A military academy that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lashes-out-at-crazy-opponents-as-pressure-mounts-201394">Donald Trump</a> attended as a teenager concealed his academic records in 2011 in response to pressure from Trump allies, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

The New York Military Academy came under such pressure after Trump challenged then president Barack Obama to release his own academic records, with Trump saying he was surprised such a "terrible student" got into Ivy League Schools.

Evan Jones, the headmaster of the military academy at the time, told the Post that the superintendent of the private school "came to me in a panic because he had been accosted by prominent, wealthy alumni of the school who was Mr Trump's friends" and wanted to keep his academic records secret.

Trump has consistently boasted he was a superb student throughout his youth.

The school's superintendent, or director, at the time, Jeffrey Coverdale, told the paper that he rejected a request from members of the school's board of trustees to hand over Trump's records to them.

"I moved them elsewhere on campus where they could not be released. It’s the only time I ever moved an alumnus’s records," Coverdale told the Post.

Trump spent five years at the military academy starting in the fall of 1959. He has said his parents concluded he needed more discipline.

Last week Trump's former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, testified to a congressional committee last week that one of his jobs was to threaten lawsuits against the schools that Trump attended so they would never release his grades.

Jones said he did not know if the original request to obtain Trump's records at the military academy came from Cohen.

Jones said he found the records in a filing cabinet in the basement of a building on the campus, which is about an hour's drive north of New York City.

"I don’t know if we should be doing this," Jones recalled telling his boss.

"He told me that several wealthy alumni, including a close friend of Mr Trump, were putting a lot of pressure on the administration to put the record in their custody for safekeeping."

A military academy that Donald Trump attended as a teenager concealed his academic records in 2011 in response to pressure from Trump allies, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

A military academy that Donald Trump attended as a teenager concealed his academic records in 2011 in response to pressure from Trump allies, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. The New York Military Academy came under such pressure after Trump challenged then president Barack Obama to release his own academic records, with Trump saying he was surprised such a "terrible student" got into Ivy League Schools. Evan Jones, the headmaster of the military academy at the time, told the Post that the superintendent of the private school "came to me in a panic because he had been accosted by prominent, wealthy alumni of the school who was Mr Trump's friends" and wanted to keep his academic records secret. Trump has consistently boasted he was a superb student throughout his youth. The school's superintendent, or director, at the time, Jeffrey Coverdale, told the paper that he rejected a request from members of the school's board of trustees to hand over Trump's records to them. "I moved them elsewhere on campus where they could not be released. It’s the only time I ever moved an alumnus’s records," Coverdale told the Post. Trump spent five years at the military academy starting in the fall of 1959. He has said his parents concluded he needed more discipline. Last week Trump's former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, testified to a congressional committee last week that one of his jobs was to threaten lawsuits against the schools that Trump attended so they would never release his grades. Jones said he did not know if the original request to obtain Trump's records at the military academy came from Cohen. Jones said he found the records in a filing cabinet in the basement of a building on the campus, which is about an hour's drive north of New York City. "I don’t know if we should be doing this," Jones recalled telling his boss. "He told me that several wealthy alumni, including a close friend of Mr Trump, were putting a lot of pressure on the administration to put the record in their custody for safekeeping."

School Trump went to says it concealed his grades

Reports: North Korea reportedly restoring rocket launch site after Trump-Kim summit failure

By Bill Law

One of the many challenges of covering the impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on global affairs is that in the constant churn of stories generated by his Twitter outbursts and the abrupt policy decisions he makes, really important stories get lost in the storm.&nbsp;

One of those lost stories happened the weekend before the US president’s delayed State of the Union address, which he finally delivered on February 5.

On the preceding Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he was following in Trump’s footsteps and pulling out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). In what he called a “symmetrical response,” Putin signalled that a new nuclear arms race was underway: “Our American partners announced that they are suspending their participation in the INF Treaty, and we are suspending it too. They said that they are engaged in research, development and design work, and we will do the same.”

It was a clever response, with Putin able to say that Russia was against the destruction of the treaty, but if that was what the US was going to do by walking away, then his country would mirror American actions step by step. You develop and build new nuclear weapons, we will too.

There was a time, not so long ago, when the world was striving to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. All of those Cold War decades of delicate and exquisitely challenging negotiations designed to stave off nuclear annihilation now seem somehow quaintly old-fashioned. In the macho world of the new authoritarians, led by President Trump, the bigger the weapons and the more you have, the tougher you are.

Trump’s reason for pulling out of the INF was that the Russians were non-compliant and were using the agreement as cover to get a leg up on America. That is undoubtedly the case but the treaty, even in violation, acted as a constraint. So, why would what is still the world’s greatest military superpower enable the Russians by walking away? And what are the implications for the Gulf and the wider Middle East as a new nuclear arms race emerges from Trump’s decision? 
 
Nuclear weapons in the Gulf

To the first question, one can only speculate, given the strange and troubling relationship that Trump has with what has been America’s greatest enemy: Russia. It is the second question, however, that should be of most concern. As the war rhetoric against Iran ratchets up, and as the nonproliferation environment weakens, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may push to arm Saudi Arabia with nuclear weapons.

Though he dismisses the Iranian military capacity in public, in private he must know that in any conventional war scenario, the battle-hardened Iranians would prevail on the ground. The Saudis may have sharpened their air expertise in Yemen at the expense of both the civilian population and the rebel Houthis, but it is ground forces that would ultimately decide the outcome. As the Yemen conflict has shown, Saudi Arabia’s ground troops are an incompetent and ill-prepared fighting force, hence the reliance on the air war to try subdue the Houthis.

In a conventional war, the Iranians would use Iraq as the pathway to attack Saudi Arabia along its northern border. They could be in the capital Riyadh in a matter of days. That is a sobering thought and one that could serve as a catalyst for securing the bomb. The logical place to turn to is Pakistan, which has possessed nuclear weapons since the mid-1980s. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is much beholden to the Saudis, even more so than his predecessors. Indeed, he came to the so-called “Davos in the Desert” in October 2018 with a begging bowl in hand, one the Saudis were happy to fill.

If Saudi Arabia acquired nuclear weapons, then it follows that Iran would do so as well. Indeed there are forces within Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who have long advocated that to preserve and protect the revolution, their nation must have the bomb.

And here we come to the extraordinarily reckless and dangerous game that President Trump, National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are playing. Bolton, in particular, has long advocated for regime change in Iran. The harsh sanctions that America is imposing on the Iranians and demanding that the rest of the world follow are intended not so much to effect regime change in and of themselves, but rather to prevent the Iranians for a time from securing nuclear firepower.

The Saudis, in the meantime, will have picked up, off the shelve, nuclear weapons from Pakistan. Backed by a nuclear-armed Israel that shares the Saudi fear of Iran and with whom Mohammed bin Salman has forged a close relationship, the two together with other Gulf states will be the ones to force regime change backed by the nuclear muscle that Iran lacks. They and not the Americans. So the thinking goes.

That scenario is useful for Trump because the last thing his base wants is any more engagements in foreign places — and that is especially true of the Middle East. Hence, his oft-repeated and ill-thought-out vows to withdraw American troops. These are gambits, designed to shore up his support as he heads into what will undoubtedly prove for him a bruising and difficult re-election bid in 2020.

The Iranians, however, will not succumb. Indeed, such naked threats will only serve to pull the country’s often battling factions together. Iran will do whatever is necessary to acquire a nuclear counter-punch. And Vladimir Putin, burnishing his already significant power in the region, may be very happy to oblige.

A nuclear stand-off in the Gulf, with all that that implies, could be far closer than any of us realises. 
 
(Bill Law is an award-winning journalist. He has reported extensively from the Middle East since 2002)

(This article was originally published on the Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/gulf-news-headlines-saudi-arabia-iran-inf-treaty-donald-trump-world-news-39871/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Bill Law One of the many challenges of covering the impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on global affairs is that in the constant churn of stories generated by his Twitter outbursts and the abrupt policy decisions he makes, really important stories get lost in the storm.

By Bill Law One of the many challenges of covering the impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on global affairs is that in the constant churn of stories generated by his Twitter outbursts and the abrupt policy decisions he makes, really important stories get lost in the storm. One of those lost stories happened the weekend before the US president’s delayed State of the Union address, which he finally delivered on February 5. On the preceding Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he was following in Trump’s footsteps and pulling out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). In what he called a “symmetrical response,” Putin signalled that a new nuclear arms race was underway: “Our American partners announced that they are suspending their participation in the INF Treaty, and we are suspending it too. They said that they are engaged in research, development and design work, and we will do the same.” It was a clever response, with Putin able to say that Russia was against the destruction of the treaty, but if that was what the US was going to do by walking away, then his country would mirror American actions step by step. You develop and build new nuclear weapons, we will too. There was a time, not so long ago, when the world was striving to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. All of those Cold War decades of delicate and exquisitely challenging negotiations designed to stave off nuclear annihilation now seem somehow quaintly old-fashioned. In the macho world of the new authoritarians, led by President Trump, the bigger the weapons and the more you have, the tougher you are. Trump’s reason for pulling out of the INF was that the Russians were non-compliant and were using the agreement as cover to get a leg up on America. That is undoubtedly the case but the treaty, even in violation, acted as a constraint. So, why would what is still the world’s greatest military superpower enable the Russians by walking away? And what are the implications for the Gulf and the wider Middle East as a new nuclear arms race emerges from Trump’s decision? Nuclear weapons in the Gulf To the first question, one can only speculate, given the strange and troubling relationship that Trump has with what has been America’s greatest enemy: Russia. It is the second question, however, that should be of most concern. As the war rhetoric against Iran ratchets up, and as the nonproliferation environment weakens, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may push to arm Saudi Arabia with nuclear weapons. Though he dismisses the Iranian military capacity in public, in private he must know that in any conventional war scenario, the battle-hardened Iranians would prevail on the ground. The Saudis may have sharpened their air expertise in Yemen at the expense of both the civilian population and the rebel Houthis, but it is ground forces that would ultimately decide the outcome. As the Yemen conflict has shown, Saudi Arabia’s ground troops are an incompetent and ill-prepared fighting force, hence the reliance on the air war to try subdue the Houthis. In a conventional war, the Iranians would use Iraq as the pathway to attack Saudi Arabia along its northern border. They could be in the capital Riyadh in a matter of days. That is a sobering thought and one that could serve as a catalyst for securing the bomb. The logical place to turn to is Pakistan, which has possessed nuclear weapons since the mid-1980s. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is much beholden to the Saudis, even more so than his predecessors. Indeed, he came to the so-called “Davos in the Desert” in October 2018 with a begging bowl in hand, one the Saudis were happy to fill. If Saudi Arabia acquired nuclear weapons, then it follows that Iran would do so as well. Indeed there are forces within Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who have long advocated that to preserve and protect the revolution, their nation must have the bomb. And here we come to the extraordinarily reckless and dangerous game that President Trump, National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are playing. Bolton, in particular, has long advocated for regime change in Iran. The harsh sanctions that America is imposing on the Iranians and demanding that the rest of the world follow are intended not so much to effect regime change in and of themselves, but rather to prevent the Iranians for a time from securing nuclear firepower. The Saudis, in the meantime, will have picked up, off the shelve, nuclear weapons from Pakistan. Backed by a nuclear-armed Israel that shares the Saudi fear of Iran and with whom Mohammed bin Salman has forged a close relationship, the two together with other Gulf states will be the ones to force regime change backed by the nuclear muscle that Iran lacks. They and not the Americans. So the thinking goes. That scenario is useful for Trump because the last thing his base wants is any more engagements in foreign places — and that is especially true of the Middle East. Hence, his oft-repeated and ill-thought-out vows to withdraw American troops. These are gambits, designed to shore up his support as he heads into what will undoubtedly prove for him a bruising and difficult re-election bid in 2020. The Iranians, however, will not succumb. Indeed, such naked threats will only serve to pull the country’s often battling factions together. Iran will do whatever is necessary to acquire a nuclear counter-punch. And Vladimir Putin, burnishing his already significant power in the region, may be very happy to oblige. A nuclear stand-off in the Gulf, with all that that implies, could be far closer than any of us realises. (Bill Law is an award-winning journalist. He has reported extensively from the Middle East since 2002) (This article was originally published on the Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The dangerous nuclear games in the Gulf

When Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler opened a full-frontal investigative onslaught against President Donald Trump on Monday, it should have surprised no one: the two New Yorkers have been feuding for three decades.

The Brooklyn native, at 71 -- one year younger than his White House nemesis -- went into battle in the 1980s against Trump's New York real estate projects as a state assemblyman, and since then the two have never made up.

In January, when he became chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives, he put the billionaire president back in his sights.

The investigation he has launched, demanding documents from 81 people, companies and institutions, shows Nadler and fellow Democrats eyeing Trump for possible corruption, collusion with Russia and obstruction of justice.

The war between the two began in the 1980s when Nadler represented the affluent Upper West Side of Manhattan in the state legislature and opposed a huge development by Trump that would transform the historic district.

Launched shortly after the construction of Trump Tower on 5th Avenue, the project originally envisaged a 150-story skyscraper with Trump occupying the lavish penthouse.

But opposition from residents led in part by Nadler forced the real estate magnate to substantially revise his ambitions.

And when Nadler gained a seat in the US Congress in 1992, he continued to pressure Trump, successfully suppressing the use of federal funds in support of the project.

Presiding over any impeachment effort

In a book published in 2000, "The America We Deserve," Trump took his revenge, singling out Nadler as "one of the most egregious hacks in contemporary politics."

He has also attacked Nadler over his weight, telling the politician he should "lose 200 pounds" (90 kilograms).

Admittedly overweight, in 2002 Nadler underwent stomach reduction surgery, and radically changed his diet, resulting in a quick six-pound loss but leaving him still hefty for his five-foot, four-inch (1.63-meter) frame.

The Democrats wresting back power in the House in November's elections placed Nadler in a position of substantial power leading the Judiciary Committee.

