<p>The US Senate on Monday (Feb 5) agreed on a bipartisan $118 billion deal that will overhaul the immigration policy as well as provide&nbsp;emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;Despite the bill receiving a rare bipartisan nod in the Senate, its future remains clouded in doubt as the Republican-dominated House of Representatives is expected to tank it, with former president Donald Trump leading the charge from the outside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of the total amount, $20 billion has been earmarked for shoring up the US border areas to prevent illegal migration while the foreign aid package includes $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel.</p>

<p>The US will go to polls in November this year with Biden expected to square up against&nbsp;Trump in all likelihood. Sensing that Biden might score an important political victory, Trump has begun influencing the Republican leaders in the House, arguing that measures in place to address the illegal migration issue were inefficient.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Don't be STUPID!!! We need a separate Border and Immigration Bill. It should not be tied to foreign aid in any way, shape, or form!" said Trump on his social media platform Truth Social.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This Bill is a great gift to the Democrats and a Death Wish for The Republican Party," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senate-negotiators-reach-bipartisan-deal-on-border-policy-687000"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: Senate negotiators reach bipartisan deal on border policy</strong></a></p>

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<p>Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has already said the House would reject the bipartisan Senate bill, and instead vote this week on a measure providing aid only to Israel.</p>

<p>After reports emerged of a Republican showdown, President Biden said he would veto&nbsp;the standalone bill backed by GOP lawmakers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the President’s desk," the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-authorities-start-closing-bridges-with-mexico-to-contain-surge-in-immigration-671644"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US authorities start closing bridges with Mexico to contain surge in immigration</strong></a></p>

<p>Biden has justified the contents of the bill, concerning the immigration policy saying it will&nbsp;give him authority to “shut down” the border when it gets overwhelmed. He added the bill makes the asylum process “fairer and more efficient” while&nbsp;expediting&nbsp;work permits for those already in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Trump has repeatedly attacked the Democrats by pointing to the statistics which show&nbsp;migrant encounters reached a record high of 302,000 in December alone at the southern border. As for Ukraine aid, Trump has been against the war as well as the billions of dollars sent to President Volodymyr Zelensky's government from the outset.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US Senate on Monday (Feb 5) agreed on a bipartisan $118 billion deal that will overhaul the immigration policy as well as provide emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

The US Senate on Monday (Feb 5) agreed on a bipartisan $118 billion deal that will overhaul the immigration policy as well as provide emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite the bill receiving a rare bipartisan nod in the Senate, its future remains clouded in doubt as the Republican-dominated House of Representatives is expected to tank it, with former president Donald Trump leading the charge from the outside. Of the total amount, $20 billion has been earmarked for shoring up the US border areas to prevent illegal migration while the foreign aid package includes $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel. The US will go to polls in November this year with Biden expected to square up against Trump in all likelihood. Sensing that Biden might score an important political victory, Trump has begun influencing the Republican leaders in the House, arguing that measures in place to address the illegal migration issue were inefficient. "Don't be STUPID!!! We need a separate Border and Immigration Bill. It should not be tied to foreign aid in any way, shape, or form!" said Trump on his social media platform Truth Social. "This Bill is a great gift to the Democrats and a Death Wish for The Republican Party," he added. Watch | US: Senate negotiators reach bipartisan deal on border policy × Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has already said the House would reject the bipartisan Senate bill, and instead vote this week on a measure providing aid only to Israel. After reports emerged of a Republican showdown, President Biden said he would veto the standalone bill backed by GOP lawmakers. "The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the President’s desk," the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement. Also read | US authorities start closing bridges with Mexico to contain surge in immigration Biden has justified the contents of the bill, concerning the immigration policy saying it will give him authority to “shut down” the border when it gets overwhelmed. He added the bill makes the asylum process “fairer and more efficient” while expediting work permits for those already in the US. However, Trump has repeatedly attacked the Democrats by pointing to the statistics which show migrant encounters reached a record high of 302,000 in December alone at the southern border. As for Ukraine aid, Trump has been against the war as well as the billions of dollars sent to President Volodymyr Zelensky's government from the outset. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump stands in way of $118bn immigration, Ukraine and Israel package deal, passed by Senate

