US President Donald Trump has privately admitted to his aides that Michael Cohen was a "liar", hours after the former lawyer of US President was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-lawyer-says-job-was-to-cover-up-boss-dirty-deeds-sentenced-to-3-years-in-jail-183565">sentenced to three years of prison</a> over federal crimes.

While Trump did not respond to a barrage of questions asked by reporters over the sentencing at a public event, he privately told his administration officials that Cohen was a "liar", CNN reported.

During the hearing at a New York court, Cohen, although, admitted to the crimes he committed, he continued his tirade against Trump, saying he was living in a "personal and mental" prison since he started working for him and acknowledged that he was doing his duty to cover up the "dirty deeds" of the US President.

"Recently the President tweeted a statement calling me weak and it was correct but for a much different reason than he was implying. It was because time and time again I felt it was my duty to cover up his dirty deeds," Cohen said.

"This may seem hard to believe, but today is one of the most meaningful days of my life. I have been living in a personal and mental incarceration ever since the day that I accepted the offer to work for a real estate mogul whose business acumen that I deeply admired," Cohen added.

Former Attorney admitted to lying to Congress, violating campaign finance laws and tax evasion. He was ordered to pay US $1.39 million in restitution, forfeit US $500,000 and cough up an additional US $50,000 fine by the US District Judge William Pauley.

The judge also ordered Cohen to surrender himself to the authorities by March 6 next year.

US President Donald Trump has privately admitted to his aides that Michael Cohen was a "liar", hours after the former lawyer of US President was sentenced to three years of prison over federal crimes.

US President Donald Trump has privately admitted to his aides that Michael Cohen was a "liar", hours after the former lawyer of US President was sentenced to three years of prison over federal crimes. While Trump did not respond to a barrage of questions asked by reporters over the sentencing at a public event, he privately told his administration officials that Cohen was a "liar", CNN reported. During the hearing at a New York court, Cohen, although, admitted to the crimes he committed, he continued his tirade against Trump, saying he was living in a "personal and mental" prison since he started working for him and acknowledged that he was doing his duty to cover up the "dirty deeds" of the US President. "Recently the President tweeted a statement calling me weak and it was correct but for a much different reason than he was implying. It was because time and time again I felt it was my duty to cover up his dirty deeds," Cohen said. "This may seem hard to believe, but today is one of the most meaningful days of my life. I have been living in a personal and mental incarceration ever since the day that I accepted the offer to work for a real estate mogul whose business acumen that I deeply admired," Cohen added. Former Attorney admitted to lying to Congress, violating campaign finance laws and tax evasion. He was ordered to pay US $1.39 million in restitution, forfeit US $500,000 and cough up an additional US $50,000 fine by the US District Judge William Pauley. The judge also ordered Cohen to surrender himself to the authorities by March 6 next year.

Trump calls Cohen 'liar' after his sentencing: Report

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Thursday said he never told his private lawyer Michael Cohen to break the law and denied any ties to his crimes, a day after Cohen was sentenced to prison on charges that included hush money payments to women ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

"Cohen was guilty on many charges unrelated to me," Trump said in a series of Twitter posts, adding that Cohen wanted "to embarrass the president and get a much reduced prison sentence, which he did."

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I never directed Michael Cohen to break the law. He was a lawyer and he is supposed to know the law. It is called “advice of counsel,” and a lawyer has great liability if a mistake is made. That is why they get paid. Despite that many campaign finance lawyers have strongly......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1073205176872435713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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....stated that I did nothing wrong with respect to campaign finance laws, if they even apply, because this was not campaign finance. Cohen was guilty on many charges unrelated to me, but he plead to two campaign charges which were not criminal and of which he probably was not...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1073207272069890049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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....guilty even on a civil basis. Those charges were just agreed to by him in order to embarrass the president and get a much reduced prison sentence, which he did-including the fact that his family was temporarily let off the hook. As a lawyer, Michael has great liability to me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1073210823936495617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Cohen, who once said he would "take a bullet for Trump," was sentenced in New York on Wednesday to three years in prison after pleading guilty to orchestrating the payments that were part of the "dirty deeds" he did at the behest of Trump. Federal prosecutors said Trump ordered the payouts to protect his campaign from allegations of sexual affairs with an adult film actress and a Playboy model.

Trump faces growing political and legal risks from a monthslong investigation into the payments by U.S. prosecutors, which stemmed from the larger continuing federal probe into alleged Russian interference in the election and possible collusion by Trump's campaign.

Justice Department policy is not to indict a sitting president but some legal experts have said Trump could be charged after leaving office. Democrats and other critics also have raised the issue of impeachment by Congress.

In his tweets, Trump said he had no role in Cohen's actions.

"I never directed Michael Cohen to break the law," he said. "He was a lawyer and he is supposed to know the law. It is called 'advice of counsel,' and a lawyer has great liability if a mistake is made. That is why they get paid."

TRUMP DENIALS

Trump has denied the affairs and argued the payments to Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult-film star Stormy Daniels were not campaign contributions.

Trump also has denied collusion with Moscow and called Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation a "witch hunt." Russia has also denied any interference.

Prosecutors on Wednesday also said the publisher of the National Enquirer tabloid had struck a deal to avoid charges over its role in one of the payments made "in concert" with Trump's presidential campaign.

Cohen, who also pleaded to tax evasion and lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Organization building in Moscow, in court on Wednesday said his "blind loyalty" led him to cover up for Trump.

Cohen is the latest Trump associate to be swept up in Mueller's investigation following Trump's campaign chairman Paul Manafort, former deputy campaign chairman Rick Gates and former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn, among others.

Trump has offered a shifting defense on the payments to the women, first saying in April that he did not know about the payments to later appearing to acknowledge they were made but saying they were unrelated to campaign finances.

In an interview with Reuters this week, he slammed Cohen for cooperating with prosecutors and said he was unconcerned about possible impeachment. He also called any of his potential business dealings with Russia "peanut stuff."

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he never told his private lawyer Michael Cohen to break the law and denied any ties to his crimes, a day after Cohen was sentenced to prison on charges that included hush money payments to women ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he never told his private lawyer Michael Cohen to break the law and denied any ties to his crimes, a day after Cohen was sentenced to prison on charges that included hush money payments to women ahead of the 2016 presidential election. "Cohen was guilty on many charges unrelated to me," Trump said in a series of Twitter posts, adding that Cohen wanted "to embarrass the president and get a much reduced prison sentence, which he did." I never directed Michael Cohen to break the law. He was a lawyer and he is supposed to know the law. It is called “advice of counsel,” and a lawyer has great liability if a mistake is made. That is why they get paid. Despite that many campaign finance lawyers have strongly...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2018 × ....stated that I did nothing wrong with respect to campaign finance laws, if they even apply, because this was not campaign finance. Cohen was guilty on many charges unrelated to me, but he plead to two campaign charges which were not criminal and of which he probably was not... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2018 × ....guilty even on a civil basis. Those charges were just agreed to by him in order to embarrass the president and get a much reduced prison sentence, which he did-including the fact that his family was temporarily let off the hook. As a lawyer, Michael has great liability to me! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2018 × Cohen, who once said he would "take a bullet for Trump," was sentenced in New York on Wednesday to three years in prison after pleading guilty to orchestrating the payments that were part of the "dirty deeds" he did at the behest of Trump. Federal prosecutors said Trump ordered the payouts to protect his campaign from allegations of sexual affairs with an adult film actress and a Playboy model. Trump faces growing political and legal risks from a monthslong investigation into the payments by U.S. prosecutors, which stemmed from the larger continuing federal probe into alleged Russian interference in the election and possible collusion by Trump's campaign. Justice Department policy is not to indict a sitting president but some legal experts have said Trump could be charged after leaving office. Democrats and other critics also have raised the issue of impeachment by Congress. In his tweets, Trump said he had no role in Cohen's actions. "I never directed Michael Cohen to break the law," he said. "He was a lawyer and he is supposed to know the law. It is called 'advice of counsel,' and a lawyer has great liability if a mistake is made. That is why they get paid." TRUMP DENIALS Trump has denied the affairs and argued the payments to Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult-film star Stormy Daniels were not campaign contributions. Trump also has denied collusion with Moscow and called Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation a "witch hunt." Russia has also denied any interference. Prosecutors on Wednesday also said the publisher of the National Enquirer tabloid had struck a deal to avoid charges over its role in one of the payments made "in concert" with Trump's presidential campaign. Cohen, who also pleaded to tax evasion and lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Organization building in Moscow, in court on Wednesday said his "blind loyalty" led him to cover up for Trump. Cohen is the latest Trump associate to be swept up in Mueller's investigation following Trump's campaign chairman Paul Manafort, former deputy campaign chairman Rick Gates and former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn, among others. Trump has offered a shifting defense on the payments to the women, first saying in April that he did not know about the payments to later appearing to acknowledge they were made but saying they were unrelated to campaign finances. In an interview with Reuters this week, he slammed Cohen for cooperating with prosecutors and said he was unconcerned about possible impeachment. He also called any of his potential business dealings with Russia "peanut stuff."

Did not tell ex-lawyer Michael Cohen to break the law: Donald Trump

European Union and Japanese plans to form the world’s largest free trade area cleared a significant hurdle on Monday when EU lawmakers specializing in trade backed a deal that could enter force next year.

The European Parliament’s international trade committee voted 25 in favour to 10 against to clear the deal for a final vote in the parliament’s full chamber set for December 13.

An agreement would bind two economies accounting for about a third of global gross domestic product and also signal their rejection of protectionism.

Both have faced trade tensions with Washington and remain subject to US tariffs imposed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-at-un-urges-tougher-action-on-iran-missiles-183573">President Donald Trump</a> on imports of steel and aluminum.

Japan had been part of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump rejected on his first day in office, turning Tokyo’s focus to other potential partners - such as the European Union.

The EU has also sought other partners after freezing TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) negotiations with the United States in 2016. It concluded an updated trade deal with Mexico earlier this year.

Both have since agreed to start trade talks with Washington.

The EU-Japan agreement will remove EU tariffs of 10 per cent on Japanese cars and 3 per cent for most car parts. It would also scrap Japanese duties of some 30 per cent on EU cheese and 15 per cent on wines and open access to public tenders in Japan.

It will also open up services markets, in particular, financial services, telecoms, e-commerce and transport.

The EU is mindful of protests against and criticism of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2016, which culminated in a region of Belgium threatening to destroy the deal. It finally entered force in 2017.

Critics say the EU-Japan agreement will give too much power to multinationals and could undermine environmental and labour standards, the latter because they say Japanese employees face tougher conditions and less adequate union representation.

Belgium’s regions have though given their backing.

Both Brussels and Tokyo want the agreement to enter force early in 2019 before Britain leaves the EU at the end of March.

If it does, it could apply automatically to Britain during a transition period until the end of 2020 and offer comfort to the many Japanese car makers serving the EU from British bases.

European Union and Japanese plans to form the world’s largest free trade area cleared a significant hurdle on Monday when EU lawmakers specializing in trade backed a deal that could enter force next year.

European Union and Japanese plans to form the world’s largest free trade area cleared a significant hurdle on Monday when EU lawmakers specializing in trade backed a deal that could enter force next year. The European Parliament’s international trade committee voted 25 in favour to 10 against to clear the deal for a final vote in the parliament’s full chamber set for December 13. An agreement would bind two economies accounting for about a third of global gross domestic product and also signal their rejection of protectionism. Both have faced trade tensions with Washington and remain subject to US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports of steel and aluminum. Japan had been part of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump rejected on his first day in office, turning Tokyo’s focus to other potential partners - such as the European Union. The EU has also sought other partners after freezing TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) negotiations with the United States in 2016. It concluded an updated trade deal with Mexico earlier this year. Both have since agreed to start trade talks with Washington. The EU-Japan agreement will remove EU tariffs of 10 per cent on Japanese cars and 3 per cent for most car parts. It would also scrap Japanese duties of some 30 per cent on EU cheese and 15 per cent on wines and open access to public tenders in Japan. It will also open up services markets, in particular, financial services, telecoms, e-commerce and transport. The EU is mindful of protests against and criticism of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2016, which culminated in a region of Belgium threatening to destroy the deal. It finally entered force in 2017. Critics say the EU-Japan agreement will give too much power to multinationals and could undermine environmental and labour standards, the latter because they say Japanese employees face tougher conditions and less adequate union representation. Belgium’s regions have though given their backing. Both Brussels and Tokyo want the agreement to enter force early in 2019 before Britain leaves the EU at the end of March. If it does, it could apply automatically to Britain during a transition period until the end of 2020 and offer comfort to the many Japanese car makers serving the EU from British bases.

EU, Japan to form world’s largest free trade area in 2019

Trump's former lawyer Micheal Cohen convicted

India can benefit from the trade tensions between the United States and China, Henry Kravis, co-chief of KKR &amp; Co Inc said on Wednesday, but he also said the country needed to cut back on red tape to attract more investment.

US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-china-called-a-truce-in-the-trade-war-now-what-181070">Donald Trump started a trade war with China</a> earlier this year as his administration imposed tariffs on steel, aluminium and various Chinese products. Beijing retaliated with import taxes of its own on products such as American-made cars.

"This (the trade war) is very positive for South East Asia and is very positive, in my view, for India," Henry R. Kravis, co-CEO of KKR told journalists at a media roundtable on Wednesday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g20-pm-talks-about-trade-wars-and-terror-180797">At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies</a>

"As you (India) get better infrastructure, get rid of some of this red tape bureaucracy ... this country will benefit big time."

India rose 23 places to 77th in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index for 2019, up from 100th in 2018, thanks to improving metrics in areas including access to credit and construction permits.

Kravis also said India's large youth population was a big positive and that the country needed major investment in several sectors such as education, finance, healthcare and environment.

"That's an opportunity for people like us," he said.

Kravis also highlighted the need for a healthy local bond market in India.

"If you don't have a long-term bond market you limit the growth because you're putting all the onus back on to the banks to basically be the provider of capital," Kravis. "That's the reason that we set up our two NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) here - one in real estate credit and one is in corporate credit."

KKR, founded in 1976, currently manages assets roughly worth $195 billion. The company opened an office in India in 2009 and currently has about 43 staff. It has invested more than $7 billion in its credit business in the country and will invest more in the business going forward, he said.

KKR has also changed its focus to acquiring control positions or significant minority with near-control rights in companies instead of taking minority positions that did not give the company influence, Kravis said.

KKR's investments in India include hospital management firm Radiant Life Care and Max Financial Services, the holding company of private insurance firm Max Life Insurance.

India can benefit from the trade tensions between the United States and China, Henry Kravis, co-chief of KKR & Co Inc said on Wednesday, but he also said the country needed to cut back on red tape to attract more investment.

India can benefit from the trade tensions between the United States and China, Henry Kravis, co-chief of KKR & Co Inc said on Wednesday, but he also said the country needed to cut back on red tape to attract more investment. US President Donald Trump started a trade war with China earlier this year as his administration imposed tariffs on steel, aluminium and various Chinese products. Beijing retaliated with import taxes of its own on products such as American-made cars. "This (the trade war) is very positive for South East Asia and is very positive, in my view, for India," Henry R. Kravis, co-CEO of KKR told journalists at a media roundtable on Wednesday. Also read: At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies "As you (India) get better infrastructure, get rid of some of this red tape bureaucracy ... this country will benefit big time." India rose 23 places to 77th in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index for 2019, up from 100th in 2018, thanks to improving metrics in areas including access to credit and construction permits. Kravis also said India's large youth population was a big positive and that the country needed major investment in several sectors such as education, finance, healthcare and environment. "That's an opportunity for people like us," he said. Kravis also highlighted the need for a healthy local bond market in India. "If you don't have a long-term bond market you limit the growth because you're putting all the onus back on to the banks to basically be the provider of capital," Kravis. "That's the reason that we set up our two NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) here - one in real estate credit and one is in corporate credit." KKR, founded in 1976, currently manages assets roughly worth $195 billion. The company opened an office in India in 2009 and currently has about 43 staff. It has invested more than $7 billion in its credit business in the country and will invest more in the business going forward, he said. KKR has also changed its focus to acquiring control positions or significant minority with near-control rights in companies instead of taking minority positions that did not give the company influence, Kravis said. KKR's investments in India include hospital management firm Radiant Life Care and Max Financial Services, the holding company of private insurance firm Max Life Insurance.

India can benefit from US-China trade war: KKR chief

A rush of Democrats will likely announce US presidential bids in January in an unusually early start to the 2020 election cycle, lining up for what is poised to be a crowded race to take on President Donald Trump.

Democrats are riding a wave of enthusiasm after taking control of the House of Representatives in last month's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-seven-takeaways-from-the-us-congressional-elections-176061">congressional elections</a>, which were viewed as a referendum on Trump. But the party has no clear presidential front-runner for the first time since the 2004 campaign.

Party insiders expect between six and 10 candidates to launch exploratory or formal White House bids next month, with the eventual field of Democratic contenders swelling to as many as 20, according to interviews with nearly a dozen senior Democratic strategists.