A staunch defender of civil and LGBTQ rights and of public transport, he has made Trump's animosity toward him a point of honour.

If any of the multiple investigations of Trump do produce evidence of serious wrongdoing, Nadler will have the point position in impeachment proceedings.

He knows the routine already: in the impeachment of Bill Clinton in 1998 over the Monica Lewinsky affair, Nadler was one of the Democratic president's toughest defenders against the Republican attack.

But for the moment, Nadler remains cautious about what the investigations will produce on Trump.

"Impeachment is a long way down the road," he told ABC television's "This Week" on Sunday.

When Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler opened a full-frontal investigative onslaught against President Donald Trump on Monday, it should have surprised no one: the two New Yorkers have been feuding for three decades.

When Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler opened a full-frontal investigative onslaught against President Donald Trump on Monday, it should have surprised no one: the two New Yorkers have been feuding for three decades. The Brooklyn native, at 71 -- one year younger than his White House nemesis -- went into battle in the 1980s against Trump's New York real estate projects as a state assemblyman, and since then the two have never made up. In January, when he became chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives, he put the billionaire president back in his sights. The investigation he has launched, demanding documents from 81 people, companies and institutions, shows Nadler and fellow Democrats eyeing Trump for possible corruption, collusion with Russia and obstruction of justice. The war between the two began in the 1980s when Nadler represented the affluent Upper West Side of Manhattan in the state legislature and opposed a huge development by Trump that would transform the historic district. Launched shortly after the construction of Trump Tower on 5th Avenue, the project originally envisaged a 150-story skyscraper with Trump occupying the lavish penthouse. But opposition from residents led in part by Nadler forced the real estate magnate to substantially revise his ambitions. And when Nadler gained a seat in the US Congress in 1992, he continued to pressure Trump, successfully suppressing the use of federal funds in support of the project. Presiding over any impeachment effort In a book published in 2000, "The America We Deserve," Trump took his revenge, singling out Nadler as "one of the most egregious hacks in contemporary politics." He has also attacked Nadler over his weight, telling the politician he should "lose 200 pounds" (90 kilograms). Admittedly overweight, in 2002 Nadler underwent stomach reduction surgery, and radically changed his diet, resulting in a quick six-pound loss but leaving him still hefty for his five-foot, four-inch (1.63-meter) frame. The Democrats wresting back power in the House in November's elections placed Nadler in a position of substantial power leading the Judiciary Committee. A staunch defender of civil and LGBTQ rights and of public transport, he has made Trump's animosity toward him a point of honour. If any of the multiple investigations of Trump do produce evidence of serious wrongdoing, Nadler will have the point position in impeachment proceedings. He knows the routine already: in the impeachment of Bill Clinton in 1998 over the Monica Lewinsky affair, Nadler was one of the Democratic president's toughest defenders against the Republican attack. But for the moment, Nadler remains cautious about what the investigations will produce on Trump. "Impeachment is a long way down the road," he told ABC television's "This Week" on Sunday.

Democrat Nadler and Trump: From New York feud to Russia probe

US President Donald Trump on Monday denied that he ordered an end to major US-South Korean military exercises as a concession to North Korea's totalitarian leader Kim Jong-un.

The previously annual, large-scale manoeuvres -- meant to keep troops ready in case of conflict with North Korea -- were shelved shortly after Trump's summit last week with Kim in Hanoi.

Trump denied there was any link.

"The military drills, or war games as I call them, were never even discussed in my mtg w/ Kim Jong Un," he tweeted.

"I made that decision long ago because it costs the US&nbsp;far too much money to have those 'games', especially since we are not reimbursed for the tremendous cost!" he said in the tweet.

There are close to 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea, and their annual drills with tens of thousands of South Korean soldiers have angered North Korea, which claims they are rehearsals for invasion.

While Trump has ruled out withdrawing US troops, he has repeatedly complained about the cost of the exercises, describing them at a press conference in Hanoi as "very, very expensive."

Trump's summit with Kim ended with no progress toward Washington's goal of getting the isolated country to give up its nuclear weapons.

US President Donald Trump on Monday denied that he ordered an end to major US-South Korean military exercises as a concession to North Korea's totalitarian leader Kim Jong-un.

US President Donald Trump on Monday denied that he ordered an end to major US-South Korean military exercises as a concession to North Korea's totalitarian leader Kim Jong-un. The previously annual, large-scale manoeuvres -- meant to keep troops ready in case of conflict with North Korea -- were shelved shortly after Trump's summit last week with Kim in Hanoi. Trump denied there was any link. "The military drills, or war games as I call them, were never even discussed in my mtg w/ Kim Jong Un," he tweeted. "I made that decision long ago because it costs the US far too much money to have those 'games', especially since we are not reimbursed for the tremendous cost!" he said in the tweet. There are close to 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea, and their annual drills with tens of thousands of South Korean soldiers have angered North Korea, which claims they are rehearsals for invasion. While Trump has ruled out withdrawing US troops, he has repeatedly complained about the cost of the exercises, describing them at a press conference in Hanoi as "very, very expensive." Trump's summit with Kim ended with no progress toward Washington's goal of getting the isolated country to give up its nuclear weapons.

Trump says ending South Korea war games not concession to Kim

Kim Jong-Un returns to North Korea after failed summit with Donald Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-launch-sweeping-probe-targeting-dozens-in-trump-orbit-201205">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;branded Democratic opponents "crazy" and guilty of overreach Tuesday in a fevered response to a huge new Democratic-led probe of his alleged crimes.

In a searing burst of early morning tweets, the president said the House Judiciary Committee investigation launched Monday was "the greatest overreach in the history of our Country."

"The real crime is what the Dems are doing, and have done!" he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The greatest overreach in the history of our Country. The Dems are obstructing justice and will not get anything done. A big, fat, fishing expedition desperately in search of a crime, when in fact the real crime is what the Dems are doing, and have done!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1102934716607578112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Another tweet labelled Democratic leaders "stone cold CRAZY."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Now that they realize the only Collusion with Russia was done by Crooked Hillary Clinton &amp; the Democrats, Nadler, Schiff and the Dem heads of the Committees have gone stone cold CRAZY. 81 letter sent to innocent people to harass them. They won’t get ANYTHING done for our Country!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1102920338529288193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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"PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT!" said another.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1102934910900363266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Trump's exclamation mark- and capital letter-laden outbursts indicated rising temperature in a White House under assault from multiple directions.

Democrats, who took control of the House of Representatives last November, suspect Trump of a slew of potentially impeachable offences, including obstruction of justice and abuse of office.

The powerful judiciary committee is demanding information from 81 Trump-connected individuals and entities, including his sons.

The new front opened just as Trump braces for the results of an independent probe into his dealings with Russia by special prosecutor Robert Mueller.

Rumours that Mueller is close to ending his two-year investigation have set Washington on edge.

Debate over whether the prosecutor's findings should be made immediately public is already underway, with Democrats warning that attempts at a cover-up by the White House could lead them to subpoena Mueller to testify.

Republicans waver&nbsp; 
Trump's response to the pressure has been consistent with his longtime playbook: to insult accusers, admit no weakness, and rely on backing from his ultra-loyal political base.

Polls show that the president's support among Republican voters remains strong, even if Democratic voters are just as convinced in opposition.

However, cracks in Republican support at the top echelons of the party have appeared.

When the Democratic majority in the House voted to overturn Trump's controversial use of emergency powers to force funding for US-Mexico border wall construction, that was expected. However, this week four Republican senators have broken ranks to join their Democratic opponents in the upper house, meaning the motion can pass there too.

Trump will likely be able to brush aside that rebuke by using the first veto of his presidency. However, the fact that he has lost the guaranteed backing of his party in the Senate could point to trouble ahead.

2020 election link 
In Trump's combative vision of politics, the looming probes are not all bad news.

Already the White House is framing the Democratic onslaught as symptomatic of leftist radicalism supposedly threatening the country.

Trump has made the spectre of far-left socialism a growing part of his 2020 reelection campaign, even claiming that Democrats want to replicate the violent chaos underway in Venezuela.

"Democrats are harassing the President to distract from their radical agenda of making America a socialist country, killing babies after they're born, and pushing a 'green new deal' that would destroy jobs and bankrupt America," Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said late Monday.

Trump's other main angle of attack has been to dismiss the validity of the Mueller probe, which he has repeatedly dubbed a "witch hunt" and "phony" in hopes of reducing its credibility.

But in an indication that the president's rhetorical bombshells risk misfiring, former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb went public Tuesday with a surprising defence of Mueller, calling him an "American hero."

"I don't feel the investigation is a witch hunt," Cobb told ABC News podcast "The Investigation."

President Donald Trump branded Democratic opponents "crazy" and guilty of overreach Tuesday in a fevered response to a huge new Democratic-led probe of his alleged crimes.

President Donald Trump branded Democratic opponents "crazy" and guilty of overreach Tuesday in a fevered response to a huge new Democratic-led probe of his alleged crimes. In a searing burst of early morning tweets, the president said the House Judiciary Committee investigation launched Monday was "the greatest overreach in the history of our Country." "The real crime is what the Dems are doing, and have done!" he said. The greatest overreach in the history of our Country. The Dems are obstructing justice and will not get anything done. A big, fat, fishing expedition desperately in search of a crime, when in fact the real crime is what the Dems are doing, and have done! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2019 × Another tweet labelled Democratic leaders "stone cold CRAZY." Now that they realize the only Collusion with Russia was done by Crooked Hillary Clinton & the Democrats, Nadler, Schiff and the Dem heads of the Committees have gone stone cold CRAZY. 81 letter sent to innocent people to harass them. They won’t get ANYTHING done for our Country! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2019 × "PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT!" said another. PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2019 × Trump's exclamation mark- and capital letter-laden outbursts indicated rising temperature in a White House under assault from multiple directions. Democrats, who took control of the House of Representatives last November, suspect Trump of a slew of potentially impeachable offences, including obstruction of justice and abuse of office. The powerful judiciary committee is demanding information from 81 Trump-connected individuals and entities, including his sons. The new front opened just as Trump braces for the results of an independent probe into his dealings with Russia by special prosecutor Robert Mueller. Rumours that Mueller is close to ending his two-year investigation have set Washington on edge. Debate over whether the prosecutor's findings should be made immediately public is already underway, with Democrats warning that attempts at a cover-up by the White House could lead them to subpoena Mueller to testify. Republicans waver Trump's response to the pressure has been consistent with his longtime playbook: to insult accusers, admit no weakness, and rely on backing from his ultra-loyal political base. Polls show that the president's support among Republican voters remains strong, even if Democratic voters are just as convinced in opposition. However, cracks in Republican support at the top echelons of the party have appeared. When the Democratic majority in the House voted to overturn Trump's controversial use of emergency powers to force funding for US-Mexico border wall construction, that was expected. However, this week four Republican senators have broken ranks to join their Democratic opponents in the upper house, meaning the motion can pass there too. Trump will likely be able to brush aside that rebuke by using the first veto of his presidency. However, the fact that he has lost the guaranteed backing of his party in the Senate could point to trouble ahead. 2020 election link In Trump's combative vision of politics, the looming probes are not all bad news. Already the White House is framing the Democratic onslaught as symptomatic of leftist radicalism supposedly threatening the country. Trump has made the spectre of far-left socialism a growing part of his 2020 reelection campaign, even claiming that Democrats want to replicate the violent chaos underway in Venezuela. "Democrats are harassing the President to distract from their radical agenda of making America a socialist country, killing babies after they're born, and pushing a 'green new deal' that would destroy jobs and bankrupt America," Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said late Monday. Trump's other main angle of attack has been to dismiss the validity of the Mueller probe, which he has repeatedly dubbed a "witch hunt" and "phony" in hopes of reducing its credibility. But in an indication that the president's rhetorical bombshells risk misfiring, former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb went public Tuesday with a surprising defence of Mueller, calling him an "American hero." "I don't feel the investigation is a witch hunt," Cobb told ABC News podcast "The Investigation."

As Democrats probe his alleged crimes, Trump says they're 'stone cold CRAZY'

USA: Democrats launch new 'Trump probe'

The United States President Donald Trump intends to&nbsp;terminate the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program with India and Turkey,&nbsp;US trade chief's office said on Monday.

GSP is a preferential tariff system extended by developed countries to developing countries, also known as beneficiary countries, to grow their economy. It is a preferential arrangement that allows concessional low/zero tariff imports from&nbsp;120 designated beneficiary countries and territories.&nbsp;

Washington "intends to terminate India's and Turkey's designations as beneficiary developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program because they no longer comply with the statutory eligibility criteria," the Office of the US Trade Representative said in a statement.

The changes cannot take effect for at least 60 days following the notification of Congress as well as the countries affected -- a process Trump began Monday with letters to the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of the Senate.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-reciprocal-tax-on-india-to-match-tariffs-on-us-exports-says-donald-trump-200816">Want 'reciprocal tax' on India to match tariffs on US exports, says Donald Trump</a>

India has failed to provide assurances that it would allow required market access, while Turkey is "sufficiently economically developed" that it no longer qualifies, the statement read.

India, however, "has implemented a wide array of trade barriers that create serious negative effects on United States commerce," the statement said.

The statement also said that Turkey, after being designated a GSP beneficiary in 1975, has meanwhile demonstrated a "higher level of economic development," meaning that it can be "graduated" from the program.

Trump, who has vowed to reduce US trade deficits, has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs.

The US goods and services trade deficit with India was $27.3 billion in 2017, according to the US Trade Representative's Office.

India is the world's largest beneficiary of the GSP program and ending its participation would be the strongest punitive action against India since Trump took office in 2017.

"I will continue to assess whether the Government of India is providing equitable and reasonable access to its markets, in accordance with the GSP eligibility criteria," the President wrote in the letter sent to Congress.

India reportedly&nbsp;enjoys preferential tariff on exports worth of nearly $ 5.6 billion under the GSP route out of the total exports of $48 billion in 2017-18.

