother was worried given her son's age, maturity level and lack of experience with such a weapon. But a police officer told her that her 21-year-old son was legally able to purchase the weapon, and nothing was done about the "informational" call, according to the lawyers. Angry US mayors The news fed into the mounting anger in the wake of the back-to-back shootings in El Paso on Saturday and Dayton, Ohio on Sunday, which together left 31 dead and many more injured. Both attacks were carried out by solitary white men armed with assault weapons. In an open letter, 214 US mayors demanded that the Republican-controlled US Senate be recalled from its summer break to immediately pass gun control legislation already approved in February in the Democrat-lead House of Representatives. Their letter, addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and top Democrat Chuck Schumer, noted there have been more than 250 mass shootings in the United States this year. "The tragic events in El Paso and Dayton this weekend are just the latest reminders that our nation can no longer wait for our federal government to take the actions necessary to prevent people who should not have access to firearms from being able to purchase them," the letter said. The call added to the pressure on McConnell, who has stifled congressional efforts to expand gun controls amid Republicans' fears that they could suffer at the ballot box in next year's elections. The letter pointed to two background check bills passed by the House that McConnell has essentially blocked from consideration in the Republican-controlled Senate. Bryan Barnett, president of the US Conference of Mayors, described his members as being "on the frontlines" of an epidemic of gun violence. "Keeping our cities safe is not a partisan issue," said Barnett, the mayor of Rochester Hills, Michigan. The letter came after Trump said on Wednesday that he supported legislation to block gun sales to people with mental health issues, but did not endorse stronger measures. "I can tell you there is no political appetite for that at this moment," Trump said. Those measures include universal background checks for all gun sales contained in the House measure, and bans on the assault rifles used in many mass shootings. Trump assailed for self-promotion Meanwhile Trump was assailed for using his trip to the sites of the two shootings on Wednesday to promote himself. Trump visited hospitals in both El Paso and Dayton and the White House release photographs and video footage of the visits which showed doctors and nurses applauding him. "The President was treated like a Rock Star inside the hospital, which was all caught on video. They all loved seeing their great President!" tweeted Dan Scavino, the White House social media director. "The love, the respect for the office of the presidency, it was -- I wish you could there to see it," Trump told journalists. Protestors against Trump's visit to El Paso said he was not focusing on the victims and the tragedy. "In El Paso, we're still healing right now, and right now he's taking all the front from the victims," said Bill Cooks. "The only thing we're talking about is Trump right now, we're not talking about the victims, and Trump needed to stay in Washington and get some new ... gun laws." Democrats blasted Trump, accusing him of exploiting the mass shootings "for his personal gain." "Innocent Americans were slaughtered. And you spin a presidential visit like a vanity project," said New York legislator Hakeem Jeffries.

US President Trump blasted as pressure mounts for gun controls

* By Charles Hankla

President Donald Trump recently escalated his trade war with China, threatening to impose a 10 per cent tariff on the remaining $300 billion of untaxed Chinese imports.

If the new tariff goes into effect in September as promised, virtually all Chinese exports to the US would be subject to levies ranging from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. China retaliated by letting the value of its currency fall to the lowest level in more than a decade and halting all crop imports.

Many Americans like me are now wondering: Is there any end in sight?

How to win an economic war

As a scholar of trade policy, I’ve repeatedly made the point that free exchange is a positive-sum game – meaning every participating country can benefit – rather than zero sum — as Trump seems to believe. This is why commercial disputes are certain to harm all participants.

I believe that the United States could have avoided its current predicament by using the World Trade Organization’s existing dispute resolution process to address its justifiable concerns with Chinese behaviour.

Still, from the perspective of a single country, starting a trade war could potentially be justified if the end result ultimately shifts the terms of trade in its favour.

Such a victory can only be achieved when the country has more bargaining leverage than its opponent – in other words, when it can impose more pain on its adversary than it experiences itself.

And the longer the trade war continues, the more concessions that country will have to win in order to compensate for the damage caused.

So, after nearly 18 months of escalating disputes between the US and China, where are we? Is either side winning, and can any concessions justify the economic harm that both sides have already experienced?

China’s Pain

First and foremost, it has become increasingly clear that the trade war is hurting the economies of both countries. Neither will emerge from this conflict unscathed.

Unfortunately, however, the last 18 months have done little to clarify who is winning – that is, who is hurting less and can credibly hold out for longer.

Take China. Before the trade war, it was already facing a number of significant challenges, first among them how to effect a transition from its current reliance on cheap manufacturing to the production of higher value-added goods. China’s political stability is also somewhat precarious, as evidenced by recent events in Hong Kong and Xianjing, as well as Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s authoritarian crackdown.