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<p>Republican leader Nikki Haley became the target of a second "swatting" attempt earlier this month on New Year's Day, according to a report by news agency&nbsp;<em>Reuters</em>. The hoax caller told law enforcement agencies that Haley had shot her daughter who was lying in a pool of blood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the 911 call, Charleston County sheriff's deputy responded to Haley's home. The deputy spoke to an unidentified woman at the front door, who matched Haley's description and concluded that the call was a hoax, according to a sheriff’s office report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The January 1 swatting attempt had not been previously reported but Haley alluded to the incident during NBC's "Meet the Press" programme on Sunday (Jan 28). Although Haley didn't provide a date for the incident or share details of what happened but added that it had happened twice already.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I will tell you that the last thing you want is to see multiple law enforcement officials with guns drawn pointing at my parents and thinking that something happened. It was an awful situation,” the former South Carolina governor added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-hampshire-us-primaries-donald-trump-delivers-knockout-blow-to-nikky-haley-683000"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;New Hampshire Republican primary: Donald Trump delivers knockout blow to Nikki Haley</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Previous incident</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to the New Year's Day incident, Haley's Kiawah Island home had also been swatted on December 30 last year. At the time, a man called the police and claimed to have shot a woman and threatened to harm himself at her home.</p>

<p>Craig Harris, Kiawah Island director of public safety, cleared that it was a fake emergency as Haley was not on the island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It was determined to be a hoax. Nikki Haley is not on the island and her son is with her,” Harris wrote in the email.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-nikki-haley-slam-biden-over-jordan-strikes-684781"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US elections 2024: Donald Trump, Nikki Haley slam Biden over Jordan strikes</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is swatting?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Swatting is the filing of false reports to the police to set off a potentially dangerous response by officers. It is often employed as a means to terrorise civil servants to impede the progress of democratic institutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Haley, a former UN ambassador and a prominent political leader is the only candidate left in the race with ex-president Donald Trump to secure a presidential nomination from the Republican party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, she has suffered defeats in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries but has vowed to keep going till the end. Authorities believe that owing to Haley's high-profile nomination race, she has become the target of unruly members of society who are attempting to silence her voice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since 2020, swatting incidents against political figures has been on the rise in the US. Previous targets include House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, as well as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Republican leader Nikki Haley became the target of a second "swatting" attempt earlier this month on New Year's Day, according to a report by news agency Reuters.

Republican leader Nikki Haley became the target of a second "swatting" attempt earlier this month on New Year's Day, according to a report by news agency Reuters. The hoax caller told law enforcement agencies that Haley had shot her daughter who was lying in a pool of blood. After the 911 call, Charleston County sheriff's deputy responded to Haley's home. The deputy spoke to an unidentified woman at the front door, who matched Haley's description and concluded that the call was a hoax, according to a sheriff’s office report. The January 1 swatting attempt had not been previously reported but Haley alluded to the incident during NBC's "Meet the Press" programme on Sunday (Jan 28). Although Haley didn't provide a date for the incident or share details of what happened but added that it had happened twice already. “I will tell you that the last thing you want is to see multiple law enforcement officials with guns drawn pointing at my parents and thinking that something happened. It was an awful situation,” the former South Carolina governor added. Also read | New Hampshire Republican primary: Donald Trump delivers knockout blow to Nikki Haley Previous incident Prior to the New Year's Day incident, Haley's Kiawah Island home had also been swatted on December 30 last year. At the time, a man called the police and claimed to have shot a woman and threatened to harm himself at her home. Craig Harris, Kiawah Island director of public safety, cleared that it was a fake emergency as Haley was not on the island. “It was determined to be a hoax. Nikki Haley is not on the island and her son is with her,” Harris wrote in the email. Watch | US elections 2024: Donald Trump, Nikki Haley slam Biden over Jordan strikes × What is swatting? Swatting is the filing of false reports to the police to set off a potentially dangerous response by officers. It is often employed as a means to terrorise civil servants to impede the progress of democratic institutions. Haley, a former UN ambassador and a prominent political leader is the only candidate left in the race with ex-president Donald Trump to secure a presidential nomination from the Republican party. So far, she has suffered defeats in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries but has vowed to keep going till the end. Authorities believe that owing to Haley's high-profile nomination race, she has become the target of unruly members of society who are attempting to silence her voice. Since 2020, swatting incidents against political figures has been on the rise in the US. Previous targets include House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, as well as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Nikki Haley targeted in second 'swatting' incident, hoax caller claims she shot her daughter