On Saturday as well,&nbsp;Trump accused India of being a "high tariff nation" and threatened to impose "a reciprocal tax" to match heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods from the United States.

Addressing the last day of a four-day annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, the US President said, "India is a very high tariff nation. When we send a motorcycle to India, they charge 100 per cent tariff. When India sends a motorcycle to us, we charge nothing. I want a reciprocal tax, at least I want to charge a tax."

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

The United States President Donald Trump intends to terminate the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program with India and Turkey, US trade chief's office said on Monday.

The United States President Donald Trump intends to terminate the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program with India and Turkey, US trade chief's office said on Monday. GSP is a preferential tariff system extended by developed countries to developing countries, also known as beneficiary countries, to grow their economy. It is a preferential arrangement that allows concessional low/zero tariff imports from 120 designated beneficiary countries and territories. Washington "intends to terminate India's and Turkey's designations as beneficiary developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program because they no longer comply with the statutory eligibility criteria," the Office of the US Trade Representative said in a statement. The changes cannot take effect for at least 60 days following the notification of Congress as well as the countries affected -- a process Trump began Monday with letters to the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of the Senate. Also read: Want 'reciprocal tax' on India to match tariffs on US exports, says Donald Trump India has failed to provide assurances that it would allow required market access, while Turkey is "sufficiently economically developed" that it no longer qualifies, the statement read. India, however, "has implemented a wide array of trade barriers that create serious negative effects on United States commerce," the statement said. The statement also said that Turkey, after being designated a GSP beneficiary in 1975, has meanwhile demonstrated a "higher level of economic development," meaning that it can be "graduated" from the program. Trump, who has vowed to reduce US trade deficits, has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs. The US goods and services trade deficit with India was $27.3 billion in 2017, according to the US Trade Representative's Office. India is the world's largest beneficiary of the GSP program and ending its participation would be the strongest punitive action against India since Trump took office in 2017. "I will continue to assess whether the Government of India is providing equitable and reasonable access to its markets, in accordance with the GSP eligibility criteria," the President wrote in the letter sent to Congress. India reportedly enjoys preferential tariff on exports worth of nearly $ 5.6 billion under the GSP route out of the total exports of $48 billion in 2017-18. On Saturday as well, Trump accused India of being a "high tariff nation" and threatened to impose "a reciprocal tax" to match heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods from the United States. Addressing the last day of a four-day annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, the US President said, "India is a very high tariff nation. When we send a motorcycle to India, they charge 100 per cent tariff. When India sends a motorcycle to us, we charge nothing. I want a reciprocal tax, at least I want to charge a tax." (With inputs from agencies)

I intend to end preferential trade status for India, Turkey: Trump

US Democratic lawmakers launched Monday their most ambitious investigation yet into alleged obstruction of justice and abuse of office by Donald Trump, targeting dozens of individuals in the president's inner circle.

With controversies swirling around Trump, the powerful House Judiciary Committee's chairman sent strongly worded letters to family members of the president -- including sons Don Jr and Eric -- as well as political confidantes and related entities.

The letters demanded documents that could shed light on possible wrongdoing by the administration and Trump himself.

Son-in-law Jared Kushner and the Trump Organisation's longtime chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, were among the 81 people and organisations -- such as the National Rifle Association -- receiving letters from the panel's Democratic chairman Jerry Nadler.

They also include White House ex-aides Steve Bannon and Hope Hicks, current Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, former attorney general Jeff Sessions, and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

The request is the most serious overt ramp-up of investigations into Trump since Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in early January, and seeks to uncover whether Trump or his administration participated in the obstruction of justice or public corruption -- potentially impeachable offences.&nbsp;

"This is a critical time for our nation, and we have a responsibility to investigate these matters and hold hearings for the public to have all the facts," Nadler said in a statement.

"Over the last several years, President Trump has evaded accountability for his near-daily attacks on our basic legal, ethical, and constitutional rules and norms," he added.

"Investigating these threats to the rule of law is an obligation of Congress."

'Political hoax'?

Trump himself swatted away the probe as a "political hoax," but said he would cooperate.

He later hardened his reaction, tweeting that any effort by the Democrats to probe new avenues of possible wrongdoing "will never work."

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders lambasted the probe as "disgraceful and abusive."

"Chairman Nadler and his fellow Democrats have embarked on this fishing expedition because they are terrified that their two-year false narrative of 'Russia collusion' is crumbling," she added.

"Their intimidation and abuse of American citisens are shameful. Democrats are harassing the president to distract from their radical agenda of making America a socialist country, killing babies after they're born, and pushing a 'green new deal' that would destroy jobs and bankrupt America."

The unusually strong statement further claimed that "the Democrats are not after the truth, they are after the president."

Conspicuously absent from the list of Nadler's targets -- who have two weeks to respond -- is the president's eldest daughter Ivanka Trump, a senior White House advisor married to Kushner.

The chairmen of three other House panels also joined the fray, demanding the White House produce details of communications between Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, after reports that such information was destroyed or hidden in the aftermath of their 2017 Helsinki summit.

The US intelligence community has concluded that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election and that Putin ordered the influence campaign as a way to help elect Trump. The US president has repeatedly cast doubt on the findings.

Nadler's broad investigation focuses on Trump's business dealings and obstruction of justice allegations, along with possible Russian collusion.

It also will address accusations of campaign finance law violations and potential violations of the US Constitution's ban on foreign emoluments.

Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, in explosive congressional testimony last week, implicated the president in illegal activities, including a scheme shortly before the 2016 election to pay hush money to two women who say they had affairs with Trump.

One of the women reportedly received the payoffs through American Media Inc, a company run by longtime Trump ally David Pecker.

Nadler demanded information from both Pecker and AMI about their involvement.

Letters to other key players include requests for information on the June 2016 meeting in Trump Tower attended by Kushner, Trump Jr, now-jailed former campaign manager Paul Manafort and a Russian lawyer reportedly close to the Kremlin, and documents surrounding the termination of FBI director James Comey.

The expansive new probe could pave the way toward possible impeachment proceedings against Trump.

But Democratic congressional leaders, including Nadler and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have been reticent about pushing for the president's impeachment.&nbsp;

Nadler told ABC television's "This Week" that such action would be "a long way down the road."

However, he added, "it's very clear that the president obstructed justice."

In addition to the NRA, Nadler also sought documents from the White House, the Trump Organisation, Trump's charity, the FBI and Cambridge Analytica -- a data company that worked with the Trump campaign and has been investigated by Congress in connection with Russia's election interference efforts.

US Democratic lawmakers launched Monday their most ambitious investigation yet into alleged obstruction of justice and abuse of office by Donald Trump, targeting dozens of individuals in the president's inner circle.

US Democratic lawmakers launched Monday their most ambitious investigation yet into alleged obstruction of justice and abuse of office by Donald Trump, targeting dozens of individuals in the president's inner circle. With controversies swirling around Trump, the powerful House Judiciary Committee's chairman sent strongly worded letters to family members of the president -- including sons Don Jr and Eric -- as well as political confidantes and related entities. The letters demanded documents that could shed light on possible wrongdoing by the administration and Trump himself. Son-in-law Jared Kushner and the Trump Organisation's longtime chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, were among the 81 people and organisations -- such as the National Rifle Association -- receiving letters from the panel's Democratic chairman Jerry Nadler. They also include White House ex-aides Steve Bannon and Hope Hicks, current Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, former attorney general Jeff Sessions, and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The request is the most serious overt ramp-up of investigations into Trump since Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in early January, and seeks to uncover whether Trump or his administration participated in the obstruction of justice or public corruption -- potentially impeachable offences. "This is a critical time for our nation, and we have a responsibility to investigate these matters and hold hearings for the public to have all the facts," Nadler said in a statement. "Over the last several years, President Trump has evaded accountability for his near-daily attacks on our basic legal, ethical, and constitutional rules and norms," he added. "Investigating these threats to the rule of law is an obligation of Congress." 'Political hoax'? Trump himself swatted away the probe as a "political hoax," but said he would cooperate. He later hardened his reaction, tweeting that any effort by the Democrats to probe new avenues of possible wrongdoing "will never work." White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders lambasted the probe as "disgraceful and abusive." "Chairman Nadler and his fellow Democrats have embarked on this fishing expedition because they are terrified that their two-year false narrative of 'Russia collusion' is crumbling," she added. "Their intimidation and abuse of American citisens are shameful. Democrats are harassing the president to distract from their radical agenda of making America a socialist country, killing babies after they're born, and pushing a 'green new deal' that would destroy jobs and bankrupt America." The unusually strong statement further claimed that "the Democrats are not after the truth, they are after the president." Conspicuously absent from the list of Nadler's targets -- who have two weeks to respond -- is the president's eldest daughter Ivanka Trump, a senior White House advisor married to Kushner. The chairmen of three other House panels also joined the fray, demanding the White House produce details of communications between Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, after reports that such information was destroyed or hidden in the aftermath of their 2017 Helsinki summit. The US intelligence community has concluded that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election and that Putin ordered the influence campaign as a way to help elect Trump. The US president has repeatedly cast doubt on the findings. Nadler's broad investigation focuses on Trump's business dealings and obstruction of justice allegations, along with possible Russian collusion. It also will address accusations of campaign finance law violations and potential violations of the US Constitution's ban on foreign emoluments. Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, in explosive congressional testimony last week, implicated the president in illegal activities, including a scheme shortly before the 2016 election to pay hush money to two women who say they had affairs with Trump. One of the women reportedly received the payoffs through American Media Inc, a company run by longtime Trump ally David Pecker. Nadler demanded information from both Pecker and AMI about their involvement. Letters to other key players include requests for information on the June 2016 meeting in Trump Tower attended by Kushner, Trump Jr, now-jailed former campaign manager Paul Manafort and a Russian lawyer reportedly close to the Kremlin, and documents surrounding the termination of FBI director James Comey. The expansive new probe could pave the way toward possible impeachment proceedings against Trump. But Democratic congressional leaders, including Nadler and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have been reticent about pushing for the president's impeachment. Nadler told ABC television's "This Week" that such action would be "a long way down the road." However, he added, "it's very clear that the president obstructed justice." In addition to the NRA, Nadler also sought documents from the White House, the Trump Organisation, Trump's charity, the FBI and Cambridge Analytica -- a data company that worked with the Trump campaign and has been investigated by Congress in connection with Russia's election interference efforts.

Democrats launch sweeping probe targeting dozens in Trump orbit

Republican and Democratic US senators said on Monday they were frustrated with the Trump administration's failure to provide more information about the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi and vowed to push for a stronger response.

State and Treasury Department officials briefed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee behind closed doors on Monday evening. Lawmakers said they had learned nothing new.

"It was a complete waste of time. I knew more than they did," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump on many issues, told reporters.

Graham said it was time for more action, but did not elaborate.

Republican Senator Mitt Romney said: "It was not very helpful. And it was frustrating for a number of us to have made so little progress."

Bob Menendez, the committee's ranking Democrat, said new sanctions should be levied, possibly via legislation he co-sponsored with Graham.

"I think the Senate's going to have to act unless it is willing to accept the death of a U.S. resident journalist as an acceptable action because of a broader relationship. I don't accept that," Menendez said.

The Trump administration missed a February deadline to report to Congress on who was responsible for Khashoggi's death. In Saudi Arabia, 11 suspects have been indicted in the murder, and officials have rejected accusations that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing.

The report was required after lawmakers last year triggered a provision of the 2016 Global Magnitsky human rights act requiring that a Trump administration investigation.

"The Senate needs to act. Otherwise, Global Magnitsky will have no consequence and any administration, this one or another, can just ignore it," Menendez said.

Senator Jim Risch, the committee's Republican chairman, has not joined the criticism of the administration but has sought more information.

"This is a work in progress, and we will not let it go," Risch said in a written statement after the briefing. It said written material from the State Department was being reviewed.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the Riyadh government, was killed at a Saudi consulate in Turkey in October. His death fuelled simmering discontent in Washington over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and heavy civilian casualties in Yemen's civil war, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Last month, the Democratic-led House of Representatives approved a rare war powers resolution that would end US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

The timing of a Senate vote is uncertain.

Republican and Democratic US senators said on Monday they were frustrated with the Trump administration's failure to provide more information about the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi and vowed to push for a stronger response.

Republican and Democratic US senators said on Monday they were frustrated with the Trump administration's failure to provide more information about the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi and vowed to push for a stronger response. State and Treasury Department officials briefed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee behind closed doors on Monday evening. Lawmakers said they had learned nothing new. "It was a complete waste of time. I knew more than they did," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump on many issues, told reporters. Graham said it was time for more action, but did not elaborate. Republican Senator Mitt Romney said: "It was not very helpful. And it was frustrating for a number of us to have made so little progress." Bob Menendez, the committee's ranking Democrat, said new sanctions should be levied, possibly via legislation he co-sponsored with Graham. "I think the Senate's going to have to act unless it is willing to accept the death of a U.S. resident journalist as an acceptable action because of a broader relationship. I don't accept that," Menendez said. The Trump administration missed a February deadline to report to Congress on who was responsible for Khashoggi's death. In Saudi Arabia, 11 suspects have been indicted in the murder, and officials have rejected accusations that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing. The report was required after lawmakers last year triggered a provision of the 2016 Global Magnitsky human rights act requiring that a Trump administration investigation. "The Senate needs to act. Otherwise, Global Magnitsky will have no consequence and any administration, this one or another, can just ignore it," Menendez said. Senator Jim Risch, the committee's Republican chairman, has not joined the criticism of the administration but has sought more information. "This is a work in progress, and we will not let it go," Risch said in a written statement after the briefing. It said written material from the State Department was being reviewed. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the Riyadh government, was killed at a Saudi consulate in Turkey in October. His death fuelled simmering discontent in Washington over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and heavy civilian casualties in Yemen's civil war, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Last month, the Democratic-led House of Representatives approved a rare war powers resolution that would end US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The timing of a Senate vote is uncertain.