Moreover, China’s economic growth has slowed to a 27-year low of 6.2 per cent. And perhaps more ominously for the country, there are growing signs that foreign companies from America and elsewhere are looking outside China as they expand their sourcing, production and distribution activities.

Of course, China’s growth rate still makes it among the fastest-expanding economies in the world, so the recent slowdown can hardly be termed a crisis. And the shift away from China, limited as it is, began before the trade war, spurred on by rising prices, intellectual property theft and other issues.

Not Necessarily America’s Gain

The problem for the US is that Americans are also increasingly feeling the pinch.

Perhaps most notably, farmers – many of whom continue to support Trump – are beginning to tire of the sacrifices they are making for his uncompromising positions. With the Chinese government threatening to retaliate if Trump follows through on the new tariffs, their willingness to go along may be even more sorely tested.

To keep agriculture on its side, the Trump administration has channeled billions of dollars in subsidies to those hurt by his trade policies. But this approach also has its political costs, with more fiscally conservative backers of the president balking at the price tag.

From a broader perspective, recent studies have undercut Trump’s claim that Chinese companies are bearing the brunt of the tariff payments, showing that the bulk of costs are passed to US companies and consumers. And the stock market is reacting negatively to the latest Trump threats.

It is true that the overall American economy remains strong, with expanding employment and a fast, though slowing, the growth rate of 2.1 per cent in the most recent period. But China has one more strategic advantage that could make a substantial difference: It can wait out Trump’s presidency.

If the Trump administration’s approach to trade represented a bipartisan consensus, the US could keep up the pressure over the long term. Containment policy during the Cold War, in which the United States committed itself to curbing Soviet influence, represents the classic example of a consensus that was credibly maintained, in one form or another, across several administrations.

But because the tariffs are so associated with Trump’s personality, the Chinese government can afford to wait for a new president. If a Democrat wins in 2020, he or she will likely maintain a harder line on China than we saw before Trump, but will probably repudiate the current president’s penchant for punitive and precipitous tariffs.

In a sense, America’s negotiating credibility has become yet another casualty of its polarised politics.

In Other Words: No End in Sight

In the final analysis, China may have the most to lose from the ongoing dispute. But the US bargaining position is more politically vulnerable.

And the Chinese can credibly claim that buckling under American pressure would be unacceptable to their domestic audience.

Studies of shooting wars indicate that they tend to continue until events on the ground reveal which side is likely to win. The same is surely true for trade wars.

Since neither side is clearly winning or losing, we have probably not seen the end of this conflict.

(Charles Hankla is Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. <a href="https://theconversation.com/will-trumps-trade-war-with-china-ever-end-121405">Read the original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

* By Charles Hankla President Donald Trump recently escalated his trade war with China, threatening to impose a 10 per cent tariff on the remaining $300 billion of untaxed Chinese imports.