All eyes are on New Hampshire as the two remaining Republican presidential candidates make their last-minute pitches across the state. The second in a series of state-by-state contests will serve as another test for Donald Trump and Nikki Haley as they fight for their party's presidential nomination.

US: Republicans down to two candidates ahead of New Hampshire Primary

US: GOP nomination down to two candidates ahead of New Hampshire primary

Republican candidates are gearing up for their first primary vote. On January 23rd, voters in New Hampshire will weigh in on what appears to be a rather settled field. To cement his stance further, former president Donald Trump rallied supporters in portsmouth.

Republican candidates campaign for first primary vote in New Hampshire | Race to Power

Hunter Biden made a surprise visit to Capitol Hill hearing on Wednesday and this stirred a political reaction. The Republicans were pushing for a vote to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for not testifying in their impeachment inquiry.

US: Hunter Biden makes appearance at Capitol Hill, suprise visit causes frenzy in Congress

Dozens of Republican Senators headed to the southern border in Texas on Wednesday to draw attention to record migrant crossings and bash the Biden administration's enforcement of immigration laws.

US: Republican Senators visit Texas border over migration crisis

<p>The United States House of Representatives, on Wednesday (Dec 13) voted to formally authorise its ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his son Hunter’s controversial international dealings even though they are yet to find evidence of wrongdoing by the Democratic incumbent. Biden has since slammed the vote as a “baseless political stunt".</p>

<h2><strong>About the vote</strong></h2>

<p>The GOP-led House voted 221-212 along party lines to approve the probe with all Republicans voting in favour and all Democrats voting against it. The inquiry is examining whether Biden improperly benefited from his 53-year-old son Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The vote came hours after the US president’s son refused a call to testify behind closed doors and defied a subpoena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While House Republicans are yet to provide evidence of corruption. The Democratic-led Senate is unlikely to convict the incumbent president even if the inquiry did lead to an actual impeachment trial.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-to-vote-on-formalising-bidens-impeachment-inquiry-on-wednesday-report-668862">US House to vote on formalising Biden's impeachment inquiry on Wednesday: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The vote also took place as the House was due to leave Washington for a year-end holiday break of more than three weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>House Republicans have accused the incumbent Democratic president and his family of improperly profiting from policy decisions that Biden made when he was serving as the vice president during President Barack Obama’s administration between 2009 and 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden slams ‘baseless political stunt’</strong></h2>

<p>The incumbent president swiftly denounced the vote and said, “Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they (Republicans) are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>No evidence&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The effort which will almost certainly fail to remove Biden from office has time and time again been dismissed by the White House and said that the inquiry is unsubstantiated by facts and politically motivated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-not-sure-if-hed-be-seeking-reelection-next-year-if-not-for-rival-trump-666650">Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival</a></strong></p>

<p>Republicans ramped up efforts to impeach Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential election where he might potentially face a rematch with his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump who became the first US president in American history to be impeached twice and is currently preparing for four upcoming criminal trials.</p>

<p>The Wednesday vote comes three months after Republicans informally began the probe when then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy directed a House committee to open an impeachment inquiry, which alone would not be a required step to remove a president or other official from office.</p>