During the 2016 presidential race, Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders waited until April 2015 to announce their White House bids. Clinton went on to secure her party`s nomination but lost to Trump.&nbsp;

Political strategists said Democratic hopefuls were likely to enter the fray sooner in the 2020 election cycle in part because candidates will be jockeying to hire the best staffers and secure the best local endorsements in states that hold the first nominating contests, like Iowa and New Hampshire, where wins can generate early momentum.

A good showing in the first fundraising quarter of 2019 would give lesser-known candidates the chance to place media ads and hold events to introduce themselves to voters.&nbsp;

"Primary voters, especially in a campaign where the stakes are as high as this one, are going to be incredibly attentive and discerning," said Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson, a spokesman for Clinton`s 2016 campaign. "They`re going to need time to do more than just kick the tires. They`re going to want a full-fledged road test before backing a nominee."

Politicians said to be considering 2020 campaigns include former Vice President Joe Biden; US Senators Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Sherrod Brown and Cory Booker; and current and former mayors like Eric Garcetti in Los Angeles and Michael Bloomberg in New York.

Two potential Democratic contenders took initial steps to launch their presidential campaigns over the past week.

Julian Castro from Texas who served as secretary of housing and urban development under former President Barack Obama, on Wednesday formed an exploratory committee, which is used to raise money in the nascent phases of a campaign.&nbsp;

Tom Steyer, a California billionaire and environmentalist behind a campaign to impeach Trump, began advertising anonymously on LinkedIn for state directors in Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

"As Tom has said publicly — he is considering how he can have the most impact in 2020 and our team is exploring staffing options should he decide to move forward with a run," said Steyer spokeswoman Aleigha Cavalier.

One Democrat already in the presidential chase is outgoing US Representative John Delaney of Maryland. He announced his candidacy in July 2017 but has yet to establish a national profile.

Primary debates

Another factor candidates must consider when timing their campaign launches is a primary debate schedule that is expected to begin earlier - possibly as soon as May 2019 - and contain more matchups than in past cycles, according to individuals familiar with the deliberations.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez has said a preliminary schedule would be announced by year's end. The DNC declined to comment ahead of its release.

In the 2016 election cycle, Clinton`s rivals said a limited debate schedule gave her an unfair advantage. The DNC later approved additional debates and candidate forums.

To ease concerns ahead of 2020, the DNC has held as many as 50 debate planning meetings this year to set both a preliminary calendar and the process it will use to sort an unwieldy number of candidates onto multiple debate stages.&nbsp;

In the past, parties grouped candidates using polling, but the DNC is considering multiple metrics, or hosting serial debates with candidates divided randomly, said the individuals familiar with the discussions.

The Republican National Committee, which contended with 17 candidates ahead of the first Republican primary debate in August 2015, used national polling to decide who participated in a prime-time debate versus an earlier one that attracted a smaller audience.

Rick Tyler, a Republican strategist who worked for US Senator Ted Cruz`s unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign, said Democrats should improve the system.

"It`s impossible to get out of the JV debate," Tyler said, using the sports term `JV` or junior varsity to refer to the lower-tier candidates. "Some of those people you haven`t heard of will be attractive, and we won`t know that if we relegate them to the JV."&nbsp;

A rush of Democrats will likely announce US presidential bids in January in an unusually early start to the 2020 election cycle, lining up for what is poised to be a crowded race to take on President Donald Trump.

A rush of Democrats will likely announce US presidential bids in January in an unusually early start to the 2020 election cycle, lining up for what is poised to be a crowded race to take on President Donald Trump. Democrats are riding a wave of enthusiasm after taking control of the House of Representatives in last month's congressional elections, which were viewed as a referendum on Trump. But the party has no clear presidential front-runner for the first time since the 2004 campaign. Party insiders expect between six and 10 candidates to launch exploratory or formal White House bids next month, with the eventual field of Democratic contenders swelling to as many as 20, according to interviews with nearly a dozen senior Democratic strategists. During the 2016 presidential race, Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders waited until April 2015 to announce their White House bids. Clinton went on to secure her party`s nomination but lost to Trump. Political strategists said Democratic hopefuls were likely to enter the fray sooner in the 2020 election cycle in part because candidates will be jockeying to hire the best staffers and secure the best local endorsements in states that hold the first nominating contests, like Iowa and New Hampshire, where wins can generate early momentum. A good showing in the first fundraising quarter of 2019 would give lesser-known candidates the chance to place media ads and hold events to introduce themselves to voters. "Primary voters, especially in a campaign where the stakes are as high as this one, are going to be incredibly attentive and discerning," said Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson, a spokesman for Clinton`s 2016 campaign. "They`re going to need time to do more than just kick the tires. They`re going to want a full-fledged road test before backing a nominee." Politicians said to be considering 2020 campaigns include former Vice President Joe Biden; US Senators Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Sherrod Brown and Cory Booker; and current and former mayors like Eric Garcetti in Los Angeles and Michael Bloomberg in New York. Two potential Democratic contenders took initial steps to launch their presidential campaigns over the past week. Julian Castro from Texas who served as secretary of housing and urban development under former President Barack Obama, on Wednesday formed an exploratory committee, which is used to raise money in the nascent phases of a campaign. Tom Steyer, a California billionaire and environmentalist behind a campaign to impeach Trump, began advertising anonymously on LinkedIn for state directors in Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina. "As Tom has said publicly — he is considering how he can have the most impact in 2020 and our team is exploring staffing options should he decide to move forward with a run," said Steyer spokeswoman Aleigha Cavalier. One Democrat already in the presidential chase is outgoing US Representative John Delaney of Maryland. He announced his candidacy in July 2017 but has yet to establish a national profile. Primary debates Another factor candidates must consider when timing their campaign launches is a primary debate schedule that is expected to begin earlier - possibly as soon as May 2019 - and contain more matchups than in past cycles, according to individuals familiar with the deliberations. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez has said a preliminary schedule would be announced by year's end. The DNC declined to comment ahead of its release. In the 2016 election cycle, Clinton`s rivals said a limited debate schedule gave her an unfair advantage. The DNC later approved additional debates and candidate forums. To ease concerns ahead of 2020, the DNC has held as many as 50 debate planning meetings this year to set both a preliminary calendar and the process it will use to sort an unwieldy number of candidates onto multiple debate stages. In the past, parties grouped candidates using polling, but the DNC is considering multiple metrics, or hosting serial debates with candidates divided randomly, said the individuals familiar with the discussions. The Republican National Committee, which contended with 17 candidates ahead of the first Republican primary debate in August 2015, used national polling to decide who participated in a prime-time debate versus an earlier one that attracted a smaller audience. Rick Tyler, a Republican strategist who worked for US Senator Ted Cruz`s unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign, said Democrats should improve the system. "It`s impossible to get out of the JV debate," Tyler said, using the sports term `JV` or junior varsity to refer to the lower-tier candidates. "Some of those people you haven`t heard of will be attractive, and we won`t know that if we relegate them to the JV."

Flurry of Democrats expected to enter 2020 White House race in coming weeks

Christian Bale recalled the time he met Donald Trump and says the US President thought he was his Batman character Bruce Wayne.&nbsp; 
 
Speaking at the red carpet for the premiere of his upcoming political comedy 'Vice', Bale revealed that during the filming of&nbsp; 'The Dark Knight Rises'&nbsp;at the Trump Towers, the business mogul invited him to his office.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
"We were filming on Batman in Trump Tower and he said, come on up to the office," Bale told Variety. 
 
"I think he thought I was Bruce Wayne because I was dressed as Bruce Wayne. So he talked to me like I was Bruce Wayne and I just went along with it, really. It was quite entertaining," he added. 
 
Back then, Bale said, he had no inkling that Trump would go on to become the President of the United States. 
 
"I had no idea at the time that he would think about running for president," he said. 
 
The 44-year-old actor plays Dick Cheney, the former US vice president, in Adam McKay's 'Vice', which also features Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell and Steve Carrell in pivotal roles.

Christian Bale recalled the time he met Donald Trump and says the US President thought he was his Batman character Bruce Wayne. Speaking at the red carpet for the premiere of his upcoming political comedy 'Vice', Bale revealed that during the filming of 'The Dark Knight Rises' at the Trump Towers, the business mogul invited him to his office.

Christian Bale recalled the time he met Donald Trump and says the US President thought he was his Batman character Bruce Wayne. Speaking at the red carpet for the premiere of his upcoming political comedy 'Vice', Bale revealed that during the filming of 'The Dark Knight Rises' at the Trump Towers, the business mogul invited him to his office. "We were filming on Batman in Trump Tower and he said, come on up to the office," Bale told Variety. "I think he thought I was Bruce Wayne because I was dressed as Bruce Wayne. So he talked to me like I was Bruce Wayne and I just went along with it, really. It was quite entertaining," he added. Back then, Bale said, he had no inkling that Trump would go on to become the President of the United States. "I had no idea at the time that he would think about running for president," he said. The 44-year-old actor plays Dick Cheney, the former US vice president, in Adam McKay's 'Vice', which also features Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell and Steve Carrell in pivotal roles.

Christian Bale on meeting Donald Trump: He thought I was Bruce Wayne

WION Fineprint: Is religious freedom a myth in Pakistan?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-chooses-new-joint-chiefs-of-staff-chairman-against-pentagon-chief-jim-mattis-wishes-182563">US President Donald Trump</a> said on Tuesday that he stood by Saudi Arabia's crown prince despite a CIA assessment that he ordered the killing of journalist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-other-journalists-are-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-183310">Jamal Khashoggi</a> and pleas from US senators for Trump to condemn the kingdom's de facto ruler.

Trump refused to comment on whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was complicit in the murder, but he provided perhaps his most explicit show of support for the prince since Khashoggi's death more than two months ago.

"He's the leader of Saudi Arabia. They've been a very good ally," Trump said in an interview in the Oval Office.

Asked by Reuters if standing by the kingdom meant standing by the prince, known as MbS, Trump responded: "Well, at this moment, it certainly does."

Some members of Saudi Arabia's ruling family are agitating to prevent MbS from becoming king, sources close to the royal court have told Reuters, and believe that the United States and Trump could play a determining role.

"I just haven't heard that," Trump said. "Honestly, I can't comment on it because I had not heard that at all. In fact, if anything, I've heard that he's very strongly in power."

While Trump has condemned the murder of Khashoggi, a US resident and Washington Post columnist who was often critical of MbS, he has given the benefit of the doubt to the prince with whom he has cultivated a deep relationship.

Trump again reiterated on Tuesday that the "crown prince vehemently denies" involvement in a killing that has sparked outrage around the world.

Trump has come under fierce criticism from fellow Republicans in the Senate over the issue, particularly after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed them. Last month, the CIA assessed that MbS ordered the killing, which Trump called "very premature."

"You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organised by people under the command of MbS," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said last week.

MEETING WITH SENATORS

Graham and other senators who have supported the US-Saudi alliance over the years have said that Trump should impose more sanctions after a first-round targeted 17 Saudis for their alleged role in the killing in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

As the Senate considers this week a joint resolution condemning the crown prince for the killing, something that the president would have to sign or veto if passed by Congress, Trump said he would meet with senators.

Trump said he hoped senators would not propose stopping arms sales to the Saudis, deals he has doggedly fought to save ever since the gruesome details of Khashoggi's murder were leaked by Turkey.

"And I really hope that people aren't going to suggest that we should not take hundreds of billions of dollars that they’re going to siphon off to Russia and to China," Trump said.

Trump said he could abide by legislation ending US support for the Saudi-led war effort in Yemen, a proxy war with regional rival Iran that has led to a deepening humanitarian disaster.

"Well, I'm much more open to Yemen because frankly, I hate to see what's going on in Yemen," Trump said. "But it takes two to tango. I'd want to see Iran pull out of Yemen too. Because - and I think they will."

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he stood by Saudi Arabia's crown prince despite a CIA assessment that he ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and pleas from US senators for Trump to condemn the kingdom's de facto ruler.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he stood by Saudi Arabia's crown prince despite a CIA assessment that he ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and pleas from US senators for Trump to condemn the kingdom's de facto ruler. Trump refused to comment on whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was complicit in the murder, but he provided perhaps his most explicit show of support for the prince since Khashoggi's death more than two months ago. "He's the leader of Saudi Arabia. They've been a very good ally," Trump said in an interview in the Oval Office. Asked by Reuters if standing by the kingdom meant standing by the prince, known as MbS, Trump responded: "Well, at this moment, it certainly does." Some members of Saudi Arabia's ruling family are agitating to prevent MbS from becoming king, sources close to the royal court have told Reuters, and believe that the United States and Trump could play a determining role. "I just haven't heard that," Trump said. "Honestly, I can't comment on it because I had not heard that at all. In fact, if anything, I've heard that he's very strongly in power." While Trump has condemned the murder of Khashoggi, a US resident and Washington Post columnist who was often critical of MbS, he has given the benefit of the doubt to the prince with whom he has cultivated a deep relationship. Trump again reiterated on Tuesday that the "crown prince vehemently denies" involvement in a killing that has sparked outrage around the world. Trump has come under fierce criticism from fellow Republicans in the Senate over the issue, particularly after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed them. Last month, the CIA assessed that MbS ordered the killing, which Trump called "very premature." "You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organised by people under the command of MbS," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said last week. MEETING WITH SENATORS Graham and other senators who have supported the US-Saudi alliance over the years have said that Trump should impose more sanctions after a first-round targeted 17 Saudis for their alleged role in the killing in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. As the Senate considers this week a joint resolution condemning the crown prince for the killing, something that the president would have to sign or veto if passed by Congress, Trump said he would meet with senators. Trump said he hoped senators would not propose stopping arms sales to the Saudis, deals he has doggedly fought to save ever since the gruesome details of Khashoggi's murder were leaked by Turkey. "And I really hope that people aren't going to suggest that we should not take hundreds of billions of dollars that they’re going to siphon off to Russia and to China," Trump said. Trump said he could abide by legislation ending US support for the Saudi-led war effort in Yemen, a proxy war with regional rival Iran that has led to a deepening humanitarian disaster. "Well, I'm much more open to Yemen because frankly, I hate to see what's going on in Yemen," Trump said. "But it takes two to tango. I'd want to see Iran pull out of Yemen too. Because - and I think they will."

Standing by Saudi crown prince despite pleas from Senate: Trump

US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/how-ya-like-me-now-tweets-stormy-daniels-after-michael-cohen-pleads-guilty-161064?amp">Michael Cohen</a> will be sentenced on Wednesday for his role in the payment of hush money to women who said they had affairs with Trump and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia that was discussed during the 2016 election campaign.

Cohen, 52, pleaded guilty in August to charges by federal prosecutors in New York that, just before the election, he paid <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sex-with-trump-may-have-been-least-impressive-id-ever-had-stormy-daniels-166508">adult film actress Stormy Daniels </a>$130,000 and helped arrange a $150,000 payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal so the women would keep quiet about their relationships with Trump, who is married. Trump denies having the affairs.

Cohen also admitted to unrelated tax and bank fraud. He faces sentencing on a separate charge of lying to Congress brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating possible coordination between Trump's campaign and Russia. Cohen pleaded guilty to that charge last month.

The sentencing by US District Judge William Pauley in Manhattan will cap the stunning about-face of a lawyer who once said he would "take a bullet" for Trump but has now directly implicated the president in criminal conduct.

Trump has denied any collusion with Russia and has accused Mueller's team of pressuring his former aides to lie about him, his campaign and his business dealings. Russia has denied US allegations of interfering in the election to help Trump.

Prosecutors and Cohen both say the hush money payments violated campaign finance laws and were directed by Trump himself to cover up affairs he had in 2006 and 2007. Federal law requires that the contribution of "anything of value" to a campaign must be disclosed, and an individual donation cannot exceed $2,700.

In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, Trump denied the payments were campaign contributions. "If it were, it’s only civil, and even if it’s only civil, there was no violation based on what we did," he said.

Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani has argued the payments cannot be considered campaign finance violations because they were made to protect Trump's reputation and would have been made even if he had not been a presidential candidate.

Though Cohen asked in a November 30 court filing to be given no prison time based on his assistance in the investigation, prosecutors on Friday asked that Cohen be given a "substantial term of imprisonment" for his crimes with only a "modest" reduction to the roughly four- to five-year term they say he faces under sentencing guidelines.

Though they said he provided useful information about the hush money payments, prosecutors said Cohen declined to sign a formal cooperation agreement, which would have required him to be fully debriefed about his entire criminal history and his knowledge of others' crimes. His refusal to cooperate fully, they said, limited his credibility as a witness.

In his guilty plea to Mueller's charge, Cohen admitted he lied to Congress about the timeline for discussions about plans for real estate businessman Trump's skyscraper in Moscow. He said in written testimony to two committees that the talks ended in January 2016, before the first Republican primaries, when they actually continued until June 2016 after Trump clinched the Republican nomination.

Mueller's sentencing recommendation was more generous, saying Cohen had provided valuable information about contacts between Trump's campaign and Russia. He recommended any sentence for lying to Congress be served concurrently with Cohen's sentence on the charges in New York.

Sentencing consultant Justin Paperny said Judge Pauley has a reputation for being tough on white-collar defendants and that Cohen probably made a mistake by asking for no jail time when he failed to fully cooperate.

"It’s like he wanted to have his cake and eat it too," said Paperny, adding that Cohen would do well to get a sentence in the low end of the guidelines.