* By Charles Hankla President Donald Trump recently escalated his trade war with China, threatening to impose a 10 per cent tariff on the remaining $300 billion of untaxed Chinese imports. If the new tariff goes into effect in September as promised, virtually all Chinese exports to the US would be subject to levies ranging from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. China retaliated by letting the value of its currency fall to the lowest level in more than a decade and halting all crop imports. Many Americans like me are now wondering: Is there any end in sight? How to win an economic war As a scholar of trade policy, I’ve repeatedly made the point that free exchange is a positive-sum game – meaning every participating country can benefit – rather than zero sum — as Trump seems to believe. This is why commercial disputes are certain to harm all participants. I believe that the United States could have avoided its current predicament by using the World Trade Organization’s existing dispute resolution process to address its justifiable concerns with Chinese behaviour. Still, from the perspective of a single country, starting a trade war could potentially be justified if the end result ultimately shifts the terms of trade in its favour. Such a victory can only be achieved when the country has more bargaining leverage than its opponent – in other words, when it can impose more pain on its adversary than it experiences itself. And the longer the trade war continues, the more concessions that country will have to win in order to compensate for the damage caused. So, after nearly 18 months of escalating disputes between the US and China, where are we? Is either side winning, and can any concessions justify the economic harm that both sides have already experienced? China’s Pain First and foremost, it has become increasingly clear that the trade war is hurting the economies of both countries. Neither will emerge from this conflict unscathed. Unfortunately, however, the last 18 months have done little to clarify who is winning – that is, who is hurting less and can credibly hold out for longer. Take China. Before the trade war, it was already facing a number of significant challenges, first among them how to effect a transition from its current reliance on cheap manufacturing to the production of higher value-added goods. China’s political stability is also somewhat precarious, as evidenced by recent events in Hong Kong and Xianjing, as well as Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s authoritarian crackdown. Moreover, China’s economic growth has slowed to a 27-year low of 6.2 per cent. And perhaps more ominously for the country, there are growing signs that foreign companies from America and elsewhere are looking outside China as they expand their sourcing, production and distribution activities. Of course, China’s growth rate still makes it among the fastest-expanding economies in the world, so the recent slowdown can hardly be termed a crisis. And the shift away from China, limited as it is, began before the trade war, spurred on by rising prices, intellectual property theft and other issues. Not Necessarily America’s Gain The problem for the US is that Americans are also increasingly feeling the pinch. Perhaps most notably, farmers – many of whom continue to support Trump – are beginning to tire of the sacrifices they are making for his uncompromising positions. With the Chinese government threatening to retaliate if Trump follows through on the new tariffs, their willingness to go along may be even more sorely tested. To keep agriculture on its side, the Trump administration has channeled billions of dollars in subsidies to those hurt by his trade policies. But this approach also has its political costs, with more fiscally conservative backers of the president balking at the price tag. From a broader perspective, recent studies have undercut Trump’s claim that Chinese companies are bearing the brunt of the tariff payments, showing that the bulk of costs are passed to US companies and consumers. And the stock market is reacting negatively to the latest Trump threats. It is true that the overall American economy remains strong, with expanding employment and a fast, though slowing, the growth rate of 2.1 per cent in the most recent period. But China has one more strategic advantage that could make a substantial difference: It can wait out Trump’s presidency. If the Trump administration’s approach to trade represented a bipartisan consensus, the US could keep up the pressure over the long term. Containment policy during the Cold War, in which the United States committed itself to curbing Soviet influence, represents the classic example of a consensus that was credibly maintained, in one form or another, across several administrations. But because the tariffs are so associated with Trump’s personality, the Chinese government can afford to wait for a new president. If a Democrat wins in 2020, he or she will likely maintain a harder line on China than we saw before Trump, but will probably repudiate the current president’s penchant for punitive and precipitous tariffs. In a sense, America’s negotiating credibility has become yet another casualty of its polarised politics. In Other Words: No End in Sight In the final analysis, China may have the most to lose from the ongoing dispute. But the US bargaining position is more politically vulnerable. And the Chinese can credibly claim that buckling under American pressure would be unacceptable to their domestic audience. Studies of shooting wars indicate that they tend to continue until events on the ground reveal which side is likely to win. The same is surely true for trade wars. Since neither side is clearly winning or losing, we have probably not seen the end of this conflict. (Charles Hankla is Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Will Donald Trump’s trade war with China ever end?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-says-talks-with-south-korea-underway-over-increasing-defence-costs-241360">The US government</a> has approved the sale of $800 million worth of helicopters to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">South Korea</a>, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said Seoul had agreed to pay more for the US military presence in the country.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department had approved the sale of 12 MH-60R Multi-Mission Seahawk Helicopters and extensive associated radar, communications and weaponry equipment.

The helicopters bolster anti-surface and anti-submarine missions and handle secondary missions like replenishment, search and rescue, and communications relay, the agency said.

"The Republic of Korea will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defence," it said.

The Seahawk is made by the Sikorsky division of US defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The sale was approved after Trump tweeted Wednesday that the two countries had entered negotiations on South Korea paying for the defence umbrella the United States provides the country.

"Over the past many decades, the US has been paid very little by South Korea," Trump wrote.

"South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America. The relationship between the two countries is a very good one!"

The two countries have been in a security alliance since the 1950-53 Korean war, which ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty -- with more than 28,000 US troops stationed in the South to guard against threats from North Korea.

The US government has approved the sale of $800 million worth of helicopters to South Korea, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said Seoul had agreed to pay more for the US military presence in the country.

The US government has approved the sale of $800 million worth of helicopters to South Korea, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said Seoul had agreed to pay more for the US military presence in the country. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department had approved the sale of 12 MH-60R Multi-Mission Seahawk Helicopters and extensive associated radar, communications and weaponry equipment. The helicopters bolster anti-surface and anti-submarine missions and handle secondary missions like replenishment, search and rescue, and communications relay, the agency said. "The Republic of Korea will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defence," it said. The Seahawk is made by the Sikorsky division of US defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The sale was approved after Trump tweeted Wednesday that the two countries had entered negotiations on South Korea paying for the defence umbrella the United States provides the country. "Over the past many decades, the US has been paid very little by South Korea," Trump wrote. "South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America. The relationship between the two countries is a very good one!" The two countries have been in a security alliance since the 1950-53 Korean war, which ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty -- with more than 28,000 US troops stationed in the South to guard against threats from North Korea.