US senators pledge to push Trump for stronger response on Khashoggi's death

Republican US Senator Rand Paul said he would vote in favour of a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-house-will-terminate-the-emergency-declaration-says-us-democrat-nancy-pelosi-199736"> resolution to end President Donald Trump's US-Mexico border emergency declaration</a>, according to a media report, likely giving Democrats the votes to pass the measure in the Senate.

Trump, who has promised to issue his first veto if the Senate approves the resolution, declared an emergency last month in a bid to fund a wall along the border without congressional approval.

While the Senate appears unlikely to muster the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-strikes-down-trumps-border-emergency-199924"> two-thirds majority needed to override a veto</a>, a passage in the Republican-controlled chamber would be an embarrassment for the president, who has failed over more than two years in office to persuade Congress to fund his wall, a central promise of his presidential campaign.

"I can’t vote to give the president the power to spend money that hasn’t been appropriated by Congress," Paul said in a speech on Saturday at Western Kentucky University, according to the Bowling Green Daily News.

"We may want more money for border security, but Congress didn't authorise it. If we take away those checks and balances, it's a dangerous thing," he added.

Paul's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in funding for his "great, great wall" triggered the longest-ever partial US government shutdown in December and January. The government reopened but Trump later declared a national emergency in an effort to obtain funds Congress had approved for other purposes.

Rand became the fourth Republican senator to publicly back the resolution. Assuming all Democrats and the two independents who caucus with them vote in favour of the resolution, it would clear the Senate and end up on the president's desk. Republicans hold 53 of the 100 Senate seats.

An identical version of the measure has already been approved in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.

Democrats argue there is no border emergency and that Trump is overreaching with his declaration given that the Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse strings.

The declaration is already being challenged in the courts.

Trump has warned Senate Republicans not to vote for the resolution, saying that doing so would put them in "great jeopardy" politically with voters.

Republican US Senator Rand Paul said he would vote in favour of a resolution to end President Donald Trump's US-Mexico border emergency declaration, according to a media report, likely giving Democrats the votes to pass the measure in the Senate.

Republican US Senator Rand Paul said he would vote in favour of a resolution to end President Donald Trump's US-Mexico border emergency declaration, according to a media report, likely giving Democrats the votes to pass the measure in the Senate. Trump, who has promised to issue his first veto if the Senate approves the resolution, declared an emergency last month in a bid to fund a wall along the border without congressional approval. While the Senate appears unlikely to muster the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto, a passage in the Republican-controlled chamber would be an embarrassment for the president, who has failed over more than two years in office to persuade Congress to fund his wall, a central promise of his presidential campaign. "I can’t vote to give the president the power to spend money that hasn’t been appropriated by Congress," Paul said in a speech on Saturday at Western Kentucky University, according to the Bowling Green Daily News. "We may want more money for border security, but Congress didn't authorise it. If we take away those checks and balances, it's a dangerous thing," he added. Paul's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in funding for his "great, great wall" triggered the longest-ever partial US government shutdown in December and January. The government reopened but Trump later declared a national emergency in an effort to obtain funds Congress had approved for other purposes. Rand became the fourth Republican senator to publicly back the resolution. Assuming all Democrats and the two independents who caucus with them vote in favour of the resolution, it would clear the Senate and end up on the president's desk. Republicans hold 53 of the 100 Senate seats. An identical version of the measure has already been approved in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. Democrats argue there is no border emergency and that Trump is overreaching with his declaration given that the Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse strings. The declaration is already being challenged in the courts. Trump has warned Senate Republicans not to vote for the resolution, saying that doing so would put them in "great jeopardy" politically with voters.

Republican Senator Rand Paul to vote against Trump's emergency order

China's premier warned Tuesday that the country faces a "tough struggle" as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hikes-defence-budget-by-75-to-17761-billion-201192">he unveiled tax cuts</a> to prop up a stuttering economy while increasing military spending to nearly $180 billion.

The slowdown and US trade war have become major challenges for President Xi Jinping, a year after becoming the country's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong with the abolition of term limits and etching of his name into the constitution.

Premier Li Keqiang told the opening session of China's annual National People's Congress that the government is targeting growth of 6.0-6.5 per cent this year for the world's second-largest economy, lowering its range from 2018.

Nearly 3,000 delegates from across the country gathered under tight security, with legislation aimed at improving conditions for foreign investors topping the agenda of the two-week session.

"In pursuing development this year, we will face a graver and more complicated environment as well as risks and challenges ... that are greater in number and size," Li said in his speech.

"We must be fully prepared for a tough struggle," he said.

The government had set a target of around 6.5 per cent in 2018 and eventually recorded official growth of 6.6 per cent -- the slowest pace in nearly three decades. Three-quarters of provinces have already lowered their annual growth targets this year.

Taxes cut, spending boosted&nbsp; 
"We have made a moderate adjustment to our projection on the basis of a thorough assessment of destabilising factors and uncertainties affecting the economic performance," Li said.

To combat slowing growth, policymakers have said they will lower taxes, reduce fees and streamline red tape.

China will cut company taxes and employer social insurance contributions paid on behalf of workers by nearly 2 trillion yuan ($298 billion), Li said.

The value-added tax for manufacturers will be lowered to 13 per cent from 16 per cent and drop one per cent for the transportation and construction industries.

Beijing will also lift spending, with China's targeted fiscal deficit set to increase to 2.8 per cent of GDP, from 2.6 per cent last year.

"They need to strike a balance between boosting economic activity and not restart another debt-fuelled boom," said Tai Hui of JP Morgan Asset Management.

Fiscal policy will be "proactive", while monetary policy will remain "prudent", Li said, outlining cuts to the reserve ratios at medium and small banks to unleash more funds into the economy.

Beijing is determined to achieve above six per cent growth for the next two years to "meet its promise" of doubling GDP for the decade ending 2020, said Lu Ting, an analyst at Nomura bank.

Economic difficulties&nbsp; 
Despite the slowdown, the government unveiled a military budget increase of 7.5 per cent to 1.2 trillion yuan, though that is lower than last year's 8.1 per cent hike.

China has spent billions on stealth warplanes, aircraft carriers and other advanced weaponry as it faces territorial disputes in the South China Sea and issues warnings against independence in Taiwan.

Recent economic data point to the difficulties China faces, with growth in the last three months of 2018 clocking in at 6.4 per cent.

In January, an important barometer of prices in the country's industrial sector neared contraction territory while China's imports fell at the start of the year.

Manufacturing activity saw its worst performance in three years in February.

But the country's stock market soared to its highest point in more than eight months Monday on renewed optimism about a US trade deal.

Relations with the United States deteriorated sharply last year after President Donald Trump hit roughly half of the Chinese imports with new tariffs in an attempt to force trade concessions. But Trump has voiced confidence that he could soon sign a deal with Xi.

Li said China will settle "trade disputes through discussions as equals".

Enforcement of any agreement with the US has emerged as a potential sticking point.

"We faithfully honour our commitments," Li said.

"Right now both teams are still negotiating because there is still lots left to do," Commerce Minister Zhong Shan told reporters, adding there have been "breakthroughs in some areas".

The legislature will next week pass a new law regulating foreign investment and barring the forced transfer of technology by foreign firms to Chinese joint venture partners, in a move that could help ease US trade tensions.

Beijing will "create a fair and impartial market environment where Chinese and foreign companies are treated as equals and engage in fair competition", Li said.&nbsp;

China's premier warned Tuesday that the country faces a "tough struggle" as he unveiled tax cuts to prop up a stuttering economy while increasing military spending to nearly $180 billion.

China's premier warned Tuesday that the country faces a "tough struggle" as he unveiled tax cuts to prop up a stuttering economy while increasing military spending to nearly $180 billion. The slowdown and US trade war have become major challenges for President Xi Jinping, a year after becoming the country's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong with the abolition of term limits and etching of his name into the constitution. Premier Li Keqiang told the opening session of China's annual National People's Congress that the government is targeting growth of 6.0-6.5 per cent this year for the world's second-largest economy, lowering its range from 2018. Nearly 3,000 delegates from across the country gathered under tight security, with legislation aimed at improving conditions for foreign investors topping the agenda of the two-week session. "In pursuing development this year, we will face a graver and more complicated environment as well as risks and challenges ... that are greater in number and size," Li said in his speech. "We must be fully prepared for a tough struggle," he said. The government had set a target of around 6.5 per cent in 2018 and eventually recorded official growth of 6.6 per cent -- the slowest pace in nearly three decades. Three-quarters of provinces have already lowered their annual growth targets this year. Taxes cut, spending boosted "We have made a moderate adjustment to our projection on the basis of a thorough assessment of destabilising factors and uncertainties affecting the economic performance," Li said. To combat slowing growth, policymakers have said they will lower taxes, reduce fees and streamline red tape. China will cut company taxes and employer social insurance contributions paid on behalf of workers by nearly 2 trillion yuan ($298 billion), Li said. The value-added tax for manufacturers will be lowered to 13 per cent from 16 per cent and drop one per cent for the transportation and construction industries. Beijing will also lift spending, with China's targeted fiscal deficit set to increase to 2.8 per cent of GDP, from 2.6 per cent last year. "They need to strike a balance between boosting economic activity and not restart another debt-fuelled boom," said Tai Hui of JP Morgan Asset Management. Fiscal policy will be "proactive", while monetary policy will remain "prudent", Li said, outlining cuts to the reserve ratios at medium and small banks to unleash more funds into the economy. Beijing is determined to achieve above six per cent growth for the next two years to "meet its promise" of doubling GDP for the decade ending 2020, said Lu Ting, an analyst at Nomura bank. Economic difficulties Despite the slowdown, the government unveiled a military budget increase of 7.5 per cent to 1.2 trillion yuan, though that is lower than last year's 8.1 per cent hike. China has spent billions on stealth warplanes, aircraft carriers and other advanced weaponry as it faces territorial disputes in the South China Sea and issues warnings against independence in Taiwan. Recent economic data point to the difficulties China faces, with growth in the last three months of 2018 clocking in at 6.4 per cent. In January, an important barometer of prices in the country's industrial sector neared contraction territory while China's imports fell at the start of the year. Manufacturing activity saw its worst performance in three years in February. But the country's stock market soared to its highest point in more than eight months Monday on renewed optimism about a US trade deal. Relations with the United States deteriorated sharply last year after President Donald Trump hit roughly half of the Chinese imports with new tariffs in an attempt to force trade concessions. But Trump has voiced confidence that he could soon sign a deal with Xi. Li said China will settle "trade disputes through discussions as equals". Enforcement of any agreement with the US has emerged as a potential sticking point. "We faithfully honour our commitments," Li said. "Right now both teams are still negotiating because there is still lots left to do," Commerce Minister Zhong Shan told reporters, adding there have been "breakthroughs in some areas". The legislature will next week pass a new law regulating foreign investment and barring the forced transfer of technology by foreign firms to Chinese joint venture partners, in a move that could help ease US trade tensions. Beijing will "create a fair and impartial market environment where Chinese and foreign companies are treated as equals and engage in fair competition", Li said.

With economy slowing, China Premier Li Keqiang says 'tough struggle' ahead

Hillary Clinton has for the first time ruled out running for president in 2020.

"I'm not running, but I'm going to keep on working and speaking and standing up for what I believe," Clinton said Monday in an interview with News 12, a local TV channel in New York.

Clinton was the frontrunner in 2016 but ended up losing to Donald Trump.

"I want to be sure that people understand I'm going to keep speaking out," Clinton said.

"I'm not going anywhere. What's at stake in our country, the kinds of things that are happening right now, are deeply troubling to me."

Clinton has held meetings with some of the Democrats who are now vying for the party nomination or considering a run. CNN has reported that they include former vice president Joe Biden, who has not yet said if he is running.

"I've told every one of them, don't take anything for granted, even though we have a long list of real problems and broken promises from this administration that need to be highlighted," Clinton said.

Asked if she would run again for some kind of public office, she seemed to avoid ruling that out.

"I don't think so, but I love living in New York and I'm so grateful that I had the chance to be a senator for eight years and to work with people across our state," said the former secretary of state and senator for New York state. 
&nbsp;

Hillary Clinton has for the first time ruled out running for president in 2020. "I'm not running, but I'm going to keep on working and speaking and standing up for what I believe," Clinton said Monday in an interview with News 12, a local TV channel in New York.

Hillary Clinton has for the first time ruled out running for president in 2020. "I'm not running, but I'm going to keep on working and speaking and standing up for what I believe," Clinton said Monday in an interview with News 12, a local TV channel in New York. Clinton was the frontrunner in 2016 but ended up losing to Donald Trump. "I want to be sure that people understand I'm going to keep speaking out," Clinton said. "I'm not going anywhere. What's at stake in our country, the kinds of things that are happening right now, are deeply troubling to me." Clinton has held meetings with some of the Democrats who are now vying for the party nomination or considering a run. CNN has reported that they include former vice president Joe Biden, who has not yet said if he is running. "I've told every one of them, don't take anything for granted, even though we have a long list of real problems and broken promises from this administration that need to be highlighted," Clinton said. Asked if she would run again for some kind of public office, she seemed to avoid ruling that out. "I don't think so, but I love living in New York and I'm so grateful that I had the chance to be a senator for eight years and to work with people across our state," said the former secretary of state and senator for New York state.

Hillary Clinton rules out running for 2020 presidential run

US President Donald Trump on Monday blasted the&nbsp;Democrats and said that&nbsp;decision to interview his longtime fixer, lawyer Michael Cohen, on the same day as a meeting with Kim Jong Un may have led to the North Korea summit ending with no deal.