US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen will be sentenced on Wednesday for his role in the payment of hush money to women who said they had affairs with Trump and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia that was discussed during the 2016 election campaign.

US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen will be sentenced on Wednesday for his role in the payment of hush money to women who said they had affairs with Trump and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia that was discussed during the 2016 election campaign. Cohen, 52, pleaded guilty in August to charges by federal prosecutors in New York that, just before the election, he paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 and helped arrange a $150,000 payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal so the women would keep quiet about their relationships with Trump, who is married. Trump denies having the affairs. Cohen also admitted to unrelated tax and bank fraud. He faces sentencing on a separate charge of lying to Congress brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating possible coordination between Trump's campaign and Russia. Cohen pleaded guilty to that charge last month. The sentencing by US District Judge William Pauley in Manhattan will cap the stunning about-face of a lawyer who once said he would "take a bullet" for Trump but has now directly implicated the president in criminal conduct. Trump has denied any collusion with Russia and has accused Mueller's team of pressuring his former aides to lie about him, his campaign and his business dealings. Russia has denied US allegations of interfering in the election to help Trump. Prosecutors and Cohen both say the hush money payments violated campaign finance laws and were directed by Trump himself to cover up affairs he had in 2006 and 2007. Federal law requires that the contribution of "anything of value" to a campaign must be disclosed, and an individual donation cannot exceed $2,700. In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, Trump denied the payments were campaign contributions. "If it were, it’s only civil, and even if it’s only civil, there was no violation based on what we did," he said. Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani has argued the payments cannot be considered campaign finance violations because they were made to protect Trump's reputation and would have been made even if he had not been a presidential candidate. Though Cohen asked in a November 30 court filing to be given no prison time based on his assistance in the investigation, prosecutors on Friday asked that Cohen be given a "substantial term of imprisonment" for his crimes with only a "modest" reduction to the roughly four- to five-year term they say he faces under sentencing guidelines. Though they said he provided useful information about the hush money payments, prosecutors said Cohen declined to sign a formal cooperation agreement, which would have required him to be fully debriefed about his entire criminal history and his knowledge of others' crimes. His refusal to cooperate fully, they said, limited his credibility as a witness. In his guilty plea to Mueller's charge, Cohen admitted he lied to Congress about the timeline for discussions about plans for real estate businessman Trump's skyscraper in Moscow. He said in written testimony to two committees that the talks ended in January 2016, before the first Republican primaries, when they actually continued until June 2016 after Trump clinched the Republican nomination. Mueller's sentencing recommendation was more generous, saying Cohen had provided valuable information about contacts between Trump's campaign and Russia. He recommended any sentence for lying to Congress be served concurrently with Cohen's sentence on the charges in New York. Sentencing consultant Justin Paperny said Judge Pauley has a reputation for being tough on white-collar defendants and that Cohen probably made a mistake by asking for no jail time when he failed to fully cooperate. "It’s like he wanted to have his cake and eat it too," said Paperny, adding that Cohen would do well to get a sentence in the low end of the guidelines.

Ex-Trump lawyer Cohen to be sentenced for hush money payments

US Secretary of State <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Mike+Pompeo">Mike Pompeo</a> on Monday promised strong ties with Britain if the longtime ally heads for a complete split with the European Union.

Speaking as Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Theresa+May">Theresa May</a> postponed a parliamentary vote she looked likely to lose on a softer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Brexit">Brexit</a> deal, Pompeo said the United States and Britain work "incredibly closer together across every front of our relationship," including trade.

"If there's a hard Brexit, I remain very confident the United States and the United Kingdom will continue to have a special relationship," Pompeo said in an interview with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

"It matters certainly to them, but it matters a great deal to us as well," he said.

President Donald Trump, who has vowed to fight for national sovereignty as part of his "America First" philosophy, has openly praised May's internal Conservative rivals who want a hard break with the European Union following Britain's 2016 referendum for Brexit.

Faced with no votes both from Conservative hardliners and the opposition, May told parliament that Britain was preparing for a greater likelihood of leaving the European Union without any deal.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday promised strong ties with Britain if the longtime ally heads for a complete split with the European Union. Speaking as Prime Minister Theresa May postponed a parliamentary vote she looked likely to lose on a softer Brexit deal, Pompeo said the United States and Britain work "incredibly closer together across every front of our relationship," including trade.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday promised strong ties with Britain if the longtime ally heads for a complete split with the European Union. Speaking as Prime Minister Theresa May postponed a parliamentary vote she looked likely to lose on a softer Brexit deal, Pompeo said the United States and Britain work "incredibly closer together across every front of our relationship," including trade. "If there's a hard Brexit, I remain very confident the United States and the United Kingdom will continue to have a special relationship," Pompeo said in an interview with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. "It matters certainly to them, but it matters a great deal to us as well," he said. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to fight for national sovereignty as part of his "America First" philosophy, has openly praised May's internal Conservative rivals who want a hard break with the European Union following Britain's 2016 referendum for Brexit. Faced with no votes both from Conservative hardliners and the opposition, May told parliament that Britain was preparing for a greater likelihood of leaving the European Union without any deal.

In case of hard Brexit, Mike Pompeo promises strong US-Britain ties

Jared Kushner, the White House senior adviser on the Middle East, has no previous experience in politics. He, however, now sits in the closest room to the oval office.

Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law, married Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka in 2009.

He was born in January 1981 (he's 37) ago to a wealthy Jewish family in the real estate business. His grandparents were Holocaust survivors.&nbsp;

His father, Charles Kushner's family enterprise owns scores of apartments and skyscrapers worth billions all over the States, but mostly in New York.

After finishing his studies at a modern orthodox Jewish school, Jared — an average student with average marks — made it to the prestigious University of Harvard. (In his book “Price of Admissions”,&nbsp; the American journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Daniel Golden pointed out that the Kushner family made a $ 2.5 billion donation to the university at the time of Jared's admission.)

The young Kushner was an ambitious man and during his studies, he started selling and buying properties worth millions of US dollars. In 2006 he acquired the New York Observer, a weekly New York city newspaper. Despite no prior experience and turbulent relations with several editors-in-chief, he increased the publication’s profits.

Before getting to the White House, Kushner was a Democrat. He donated to the party and endorsed Obama’s race from his newspaper’s columns.&nbsp;

Things changed when his father-in-law said he was running for president in 2015, Jared Kushner decided to get on board. He led the campaign’s social media team which greatly contributed to Donald Trump’s success.&nbsp;Kushner had the US president’s ear since the very beginning and was appointed assistant to the president and senior adviser shortly after Trump’s swearing-in. The people who stood in his way were ousted from the White House.

A Saudi delegation visiting the newly elected president, identified in Kushner the key to get Riyadh’s relation with Washington back on track after the difficult times under the Obama administration.

It was in this framework that Jared Kushner befriended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.&nbsp;

Life has not been easy in the American political arena for Jared Kushner. His name was at the centre of the investigation on the Russian meddling in the US elections. He met Russian officials several times during the campaign and&nbsp;even omitted informing the committee deciding on his security clearance to access secreted files.

But he survived and is now working on one of the hardest assignment any American diplomat would have: finding a stable solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.&nbsp;

Together with Trump’s chief international negotiator Jason Greenblatt and an ever-expanding dedicated team, Kushner is carving the so-called 'deal of the century’ which would end decades of hostilities between Israel and Palestine.

Jared Kushner sees himself as a businessman and a deal maker and believes that history can be put aside. He is convinced that through economic measures and benefits, Palestinians will ultimately digest whatever deal the US propose.

Israel could not find a better ally, but Palestinians have made it clear that they do not intend to discuss any plans proposed by this administration.

Tens of seasoned negotiators and politicians from all over the world and all walks of life have not found a way out of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades.&nbsp;

To think Jared Kushner could succeed where they have failed seems far-fetched, but he has proven to be capable of surprising everyone.

Jared Kushner, the White House senior adviser on the Middle East, has no previous experience in politics. He, however, now sits in the closest room to the oval office.

Jared Kushner, the White House senior adviser on the Middle East, has no previous experience in politics. He, however, now sits in the closest room to the oval office. Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law, married Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka in 2009. He was born in January 1981 (he's 37) ago to a wealthy Jewish family in the real estate business. His grandparents were Holocaust survivors. His father, Charles Kushner's family enterprise owns scores of apartments and skyscrapers worth billions all over the States, but mostly in New York. After finishing his studies at a modern orthodox Jewish school, Jared — an average student with average marks — made it to the prestigious University of Harvard. (In his book “Price of Admissions”, the American journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Daniel Golden pointed out that the Kushner family made a $ 2.5 billion donation to the university at the time of Jared's admission.) The young Kushner was an ambitious man and during his studies, he started selling and buying properties worth millions of US dollars. In 2006 he acquired the New York Observer, a weekly New York city newspaper. Despite no prior experience and turbulent relations with several editors-in-chief, he increased the publication’s profits. Before getting to the White House, Kushner was a Democrat. He donated to the party and endorsed Obama’s race from his newspaper’s columns. Things changed when his father-in-law said he was running for president in 2015, Jared Kushner decided to get on board. He led the campaign’s social media team which greatly contributed to Donald Trump’s success. Kushner had the US president’s ear since the very beginning and was appointed assistant to the president and senior adviser shortly after Trump’s swearing-in. The people who stood in his way were ousted from the White House. A Saudi delegation visiting the newly elected president, identified in Kushner the key to get Riyadh’s relation with Washington back on track after the difficult times under the Obama administration. It was in this framework that Jared Kushner befriended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Life has not been easy in the American political arena for Jared Kushner. His name was at the centre of the investigation on the Russian meddling in the US elections. He met Russian officials several times during the campaign and even omitted informing the committee deciding on his security clearance to access secreted files. But he survived and is now working on one of the hardest assignment any American diplomat would have: finding a stable solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Together with Trump’s chief international negotiator Jason Greenblatt and an ever-expanding dedicated team, Kushner is carving the so-called 'deal of the century’ which would end decades of hostilities between Israel and Palestine. Jared Kushner sees himself as a businessman and a deal maker and believes that history can be put aside. He is convinced that through economic measures and benefits, Palestinians will ultimately digest whatever deal the US propose. Israel could not find a better ally, but Palestinians have made it clear that they do not intend to discuss any plans proposed by this administration. Tens of seasoned negotiators and politicians from all over the world and all walks of life have not found a way out of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades. To think Jared Kushner could succeed where they have failed seems far-fetched, but he has proven to be capable of surprising everyone.

Trump's son-in-law's quick journey to the White House

US President Donald Trump sees his impeachment as a "real possibility" over finance violations during the 2016 campaign, according to a media report.

Impeachment talks have ratcheted up in recent days following a blockbuster filing from prosecutors in the Southern District of New York in which they directly alleged for the first time that Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen was being directed by the president when he broke the law during the 2016 presidential campaign, CNN said.

Trump has expressed concern that he could be impeached when Democrats take over the House, CNN quoted a source close to the president as saying.

Trump is facing off against a series of accusations put together by a team of investigators.

Special counsel Robert Mueller has launched an 18-month investigation into the legitimacy of Donald Trump's 2016 election win.

A source close to the White House told CNN that aides inside the West Wing believe "the only issue that may stick" in the impeachment process is the campaign finance violations tied to former Cohen's payouts to Trump's alleged mistresses, according to the report.

Prosecutors said Trump's lawyer clearly sought to influence the outcome of the 2016 election from the sidelines through illicit payments.

Under US federal law, any payments made for the "purpose of influencing" an election must be reported in campaign finance disclosures.

Prosecutors said Cohen took great steps to hide the payments, creating shell companies, using fake invoices and sending them in small amounts so they wouldn't arouse suspicion.

He arranged for a US $130,000 payment to adult film star Daniels, which prosecutors concluded violated campaign finance law prohibitions against donations of more than US $2,700 in a general election.

Trump has denied all wrongdoing and compared the investigations to a "witch hunt".

Democrats are suggesting Trump committed an impeachable offense and could be sent to prison when his term in the White House is over.

The incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry Nadler, said Sunday the allegations, if proven, would constitute "impeachable offenses."

Democratic Senator Chris Coons said on Monday Trump could be indicted after he leaves office.

Cohen first made the allegation in court in September that he was directed by Trump to make the payments to the two women, Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. 
Prosecutors endorsed the allegation in a sentencing document for Cohen on Friday, in which they said Cohen should receive a "substantial sentence" for the crimes he committed, which included campaign finance violations for the payments to the two women, tax fraud and lying to Congress.

White House officials, at the moment, still don't believe special counsel Mueller's investigation into possible collusion will result in impeachment. Officials are also comforted by their belief that the campaign finance issue is not seen as enough to galvanize bipartisan support for impeachment, the report said.

Another separate source said Trump remains confident at this point that, while he could be impeached in the House, he doesn't believe he would be convicted in the Senate as the Republicans remains in control there.

The campaign finance issue tied to the alleged mistresses is not viewed as having the firepower to trigger a bipartisan vote for conviction and removal in the Senate, the source said.

These beliefs about the politics at play in impeachment proceedings are based on what White House officials believe Mueller has on Trump right now. It's still unclear exactly where else the special counsel's probe could go, the report said.

US President Donald Trump sees his impeachment as a "real possibility" over finance violations during the 2016 campaign, according to a media report. Impeachment talks have ratcheted up in recent days following a blockbuster filing from prosecutors in the Southern District of New York in which they directly alleged for the first time that Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen was being directed by the president when he broke the law during the 2016 presidential campaign, CNN said.

US President Donald Trump sees his impeachment as a "real possibility" over finance violations during the 2016 campaign, according to a media report. Impeachment talks have ratcheted up in recent days following a blockbuster filing from prosecutors in the Southern District of New York in which they directly alleged for the first time that Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen was being directed by the president when he broke the law during the 2016 presidential campaign, CNN said. Trump has expressed concern that he could be impeached when Democrats take over the House, CNN quoted a source close to the president as saying. Trump is facing off against a series of accusations put together by a team of investigators. Special counsel Robert Mueller has launched an 18-month investigation into the legitimacy of Donald Trump's 2016 election win. A source close to the White House told CNN that aides inside the West Wing believe "the only issue that may stick" in the impeachment process is the campaign finance violations tied to former Cohen's payouts to Trump's alleged mistresses, according to the report. Prosecutors said Trump's lawyer clearly sought to influence the outcome of the 2016 election from the sidelines through illicit payments. Under US federal law, any payments made for the "purpose of influencing" an election must be reported in campaign finance disclosures. Prosecutors said Cohen took great steps to hide the payments, creating shell companies, using fake invoices and sending them in small amounts so they wouldn't arouse suspicion. He arranged for a US $130,000 payment to adult film star Daniels, which prosecutors concluded violated campaign finance law prohibitions against donations of more than US $2,700 in a general election. Trump has denied all wrongdoing and compared the investigations to a "witch hunt". Democrats are suggesting Trump committed an impeachable offense and could be sent to prison when his term in the White House is over. The incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry Nadler, said Sunday the allegations, if proven, would constitute "impeachable offenses." Democratic Senator Chris Coons said on Monday Trump could be indicted after he leaves office. Cohen first made the allegation in court in September that he was directed by Trump to make the payments to the two women, Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Prosecutors endorsed the allegation in a sentencing document for Cohen on Friday, in which they said Cohen should receive a "substantial sentence" for the crimes he committed, which included campaign finance violations for the payments to the two women, tax fraud and lying to Congress. White House officials, at the moment, still don't believe special counsel Mueller's investigation into possible collusion will result in impeachment. Officials are also comforted by their belief that the campaign finance issue is not seen as enough to galvanize bipartisan support for impeachment, the report said. Another separate source said Trump remains confident at this point that, while he could be impeached in the House, he doesn't believe he would be convicted in the Senate as the Republicans remains in control there. The campaign finance issue tied to the alleged mistresses is not viewed as having the firepower to trigger a bipartisan vote for conviction and removal in the Senate, the source said. These beliefs about the politics at play in impeachment proceedings are based on what White House officials believe Mueller has on Trump right now. It's still unclear exactly where else the special counsel's probe could go, the report said.

Trump concerned about being impeached: Report

A United Nations conference adopted a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/global-compact-for-migration-why-are-countries-opposing-it-182795">migration pact </a>in front of leaders and representatives from over 160 countries in Morocco on Monday, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism.

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- finalised at the UN in July after 18 months of talks -- was formally approved with the bang of a gavel in Marrakesh at the start of a two-day conference.

But the United States and at least <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-150-governments-to-adopt-un-migration-pact-in-morocco-182775">16 other countries</a> either opted out or expressed concerns, with some claiming the pact infringes national sovereignty.

Billed as the first international document on managing migration, it lays out 23 objectives to open up legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings, as the number of people on the move globally has surged to more than 250 million.

Describing it as a "roadmap to prevent suffering and chaos", UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sought to dispel what he called a number of myths around the pact, including claims it will allow the United Nations to impose migration policies on member states.

The pact "is not legally binding", he said. "It is a framework for international cooperation."

"We must not succumb to fear and false narratives", he told an audience that included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela, Greek premier Alexis Tsipras, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Spain's premier Pedro Sanchez.

Merkel launched an impassioned defence of the pact and multilateralism, saying her country "through Nazism brought incredible pain to humanity".