US approves $800 million helicopter deal with South Korea

Trump’s visit to sites of back-to-back massacres, which left at least 31 dead and more than 50 injured at the weekend in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

Hundreds of people protests as Trump arrives in El Paso

Just 5 months ago, U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that ISIS has been defeated but according to a Pentagon report released last week, ISIS is regrouping and they are looking to strike back. Watch full video to know more.

ISIS rebuilding in Iraq, Pentagon report says

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-sanders-emerge-as-top-two-candidates-for-the-2020-us-presidential-electionspolls-241096">Joe Biden</a>, the frontrunner in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-no-political-support-for-assault-rifle-controls-241398">President Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday, saying he has "fanned the flames of white supremacy."

"We have a problem with this rising tide of white supremacy in America and we have a president who encourages and emboldens it," Biden said at a campaign event in Burlington, Iowa.

"In both clear language and in code, this president has fanned the flames of white supremacy in this nation," the 76-year-old former vice president said, using some of his harshest language yet about the Republican president.

Biden said Trump "offers no moral leadership" and shows "no interest in unifying the nation."

"Instead we have a president with a toxic tongue who has publicly and unapologetically embraced a political strategy of hate, racism, and division," he said.

Trump has been accused by his Democratic critics and others of promoting white nationalism with his frequent attacks on immigrants and minorities.

A 21-year-old white man killed 22 people in El Paso, Texas over the weekend in a mass shooting he said was carried out to repel a "Hispanic invasion."

Biden laid some of the blame at Trump's doorstep.

"How far is it from Trump's saying this is 'an invasion' to the shooter in El Paso declaring 'this attack is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas?'" Biden asked. "Not far at all."

Biden cited the actions of past presidents and said they "chose to fight for what the best of American character is about."

"We don't have that today," he said. "We have a president who has aligned himself with the darkest forces in this nation.

"And that makes winning the battle for the soul of this nation that much harder."&nbsp;

Biden said America was going through a rare episode in its history with a president who "isn't up to the moment, where our president lacks the moral authority to lead."

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, another 2020 Democratic hopeful, also denounced Trump on Wednesday, in a speech at a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine black parishioners were shot dead in 2015 by a white supremacist.

Booker, one of two main African-American candidates in the race, said the United States was being led by a "president who spews hateful rhetoric and endangers the lives of people of colour and immigrants." &nbsp;

He said the El Paso attack "was sowed by those who spoke the same words the El Paso murderer did: warning of an 'invasion.'"

"It was sowed by those who spoke of an 'infestation,' and 'rats and rodents' in majority Black cities," Booker added in a reference to Trump's comments about the city of Baltimore.

Trump on Wednesday said he opposed "white supremacy or any other kind of supremacy" and accused Democrats of trying to score "political points."

Tweeting while heading to El Paso for a condolence visit, Trump also said he watched Biden's speech and declared it "Sooo Boring!"

"The LameStream Media will die in the ratings and clicks with this guy," he said. "It will be over for them, not to mention the fact that our Country will do poorly with him."

Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, lashed out at President Donald Trump on Wednesday, saying he has "fanned the flames of white supremacy.

Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, lashed out at President Donald Trump on Wednesday, saying he has "fanned the flames of white supremacy." "We have a problem with this rising tide of white supremacy in America and we have a president who encourages and emboldens it," Biden said at a campaign event in Burlington, Iowa. "In both clear language and in code, this president has fanned the flames of white supremacy in this nation," the 76-year-old former vice president said, using some of his harshest language yet about the Republican president. Biden said Trump "offers no moral leadership" and shows "no interest in unifying the nation." "Instead we have a president with a toxic tongue who has publicly and unapologetically embraced a political strategy of hate, racism, and division," he said. Trump has been accused by his Democratic critics and others of promoting white nationalism with his frequent attacks on immigrants and minorities. A 21-year-old white man killed 22 people in El Paso, Texas over the weekend in a mass shooting he said was carried out to repel a "Hispanic invasion." Biden laid some of the blame at Trump's doorstep. "How far is it from Trump's saying this is 'an invasion' to the shooter in El Paso declaring 'this attack is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas?'" Biden asked. "Not far at all." Biden cited the actions of past presidents and said they "chose to fight for what the best of American character is about." "We don't have that today," he said. "We have a president who has aligned himself with the darkest forces in this nation. "And that makes winning the battle for the soul of this nation that much harder." Biden said America was going through a rare episode in its history with a president who "isn't up to the moment, where our president lacks the moral authority to lead." New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, another 2020 Democratic hopeful, also denounced Trump on Wednesday, in a speech at a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine black parishioners were shot dead in 2015 by a white supremacist. Booker, one of two main African-American candidates in the race, said the United States was being led by a "president who spews hateful rhetoric and endangers the lives of people of colour and immigrants." He said the El Paso attack "was sowed by those who spoke the same words the El Paso murderer did: warning of an 'invasion.'" "It was sowed by those who spoke of an 'infestation,' and 'rats and rodents' in majority Black cities," Booker added in a reference to Trump's comments about the city of Baltimore. Trump on Wednesday said he opposed "white supremacy or any other kind of supremacy" and accused Democrats of trying to score "political points." Tweeting while heading to El Paso for a condolence visit, Trump also said he watched Biden's speech and declared it "Sooo Boring!" "The LameStream Media will die in the ratings and clicks with this guy," he said. "It will be over for them, not to mention the fact that our Country will do poorly with him."

