The new Democratic majority in the US House of Representatives is quietly planning behind the scenes for a series of investigations of Republican President Donald Trump, but no immediate flurry of subpoenas materialized as some Democrats had hoped.

Democratic leaders began their new era of control with caution, reflecting their persistent concern that acting too quickly to press investigations of Trump`s ties with Russia or his personal tax records may be perceived as overreach and cause a backlash in the next election cycle.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rolled out legislative proposals on Friday, including one to require presidential candidates to disclose publicly 10 years worth of tax returns, a direct response to Trump`s refusal to release his.

Such caution contrasted with urgent demands from newer members of the House Democratic caucus, which took majority control on Thursday, for tough, swift action.

Representative Rashida Tlaib was filmed late on Thursday at a reception saying that Democrats were going to try to remove Trump from office, telling the crowd, "We`re going to impeach that motherfucker."

Her remark drew rebukes from Republicans and Democrats.

House Republican Whip Steve Scalise said: "Pelosi`s got her first test and it happened on day one. How is she going to stand up to the most radical left elements of her party when they become unhinged?"

During a White House news conference, Trump said Tlaib`s comment was a "dishonor to herself and to her family." Trump had earlier tweeted that Democrats were discussing impeachment because they feared running against him in the 2020 election, when he will seek a second four-year term.

"Everybody has got their own style, it ain't mine," House Majority Whip James Clyburn told reporters, referring to Tlaib. "I don`t believe we ought to be talking about impeachment until we get this country back on track."

Tlaib defended her comments in an interview with a Detroit television station on Friday. "It`s probably exactly how my grandmother, if she was alive, would say it," she told NBC-affiliate WDIV.

"I stand by impeaching the president of the United States," Tlaib said. "I ran on that."

Close scrutiny

Whether or not impeachment proceedings follow, Democrats have been firm that they will closely scrutinize Trump, his business interests and the first two years of his presidency.

Trump`s time in the White House so far has been clouded by a US special counsel`s inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US election and possible coordination between Moscow officials and the Trump campaign.

Democrats also charge that several of Trump`s top aides and cabinet officials have violated legal and ethical standards - a subject they believe is ripe for investigation.

&nbsp;"President Trump set the tone from the top of his administration that behaving ethically and complying the law is optional, ladies and gentleman, I stopped by here to say we`re better than that. It will not be optional," Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings told a room of cheering staffers, offering a hint of what could be to come.&nbsp;

Adam Schiff, the new chairman of the House Intelligence Committee circulated a memo in early 2018 that is now seen as a blueprint for the Democrats` investigative agenda.

Schiff maintains that committee Republicans prematurely abandoned their inquiry into Russian interference. Moscow denies meddling in the election and Trump denies collusion.&nbsp;

For instance, committee Republicans "refused" to interview White House officials Stephen Miller and Kellyanne Conway, former Trump White House aides Reince Priebus and Sean Spicer and private Trump advisors Allen Weisselberg and Alan Garten, the Schiff memo said, providing a list of possible witnesses that could be called by Democrats.

Documents about Trump deals and finances from Deutsche Bank, should be obtained "via subpoena if necessary," the memo said.

The new Democratic majority in the US House of Representatives is quietly planning behind the scenes for a series of investigations of Republican President Donald Trump, but no immediate flurry of subpoenas materialized as some Democrats had hoped.

The new Democratic majority in the US House of Representatives is quietly planning behind the scenes for a series of investigations of Republican President Donald Trump, but no immediate flurry of subpoenas materialized as some Democrats had hoped. Democratic leaders began their new era of control with caution, reflecting their persistent concern that acting too quickly to press investigations of Trump`s ties with Russia or his personal tax records may be perceived as overreach and cause a backlash in the next election cycle. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rolled out legislative proposals on Friday, including one to require presidential candidates to disclose publicly 10 years worth of tax returns, a direct response to Trump`s refusal to release his. Such caution contrasted with urgent demands from newer members of the House Democratic caucus, which took majority control on Thursday, for tough, swift action. Representative Rashida Tlaib was filmed late on Thursday at a reception saying that Democrats were going to try to remove Trump from office, telling the crowd, "We`re going to impeach that motherfucker." Her remark drew rebukes from Republicans and Democrats. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise said: "Pelosi`s got her first test and it happened on day one. How is she going to stand up to the most radical left elements of her party when they become unhinged?" During a White House news conference, Trump said Tlaib`s comment was a "dishonor to herself and to her family." Trump had earlier tweeted that Democrats were discussing impeachment because they feared running against him in the 2020 election, when he will seek a second four-year term. "Everybody has got their own style, it ain't mine," House Majority Whip James Clyburn told reporters, referring to Tlaib. "I don`t believe we ought to be talking about impeachment until we get this country back on track." Tlaib defended her comments in an interview with a Detroit television station on Friday. "It`s probably exactly how my grandmother, if she was alive, would say it," she told NBC-affiliate WDIV. "I stand by impeaching the president of the United States," Tlaib said. "I ran on that." Close scrutiny Whether or not impeachment proceedings follow, Democrats have been firm that they will closely scrutinize Trump, his business interests and the first two years of his presidency. Trump`s time in the White House so far has been clouded by a US special counsel`s inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US election and possible coordination between Moscow officials and the Trump campaign. Democrats also charge that several of Trump`s top aides and cabinet officials have violated legal and ethical standards - a subject they believe is ripe for investigation. "President Trump set the tone from the top of his administration that behaving ethically and complying the law is optional, ladies and gentleman, I stopped by here to say we`re better than that. It will not be optional," Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings told a room of cheering staffers, offering a hint of what could be to come. Adam Schiff, the new chairman of the House Intelligence Committee circulated a memo in early 2018 that is now seen as a blueprint for the Democrats` investigative agenda. Schiff maintains that committee Republicans prematurely abandoned their inquiry into Russian interference. Moscow denies meddling in the election and Trump denies collusion. For instance, committee Republicans "refused" to interview White House officials Stephen Miller and Kellyanne Conway, former Trump White House aides Reince Priebus and Sean Spicer and private Trump advisors Allen Weisselberg and Alan Garten, the Schiff memo said, providing a list of possible witnesses that could be called by Democrats. Documents about Trump deals and finances from Deutsche Bank, should be obtained "via subpoena if necessary," the memo said.

Newly powerful US House Democrats hold off on Trump subpoena flurry

President Donald Trump said Friday he is confident Washington and Beijing will reach a deal to bring to a close the months-long trade dispute that has roiled global financial markets.

"I think we will make a deal with China," Trump said at the White House, and noted that talks are underway with China "at the highest levels."

With the Chinese economy slowing, "I really think they want to" reach an agreement, he told reporters. "I think they sort of have to."

A US delegation is due to travel to Beijing to hold negotiations Monday, but Trump said he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping already have been actively engaged in the talks.

"We have a massive trade negotiation going on with China. President Xi is very much involved, so am I. We're dealing at the highest levels and we're doing very well," he said.

Trump and Xi agreed to a three-month cease-fire after imposing steep tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade, which has raised fears of slowing economic growth and added to investor jitters worldwide.

Trump repeated that the US has "taken in billions and billions of dollars in tariffs from China and from others," despite the fact import duties are increasing costs for American businesses and consumers.

The New York Federal Reserve bank said in an analysis Friday that "higher import tariffs had immediate impacts on US domestic prices," raising the consumer and producer prices by 0.3 percentage points higher than they would otherwise have been.

Deputy US Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish is due to lead the team to China for the first face-to-face discussions, which will include officials from the Treasury, Commerce and Agriculture departments as well.

The bruising trade war comes as China grapples with a slowing domestic economy. Growth is expected by the government to have eased to around 6.5 per cent in 2018, down from 6.9 per cent in 2017.

The manufacturing sectors in both countries have been hit by the trade dispute, and Apple shares dropped sharply after reporting steeper-than-expected "economic deceleration" in the last quarter in China -- one of its largest overseas markets.

Trump said he has urged Apple chief Tim Cook to "make your product in the United States" rather than China.

A US delegation is due to travel to Beijing to hold negotiations Monday, but Trump said he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping already have been actively engaged in the talks.

President Donald Trump said Friday he is confident Washington and Beijing will reach a deal to bring to a close the months-long trade dispute that has roiled global financial markets. "I think we will make a deal with China," Trump said at the White House, and noted that talks are underway with China "at the highest levels." With the Chinese economy slowing, "I really think they want to" reach an agreement, he told reporters. "I think they sort of have to." A US delegation is due to travel to Beijing to hold negotiations Monday, but Trump said he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping already have been actively engaged in the talks. "We have a massive trade negotiation going on with China. President Xi is very much involved, so am I. We're dealing at the highest levels and we're doing very well," he said. Trump and Xi agreed to a three-month cease-fire after imposing steep tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade, which has raised fears of slowing economic growth and added to investor jitters worldwide. Trump repeated that the US has "taken in billions and billions of dollars in tariffs from China and from others," despite the fact import duties are increasing costs for American businesses and consumers. The New York Federal Reserve bank said in an analysis Friday that "higher import tariffs had immediate impacts on US domestic prices," raising the consumer and producer prices by 0.3 percentage points higher than they would otherwise have been. Deputy US Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish is due to lead the team to China for the first face-to-face discussions, which will include officials from the Treasury, Commerce and Agriculture departments as well. The bruising trade war comes as China grapples with a slowing domestic economy. Growth is expected by the government to have eased to around 6.5 per cent in 2018, down from 6.9 per cent in 2017. The manufacturing sectors in both countries have been hit by the trade dispute, and Apple shares dropped sharply after reporting steeper-than-expected "economic deceleration" in the last quarter in China -- one of its largest overseas markets. Trump said he has urged Apple chief Tim Cook to "make your product in the United States" rather than China.

Trump says confident in US trade deal with China

A defiant President Donald Trump said Friday he was prepared to keep the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-congress-leaders-set-to-huddle-on-border-wall-government-shutdown-188197">US government shut down</a> for as long as it takes -- months or even years -- to force Congress to provide billions of dollars for a border wall with Mexico.

"This is national security we're talking about. We're not playing games," Trump said following another round of talks at the White House with Democratic leaders on ending the two-week impasse which has shut about 25 per cent of the government.

"The southern border is a dangerous, horrible disaster," he said, decrying illegal immigration, drug smuggling and human trafficking.

"We have to get a structure built," Trump said, calling on Congress to approve his $5.6 billion requests for a "major powerful barrier" made of concrete or steel.

Trump also claimed that some previous US presidents had told him they should have built a wall. None of Trump's predecessors has ever publicly advocated such a thing.

Describing the situation as a "national emergency," Trump said he was looking into ways to get a wall built without congressional approval. "I may do it," he said. "I am allowed to do that."

Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said Democrats had urged Trump during what he called a "sometimes contentious" meeting to reopen the federal government, which has been partially shut down since December 22 leaving 800,000 employees furloughed or working without pay.&nbsp;

A handful of those employees held a roadside protest in Maryland on Friday, saying they want to get back to work, WTOP radio reported.

"We told the president we needed the government open," Schumer said. "He resisted. In fact, he said he'd keep the government closed for a very long period of time. Months or even years."

Asked by reporters whether this was true, Trump said it was although he added that he hoped the shutdown "doesn't go on even beyond a few more days."

"I will do whatever we have to do," Trump said. "If we have to stay out for a very long period of time we will do that."

Talks over the weekend

Trump said a bipartisan group including Vice President Mike Pence would meet over the weekend to try to reach an agreement.

"Our aim will be to find a solution, not just simply to end the government shutdown, to provide funding to end the crisis at our southern border, to achieve real border security and to build a wall on our southern border," Pence said.

A quick end to the stalemate does not appear to be in sight, however, as Democrats, who now control the House of Representatives, seem in no mood to make concessions.

"We are committed to keeping our borders safe," Nancy Pelosi, who took over as speaker of the House on Thursday, told reporters following the meeting with the president.

But, Pelosi added, "we recognize on the Democratic side that we really cannot resolve this until we open up government.

"And we made that very clear to the president," she said. "Services are being withheld from the American people. Paychecks are being withheld."

Both Democrats and Republicans have attempted to pin the blame for the shutdown on the other side and Pelosi has ruled out funding for a border wall she has described as an "immorality."

Shortly after the new Congress was sworn in on Thursday, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-bills-that-would-end-government-shutdown-without-wall-funds-188145">House approved legislation to fund homeland security operations</a> until February 8 and several other agencies through September -- but no money for a wall.

Trump has said he would veto any bill that does not include funding for the barrier and the Republican-run Senate has said it would not consider anything that does not pass muster with the president.

The fight over the wall is setting the stage for what could be a tumultuous final two years in office for Trump faced with a hostile Democratic-controlled House equipped with investigative powers.

Some newly seated Democrats have even called for impeachment proceedings against the Republican president although Pelosi has distanced herself from those appeals for the time being.

"We talked about (impeachment) today," Trump said. "Nancy said 'We're not looking to impeach you.'"

Trump also sought to defend his record saying "you don't impeach people when they're doing a good job."

'We have to get a structure built,' Trump said, calling on Congress to approve his $5.6 billion requests for a 'major powerful barrier' made of concrete or steel.