"The answer to pure nationalism was the foundation of the United Nations and the commitment to jointly searching for answers to our common problems," she said.

She insisted the pact seeks to prevent, rather than encourage, illegal migration. "This is about safe, orderly and regular migration -- it says (this) clearly in the title."

Draconian measures&nbsp;

On Friday, the US hit out at the pact, labelling it "an effort by the United Nations to advance global governance at the expense of the sovereign right of states".

It was the first country to disavow the negotiations late last year, while Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia have all pulled out of the process in recent months and weeks before Chile withdrew overnight.

Brazil also announced Monday it would withdraw from the pact from January when far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro takes office.

"Immigration is welcome, but it should not be indiscriminate," future foreign minister Ernesto Araujo tweeted, adding: "It must serve the national interests and cohesion of each society."&nbsp;

Rows over the accord have erupted in several European Union nations, hobbling <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-lapses-into-minority-government-over-un-migration-pact-row-182717">Belgium's coalition government </a>and pushing Slovakia's foreign minister to tender his resignation.

From the United States to Europe and beyond, right-wing and populist leaders have taken increasingly draconian measures to shut out migrants in recent years.

US President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and has focused his recent ire on a migrant caravan from Central America, while a populist coalition government in Italy has clamped down on boats rescuing migrants at sea.

Belgium's liberal premier Charles Michel attended the conference after winning the support of parliament to back the accord but was left leading a minority government after a Flemish nationalist party said it will quit his coalition over the pact.

"This model of cooperation is complex, sometimes including steps forwards and sometimes banana skins," Michel told delegates.

The pact has been welcomed by the Catholic Church as an important step towards addressing migrants' needs and reducing their vulnerability.

"The Holy See is convinced that the enormous challenges that migration poses are best faced through multilateral processes rather than isolationist policies," said papal envoy Cardinal Piero Parolin.

Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras also welcomed the accord. These countries have worked on their own regional plan to manage migration, which El Salvador's foreign minister Carlos Castaneda told reporters represents the first effort to work within the framework of the global compact.

'Should be ethically binding'

The UN's children's agency said the pact could help provide better access to education and health for migrant children and offer "them stronger protection from exploitation and violence".

Other organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Federation of the Red Cross, see the accord as just a first step towards protecting migrants.

"We have heard repeatedly that this compact is not legally binding and does not impact on state sovereignty," said IFRC president Francesco Rocca at a press conference on the sidelines of the main dialogue.

"But if we are serious about fixing this problem, it should at the very least be ethically binding."

In comments by a representative, Morocco's King Mohammed VI -- absent from proceedings -- said the pact offers a way forwards that navigates between the two extremes of closing borders and allowing uncontrolled migration.

After the Marrakesh conference, the UN General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution formally endorsing the deal on December 19.

A United Nations conference adopted a migration pact in front of leaders and representatives from over 160 countries in Morocco on Monday, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism.

A United Nations conference adopted a migration pact in front of leaders and representatives from over 160 countries in Morocco on Monday, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- finalised at the UN in July after 18 months of talks -- was formally approved with the bang of a gavel in Marrakesh at the start of a two-day conference. But the United States and at least 16 other countries either opted out or expressed concerns, with some claiming the pact infringes national sovereignty. Billed as the first international document on managing migration, it lays out 23 objectives to open up legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings, as the number of people on the move globally has surged to more than 250 million. Describing it as a "roadmap to prevent suffering and chaos", UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sought to dispel what he called a number of myths around the pact, including claims it will allow the United Nations to impose migration policies on member states. The pact "is not legally binding", he said. "It is a framework for international cooperation." "We must not succumb to fear and false narratives", he told an audience that included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela, Greek premier Alexis Tsipras, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Spain's premier Pedro Sanchez. Merkel launched an impassioned defence of the pact and multilateralism, saying her country "through Nazism brought incredible pain to humanity". "The answer to pure nationalism was the foundation of the United Nations and the commitment to jointly searching for answers to our common problems," she said. She insisted the pact seeks to prevent, rather than encourage, illegal migration. "This is about safe, orderly and regular migration -- it says (this) clearly in the title." Draconian measures On Friday, the US hit out at the pact, labelling it "an effort by the United Nations to advance global governance at the expense of the sovereign right of states". It was the first country to disavow the negotiations late last year, while Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia have all pulled out of the process in recent months and weeks before Chile withdrew overnight. Brazil also announced Monday it would withdraw from the pact from January when far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro takes office. "Immigration is welcome, but it should not be indiscriminate," future foreign minister Ernesto Araujo tweeted, adding: "It must serve the national interests and cohesion of each society." Rows over the accord have erupted in several European Union nations, hobbling Belgium's coalition government and pushing Slovakia's foreign minister to tender his resignation. From the United States to Europe and beyond, right-wing and populist leaders have taken increasingly draconian measures to shut out migrants in recent years. US President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and has focused his recent ire on a migrant caravan from Central America, while a populist coalition government in Italy has clamped down on boats rescuing migrants at sea. Belgium's liberal premier Charles Michel attended the conference after winning the support of parliament to back the accord but was left leading a minority government after a Flemish nationalist party said it will quit his coalition over the pact. "This model of cooperation is complex, sometimes including steps forwards and sometimes banana skins," Michel told delegates. The pact has been welcomed by the Catholic Church as an important step towards addressing migrants' needs and reducing their vulnerability. "The Holy See is convinced that the enormous challenges that migration poses are best faced through multilateral processes rather than isolationist policies," said papal envoy Cardinal Piero Parolin. Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras also welcomed the accord. These countries have worked on their own regional plan to manage migration, which El Salvador's foreign minister Carlos Castaneda told reporters represents the first effort to work within the framework of the global compact. 'Should be ethically binding' The UN's children's agency said the pact could help provide better access to education and health for migrant children and offer "them stronger protection from exploitation and violence". Other organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Federation of the Red Cross, see the accord as just a first step towards protecting migrants. "We have heard repeatedly that this compact is not legally binding and does not impact on state sovereignty," said IFRC president Francesco Rocca at a press conference on the sidelines of the main dialogue. "But if we are serious about fixing this problem, it should at the very least be ethically binding." In comments by a representative, Morocco's King Mohammed VI -- absent from proceedings -- said the pact offers a way forwards that navigates between the two extremes of closing borders and allowing uncontrolled migration. After the Marrakesh conference, the UN General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution formally endorsing the deal on December 19.

UN conference adopts migration pact despite withdrawals

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-results-2018-live-stakes-high-ahead-of-2019-general-elections-183025">Assembly Election Results 2018 Live: Congress leading in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh; MNF in Mizoram, TRS ahead in Telangana</a>

The vote count is in full swing, numbers are changing every minute. Here's what the latest trends for Assembly Elections 2018 Results look like:

Madhya Pradesh: &nbsp;BJP 45, Congress 42 
Rajasthan: BJP 43, Congress 71 
Chhattisgarh: BJP 21, Congress 25 
Telangana: TRS 30, Congress + 25, BJP 3, Others 5 
Mizoram: Congress 1, MNF 1

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-top-kim-jong-un-aides-over-north-korea-rights-183017">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-top-kim-jong-un-aides-over-north-korea-rights-183017"> sanctions top Kim aides over North Korea human rights record</a>

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from President Donald Trump's efforts to woo the regime.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-hikes-minimum-wage-to-appease-yellow-vest-protesters-183016">Macron hikes minimum wage after 'yellow vest' protests in France</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday a 100-euro ($113) per month increase in the minimum wage from next year in a major concession to "yellow vest" protesters who have roiled the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-briefly-shuts-dozens-of-online-news-sites-citing-security-concerns-183041">Bangladesh briefly shuts dozens of online news sites, citing security concerns</a>

Bangladesh's telecoms regulator shut down dozens of online news portals for several hours on Monday, citing security reasons, as officials scrutinise hundreds of sites before a parliamentary election this month.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-arrested-170-immigrants-who-tried-to-claim-migrant-children-183037">US arrests 170 immigrants who tried to claim migrant children</a>

US immigration authorities arrested 170 people between early July and late November who came forward to claim migrant children in government custody, according to official data released on Monday, crackdown advocates say is discouraging relatives from volunteering to take in some of the 14,000 detained children.

Assembly Election Results 2018 Live: Congress leading in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh; MNF in Mizoram, TRS ahead in Telangana The vote count is in full swing, numbers are changing every minute.

Assembly Election Results 2018 Live: Congress leading in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh; MNF in Mizoram, TRS ahead in Telangana The vote count is in full swing, numbers are changing every minute. Here's what the latest trends for Assembly Elections 2018 Results look like: Madhya Pradesh: BJP 45, Congress 42 Rajasthan: BJP 43, Congress 71 Chhattisgarh: BJP 21, Congress 25 Telangana: TRS 30, Congress + 25, BJP 3, Others 5 Mizoram: Congress 1, MNF 1 US sanctions top Kim aides over North Korea human rights record The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from President Donald Trump's efforts to woo the regime. Macron hikes minimum wage after 'yellow vest' protests in France French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday a 100-euro ($113) per month increase in the minimum wage from next year in a major concession to "yellow vest" protesters who have roiled the country. Bangladesh briefly shuts dozens of online news sites, citing security concerns Bangladesh's telecoms regulator shut down dozens of online news portals for several hours on Monday, citing security reasons, as officials scrutinise hundreds of sites before a parliamentary election this month. US arrests 170 immigrants who tried to claim migrant children US immigration authorities arrested 170 people between early July and late November who came forward to claim migrant children in government custody, according to official data released on Monday, crackdown advocates say is discouraging relatives from volunteering to take in some of the 14,000 detained children.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Top Chinese and US negotiators held telephone talks on Tuesday to exchange views on the timetable of trade talks, the Chinese commerce ministry said.

Vice Premier Liu He spoke with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer 10 days after presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a trade war truce.

A 90-day deadline was set to reach an agreement, but no date has been set for the next round of talks and tensions have risen anew following Canada's arrest of an executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the behest of the United States.

The commerce ministry said in a statement Liu and the US officials "exchanged views on the implementation of the consensus" reached by Trump and Xi as well as on the timetable for the next round of negotiations.

The brief statement did not provide more details.

Lighthizer said Sunday that March 1 was a "hard deadline" for the two sides to reach an agreement that would prevent an escalation of the trade war.

The world's top two economies have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits.&nbsp;

Trump has agreed to hold off on hiking tariffs to give space for negotiations.

Top Chinese and US negotiators held telephone talks on Tuesday to exchange views on the timetable of trade talks, the Chinese commerce ministry said. Vice Premier Liu He spoke with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer 10 days after presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a trade war truce.

Top Chinese and US negotiators held telephone talks on Tuesday to exchange views on the timetable of trade talks, the Chinese commerce ministry said. Vice Premier Liu He spoke with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer 10 days after presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a trade war truce. A 90-day deadline was set to reach an agreement, but no date has been set for the next round of talks and tensions have risen anew following Canada's arrest of an executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the behest of the United States. The commerce ministry said in a statement Liu and the US officials "exchanged views on the implementation of the consensus" reached by Trump and Xi as well as on the timetable for the next round of negotiations. The brief statement did not provide more details. Lighthizer said Sunday that March 1 was a "hard deadline" for the two sides to reach an agreement that would prevent an escalation of the trade war. The world's top two economies have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits. Trump has agreed to hold off on hiking tariffs to give space for negotiations.

Chinese, US negotiators discuss trade talks timetable

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-grant-kim-jong-uns-wishes-after-denuclearisation-south-korea-president-181032">President Donald Trump</a>'s efforts to woo the regime.

In actions required by Congress, the Trump administration said it would seize any US assets of Choe Ryong Hae, described as the right-hand man of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-activity-at-north-korean-missile-base-report-181786">leader Kim Jong Un</a>, and two others over their roles in suppression of freedom of speech.

"Standing up for such rights and freedoms is a foreign policy priority that represents the best traditions of the United States," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said.

"Human rights abuses in North Korea remain among the worst in the world and include extrajudicial killings, forced labour, torture, prolonged arbitrary detention, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence," he said.

The State Department is required by a 2016 law to produce a report on North Korean human rights for Congress twice a year.

But its submission on Monday -- International Human Rights Day -- was the first since October 2017 as Trump championed diplomacy with North Korea that focused squarely on its nuclear program.

"The United States has consistently condemned the North Korean regime for its flagrant and egregious abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and this administration will continue to take action against human rights abusers around the globe," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing the sanctions.

Trump, however, has openly played down human rights concerns when preserving relationships with allies, notably Saudi Arabia.

The sanctions will seize any assets of the three officials in the United States and ban any US-based financial transactions with them.

Such restrictions may have little impact on officials in one of the world's most closed countries but will have a clear symbolic force as North Korea seeks greater acceptance by the United States.

Kim and Trump held the first-of-a-kind summit in June in Singapore as North Korea seeks a historic declaration of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

Trump, who saw the summit as a highlight in his foreign affairs record, has said that he and Kim are "in love" and as recently as this month voiced respect for the North Korean leader.

But Trump's hopes of arranging a follow-up summit have been at a standstill, with the North Koreans abruptly calling off a meeting in New York last month with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

North Korea has been insisting on a relaxation of wide-ranging sanctions on the country, while the United States said that the UN Security Council should only ease pressure once Pyongyang takes concrete steps to end its nuclear program.

Choe is a lifetime confidant of Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, and in the past has been described as the effective number-two in controlling the military.

He is often trusted to make foreign trips or deliver high-profile announcements. At a major military parade last year, he warned that North Korea was ready to "beat down enemies with the power of nuclear justice."

When Choe briefly vanished from official media in 2014, North Korea watchers feared he suffered a fate similar to Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was executed as a traitor, but Choe quickly re-emerged in prominent roles.

The Treasury Department noted that Choe is head of the ruling Workers Party's Organization and Guidance Department, which enforces ideological discipline and ensures that all officials keep in line.

Another of the officials targeted was Jong Kyong Thaek, the minister of state security, which is in charge of counter-intelligence operations.

The third sanctioned official was Pak Kwang Ho, who is involved in widespread censorship as director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from President Donald Trump's efforts to woo the regime.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from President Donald Trump's efforts to woo the regime. In actions required by Congress, the Trump administration said it would seize any US assets of Choe Ryong Hae, described as the right-hand man of leader Kim Jong Un, and two others over their roles in suppression of freedom of speech. "Standing up for such rights and freedoms is a foreign policy priority that represents the best traditions of the United States," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said. "Human rights abuses in North Korea remain among the worst in the world and include extrajudicial killings, forced labour, torture, prolonged arbitrary detention, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence," he said. The State Department is required by a 2016 law to produce a report on North Korean human rights for Congress twice a year. But its submission on Monday -- International Human Rights Day -- was the first since October 2017 as Trump championed diplomacy with North Korea that focused squarely on its nuclear program. "The United States has consistently condemned the North Korean regime for its flagrant and egregious abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and this administration will continue to take action against human rights abusers around the globe," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing the sanctions. Trump, however, has openly played down human rights concerns when preserving relationships with allies, notably Saudi Arabia. The sanctions will seize any assets of the three officials in the United States and ban any US-based financial transactions with them. Such restrictions may have little impact on officials in one of the world's most closed countries but will have a clear symbolic force as North Korea seeks greater acceptance by the United States. Kim and Trump held the first-of-a-kind summit in June in Singapore as North Korea seeks a historic declaration of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. Trump, who saw the summit as a highlight in his foreign affairs record, has said that he and Kim are "in love" and as recently as this month voiced respect for the North Korean leader. But Trump's hopes of arranging a follow-up summit have been at a standstill, with the North Koreans abruptly calling off a meeting in New York last month with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. North Korea has been insisting on a relaxation of wide-ranging sanctions on the country, while the United States said that the UN Security Council should only ease pressure once Pyongyang takes concrete steps to end its nuclear program. Choe is a lifetime confidant of Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, and in the past has been described as the effective number-two in controlling the military. He is often trusted to make foreign trips or deliver high-profile announcements. At a major military parade last year, he warned that North Korea was ready to "beat down enemies with the power of nuclear justice." When Choe briefly vanished from official media in 2014, North Korea watchers feared he suffered a fate similar to Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was executed as a traitor, but Choe quickly re-emerged in prominent roles. The Treasury Department noted that Choe is head of the ruling Workers Party's Organization and Guidance Department, which enforces ideological discipline and ensures that all officials keep in line. Another of the officials targeted was Jong Kyong Thaek, the minister of state security, which is in charge of counter-intelligence operations. The third sanctioned official was Pak Kwang Ho, who is involved in widespread censorship as director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department.

US sanctions top Kim aides over North Korea human rights record

Trump chief of staff John Kelly to leave White House job

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said Donald Trump <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-to-make-important-announcements-in-coming-week-spokesman-182665">must not interfere in French politics</a>.&nbsp;

"We do not take domestic American politics into account and we want that to be reciprocated," AFP quoted Jean-Yves Le Drian as telling LCI television.&nbsp;

"Leave our nation be," he added.&nbsp;

Trump had tweeted after the Yellow Vest protests hit France.&nbsp;

Named after the fluorescent safety vests that French motorists must carry, the "yellow vest" protests erupted out of nowhere on Nov. 17, when nearly 300,000 demonstrators nationwide took to the streets to denounce high living costs and President Emmanuel Macron's liberal economic reforms.