Trump has 'fanned the flames of white supremacy': Biden

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-immigration-agency-names-venezuelan-minister-tareck-el-aissami-among-most-wanted-239965">US officials</a> said that some 680 undocumented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-and-mexican-counterpart-welcome-reduced-flow-of-migrants-237547">migrants</a> were detained in a major series of raids Wednesday at food processing plants in the southeastern United States, part of President Donald Trump's announced crackdown on illegal immigration.

Most of those detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were Hispanic migrants, officials said.

TV footage showed lines of arrested migrants heading to buses parked outside the processing plants with their hands behind their backs under the watchful eyes of ICE agents.

Those who were not detained, including some children, stood by waving at their friends and relatives. Several wiped away tears as they gave their farewells.

"Special agents executed administrative and criminal search warrants resulting in the detention of approximately 680 illegal aliens," said Mike Hurst, US Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.

"They have to follow our laws, they have to abide by our rules, they have to come here legally or they shouldn't come here at all," Hurst said at a news conference.

The US attorney did not spare the employers.&nbsp;

"To those who use illegal aliens for competitive advantage or to make a quick buck, we have something to say to you: If we find that you have violated federal criminal law, we're coming after you," he said.

'Dehumanizing' raids

Matthew Albence, the interim ICE head, said the raids were the result of a year-long investigation.

He said that the children of detained parents will be sent to live with relatives or other families.

Some of the migrants will be released with electronic ankle monitors as they await a court hearing.

ICE agents raided plants in the towns of Morton, Carthage, Canton, Pelahatchie, Sebastopol and Bay Springs, all in the state of Mississippi, officials said.

"After speaking with the agents, I now know that they are identifying illegal immigrants, versus those who are legal, and rounding them up, putting them in buses and carrying them away," Canton Mayor William Truly told the local ABC News television affiliate.

Chokwe Antar Lumumba, the mayor of Mississippi state capital Jackson, took to social media to seek help for the migrants.

"I'm calling upon faith institutions in our community to become sanctuaries for our immigrant neighbours and protect them from potential harm," he wrote on his Facebook account.&nbsp;

"The ICE raids are both dehumanizing and ineffective as a tactic for protecting citizens from potential harm."

In June, Trump tweeted that ICE "will begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States."

Trump has also tweeted several times about an alleged "invasion" of people crossing the southern border into the United States.

US officials said that some 680 undocumented migrants were detained in a major series of raids Wednesday at food processing plants in the southeastern United States, part of President Donald Trump's announced crackdown on illegal immigration.

US officials said that some 680 undocumented migrants were detained in a major series of raids Wednesday at food processing plants in the southeastern United States, part of President Donald Trump's announced crackdown on illegal immigration. Most of those detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were Hispanic migrants, officials said. TV footage showed lines of arrested migrants heading to buses parked outside the processing plants with their hands behind their backs under the watchful eyes of ICE agents. Those who were not detained, including some children, stood by waving at their friends and relatives. Several wiped away tears as they gave their farewells. "Special agents executed administrative and criminal search warrants resulting in the detention of approximately 680 illegal aliens," said Mike Hurst, US Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. "They have to follow our laws, they have to abide by our rules, they have to come here legally or they shouldn't come here at all," Hurst said at a news conference. The US attorney did not spare the employers. "To those who use illegal aliens for competitive advantage or to make a quick buck, we have something to say to you: If we find that you have violated federal criminal law, we're coming after you," he said. 'Dehumanizing' raids Matthew Albence, the interim ICE head, said the raids were the result of a year-long investigation. He said that the children of detained parents will be sent to live with relatives or other families. Some of the migrants will be released with electronic ankle monitors as they await a court hearing. ICE agents raided plants in the towns of Morton, Carthage, Canton, Pelahatchie, Sebastopol and Bay Springs, all in the state of Mississippi, officials said. "After speaking with the agents, I now know that they are identifying illegal immigrants, versus those who are legal, and rounding them up, putting them in buses and carrying them away," Canton Mayor William Truly told the local ABC News television affiliate. Chokwe Antar Lumumba, the mayor of Mississippi state capital Jackson, took to social media to seek help for the migrants. "I'm calling upon faith institutions in our community to become sanctuaries for our immigrant neighbours and protect them from potential harm," he wrote on his Facebook account. "The ICE raids are both dehumanizing and ineffective as a tactic for protecting citizens from potential harm." In June, Trump tweeted that ICE "will begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States." Trump has also tweeted several times about an alleged "invasion" of people crossing the southern border into the United States.