A defiant President Donald Trump said Friday he was prepared to keep the US government shut down for as long as it takes -- months or even years -- to force Congress to provide billions of dollars for a border wall with Mexico. "This is national security we're talking about. We're not playing games," Trump said following another round of talks at the White House with Democratic leaders on ending the two-week impasse which has shut about 25 per cent of the government. "The southern border is a dangerous, horrible disaster," he said, decrying illegal immigration, drug smuggling and human trafficking. "We have to get a structure built," Trump said, calling on Congress to approve his $5.6 billion requests for a "major powerful barrier" made of concrete or steel. Trump also claimed that some previous US presidents had told him they should have built a wall. None of Trump's predecessors has ever publicly advocated such a thing. Describing the situation as a "national emergency," Trump said he was looking into ways to get a wall built without congressional approval. "I may do it," he said. "I am allowed to do that." Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said Democrats had urged Trump during what he called a "sometimes contentious" meeting to reopen the federal government, which has been partially shut down since December 22 leaving 800,000 employees furloughed or working without pay. A handful of those employees held a roadside protest in Maryland on Friday, saying they want to get back to work, WTOP radio reported. "We told the president we needed the government open," Schumer said. "He resisted. In fact, he said he'd keep the government closed for a very long period of time. Months or even years." Asked by reporters whether this was true, Trump said it was although he added that he hoped the shutdown "doesn't go on even beyond a few more days." "I will do whatever we have to do," Trump said. "If we have to stay out for a very long period of time we will do that." Talks over the weekend Trump said a bipartisan group including Vice President Mike Pence would meet over the weekend to try to reach an agreement. "Our aim will be to find a solution, not just simply to end the government shutdown, to provide funding to end the crisis at our southern border, to achieve real border security and to build a wall on our southern border," Pence said. A quick end to the stalemate does not appear to be in sight, however, as Democrats, who now control the House of Representatives, seem in no mood to make concessions. "We are committed to keeping our borders safe," Nancy Pelosi, who took over as speaker of the House on Thursday, told reporters following the meeting with the president. But, Pelosi added, "we recognize on the Democratic side that we really cannot resolve this until we open up government. "And we made that very clear to the president," she said. "Services are being withheld from the American people. Paychecks are being withheld." Both Democrats and Republicans have attempted to pin the blame for the shutdown on the other side and Pelosi has ruled out funding for a border wall she has described as an "immorality." Shortly after the new Congress was sworn in on Thursday, the House approved legislation to fund homeland security operations until February 8 and several other agencies through September -- but no money for a wall. Trump has said he would veto any bill that does not include funding for the barrier and the Republican-run Senate has said it would not consider anything that does not pass muster with the president. The fight over the wall is setting the stage for what could be a tumultuous final two years in office for Trump faced with a hostile Democratic-controlled House equipped with investigative powers. Some newly seated Democrats have even called for impeachment proceedings against the Republican president although Pelosi has distanced herself from those appeals for the time being. "We talked about (impeachment) today," Trump said. "Nancy said 'We're not looking to impeach you.'" Trump also sought to defend his record saying "you don't impeach people when they're doing a good job."

Ready to shut government for months or even years: Trump

President Donald Trump and senior Democrats failed to strike a deal in talks on Friday to end a partial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-refuses-to-sign-us-government-shutdown-legislation-over-mexico-wall-funding-185571">shutdown of the US government</a> as they again fought over Trump`s request for over $5 billion to fund his signature wall on the Mexican border.&nbsp;

After Democratic congressional leaders turned Trump down at a meeting in the White House Situation Room, the Republican president threatened to take the controversial step of using emergency powers to build the wall without approval from Congress.

Trump is withholding his support for a bill that would fully fund the government until he secures the money for the wall. As a result around 800,000 public workers have been unpaid, with about a quarter of the federal government closed for two weeks.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats had told Trump during the meeting to end the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-approves-bill-to-avert-government-shutdown-excludes-mexico-border-wall-funding-185405">shutdown</a>. "He resisted," Schumer said. "In fact, he said he`d keep the government closed for a very long period of time, months or even years."

Trump confirmed that comment but painted a more positive picture of the meeting, the first since a new era of divided government began when Democrats took control of the House of Representatives on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We had a very, very productive meeting, and we`ve come a long way," Trump said.

According to a source familiar with the White House discussion, Trump opened the meeting with a speech that lasted at least 15 minutes in which he insisted on the need for $5.6 billion for a border wall.

The source also said Trump brought up recent impeachment threats during those remarks, arguing that he had notched a strong performance as president and should not be a target for impeachment.

National emergency?

Raising the stakes in his tussle with the newly emboldened Democrats, Trump threatened extraordinary measures to build the wall, which he says is needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the United States.

Asked by a reporter whether he had considered declaring a national emergency to build the wall, Trump said: "Yes, I have ... I may do it ... we can call a national emergency and build it very quickly."

He said he could declare a national emergency "because of the security of our country, absolutely."

Senator Jack Reed, the senior Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the comments, saying in a statement, "Declaring a trumped-up national emergency in order to skirt congressional approval is wrong."&nbsp;

The US Constitution assigns Congress the power over funding the federal government so Trump likely would face legal challenges if he tried to bypass Congress on financing the wall. Building a wall - and having Mexico pay for it - was one of Trump`s main promises when he ran for president in 2016.

Trump's wall project is estimated to cost about $23 billion.

Democrats have called the wall immoral, ineffective and medieval.

Nancy Pelosi, the newly elected Democratic speaker of the House, said Friday's meeting with Trump was "sometimes contentious" but that they agreed to continue talking.

"But we recognise on the Democratic side that we really cannot resolve this until we open up government and we made that very clear to the president," she said.&nbsp;

Credit rating agency Moody`s says the shutdown will cause minimal US economic and credit market disruption but there could be a more severe impact on financial markets and the broad economy if the closure is protracted.

A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll last week showed that 50 per cent of the public blame Trump for the shutdown and 7 per cent blame Republican lawmakers, while 32 per cent blame Democrats.

In a December 11 meeting with Pelosi and Schumer, Trump said he would be "proud" to shut the government over the security issue and would not blame Democrats. He has since said they are responsible.&nbsp;

White House officials and congressional staffers will meet at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT) on Saturday to try to end the impasse, White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters that Trump had named Vice President Mike Pence, senior aide Jared Kushner and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen to work over the weekend.

The partial shutdown is straining the country`s immigration system, worsening backlogs in courts and complicating hiring for employers.

Federal agencies such as the Justice Department, Commerce Department and departments of Agriculture, Labor, Interior and Treasury have been hit by the shutdown.

House Ways and Means Committee chairman Richard Neal, a Democrat, asked the Internal Revenue Service in a letter on Friday to explain the possible effects of the shutdown on the upcoming tax filing season for millions of Americans.

President Donald Trump and senior Democrats failed to strike a deal in talks on Friday to end a partial shutdown of the US government as they again fought over Trump`s request for over $5 billion to fund his signature wall on the Mexican border.

President Donald Trump and senior Democrats failed to strike a deal in talks on Friday to end a partial shutdown of the US government as they again fought over Trump`s request for over $5 billion to fund his signature wall on the Mexican border. After Democratic congressional leaders turned Trump down at a meeting in the White House Situation Room, the Republican president threatened to take the controversial step of using emergency powers to build the wall without approval from Congress. Trump is withholding his support for a bill that would fully fund the government until he secures the money for the wall. As a result around 800,000 public workers have been unpaid, with about a quarter of the federal government closed for two weeks. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats had told Trump during the meeting to end the shutdown. "He resisted," Schumer said. "In fact, he said he`d keep the government closed for a very long period of time, months or even years." Trump confirmed that comment but painted a more positive picture of the meeting, the first since a new era of divided government began when Democrats took control of the House of Representatives on Thursday. "We had a very, very productive meeting, and we`ve come a long way," Trump said. According to a source familiar with the White House discussion, Trump opened the meeting with a speech that lasted at least 15 minutes in which he insisted on the need for $5.6 billion for a border wall. The source also said Trump brought up recent impeachment threats during those remarks, arguing that he had notched a strong performance as president and should not be a target for impeachment. National emergency? Raising the stakes in his tussle with the newly emboldened Democrats, Trump threatened extraordinary measures to build the wall, which he says is needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the United States. Asked by a reporter whether he had considered declaring a national emergency to build the wall, Trump said: "Yes, I have ... I may do it ... we can call a national emergency and build it very quickly." He said he could declare a national emergency "because of the security of our country, absolutely." Senator Jack Reed, the senior Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the comments, saying in a statement, "Declaring a trumped-up national emergency in order to skirt congressional approval is wrong." The US Constitution assigns Congress the power over funding the federal government so Trump likely would face legal challenges if he tried to bypass Congress on financing the wall. Building a wall - and having Mexico pay for it - was one of Trump`s main promises when he ran for president in 2016. Trump's wall project is estimated to cost about $23 billion. Democrats have called the wall immoral, ineffective and medieval. Nancy Pelosi, the newly elected Democratic speaker of the House, said Friday's meeting with Trump was "sometimes contentious" but that they agreed to continue talking. "But we recognise on the Democratic side that we really cannot resolve this until we open up government and we made that very clear to the president," she said. Credit rating agency Moody`s says the shutdown will cause minimal US economic and credit market disruption but there could be a more severe impact on financial markets and the broad economy if the closure is protracted. A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll last week showed that 50 per cent of the public blame Trump for the shutdown and 7 per cent blame Republican lawmakers, while 32 per cent blame Democrats. In a December 11 meeting with Pelosi and Schumer, Trump said he would be "proud" to shut the government over the security issue and would not blame Democrats. He has since said they are responsible. White House officials and congressional staffers will meet at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT) on Saturday to try to end the impasse, White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters that Trump had named Vice President Mike Pence, senior aide Jared Kushner and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen to work over the weekend. The partial shutdown is straining the country`s immigration system, worsening backlogs in courts and complicating hiring for employers. Federal agencies such as the Justice Department, Commerce Department and departments of Agriculture, Labor, Interior and Treasury have been hit by the shutdown. House Ways and Means Committee chairman Richard Neal, a Democrat, asked the Internal Revenue Service in a letter on Friday to explain the possible effects of the shutdown on the upcoming tax filing season for millions of Americans.

US shutdown talks falter, Trump threatens emergency powers

The United States' <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-elects-democrat-nancy-pelosi-to-be-speaker-for-2019-2020-188126">newly-elected Speaker</a> in the House of Representatives on Thursday invited the country's president to deliver his second State of the Union address on January 29.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to President Donald Trump hours after reaching 220 votes to become the new House speaker, a position she also held between 2007 and 2011.

"In the spirit of our Constitution, I invite you to deliver your State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in the House Chamber," the letter Pelosi posted on Twitter said.

The Democrat said the Constitution established the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the government to be co-equal checks and balances on each other and asks that the president "from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union.”

Trump delivered his first State of the Union address on January 30, 2018, a tradition in which the president assesses the country's situation each year before Congress and presents his priorities.

This time the president would address a Congress in which the Democrats have regained control of the House, while the Republicans hold the majority in the Senate.

The appearance would take place with a political atmosphere marked by partial government shutdown, ongoing since December 22.

The United States' newly-elected Speaker in the House of Representatives on Thursday invited the country's president to deliver his second State of the Union address on January 29.

The United States' newly-elected Speaker in the House of Representatives on Thursday invited the country's president to deliver his second State of the Union address on January 29. Democrat Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to President Donald Trump hours after reaching 220 votes to become the new House speaker, a position she also held between 2007 and 2011. "In the spirit of our Constitution, I invite you to deliver your State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in the House Chamber," the letter Pelosi posted on Twitter said. The Democrat said the Constitution established the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the government to be co-equal checks and balances on each other and asks that the president "from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union.” Trump delivered his first State of the Union address on January 30, 2018, a tradition in which the president assesses the country's situation each year before Congress and presents his priorities. This time the president would address a Congress in which the Democrats have regained control of the House, while the Republicans hold the majority in the Senate. The appearance would take place with a political atmosphere marked by partial government shutdown, ongoing since December 22.

Pelosi invites Trump to deliver State of the Union address

The Trump administration is considering Jim Webb, a former Democratic senator who also served as Navy secretary under Republican President Ronald Reagan, to be the next defence secretary, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

Citing an unnamed official, the Times said Vice President Mike Pence and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney had reached out to Webb. It said what it described as a senior Defense Department official confirmed Webb's name had been circulating at the White House.

Jim Mattis stepped down from his job as secretary of defence on Tuesday and President Donald Trump said a day later he had essentially fired Mattis, a retired Marine general whose letter of resignation was seen as a sharp rebuke to the Republican president.

Mattis resigned after Trump's surprise decisions to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria and half of the 14,000-strong contingent in Afghanistan. Trump has named Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing Co executive who was Mattis's deputy, as acting defence secretary.

The Times said Webb could potentially allow Trump to bypass "more hawkish Republicans whose names have been floated to replace Jim Mattis."

It said Republican senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham and former Republican Senator Jim Talent had also been mentioned as possible replacements for Mattis.

The White House declined to comment on the Times report.

The Times said Webb did not respond to a request for comment.

Webb, 72, is a decorated war veteran who served in the Vietnam War, the author of 10 books and an Emmy award-making journalist and filmmaker.

A former U.S. senator from Virginia, Webb ran a long-shot campaign for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.

"Americans don't like the extremes to which both parties have moved in recent years and, quite frankly, neither do I," he said in October 2015 when announcing he was dropping his bid.

The Trump administration is considering Jim Webb, a former Democratic senator who also served as Navy secretary under Republican President Ronald Reagan, to be the next defence secretary, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

The Trump administration is considering Jim Webb, a former Democratic senator who also served as Navy secretary under Republican President Ronald Reagan, to be the next defence secretary, the New York Times reported on Thursday. Citing an unnamed official, the Times said Vice President Mike Pence and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney had reached out to Webb. It said what it described as a senior Defense Department official confirmed Webb's name had been circulating at the White House. Jim Mattis stepped down from his job as secretary of defence on Tuesday and President Donald Trump said a day later he had essentially fired Mattis, a retired Marine general whose letter of resignation was seen as a sharp rebuke to the Republican president. Mattis resigned after Trump's surprise decisions to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria and half of the 14,000-strong contingent in Afghanistan. Trump has named Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing Co executive who was Mattis's deputy, as acting defence secretary. The Times said Webb could potentially allow Trump to bypass "more hawkish Republicans whose names have been floated to replace Jim Mattis." It said Republican senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham and former Republican Senator Jim Talent had also been mentioned as possible replacements for Mattis. The White House declined to comment on the Times report. The Times said Webb did not respond to a request for comment. Webb, 72, is a decorated war veteran who served in the Vietnam War, the author of 10 books and an Emmy award-making journalist and filmmaker. A former U.S. senator from Virginia, Webb ran a long-shot campaign for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. "Americans don't like the extremes to which both parties have moved in recent years and, quite frankly, neither do I," he said in October 2015 when announcing he was dropping his bid.