Demonstrators say the reforms favour the wealthy and do nothing to help the poor and billed Saturday's protest "Act IV" of their protest after three consecutive Saturdays of rioting.

The government this week cancelled a planned rise in taxes on petrol and diesel in a bid to defuse the situation but the protests have morphed into a broader anti-Macron rebellion.&nbsp;

In his tweets, Trump had said the protests were a result of the Paris climate agreement of 2015.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The Paris Agreement isn’t working out so well for Paris. Protests and riots all over France. People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third world countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment. Chanting “We Want Trump!” Love France.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1071382401954267136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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We want trump ? Seriously ? How delusional can you get ? NO ONE chants that here. The protests aren't even about the paris aggreement, they're about taxes in general
— Ludovic Gerbault (@IceFreak86) <a href="https://twitter.com/IceFreak86/status/1071395801925083136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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💬 Are "yellow vest" protesters chanting, "We want Trump" in Paris? 
❌ No, the video used to support the claim is from a protest in England in June 2018 <a href="https://t.co/XoLrltB2Xv">https://t.co/XoLrltB2Xv</a> <a href="https://t.co/hczUzi3DLX">pic.twitter.com/hczUzi3DLX</a>
— AFPFactCheck 🔎 (@AFPFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFPFactCheck/status/1070084008598474752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paris-protesters-chanting-we-want-trump-is-fake-news-but-he-retweets-it-181621">also retweeted the fake news</a> that the protesters in France had been chanting "We want Trump".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said Donald Trump must not interfere in French politics. "We do not take domestic American politics into account and we want that to be reciprocated," AFP quoted Jean-Yves Le Drian as telling LCI television.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said Donald Trump must not interfere in French politics. "We do not take domestic American politics into account and we want that to be reciprocated," AFP quoted Jean-Yves Le Drian as telling LCI television. "Leave our nation be," he added. Trump had tweeted after the Yellow Vest protests hit France. Named after the fluorescent safety vests that French motorists must carry, the "yellow vest" protests erupted out of nowhere on Nov. 17, when nearly 300,000 demonstrators nationwide took to the streets to denounce high living costs and President Emmanuel Macron's liberal economic reforms. Demonstrators say the reforms favour the wealthy and do nothing to help the poor and billed Saturday's protest "Act IV" of their protest after three consecutive Saturdays of rioting. The government this week cancelled a planned rise in taxes on petrol and diesel in a bid to defuse the situation but the protests have morphed into a broader anti-Macron rebellion. In his tweets, Trump had said the protests were a result of the Paris climate agreement of 2015. The Paris Agreement isn’t working out so well for Paris. Protests and riots all over France. People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third world countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment. Chanting “We Want Trump!” Love France. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 8, 2018 × We want trump ? Seriously ? How delusional can you get ? NO ONE chants that here. The protests aren't even about the paris aggreement, they're about taxes in general — Ludovic Gerbault (@IceFreak86) December 8, 2018 × 💬 Are "yellow vest" protesters chanting, "We want Trump" in Paris? ❌ No, the video used to support the claim is from a protest in England in June 2018 https://t.co/XoLrltB2Xv pic.twitter.com/hczUzi3DLX — AFPFactCheck 🔎 (@AFPFactCheck) December 4, 2018 × He had also retweeted the fake news that the protesters in France had been chanting "We want Trump". (With inputs from agencies)

France tells Trump to stop interfering in its politics

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-kelly-will-leave-chief-of-staff-soon-will-nominate-milley-as-chairman-of-joint-chiefs-182546">nominate four-star Army General Mark Milley</a> to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Trump said on Twitter that Milley, currently the Army chief of staff, would take over as the top US military commander from Marine General Joseph Dunford at a date to be determined.

"I am thankful to both these incredible men for their service to our country," Trump said on Twitter.

Milley would have to be confirmed to the top military post by the Senate.

Trump's announcement comes months earlier than expected. Dunford would normally remain as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff until a scheduled October 1, 2019, handover.

A spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that indications were that Dunford would complete his term, but he referred questions on the matter to the White House.

"General Dunford congratulates General Milley on his selection as the nominee to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has served with General Milley in peacetime and in combat and has the highest regard for his leadership," said Colonel Patrick Ryder.

A spokesman for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, said, "We are aware of the president's nomination and share his confidence" in Milley.

Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called Milley "a great choice" to succeed Dunford.

Milley is "a battle-tested commander and Pentagon reformer who will be a worthy successor to General Dunford," Graham said in a statement. He called Dunford "one of the most dedicated officers I've ever known."

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would nominate four-star Army General Mark Milley to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump said on Twitter that Milley, currently the Army chief of staff, would take over as the top US military commander from Marine General Joseph Dunford at a date to be determined.

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would nominate four-star Army General Mark Milley to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump said on Twitter that Milley, currently the Army chief of staff, would take over as the top US military commander from Marine General Joseph Dunford at a date to be determined. "I am thankful to both these incredible men for their service to our country," Trump said on Twitter. Milley would have to be confirmed to the top military post by the Senate. Trump's announcement comes months earlier than expected. Dunford would normally remain as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff until a scheduled October 1, 2019, handover. A spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that indications were that Dunford would complete his term, but he referred questions on the matter to the White House. "General Dunford congratulates General Milley on his selection as the nominee to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has served with General Milley in peacetime and in combat and has the highest regard for his leadership," said Colonel Patrick Ryder. A spokesman for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, said, "We are aware of the president's nomination and share his confidence" in Milley. Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called Milley "a great choice" to succeed Dunford. Milley is "a battle-tested commander and Pentagon reformer who will be a worthy successor to General Dunford," Graham said in a statement. He called Dunford "one of the most dedicated officers I've ever known."

Trump to nominate Milley as next chairman of Joint Chiefs

US President Donald Trump on Saturday renewed his call to end a federal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-once-again-calls-for-end-to-mueller-probe-153916">probe into Russian election meddling</a>, describing the investigation as a "witch hunt" a day after US prosecutors detailed a previously unknown attempt by a Russian to help his 2016 presidential election campaign.

"Time for the Witch Hunt to END!" Trump said in a message on Twitter. His tweet also quoted television host Geraldo Rivera, a Trump friend, dismissing any claim of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia as "collusion illusion".

It was the president's second tweet of the day about US Special Counsel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-to-give-details-on-russia-probe-with-filings-on-former-trump-aides-182164">Robert Mueller</a>'s ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sends-written-responses-to-robert-mueller-in-russia-probe-178500">Trump</a>'s campaign colluded with Russia. Russia denies meddling allegations.

"After two years and millions of pages of documents (and a cost of over $30 million) no collusion!" Trump tweeted earlier on Saturday.

Democrats and other Trump critics fear that newly appointed acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, a Trump loyalist, could fire Mueller or undermine the investigation by cutting off its funding. Prominent Republicans in Congress insist that there is no danger of interference.

Trump said on Friday that he would nominate former Attorney General William Barr to the nation’s top law enforcement job. But with the current session of Congress set to end soon, Barr may have to wait until well into 2019 to be confirmed by the Senate.

In a court filing on Friday, US prosecutors said Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, told them he was approached in November 2015 by an unnamed Russian claiming to be a "'trusted person' in the Russian Federation". The filing said the contact occurred during discussions about a possible hotel bearing Trump's name in Moscow.

Cohen is to be sentenced next week for campaign finance violations, financial crimes and lying to Congress about Trump's business dealings in Russia. Prosecutors are seeking a substantial prison sentence.

Trump current lawyer, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, took aim at Cohen in a Saturday tweet, saying that federal prosecutors in New York are seeking a prison sentence for Cohen "because as we have said he's still lying."

Friday's court filing said the Russian national who approached Cohen offered "synergy on a government level" with the Trump campaign in pushing for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that Cohen said he did not follow up.

Mueller said in a separate court filing that discussions about a potential Trump hotel in Moscow were relevant to his investigation, because they occurred "at a time of sustained efforts by the Russian government to interfere with the US presidential election."

In a separate federal court filing on Friday, Mueller's office said Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, lied to investigators about his interactions with a Russian tied to Russian intelligence services.

That filing detailed why Mueller's office last week retracted a plea agreement with Manafort. He pleaded guilty in September to two conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with investigators in hopes of a lighter sentence.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday renewed his call to end a federal probe into Russian election meddling, describing the investigation as a "witch hunt" a day after US prosecutors detailed a previously unknown attempt by a Russian to help his 2016 presidential election campaign.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday renewed his call to end a federal probe into Russian election meddling, describing the investigation as a "witch hunt" a day after US prosecutors detailed a previously unknown attempt by a Russian to help his 2016 presidential election campaign. "Time for the Witch Hunt to END!" Trump said in a message on Twitter. His tweet also quoted television host Geraldo Rivera, a Trump friend, dismissing any claim of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia as "collusion illusion". It was the president's second tweet of the day about US Special Counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia. Russia denies meddling allegations. "After two years and millions of pages of documents (and a cost of over $30 million) no collusion!" Trump tweeted earlier on Saturday. Democrats and other Trump critics fear that newly appointed acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, a Trump loyalist, could fire Mueller or undermine the investigation by cutting off its funding. Prominent Republicans in Congress insist that there is no danger of interference. Trump said on Friday that he would nominate former Attorney General William Barr to the nation’s top law enforcement job. But with the current session of Congress set to end soon, Barr may have to wait until well into 2019 to be confirmed by the Senate. In a court filing on Friday, US prosecutors said Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, told them he was approached in November 2015 by an unnamed Russian claiming to be a "'trusted person' in the Russian Federation". The filing said the contact occurred during discussions about a possible hotel bearing Trump's name in Moscow. Cohen is to be sentenced next week for campaign finance violations, financial crimes and lying to Congress about Trump's business dealings in Russia. Prosecutors are seeking a substantial prison sentence. Trump current lawyer, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, took aim at Cohen in a Saturday tweet, saying that federal prosecutors in New York are seeking a prison sentence for Cohen "because as we have said he's still lying." Friday's court filing said the Russian national who approached Cohen offered "synergy on a government level" with the Trump campaign in pushing for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that Cohen said he did not follow up. Mueller said in a separate court filing that discussions about a potential Trump hotel in Moscow were relevant to his investigation, because they occurred "at a time of sustained efforts by the Russian government to interfere with the US presidential election." In a separate federal court filing on Friday, Mueller's office said Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, lied to investigators about his interactions with a Russian tied to Russian intelligence services. That filing detailed why Mueller's office last week retracted a plea agreement with Manafort. He pleaded guilty in September to two conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with investigators in hopes of a lighter sentence.

Trump calls for end to Mueller probe despite Russian campaign bid findings

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/total-bs-john-kelly-on-reports-he-called-trump-idiot-133881?amp">White House Chief of Staff John Kelly</a> will leave his job at the end of this year, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (December 8), describing the former Marine Corps general as a loyal aide during his tenure.

"He's a great guy," Trump told reporters as he departed the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-chief-of-staff-john-kelly-to-resign-report-182276"> White House</a> for Philadelphia where he will attend the annual football game between the Army and Navy military academies.

"I appreciate his service very much," the president added. "We will be announcing who will take John's place. It might be on an interim basis."

Trump, a freewheeling former businessman, brought<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-fire-homeland-security-boss-replace-chief-of-staff-source-177226"> Kelly</a> in last year to restore order to his often chaotic White House, but clashed repeatedly with him in recent months.

He also announced on Saturday that he would nominate four-star Army General Mark Milley to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

While departing the White House for Philadelphia for the annual Army-Navy football game, Trump told reporters that Milley is "a great gentleman, he's a great patriot, he's a great soldier."

Trump's announcement comes months earlier than expected. Dunford would normally remain as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff until a scheduled October 1, 2019, handover. 
&nbsp;

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly will leave his job at the end of this year, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (December 8), describing the former Marine Corps general as a loyal aide during his tenure.

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly will leave his job at the end of this year, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (December 8), describing the former Marine Corps general as a loyal aide during his tenure. "He's a great guy," Trump told reporters as he departed the White House for Philadelphia where he will attend the annual football game between the Army and Navy military academies. "I appreciate his service very much," the president added. "We will be announcing who will take John's place. It might be on an interim basis." Trump, a freewheeling former businessman, brought Kelly in last year to restore order to his often chaotic White House, but clashed repeatedly with him in recent months. He also announced on Saturday that he would nominate four-star Army General Mark Milley to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. While departing the White House for Philadelphia for the annual Army-Navy football game, Trump told reporters that Milley is "a great gentleman, he's a great patriot, he's a great soldier." Trump's announcement comes months earlier than expected. Dunford would normally remain as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff until a scheduled October 1, 2019, handover.

Trump says Kelly will resign as chief of staff soon, will nominate Milley as chairman of Joint Chiefs

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced he was nominating Army chief of staff <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-kelly-will-leave-chief-of-staff-soon-will-nominate-milley-as-chairman-of-joint-chiefs-182546">General Mark Milley </a>as his next top military advisor -- a new slap in the face for Pentagon chief Jim Mattis.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mark-milley-to-replace-john-kelly-as-next-chairman-of-joint-chiefs-182560">Mark Milley</a>, a four-star general who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, would replace General Joseph Dunford as the military's next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Dunford is scheduled to retire in October 2019 at the end of his second two-year term.

"I am thankful to both of these incredible men for their service to our Country!" Trump said on Twitter in making the announcement.

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....I am thankful to both of these incredible men for their service to our Country! Date of transition to be determined.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1071408939684806659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Mark is a great gentleman, a great soldier. I look forward to that," Trump then told reporters before heading to the annual Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia.

But in choosing the 60-year-old Milley, a graduate of Princeton University known for his combat command experience, Trump went against the wishes of Mattis, who reportedly favoured Air Force, General David Goldfein.

That choice would have been in keeping with a tradition of rotating the post among the services. Dunford is a Marine Corps general.

There has not been an Air Force officer in the chairman's post since 2005. The Joint Chiefs of Staff is made up of the heads of the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and National Guard.

Dunford quickly offered his congratulations to Milley. "He has served with General Milley in peacetime and in combat and has the highest regard for his leadership," said Dunford's spokesman, Colonel Patrick Ryder.

Milley must be confirmed by the US Senate. He would take the position for a four-year term after a new law was passed last year doubling the term length to better ensure continuity. Trump said the transition date was "to be determined," in a sign that Dunford might go sooner rather than later, but Ryder noted: "All indications are that General Dunford will serve his full term."

Trump announced his picks for a new attorney general and a new UN ambassador on Friday. On Saturday, he also announced that chief of staff John Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, would leave by year's end. 
After meeting with both Milley and Goldfein, it seems that Trump preferred the army general, who was more outgoing than the cerebral Air Force chief and laced his discussions with humour and historical references.

The Pentagon's reaction to the announcement was somewhat frosty. "We are aware of the president's nomination and share his confidence for General Mark Milley," Pentagon spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, said in a brief statement.

"The Department of Defense remains fully focused on defending our nation." Mattis was once a favorite of Trump, but the two men have had increasing difficulties in recent months.

They haven't seen eye to eye over the Iran nuclear deal, which Trump withdrew from over Mattis' objections; over the creation of a Space Force, which Mattis did not want; and over the crisis at the US-Mexico border, and the deployment of troops there.

Mattis and Dunford are expected to attend the Army-Navy game on Saturday along with Trump. The game features cadets from the Naval Academy against their counterparts from the US Military Academy and is often attended by the president.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced he was nominating Army chief of staff General Mark Milley as his next top military advisor -- a new slap in the face for Pentagon chief Jim Mattis.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced he was nominating Army chief of staff General Mark Milley as his next top military advisor -- a new slap in the face for Pentagon chief Jim Mattis. Mark Milley, a four-star general who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, would replace General Joseph Dunford as the military's next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dunford is scheduled to retire in October 2019 at the end of his second two-year term. "I am thankful to both of these incredible men for their service to our Country!" Trump said on Twitter in making the announcement. ....I am thankful to both of these incredible men for their service to our Country! Date of transition to be determined. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 8, 2018 × "Mark is a great gentleman, a great soldier. I look forward to that," Trump then told reporters before heading to the annual Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia. But in choosing the 60-year-old Milley, a graduate of Princeton University known for his combat command experience, Trump went against the wishes of Mattis, who reportedly favoured Air Force, General David Goldfein. That choice would have been in keeping with a tradition of rotating the post among the services. Dunford is a Marine Corps general. There has not been an Air Force officer in the chairman's post since 2005. The Joint Chiefs of Staff is made up of the heads of the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and National Guard. Dunford quickly offered his congratulations to Milley. "He has served with General Milley in peacetime and in combat and has the highest regard for his leadership," said Dunford's spokesman, Colonel Patrick Ryder. Milley must be confirmed by the US Senate. He would take the position for a four-year term after a new law was passed last year doubling the term length to better ensure continuity. Trump said the transition date was "to be determined," in a sign that Dunford might go sooner rather than later, but Ryder noted: "All indications are that General Dunford will serve his full term." Trump announced his picks for a new attorney general and a new UN ambassador on Friday. On Saturday, he also announced that chief of staff John Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, would leave by year's end. After meeting with both Milley and Goldfein, it seems that Trump preferred the army general, who was more outgoing than the cerebral Air Force chief and laced his discussions with humour and historical references. The Pentagon's reaction to the announcement was somewhat frosty. "We are aware of the president's nomination and share his confidence for General Mark Milley," Pentagon spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, said in a brief statement. "The Department of Defense remains fully focused on defending our nation." Mattis was once a favorite of Trump, but the two men have had increasing difficulties in recent months. They haven't seen eye to eye over the Iran nuclear deal, which Trump withdrew from over Mattis' objections; over the creation of a Space Force, which Mattis did not want; and over the crisis at the US-Mexico border, and the deployment of troops there. Mattis and Dunford are expected to attend the Army-Navy game on Saturday along with Trump. The game features cadets from the Naval Academy against their counterparts from the US Military Academy and is often attended by the president.