<p>However, the recent vote and authorisation could give Republicans more legal authority to force the Biden administration to cooperate. So far, Republicans have highlighted Hunter’s business ventures in Ukraine and China when Biden was the VP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-house-republican-mccarthy-calls-for-prez-bidens-impeachment-inquiry-white-house-slams-move-635383">US House Speaker McCarthy orders Prez Biden's impeachment inquiry; White House slams move</a></strong></p>

<p>They have also turned up evidence that the 53-year-old son of the incumbent president led clients to believe that he could provide access to the vice president’s office, but they are yet to provide any proof that Biden himself took any official action to help those businesses or benefited financially from them.</p>

<p>“There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen,” said Hunter. On Monday (Dec 11), he defied a committee subpoena to testify behind closed doors, saying that he would only testify in public amid fears that his words would otherwise be misrepresented.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States House of Representatives, on Wednesday (Dec 13) voted to formally authorise its ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his son Hunter’s controversial international dealings even though they are yet to find evidence of wrongdoing by the Democratic incumbent.

The United States House of Representatives, on Wednesday (Dec 13) voted to formally authorise its ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his son Hunter’s controversial international dealings even though they are yet to find evidence of wrongdoing by the Democratic incumbent. Biden has since slammed the vote as a “baseless political stunt". About the vote The GOP-led House voted 221-212 along party lines to approve the probe with all Republicans voting in favour and all Democrats voting against it. The inquiry is examining whether Biden improperly benefited from his 53-year-old son Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. The vote came hours after the US president’s son refused a call to testify behind closed doors and defied a subpoena. While House Republicans are yet to provide evidence of corruption. The Democratic-led Senate is unlikely to convict the incumbent president even if the inquiry did lead to an actual impeachment trial. ALSO READ | US House to vote on formalising Biden's impeachment inquiry on Wednesday: Report The vote also took place as the House was due to leave Washington for a year-end holiday break of more than three weeks. House Republicans have accused the incumbent Democratic president and his family of improperly profiting from policy decisions that Biden made when he was serving as the vice president during President Barack Obama’s administration between 2009 and 2017. Biden slams ‘baseless political stunt’ The incumbent president swiftly denounced the vote and said, “Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they (Republicans) are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts.” No evidence The effort which will almost certainly fail to remove Biden from office has time and time again been dismissed by the White House and said that the inquiry is unsubstantiated by facts and politically motivated. ALSO READ | Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival Republicans ramped up efforts to impeach Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential election where he might potentially face a rematch with his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump who became the first US president in American history to be impeached twice and is currently preparing for four upcoming criminal trials. The Wednesday vote comes three months after Republicans informally began the probe when then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy directed a House committee to open an impeachment inquiry, which alone would not be a required step to remove a president or other official from office. However, the recent vote and authorisation could give Republicans more legal authority to force the Biden administration to cooperate. So far, Republicans have highlighted Hunter’s business ventures in Ukraine and China when Biden was the VP. ALSO READ | US House Speaker McCarthy orders Prez Biden's impeachment inquiry; White House slams move They have also turned up evidence that the 53-year-old son of the incumbent president led clients to believe that he could provide access to the vice president’s office, but they are yet to provide any proof that Biden himself took any official action to help those businesses or benefited financially from them. “There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen,” said Hunter. On Monday (Dec 11), he defied a committee subpoena to testify behind closed doors, saying that he would only testify in public amid fears that his words would otherwise be misrepresented. (With inputs from agencies)

Republican-led House authorises Biden impeachment inquiry; US prez calls it ‘baseless political stunt’