Trump considering former Senator Webb for defence secretary: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-elects-democrat-nancy-pelosi-to-be-speaker-for-2019-2020-188126">US House elects Democrat Nancy Pelosi to be </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-elects-democrat-nancy-pelosi-to-be-speaker-for-2019-2020-188126">speaker</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-elects-democrat-nancy-pelosi-to-be-speaker-for-2019-2020-188126"> for 2019-2020</a>

Democrat Nancy Pelosi was elected on Thursday to be the new speaker of the US House of Representatives as her party took majority control of the chamber following its election victory last Nov. 6.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-considering-former-democratic-senator-webb-for-defence-secretary-report-188132">Trump considering former Democratic Senator Webb for defence secretary: Report</a>

The Trump administration is considering Jim Webb, a former Democratic senator who also served as Navy secretary under Republican President Ronald Reagan, to be the next defence secretary, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/are-not-part-of-any-agenda-say-two-women-who-visited-sabarimala-temple-188124">Are not part of any agenda, say two women who visited Sabarimala temple</a>

Bindu and Kanakadurga, the two women in their 40s, who created history by defying threats from saffron organisations and offered prayers at Sabarimala temple, Thursday said they were not tools of anyone and dismissed as "baseless" the allegations that they were playing into the hands of police and the government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsaus-4th-test-day-2-india-vs-australia-188106">INDvsAUS, 4th Test, Day 2: Pujara out, India at 418-6 after 130 overs</a>

India are at a score of 410 after losing five wickets in the first innings.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-pabuk-7-districts-in-odisha-on-alert-188136">Cyclone 'Pabuk': 7 districts in Odisha on alert</a>

The Odisha government has put seven districts on alert in view of cyclonic activities in the South China Sea.

&nbsp;

US House elects Democrat Nancy Pelosi to be speaker for 2019-2020 Democrat Nancy Pelosi was elected on Thursday to be the new speaker of the US House of Representatives as her party took majority control of the chamber following its election victory last Nov.

US House elects Democrat Nancy Pelosi to be speaker for 2019-2020 Democrat Nancy Pelosi was elected on Thursday to be the new speaker of the US House of Representatives as her party took majority control of the chamber following its election victory last Nov. 6. Trump considering former Democratic Senator Webb for defence secretary: Report The Trump administration is considering Jim Webb, a former Democratic senator who also served as Navy secretary under Republican President Ronald Reagan, to be the next defence secretary, the New York Times reported on Thursday. Are not part of any agenda, say two women who visited Sabarimala temple Bindu and Kanakadurga, the two women in their 40s, who created history by defying threats from saffron organisations and offered prayers at Sabarimala temple, Thursday said they were not tools of anyone and dismissed as "baseless" the allegations that they were playing into the hands of police and the government. INDvsAUS, 4th Test, Day 2: Pujara out, India at 418-6 after 130 overs India are at a score of 410 after losing five wickets in the first innings. Cyclone 'Pabuk': 7 districts in Odisha on alert The Odisha government has put seven districts on alert in view of cyclonic activities in the South China Sea.

News brief: Big stories of the day

President Donald Trump Thursday spoke with family members and law enforcement colleagues of Indian-origin police officer Ronil "Ron" Singh who was killed allegedly by an illegal immigrant last week in the US state of California, the White House said.

Corporal Singh, 33, of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop just before 1:00 AM (local time) on December 26.

"This afternoon, President Trump spoke with the family and law enforcement colleagues of fallen Newman, California, police officer Ronald "Ron" Singh," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Singh was a native of Fiji and joined the force in July 2011.

"The President praised officer Singh's service to his fellow citizens, offered condolences, and commended law enforcement's rapid investigation, response, and apprehension of the suspect," Sanders said.

"Included in the President's calls were Corporal Singh's wife, Amanika 'Mika' Chand-Singh; Newman, California Police Chief Randy Richardson, and Sheriff Adam Christianson of Stanislaus County, California," she said.

The Californian police have arrested an illegal immigrant from Mexico, identified as 33-year-old Gustavo Perez Arriaga, on charges of killing Singh. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump Thursday spoke with family members and law enforcement colleagues of Indian-origin police officer Ronil "Ron" Singh who was killed allegedly by an illegal immigrant last week in the US state of California, the White House said.

President Donald Trump Thursday spoke with family members and law enforcement colleagues of Indian-origin police officer Ronil "Ron" Singh who was killed allegedly by an illegal immigrant last week in the US state of California, the White House said. Corporal Singh, 33, of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop just before 1:00 AM (local time) on December 26. "This afternoon, President Trump spoke with the family and law enforcement colleagues of fallen Newman, California, police officer Ronald "Ron" Singh," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Singh was a native of Fiji and joined the force in July 2011. "The President praised officer Singh's service to his fellow citizens, offered condolences, and commended law enforcement's rapid investigation, response, and apprehension of the suspect," Sanders said. "Included in the President's calls were Corporal Singh's wife, Amanika 'Mika' Chand-Singh; Newman, California Police Chief Randy Richardson, and Sheriff Adam Christianson of Stanislaus County, California," she said. The Californian police have arrested an illegal immigrant from Mexico, identified as 33-year-old Gustavo Perez Arriaga, on charges of killing Singh.

Trump speaks with family members of Indian-origin cop shot dead in California 

In pics: Trump, Pelosi era could see fireworks in Washington

Pakistan and the US are discussing plans to hold a maiden meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Donald Trump but it hinges on the "positive outcome" of the Pakistan-brokered talks to strike a peace deal in Afghanistan, a senior official here said.

In his first comments in 2019, President Trump on Wednesday said that he wants a "great relationship" with Pakistan and is looking forward to meeting the new leadership.

"The proposal for a summit meeting is being discussed but the final decision hinges on the positive outcome of the ongoing efforts to strike a peace deal in Afghanistan," a senior Pakistani official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

Khan, who took over as the Prime Minister in August, is likely to travel to the US if "all goes well", the official said on the condition of anonymity. 
Trump told his Cabinet colleagues on Wednesday that Pakistan has not been fair to the United States.

"We want to have a great relationship with Pakistan, but they house the enemy. They take care of the enemy. We just can't do that," Trump said.

"So, I look forward to meeting with the new leadership in Pakistan. We will be doing that in the not too distant future. But I ended $1.3 billion that we paid. I think it was water, we were just paying to Pakistan. So, I ended that."

When asked to comment on the Trump's statement and whether there was any chance of the meeting between the two leaders, Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said Pakistan looked forward to "positive engagement" with the US at the leadership level.

"President Trump's remarks are indeed a departure from his tweet of January 1, 2018," Faisal told a weekly news briefing.

Trump blasted Pakistan in his first tweet of 2018, saying its leaders have given the US "nothing but lies &amp; deceit."

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!? he added," he had tweeted.

The positive vibes coming from the White House are attributed to the recent push for seeking a peace deal in Afghanistan. Pakistan recently brokered direct talks between the Afghan Taliban and the US in the UAE.

The next round is expected in Saudi Arabia, which suggests a positive movement of the talks. "If the process moves forward in positive direction, certainly there is a possibility of engagement between Pakistan and the US at the highest level," another official said.

Some sources said that the proposal for the Khan-Trump meeting first came from Pakistan.

Officials here believe that engagement at the highest level could help reduce the trust deficit between the two countries.&nbsp;

Ties between the US and Pakistan strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August 2017, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.&nbsp;

In November, The US suspended $1.66 billion in security assistance to Pakistan and in September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and the Taliban active on its soil.

In his first comments in 2019, President Trump on Wednesday said that he wants a 'great relationship' with Pakistan and is looking forward to meeting the new leadership.

Pakistan and the US are discussing plans to hold a maiden meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Donald Trump but it hinges on the "positive outcome" of the Pakistan-brokered talks to strike a peace deal in Afghanistan, a senior official here said. In his first comments in 2019, President Trump on Wednesday said that he wants a "great relationship" with Pakistan and is looking forward to meeting the new leadership. "The proposal for a summit meeting is being discussed but the final decision hinges on the positive outcome of the ongoing efforts to strike a peace deal in Afghanistan," a senior Pakistani official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. Khan, who took over as the Prime Minister in August, is likely to travel to the US if "all goes well", the official said on the condition of anonymity. Trump told his Cabinet colleagues on Wednesday that Pakistan has not been fair to the United States. "We want to have a great relationship with Pakistan, but they house the enemy. They take care of the enemy. We just can't do that," Trump said. "So, I look forward to meeting with the new leadership in Pakistan. We will be doing that in the not too distant future. But I ended $1.3 billion that we paid. I think it was water, we were just paying to Pakistan. So, I ended that." When asked to comment on the Trump's statement and whether there was any chance of the meeting between the two leaders, Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said Pakistan looked forward to "positive engagement" with the US at the leadership level. "President Trump's remarks are indeed a departure from his tweet of January 1, 2018," Faisal told a weekly news briefing. Trump blasted Pakistan in his first tweet of 2018, saying its leaders have given the US "nothing but lies & deceit." "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!? he added," he had tweeted. The positive vibes coming from the White House are attributed to the recent push for seeking a peace deal in Afghanistan. Pakistan recently brokered direct talks between the Afghan Taliban and the US in the UAE. The next round is expected in Saudi Arabia, which suggests a positive movement of the talks. "If the process moves forward in positive direction, certainly there is a possibility of engagement between Pakistan and the US at the highest level," another official said. Some sources said that the proposal for the Khan-Trump meeting first came from Pakistan. Officials here believe that engagement at the highest level could help reduce the trust deficit between the two countries. Ties between the US and Pakistan strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August 2017, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. In November, The US suspended $1.66 billion in security assistance to Pakistan and in September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and the Taliban active on its soil.

Pakistan, US in talks to hold summit between Donald Trump and Imran Khan: Official

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use.

Trump brought up India's aid during a rambling press appearance at a cabinet meeting as he defended his push for the United States to invest less overseas.

While stating that he got along with Modi, Trump said the Indian leader was "constantly telling me he built a library in Afghanistan."

"You know what that is? That's like five hours of what we spend," Trump said.

"And we're supposed to say, 'Oh, thank you for the library.' I don't know who's using it in Afghanistan," Trump said.

It was unclear to which project Trump was referring, but India has committed $3 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since US-led forces toppled the extremist Taliban regime after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Projects have included the reconstruction of an elite high school in Kabul and scholarships to India for 1,000 Afghan students each year.

Inaugurating the Afghan parliament building in 2015 after reconstruction financed by India, Modi promised to promote programs "empowering Afghan youth with modern education and professional skills."

India has been one of the most enthusiastic countries over the US mission in Afghanistan, where the former Taliban regime sheltered fiercely anti-Indian militants.

But India's role has alarmed its arch-rival Pakistan, whose intelligence service's continued ties to extremists in Afghanistan has been seen by analysts in part as a way to counter New Delhi.

Trump last month moved to pull all 2,000 US troops out of Syria and cut by half the 14,000-strong force in Afghanistan, calling for less spending overseas.

Alluding in Wednesday's remarks to the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, Trump said: "Russia used to be the Soviet Union. Afghanistan made it Russia because they went bankrupt fighting in Afghanistan."

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use. Trump brought up India's aid during a rambling press appearance at a cabinet meeting as he defended his push for the United States to invest less overseas.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use. Trump brought up India's aid during a rambling press appearance at a cabinet meeting as he defended his push for the United States to invest less overseas. While stating that he got along with Modi, Trump said the Indian leader was "constantly telling me he built a library in Afghanistan." "You know what that is? That's like five hours of what we spend," Trump said. "And we're supposed to say, 'Oh, thank you for the library.' I don't know who's using it in Afghanistan," Trump said. It was unclear to which project Trump was referring, but India has committed $3 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since US-led forces toppled the extremist Taliban regime after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Projects have included the reconstruction of an elite high school in Kabul and scholarships to India for 1,000 Afghan students each year. Inaugurating the Afghan parliament building in 2015 after reconstruction financed by India, Modi promised to promote programs "empowering Afghan youth with modern education and professional skills." India has been one of the most enthusiastic countries over the US mission in Afghanistan, where the former Taliban regime sheltered fiercely anti-Indian militants. But India's role has alarmed its arch-rival Pakistan, whose intelligence service's continued ties to extremists in Afghanistan has been seen by analysts in part as a way to counter New Delhi. Trump last month moved to pull all 2,000 US troops out of Syria and cut by half the 14,000-strong force in Afghanistan, calling for less spending overseas. Alluding in Wednesday's remarks to the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, Trump said: "Russia used to be the Soviet Union. Afghanistan made it Russia because they went bankrupt fighting in Afghanistan."

Watch: Trump mocks PM Modi for library in Afghanistan, says 'I don't know who's using it'

US President Donald Trump met top Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday, but they failed to hammer out an agreement that would end a partial government shutdown over his demand for billions of dollars to build a border wall with Mexico.

One day before Democrats take over the House of Representatives, Trump showed no signs of backing away from his insistence that Congress cough up $5.6 billion for his "beautiful" southern wall.

Trump met behind closed doors at the White House with Nancy Pelosi, the Democrat who will take over as speaker of the House on Thursday, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, but there were no indications any progress had been made in resolving the impasse.

"We asked the president to support the bills that we support that will open up government," Schumer said. "I asked him directly, I said 'Mr. President give me one good reason why you should continue your shutdown.'

"He could not give a good answer," Schumer said.

Republican Kevin McCarthy, who will be minority leader in the next House, said Democratic and Republican leaders of Congress would return to the White House on Friday for more talks.

"This doesn't need to go on very much longer," McCarthy said.

But Trump said he was prepared to hold out "as long as it takes" to secure the money he is seeking for the border wall.

"This is national security we're talking about," he said at a cabinet meeting ahead of the meeting with Pelosi, Schumer and top Republicans. "It's too important a subject to walk away from.

"I think the people of this country think I am right," Trump said, adding that it "could be a long time" before the government reopens.

Trump's meeting with Pelosi and Schumer was his first since an acrimonious Oval Office meeting with the pair on December 11.

Democrats say the border wall, one of Trump's key campaign promises, is a distraction from more complicated immigration problems and a tool for Trump to whip up support among his conservative base.

The standoff resulted in hundreds of thousands of federal employees being furloughed over the Christmas and New Year holidays -- and for the foreseeable future until a deal is reached.

Romney hits out at Trump

Amid the stalemate over the wall, Trump shelved his annual Christmas vacation in Florida, choosing to remain in Washington and fire off a stream of angry -- and often misleading -- tweets.

"Much of the Wall has already been renovated or built," he asserted, along with the dubious claim that Mexico would pay for the wall through the new trade deal between the two countries.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders accused Democrats of refusing to compromise.

"President Trump made a serious, good faith offer to Democrats to open the government, address the crisis at our border and protect all Americans," Sanders said.

Pelosi is proposing a plan that would fund most government agencies through September 30 with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security and would only receive funding through February 8.

Sanders described that approach as a "non-starter because it does not fund our homeland security or keep American families safe from human trafficking, drugs and crime."