Donald Trump chooses new Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, against Pentagon chief Jim Mattis' wishes

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly will leave his job at the end of the year, extending the historically high turnover in the top ranks of his administration.&nbsp;

On Friday, Trump announced a new US attorney general and a new US ambassador to the United Nations, and on Saturday he nominated Army General Mark Milley to replace Marine General Joseph Dunford as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.&nbsp;

Trump's White House has had the highest turnover of senior-level staff of the past five presidents, according to figures compiled by the Brookings Institution think tank.

Here are some senior figures who have been fired or quit the administration since Trump took office on Jan. 20, 2017. 
2018

John Kelly - A White House official said Trump has been in discussions for months with Nick Ayers, a top aide to Vice President Mike Pence, about replacing Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general who was hired to bring order to the chaotic Trump White House but ultimately fell out with his boss.

Matthew Whitaker - Trump said he will nominate William Barr to be attorney general, replacing Whitaker, who was named acting attorney general only a month ago. Whitaker replaced Jeff Sessions in the top Justice Department post. He immediately came under scrutiny over past remarks critical of a probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and any collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign. As acting attorney general, Whitaker took over supervision of the probe, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Some lawmakers worried Trump might order Whitaker to undermine the inquiry, fears that Trump allies called unwarranted. The Senate must confirm any nominee for attorney general; Democrats immediately voiced concerns about Barr.

Jeff Sessions - After months of being attacked and ridiculed by the president, the former senator was forced out on November 7.

Nikki Haley - She said on October 9 that she would step down at the end of the year as US ambassador to the United Nations. On Friday, Trump put forward State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as her successor, also subject to Senate review.&nbsp;

Don McGahn - Trump said in August the White House counsel would leave amid strains between the two over the Mueller probe.

Scott Pruitt - The Environmental Protection Agency chief quit on July 5 under fire over a series of ethics controversies.&nbsp;

David Shulkin - White House officials said on March 28 that the Veteran Affairs secretary would resign.

H.R. McMaster - The national security adviser was replaced on March 22 with John Bolton.

Andrew McCabe - The deputy FBI director was fired in mid-March by Sessions.

Rex Tillerson - The secretary of state was fired by Trump on March 13 after rifts between them. On Friday, Trump tweeted that Tillerson was "dumb as a rock" and "lazy as hell."

Gary Cohn - The National Economic Council director and former Goldman Sachs president said on March 5 he would resign.

Hope Hicks - The White House communications director, a long-serving and trusted Trump aide, resigned on February 28.

Rob Porter - The White House staff secretary resigned in February after accusations of domestic abuse from former wives.&nbsp; 
2017

Omarosa Manigault Newman - The former reality TV star was fired as assistant to the president in December.

Richard Cordray - The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau`s first director quit in November.

Tom Price - The Health and Human Services secretary quit under pressure from Trump on September 29 overtravel practices.

Stephen Bannon - Trump`s chief strategist was fired by Trump in mid-August after clashing with White House moderates.

Anthony Scaramucci - The White House communications director was fired by Trump in July after 10 days on the job.

Reince Priebus - Replaced as chief of staff by John Kelly, Priebus lost Trump's confidence after setbacks in Congress.

Sean Spicer - Resigned as White House press secretary in July, ending a turbulent tenure.

Walter Shaub - The head of the US Office of Government Ethics, who clashed with Trump, stepped down in July.

Michael Dubke - Resigned as White House communications director in late May.

James Comey - The FBI director, who led the Russia probe before Mueller, was fired by Trump in May.

Katie Walsh - The deputy White House chief of staff was transferred out to a Republican activist group in March.

Michael Flynn - Resigned in February as Trump's national security adviser. Flynn later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. He is set to be sentenced in December.

Sally Yates - Trump fired the acting US attorney general in January after she ordered Justice Department lawyers not to enforce Trump's immigration ban.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly will leave his job at the end of the year, extending the historically high turnover in the top ranks of his administration.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly will leave his job at the end of the year, extending the historically high turnover in the top ranks of his administration. On Friday, Trump announced a new US attorney general and a new US ambassador to the United Nations, and on Saturday he nominated Army General Mark Milley to replace Marine General Joseph Dunford as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump's White House has had the highest turnover of senior-level staff of the past five presidents, according to figures compiled by the Brookings Institution think tank. Here are some senior figures who have been fired or quit the administration since Trump took office on Jan. 20, 2017. 2018 John Kelly - A White House official said Trump has been in discussions for months with Nick Ayers, a top aide to Vice President Mike Pence, about replacing Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general who was hired to bring order to the chaotic Trump White House but ultimately fell out with his boss. Matthew Whitaker - Trump said he will nominate William Barr to be attorney general, replacing Whitaker, who was named acting attorney general only a month ago. Whitaker replaced Jeff Sessions in the top Justice Department post. He immediately came under scrutiny over past remarks critical of a probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and any collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign. As acting attorney general, Whitaker took over supervision of the probe, led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Some lawmakers worried Trump might order Whitaker to undermine the inquiry, fears that Trump allies called unwarranted. The Senate must confirm any nominee for attorney general; Democrats immediately voiced concerns about Barr. Jeff Sessions - After months of being attacked and ridiculed by the president, the former senator was forced out on November 7. Nikki Haley - She said on October 9 that she would step down at the end of the year as US ambassador to the United Nations. On Friday, Trump put forward State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as her successor, also subject to Senate review. Don McGahn - Trump said in August the White House counsel would leave amid strains between the two over the Mueller probe. Scott Pruitt - The Environmental Protection Agency chief quit on July 5 under fire over a series of ethics controversies. David Shulkin - White House officials said on March 28 that the Veteran Affairs secretary would resign. H.R. McMaster - The national security adviser was replaced on March 22 with John Bolton. Andrew McCabe - The deputy FBI director was fired in mid-March by Sessions. Rex Tillerson - The secretary of state was fired by Trump on March 13 after rifts between them. On Friday, Trump tweeted that Tillerson was "dumb as a rock" and "lazy as hell." Gary Cohn - The National Economic Council director and former Goldman Sachs president said on March 5 he would resign. Hope Hicks - The White House communications director, a long-serving and trusted Trump aide, resigned on February 28. Rob Porter - The White House staff secretary resigned in February after accusations of domestic abuse from former wives. 2017 Omarosa Manigault Newman - The former reality TV star was fired as assistant to the president in December. Richard Cordray - The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau`s first director quit in November. Tom Price - The Health and Human Services secretary quit under pressure from Trump on September 29 overtravel practices. Stephen Bannon - Trump`s chief strategist was fired by Trump in mid-August after clashing with White House moderates. Anthony Scaramucci - The White House communications director was fired by Trump in July after 10 days on the job. Reince Priebus - Replaced as chief of staff by John Kelly, Priebus lost Trump's confidence after setbacks in Congress. Sean Spicer - Resigned as White House press secretary in July, ending a turbulent tenure. Walter Shaub - The head of the US Office of Government Ethics, who clashed with Trump, stepped down in July. Michael Dubke - Resigned as White House communications director in late May. James Comey - The FBI director, who led the Russia probe before Mueller, was fired by Trump in May. Katie Walsh - The deputy White House chief of staff was transferred out to a Republican activist group in March. Michael Flynn - Resigned in February as Trump's national security adviser. Flynn later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. He is set to be sentenced in December. Sally Yates - Trump fired the acting US attorney general in January after she ordered Justice Department lawyers not to enforce Trump's immigration ban.

Factbox: Trump administration departures, resignations and firings

US Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Friday revealed the details of alleged lies told by Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager, during interviews with prosecutors, reported Reuters.

Among other things,&nbsp;prosecutors said Manafort lied about his interactions with a political consultant who had ties to Russian intelligence, and about interactions with Trump administration officials even after Manafort was indicted in late 2017.

"In his interviews with the Special Counsel's Office and the FBI, Manafort told multiple discernible lies - these were not instances of mere memory lapses," Mueller said in the filing, which was requested by a federal judge in Washington after Mueller accused Manafort of breaching his plea deal last month.

US Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Friday revealed the details of alleged lies told by Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager, during interviews with prosecutors, reported Reuters.

US Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Friday revealed the details of alleged lies told by Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager, during interviews with prosecutors, reported Reuters. Among other things, prosecutors said Manafort lied about his interactions with a political consultant who had ties to Russian intelligence, and about interactions with Trump administration officials even after Manafort was indicted in late 2017. "In his interviews with the Special Counsel's Office and the FBI, Manafort told multiple discernible lies - these were not instances of mere memory lapses," Mueller said in the filing, which was requested by a federal judge in Washington after Mueller accused Manafort of breaching his plea deal last month.

Paul Manafort lied during interviews with prosecutors: Robert Mueller 

Former US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said Donald Trump was "undisciplined" and repeatedly wanted to break the law -- leading the US president to respond Friday that his onetime cabinet member was "dumb as a rock."

Tillerson, who was fired in March, made no attempt to deny his poor relationship with Trump during a rare interview Thursday night as part of a charity dinner in his native Texas.

"I think part of it was obviously we are starkly different in our styles. We did not have a common value system," Tillerson told veteran journalist Bob Schieffer of CBS News, which broadcast an excerpt of the interview.

"I'd have to say to him, 'Well, Mr President, I understand what you want to do, but you can't do it that way -- it violates the law, it violates a treaty.'"

"He got really frustrated," he said. "I think he grew tired of me being the guy every day that told him you can't do that and let's talk about what we can do."

Trump voiced anger hours later in a harsh tweet, saying that Tillerson "didn't have the mental capacity needed" to be the top US diplomat.

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Mike Pompeo is doing a great job, I am very proud of him. His predecessor, Rex Tillerson, didn’t have the mental capacity needed. He was dumb as a rock and I couldn’t get rid of him fast enough. He was lazy as hell. Now it is a whole new ballgame, great spirit at State!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1071132880368132096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"He was dumb as a rock and I couldn't get rid of him fast enough. He was lazy as hell. Now it is a whole new ballgame, great spirit at State!" Trump wrote from Air Force One as he returned from a conference in Kansas City about crime.

Trump praised Tillerson's successor, the brusque former congressman and CIA chief Mike Pompeo, for "doing a great job."

He becomes the latest cabinet member on which Trump has turned his knives. He repeatedly denounced attorney general Jeff Session, who was ousted last month, as "very weak" for not blocking a probe into whether the Trump presidential campaign colluded with Russia.

Relationship soured early 
 
Tillerson, a former chief executive of oil giant ExxonMobil, had no government experience and had never met Trump when his nomination was promoted by Republican Party insiders, who hoped for a stable figure who could nonetheless appeal to the tycoon-turned-president with his outsider status and business background.

But Tillerson immediately struggled to fit in, focusing on internal State Department streamlining rather than broader foreign policy goals and avoiding the press as his rapport frayed with Trump.&nbsp;

"It was challenging for me coming from the disciplined, highly process-oriented ExxonMobil Corp to go to work for a man who is pretty undisciplined, doesn't like to read, doesn't read briefing reports, doesn't like to get into the details of a lot of things," Tillerson said at the event in Houston.

Trump is proudly anti-intellectual, saying that he succeeds by following his instincts and knows better than experts.

Asked about his reading habits in an interview shortly after taking office, Trump said he was "looking at a book" but was distracted by phone calls every time he tried to get started.

When he selected him, Trump offered a vastly different assessment of Tillerson than on Friday, saying his "tenacity, broad experience and deep understanding of geopolitics" made him an "excellent choice."

But it quickly became clear that the two had little chemistry. Just as Tillerson was visiting Asia last year and speaking of lines of communication with North Korea, Trump tweeted that he was "wasting his time."&nbsp;

Pompeo has faced no such backlash from Trump and has traveled four times to Pyongyang.

Trump also used Twitter to announce Tillerson's firing and, in a final indignity, the White House made it known that the nation's top diplomat was on the toilet when he learned the news.

Former US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said Donald Trump was "undisciplined" and repeatedly wanted to break the law -- leading the US president to respond Friday that his onetime cabinet member was "dumb as a rock.

Former US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said Donald Trump was "undisciplined" and repeatedly wanted to break the law -- leading the US president to respond Friday that his onetime cabinet member was "dumb as a rock." Tillerson, who was fired in March, made no attempt to deny his poor relationship with Trump during a rare interview Thursday night as part of a charity dinner in his native Texas. "I think part of it was obviously we are starkly different in our styles. We did not have a common value system," Tillerson told veteran journalist Bob Schieffer of CBS News, which broadcast an excerpt of the interview. "I'd have to say to him, 'Well, Mr President, I understand what you want to do, but you can't do it that way -- it violates the law, it violates a treaty.'" "He got really frustrated," he said. "I think he grew tired of me being the guy every day that told him you can't do that and let's talk about what we can do." Trump voiced anger hours later in a harsh tweet, saying that Tillerson "didn't have the mental capacity needed" to be the top US diplomat. Mike Pompeo is doing a great job, I am very proud of him. His predecessor, Rex Tillerson, didn’t have the mental capacity needed. He was dumb as a rock and I couldn’t get rid of him fast enough. He was lazy as hell. Now it is a whole new ballgame, great spirit at State! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2018 × "He was dumb as a rock and I couldn't get rid of him fast enough. He was lazy as hell. Now it is a whole new ballgame, great spirit at State!" Trump wrote from Air Force One as he returned from a conference in Kansas City about crime. Trump praised Tillerson's successor, the brusque former congressman and CIA chief Mike Pompeo, for "doing a great job." He becomes the latest cabinet member on which Trump has turned his knives. He repeatedly denounced attorney general Jeff Session, who was ousted last month, as "very weak" for not blocking a probe into whether the Trump presidential campaign colluded with Russia. Relationship soured early Tillerson, a former chief executive of oil giant ExxonMobil, had no government experience and had never met Trump when his nomination was promoted by Republican Party insiders, who hoped for a stable figure who could nonetheless appeal to the tycoon-turned-president with his outsider status and business background. But Tillerson immediately struggled to fit in, focusing on internal State Department streamlining rather than broader foreign policy goals and avoiding the press as his rapport frayed with Trump. "It was challenging for me coming from the disciplined, highly process-oriented ExxonMobil Corp to go to work for a man who is pretty undisciplined, doesn't like to read, doesn't read briefing reports, doesn't like to get into the details of a lot of things," Tillerson said at the event in Houston. Trump is proudly anti-intellectual, saying that he succeeds by following his instincts and knows better than experts. Asked about his reading habits in an interview shortly after taking office, Trump said he was "looking at a book" but was distracted by phone calls every time he tried to get started. When he selected him, Trump offered a vastly different assessment of Tillerson than on Friday, saying his "tenacity, broad experience and deep understanding of geopolitics" made him an "excellent choice." But it quickly became clear that the two had little chemistry. Just as Tillerson was visiting Asia last year and speaking of lines of communication with North Korea, Trump tweeted that he was "wasting his time." Pompeo has faced no such backlash from Trump and has traveled four times to Pyongyang. Trump also used Twitter to announce Tillerson's firing and, in a final indignity, the White House made it known that the nation's top diplomat was on the toilet when he learned the news.

Tillerson says Trump 'undisciplined'; president replies he's 'dumb as a rock'

Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran, a Canadian court heard Friday, a week after she was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757">detained on an American extradition request</a>.

Meng Wanzhou, 46, was arrested in Canada's Pacific coast city of Vancouver on December 1 while changing planes during a trip from Hong Kong to Mexico -- ratcheting up tensions between the United States and China just as the countries' leaders agreed to a truce in their trade war.

A day-long hearing was adjourned until Monday, when the judge is expected to render a decision on bail. Until then, she will remain in custody.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-arrest-canada-pm-justin-trudeau-defends-detaining-meng-wanzhou-182040">Canadian government </a>lawyer John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions" and if convicted faces more than 30 years in prison.

She is specifically accused of lying to a US bank, identified by her lawyer as "Hong Kong Bank," about the use of a covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in breach of sanctions.

Meng had personally denied to bankers any direct connections between Huawei and the subsidiary, SkyCom, when in fact "SkyCom is Huawei," Gibb-Carsley said, putting the bank in jeopardy of violating sanctions. SkyCom's alleged sanctions breaches occurred from 2009 to 2014, while Meng's alleged fraudulent misrepresentations were in 2013.