US immigration raids sweep up hundreds of undocumented migrants

Chinese companies have stopped buying US agricultural products, China's Commerce Ministry said on Tuesday (August 06), a blow to US farmers who have already seen their exports slashed by the more than year-old trade war.

US farmers suffer 'body blow' as China slams door on farm purchases

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the US Federal Reserve must cut rates "bigger and faster" for the United States to be competitive against other countries.

"Our problem is a Federal Reserve that is too proud to admit their mistake of acting too fast and tightening too much (and that I was right!). They must Cut Rates bigger and faster, and stop their ridiculous quantitative tightening NOW," Trump said in a series of Twitter posts.

The Republican president has for months been calling on the Fed to lower interest rates to support the US economy.

His surprise move last week to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports has thrown the Federal Reserve another curveball that may force it to cut rates more than the central bank had hoped was necessary to protect the economy from trade-policy risks.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro on Monday urged the Fed to cut key rates by another three-quarters of a point to a full point by the end of the year to bring U.S. rates in line with rates elsewhere.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the US Federal Reserve must cut rates "bigger and faster" for the United States to be competitive against other countries.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the US Federal Reserve must cut rates "bigger and faster" for the United States to be competitive against other countries. "Our problem is a Federal Reserve that is too proud to admit their mistake of acting too fast and tightening too much (and that I was right!). They must Cut Rates bigger and faster, and stop their ridiculous quantitative tightening NOW," Trump said in a series of Twitter posts. The Republican president has for months been calling on the Fed to lower interest rates to support the US economy. His surprise move last week to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports has thrown the Federal Reserve another curveball that may force it to cut rates more than the central bank had hoped was necessary to protect the economy from trade-policy risks. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro on Monday urged the Fed to cut key rates by another three-quarters of a point to a full point by the end of the year to bring U.S. rates in line with rates elsewhere.

US Federal Reserve must cut rates 'bigger and faster': US President Trump 

A&nbsp;cautious&nbsp;calm&nbsp;returned to stock markets on Wednesday as softer&nbsp;rhetoric&nbsp;from Washington on the US-China&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;soothed investors, though demand for safe-haven assets underscored lingering anxiety.

Europe's STOXX 600 climbed 0.7%, recovering from a three-day sell-off as investors fled after an escalation in the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war. MSCI's world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, rose 0.2%.

But gold, the Japanese yen and government debt remained in high demand as investors remained&nbsp;wary of riskier assets.

US shares gained overnight after President Donald Trump downplayed worries of a lengthy&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;and senior adviser Larry Kudlow said Trump's administration is planning to host a Chinese delegation for talks in September. Wall Street futures gauges also rose.

The US administration's remarks marked a shift in tone from recent days when Beijing&nbsp;warned that Washington's labelling China as a currency manipulator on Monday would have severe consequences for the global financial order.

Still, market players voiced caution. Trump's threat to impose additional tariffs on more Chinese products is set to take effect in less than a month.

"There is some&nbsp;cautious&nbsp;buying creeping back in," said Michael Hewson, chief market strategist at CMC Markets. "But if you want that to be sustained you have to look towards September 1, when the new tariffs kick in, and whether or not Trump presses ahead with them."

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was slightly lower.

Also easing the mood were signs that China is intervening to steady the yuan after its recent sharp fall, allaying investor fears of a global currency&nbsp;war.

The US Treasury designated China a currency manipulator on Monday after it allowed the yuan to weaken below 7 per dollar for the first time in over a decade. The US move rattled financial markets and dimmed hopes the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;was ending.

Since then, China's state banks have been active in the onshore yuan forwards market, tightening dollar supply and supporting the Chinese currency, sources told Reuters.

The yuan still dropped 0.2% to 7.0708 in offshore markets despite the support. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) set its official reference rate at an 11-year low, keeping currency markets on edge.

"We had a little bit of recovery yesterday, but this morning we are seeing that stalling due to the PBOC fixing the dollar-yen higher again," said Thu Lan Nguyen, FX strategist at Commerzbank. "It has caused markets to again be in a bit of a risk-off mode."

Safe Havens in Demand

The skittish mood was underlined by continuing demand for currencies and commodities considered safe havens.