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For the Democrats to interview in open hearings a convicted liar &amp; fraudster, at the same time as the very important Nuclear Summit with North Korea, is perhaps a new low in American politics and may have contributed to the “walk.” Never done when a president is overseas. Shame!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1102373344987496448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"For the Democrats to interview in open hearings a convicted liar &amp; fraudster, at the same time as the very important Nuclear Summit with North Korea, is perhaps a new low in American politics and may have contributed to the 'walk.'" Trump said on Twitter, referring to his decision to walk away from what he previously said was a bad deal with Kim.

"Never done when a president is overseas. Shame!"

Last week in Hanoi Trump and Kim met for the second time to try to negotiate a deal that would surrender some of North Korea's nuclear weapons arsenal in return for sanctions relief.

At the same time in Washington, Trump's former aide Cohen was testifying before the US House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee, accusing Trump of ordering his personal attorney to make threats for him about 500 times over the last 10 years.

US President Donald Trump on Monday blasted the Democrats and said that decision to interview his longtime fixer, lawyer Michael Cohen, on the same day as a meeting with Kim Jong Un may have led to the North Korea summit ending with no deal.

US President Donald Trump on Monday blasted the Democrats and said that decision to interview his longtime fixer, lawyer Michael Cohen, on the same day as a meeting with Kim Jong Un may have led to the North Korea summit ending with no deal. For the Democrats to interview in open hearings a convicted liar & fraudster, at the same time as the very important Nuclear Summit with North Korea, is perhaps a new low in American politics and may have contributed to the “walk.” Never done when a president is overseas. Shame! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2019 × "For the Democrats to interview in open hearings a convicted liar & fraudster, at the same time as the very important Nuclear Summit with North Korea, is perhaps a new low in American politics and may have contributed to the 'walk.'" Trump said on Twitter, referring to his decision to walk away from what he previously said was a bad deal with Kim. "Never done when a president is overseas. Shame!" Last week in Hanoi Trump and Kim met for the second time to try to negotiate a deal that would surrender some of North Korea's nuclear weapons arsenal in return for sanctions relief. At the same time in Washington, Trump's former aide Cohen was testifying before the US House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee, accusing Trump of ordering his personal attorney to make threats for him about 500 times over the last 10 years.

Trump says Cohen hearing may have contributed to North Korea summit failure

The United States and China appear close to a deal that would roll back US tariffs on at least $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, as Beijing makes pledges on structural economic changes and eliminates retaliatory tariffs on US&nbsp;goods, a source briefed on negotiations said on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could seal a formal trade deal at a summit around March 27 given progress in talks between the two countries, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

In an eight-month trade war, the United States has imposed punitive tariffs on $250 billion worth of imports from China, while Beijing has hit back with tariffs on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods, including soybeans and other commodities. The actions have roiled financial markets, disrupted manufacturing supply chains and reduced U.S. farm exports.

Trump administration officials have said they expect the two presidents to "close" a deal at a summit in coming weeks at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

The source briefed on the talks said that no dates for a summit had been determined, but that Beijing had reserved a 10-day window from around March 20 for a possible summit.

Many details still needed to be worked out, including the terms of an enforcement mechanism to ensure that Beijing follows through on pledges to make changes to policies to better protect US intellectual property, end forced technology transfers and curb industrial subsidies.

Another source familiar with the talks said that Washington and Beijing were close to agreement on non-enforcement issues, including China's pledges to increase purchases of farm, energy and manufactured products, as well as six agreements on structural policy changes.

The Wall Street Journal said that in the pending agreement, China would lower tariffs on US-made goods including agricultural products, chemicals and cars in exchange for sanctions relief from Washington, citing people briefed on the matter on both sides.

The newspaper's sources cautioned that hurdles remain, and each side faces possible resistance at home that the terms are too favourable to the other side.

As a part of the deal there would be an $18 billion purchase of natural-gas from Houston-based Cheniere Energy Inc, the report said.

Cheniere declined to comment on the potential for a new LNG supply deal with China, a spokesman said. It last year signed a 20-year deal to supply state-run Chinese National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) with natural gas from its Louisiana export terminal through 2043.

The United States is working to hammer out a detailed trade agreement with China that will include specific structural commitments, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC on Thursday.

Last week, Trump said the U.S. could walk away from a trade deal with China if it were not good enough, even as his economic advisers touted "fantastic" progress towards an agreement to end the dispute with Beijing.

Trump a week ago delayed a tariff increase on $200 billion in Chinese goods that was previously scheduled to take place on Saturday, citing progress in the talks.

The United States and China appear close to a deal that would roll back US tariffs on at least $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, as Beijing makes pledges on structural economic changes and eliminates retaliatory tariffs on US goods, a source briefed on negotiations said on Sunday.

The United States and China appear close to a deal that would roll back US tariffs on at least $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, as Beijing makes pledges on structural economic changes and eliminates retaliatory tariffs on US goods, a source briefed on negotiations said on Sunday. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could seal a formal trade deal at a summit around March 27 given progress in talks between the two countries, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. In an eight-month trade war, the United States has imposed punitive tariffs on $250 billion worth of imports from China, while Beijing has hit back with tariffs on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods, including soybeans and other commodities. The actions have roiled financial markets, disrupted manufacturing supply chains and reduced U.S. farm exports. Trump administration officials have said they expect the two presidents to "close" a deal at a summit in coming weeks at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The source briefed on the talks said that no dates for a summit had been determined, but that Beijing had reserved a 10-day window from around March 20 for a possible summit. Many details still needed to be worked out, including the terms of an enforcement mechanism to ensure that Beijing follows through on pledges to make changes to policies to better protect US intellectual property, end forced technology transfers and curb industrial subsidies. Another source familiar with the talks said that Washington and Beijing were close to agreement on non-enforcement issues, including China's pledges to increase purchases of farm, energy and manufactured products, as well as six agreements on structural policy changes. The Wall Street Journal said that in the pending agreement, China would lower tariffs on US-made goods including agricultural products, chemicals and cars in exchange for sanctions relief from Washington, citing people briefed on the matter on both sides. The newspaper's sources cautioned that hurdles remain, and each side faces possible resistance at home that the terms are too favourable to the other side. As a part of the deal there would be an $18 billion purchase of natural-gas from Houston-based Cheniere Energy Inc, the report said. Cheniere declined to comment on the potential for a new LNG supply deal with China, a spokesman said. It last year signed a 20-year deal to supply state-run Chinese National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) with natural gas from its Louisiana export terminal through 2043. The United States is working to hammer out a detailed trade agreement with China that will include specific structural commitments, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC on Thursday. Last week, Trump said the U.S. could walk away from a trade deal with China if it were not good enough, even as his economic advisers touted "fantastic" progress towards an agreement to end the dispute with Beijing. Trump a week ago delayed a tariff increase on $200 billion in Chinese goods that was previously scheduled to take place on Saturday, citing progress in the talks.

US and China said to appear close to deal to roll back tariffs

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huaweis-cfo-meng-wanzhou-sues-canada-for-violating-her-constitutional-rights-during-arrest-200965">Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou sues Canada for violating her constitutional rights during arrest</a>

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed suit against Canadian authorities for violating her constitutional rights when she was arrested in Vancouver, her lawyers said Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-fourteen-dead-in-alabama-tornado-official-200990">At least fourteen dead in Alabama tornado: Official</a>

At least fourteen people died after a tornado swept through Lee County, Alabama on Sunday, destroying numerous homes and leaving a death toll that could rise as rescuers sift through the rubble, Sheriff Jay Jones said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/algerian-president-bouteflika-offers-to-leave-within-one-year-if-re-elected-report-200977">Algerian President Bouteflika offers to leave within one year if re-elected: Report</a>

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, facing mass protests over his 20 years in power, will run in April's elections, his campaign manager said on Sunday, with Ennahar TV saying he had offered to step down after a year if re-elected.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/never-done-when-a-president-is-overseas-shame-trump-tweets-as-he-attributes-cohen-hearing-to-hanoi-summit-failure-200980">'Never done when a president is overseas. Shame!': Trump attributes Cohen hearing to Hanoi Summit failure</a>

Donald Trump blasted Democrats and said that decision to interview his longtime fixer, lawyer Michael Cohen, on the same day as a meeting with Kim Jong Un may have led to the North Korea summit ending with no deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/psgs-neymar-hints-at-joining-real-madrid-says-everything-is-possible-200969">PSG's Neymar hints at joining Real Madrid, says 'everything is possible'</a>

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has been linked with a return to La Liga ever since joining PSG from Barcelona in 2017.

&nbsp;

Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou sues Canada for violating her constitutional rights during arrest Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed suit against Canadian authorities for violating her constitutional rights when she was arrested in Vancouver, her lawyers said Sunday.

Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou sues Canada for violating her constitutional rights during arrest Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed suit against Canadian authorities for violating her constitutional rights when she was arrested in Vancouver, her lawyers said Sunday. At least fourteen dead in Alabama tornado: Official At least fourteen people died after a tornado swept through Lee County, Alabama on Sunday, destroying numerous homes and leaving a death toll that could rise as rescuers sift through the rubble, Sheriff Jay Jones said. Algerian President Bouteflika offers to leave within one year if re-elected: Report Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, facing mass protests over his 20 years in power, will run in April's elections, his campaign manager said on Sunday, with Ennahar TV saying he had offered to step down after a year if re-elected. 'Never done when a president is overseas. Shame!': Trump attributes Cohen hearing to Hanoi Summit failure Donald Trump blasted Democrats and said that decision to interview his longtime fixer, lawyer Michael Cohen, on the same day as a meeting with Kim Jong Un may have led to the North Korea summit ending with no deal. PSG's Neymar hints at joining Real Madrid, says 'everything is possible' Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has been linked with a return to La Liga ever since joining PSG from Barcelona in 2017.

News brief: Big stories of the day

President Donald Trump rallied right-wing activists Saturday with a speech offering conservative red meat on immigration, trade and the threat of "socialism" as he sought to move on from a bruising week in domestic and international politics.&nbsp;

"We believe in the American dream, not in the socialist nightmare," he said to boisterous applause from hundreds of supporters at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington.

"America will never be a socialist country," Trump added in a mammoth two-hour speech that seemed to draw energy from the fervent reception offered by some of his influential supporters in the room.

It was his first public appearance since coming home empty-handed, and to criticism from all sides, after a nuclear-disarmament summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. He told CPAC the meeting was "very productive" -- but that he would not "make a deal just for the sake of doing it."

The White House is also smarting from explosive testimony on Capitol Hill by Trump's former lawyer and fixer on Wednesday that branded him a cheat and a racist.

Trump, often speaking in mocking tones, portrayed the Green New Deal climate strategy touted by the left of the Democratic party as a socialist plan that will devastate the fossil fuel and automotive industries.

He said progressive healthcare policies would "lead to colossal tax increases" -- and accused the Democrats of having "totally abandoned the American mainstream" on issues such as immigration and abortion.

'These people are sick'

With the federal investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia reportedly approaching its conclusion, Trump again berated Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team as partisan hacks out to get him, adding that "these people are sick."&nbsp;

His voice dripping with sarcasm, he suggested that his call in summer of 2016 for Russia to find and release Hillary Clinton's emails was a joke that had been obtusely taken at face value by the media.

On the foreign front, Trump repeated his claim that the last Islamic State group fighters in Syria would be captured or killed imminently -- "as of tomorrow" -- after on Thursday telling US troops "we just took over" 100 per cent of the caliphate. Two weeks earlier Trump had declared the fall of the so-called caliphate would be announced, "over the next 24 hours."&nbsp;

He railed against Chinese tariffs on American goods and said the US loses $500 billion a year to the world's second-biggest economy -- "such a disaster."

Trump regularly ignores the dominant US services sector to focus only on goods, when in 2017 the US trade deficit with China was actually $337 billion -- not $500 billion.

Trump last year initiated a tariff war with Beijing, which has taken a nasty bite out of US growth. Although both sides say they are now close to resolving the dispute Trump insisted he's "fine with it" and told his supporters: "The beauty is this. I have $250 billion more to put tariffs on."

The word "socialism" has been in heavy rotation since some Democratic candidates began openly embracing liberal platforms including the Green New Deal and a Medicare for All.&nbsp;

On Friday, Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the four-day conference in National Harbor, Maryland, to warn that Democrats are taking a "hard left turn" ahead of 2020.

"Under the guise of Medicare for All and a Green New Deal, Democrats are embracing the same tired economic theories that have impoverished nations and stifled the liberties of millions over the last century. That system is socialism," he said.

Trump's speech came at the same time Senator Bernie Sanders, who has embraced the label of "democratic socialist," spoke at a rally in New York, assailing Trump as "the most dangerous president in modern American history."

'Freedom' or 'socialism'

It was Sanders' first major speech since announcing he will again seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

Republicans hoped Trump's address would serve as a diversion from the Mueller investigation and to the testimony this week on Capitol Hill by the president's former personal attorney Michael Cohen implicating him in crimes.

In December a court sentenced Cohen to three years in prison for hush-money payments to two women and for lies to Congress -- both of which he said were to protect Trump -- and tax evasion.

During Cohen's testimony the president was in Vietnam where a high-stakes second summit between Trump and Kim broke up in disarray Thursday, without even a joint statement. The pair failed to reach an agreement on curbing Pyongyang's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

President Donald Trump rallied right-wing activists Saturday with a speech offering conservative red meat on immigration, trade and the threat of "socialism" as he sought to move on from a bruising week in domestic and international politics.