Meng had been a member of SkyCom's board a decade ago, but the company was later sold, said her lawyer David Martin.

US authorities, however, claim Huawei continued to control the company, with Gibb-Carsley noting that SkyCom employees continued to carry Huawei identification and use its email.

He suggested that Meng has also shown a pattern of avoiding the United States over the past year since becoming aware of the investigation into the matter, arguing that she has no ties to Canada and has access to vast wealth and political connections -- and thus poses a flight risk.

Meng's detention in Canada came on the day of a summit at which US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in the escalating trade dispute between the two economic powerhouses.

China says Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- has violated no laws in Canada or the United States and has demanded her release.

Washington and Beijing have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits.

Trump tweeted Friday that negotiations to defuse the high-stakes dispute were "going very well," but the messages since Meng's arrest have been mixed, roiling global stock markets.

Her appearance at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver is a prelude to an extradition process that could take months.

'Princess' of Huawei

CNN, quoting an unnamed official, said the United States saw the arrest as providing leverage in US-China trade talks -- although White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has denied any link to the dialogue.

On Friday, Beijing nevertheless alleged that Meng, known internally as the "princess" of Huawei and possible heir to the throne, had become a pawn in the dispute.

"The Chinese government should seriously mull over the US tendency to abuse legal procedures to suppress China's high-tech enterprises," said the nationalist tabloid Global Times in an editorial.

"Obviously, Washington is resorting to a despicable rogue's approach as it cannot stop Huawei's 5G advance in the market," it went on.

Meng spent most of the past week at a women's detention facility in a suburb of Vancouver.

If she is released on bail, she has agreed to surrender her passports and submit to electronic monitoring until she is discharged or surrendered for trial to the United States. All security costs would be borne by her.&nbsp;

The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case. The court heard Meng's husband Xiaozong Liu owns two mansions in the city.

Repeated setbacks

Canada has a longstanding extradition treaty with the United States, requiring it to cooperate with US Department of Justice requests to hand over suspects.

The offense for which extradition is being sought must also be a crime in Canada.

A Canadian court must decide if there is sufficient evidence to support the extradition, but then it is left to Canada's justice minister to sign the order.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended Canada's arrest of Meng, saying politics played no part in the decision.

"I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal.

Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns.

Canadian officials have said Ottawa was continuing to review Huawei's technology for use in upcoming fifth-generation networks.

The company faces being shut out of Australia, New Zealand and US 5G rollouts, and British telecom group BT revealed on Wednesday it was removing Huawei equipment from its core cellular network.

The five nations together form the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran, a Canadian court heard Friday, a week after she was detained on an American extradition request.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran, a Canadian court heard Friday, a week after she was detained on an American extradition request. Meng Wanzhou, 46, was arrested in Canada's Pacific coast city of Vancouver on December 1 while changing planes during a trip from Hong Kong to Mexico -- ratcheting up tensions between the United States and China just as the countries' leaders agreed to a truce in their trade war. A day-long hearing was adjourned until Monday, when the judge is expected to render a decision on bail. Until then, she will remain in custody. Canadian government lawyer John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions" and if convicted faces more than 30 years in prison. She is specifically accused of lying to a US bank, identified by her lawyer as "Hong Kong Bank," about the use of a covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in breach of sanctions. Meng had personally denied to bankers any direct connections between Huawei and the subsidiary, SkyCom, when in fact "SkyCom is Huawei," Gibb-Carsley said, putting the bank in jeopardy of violating sanctions. SkyCom's alleged sanctions breaches occurred from 2009 to 2014, while Meng's alleged fraudulent misrepresentations were in 2013. Meng had been a member of SkyCom's board a decade ago, but the company was later sold, said her lawyer David Martin. US authorities, however, claim Huawei continued to control the company, with Gibb-Carsley noting that SkyCom employees continued to carry Huawei identification and use its email. He suggested that Meng has also shown a pattern of avoiding the United States over the past year since becoming aware of the investigation into the matter, arguing that she has no ties to Canada and has access to vast wealth and political connections -- and thus poses a flight risk. Meng's detention in Canada came on the day of a summit at which US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in the escalating trade dispute between the two economic powerhouses. China says Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- has violated no laws in Canada or the United States and has demanded her release. Washington and Beijing have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits. Trump tweeted Friday that negotiations to defuse the high-stakes dispute were "going very well," but the messages since Meng's arrest have been mixed, roiling global stock markets. Her appearance at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver is a prelude to an extradition process that could take months. 'Princess' of Huawei CNN, quoting an unnamed official, said the United States saw the arrest as providing leverage in US-China trade talks -- although White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has denied any link to the dialogue. On Friday, Beijing nevertheless alleged that Meng, known internally as the "princess" of Huawei and possible heir to the throne, had become a pawn in the dispute. "The Chinese government should seriously mull over the US tendency to abuse legal procedures to suppress China's high-tech enterprises," said the nationalist tabloid Global Times in an editorial. "Obviously, Washington is resorting to a despicable rogue's approach as it cannot stop Huawei's 5G advance in the market," it went on. Meng spent most of the past week at a women's detention facility in a suburb of Vancouver. If she is released on bail, she has agreed to surrender her passports and submit to electronic monitoring until she is discharged or surrendered for trial to the United States. All security costs would be borne by her. The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case. The court heard Meng's husband Xiaozong Liu owns two mansions in the city. Repeated setbacks Canada has a longstanding extradition treaty with the United States, requiring it to cooperate with US Department of Justice requests to hand over suspects. The offense for which extradition is being sought must also be a crime in Canada. A Canadian court must decide if there is sufficient evidence to support the extradition, but then it is left to Canada's justice minister to sign the order. On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended Canada's arrest of Meng, saying politics played no part in the decision. "I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal. Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns. Canadian officials have said Ottawa was continuing to review Huawei's technology for use in upcoming fifth-generation networks. The company faces being shut out of Australia, New Zealand and US 5G rollouts, and British telecom group BT revealed on Wednesday it was removing Huawei equipment from its core cellular network. The five nations together form the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance.

Huawei's Meng Wanzhou faces US fraud charges linked to Iran, bail hearing to continue on Monday

US prosecutors revealed Friday that a Russian offered cooperation to Donald Trump's campaign as early as 2015, declaring that the president's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen had provided "relevant" and "substantial" help to the Russia investigation.

In a separate case, federal prosecutors demanded "substantial" jail time of between 51 to 63 months -- four to five years -- for Cohen for bank fraud and campaign finance violations to which he plead guilty last August.

US Attorney Robert Khuzami accused the 52-year-old, who once vowed to take a bullet for the president, of being motivated by "personal greed" and of "repeatedly" using his power and influence for "deceptive ends."

"Totally clears the President. Thank you!" tweeted the US president cryptically as television networks were consumed by the Cohen documents -- which the White House dismissed as revealing "nothing of value."

The campaign finance violations to which Cohen pleaded guilty in August concerned hush payments he made on Trump's behalf to alleged former lovers of the president, including porn star Stormy Daniels.

Robert Mueller, the special counsel heading up the probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 vote, followed up with a separate filing saying Cohen had made "substantial and significant efforts to remediate his misconduct, accept responsibility for his actions, and assist" the special investigation, a thorn in Trump's side.

Cohen continued to provide "relevant and truthful information" to assist the probe, holding seven sessions with investigators, "many of them lengthy, and continues to make himself available to investigators," it said.

He had provided information about contacts with Russian interests during the campaign, attempts by Russians to reach the campaign and about contacts with "persons connected to the White House" in 2017-2018, the filing added.

Around November 2015, some five months after Trump launched his bid for the presidency and well before previously reported contacts, Cohen spoke to a purported "trusted person" in the Russian Federation who offered the campaign "political synergy" and "synergy on a government level."

Cohen said the person "repeatedly proposed" a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming it could have a "phenomenal" impact "not only in political but in a business dimension as well".

"Cohen, however, did not follow up on this invitation," the filing added.

Trump claims 'cleared'

The former fixer last week pleaded guilty to lying to Congress in connection with a Moscow real-estate deal, which was being pursued as late as one month before Trump officially became the Republican nominee for president.

Due to his help, Mueller declined to recommend additional jail time for Cohen for lying to Congress.

Recent filings in the Mueller probe have suggested the White House knew that Cohen planned to lie to lawmakers about his contacts with Russians.

They also suggest Trump and his family were in the loop on discussions with Russians on a Moscow project, even after the real estate tycoon secured the Republican nomination in mid-2016.

Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders dismissed the latest filings in Cohen's case, saying they "tell us nothing of value that wasn't already known."

"Mr. Cohen has repeatedly lied and as the prosecution has pointed out to the court, Mr. Cohen is no hero," she said.

But Mueller has been inching ever closer to the White House, and early on Friday Trump fired off a feverish volley of tweets against a probe he dubs a "witch hunt," accusing Mueller of "big time conflicts of interest" and alleging the prosecutor coerced false testimony from witnesses.

The commander-in-chief vowed his lawyers would produce a "major Counter Report" to rebut Mueller's findings, as and when he delivers them.

Attorney general switch

Shortly afterwards, Trump announced his intention to nominate William Barr as his new attorney general -- succeeding Jeff Sessions, who he sacked last month.

Sessions had angered the president by recusing himself from overseeing the Mueller probe because of his own contacts with Russian officials.

Barr -- a former attorney general under the late George H.W. Bush -- is considered something of a consensus candidate for the highly sensitive post.

He does, however, have a record of endorsing strong executive powers, which could come into play if Mueller sought to compel Trump to testify.

Barr has also voiced concerns about a number of Mueller's team donating to the Democratic Party.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned Barr must commit, under oath, that the Russia investigation "will proceed unimpeded" and that the final report will be made available to Congress and the public "immediately."

In Washington Mueller also detailed multiple "lies" that former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort told investigators, leading to a termination of his cooperation deal.

A heavily redacted court filing included among Manafort's "lies," untruths about his dealings with Konstantin Kilimnik, a business associate who US officials suspect is a Russian intelligence operative, and about his contacts with Trump administration officials after striking a plea agreement.

The White House similarly dismissed that filing, arguing it "says absolutely nothing about the President."

"Once again the media is trying to create a story where there isn't one," said Sanders.&nbsp;

US prosecutors revealed Friday that a Russian offered cooperation to Donald Trump's campaign as early as 2015, declaring that the president's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen had provided "relevant" and "substantial" help to the Russia investigation.

US prosecutors revealed Friday that a Russian offered cooperation to Donald Trump's campaign as early as 2015, declaring that the president's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen had provided "relevant" and "substantial" help to the Russia investigation. In a separate case, federal prosecutors demanded "substantial" jail time of between 51 to 63 months -- four to five years -- for Cohen for bank fraud and campaign finance violations to which he plead guilty last August. US Attorney Robert Khuzami accused the 52-year-old, who once vowed to take a bullet for the president, of being motivated by "personal greed" and of "repeatedly" using his power and influence for "deceptive ends." "Totally clears the President. Thank you!" tweeted the US president cryptically as television networks were consumed by the Cohen documents -- which the White House dismissed as revealing "nothing of value." The campaign finance violations to which Cohen pleaded guilty in August concerned hush payments he made on Trump's behalf to alleged former lovers of the president, including porn star Stormy Daniels. Robert Mueller, the special counsel heading up the probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 vote, followed up with a separate filing saying Cohen had made "substantial and significant efforts to remediate his misconduct, accept responsibility for his actions, and assist" the special investigation, a thorn in Trump's side. Cohen continued to provide "relevant and truthful information" to assist the probe, holding seven sessions with investigators, "many of them lengthy, and continues to make himself available to investigators," it said. He had provided information about contacts with Russian interests during the campaign, attempts by Russians to reach the campaign and about contacts with "persons connected to the White House" in 2017-2018, the filing added. Around November 2015, some five months after Trump launched his bid for the presidency and well before previously reported contacts, Cohen spoke to a purported "trusted person" in the Russian Federation who offered the campaign "political synergy" and "synergy on a government level." Cohen said the person "repeatedly proposed" a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming it could have a "phenomenal" impact "not only in political but in a business dimension as well". "Cohen, however, did not follow up on this invitation," the filing added. Trump claims 'cleared' The former fixer last week pleaded guilty to lying to Congress in connection with a Moscow real-estate deal, which was being pursued as late as one month before Trump officially became the Republican nominee for president. Due to his help, Mueller declined to recommend additional jail time for Cohen for lying to Congress. Recent filings in the Mueller probe have suggested the White House knew that Cohen planned to lie to lawmakers about his contacts with Russians. They also suggest Trump and his family were in the loop on discussions with Russians on a Moscow project, even after the real estate tycoon secured the Republican nomination in mid-2016. Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders dismissed the latest filings in Cohen's case, saying they "tell us nothing of value that wasn't already known." "Mr. Cohen has repeatedly lied and as the prosecution has pointed out to the court, Mr. Cohen is no hero," she said. But Mueller has been inching ever closer to the White House, and early on Friday Trump fired off a feverish volley of tweets against a probe he dubs a "witch hunt," accusing Mueller of "big time conflicts of interest" and alleging the prosecutor coerced false testimony from witnesses. The commander-in-chief vowed his lawyers would produce a "major Counter Report" to rebut Mueller's findings, as and when he delivers them. Attorney general switch Shortly afterwards, Trump announced his intention to nominate William Barr as his new attorney general -- succeeding Jeff Sessions, who he sacked last month. Sessions had angered the president by recusing himself from overseeing the Mueller probe because of his own contacts with Russian officials. Barr -- a former attorney general under the late George H.W. Bush -- is considered something of a consensus candidate for the highly sensitive post. He does, however, have a record of endorsing strong executive powers, which could come into play if Mueller sought to compel Trump to testify. Barr has also voiced concerns about a number of Mueller's team donating to the Democratic Party. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned Barr must commit, under oath, that the Russia investigation "will proceed unimpeded" and that the final report will be made available to Congress and the public "immediately." In Washington Mueller also detailed multiple "lies" that former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort told investigators, leading to a termination of his cooperation deal. A heavily redacted court filing included among Manafort's "lies," untruths about his dealings with Konstantin Kilimnik, a business associate who US officials suspect is a Russian intelligence operative, and about his contacts with Trump administration officials after striking a plea agreement. The White House similarly dismissed that filing, arguing it "says absolutely nothing about the President." "Once again the media is trying to create a story where there isn't one," said Sanders.

Russian offered Trump campaign 'political' cooperation in 2015: US prosecutors

Less than two years ago, Heather Nauert was working as an anchor on Donald Trump's favorite news show, "Fox &amp; Friends."

Her rise since then has been stunning. Trump has now named her as his pick to become America's voice and face at the United Nations.

After Trump was inaugurated as president in January 2017, Nauert became -- with no experience in government, foreign policy or politics -- the spokeswoman at the State Department.

When Trump fired media-shy Texas oilman Rex Tillerson as his secretary of state in March via tweet -- their relationship by then bordered on poisonous -- Nauert saw her influence grow under successor Mike Pompeo, whose combative style is more in tune with the president.

She also got a major promotion, becoming the acting under-secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs, the fourth highest official at the State Department.&nbsp;

Overnight she took charge of overseeing communication from US diplomatic missions around the world as well as countering propaganda from the Islamic State movement and other foreign adversaries.

If confirmed by the Senate, the 48-year-old Nauert would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nikki-haley-resignation-and-future-plans-170742">replace Nikki Haley</a>, who announced her resignation in October amid speculation of future political plans.

Haley similarly had little foreign policy experience when appointed, although she had a national name as the governor of South Carolina.

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I am pleased to announce that Heather Nauert, Spokeswoman for the United States Department of State, will be nominated to serve as United Nations Ambassador. I want to congratulate Heather, and thank Ambassador Nikki Haley for her great service to our Country!
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The White House-Fox nexus

Nauert's appointment would reinforce the link between Fox News and Trump, who has been accused of turning to the conservative-leaning channel, rather than experts, for policy advice.

The television-loving president has chosen a series of Fox personalities for high-level posts and consultation.&nbsp;

Nauert covered domestic and international stories as an ABC News correspondent from 2005 to 2007 prior to joining Fox.

Originally from Wisconsin, she attended Mount Vernon College, a now-defunct all-women's school in Washington, before graduating from the elite Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Trump announced the nomination in brief remarks to reporters. The president, who puts a premium on loyalty, earlier hailed Nauert as "a supporter for a long time -- really, excellent."

Under Tillerson, Nauert grew frustrated at not having close access to her immediate boss and had been seen as quitting to return to New York, where her family has remained.

But she has taken on a bolder role under Pompeo, assertively seeking to promote his message.

But unlike White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, whose testy exchanges with reporters are routinely carried live, Nauert has enjoyed a civil relationship with the smaller State Department press corps as they travel the world together.

Poise on camera, but at UN?

Nauert raised eyebrows in June when she appeared to describe the D-Day landings -- when the United States, Britain and allies stormed Nazi-occupied France in 1944 -- as evidence of a longtime "strong relationship" with Germany.&nbsp;

But the former television anchor has mostly avoided snafus, keeping regular press briefings concise and winning praise for her poise as she fields a dizzying array of foreign policy questions.

"Those I know who work with her remark frequently that she is more open than most Trump appointees to listening to and working with career diplomats," said Brett Bruen, who served as White House director of global engagement under former president Barack Obama.