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<p>The Republican majority House on Thursday (Dec 7) voted to censure Democratic congressman Jamaal Bowman for triggering a false fire alarm at the US Capitol complex that forced the evacuation of an office building, prior to a crucial vote in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The GOP-led censure resolution passed by a vote of 214 to 191. It was introduced by Rep. Lissa McClain who defended her resolution saying Bowman pulled the alarm to cause "chaos and stop the House from doing its business". At the time, the lawmakers were scrambling to pass a bill to fund the government before a shutdown deadline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is reprehensible that a member of Congress would go to such lengths to prevent House Republicans from bringing forth a vote to keep the government operating and Americans receiving their paychecks," said McClain during the session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the vote, Bowman was called into the well of the House floor to be officially reprimanded while Speaker Mike Johnson publically announced the censure. Several Democratic lawmakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts walked and stood behind Bowman during the proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scott-morrison-becomes-the-first-former-pm-to-be-censured-by-the-australian-parliament-538686"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Scott Morrison becomes the first former PM to be censured by the Australian parliament</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Bowman pleads guilty&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After being caught on camera, Bowman initially played the innocent card, saying he had pulled the button by mistake as he thought it would open the door.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I was trying to get to a door. I thought the alarm would open the door, and I pulled the fire alarm to open the door by accident. I was just trying to get to my vote and the door that’s usually open wasn’t open, it was closed.” Bowman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in October, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanour count and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine and serve three months of probation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, arguing his case, he took the fight to the Republicans and said the GOP was wasting time by introducing such&nbsp;motions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s painfully obvious to myself, my colleagues and the American people that the Republican Party is deeply unserious and unable to legislate," he said, adding that the censure proves the inability of Republicans to "govern and serve the American people".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-cocaine-in-white-house-exposes-americas-drug-problem-612399"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Cocaine in White House exposes America's drug problem</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What is a censure?</strong></h2>

<p>A censure is a parliamentary jingo and a way for the members to formally express disapproval towards a congressman. It is not as severe as an expulsion. While largely symbolic and unenforceable, censures can have deep political consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bowman becomes the 27th person overall and the third just this year to be censured by the chamber. Last month, the GOP lawmakers censured Rashid Talib for her views on the Israel-Hamas war. In June, Adam Schiff of California was given the tap for his comments from years ago about the investigation into former president Donald Trump's ties to Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Republican majority House on Thursday (Dec 7) voted to censure Democratic congressman Jamaal Bowman for triggering a false fire alarm at the US Capitol complex that forced the evacuation of an office building, prior to a crucial vote in September.

The Republican majority House on Thursday (Dec 7) voted to censure Democratic congressman Jamaal Bowman for triggering a false fire alarm at the US Capitol complex that forced the evacuation of an office building, prior to a crucial vote in September. The GOP-led censure resolution passed by a vote of 214 to 191. It was introduced by Rep. Lissa McClain who defended her resolution saying Bowman pulled the alarm to cause "chaos and stop the House from doing its business". At the time, the lawmakers were scrambling to pass a bill to fund the government before a shutdown deadline. “It is reprehensible that a member of Congress would go to such lengths to prevent House Republicans from bringing forth a vote to keep the government operating and Americans receiving their paychecks," said McClain during the session. After the vote, Bowman was called into the well of the House floor to be officially reprimanded while Speaker Mike Johnson publically announced the censure. Several Democratic lawmakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts walked and stood behind Bowman during the proceedings. Also read | Scott Morrison becomes the first former PM to be censured by the Australian parliament Bowman pleads guilty After being caught on camera, Bowman initially played the innocent card, saying he had pulled the button by mistake as he thought it would open the door. “I was trying to get to a door. I thought the alarm would open the door, and I pulled the fire alarm to open the door by accident. I was just trying to get to my vote and the door that’s usually open wasn’t open, it was closed.” Bowman said. However, in October, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanour count and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine and serve three months of probation. On Wednesday, arguing his case, he took the fight to the Republicans and said the GOP was wasting time by introducing such motions. “It’s painfully obvious to myself, my colleagues and the American people that the Republican Party is deeply unserious and unable to legislate," he said, adding that the censure proves the inability of Republicans to "govern and serve the American people". Watch | Gravitas: Cocaine in White House exposes America's drug problem × What is a censure? A censure is a parliamentary jingo and a way for the members to formally express disapproval towards a congressman. It is not as severe as an expulsion. While largely symbolic and unenforceable, censures can have deep political consequences. Bowman becomes the 27th person overall and the third just this year to be censured by the chamber. Last month, the GOP lawmakers censured Rashid Talib for her views on the Israel-Hamas war. In June, Adam Schiff of California was given the tap for his comments from years ago about the investigation into former president Donald Trump's ties to Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Democrat Jamaal Bowman censured for pulling fire alarm ahead of key US House vote