Gold reached a six-year high of $1,489.76 per ounce. The Japanese yen rose 0.2% to 106.27, although that was still some way from levels seen on Monday when the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war's escalation panicked investors.

The US bonds have also retained much of their gains made in the past week. Ten-year Treasury notes yielded 1.66% per cent, their lowest since 2016, as investors bet on another rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September.

Fixed income markets have benefited from fears the US-China&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;would raise the risk of a global recession, strengthening the case for policy easing by central banks.

Germany's 10-year bond yield fell to record lows deep in negative territory as a bigger-than-expected interest rate cut in New Zealand and weak German data gave further impetus to a rally in bond markets.

German industrial output fell more than expected in June, adding to signs that Europe's biggest economy contracted in the second quarter as its exporters were caught up in&nbsp;trade disputes.

In commodity markets, oil prices slipped, with the potential for damage to the global economy and to fuel demand from the Sino-US&nbsp;trade&nbsp;dispute casting a shadow over the market.

International benchmark Brent crude futures were at $58.79 a barrel by 0759 GMT, down 14 cents, or 0.05%, and trading near seven-month lows.

A cautious calm returned to stock markets on Wednesday as softer rhetoric from Washington on the US-China trade war soothed investors, though demand for safe-haven assets underscored lingering anxiety.

A cautious calm returned to stock markets on Wednesday as softer rhetoric from Washington on the US-China trade war soothed investors, though demand for safe-haven assets underscored lingering anxiety. Europe's STOXX 600 climbed 0.7%, recovering from a three-day sell-off as investors fled after an escalation in the trade war. MSCI's world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, rose 0.2%. But gold, the Japanese yen and government debt remained in high demand as investors remained wary of riskier assets. US shares gained overnight after President Donald Trump downplayed worries of a lengthy trade war and senior adviser Larry Kudlow said Trump's administration is planning to host a Chinese delegation for talks in September. Wall Street futures gauges also rose. The US administration's remarks marked a shift in tone from recent days when Beijing warned that Washington's labelling China as a currency manipulator on Monday would have severe consequences for the global financial order. Still, market players voiced caution. Trump's threat to impose additional tariffs on more Chinese products is set to take effect in less than a month. "There is some cautious buying creeping back in," said Michael Hewson, chief market strategist at CMC Markets. "But if you want that to be sustained you have to look towards September 1, when the new tariffs kick in, and whether or not Trump presses ahead with them." MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was slightly lower. Also easing the mood were signs that China is intervening to steady the yuan after its recent sharp fall, allaying investor fears of a global currency war. The US Treasury designated China a currency manipulator on Monday after it allowed the yuan to weaken below 7 per dollar for the first time in over a decade. The US move rattled financial markets and dimmed hopes the trade war was ending. Since then, China's state banks have been active in the onshore yuan forwards market, tightening dollar supply and supporting the Chinese currency, sources told Reuters. The yuan still dropped 0.2% to 7.0708 in offshore markets despite the support. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) set its official reference rate at an 11-year low, keeping currency markets on edge. "We had a little bit of recovery yesterday, but this morning we are seeing that stalling due to the PBOC fixing the dollar-yen higher again," said Thu Lan Nguyen, FX strategist at Commerzbank. "It has caused markets to again be in a bit of a risk-off mode." Safe Havens in Demand The skittish mood was underlined by continuing demand for currencies and commodities considered safe havens. Gold reached a six-year high of $1,489.76 per ounce. The Japanese yen rose 0.2% to 106.27, although that was still some way from levels seen on Monday when the trade war's escalation panicked investors. The US bonds have also retained much of their gains made in the past week. Ten-year Treasury notes yielded 1.66% per cent, their lowest since 2016, as investors bet on another rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September. Fixed income markets have benefited from fears the US-China trade war would raise the risk of a global recession, strengthening the case for policy easing by central banks. Germany's 10-year bond yield fell to record lows deep in negative territory as a bigger-than-expected interest rate cut in New Zealand and weak German data gave further impetus to a rally in bond markets. German industrial output fell more than expected in June, adding to signs that Europe's biggest economy contracted in the second quarter as its exporters were caught up in trade disputes. In commodity markets, oil prices slipped, with the potential for damage to the global economy and to fuel demand from the Sino-US trade dispute casting a shadow over the market. International benchmark Brent crude futures were at $58.79 a barrel by 0759 GMT, down 14 cents, or 0.05%, and trading near seven-month lows.

Cautious calm returns to stock markets as White House softens trade war rhetoric

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-2020-us-presidential-election-trump-accused-google-of-very-illegal-acts-241344">Donald Trump</a> said on Wednesday talks have begun aimed at getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">South Korea</a> to pay more for the cost of maintaining US troops in the region to guard against any threat from North Korea.