Republicans lost 40 seats and their majority in the House in the November midterm elections but they retained control of the Senate by a slim margin.

Sixty votes, however, are needed to advance legislation in the Senate, requiring Democratic support.

Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware welcomed the face-to-face meeting between Trump and Democratic leaders and told CNN he hoped it would lead to a end to what he called a "senseless" shutdown.

Republican Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, has said he will only schedule a vote on a deal that has the support of both the House and Trump.

Adding to the uncertainty in Washington, an incoming senator, former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, lashed out at Trump on Tuesday in an opinion piece in The Washington Post.

"Trump's words and actions have caused dismay around the world," wrote Romney, who was elected to the Senate in November from his home state of Utah.

"I do not intend to comment on every tweet or fault," Romney said. "But I will speak out against significant statements or actions that are divisive, racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, dishonest or destructive to democratic institutions."

Trump expressed surprise over the comments said he hoped the Republican senator would prove to be a "team player."

In an interview with CNN, Romney said he would vote to provide funding for a border wall.

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump met top Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday, but they failed to hammer out an agreement that would end a partial government shutdown over his demand for billions of dollars to build a border wall with Mexico.

US President Donald Trump met top Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday, but they failed to hammer out an agreement that would end a partial government shutdown over his demand for billions of dollars to build a border wall with Mexico. One day before Democrats take over the House of Representatives, Trump showed no signs of backing away from his insistence that Congress cough up $5.6 billion for his "beautiful" southern wall. Trump met behind closed doors at the White House with Nancy Pelosi, the Democrat who will take over as speaker of the House on Thursday, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, but there were no indications any progress had been made in resolving the impasse. "We asked the president to support the bills that we support that will open up government," Schumer said. "I asked him directly, I said 'Mr. President give me one good reason why you should continue your shutdown.' "He could not give a good answer," Schumer said. Republican Kevin McCarthy, who will be minority leader in the next House, said Democratic and Republican leaders of Congress would return to the White House on Friday for more talks. "This doesn't need to go on very much longer," McCarthy said. But Trump said he was prepared to hold out "as long as it takes" to secure the money he is seeking for the border wall. "This is national security we're talking about," he said at a cabinet meeting ahead of the meeting with Pelosi, Schumer and top Republicans. "It's too important a subject to walk away from. "I think the people of this country think I am right," Trump said, adding that it "could be a long time" before the government reopens. Trump's meeting with Pelosi and Schumer was his first since an acrimonious Oval Office meeting with the pair on December 11. Democrats say the border wall, one of Trump's key campaign promises, is a distraction from more complicated immigration problems and a tool for Trump to whip up support among his conservative base. The standoff resulted in hundreds of thousands of federal employees being furloughed over the Christmas and New Year holidays -- and for the foreseeable future until a deal is reached. Romney hits out at Trump Amid the stalemate over the wall, Trump shelved his annual Christmas vacation in Florida, choosing to remain in Washington and fire off a stream of angry -- and often misleading -- tweets. "Much of the Wall has already been renovated or built," he asserted, along with the dubious claim that Mexico would pay for the wall through the new trade deal between the two countries. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders accused Democrats of refusing to compromise. "President Trump made a serious, good faith offer to Democrats to open the government, address the crisis at our border and protect all Americans," Sanders said. Pelosi is proposing a plan that would fund most government agencies through September 30 with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security and would only receive funding through February 8. Sanders described that approach as a "non-starter because it does not fund our homeland security or keep American families safe from human trafficking, drugs and crime." Republicans lost 40 seats and their majority in the House in the November midterm elections but they retained control of the Senate by a slim margin. Sixty votes, however, are needed to advance legislation in the Senate, requiring Democratic support. Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware welcomed the face-to-face meeting between Trump and Democratic leaders and told CNN he hoped it would lead to a end to what he called a "senseless" shutdown. Republican Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, has said he will only schedule a vote on a deal that has the support of both the House and Trump. Adding to the uncertainty in Washington, an incoming senator, former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, lashed out at Trump on Tuesday in an opinion piece in The Washington Post. "Trump's words and actions have caused dismay around the world," wrote Romney, who was elected to the Senate in November from his home state of Utah. "I do not intend to comment on every tweet or fault," Romney said. "But I will speak out against significant statements or actions that are divisive, racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, dishonest or destructive to democratic institutions." Trump expressed surprise over the comments said he hoped the Republican senator would prove to be a "team player." In an interview with CNN, Romney said he would vote to provide funding for a border wall.

US government shutdown could last a 'long time': Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-received-great-letter-from-n-koreas-kim-187951">Trump received 'great' letter from North Korea's Kim, says still expects to hold </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-received-great-letter-from-n-koreas-kim-187951">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-received-great-letter-from-n-koreas-kim-187951"> summit</a>

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">I don't know who's using it: Trump mocks PM Modi for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">library</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955"> in Afghanistan</a>

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-says-faraway-world-ultima-thule-shaped-like-snowman-187963">NASA says faraway world Ultima Thule shaped like 'snowman'</a>

Four billion miles from the sun floats Ultima Thule, an icy celestial body that NASA scientists announced Wednesday is aptly shaped like a giant snowman.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-observes-hartal-over-entry-of-2-women-to-sabarimala-temple-187962">Kerala observes hartal over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-observes-hartal-over-entry-of-2-women-to-sabarimala-temple-187962">entry</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-observes-hartal-over-entry-of-2-women-to-sabarimala-temple-187962"> of 2 women to Sabarimala temple</a>

A dawn-to-dusk 12-hour hartal called by Hindu outfits began Thursday morning in protest against the entry of two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-4th-test-mayank-hits-2nd-international-fifty-to-lift-india-on-day-1-187960">IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Mayank departs after brilliant 77, India 126/2 after 34 overs</a>

Mayank Agarwal rose to the occasion and hit another half-century to give India a decent start on day 1 of the fourth and final test against Australia, before losing his wicket to Nathan Lyon while trying to hit a big shot. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump received 'great' letter from North Korea's Kim, says still expects to hold second summit US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions. I don't know who's using it: Trump mocks PM Modi for library in Afghanistan US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use. NASA says faraway world Ultima Thule shaped like 'snowman' Four billion miles from the sun floats Ultima Thule, an icy celestial body that NASA scientists announced Wednesday is aptly shaped like a giant snowman. Kerala observes hartal over entry of 2 women to Sabarimala temple A dawn-to-dusk 12-hour hartal called by Hindu outfits began Thursday morning in protest against the entry of two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa. IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Mayank departs after brilliant 77, India 126/2 after 34 overs Mayank Agarwal rose to the occasion and hit another half-century to give India a decent start on day 1 of the fourth and final test against Australia, before losing his wicket to Nathan Lyon while trying to hit a big shot.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered a rather stark take on the situation in war-wracked Syria, summing it up in two words -- "sand and death" -- while remaining vague about the timing of the withdrawal of US troops.

"So Syria was lost long ago. It was lost long ago. And besides that, I don't want -- we're talking about sand and death. That's what we're talking about," Trump said during a cabinet meeting.

"We're not talking about vast wealth. We're talking about sand and death."

On when US forces would leave Syria, Trump said: "I don't want to be in Syria forever."

But after saying troops would come home right away, and that the Islamic State group was defeated, he didn't give any specific timetable.

"I never said we are getting out overnight," Trump said.

"Oh, we're withdrawing," he added, saying only that it would happen "over a period of time."

On Monday, the Republican president said the United States was "slowly sending" troops home -- a markedly different tone than he used in his initial announcement of a withdrawal on December 19.

"Our boys, our young women, our men -- they're all coming back and they're coming back now," he said in a video message that day.

The United States has about 2,000 troops -- most of them special forces -- deployed in northern Syria to fight IS and reinforce anti-jihadist forces.

Top-ranking US military officials had repeatedly warned against a hasty retreat from Syria, which they say could leave the door open in Syria to allies of President Bashar al-Assad -- notably Russia and Iran.

Trump's defense secretary Jim Mattis resigned over the decision to leave Syria, as did the administration's special envoy to the anti-IS coalition, Brett McGurk.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered a rather stark take on the situation in war-wracked Syria, summing it up in two words -- "sand and death" -- while remaining vague about the timing of the withdrawal of US troops.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered a rather stark take on the situation in war-wracked Syria, summing it up in two words -- "sand and death" -- while remaining vague about the timing of the withdrawal of US troops. "So Syria was lost long ago. It was lost long ago. And besides that, I don't want -- we're talking about sand and death. That's what we're talking about," Trump said during a cabinet meeting. "We're not talking about vast wealth. We're talking about sand and death." On when US forces would leave Syria, Trump said: "I don't want to be in Syria forever." But after saying troops would come home right away, and that the Islamic State group was defeated, he didn't give any specific timetable. "I never said we are getting out overnight," Trump said. "Oh, we're withdrawing," he added, saying only that it would happen "over a period of time." On Monday, the Republican president said the United States was "slowly sending" troops home -- a markedly different tone than he used in his initial announcement of a withdrawal on December 19. "Our boys, our young women, our men -- they're all coming back and they're coming back now," he said in a video message that day. The United States has about 2,000 troops -- most of them special forces -- deployed in northern Syria to fight IS and reinforce anti-jihadist forces. Top-ranking US military officials had repeatedly warned against a hasty retreat from Syria, which they say could leave the door open in Syria to allies of President Bashar al-Assad -- notably Russia and Iran. Trump's defense secretary Jim Mattis resigned over the decision to leave Syria, as did the administration's special envoy to the anti-IS coalition, Brett McGurk.

Syria is 'sand and death': Donald Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-launch-and-32-other-missions-planned-this-year-isro-188079">Chandrayaan-2 launch and 32 other missions planned this year: ISRO</a>

India's maiden human spaceflight programme 'Gaganyaan' activities would go full steam to accomplish the various development and qualification milestones during the year, the space agency said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-paralyse-kerala-after-women-defy-sabarimala-temple-ban-188050">Protests and shutdown paralyse Kerala after two women enter Sabarimala temple</a>

Kerala locals forced the state to a standstill on Thursday as they protested against the government for allowing two women to defy an ancient ban and enter Sabarimala temple.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-trumps-jibe-india-says-developmental-assistance-transforming-afghanistan-188038">After Trump's jibe, India says developmental assistance transforming Afghanistan</a>

The sources further added that "India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood."&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-revives-suit-against-nestle-for-maggi-noodles-in-ncdrc-188065">'Why should we be eating Maggi with lead in it?' SC asks, revives case against Nestle India</a>

The Supreme Court Thursday revived the government case in National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) against Nestle India seeking damages of Rs 640 crore alleging unfair trade practices, false labelling and misleading advertisements.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-4th-test-virat-kohli-surpasses-tendulkar-to-score-fastest-19000-international-runs-188030">IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Virat Kohli surpasses Tendulkar to score fastest 19000 international runs</a>

The Indian captain broke several records in 2018 and has started off the new year with another big one.While Tendulkar reached the landmark in 432 innings, Kohli took 33 less as he reached the same point in his cricketing career in 399 innings.&nbsp;

Chandrayaan-2 launch and 32 other missions planned this year: ISRO India's maiden human spaceflight programme 'Gaganyaan' activities would go full steam to accomplish the various development and qualification milestones during the year, the space agency said.

Chandrayaan-2 launch and 32 other missions planned this year: ISRO India's maiden human spaceflight programme 'Gaganyaan' activities would go full steam to accomplish the various development and qualification milestones during the year, the space agency said. Protests and shutdown paralyse Kerala after two women enter Sabarimala temple Kerala locals forced the state to a standstill on Thursday as they protested against the government for allowing two women to defy an ancient ban and enter Sabarimala temple. After Trump's jibe, India says developmental assistance transforming Afghanistan The sources further added that "India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood." 'Why should we be eating Maggi with lead in it?' SC asks, revives case against Nestle India The Supreme Court Thursday revived the government case in National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) against Nestle India seeking damages of Rs 640 crore alleging unfair trade practices, false labelling and misleading advertisements. IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Virat Kohli surpasses Tendulkar to score fastest 19000 international runs The Indian captain broke several records in 2018 and has started off the new year with another big one.While Tendulkar reached the landmark in 432 innings, Kohli took 33 less as he reached the same point in his cricketing career in 399 innings.

India's proposed retaliatory tariffs against US agricultural products including apples, almonds and lentils will have an adverse impact on American exports worth nearly $900 million, according to the latest Congressional report.

India last year announced higher import duties on many US products like apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

However, India is the only major country which has been continuously postponing the implementation of the retaliatory tariffs despite announcing it more than six months ago.

In October last year, Trump described India as a "tariff king" as he reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products.

India's proposed retaliatory tariffs is far less than that by China on more than 800 American agricultural products which accounted for approximately $20.6 billion in exports to the US in 2017.

China is followed by Canada ($2.6 billion), Mexico ($ 2.5 billion), the European Union (EU) ($1 billion) and Turkey ($250 million) in slapping retaliatory tariffs on the agricultural products from the US.

Countries have imposed tariffs on American agricultural products to retaliate against actions the Trump administration took in March, 2018 to protect US steel and aluminum producers and in response to Chinese intellectual property rights and technology policies.

Since then, over 800 US food and agricultural products have been subject to retaliatory tariffs from China, the EU, Turkey, Canada and Mexico, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its report 'Profiles and Effects of Retaliatory Tariffs on US Agricultural Exports'.

The CRS, an independent research wing of Congress, regularly prepares reports on various issues for the lawmakers to take informed decisions.

US exports of those products to the retaliating countries totalled $26.9 billion in 2017, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) export data.

It all started on March 23, 2018, when the Trump administration applied a 25 per cent tariff to all US steel imports and a 10 per cent tariff to all US aluminum imports, citing an investigation that showed national security concerns.

"Canada, China, Mexico, the EU and Turkey retaliated with tariffs on imports of US agricultural and food products and other goods.

"India has proposed retaliatory tariffs on US apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils, but it has delayed implementation pending ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration," said the CRS.

Reports of CRS are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to make informed decisions and are not an official position of the US Congress.

In its report dated December 31, the CRS said in response to the tariffs the Trump administration levied on US imports of steel and aluminum from India earlier this year, India has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on a handful of US agricultural and food products. The date for imposing these tariffs has been pushed back several times, and they are currently set to become effective on January 31, 2019.

"US exports of the targeted products were valued at $857 million in 2017, comprising 54 per cent of the $1.8 billion of total US agricultural exports to India. US almond growers, in particular, could feel the effects of India's threatened tariffs should they enter into force," said the CRS, a copy of which was obtained by PTI.