<p>With less than a year left for the United States presidential elections and a possible rematch between former President Donald Trump and incumbent Joe Biden, the stakes for the upcoming polls are high, and they are about to get much higher.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you have been following the American media recently and noticed the sudden spike in the number of warnings that a second Trump presidency could lead the US – which often seemingly lectures other countries about upholding democratic values – into a dictatorship, by journalists, experts&nbsp;and lawmakers alike, you are not alone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The twice-impeached former president who is currently the Republican frontrunner announced his bid for the White House late last year. Meanwhile, he has been busy keeping up with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-34-felony-charges-against-donald-trump-579366">many legal woes</a>, campaigning for the upcoming elections, and of course, making controversial statements.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘I won’t be a dictator…except on day one’</strong></h2>

<p>The former president making controversial statements is nothing new, but this time around he seemingly confirmed his plans to turn America into an autocracy, which Democrats and even some Republicans have been warning about for months now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the past few days, several prominent American media outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times and the Atlantic have also sounded the alarm that a second Trump presidency could turn the US into a dictatorship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Republican frontrunner appeared in a town hall-style event hosted by Fox News, on Tuesday (Dec 5) before a friendly audience in the US state of Iowa where the party’s nominating contest kicks off next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump, during the interview, was asked twice by host Sean Hannity to deny that he would abuse power to seek revenge on political opponents if re-elected and unsurprisingly he did not. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“You are promising America tonight you would never abuse power as retribution against anybody?” Hannity asked. To which Trump responded “No. No. Other than day one.”</p>

<p>The former president has faced growing Democratic criticism for his rhetoric which included him saying that he would target political rivals, while referring to them as “vermin”, if he wins a second term, for what he has repeatedly argued are politically motivated prosecutions against him.<br />
<br />
On “day one” the Republican said he would use his presidential powers to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hannity also asked Trump if he “in any way” had “any plans whatsoever, if reelected president, to abuse power, to break the law to use the government to go after people.” To which replied by saying “You mean like they’re using right now?”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ironically, the former president’s remarks came a month before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-can-be-sued-for-jan-6-riots-us-court-665328">January 6</a>. On that day, in 2021, Trump, who served as the president between 2017 and 2021, refused to concede that he lost the 2020 election to Biden, and spread false claims that the election was stolen from him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The claims and conspiracy fuelled a deadly insurrection by Trump supporters at the US Capitol who even threatened to “hang” former Vice President Mike Pence to stop him from certifying Biden’s win.</p>

<p>The Democrat White House hopeful’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez was quick to respond and released a statement as soon as the event finished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he will do if he’s re-elected and tonight he said he will be a dictator on day one. Americans should believe him.”</p>

<p>The incumbent president has repeatedly warned that his predecessor is a threat to democracy and if he wins a second term, it could lead to an unprecedented and dangerous age of American autocracy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a campaign event, Biden even cited Trump as one of the reasons he is running for office at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-joe-bidens-age-in-focus-yet-again-as-us-prez-celebrates-81st-birthday-ahead-of-2024-elections-660845">age of 81</a>. “If Trump wasn’t running, I’m not sure I’d be running. But we cannot let him win.”</p>

<p>He also said the former president’s increasingly violent language on the campaign trail including the use of the word “vermin” <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-not-sure-if-hed-be-seeking-reelection-next-year-if-not-for-rival-trump-666650">echoed</a> the language used in Nazi Germany.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Sleepwalking into dictatorship’</strong></h2>