"Talks have begun to further increase payments to the United States. South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America," the Republican president said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1158797734394191873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

South Korea’s presidential Blue House did not immediately respond to request for comment on the talks.

Trump has repeatedly said Seoul should bear more of the burden for keeping some 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea, where the United States has had a military presence since the 1950-53 Korean War.

South Korean and the US officials signed an agreement in February under which Seoul would increase its contribution to just under 1.04 trillion won ($927 million), an increase of about $70.3 million.

The interim agreement was due to expire in a year.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday talks have begun aimed at getting South Korea to pay more for the cost of maintaining US troops in the region to guard against any threat from North Korea.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday talks have begun aimed at getting South Korea to pay more for the cost of maintaining US troops in the region to guard against any threat from North Korea. "Talks have begun to further increase payments to the United States. South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America," the Republican president said on Twitter. ... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 6, 2019 × South Korea’s presidential Blue House did not immediately respond to request for comment on the talks. Trump has repeatedly said Seoul should bear more of the burden for keeping some 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea, where the United States has had a military presence since the 1950-53 Korean War. South Korean and the US officials signed an agreement in February under which Seoul would increase its contribution to just under 1.04 trillion won ($927 million), an increase of about $70.3 million. The interim agreement was due to expire in a year.

United States says talks with South Korea underway over increasing defence costs

Donald Trump said that Google worked in favour of Hillary and he is watching google closely. Know more about Trump's latest baseless allegation.

Trump vs Google: Donald Trump attacks Google

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-misstates-location-of-ohio-shooting-rampage-241057">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday stepped up his accusations against&nbsp;Google, claiming without offering evidence that the technology company worked to subvert his 2016 presidential campaign and warning he was watching it "very closely" ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-sanders-emerge-as-top-two-candidates-for-the-2020-us-presidential-electionspolls-241096">2020 election</a>.

Trump, in a series of early posts on Twitter, also slammed&nbsp;Google's Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai, and again raised questions about the search engine's work with China, despite his administration's earlier comments that any such work was limited.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1158797734394191873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We go to great lengths to build our products and enforce our policies in ways that don't take political leanings into account," a&nbsp;Google&nbsp;spokesperson said in an email statement.

Trump, who is seeking re-election in 2020, has repeatedly slammed&nbsp;Google&nbsp;and a host of other technology companies, echoing conservative critics' claims of unfair treatment and raising the spectre of regulation.

Lawmakers have also raised the possibility of regulating the industry, in part over security and misinformation concerns following the 2016 election, and findings of Russian interference in that vote that relied heavily on leveraging technology and social media.

Trump on Tuesday accused&nbsp;Google&nbsp;of "very illegal" acts but offered no evidence, and no formal charges have been announced.

"Distorting results for political purposes would harm our business and go against our mission of providing helpful content to all of our users," the spokesperson added.

Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what steps the administration was taking towards the company.

Trump and&nbsp;Google's Pichai had met at the White House last month. Following the meeting, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said they both had been assured that any of&nbsp;Google's work with China was "very, very limited."

Days later, Trump warned&nbsp;Google&nbsp;with a post on Twitter.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stepped up his accusations against Google, claiming without offering evidence that the technology company worked to subvert his 2016 presidential campaign and warning he was watching it "very closely" ahead of the 2020 election.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stepped up his accusations against Google, claiming without offering evidence that the technology company worked to subvert his 2016 presidential campaign and warning he was watching it "very closely" ahead of the 2020 election. Trump, in a series of early posts on Twitter, also slammed Google's Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai, and again raised questions about the search engine's work with China, despite his administration's earlier comments that any such work was limited. ... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 6, 2019 × "We go to great lengths to build our products and enforce our policies in ways that don't take political leanings into account," a Google spokesperson said in an email statement. Trump, who is seeking re-election in 2020, has repeatedly slammed Google and a host of other technology companies, echoing conservative critics' claims of unfair treatment and raising the spectre of regulation. Lawmakers have also raised the possibility of regulating the industry, in part over security and misinformation concerns following the 2016 election, and findings of Russian interference in that vote that relied heavily on leveraging technology and social media. Trump on Tuesday accused Google of "very illegal" acts but offered no evidence, and no formal charges have been announced. "Distorting results for political purposes would harm our business and go against our mission of providing helpful content to all of our users," the spokesperson added. Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what steps the administration was taking towards the company. Trump and Google's Pichai had met at the White House last month. Following the meeting, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said they both had been assured that any of Google's work with China was "very, very limited." Days later, Trump warned Google with a post on Twitter.

Ahead of 2020 US presidential election Trump accused Google of 'very illegal' acts

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