India ranked third as a destination for US apple exports in 2017, purchasing $97 million of US apples, or 10 per cent of the total exports.

"The Indian government proposes to apply a 30 per cent retaliatory tariff on imports of US apples on January 31, 2019," the CRS said. Comparatively, US apple exports to Mexico and China are now subject to additional retaliatory tariffs of 20 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, raising the total tariff rates to 20 per cent and 50 per cent respectively.

The Trump administration has taken measures to ease the downside effects of the retaliatory tariffs on farmers and ranchers through a $12 billion trade aid package.

Under the initiative, USDA has committed to making direct payments to farmers of selected commodities subject to the tariffs, as well as buying up surplus quantities of some commodities and providing funding for additional trade promotion efforts.

India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India. 
&nbsp;

India last year announced higher import duties on many US products in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

India's proposed retaliatory tariffs against US agricultural products including apples, almonds and lentils will have an adverse impact on American exports worth nearly $900 million, according to the latest Congressional report. India last year announced higher import duties on many US products like apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war. However, India is the only major country which has been continuously postponing the implementation of the retaliatory tariffs despite announcing it more than six months ago. In October last year, Trump described India as a "tariff king" as he reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products. India's proposed retaliatory tariffs is far less than that by China on more than 800 American agricultural products which accounted for approximately $20.6 billion in exports to the US in 2017. China is followed by Canada ($2.6 billion), Mexico ($ 2.5 billion), the European Union (EU) ($1 billion) and Turkey ($250 million) in slapping retaliatory tariffs on the agricultural products from the US. Countries have imposed tariffs on American agricultural products to retaliate against actions the Trump administration took in March, 2018 to protect US steel and aluminum producers and in response to Chinese intellectual property rights and technology policies. Since then, over 800 US food and agricultural products have been subject to retaliatory tariffs from China, the EU, Turkey, Canada and Mexico, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its report 'Profiles and Effects of Retaliatory Tariffs on US Agricultural Exports'. The CRS, an independent research wing of Congress, regularly prepares reports on various issues for the lawmakers to take informed decisions. US exports of those products to the retaliating countries totalled $26.9 billion in 2017, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) export data. It all started on March 23, 2018, when the Trump administration applied a 25 per cent tariff to all US steel imports and a 10 per cent tariff to all US aluminum imports, citing an investigation that showed national security concerns. "Canada, China, Mexico, the EU and Turkey retaliated with tariffs on imports of US agricultural and food products and other goods. "India has proposed retaliatory tariffs on US apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils, but it has delayed implementation pending ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration," said the CRS. Reports of CRS are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to make informed decisions and are not an official position of the US Congress. In its report dated December 31, the CRS said in response to the tariffs the Trump administration levied on US imports of steel and aluminum from India earlier this year, India has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on a handful of US agricultural and food products. The date for imposing these tariffs has been pushed back several times, and they are currently set to become effective on January 31, 2019. "US exports of the targeted products were valued at $857 million in 2017, comprising 54 per cent of the $1.8 billion of total US agricultural exports to India. US almond growers, in particular, could feel the effects of India's threatened tariffs should they enter into force," said the CRS, a copy of which was obtained by PTI. India ranked third as a destination for US apple exports in 2017, purchasing $97 million of US apples, or 10 per cent of the total exports. "The Indian government proposes to apply a 30 per cent retaliatory tariff on imports of US apples on January 31, 2019," the CRS said. Comparatively, US apple exports to Mexico and China are now subject to additional retaliatory tariffs of 20 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, raising the total tariff rates to 20 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. The Trump administration has taken measures to ease the downside effects of the retaliatory tariffs on farmers and ranchers through a $12 billion trade aid package. Under the initiative, USDA has committed to making direct payments to farmers of selected commodities subject to the tariffs, as well as buying up surplus quantities of some commodities and providing funding for additional trade promotion efforts. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

India's retaliatory tariffs to hit US exports worth $900 million: Report

Wall Street edged higher on Wednesday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-starts-new-year-with-1-percent-slide-on-global-slowdown-jitters-187942">stumbling out of the starting gate on the first trading day of 2019</a>, while fears of a global economic slowdown were exacerbated after Apple cut its holiday-quarter revenue forecast.

Apple&nbsp;dropped 8 per cent in extended trading late in the day after the iPhone maker slashed its outlook for the December quarter, blaming weak demand in China.

Shares of Apple's suppliers also fell, and S&amp;P 500 futures&nbsp;dropped 1.3 per cent, signalling that Wednesday's modest advance could unwind when the market reopens on Thursday.

"To see Apple's sales drop off this much says something about the Chinese economy," said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment strategist at Inverness Counsel in New York. "Any company that does business in China will feel the impact of this."

Stocks had started the session lower after separate reports showed a deceleration in factory activity in China and the euro zone, indicating the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China was taking a toll on global manufacturing.

Energy stocks led the S&amp;P 500's advance and the sector was the index's biggest percentage gainer, buoyed by a 2.4 per cent jump in crude prices. The group was the worst performing S&amp;P sector in 2018.

Gains were offset by healthcare&nbsp;and so-called defensive sectors, such as real estate, utilities&nbsp;and consumer staples. Healthcare companies provided the biggest drag on the S&amp;P 500 and the Dow.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;rose 18.78 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 23,346.24, the S&amp;P 500&nbsp;gained 3.18 points, or 0.13 per cent, to 2,510.03 and the Nasdaq Composite&nbsp;added 30.66 points, or 0.46 per cent, to 6,665.94.

Of the 11 major sectors in the S&amp;P 500, seven closed in positive territory.

Banks got a boost from Barclays, as the broker wrote in a research note that the sector could outperform the S&amp;P this year. The Dow Jones Industrial average was led higher with gains from Goldman Sachs&nbsp;and JPMorgan.

Tesla Inc&nbsp;delivered fewer-than-expected Model 3 sedans in the fourth quarter and cut US&nbsp;prices. The electric automaker's shares slid 6.8 per cent.

General Electric Co&nbsp;jumped 6.3 per cent in heavy trading as bargain hunters bought the stock in the wake of its over 50-per cent plunge in 2018.

In the coming weeks, the fourth-quarter reporting period will get underway. Analysts see S&amp;P 500 companies posting profit gains of 15.8 per cent, significantly smaller than the third quarter's 28.4 per cent advance.

Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 2.10-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.42-to-1 ratio favoured advancers.

The S&amp;P 500 posted no new 52-week highs and 4 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 9 new highs and 58 new lows.

Volume on US&nbsp;exchanges was 7.80 billion shares, compared to the 9.18 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.

Apple dropped 8 per cent in extended trading late in the day after the iPhone maker slashed its outlook for the December quarter, blaming weak demand in China.

Wall Street edged higher on Wednesday after stumbling out of the starting gate on the first trading day of 2019, while fears of a global economic slowdown were exacerbated after Apple cut its holiday-quarter revenue forecast. Apple dropped 8 per cent in extended trading late in the day after the iPhone maker slashed its outlook for the December quarter, blaming weak demand in China. Shares of Apple's suppliers also fell, and S&P 500 futures dropped 1.3 per cent, signalling that Wednesday's modest advance could unwind when the market reopens on Thursday. "To see Apple's sales drop off this much says something about the Chinese economy," said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment strategist at Inverness Counsel in New York. "Any company that does business in China will feel the impact of this." Stocks had started the session lower after separate reports showed a deceleration in factory activity in China and the euro zone, indicating the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China was taking a toll on global manufacturing. Energy stocks led the S&P 500's advance and the sector was the index's biggest percentage gainer, buoyed by a 2.4 per cent jump in crude prices. The group was the worst performing S&P sector in 2018. Gains were offset by healthcare and so-called defensive sectors, such as real estate, utilities and consumer staples. Healthcare companies provided the biggest drag on the S&P 500 and the Dow. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 18.78 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 23,346.24, the S&P 500 gained 3.18 points, or 0.13 per cent, to 2,510.03 and the Nasdaq Composite added 30.66 points, or 0.46 per cent, to 6,665.94. Of the 11 major sectors in the S&P 500, seven closed in positive territory. Banks got a boost from Barclays, as the broker wrote in a research note that the sector could outperform the S&P this year. The Dow Jones Industrial average was led higher with gains from Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan. Tesla Inc delivered fewer-than-expected Model 3 sedans in the fourth quarter and cut US prices. The electric automaker's shares slid 6.8 per cent. General Electric Co jumped 6.3 per cent in heavy trading as bargain hunters bought the stock in the wake of its over 50-per cent plunge in 2018. In the coming weeks, the fourth-quarter reporting period will get underway. Analysts see S&P 500 companies posting profit gains of 15.8 per cent, significantly smaller than the third quarter's 28.4 per cent advance. Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 2.10-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.42-to-1 ratio favoured advancers. The S&P 500 posted no new 52-week highs and 4 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 9 new highs and 58 new lows. Volume on US exchanges was 7.80 billion shares, compared to the 9.18 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.

Wall Street ekes out gains, Apple cuts revenue forecast after the bell

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-pyongyangs-warning-trump-says-looks-forward-to-new-meeting-with-kim-187846">Pyongyang may change its approach</a> to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions.

"I just got a great letter from Kim Jong Un," Trump told a cabinet meeting, reiterating that he still expected to hold a second summit with the North Korean leader, after the pair signed a pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in Singapore last June.

"We really established a very good relationship," Trump said. "We'll probably have another meeting."

Trump has cast his first summit with Kim as a major diplomatic victory, and on Wednesday repeated his claim that there would be a "big fat war in Asia" had they not sat down to talk.

But progress has stalled since the Singapore summit with the two sides disagreeing over the meaning of their vaguely-worded declaration, and the pace of US-North Korean negotiations has slowed, with meetings and visits cancelled at short notice.

Speculation about a second Trump-Kim summit has meanwhile ebbed and flowed, with the US president saying that he hoped it would take place early this year.

In a brief tweet on Tuesday, Trump said he "look(s) forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!"&nbsp;

The North is demanding relief from multiple sanctions imposed over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like."

In his New Year speech Kim called for the sanctions to be eased, saying that the North had declared "we would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use and proliferate them," and urged the US to take "corresponding practical actions."&nbsp;

Culminating in late 2017, the North has carried out six atomic blasts and launched rockets capable of reaching the entire US mainland, but has now carried out no such tests for more than a year.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions. "I just got a great letter from Kim Jong Un," Trump told a cabinet meeting, reiterating that he still expected to hold a second summit with the North Korean leader, after the pair signed a pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in Singapore last June. "We really established a very good relationship," Trump said. "We'll probably have another meeting." Trump has cast his first summit with Kim as a major diplomatic victory, and on Wednesday repeated his claim that there would be a "big fat war in Asia" had they not sat down to talk. But progress has stalled since the Singapore summit with the two sides disagreeing over the meaning of their vaguely-worded declaration, and the pace of US-North Korean negotiations has slowed, with meetings and visits cancelled at short notice. Speculation about a second Trump-Kim summit has meanwhile ebbed and flowed, with the US president saying that he hoped it would take place early this year. In a brief tweet on Tuesday, Trump said he "look(s) forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!" The North is demanding relief from multiple sanctions imposed over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like." In his New Year speech Kim called for the sanctions to be eased, saying that the North had declared "we would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use and proliferate them," and urged the US to take "corresponding practical actions." Culminating in late 2017, the North has carried out six atomic blasts and launched rockets capable of reaching the entire US mainland, but has now carried out no such tests for more than a year.

Trump received 'great' letter from North Korea's Kim, says still expects to hold second summit

US President Donald Trump took the world by surprise when he abruptly announced to withdraw American troops from Syria.

Some American politicians thought it was an ill-timed decision. Jim Mattis decided to resign from the post of US defence minister. Brett McGurk, US envoy for the global coalition to counter Islamic State, also put in his papers.&nbsp;

Trump’s decision ignited a wave of discontent in Iraq -- the west-Asian country which knows too well what US Military's presence means.

Shortly after announcing the Syrian pullout, Trump paid his first surprise visit to the American military contingent stationed in Iraq.

He said that there is no plan in sight to withdraw the 5,200 soldiers.

Under former US president Barack Obama’s presidency, US troops withdrew from Iraq only to come back in 2014 upon country's request to fight the Islamic State.&nbsp;

Trump’s decision to keep a military presence in Iraq angered the country's lawmakers who have been requesting a US withdrawal for many years.

Iraqi politicians sought a special parliamentary&nbsp;session in order to discuss and eventually vote on the matter.&nbsp;

Currently, the most influential political bloc in Iraq is led by Moqtada Al-Sadr, a Shia cleric who secured a substantial amount of votes in the country's general elections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Back in the day, during US invasion of Iraq, Al-Sadr led an anti-American armed group which often fought against US soldiers on the ground.&nbsp;

He has since abandoned the armed struggle but retains strong nationalistic ideals.&nbsp;

He is a staunch supporter of Iraq's independence and sovereignty and is against all foreign intervention.

Nevertheless, Al- Sadr has strong relations with neighbouring Iran and this is what Washington fears the most.&nbsp;

Containing Tehran’s influence has become a priority for Trump, it would be impossible to do so if American troops leave Iraq -- especially now that the US is pulling out from Syria.&nbsp;

Trump’s decision to keep a military presence in Iraq angered the country's lawmakers who have been requesting a US withdrawal for many years.

US President Donald Trump took the world by surprise when he abruptly announced to withdraw American troops from Syria. Some American politicians thought it was an ill-timed decision. Jim Mattis decided to resign from the post of US defence minister. Brett McGurk, US envoy for the global coalition to counter Islamic State, also put in his papers. Trump’s decision ignited a wave of discontent in Iraq -- the west-Asian country which knows too well what US Military's presence means. Shortly after announcing the Syrian pullout, Trump paid his first surprise visit to the American military contingent stationed in Iraq. He said that there is no plan in sight to withdraw the 5,200 soldiers. Under former US president Barack Obama’s presidency, US troops withdrew from Iraq only to come back in 2014 upon country's request to fight the Islamic State. Trump’s decision to keep a military presence in Iraq angered the country's lawmakers who have been requesting a US withdrawal for many years. Iraqi politicians sought a special parliamentary session in order to discuss and eventually vote on the matter. Currently, the most influential political bloc in Iraq is led by Moqtada Al-Sadr, a Shia cleric who secured a substantial amount of votes in the country's general elections. Back in the day, during US invasion of Iraq, Al-Sadr led an anti-American armed group which often fought against US soldiers on the ground. He has since abandoned the armed struggle but retains strong nationalistic ideals. He is a staunch supporter of Iraq's independence and sovereignty and is against all foreign intervention. Nevertheless, Al- Sadr has strong relations with neighbouring Iran and this is what Washington fears the most. Containing Tehran’s influence has become a priority for Trump, it would be impossible to do so if American troops leave Iraq -- especially now that the US is pulling out from Syria.