President Donald Trump rallied right-wing activists Saturday with a speech offering conservative red meat on immigration, trade and the threat of "socialism" as he sought to move on from a bruising week in domestic and international politics. "We believe in the American dream, not in the socialist nightmare," he said to boisterous applause from hundreds of supporters at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington. "America will never be a socialist country," Trump added in a mammoth two-hour speech that seemed to draw energy from the fervent reception offered by some of his influential supporters in the room. It was his first public appearance since coming home empty-handed, and to criticism from all sides, after a nuclear-disarmament summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. He told CPAC the meeting was "very productive" -- but that he would not "make a deal just for the sake of doing it." The White House is also smarting from explosive testimony on Capitol Hill by Trump's former lawyer and fixer on Wednesday that branded him a cheat and a racist. Trump, often speaking in mocking tones, portrayed the Green New Deal climate strategy touted by the left of the Democratic party as a socialist plan that will devastate the fossil fuel and automotive industries. He said progressive healthcare policies would "lead to colossal tax increases" -- and accused the Democrats of having "totally abandoned the American mainstream" on issues such as immigration and abortion. 'These people are sick' With the federal investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia reportedly approaching its conclusion, Trump again berated Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team as partisan hacks out to get him, adding that "these people are sick." His voice dripping with sarcasm, he suggested that his call in summer of 2016 for Russia to find and release Hillary Clinton's emails was a joke that had been obtusely taken at face value by the media. On the foreign front, Trump repeated his claim that the last Islamic State group fighters in Syria would be captured or killed imminently -- "as of tomorrow" -- after on Thursday telling US troops "we just took over" 100 per cent of the caliphate. Two weeks earlier Trump had declared the fall of the so-called caliphate would be announced, "over the next 24 hours." He railed against Chinese tariffs on American goods and said the US loses $500 billion a year to the world's second-biggest economy -- "such a disaster." Trump regularly ignores the dominant US services sector to focus only on goods, when in 2017 the US trade deficit with China was actually $337 billion -- not $500 billion. Trump last year initiated a tariff war with Beijing, which has taken a nasty bite out of US growth. Although both sides say they are now close to resolving the dispute Trump insisted he's "fine with it" and told his supporters: "The beauty is this. I have $250 billion more to put tariffs on." The word "socialism" has been in heavy rotation since some Democratic candidates began openly embracing liberal platforms including the Green New Deal and a Medicare for All. On Friday, Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the four-day conference in National Harbor, Maryland, to warn that Democrats are taking a "hard left turn" ahead of 2020. "Under the guise of Medicare for All and a Green New Deal, Democrats are embracing the same tired economic theories that have impoverished nations and stifled the liberties of millions over the last century. That system is socialism," he said. Trump's speech came at the same time Senator Bernie Sanders, who has embraced the label of "democratic socialist," spoke at a rally in New York, assailing Trump as "the most dangerous president in modern American history." 'Freedom' or 'socialism' It was Sanders' first major speech since announcing he will again seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. Republicans hoped Trump's address would serve as a diversion from the Mueller investigation and to the testimony this week on Capitol Hill by the president's former personal attorney Michael Cohen implicating him in crimes. In December a court sentenced Cohen to three years in prison for hush-money payments to two women and for lies to Congress -- both of which he said were to protect Trump -- and tax evasion. During Cohen's testimony the president was in Vietnam where a high-stakes second summit between Trump and Kim broke up in disarray Thursday, without even a joint statement. The pair failed to reach an agreement on curbing Pyongyang's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump warns conservatives against 'socialist nightmare'

The head of the US House Judiciary Committee said on Sunday the panel would seek documents from more than 60 people and entities as part of a probe into possible obstruction of justice and abuse of power by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-conservatives-against-socialist-nightmare-200863">President Donald Trump</a>.

Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler told ABC's "This Week" the panel wanted to get documents from the Department of Justice, the president's son Donald Trump Jr and Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, among others.

"We are going to initiate investigations into abuses of power, into corruption ... and into obstruction of justice," Nadler said. "It's our job to protect the rule of law."

"It’s very clear that the president obstructed justice," Nadler said. He said it was too soon to consider whether impeachment should be pursued, however.

"Before you impeach somebody, you have to persuade the American public that it ought to happen," he said.&nbsp;

As evidence of obstruction, Nadler cited Trump's firing of former FBI Director James Comey, who at the time was leading an investigation into Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election and possible collusion between Trump's campaign and Moscow.

That investigation was subsequently taken over by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is expected to deliver his findings to the US attorney general within weeks.

Nadler also cited what he called Trump's attempts to intimidate witnesses in the investigation.

The White House, the Justice Department and the Trump Organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Nadler said the committee on Monday would release the list of people and organizations it would be requesting documents from.

The head of the US House Judiciary Committee said on Sunday the panel would seek documents from more than 60 people and entities as part of a probe into possible obstruction of justice and abuse of power by President Donald Trump.

The head of the US House Judiciary Committee said on Sunday the panel would seek documents from more than 60 people and entities as part of a probe into possible obstruction of justice and abuse of power by President Donald Trump. Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler told ABC's "This Week" the panel wanted to get documents from the Department of Justice, the president's son Donald Trump Jr and Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, among others. "We are going to initiate investigations into abuses of power, into corruption ... and into obstruction of justice," Nadler said. "It's our job to protect the rule of law." "It’s very clear that the president obstructed justice," Nadler said. He said it was too soon to consider whether impeachment should be pursued, however. "Before you impeach somebody, you have to persuade the American public that it ought to happen," he said. As evidence of obstruction, Nadler cited Trump's firing of former FBI Director James Comey, who at the time was leading an investigation into Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election and possible collusion between Trump's campaign and Moscow. That investigation was subsequently taken over by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is expected to deliver his findings to the US attorney general within weeks. Nadler also cited what he called Trump's attempts to intimidate witnesses in the investigation. The White House, the Justice Department and the Trump Organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Nadler said the committee on Monday would release the list of people and organizations it would be requesting documents from.

US House of Representatives panel launches probe into obstruction of justice by Trump

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that North Korea does not have any economic future with nuclear weapons as the Pentagon confirmed the United States and South Korea had agreed to end joint large scale spring military exercises.

"North Korea has an incredible, brilliant economic future if they make a deal, but they don't have any economic future if they have nuclear weapons," Trump said at a Conservative Political Action Conference.

He added that the relationship with North Korea seemed to be "very, very strong."

According to a statement, acting Pentagon Chief Patrick Shanahan spoke with his South Korea counterpart on Saturday and they agreed to adapt their training programs.

The two "made clear that the Alliance decision to adapt our training program reflected our desire to reduce tension and support our diplomatic efforts to achieve complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a final, fully verified manner," the Pentagon said.

South Korea's military issued a similar statement also confirming plans to end the spring joint military exercises. Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Lee Do-hoon is planning on visiting the United States in the coming week to meet with US officials to discuss the second US-North Korea summit as well as the future agenda, according to a South Korean official.

The Pentagon said the US and South Korea had agreed to "newly designed Command Post exercises and revised field training programs." US officials have long said the scope of the spring exercises, known as Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, would be reduced.

Reuters and others reported on Friday that such an announcement would take place. To encourage talks, the United States and South Korea have suspended a number of military exercises since the first summit last year between Kim and Trump.

In Vietnam this week, the second meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended without a deal on sanctions relief North Korea would get in exchange for steps to give up its nuclear program.

Trump on Saturday addressed criticism from the parents of Otto Warmbier, an American student who died after 17 months in a North Korean prison. They had complained when Trump said at a Hanoi news conference that he believed Kim had nothing to do with Warmbier's death.

Trump said he was trying to maintain "a delicate balance" to coax the North Koreans into giving up their nuclear program.

The United States and North Korea have said they intend to continue talks, but have not specified when.

Some observers credited Trump for refusing to be drawn into a bad deal. Others criticised him for praising Kim's leadership and accepting his assertion that he had been unaware of Warmbier's treatment.

Analysts believe North Korea has 20 to 60 nuclear warheads which could threaten the US mainland if fitted to its intercontinental ballistic missiles. The United Nations and the United States ratcheted up sanctions when North Korea conducted nuclear and ballistic missile tests in 2017. Washington has demanded complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation before sanctions can be lifted, a position Pyongyang has denounced as "gangster-like."

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that North Korea does not have any economic future with nuclear weapons as the Pentagon confirmed the United States and South Korea had agreed to end joint large scale spring military exercises.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that North Korea does not have any economic future with nuclear weapons as the Pentagon confirmed the United States and South Korea had agreed to end joint large scale spring military exercises. "North Korea has an incredible, brilliant economic future if they make a deal, but they don't have any economic future if they have nuclear weapons," Trump said at a Conservative Political Action Conference. He added that the relationship with North Korea seemed to be "very, very strong." According to a statement, acting Pentagon Chief Patrick Shanahan spoke with his South Korea counterpart on Saturday and they agreed to adapt their training programs. The two "made clear that the Alliance decision to adapt our training program reflected our desire to reduce tension and support our diplomatic efforts to achieve complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a final, fully verified manner," the Pentagon said. South Korea's military issued a similar statement also confirming plans to end the spring joint military exercises. Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Lee Do-hoon is planning on visiting the United States in the coming week to meet with US officials to discuss the second US-North Korea summit as well as the future agenda, according to a South Korean official. The Pentagon said the US and South Korea had agreed to "newly designed Command Post exercises and revised field training programs." US officials have long said the scope of the spring exercises, known as Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, would be reduced. Reuters and others reported on Friday that such an announcement would take place. To encourage talks, the United States and South Korea have suspended a number of military exercises since the first summit last year between Kim and Trump. In Vietnam this week, the second meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended without a deal on sanctions relief North Korea would get in exchange for steps to give up its nuclear program. Trump on Saturday addressed criticism from the parents of Otto Warmbier, an American student who died after 17 months in a North Korean prison. They had complained when Trump said at a Hanoi news conference that he believed Kim had nothing to do with Warmbier's death. Trump said he was trying to maintain "a delicate balance" to coax the North Koreans into giving up their nuclear program. The United States and North Korea have said they intend to continue talks, but have not specified when. Some observers credited Trump for refusing to be drawn into a bad deal. Others criticised him for praising Kim's leadership and accepting his assertion that he had been unaware of Warmbier's treatment. Analysts believe North Korea has 20 to 60 nuclear warheads which could threaten the US mainland if fitted to its intercontinental ballistic missiles. The United Nations and the United States ratcheted up sanctions when North Korea conducted nuclear and ballistic missile tests in 2017. Washington has demanded complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation before sanctions can be lifted, a position Pyongyang has denounced as "gangster-like."

North Korea has no economic future if it has nuclear weapons: Donald Trump

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, 3rd March, 2019

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-audio-message-jem-admits-damage-incurred-at-training-camp-in-pak-after-indian-strikes-200817">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-audio-message-jem-admits-damage-incurred-at-training-camp-in-pak-after-indian-strikes-200817">audio</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-audio-message-jem-admits-damage-incurred-at-training-camp-in-pak-after-indian-strikes-200817"> message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes</a>

In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-internal-matter-says-india-in-reaction-to-oic-resolution-200820">Jammu and Kashmir integral to us: India in reaction to OIC resolution</a>

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-mueller-probe-at-cpac-says-opponents-trying-to-take-me-out-200813">Trump blasts Mueller probe at CPAC, says opponents 'trying to take me out'</a>

President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 2) attacked US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his report on alleged Russia collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and said his political opponents were "trying to take me out with bu****it."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-reciprocal-tax-on-india-to-match-tariffs-on-us-exports-says-donald-trump-200816">Want 'reciprocal tax' on India to match tariffs on US exports, says Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) accused India of being a “high tariff nation” and threatened to impose “a reciprocal tax” to match the heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods imported from the United States.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-believed-to-be-dead-in-nigeria-after-oil-pipeline-explosion-200821">50 believed to be dead in Nigeria after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-believed-to-be-dead-in-nigeria-after-oil-pipeline-explosion-200821">oil</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-believed-to-be-dead-in-nigeria-after-oil-pipeline-explosion-200821"> pipeline explosion</a>

Fifty people in Nigeria are believed to be dead after an oil pipeline exploded in Nembe town in eastern Nigeria early on Friday morning (local time), the local media reported.

&nbsp;

In audio message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother.

In audio message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother. Jammu and Kashmir integral to us: India in reaction to OIC resolution Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi. Trump blasts Mueller probe at CPAC, says opponents 'trying to take me out' President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 2) attacked US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his report on alleged Russia collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and said his political opponents were "trying to take me out with bu****it." Want 'reciprocal tax' on India to match tariffs on US exports, says Donald Trump US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) accused India of being a “high tariff nation” and threatened to impose “a reciprocal tax” to match the heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods imported from the United States. 50 believed to be dead in Nigeria after oil pipeline explosion Fifty people in Nigeria are believed to be dead after an oil pipeline exploded in Nembe town in eastern Nigeria early on Friday morning (local time), the local media reported.

US Senator Bernie Sanders returned to the place of his birth Saturday to deliver the first rally speech of his presidential campaign, vowing to defeat "the most dangerous president in modern American history" in Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The Vermont independent voiced confidence at the address in the New York borough of Brooklyn that he would first beat the crowded field of his rivals for the 2020 nomination, with much of his liberal, populist agenda now considered mainstream Democratic policy.&nbsp;

"I want to thank all of you for being part of a campaign which is not only going to win the Democratic nomination, which is not only going to defeat Donald Trump, who is the most dangerous president in modern American history," Sanders told the crowd of several thousand people.

"But, with your help, we are going to transform this country and finally create an economy and a government which works for all of us, not just the one per cent."

His promised that his campaign would say "loudly and clearly that the underlying principles of our government will not be greed, hatred and lies."

Sanders returned to Brooklyn College, which he once attended, for a rally emphasizing his personal story, as the working class son of a Jewish immigrant who grew up in poor housing.

"I did not have a father who gave me millions of dollars to build luxury skyscrapers, casinos and country clubs," Sanders said in another dig at Trump.&nbsp;

"I did not come from a family that gave me a $200,000 allowance every year beginning at the age of three."

'Too radical'

Sanders spelt out his big-ticket items for 2020, his second presidential campaign after losing the nomination to Hillary Clinton in 2016 -- "Medicare for All," a $15-an-hour minimum wage and climate change.&nbsp;

Many are long-held principles previously dismissed as too radical by more moderate Democrats but are now more widely accepted talking points as he squares off against several other progressives who have embraced many of his issues.

Following November's midterm elections, the Congressional Progressive Caucus -- co-founded by Sanders in 1991 -- wields more power than at any time in its history.

Senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand, all 2020 candidates, co-sponsored his Medicare for All legislation in 2017.

Julian Castro, another Democratic hopeful, joins Gillibrand in supporting universal early childhood education.

And Warren, Booker and Harris have all proclaimed support for the Green New Deal, an ultra-progressive platform to combat climate change that was unveiled this month by congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a rising liberal star.

Sanders was an outsider candidate three years ago. But with his massive political network, muscular fundraising capacity and resilient message, he is now a frontrunner.

He would need to best multiple formidable rivals -- including former vice president Joe Biden, should he enter the race -- and victory is anything but assured.

On Sunday, Sanders heads to Selma, Alabama, to mark the anniversary of the 1965 clash known as "Bloody Sunday" and will also visit Chicago, where he graduated from college and was active in civil rights protests.

US Senator Bernie Sanders returned to the place of his birth Saturday to deliver the first rally speech of his presidential campaign, vowing to defeat "the most dangerous president in modern American history" in Donald Trump.

US Senator Bernie Sanders returned to the place of his birth Saturday to deliver the first rally speech of his presidential campaign, vowing to defeat "the most dangerous president in modern American history" in Donald Trump. The Vermont independent voiced confidence at the address in the New York borough of Brooklyn that he would first beat the crowded field of his rivals for the 2020 nomination, with much of his liberal, populist agenda now considered mainstream Democratic policy. "I want to thank all of you for being part of a campaign which is not only going to win the Democratic nomination, which is not only going to defeat Donald Trump, who is the most dangerous president in modern American history," Sanders told the crowd of several thousand people. "But, with your help, we are going to transform this country and finally create an economy and a government which works for all of us, not just the one per cent." His promised that his campaign would say "loudly and clearly that the underlying principles of our government will not be greed, hatred and lies." Sanders returned to Brooklyn College, which he once attended, for a rally emphasizing his personal story, as the working class son of a Jewish immigrant who grew up in poor housing. "I did not have a father who gave me millions of dollars to build luxury skyscrapers, casinos and country clubs," Sanders said in another dig at Trump. "I did not come from a family that gave me a $200,000 allowance every year beginning at the age of three." 'Too radical' Sanders spelt out his big-ticket items for 2020, his second presidential campaign after losing the nomination to Hillary Clinton in 2016 -- "Medicare for All," a $15-an-hour minimum wage and climate change. Many are long-held principles previously dismissed as too radical by more moderate Democrats but are now more widely accepted talking points as he squares off against several other progressives who have embraced many of his issues. Following November's midterm elections, the Congressional Progressive Caucus -- co-founded by Sanders in 1991 -- wields more power than at any time in its history. Senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand, all 2020 candidates, co-sponsored his Medicare for All legislation in 2017. Julian Castro, another Democratic hopeful, joins Gillibrand in supporting universal early childhood education. And Warren, Booker and Harris have all proclaimed support for the Green New Deal, an ultra-progressive platform to combat climate change that was unveiled this month by congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a rising liberal star. Sanders was an outsider candidate three years ago. But with his massive political network, muscular fundraising capacity and resilient message, he is now a frontrunner. He would need to best multiple formidable rivals -- including former vice president Joe Biden, should he enter the race -- and victory is anything but assured. On Sunday, Sanders heads to Selma, Alabama, to mark the anniversary of the 1965 clash known as "Bloody Sunday" and will also visit Chicago, where he graduated from college and was active in civil rights protests.

Bernie Sanders launches his Presidential campaign; calls Trump 'most dangerous President'

US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indias-high-tariff-on-harley-davidson-motorcycle-unfair-says-trump-32799">Donald Trump </a>on Saturday (local time) accused India of being a “high tariff nation” and threatened to impose “<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-india-china-with-reciprocal-tax-35261">a reciprocal tax</a>” to match the heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods imported from the United States.

Addressing the last day of a four-day annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, the US President said, “India is a very high tariff nation. When we send a motorcycle to India, they charge 100 per cent tariff. When India sends a motorcycle to us, we charge nothing. I want a reciprocal tax, at least I want to charge a tax.”

A reciprocal tax is a form of tariff applied to imports from other countries that charge a similar duty on goods exported by the US President Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs.

“We cannot allow a country to charge 100 per cent and we get nothing for the same exact product. For one thing, they don’t respect us. They think we are stupid,” Trump said.

“But let me tell you something. The world respects our country. They respect us,” the President added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many times, has advocated foreign investments in the country as a part of his ‘Make in India’ campaign to transform India into a manufacturing hub and generate employment to the youth.

However, President Trump has pressed US manufacturing companies to return home as part of his ‘Make America Great Again’ campaign.

In a major disciplinary action against India’s trade and investment policies, Washington on February 6, considered to withdraw the policy of zero tariffs on Indian exports to the US.

The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), under which India enjoys tariff concession costing to USD 5.6 billion of exports to the US, has been the world’s largest beneficiary of a scheme that has been in force since the 1970s.

The move to withdraw the GSP program marks a draconian action taken by Trump-led US government to reduce the US deficit with large economies.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) accused India of being a “high tariff nation” and threatened to impose “a reciprocal tax” to match the heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods imported from the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) accused India of being a “high tariff nation” and threatened to impose “a reciprocal tax” to match the heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods imported from the United States. Addressing the last day of a four-day annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, the US President said, “India is a very high tariff nation. When we send a motorcycle to India, they charge 100 per cent tariff. When India sends a motorcycle to us, we charge nothing. I want a reciprocal tax, at least I want to charge a tax.” A reciprocal tax is a form of tariff applied to imports from other countries that charge a similar duty on goods exported by the US President Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs. “We cannot allow a country to charge 100 per cent and we get nothing for the same exact product. For one thing, they don’t respect us. They think we are stupid,” Trump said. “But let me tell you something. The world respects our country. They respect us,” the President added. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many times, has advocated foreign investments in the country as a part of his ‘Make in India’ campaign to transform India into a manufacturing hub and generate employment to the youth. However, President Trump has pressed US manufacturing companies to return home as part of his ‘Make America Great Again’ campaign. In a major disciplinary action against India’s trade and investment policies, Washington on February 6, considered to withdraw the policy of zero tariffs on Indian exports to the US. The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), under which India enjoys tariff concession costing to USD 5.6 billion of exports to the US, has been the world’s largest beneficiary of a scheme that has been in force since the 1970s. The move to withdraw the GSP program marks a draconian action taken by Trump-led US government to reduce the US deficit with large economies.

Want 'reciprocal tax' on India to match tariffs on US exports, says Donald Trump

The US and South Korea said Sunday they will end their annual large-scale joint military exercises as Washington pursues efforts to improve ties with North Korea.

The decision comes days after the conclusion of US President Donald Trump's second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, which ended without a formal agreement but with both sides suggesting they would keep talking.

Trump has ruled out withdrawing any of the 28,500 US forces based in South Korea to defend it from its nuclear-armed neighbour, which invaded in 1950.

Any such drawdown would face strong pushback from the US Congress and Japan, whose conservative government is deeply wary of North Korea's intentions.

But the US president has complained repeatedly over the cost of the military drills, which Pyongyang has always condemned as provocative rehearsals for invasion.

During a Saturday phone call between South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and his US counterpart Patrick Shanahan, "both sides decided to conclude the Key Resolve and Foal Eagle series of exercises," according to a Pentagon statement.&nbsp;

Foal Eagle is the biggest of the regular joint exercises held by the allies and has always infuriated Pyongyang.&nbsp;

In the past, it has involved 200,000 South Korean forces and some 30,000 US soldiers.

It is accompanied by Key Resolve, a computer-simulated war game conducted by military commanders which usually begins in March and runs for about 10 days.

The two allies will instead carry out "adjusted outside manoeuvre training and united command exercises to continue firm military readiness", Seoul's defence ministry said Sunday.

The decision was reached to support ongoing diplomatic efforts for North Korea's denuclearisation and ease military tensions with the North, it added.&nbsp;

Combat readiness

Opponents of scrapping the drills have warned that it could impact the combat readiness of the combined US and South Korean forces and hand the North a strategic advantage on the divided peninsula, but most analysts said such concerns were exaggerated.

"Suspending or downgrading the US-South Korean drills may hurt the readiness of the two militaries, but I don't think it's going to be a serious security threat to South Korea," Ahn Chan-il, the president of the World Institute for North Korea Studies in Seoul, told AFP.&nbsp;

"The South's conventional forces outclass the North's, and given the current situation (with the US and the existing sanctions), it's highly unlikely that Pyongyang will do anything with its nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future," he added.

Washington has sought to end long-running tensions on the peninsula and encourage North Korea to scrap its nuclear programme.

Since Trump's first summit with Kim last year in Singapore, in which both leaders signed a vaguely-worded commitment to denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, the US and Seoul have scaled back or scrapped several joint military drills, and US bombers are no longer flying over South Korea.

"Not downgrading or suspending the drills at this point... would mean the involved countries are not serious" about reaching a denuclearisation accord, said University of North Korean Studies professor Yang Moo-jin.

The US and South Korea said Sunday they will end their annual large-scale joint military exercises as Washington pursues efforts to improve ties with North Korea.

The US and South Korea said Sunday they will end their annual large-scale joint military exercises as Washington pursues efforts to improve ties with North Korea. The decision comes days after the conclusion of US President Donald Trump's second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, which ended without a formal agreement but with both sides suggesting they would keep talking. Trump has ruled out withdrawing any of the 28,500 US forces based in South Korea to defend it from its nuclear-armed neighbour, which invaded in 1950. Any such drawdown would face strong pushback from the US Congress and Japan, whose conservative government is deeply wary of North Korea's intentions. But the US president has complained repeatedly over the cost of the military drills, which Pyongyang has always condemned as provocative rehearsals for invasion. During a Saturday phone call between South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and his US counterpart Patrick Shanahan, "both sides decided to conclude the Key Resolve and Foal Eagle series of exercises," according to a Pentagon statement. Foal Eagle is the biggest of the regular joint exercises held by the allies and has always infuriated Pyongyang. In the past, it has involved 200,000 South Korean forces and some 30,000 US soldiers. It is accompanied by Key Resolve, a computer-simulated war game conducted by military commanders which usually begins in March and runs for about 10 days. The two allies will instead carry out "adjusted outside manoeuvre training and united command exercises to continue firm military readiness", Seoul's defence ministry said Sunday. The decision was reached to support ongoing diplomatic efforts for North Korea's denuclearisation and ease military tensions with the North, it added. Combat readiness Opponents of scrapping the drills have warned that it could impact the combat readiness of the combined US and South Korean forces and hand the North a strategic advantage on the divided peninsula, but most analysts said such concerns were exaggerated. "Suspending or downgrading the US-South Korean drills may hurt the readiness of the two militaries, but I don't think it's going to be a serious security threat to South Korea," Ahn Chan-il, the president of the World Institute for North Korea Studies in Seoul, told AFP. "The South's conventional forces outclass the North's, and given the current situation (with the US and the existing sanctions), it's highly unlikely that Pyongyang will do anything with its nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future," he added. Washington has sought to end long-running tensions on the peninsula and encourage North Korea to scrap its nuclear programme. Since Trump's first summit with Kim last year in Singapore, in which both leaders signed a vaguely-worded commitment to denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, the US and Seoul have scaled back or scrapped several joint military drills, and US bombers are no longer flying over South Korea. "Not downgrading or suspending the drills at this point... would mean the involved countries are not serious" about reaching a denuclearisation accord, said University of North Korean Studies professor Yang Moo-jin.

US, South Korea to end key joint military exercises

President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 2) attacked <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-former-trump-campaign-manager-broke-law-repeatedly-and-brazenly-199293">US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his report </a>on alleged Russia collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and said his political opponents were "trying to take me out with bu****it."

"We're waiting for a report by people who weren't elected," Trump said of the Mueller report, which is said to be days away from being handed over to Attorney General William Barr.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-will-subpoena-muellers-russia-report-if-needed-lawmaker-199561">Democrats will subpoena Mueller's Russia report if needed, says US lawmaker</a>

Trump said Comey, who the president fired in 2017, was Mueller's "best friend," and appeared to complain that Comey should have been fired before Trump took office.

"Unfortunately, you put the wrong people in a couple of positions and they leave people for a long time that shouldn't be there and all of a sudden they are trying to take you out with bu****it, okay?" Trump said.

"Now Robert Mueller never received a vote and neither did the person who appointed him," he added.

Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller in May 2017 to take over the Russia investigation after Trump fired Comey, whose agency had led the probe initially. Rosenstein is expected to step down by mid-March.

Trump mocked the Southern accent of Sessions and criticised him for recusing himself from the Russia probe. In November, Trump fired Sessions, a former US senator from Alabama who was among the first Republican lawmakers to back Trump's presidential bid.

Trump also said he would soon sign an executive order requiring American universities and colleges to maintain "free speech" on campuses and threatened that schools not complying could lose federal research funds.

Trump made his remarks at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference after bringing to the stage Hayden Williams, a conservative activist who was punched at the University of California, Berkeley, last month while recruiting students for a conservative group.

"Today, I am proud to announce that I will be very soon signing an executive order requiring colleges and universities to support free speech if they want federal research funds," Trump said.

President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 2) attacked US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his report on alleged Russia collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and said his political opponents were "trying to take me out with bu****it.