He added that colleagues described Nauert as a quick learner who "executed her functions capably."

But Bruen, who now heads the Global Situation Room consulting firm, questioned whether Nauert was the best pick when "American influence on the world stage is at a historic low."

"We need more than a smooth spokesperson. We need a seasoned, steady and strong voice who understands the subtleties of multinational diplomacy," he said.

"I worry that we will grow ever more isolated on this, the most important of world stages," he said.

Haley has had the task of promoting Trump's "America First" agenda as the United States pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, the Paris climate accord, the UN Human Rights Council and other agreements and institutions broadly supported by the 193 members of the United Nations.

Unlike Haley, however, Nauert is not expected to have cabinet status, keeping power over foreign policy firmly with Pompeo and especially John Bolton, the hawkish White House national security advisor.

She does, however, have something in common with Bolton. He too was a former US ambassador to the UN -- and caught Trump's eye as a commentator on Fox News.

Less than two years ago, Heather Nauert was working as an anchor on Donald Trump's favorite news show, "Fox & Friends." Her rise since then has been stunning. Trump has now named her as his pick to become America's voice and face at the United Nations.

Less than two years ago, Heather Nauert was working as an anchor on Donald Trump's favorite news show, "Fox & Friends." Her rise since then has been stunning. Trump has now named her as his pick to become America's voice and face at the United Nations. After Trump was inaugurated as president in January 2017, Nauert became -- with no experience in government, foreign policy or politics -- the spokeswoman at the State Department. When Trump fired media-shy Texas oilman Rex Tillerson as his secretary of state in March via tweet -- their relationship by then bordered on poisonous -- Nauert saw her influence grow under successor Mike Pompeo, whose combative style is more in tune with the president. She also got a major promotion, becoming the acting under-secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs, the fourth highest official at the State Department. Overnight she took charge of overseeing communication from US diplomatic missions around the world as well as countering propaganda from the Islamic State movement and other foreign adversaries. If confirmed by the Senate, the 48-year-old Nauert would replace Nikki Haley, who announced her resignation in October amid speculation of future political plans. Haley similarly had little foreign policy experience when appointed, although she had a national name as the governor of South Carolina. I am pleased to announce that Heather Nauert, Spokeswoman for the United States Department of State, will be nominated to serve as United Nations Ambassador. I want to congratulate Heather, and thank Ambassador Nikki Haley for her great service to our Country! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2018 × The White House-Fox nexus Nauert's appointment would reinforce the link between Fox News and Trump, who has been accused of turning to the conservative-leaning channel, rather than experts, for policy advice. The television-loving president has chosen a series of Fox personalities for high-level posts and consultation. Nauert covered domestic and international stories as an ABC News correspondent from 2005 to 2007 prior to joining Fox. Originally from Wisconsin, she attended Mount Vernon College, a now-defunct all-women's school in Washington, before graduating from the elite Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Trump announced the nomination in brief remarks to reporters. The president, who puts a premium on loyalty, earlier hailed Nauert as "a supporter for a long time -- really, excellent." Under Tillerson, Nauert grew frustrated at not having close access to her immediate boss and had been seen as quitting to return to New York, where her family has remained. But she has taken on a bolder role under Pompeo, assertively seeking to promote his message. But unlike White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, whose testy exchanges with reporters are routinely carried live, Nauert has enjoyed a civil relationship with the smaller State Department press corps as they travel the world together. Poise on camera, but at UN? Nauert raised eyebrows in June when she appeared to describe the D-Day landings -- when the United States, Britain and allies stormed Nazi-occupied France in 1944 -- as evidence of a longtime "strong relationship" with Germany. But the former television anchor has mostly avoided snafus, keeping regular press briefings concise and winning praise for her poise as she fields a dizzying array of foreign policy questions. "Those I know who work with her remark frequently that she is more open than most Trump appointees to listening to and working with career diplomats," said Brett Bruen, who served as White House director of global engagement under former president Barack Obama. He added that colleagues described Nauert as a quick learner who "executed her functions capably." But Bruen, who now heads the Global Situation Room consulting firm, questioned whether Nauert was the best pick when "American influence on the world stage is at a historic low." "We need more than a smooth spokesperson. We need a seasoned, steady and strong voice who understands the subtleties of multinational diplomacy," he said. "I worry that we will grow ever more isolated on this, the most important of world stages," he said. Haley has had the task of promoting Trump's "America First" agenda as the United States pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, the Paris climate accord, the UN Human Rights Council and other agreements and institutions broadly supported by the 193 members of the United Nations. Unlike Haley, however, Nauert is not expected to have cabinet status, keeping power over foreign policy firmly with Pompeo and especially John Bolton, the hawkish White House national security advisor. She does, however, have something in common with Bolton. He too was a former US ambassador to the UN -- and caught Trump's eye as a commentator on Fox News.

From Fox anchor to UN envoy, a meteoric rise for Heather Nauert

OPEC will meet with 10 partner countries, including Russia, on Friday to try to thrash out an agreement on oil production cuts, a day after the group's members failed to reach a deal.

The oil cartel had been expected to sign off on cuts to stem a plunge in oil prices at a meeting on Thursday, but it broke up without an accord.

"No, I am not confident" about the chances of a deal, Saudi oil minister Khalid Al-Falih told reporters after a long day of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/opec-oil-cuts-at-risk-as-russia-yet-to-commit-181925">negotiations at OPEC</a>'s headquarters in Vienna.

However, OPEC and its non-cartel members -- who account for around half of global output -- agree on one thing: a glut on the market has led to oil prices falling by more than 30 per cent in the space of two months.

However, the major players among the oil giants all have their own reasons to look to others to act.

For Russia, which leads the non-member countries in the so-called OPEC+ alliance, "it's much more difficult to cut than for other countries, because of our climatic conditions," Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday in Saint Petersburg.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has to bear in mind pressure from the US, after President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opec-meets-as-trump-calls-for-oil-taps-to-be-kept-on-181837">Donald Trump</a> demanded in a tweet on Wednesday that OPEC not boost prices.

In addition, the kingdom's diplomatic position has been weakened by the furore over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Though al-Falih insisted that "we don't need permission from anyone to cut" production, the figure of a million barrels put forward by Saudi Arabia was lower than the reduction expected by the markets.

Market jitters

Iran, Saudi Arabia's geopolitical rival and OPEC's third-largest producer, suggested it was in favour of deeper cuts -- while asking to be exempted from them because of the effects of US sanctions targeting its oil sector.

The thorny question of exemptions, which will also be sought by Venezuela and Libya according to the Bloomberg news agency, could be crucial for Friday's talks.

The amount and the timetable of any cuts imposed by Russia will also be a key sticking point.

Iraqi oil minister Thamir Abbas Al Ghadhban said he was still "hopeful" an agreement could be reached during talks on Friday.

However, markets displayed doubts with fresh falls in oil prices sparking a sell-off of stocks by investors.

The price of a barrel of Brent, the European benchmark, sank below the symbolic $60 mark because the reduction of around one million barrels floated by Saudi Arabia was below what markets had been expecting.

Analysts say that the details of any agreement will be key in determining what happens next to prices.

"If it's one million (barrels) excluding Iran, then it's in fact 1.2, 1.3, which should be supportive of price," Abhishek Deshpande, an oil analyst at JP Morgan, told AFP.

This would be because the markets would price in the drop in Iran's production expected due to sanctions.

"But if (the agreement) is including Iran, that's not enough," Deshpande added.

In June, OPEC and its partners agreed to allow for a boost in production by Saudi Arabia and Russia to compensate for the expected losses in production from Iran after the US dramatically withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in May and vowed to re-impose sanctions.

However, the US then granted temporary waivers to eight allies to allow them to carry on importing Iranian oil, contributing to a plunge in oil prices which wiped out the gains seen since early 2017.

OPEC will meet with 10 partner countries, including Russia, on Friday to try to thrash out an agreement on oil production cuts, a day after the group's members failed to reach a deal.

OPEC will meet with 10 partner countries, including Russia, on Friday to try to thrash out an agreement on oil production cuts, a day after the group's members failed to reach a deal. The oil cartel had been expected to sign off on cuts to stem a plunge in oil prices at a meeting on Thursday, but it broke up without an accord. "No, I am not confident" about the chances of a deal, Saudi oil minister Khalid Al-Falih told reporters after a long day of negotiations at OPEC's headquarters in Vienna. However, OPEC and its non-cartel members -- who account for around half of global output -- agree on one thing: a glut on the market has led to oil prices falling by more than 30 per cent in the space of two months. However, the major players among the oil giants all have their own reasons to look to others to act. For Russia, which leads the non-member countries in the so-called OPEC+ alliance, "it's much more difficult to cut than for other countries, because of our climatic conditions," Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday in Saint Petersburg. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has to bear in mind pressure from the US, after President Donald Trump demanded in a tweet on Wednesday that OPEC not boost prices. In addition, the kingdom's diplomatic position has been weakened by the furore over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Though al-Falih insisted that "we don't need permission from anyone to cut" production, the figure of a million barrels put forward by Saudi Arabia was lower than the reduction expected by the markets. Market jitters Iran, Saudi Arabia's geopolitical rival and OPEC's third-largest producer, suggested it was in favour of deeper cuts -- while asking to be exempted from them because of the effects of US sanctions targeting its oil sector. The thorny question of exemptions, which will also be sought by Venezuela and Libya according to the Bloomberg news agency, could be crucial for Friday's talks. The amount and the timetable of any cuts imposed by Russia will also be a key sticking point. Iraqi oil minister Thamir Abbas Al Ghadhban said he was still "hopeful" an agreement could be reached during talks on Friday. However, markets displayed doubts with fresh falls in oil prices sparking a sell-off of stocks by investors. The price of a barrel of Brent, the European benchmark, sank below the symbolic $60 mark because the reduction of around one million barrels floated by Saudi Arabia was below what markets had been expecting. Analysts say that the details of any agreement will be key in determining what happens next to prices. "If it's one million (barrels) excluding Iran, then it's in fact 1.2, 1.3, which should be supportive of price," Abhishek Deshpande, an oil analyst at JP Morgan, told AFP. This would be because the markets would price in the drop in Iran's production expected due to sanctions. "But if (the agreement) is including Iran, that's not enough," Deshpande added. In June, OPEC and its partners agreed to allow for a boost in production by Saudi Arabia and Russia to compensate for the expected losses in production from Iran after the US dramatically withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in May and vowed to re-impose sanctions. However, the US then granted temporary waivers to eight allies to allow them to carry on importing Iranian oil, contributing to a plunge in oil prices which wiped out the gains seen since early 2017.

OPEC and partners face steep challenge to reach oil cut deal

Former US president George HW&nbsp;Bush, remembered as much for his legacy of service as his impact on history, was buried Thursday, capping days of tribute from a nation that briefly set aside political divisions to honour him.

After a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/remembering-american-soldier-statesman-dignitaries-attend-bush-funeral-181752">state funeral</a>, Wednesday in Washington that was attended by the country's five living presidents and foreign dignitaries, Bush's flag-draped casket was flown to Texas for a final farewell.

A compassionate national spotlight had shone on Bush's passing and the memorial proceedings throughout this week.

But his burial at Bush's presidential library center in College Station, Texas -- alongside Barbara, his wife of 73 years, and their daughter Robin who died of leukemia at age 3 -- was a private family service.

"The 41st President of the United States of America, George Herbert Walker Bush, has reached his final resting place," family spokesman Jim McGrath posted on Twitter.

Bush, who died Friday at age 94, lay in repose at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, where he was eulogized at a final memorial service by close friend James Baker, who served as his secretary of state.

"His incredible service to our nation and the world are already etched in the marble of time," Baker said, highlighting the sense of duty, service, and personal grace that drove Bush.

Fighting through tears, the 88-year-old Baker recalled how Bush's deeds "expressed his moral character, and they reflected his decency, his boundless kindness and consideration of others, his determination always to do the right thing."

Final resting place

Son George W. Bush, the nation's 43rd president, appeared somber at his wife Laura's side, and stood ramrod straight as military pallbearers carried the casket from the Houston church to a waiting hearse.

It was then placed on a train -- with a locomotive painted in the colors and pattern of Air Force One, the presidential jet -- for the final journey to the presidential library, part of a precise series of ritualized events.

There were emotional displays along the route in towns like Spring, Magnolia, Navasota and College Station.

Crowds of people braved rainy weather to mass beside the tracks, where they held American flags, saluted, cheered and waved goodbye as the train rolled slowly past.&nbsp;

Bush was the 12th president to lie in state in the US Capitol rotunda.

Thousands paid respects there to a statesman who steered the nation through turbulent times including the end of the Cold War and the marshalling of an international coalition to oust invading Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

On Thursday, Baker pointed to Bush's eagerness to forge compromise and peace rather than rattle sabers.

"He had the courage of a warrior," Baker said. "But when the time came for prudence, he always maintained the greater courage of a peacemaker."

Bush was a decorated World War II aviator who nearly died when he was shot down on a bombing mission.

He served as a congressman, envoy to China and to the United Nations, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and vice president to Ronald Reagan before winning the White House.

At Wednesday's service in Washington, President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hillary-give-each-other-cold-shoulder-at-bush-funeral-181923">Donald Trump </a>and First Lady Melania shared a front row pew in the National Cathedral with past presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and their wives, to honour Bush.

Son George delivered an emotional eulogy in tribute to his father. The pair are only the second father-son presidential duo in American history, after John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

An uneasy truce

Since Bush's death, Trump has traded his usual provocative posture for one of solemnity and respect for the Bushes, with whom he has often clashed since his meteoric rise in the world of politics.

As Trump toned down the rhetoric this week, Washington's political heat was reduced from a normal boil to a simmer.&nbsp;

But at Wednesday's service, tensions were obvious.

Trump arrived and shook hands with the Obamas, but his body language turned cold as he failed to acknowledge Hillary Clinton, his defeated Democratic rival in 2016, or her president husband Bill.

Former US president George HW Bush, remembered as much for his legacy of service as his impact on history, was buried Thursday, capping days of tribute from a nation that briefly set aside political divisions to honour him.

Former US president George HW Bush, remembered as much for his legacy of service as his impact on history, was buried Thursday, capping days of tribute from a nation that briefly set aside political divisions to honour him. After a state funeral, Wednesday in Washington that was attended by the country's five living presidents and foreign dignitaries, Bush's flag-draped casket was flown to Texas for a final farewell. A compassionate national spotlight had shone on Bush's passing and the memorial proceedings throughout this week. But his burial at Bush's presidential library center in College Station, Texas -- alongside Barbara, his wife of 73 years, and their daughter Robin who died of leukemia at age 3 -- was a private family service. "The 41st President of the United States of America, George Herbert Walker Bush, has reached his final resting place," family spokesman Jim McGrath posted on Twitter. Bush, who died Friday at age 94, lay in repose at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, where he was eulogized at a final memorial service by close friend James Baker, who served as his secretary of state. "His incredible service to our nation and the world are already etched in the marble of time," Baker said, highlighting the sense of duty, service, and personal grace that drove Bush. Fighting through tears, the 88-year-old Baker recalled how Bush's deeds "expressed his moral character, and they reflected his decency, his boundless kindness and consideration of others, his determination always to do the right thing." Final resting place Son George W. Bush, the nation's 43rd president, appeared somber at his wife Laura's side, and stood ramrod straight as military pallbearers carried the casket from the Houston church to a waiting hearse. It was then placed on a train -- with a locomotive painted in the colors and pattern of Air Force One, the presidential jet -- for the final journey to the presidential library, part of a precise series of ritualized events. There were emotional displays along the route in towns like Spring, Magnolia, Navasota and College Station. Crowds of people braved rainy weather to mass beside the tracks, where they held American flags, saluted, cheered and waved goodbye as the train rolled slowly past. Bush was the 12th president to lie in state in the US Capitol rotunda. Thousands paid respects there to a statesman who steered the nation through turbulent times including the end of the Cold War and the marshalling of an international coalition to oust invading Iraqi forces from Kuwait. On Thursday, Baker pointed to Bush's eagerness to forge compromise and peace rather than rattle sabers. "He had the courage of a warrior," Baker said. "But when the time came for prudence, he always maintained the greater courage of a peacemaker." Bush was a decorated World War II aviator who nearly died when he was shot down on a bombing mission. He served as a congressman, envoy to China and to the United Nations, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and vice president to Ronald Reagan before winning the White House. At Wednesday's service in Washington, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania shared a front row pew in the National Cathedral with past presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and their wives, to honour Bush. Son George delivered an emotional eulogy in tribute to his father. The pair are only the second father-son presidential duo in American history, after John Adams and John Quincy Adams. An uneasy truce Since Bush's death, Trump has traded his usual provocative posture for one of solemnity and respect for the Bushes, with whom he has often clashed since his meteoric rise in the world of politics. As Trump toned down the rhetoric this week, Washington's political heat was reduced from a normal boil to a simmer. But at Wednesday's service, tensions were obvious. Trump arrived and shook hands with the Obamas, but his body language turned cold as he failed to acknowledge Hillary Clinton, his defeated Democratic rival in 2016, or her president husband Bill.

George HW Bush, president and servant-statesman, is laid to rest

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