US pullout from Syria angers Iraq

Washington's new era of divided government begins Thursday as Democrats seize control of the US House, aiming to serve as a check on Donald Trump's disruptive presidency at least until the 2020 election.

Battle-tested Nancy Pelosi will in all likelihood win the gavel as speaker of the House of Representatives, a dramatic return to national power for the California Democrat who made history a dozen years earlier as the first woman to lead the chamber.

She will take command during a period of American political upheaval, and with a caucus riding high after a very strong midterm election showing last November.

Thursday brings an end to Trump's one-party rule in Washington, a massive boost for Democrats who felt deflated after Trump's 2016 victory.

Progressives will be eager to push back with greater effect against an administration they believe has overstepped its authority and abused power in the nearly two years since Trump's inauguration.

They will have that opportunity, as congressional panels will be led by chairmen who have pledged to probe topics such as Trump's income taxes, his firing of attorney general Jeff Sessions, and the president's ties to Vladimir Putin.

Incoming chairpersons have signaled that Trump will face a barrage of probes that could bog down a White House already besieged by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia collusion probe, draining energy from the administration's agenda and foiling Trump's message.

"It's on," Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, a new member of House leadership who is seen by some as a potential future House speaker, tweeted Wednesday.

"Tomorrow, we seize the majority. Then, we pass legislation to end reckless #TrumpShutdown," he added. "Next, we fight to lower healthcare costs and enact a progressive agenda."

While the "blue wave" swept dozens of House Republicans out of Congress last November, Trump's party managed to modestly expand its majority in the Senate to 57-43, meaning Washington gridlock is almost certain to deepen.

Not 'stirring the pot'

Among the first tasks of the 116th Congress will be ending a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-us-government-shutdown-could-last-a-long-time-187969">nearly two-week government shutdown</a> that has left one quarter of federal agencies shuttered due to lapsed funding.

Trump has said he would not sign a spending bill that does not include $5.6 billion for construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border, but Democrats appear uninterested in appeasing him.

Pelosi has introduced new measures that would fund the agencies, but she noted that they "contain no new wall funding," a move the White House -- and leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate -- dismissed as a non-starter.

"Democrats will have to get serious about border security so that a government funding agreement may be reached that can pass the House, earn 60 votes here in the Senate, and receive a presidential signature," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement.

"All three of these things are needed. One partisan vote in the House tomorrow won’t solve anything."

The House and Senate gavel into session Thursday at noon (1700 GMT), with the new Congress sworn in shortly thereafter. Pelosi is expected to win her speaker election in the early afternoon.

She will preside over the most diverse Congress in history. One hundred House freshmen will take the oath of office, including trailblazers like New York's Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who at 29 was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.&nbsp;

The first two Native American women and first two Muslim women were also elected.

The House and Senate will each have a record number of female members come Thursday.

Democrats will move early to protect coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, a popular feature of the Affordable Care Act that a judge in Texas recently struck down.

House Democrats are thumbing their nose at Trump by establishing a special committee on climate so the government can better respond to the urgency of global warming.

Hovering in the background in Washington will be the threat of impeachment, and it is almost certain that some Democrats will introduce proceedings to remove Trump from office.

Even if Democrats believe some of Trump's actions clear the threshold of "high crimes and misdemeanors," Pelosi has downplayed the prospects of impeachment.

"It would be very divisive," she told Elle magazine. "It's not something that I'm stirring the pot on."

Washington's new era of divided government begins Thursday as Democrats seize control of the US House, aiming to serve as a check on Donald Trump's disruptive presidency at least until the 2020 election.

Washington's new era of divided government begins Thursday as Democrats seize control of the US House, aiming to serve as a check on Donald Trump's disruptive presidency at least until the 2020 election. Battle-tested Nancy Pelosi will in all likelihood win the gavel as speaker of the House of Representatives, a dramatic return to national power for the California Democrat who made history a dozen years earlier as the first woman to lead the chamber. She will take command during a period of American political upheaval, and with a caucus riding high after a very strong midterm election showing last November. Thursday brings an end to Trump's one-party rule in Washington, a massive boost for Democrats who felt deflated after Trump's 2016 victory. Progressives will be eager to push back with greater effect against an administration they believe has overstepped its authority and abused power in the nearly two years since Trump's inauguration. They will have that opportunity, as congressional panels will be led by chairmen who have pledged to probe topics such as Trump's income taxes, his firing of attorney general Jeff Sessions, and the president's ties to Vladimir Putin. Incoming chairpersons have signaled that Trump will face a barrage of probes that could bog down a White House already besieged by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia collusion probe, draining energy from the administration's agenda and foiling Trump's message. "It's on," Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, a new member of House leadership who is seen by some as a potential future House speaker, tweeted Wednesday. "Tomorrow, we seize the majority. Then, we pass legislation to end reckless #TrumpShutdown," he added. "Next, we fight to lower healthcare costs and enact a progressive agenda." While the "blue wave" swept dozens of House Republicans out of Congress last November, Trump's party managed to modestly expand its majority in the Senate to 57-43, meaning Washington gridlock is almost certain to deepen. Not 'stirring the pot' Among the first tasks of the 116th Congress will be ending a nearly two-week government shutdown that has left one quarter of federal agencies shuttered due to lapsed funding. Trump has said he would not sign a spending bill that does not include $5.6 billion for construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border, but Democrats appear uninterested in appeasing him. Pelosi has introduced new measures that would fund the agencies, but she noted that they "contain no new wall funding," a move the White House -- and leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate -- dismissed as a non-starter. "Democrats will have to get serious about border security so that a government funding agreement may be reached that can pass the House, earn 60 votes here in the Senate, and receive a presidential signature," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement. "All three of these things are needed. One partisan vote in the House tomorrow won’t solve anything." The House and Senate gavel into session Thursday at noon (1700 GMT), with the new Congress sworn in shortly thereafter. Pelosi is expected to win her speaker election in the early afternoon. She will preside over the most diverse Congress in history. One hundred House freshmen will take the oath of office, including trailblazers like New York's Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who at 29 was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. The first two Native American women and first two Muslim women were also elected. The House and Senate will each have a record number of female members come Thursday. Democrats will move early to protect coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, a popular feature of the Affordable Care Act that a judge in Texas recently struck down. House Democrats are thumbing their nose at Trump by establishing a special committee on climate so the government can better respond to the urgency of global warming. Hovering in the background in Washington will be the threat of impeachment, and it is almost certain that some Democrats will introduce proceedings to remove Trump from office. Even if Democrats believe some of Trump's actions clear the threshold of "high crimes and misdemeanors," Pelosi has downplayed the prospects of impeachment. "It would be very divisive," she told Elle magazine. "It's not something that I'm stirring the pot on."

Divided government arrives at Capitol Hill, first task to end nearly two-week-long shutdown

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he looked forward to another summit with Kim Jong Un, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-new-path-inevitable-if-us-demands-unilateral-action-187606">day after the North Korean leader warned</a> Pyongyang could take a different approach to nuclear talks if US economic sanctions persist.

"I also look forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!" Trump said in a brief tweet.

The US leader made his comment after citing news coverage of Kim's New Year remark that the North had declared it would neither make nor test nuclear weapons any longer, or proliferate them.

At a summit with Trump in Singapore in June, the two signed a vaguely worded pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington arguing over what that means.

Trump has previously said that he hoped to have a second meeting with Kim early this year.

But the North is demanding relief from the multiple sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like."

Kim, in his New Year speech, said that if the US continues with sanctions "we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state."

He added he was willing to meet Trump at any time and would seek "to obtain without fail results which can be welcomed by the international community."

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he looked forward to another summit with Kim Jong Un, a day after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang could take a different approach to nuclear talks if US economic sanctions persist.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he looked forward to another summit with Kim Jong Un, a day after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang could take a different approach to nuclear talks if US economic sanctions persist. "I also look forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!" Trump said in a brief tweet. The US leader made his comment after citing news coverage of Kim's New Year remark that the North had declared it would neither make nor test nuclear weapons any longer, or proliferate them. At a summit with Trump in Singapore in June, the two signed a vaguely worded pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington arguing over what that means. Trump has previously said that he hoped to have a second meeting with Kim early this year. But the North is demanding relief from the multiple sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like." Kim, in his New Year speech, said that if the US continues with sanctions "we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state." He added he was willing to meet Trump at any time and would seek "to obtain without fail results which can be welcomed by the international community."

After Pyongyang's warning, Trump says looks forward to new meeting with Kim

US Congress was set to reconvene on Wednesday with no sign of a workable plan to end a 12-day-old partial federal government shutdown and President Donald Trump not budging on his demand for $5 billion in border wall funding.

The Senate and House of Representatives will meet briefly to mark the last day of the Republican-controlled 2017-2018 Congress.

When Democrats, led by presumptive House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, take over the House on Thursday, they plan to approve a two-part spending package meant to end the shutdown. But its prospects are grim in the Senate, where Republicans hold a majority.

The White House dismissed the legislation late on Tuesday.

"The Pelosi plan is a non-starter because it does not fund our homeland security or keep American families safe from human trafficking, drugs, and crime," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Trump, a Republican, has invited the top Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress to the White House on Wednesday for what congressional sources described as a border security briefing.

Sanders said Trump remains committed to "an agreement that both reopens the government and keeps Americans safe.”

The spending legislation sets the stage for the first major battle of the new Congress between House Democrats led by Pelosi and Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Trump triggered the shutdown, which started on Dec. 22, by insisting that $5 billion for funding of the border wall be part of any spending measure. He calls the wall crucial to curbing illegal immigration, echoing his 2016 presidential campaign rhetoric.

The Democrats' two-part package includes a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security at current levels through Feb. 8 and provide $1.3 billion for border fencing and $300 million for other border security items including technology and cameras.

The second part of the package would fund federal agencies that are now unfunded, such as the Justice, Commerce and Transportation departments, through Sept. 30.

The House Democrats' measure does not contain the $5 billion Trump wants. McConnell has said Senate Republicans will not approve a spending measure not supported by Trump.

"It's simple: The Senate is not going to send something to the president that he won't sign," said McConnell spokesman Don Stewart.

The Democratic package could put Trump and his Republican allies in a tough position. If they reject funding bills for departments unconnected to border security, Republicans could be seen as holding those agencies and their roughly 800,000 affected workers hostage to Trump's desire to build a wall that Democrats say would be ineffective and impractical.

US Congress was set to reconvene on Wednesday with no sign of a workable plan to end a 12-day-old partial federal government shutdown and President Donald Trump not budging on his demand for $5 billion in border wall funding.

US Congress was set to reconvene on Wednesday with no sign of a workable plan to end a 12-day-old partial federal government shutdown and President Donald Trump not budging on his demand for $5 billion in border wall funding. The Senate and House of Representatives will meet briefly to mark the last day of the Republican-controlled 2017-2018 Congress. When Democrats, led by presumptive House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, take over the House on Thursday, they plan to approve a two-part spending package meant to end the shutdown. But its prospects are grim in the Senate, where Republicans hold a majority. The White House dismissed the legislation late on Tuesday. "The Pelosi plan is a non-starter because it does not fund our homeland security or keep American families safe from human trafficking, drugs, and crime," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Trump, a Republican, has invited the top Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress to the White House on Wednesday for what congressional sources described as a border security briefing. Sanders said Trump remains committed to "an agreement that both reopens the government and keeps Americans safe.” The spending legislation sets the stage for the first major battle of the new Congress between House Democrats led by Pelosi and Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Trump triggered the shutdown, which started on Dec. 22, by insisting that $5 billion for funding of the border wall be part of any spending measure. He calls the wall crucial to curbing illegal immigration, echoing his 2016 presidential campaign rhetoric. The Democrats' two-part package includes a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security at current levels through Feb. 8 and provide $1.3 billion for border fencing and $300 million for other border security items including technology and cameras. The second part of the package would fund federal agencies that are now unfunded, such as the Justice, Commerce and Transportation departments, through Sept. 30. The House Democrats' measure does not contain the $5 billion Trump wants. McConnell has said Senate Republicans will not approve a spending measure not supported by Trump. "It's simple: The Senate is not going to send something to the president that he won't sign," said McConnell spokesman Don Stewart. The Democratic package could put Trump and his Republican allies in a tough position. If they reject funding bills for departments unconnected to border security, Republicans could be seen as holding those agencies and their roughly 800,000 affected workers hostage to Trump's desire to build a wall that Democrats say would be ineffective and impractical.

White House calls Democrats' plan to end shutdown 'non-starter'

President Donald Trump on Tuesday invited Republican and Democratic leaders from Congress for a meeting to seek an end to the federal government shutdown now in its second week.

The two sides have appeared at an impasse, with Trump's Democratic foes seeking a vote on spending bills to keep the government open -- without addressing the hot-button issue of border wall funding -- as soon as they take control of the House of Representatives, on Thursday.&nbsp;

But the legislation's future appears uncertain, as it does not contain funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border, as demanded by Trump.

But Trump appeared to strike a more conciliatory tone seeking to bring Democrats to the table after acerbic remarks over the weekend.

"Border Security and the Wall 'thing' and Shutdown is not where Nancy Pelosi wanted to start her tenure as Speaker! Let's make a deal?" he tweeted.

Pelosi is set to become House speaker on Thursday.

At the same time, Trump characterized their opposition to the wall as embracing "Open Borders and all of the crime and drugs that Open Borders bring!"

US media reported the lawmakers were invited to a session at the White House, though it was unclear who would attend, and whether any Democrats would be present.

Democrats say the wall idea -- one of the president's key election campaign platforms -- is a distraction from more complicated immigration problems and a tool for Trump to whip up support among his conservative base.

They are proposing to pass most administrative budgets lasting through September 30, while only financing until February 8 the thornier budget of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security.

Trump expressed outrage at the idea.