President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 2) attacked US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his report on alleged Russia collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and said his political opponents were "trying to take me out with bu****it." "We're waiting for a report by people who weren't elected," Trump said of the Mueller report, which is said to be days away from being handed over to Attorney General William Barr. Also read: Democrats will subpoena Mueller's Russia report if needed, says US lawmaker Trump said Comey, who the president fired in 2017, was Mueller's "best friend," and appeared to complain that Comey should have been fired before Trump took office. "Unfortunately, you put the wrong people in a couple of positions and they leave people for a long time that shouldn't be there and all of a sudden they are trying to take you out with bu****it, okay?" Trump said. "Now Robert Mueller never received a vote and neither did the person who appointed him," he added. Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller in May 2017 to take over the Russia investigation after Trump fired Comey, whose agency had led the probe initially. Rosenstein is expected to step down by mid-March. Trump mocked the Southern accent of Sessions and criticised him for recusing himself from the Russia probe. In November, Trump fired Sessions, a former US senator from Alabama who was among the first Republican lawmakers to back Trump's presidential bid. Trump also said he would soon sign an executive order requiring American universities and colleges to maintain "free speech" on campuses and threatened that schools not complying could lose federal research funds. Trump made his remarks at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference after bringing to the stage Hayden Williams, a conservative activist who was punched at the University of California, Berkeley, last month while recruiting students for a conservative group. "Today, I am proud to announce that I will be very soon signing an executive order requiring colleges and universities to support free speech if they want federal research funds," Trump said.

Trump blasts Mueller probe at CPAC, says opponents 'trying to take me out'

A large group of Central American migrants who US authorities separated from their children last year when they crossed the Mexican border entered the United States again on Saturday asking for refuge and to be reunited with their kids.

A Reuters witness said some 50 people entered the United States at the international border crossing from Mexicali, Mexico into Calexico, California, where they were met by agents from US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

Visibly nervous parents crossed the pedestrian bridge, some with children and carrying luggage, a Reuters witness said. They were accompanied by lawyers from immigration advocacy group Al Otro Lado. The group said 29 parents crossed.

"This is a huge victory for these families, but this fight isn't over until they're reunited with their kids," said Erika Pinheiro, Litigation and Policy Director of Al Otro Lado.

The families, who arrived back in Mexico helped by Al Otro Lado, which means "On the Other Side," hope to present their cases to US authorities and be reunited with their children.

Customs and Border Patrol did not immediately respond to a request for comment out of normal office hours.

In a crackdown on illegal immigration by President Donald Trump's administration, US officials have separated thousands of children from migrant parents who crossed from Mexico into the United States. Many were placed in detention camps before being reunited with their parents.

Other parents were deported back to Central America without their children, some of whom were later sent to foster homes or to live with relatives in the United States.

The US Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general said in a January report that the administration began ramping up separations in 2017. They accelerated in 2018 after Trump implemented a "zero tolerance" policy to criminally prosecute and jail illegal border crossers.

Outrage over the policy led Trump to sign an executive order on June 20, 2018, reversing course.

"We are waiting here in Mexicali, we arrived early. God willing and our cases can be seen," Joe Arteaga, a Honduran man separated from his 15-year old son last year, said before the crossing.

"I know it's a big risk, but we hope for the best," he added.

Families interviewed by Reuters last week in Tijuana said their children were now among those either with relatives or foster parents in the United States. They described their confusion when their kids were taken away by US immigration officials last year.

"Every day I saw my son through a fence ... One day, as he cried, he said 'daddy they're going to deport you,'" said Arnold Flores, a Honduran who said he fled his country after he was beaten and had his house burned down.

"That same day the officers called me, a defense attorney said something to me in English that I didn't understand and I haven't seen my son since," he said.

A large group of Central American migrants who US authorities separated from their children last year when they crossed the Mexican border entered the United States again on Saturday asking for refuge and to be reunited with their kids.

A large group of Central American migrants who US authorities separated from their children last year when they crossed the Mexican border entered the United States again on Saturday asking for refuge and to be reunited with their kids. A Reuters witness said some 50 people entered the United States at the international border crossing from Mexicali, Mexico into Calexico, California, where they were met by agents from US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). Visibly nervous parents crossed the pedestrian bridge, some with children and carrying luggage, a Reuters witness said. They were accompanied by lawyers from immigration advocacy group Al Otro Lado. The group said 29 parents crossed. "This is a huge victory for these families, but this fight isn't over until they're reunited with their kids," said Erika Pinheiro, Litigation and Policy Director of Al Otro Lado. The families, who arrived back in Mexico helped by Al Otro Lado, which means "On the Other Side," hope to present their cases to US authorities and be reunited with their children. Customs and Border Patrol did not immediately respond to a request for comment out of normal office hours. In a crackdown on illegal immigration by President Donald Trump's administration, US officials have separated thousands of children from migrant parents who crossed from Mexico into the United States. Many were placed in detention camps before being reunited with their parents. Other parents were deported back to Central America without their children, some of whom were later sent to foster homes or to live with relatives in the United States. The US Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general said in a January report that the administration began ramping up separations in 2017. They accelerated in 2018 after Trump implemented a "zero tolerance" policy to criminally prosecute and jail illegal border crossers. Outrage over the policy led Trump to sign an executive order on June 20, 2018, reversing course. "We are waiting here in Mexicali, we arrived early. God willing and our cases can be seen," Joe Arteaga, a Honduran man separated from his 15-year old son last year, said before the crossing. "I know it's a big risk, but we hope for the best," he added. Families interviewed by Reuters last week in Tijuana said their children were now among those either with relatives or foster parents in the United States. They described their confusion when their kids were taken away by US immigration officials last year. "Every day I saw my son through a fence ... One day, as he cried, he said 'daddy they're going to deport you,'" said Arnold Flores, a Honduran who said he fled his country after he was beaten and had his house burned down. "That same day the officers called me, a defense attorney said something to me in English that I didn't understand and I haven't seen my son since," he said.

Migrant parents separated from children return to US, plead to be reunited

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will pay his first official visits to the United States, Chile and Israel this month, in a clear sign of the alliances the far-right leader wants to shore up, official sources said Friday.

The former Army captain, who took office on January 1, will be in the United States on March 18-22 and in Chile on March 23, said Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, quoted by state-owned Agencia Brasil.

At the end of March, Bolsonaro will travel to Israel, Araujo added. The Israeli foreign ministry said Wednesday that the Brazilian leader would be in that country from March 31 to April 4.

These will be Bolsonaro's first official visits as president. In January, he went to Switzerland to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Recent Brazilian presidents traditionally have made their first trips to neighbouring Argentina.

But Bolsonaro's itinerary represents the political and economic shifts he highlighted during his successful election campaign.

Bolsonaro, like US President Donald Trump, largely rejects multilateralism, and both want to oust embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and see opposition leader Juan Guaido in his place.

In Chile, seen by Brazil's new economy minister Paulo Guedes as an economic success story, Bolsonaro will take part in the launch of the Prosur forum, which aims to promote development projects in South America.

In Israel, Bolsonaro will repay the visit made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Brazil for his inauguration.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will pay his first official visits to the United States, Chile and Israel this month, in a clear sign of the alliances the far-right leader wants to shore up, official sources said Friday.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will pay his first official visits to the United States, Chile and Israel this month, in a clear sign of the alliances the far-right leader wants to shore up, official sources said Friday. The former Army captain, who took office on January 1, will be in the United States on March 18-22 and in Chile on March 23, said Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, quoted by state-owned Agencia Brasil. At the end of March, Bolsonaro will travel to Israel, Araujo added. The Israeli foreign ministry said Wednesday that the Brazilian leader would be in that country from March 31 to April 4. These will be Bolsonaro's first official visits as president. In January, he went to Switzerland to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos. Recent Brazilian presidents traditionally have made their first trips to neighbouring Argentina. But Bolsonaro's itinerary represents the political and economic shifts he highlighted during his successful election campaign. Bolsonaro, like US President Donald Trump, largely rejects multilateralism, and both want to oust embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and see opposition leader Juan Guaido in his place. In Chile, seen by Brazil's new economy minister Paulo Guedes as an economic success story, Bolsonaro will take part in the launch of the Prosur forum, which aims to promote development projects in South America. In Israel, Bolsonaro will repay the visit made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Brazil for his inauguration.

Brazil's Jair  Bolsonaro to visit US, Chile, Israel

US President Donald Trump on Friday urged China to abolish tariffs on agricultural products imported from the United States -- adding that trade talks between the rival powers were going well.

"I have asked China to immediately remove all Tariffs on our agricultural products (including beef, pork, etc.)," the president wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I have asked China to immediately remove all Tariffs on our agricultural products (including beef, pork, etc.) based on the fact that we are moving along nicely with Trade discussions....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1101620175638614016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said his request was based on the fact that negotiations with China were "moving along nicely" -- and his delay last week of a planned tariff increase on Chinese exports.

"This is very important for our great farmers - and me!" he added.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
....and I did not increase their second traunch of Tariffs to 25% on March 1st. This is very important for our great farmers - and me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1101620176947236866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After months of a trade war, the US and China agreed to a 90-day truce to work out their differences. It was scheduled to end Friday, but Trump eventually lifted the ultimatum to increase tariffs, satisfied by the progress made in several rounds of talks in Beijing and Washington.

Top White House economic official Larry Kudlow said Thursday the two countries were on the brink of a "historic" trade agreement. A meeting between Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, is also expected this month.

After the latest round of talks in February, US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue tweeted that China had committed to buying "an additional" 10 million metric tons of soybeans as a "show of good faith."

US farmers rely greatly on such trade with China: in 2017, around a third of US soybean production -- worth $14 billion -- was exported there, where it is used to feed pigs.&nbsp;

Those exports plummeted last summer when China imposed tariffs on US soybeans and other agricultural products.

Previously, in a gesture of goodwill at the start of the countries' truce, China in December resumed soybean purchases.

But Chinese tariffs had already hit America's farming regions hard -- areas where Trump has enjoyed plentiful support.

US President Donald Trump on Friday urged China to abolish tariffs on agricultural products imported from the United States -- adding that trade talks between the rival powers were going well.

US President Donald Trump on Friday urged China to abolish tariffs on agricultural products imported from the United States -- adding that trade talks between the rival powers were going well. "I have asked China to immediately remove all Tariffs on our agricultural products (including beef, pork, etc.)," the president wrote on Twitter. I have asked China to immediately remove all Tariffs on our agricultural products (including beef, pork, etc.) based on the fact that we are moving along nicely with Trade discussions.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2019 × He said his request was based on the fact that negotiations with China were "moving along nicely" -- and his delay last week of a planned tariff increase on Chinese exports. "This is very important for our great farmers - and me!" he added. ....and I did not increase their second traunch of Tariffs to 25% on March 1st. This is very important for our great farmers - and me! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2019 × After months of a trade war, the US and China agreed to a 90-day truce to work out their differences. It was scheduled to end Friday, but Trump eventually lifted the ultimatum to increase tariffs, satisfied by the progress made in several rounds of talks in Beijing and Washington. Top White House economic official Larry Kudlow said Thursday the two countries were on the brink of a "historic" trade agreement. A meeting between Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, is also expected this month. After the latest round of talks in February, US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue tweeted that China had committed to buying "an additional" 10 million metric tons of soybeans as a "show of good faith." US farmers rely greatly on such trade with China: in 2017, around a third of US soybean production -- worth $14 billion -- was exported there, where it is used to feed pigs. Those exports plummeted last summer when China imposed tariffs on US soybeans and other agricultural products. Previously, in a gesture of goodwill at the start of the countries' truce, China in December resumed soybean purchases. But Chinese tariffs had already hit America's farming regions hard -- areas where Trump has enjoyed plentiful support.

Trump urges China to remove tariffs on US agricultural products

Iran is merging four military-linked banks and another financial institution with the country's oldest bank to boost efficiency and help stabilise the sector, the central bank said on Saturday, as the economy reels under US sanctions.

Many Iranian banks are under pressure because of years of poor management and economic difficulties, caused by decades of international sanctions and the reimposition of US sanctions last year.

The merger would create "a stable and more efficient single bank to provide better services to the families of the armed forces and the general public", the central bank said in a statement quoted by state news agency IRNA.

Ansar, Mehr Eqtesad, Qavamin, and Hekmat banks and the Kosar credit institution will be merged with state-run Bank Sepah, set up in 1925 by an army pension fund as Iran's first bank, the central bank statement said. It gave no further details of the merger or the institutions involved.

President Donald Trump reimposed US sanctions last May after pulling out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The sanctions have shaken the economy and pushed the currency to record lows, disrupting foreign trade and helping boost annual inflation fourfold to nearly 40 per cent in November.

The weak currency and spiralling prices have been among complaints in sporadic street protests since late 2017.

Besides banks, Iran's armed forces and particularly the elite Revolutionary Guards control numerous companies.

After the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, the Guards became heavily involved in reconstruction, with interests subsequently expanding to take in a vast network of businesses ranging from oil and gas projects to construction and telecommunications.

Iran is merging four military-linked banks and another financial institution with the country's oldest bank to boost efficiency and help stabilise the sector, the central bank said on Saturday, as the economy reels under US sanctions.

Iran is merging four military-linked banks and another financial institution with the country's oldest bank to boost efficiency and help stabilise the sector, the central bank said on Saturday, as the economy reels under US sanctions. Many Iranian banks are under pressure because of years of poor management and economic difficulties, caused by decades of international sanctions and the reimposition of US sanctions last year. The merger would create "a stable and more efficient single bank to provide better services to the families of the armed forces and the general public", the central bank said in a statement quoted by state news agency IRNA. Ansar, Mehr Eqtesad, Qavamin, and Hekmat banks and the Kosar credit institution will be merged with state-run Bank Sepah, set up in 1925 by an army pension fund as Iran's first bank, the central bank statement said. It gave no further details of the merger or the institutions involved. President Donald Trump reimposed US sanctions last May after pulling out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The sanctions have shaken the economy and pushed the currency to record lows, disrupting foreign trade and helping boost annual inflation fourfold to nearly 40 per cent in November. The weak currency and spiralling prices have been among complaints in sporadic street protests since late 2017. Besides banks, Iran's armed forces and particularly the elite Revolutionary Guards control numerous companies. After the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, the Guards became heavily involved in reconstruction, with interests subsequently expanding to take in a vast network of businesses ranging from oil and gas projects to construction and telecommunications.

Iran merging military-linked banks to stabilise sector

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