"The Democrats, much as I suspected, have allocated no money for a new Wall. So imaginative! The problem is, without a Wall there can be no real Border Security - and our Country must finally have a Strong and Secure Southern Border!" he wrote on Twitter.

US media reported the lawmakers were invited to a session at the White House, though it was unclear who would attend, and whether any Democrats would be present.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday invited Republican and Democratic leaders from Congress for a meeting to seek an end to the federal government shutdown now in its second week. The two sides have appeared at an impasse, with Trump's Democratic foes seeking a vote on spending bills to keep the government open -- without addressing the hot-button issue of border wall funding -- as soon as they take control of the House of Representatives, on Thursday. But the legislation's future appears uncertain, as it does not contain funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border, as demanded by Trump. But Trump appeared to strike a more conciliatory tone seeking to bring Democrats to the table after acerbic remarks over the weekend. "Border Security and the Wall 'thing' and Shutdown is not where Nancy Pelosi wanted to start her tenure as Speaker! Let's make a deal?" he tweeted. Pelosi is set to become House speaker on Thursday. At the same time, Trump characterized their opposition to the wall as embracing "Open Borders and all of the crime and drugs that Open Borders bring!" US media reported the lawmakers were invited to a session at the White House, though it was unclear who would attend, and whether any Democrats would be present. Democrats say the wall idea -- one of the president's key election campaign platforms -- is a distraction from more complicated immigration problems and a tool for Trump to whip up support among his conservative base. They are proposing to pass most administrative budgets lasting through September 30, while only financing until February 8 the thornier budget of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security. Trump expressed outrage at the idea. "The Democrats, much as I suspected, have allocated no money for a new Wall. So imaginative! The problem is, without a Wall there can be no real Border Security - and our Country must finally have a Strong and Secure Southern Border!" he wrote on Twitter.

Trump seeks to end government shutdown, calls for meeting with US Congress

US&nbsp;Strategic Command, which oversees the country's nuclear arsenal, apologized for a Twitter message saying it was ready if necessary to drop something "much, much bigger" than the New Year's Eve ball in New York and showing a clip of an aircraft releasing bombs.

"#TimesSquare tradition rings in the #NewYear by dropping the big ball...if ever needed, we are #ready to drop something much, much bigger," the tweet said, hours before the midnight descent of the illuminated ball in New York's Times Square marking the arrival of the new year.

The video showed a B-2 bomber dropping bombs, followed by explosions on the ground.

The message touched off many critical comments on social media. Mary Fahner-Short, using the handle @maryfshort, wrote on Twitter: "Why is @US_Stratcom joking about nuclear war? #shameful."

Later on Monday, the message was deleted from the US&nbsp;Strategic Command's Twitter feed. A new message said: "Our previous NYE tweet was in poor taste &amp; does not reflect our values. We apologize. We are dedicated to the security of America &amp; allies."

US Strategic Command, which oversees the country's nuclear arsenal, apologized for a Twitter message saying it was ready if necessary to drop something "much, much bigger" than the New Year's Eve ball in New York and showing a clip of an aircraft releasing bombs.

US Strategic Command, which oversees the country's nuclear arsenal, apologized for a Twitter message saying it was ready if necessary to drop something "much, much bigger" than the New Year's Eve ball in New York and showing a clip of an aircraft releasing bombs. "#TimesSquare tradition rings in the #NewYear by dropping the big ball...if ever needed, we are #ready to drop something much, much bigger," the tweet said, hours before the midnight descent of the illuminated ball in New York's Times Square marking the arrival of the new year. The video showed a B-2 bomber dropping bombs, followed by explosions on the ground. The message touched off many critical comments on social media. Mary Fahner-Short, using the handle @maryfshort, wrote on Twitter: "Why is @US_Stratcom joking about nuclear war? #shameful." Later on Monday, the message was deleted from the US Strategic Command's Twitter feed. A new message said: "Our previous NYE tweet was in poor taste & does not reflect our values. We apologize. We are dedicated to the security of America & allies."

US military deletes tweet about dropping bombs, apologises

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy.

Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration.

As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro.

Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments.

One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country.

In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise.

"The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess."

His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest.

Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control.

Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion).

That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system.

Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people.

Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation.

"I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country. Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy. Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration. As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro. Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments. One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime. Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country. In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise. "The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess." His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest. Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control. Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion). That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system. Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people. Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation. "I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York. "The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Bolsonaro sworn in as Brazil's president, inaugurates far-right firebrand

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday took a pot shot at the "haters and fake news media" in his New Year message, saying 2019 would be a fantastic year for those not suffering from "Trump derangement syndrome".

"Happy New Year," Trump said to his more than 56.7 million followers on Twitter.

"Happy new year to everyone, including the haters and the fake news media! 2019 will be a fantastic year for those not suffering from trump derangement syndrome. Just calm down and enjoy the ride, great things are happening for our country!" he said in an all-caps New Year's greeting on the popular social media site.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE HATERS AND THE FAKE NEWS MEDIA! 2019 WILL BE A FANTASTIC YEAR FOR THOSE NOT SUFFERING FROM TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME. JUST CALM DOWN AND ENJOY THE RIDE, GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING FOR OUR COUNTRY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1080088373451206656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump has stayed at the White House instead of planned Christmas and New Year holidays at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida because of a partial government shutdown, due to a stalemate with the opposition Democrats on Congressional funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border.

The US President argues that a wall is essential to stop the flow of illegal immigrants inside the country while the Democrats say that building a wall is a waste of taxpayers' money.

In another tweet, Trump insisted that wall was the best option.

"The Democrats, much as I suspected, have allocated no money for a new Wall. So imaginative! The problem is, without a Wall there can be no real Border Security - and our Country must finally have a Strong and Secure Southern Border!" Trump tweeted.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday took a pot shot at the "haters and fake news media" in his New Year message, saying 2019 would be a fantastic year for those not suffering from "Trump derangement syndrome".

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday took a pot shot at the "haters and fake news media" in his New Year message, saying 2019 would be a fantastic year for those not suffering from "Trump derangement syndrome". "Happy New Year," Trump said to his more than 56.7 million followers on Twitter. "Happy new year to everyone, including the haters and the fake news media! 2019 will be a fantastic year for those not suffering from trump derangement syndrome. Just calm down and enjoy the ride, great things are happening for our country!" he said in an all-caps New Year's greeting on the popular social media site. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE HATERS AND THE FAKE NEWS MEDIA! 2019 WILL BE A FANTASTIC YEAR FOR THOSE NOT SUFFERING FROM TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME. JUST CALM DOWN AND ENJOY THE RIDE, GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING FOR OUR COUNTRY! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2019 × Trump has stayed at the White House instead of planned Christmas and New Year holidays at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida because of a partial government shutdown, due to a stalemate with the opposition Democrats on Congressional funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border. The US President argues that a wall is essential to stop the flow of illegal immigrants inside the country while the Democrats say that building a wall is a waste of taxpayers' money. In another tweet, Trump insisted that wall was the best option. "The Democrats, much as I suspected, have allocated no money for a new Wall. So imaginative! The problem is, without a Wall there can be no real Border Security - and our Country must finally have a Strong and Secure Southern Border!" Trump tweeted.

Trump takes potshot at 'haters, fake news media' in his new year message 

History shows that cooperation is the best choice for both China and the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping told US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in a congratulatory message on Tuesday to mark 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The two countries agreed last month to a 90-day temporary ceasefire in their bitter trade war to give them time to hold fresh talks to try and end a dispute that has seen them level increasingly severe tariffs on each others' goods.

In his message to Trump, Xi said China-US&nbsp;relations have experienced ups and downs but have made historic progress over the past four decades, state news agency Xinhua said.

This has brought huge benefits to the two peoples and has contributed greatly to world peace, stability and prosperity, Xi added.

"History has proved that cooperation is the best choice for both sides," Xi said.

Sino-US&nbsp;relations are in an important stage, he added.

"I attach great importance to the development of China-US&nbsp;relations and am willing to work with President Trump to summarise the experience of the development of China-US&nbsp;relations and implement the consensus we have reached in a joint effort to advance China-US&nbsp;relations featuring coordination, cooperation and stability so as to better benefit the two peoples as well as the people of the rest of the world," he said.

Trump sent his own congratulatory message in return, saying it was his priority to promote cooperative and constructive US-China relations, Xinhua added.

Xi and Trump also spoke by telephone over the weekend. Trump said he had a "long and very good call" with Xi and that a possible trade deal between the United States and China was progressing well.

China and the United States have made plans for face-to-face consultations over trade in January, China's Commerce Ministry said last week.

Xinhua, in a commentary, said it was only natural the two countries would have disagreements and encounter problems, considering their "different social systems, development paths and historical and cultural backgrounds".

"At a time when the world is undergoing unprecedentedly profound changes and is fraught with risks and uncertainties, the global community expects even closer collaboration between the two largest economies," it said.

This year marks a series of sensitive anniversaries for China, including, in June, 30 years since the bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

On Wednesday, Xi will make his first public appearance at an anniversary-related event, giving a speech about self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its sacred territory, on the 40th anniversary of a key policy statement that led to a thaw in relations with the island. 
&nbsp;

History shows that cooperation is the best choice for both China and the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump in a congratulatory message on Tuesday to mark 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

History shows that cooperation is the best choice for both China and the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump in a congratulatory message on Tuesday to mark 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two countries agreed last month to a 90-day temporary ceasefire in their bitter trade war to give them time to hold fresh talks to try and end a dispute that has seen them level increasingly severe tariffs on each others' goods. In his message to Trump, Xi said China-US relations have experienced ups and downs but have made historic progress over the past four decades, state news agency Xinhua said. This has brought huge benefits to the two peoples and has contributed greatly to world peace, stability and prosperity, Xi added. "History has proved that cooperation is the best choice for both sides," Xi said. Sino-US relations are in an important stage, he added. "I attach great importance to the development of China-US relations and am willing to work with President Trump to summarise the experience of the development of China-US relations and implement the consensus we have reached in a joint effort to advance China-US relations featuring coordination, cooperation and stability so as to better benefit the two peoples as well as the people of the rest of the world," he said. Trump sent his own congratulatory message in return, saying it was his priority to promote cooperative and constructive US-China relations, Xinhua added. Xi and Trump also spoke by telephone over the weekend. Trump said he had a "long and very good call" with Xi and that a possible trade deal between the United States and China was progressing well. China and the United States have made plans for face-to-face consultations over trade in January, China's Commerce Ministry said last week. Xinhua, in a commentary, said it was only natural the two countries would have disagreements and encounter problems, considering their "different social systems, development paths and historical and cultural backgrounds". "At a time when the world is undergoing unprecedentedly profound changes and is fraught with risks and uncertainties, the global community expects even closer collaboration between the two largest economies," it said. This year marks a series of sensitive anniversaries for China, including, in June, 30 years since the bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square. On Wednesday, Xi will make his first public appearance at an anniversary-related event, giving a speech about self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its sacred territory, on the 40th anniversary of a key policy statement that led to a thaw in relations with the island.

Cooperation best for both China and US, Xi tells Trump

President Donald Trump appeared to backtrack Monday on shock plans for an immediate pullout of US troops from Syria, but said his drive to end American involvement in wars made him a "hero."

The shift came a day after a senior Republican senator said Trump had promised to stay in Syria to finish the job of defeating the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS.

Trump had earlier stunned allies -- and prompted the resignation of his respected defense secretary, Jim Mattis -- by abruptly announcing that the jihadists were defeated and that US troops in Syria were ready to leave.

However, in a tweet early Monday, Trump seemed to signal a more cautious schedule for pulling out the troops, which provide crucial support to Kurdish and other local forces.

"We're slowly sending our troops back home to be with their families, while at the same time fighting ISIS remnants," Trump wrote.

In contrast to previously emphatic victory declarations, Trump said that "ISIS is mostly gone."

But reflecting his frustration at the outpouring of criticism over his Syria strategy, Trump lashed out at opponents and the media, saying that he should be given more credit.

"If anybody but Donald Trump did what I did in Syria, which was an ISIS loaded mess when I became President, they would be a national hero," Trump tweeted.

"The results are FAR BETTER than I ever said they were going to be! I campaigned against the NEVER ENDING WARS, remember!" he added.

Trump also wants to bring home about half of the 14,000 soldiers locked in a 17-year war against Afghanistan's Taliban guerrillas, although no formal announcement has been made.

In Syria, about 2,000 US soldiers operate alongside other foreign troops to assist local fighters battling Islamic State, a jihadist group that once held territory across much of Iraq and Syria and set up its own ultra-Islamist government.

Though much reduced, and forced into hiding, it is still believed to comprise thousands of guerrillas.

The US-led coalition launched its first raids against IS in September, 2014, more than two years before Trump won the US election. US-backed forces seized the jihadists' self-declared capital Raqa on October 17, 2017.

- Allies worried - 
Part of Trump's appeal in his surprise 2016 election victory was his promise to get the United States out of post-9/11 wars in the Middle East.

During a lightning visit to US troops based in Iraq last week, Trump said the United States would no longer be the world's "policeman".

"We're in countries that most people have never even heard about," he said, referring to US combat deployments, including in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

"We don't want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us," he said.

The view is popular with many Americans, but critics, including some of Washington's closest allies, say the United States cannot abandon its traditional leadership role.

"The impromptu announcement of the US withdrawal from (Syria) caused a lot of questions," French Defense Minister Florence Parly said Monday on a visit to French personnel stationed in Jordan. "Our priority is to continue until the end."

On Friday, Britain's foreign minister, Jeremy Hunt, was less diplomatic, telling Radio 4 that Trump "makes a specialty of talking in very black and white terms about what's happening in the world."

Those concerns are shared at the top of Trump's own Republican party.

Leading Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's principal allies in an increasingly unfriendly Congress, used lunch at the White House on Sunday to urge the president to reevaluate on Syria.

After two hours, he emerged, saying Trump "understands the need to finish the job."

"I think the president is committed to making sure when we leave Syria that ISIS is completely defeated," Graham said.

In response to the uproar, Trump national security advisor John Bolton will soon visit allies Turkey and Israel, which each have their own complex goals in Syria's multi-dimensional civil war.

President Donald Trump appeared to backtrack Monday on shock plans for an immediate pullout of US troops from Syria, but said his drive to end American involvement in wars made him a "hero.

President Donald Trump appeared to backtrack Monday on shock plans for an immediate pullout of US troops from Syria, but said his drive to end American involvement in wars made him a "hero." The shift came a day after a senior Republican senator said Trump had promised to stay in Syria to finish the job of defeating the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. Trump had earlier stunned allies -- and prompted the resignation of his respected defense secretary, Jim Mattis -- by abruptly announcing that the jihadists were defeated and that US troops in Syria were ready to leave. However, in a tweet early Monday, Trump seemed to signal a more cautious schedule for pulling out the troops, which provide crucial support to Kurdish and other local forces. "We're slowly sending our troops back home to be with their families, while at the same time fighting ISIS remnants," Trump wrote. In contrast to previously emphatic victory declarations, Trump said that "ISIS is mostly gone." But reflecting his frustration at the outpouring of criticism over his Syria strategy, Trump lashed out at opponents and the media, saying that he should be given more credit. "If anybody but Donald Trump did what I did in Syria, which was an ISIS loaded mess when I became President, they would be a national hero," Trump tweeted. "The results are FAR BETTER than I ever said they were going to be! I campaigned against the NEVER ENDING WARS, remember!" he added. Trump also wants to bring home about half of the 14,000 soldiers locked in a 17-year war against Afghanistan's Taliban guerrillas, although no formal announcement has been made. In Syria, about 2,000 US soldiers operate alongside other foreign troops to assist local fighters battling Islamic State, a jihadist group that once held territory across much of Iraq and Syria and set up its own ultra-Islamist government. Though much reduced, and forced into hiding, it is still believed to comprise thousands of guerrillas. The US-led coalition launched its first raids against IS in September, 2014, more than two years before Trump won the US election. US-backed forces seized the jihadists' self-declared capital Raqa on October 17, 2017. - Allies worried - Part of Trump's appeal in his surprise 2016 election victory was his promise to get the United States out of post-9/11 wars in the Middle East. During a lightning visit to US troops based in Iraq last week, Trump said the United States would no longer be the world's "policeman". "We're in countries that most people have never even heard about," he said, referring to US combat deployments, including in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. "We don't want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us," he said. The view is popular with many Americans, but critics, including some of Washington's closest allies, say the United States cannot abandon its traditional leadership role. "The impromptu announcement of the US withdrawal from (Syria) caused a lot of questions," French Defense Minister Florence Parly said Monday on a visit to French personnel stationed in Jordan. "Our priority is to continue until the end." On Friday, Britain's foreign minister, Jeremy Hunt, was less diplomatic, telling Radio 4 that Trump "makes a specialty of talking in very black and white terms about what's happening in the world." Those concerns are shared at the top of Trump's own Republican party. Leading Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's principal allies in an increasingly unfriendly Congress, used lunch at the White House on Sunday to urge the president to reevaluate on Syria. After two hours, he emerged, saying Trump "understands the need to finish the job." "I think the president is committed to making sure when we leave Syria that ISIS is completely defeated," Graham said. In response to the uproar, Trump national security advisor John Bolton will soon visit allies Turkey and Israel, which each have their own complex goals in Syria's multi-dimensional civil war.

Trump appears to slow Syria troop pullout plan

US&nbsp;Senator Elizabeth Warren, a liberal firebrand who has taken on Wall Street and traded barbs with Donald Trump, on Monday became the most prominent Democrat to announce a challenge to the Republican president in 2020.

Warren said she had formed an exploratory committee, which will allow her to begin raising money to compete in what is expected to be a crowded Democratic primary field before the November 2020 presidential election.

She said on Twitter she would announce her decision on whether to run early in 2019.

Warren, 69, a senator from Massachusetts since 2013, became one of Trump's fiercest critics during the 2016 presidential race and they have continued to exchange biting insults during his presidency. Trump mockingly refers to her as "Pocahontas" because of her claim to Native American ancestry.

Warren has denounced Trump as an "insecure money grubber" with a platform of "racism, sexism and xenophobia," while Trump has described the former Harvard Law School professor as "goofy" and a "lowlife" with "a nasty mouth."

On Monday, Warren released a video in which she outlined her vision of a path to opportunity for all Americans and charged that the US&nbsp;middle class was under attack from corporate interests. She later elaborated on the theme in an exchange with reporters outside her Cambridge, Massachusetts, home.

"America's middle class is getting hollowed out and opportunity for too many of our young people is shrinking," she said. "So I'm in this fight all the way. Right now Washington works great for the wealthy and the well connected. It's just not working for anyone else."

Trump, in a phone interview with Fox News, said he would love to run against Warren and again ridiculed her assertion of Native American ancestry. Asked if he thought Warren really believed she could defeat him, Trump said: "I don't know, you'd have to ask her psychiatrist."

The Democratic presidential field could eventually include Senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as former Vice President Joe Biden. Julian Castro, former President Barack Obama's housing secretary, formed an exploratory committee this month.

Warren welcomed the "strong and growing group of Democrats" making arguments similar to those she is making, saying: "That's how we build a movement. We do it together."

In searching for a candidate to run against Trump, Democrats will grapple with the tension between the party's establishment and liberal progressive wings that flared during the 2016 nominating primaries between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who ran under the Democratic banner.

A Warren candidacy can expect opposition from Wall Street. In the US&nbsp;Senate, she has been a strong voice on financial issues and a self-described defender of the ordinary American against powerful interests.

RESTRICTING BANKS

Following the 2007-2009 global financial crisis, Warren emerged as a leading critic of Wall Street and continues to advocate for stiffer regulation and oversight, including reinstating a rule that would separate banks’ retail business from their riskier investment banking activities.

Warren, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, has fought the Trump administration's efforts to weaken post-crisis financial rules, going as far as to attack moderate Democrats who backed a May rewrite of the 2010 Dodd-Frank reform law.

In a September interview marking 10 years since the financial crisis, Warren was asked about breaking up big banks. "Oh yeah," she told the New York Times. "Give me a chance."

She also has opposed the administration's efforts to undermine the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency she helped create, and has pressured the Federal Reserve to take a tough line on scandal-hit lender Wells Fargo &amp; Co.

Many of Warren's policy positions have focussed on economic inequality. She recently offered legislation calling on the US&nbsp;government to manufacture generic drugs to reduce their cost. In 2017, she joined other senators in a proposal to extend the federal Medicare health insurance programme for seniors to include everyone.

Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel dismissed her as "another extreme far-left obstructionist and a total fraud."

Warren's 80 percent name recognition does not translate into actual support, University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato said.

"Some Democrats swear by her and love her blunt style, while others are put off by her and fear she’d lose to Trump," he said. "Warren has a lot of convincing to do," adding the same is true of many other Democratic contenders.

Warren will begin campaigning soon in some of the states with early presidential nominating contests, a person familiar with her plans said.

Trump's use of Pocahontas, a 17th century Native American woman associated with the British colony in Jamestown, Virginia, was aimed at drawing attention to a controversy over her heritage raised during Warren’s 2012 Senate race.

Warren in October released a DNA analysis she said supported her assertion that she had Native American lineage.

Trump’s reference has drawn criticism from some Native American groups, while others criticized Warren for trying to lay claim to a tribal heritage.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, a liberal firebrand who has taken on Wall Street and traded barbs with Donald Trump, on Monday became the most prominent Democrat to announce a challenge to the Republican president in 2020.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, a liberal firebrand who has taken on Wall Street and traded barbs with Donald Trump, on Monday became the most prominent Democrat to announce a challenge to the Republican president in 2020. Warren said she had formed an exploratory committee, which will allow her to begin raising money to compete in what is expected to be a crowded Democratic primary field before the November 2020 presidential election. She said on Twitter she would announce her decision on whether to run early in 2019. Warren, 69, a senator from Massachusetts since 2013, became one of Trump's fiercest critics during the 2016 presidential race and they have continued to exchange biting insults during his presidency. Trump mockingly refers to her as "Pocahontas" because of her claim to Native American ancestry. Warren has denounced Trump as an "insecure money grubber" with a platform of "racism, sexism and xenophobia," while Trump has described the former Harvard Law School professor as "goofy" and a "lowlife" with "a nasty mouth." On Monday, Warren released a video in which she outlined her vision of a path to opportunity for all Americans and charged that the US middle class was under attack from corporate interests. She later elaborated on the theme in an exchange with reporters outside her Cambridge, Massachusetts, home. "America's middle class is getting hollowed out and opportunity for too many of our young people is shrinking," she said. "So I'm in this fight all the way. Right now Washington works great for the wealthy and the well connected. It's just not working for anyone else." Trump, in a phone interview with Fox News, said he would love to run against Warren and again ridiculed her assertion of Native American ancestry. Asked if he thought Warren really believed she could defeat him, Trump said: "I don't know, you'd have to ask her psychiatrist." The Democratic presidential field could eventually include Senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as former Vice President Joe Biden. Julian Castro, former President Barack Obama's housing secretary, formed an exploratory committee this month. Warren welcomed the "strong and growing group of Democrats" making arguments similar to those she is making, saying: "That's how we build a movement. We do it together." In searching for a candidate to run against Trump, Democrats will grapple with the tension between the party's establishment and liberal progressive wings that flared during the 2016 nominating primaries between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who ran under the Democratic banner. A Warren candidacy can expect opposition from Wall Street. In the US Senate, she has been a strong voice on financial issues and a self-described defender of the ordinary American against powerful interests. RESTRICTING BANKS Following the 2007-2009 global financial crisis, Warren emerged as a leading critic of Wall Street and continues to advocate for stiffer regulation and oversight, including reinstating a rule that would separate banks’ retail business from their riskier investment banking activities. Warren, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, has fought the Trump administration's efforts to weaken post-crisis financial rules, going as far as to attack moderate Democrats who backed a May rewrite of the 2010 Dodd-Frank reform law. In a September interview marking 10 years since the financial crisis, Warren was asked about breaking up big banks. "Oh yeah," she told the New York Times. "Give me a chance." She also has opposed the administration's efforts to undermine the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency she helped create, and has pressured the Federal Reserve to take a tough line on scandal-hit lender Wells Fargo & Co. Many of Warren's policy positions have focussed on economic inequality. She recently offered legislation calling on the US government to manufacture generic drugs to reduce their cost. In 2017, she joined other senators in a proposal to extend the federal Medicare health insurance programme for seniors to include everyone. Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel dismissed her as "another extreme far-left obstructionist and a total fraud." Warren's 80 percent name recognition does not translate into actual support, University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato said. "Some Democrats swear by her and love her blunt style, while others are put off by her and fear she’d lose to Trump," he said. "Warren has a lot of convincing to do," adding the same is true of many other Democratic contenders. Warren will begin campaigning soon in some of the states with early presidential nominating contests, a person familiar with her plans said. Trump's use of Pocahontas, a 17th century Native American woman associated with the British colony in Jamestown, Virginia, was aimed at drawing attention to a controversy over her heritage raised during Warren’s 2012 Senate race. Warren in October released a DNA analysis she said supported her assertion that she had Native American lineage. Trump’s reference has drawn criticism from some Native American groups, while others criticized Warren for trying to lay claim to a tribal heritage.

Democrat Warren takes step to challenge Trump in 2020 presidential polls

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea.

In his New Year address, Kim said there would be faster progress on denuclearisation if the United States takes corresponding action.

He added that he is willing to meet US&nbsp;President Donald Trump at any time.

Kim also called for South Korea to stop joint military exercises with "outside forces" involving strategic assets, while multilateral negotiations should be pursued to build a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korean media on Monday reported that leader Kim Jong Un sent a "conciliatory message" to US President Donald Trump amid stalled nuclear negotiations.

The report did not include details about the message but said it related to US-North Korea talks, and was conciliatory in tone.

On Sunday, the office of South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Kim had sent a letter to his counterpart in Seoul saying he wants to hold more inter-Korean summits next year to achieve denuclearisation of the peninsula.

Neither the US State Department nor the US Embassy in Seoul had an immediate comment about the report of Kim's message to Trump when contacted by Reuters.

"There is a dialogue channel between North Korea and the United States through which they exchange active communication, but I cannot know whether it took the form of letter or something else," Moon's spokesman told a news briefing on Monday.

However, both sides have struggled to make progress on this matter. They are also yet to reschedule a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol after an abrupt cancellation in November.

Pyongyang's state media has credited Trump for his willingness to continue dialogue but has also slammed the US State Department for tightening sanctions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea. In his New Year address, Kim said there would be faster progress on denuclearisation if the United States takes corresponding action. He added that he is willing to meet US President Donald Trump at any time. Kim also called for South Korea to stop joint military exercises with "outside forces" involving strategic assets, while multilateral negotiations should be pursued to build a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. North Korean media on Monday reported that leader Kim Jong Un sent a "conciliatory message" to US President Donald Trump amid stalled nuclear negotiations. The report did not include details about the message but said it related to US-North Korea talks, and was conciliatory in tone. On Sunday, the office of South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Kim had sent a letter to his counterpart in Seoul saying he wants to hold more inter-Korean summits next year to achieve denuclearisation of the peninsula. Neither the US State Department nor the US Embassy in Seoul had an immediate comment about the report of Kim's message to Trump when contacted by Reuters. "There is a dialogue channel between North Korea and the United States through which they exchange active communication, but I cannot know whether it took the form of letter or something else," Moon's spokesman told a news briefing on Monday. However, both sides have struggled to make progress on this matter. They are also yet to reschedule a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol after an abrupt cancellation in November. Pyongyang's state media has credited Trump for his willingness to continue dialogue but has also slammed the US State Department for tightening sanctions.

North Korea warns: Kim says 'new path' inevitable if US demands unilateral action

Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro, who has vowed to crack down on political corruption, violent crime and ignite a moribund economy with deregulation and fiscal discipline, will be sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday.

The former Army captain and seven-term fringe congressman rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become Brazil's first far-right president since a military dictatorship gave way to civilian rule three decades ago.

Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration.

As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-moving-its-embassy-to-jerusalem-matter-of-when-not-if-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-187443">Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem</a>, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments.

One- of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country.

His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest.

Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control.

Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion).

That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system.

Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people.

Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation.

"I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts." 
&nbsp;

Jair Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders.

Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro, who has vowed to crack down on political corruption, violent crime and ignite a moribund economy with deregulation and fiscal discipline, will be sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday. The former Army captain and seven-term fringe congressman rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become Brazil's first far-right president since a military dictatorship gave way to civilian rule three decades ago. Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration. As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments. One- of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime. Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country. His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest. Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control. Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion). That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system. Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people. Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation. "I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York. "The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Brazil to inaugurate far-right firebrand Bolsonaro president

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