<p>While scathing remarks from political opponents are unsurprising, people from Trump’s party have raised similar concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Liz Cheney, who once served as chair of the House Republican Conference and whose opposition to Trump’s presidency alienated her from her party members, said she would prefer if Democrats won in the 2024 elections as she feared the US was “sleepwalking into dictatorship”.</p>

<p>In an interview with CBS, Cheney suggested that since the Republican congressional majority would blindly follow Trump, his second term in office would be a tangible “threat” to American democracy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also said how the US was “sort of sleepwalking into dictatorship” with Trump emerging as the Republican frontrunner and a clear favourite for the party’s presidential nomination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cheney, who also chaired the congressional probe of the attack on the Capitol, said a Trump dictatorship is a “very real threat” if he wins the upcoming election. So real that she is weighing a third-party presidential run of her own to try to stop him.</p>

<h2><strong>What about American media?</strong></h2>

<p>In an article written in The WaPo titled, “A Trump dictatorship is increasingly inevitable. We should stop pretending,” conservative commentator Robert Kagan compared the former president to the power-grabbing Roman emperor Julius Caesar&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also warned that if he came to it, not even the US Constitution and Supreme Court could prevent Trump being “president for life” if he wanted.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the NYT, in a recent analysis wrote that a second term could unleash a “darker President Trump” worse than what he was during his first term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former president has repeatedly “spoken <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-alarmed-after-trump-practically-hugged-kim-minister-144120">admiringly</a> of autocrats for decades” and would likely follow their example, including employing loyalists in civil services and using the Justice Department to crack down on opponents, the Times noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NYT also claimed that Trump and his allies are finding ways to use a radical interpretation of “unitary executive theory” that grants unprecedented power to the president arguing that he holds total control of the executive branch, and rejects constraints on presidential power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Atlantic magazine dedicated its entire January-February 2024 issue to what a Trump presidency would look like, with an editor’s note aptly titled, “A Warning.”</p>

<p>The special edition of the monthly magazine titled “If Trump Wins” includes two dozen articles about how the twice-impeached, four-time indicted Republican who is also facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-significance-of-donald-trump-mugshot-629224">90 criminal charges</a>, including some for attempting to overturn the results of the last election, would weaponise the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We can’t participate in the normalization of Donald Trump,” Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic told CNN. Goldberg also spoke about how he believes “that a second Trump term poses a threat to the existence of America as we know it.”</p>

<h2><strong>An American autocracy?</strong></h2>

<p>From US lawmakers to the American media, together they paint a bleak picture of an angrier yet disciplined and organised Trump who would seek vengeance on his perceived enemies and try to stay in power beyond the two-term limit. &nbsp;</p>

<p>There was “no question” Trump would try to stay in office beyond 2028, said Cheney, calling the January 6 riot a mere “practice run”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


With less than a year left for the United States presidential elections and a possible rematch between former President Donald Trump and incumbent Joe Biden, the stakes for the upcoming polls are high, and they are about to get much higher.

With less than a year left for the United States presidential elections and a possible rematch between former President Donald Trump and incumbent Joe Biden, the stakes for the upcoming polls are high, and they are about to get much higher. If you have been following the American media recently and noticed the sudden spike in the number of warnings that a second Trump presidency could lead the US – which often seemingly lectures other countries about upholding democratic values – into a dictatorship, by journalists, experts and lawmakers alike, you are not alone. The twice-impeached former president who is currently the Republican frontrunner announced his bid for the White House late last year. Meanwhile, he has been busy keeping up with his many legal woes, campaigning for the upcoming elections, and of course, making controversial statements. ‘I won’t be a dictator…except on day one’ The former president making controversial statements is nothing new, but this time around he seemingly confirmed his plans to turn America into an autocracy, which Democrats and even some Republicans have been warning about for months now. Over the past few days, several prominent American media outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times and the Atlantic have also sounded the alarm that a second Trump presidency could turn the US into a dictatorship. The Republican frontrunner appeared in a town hall-style event hosted by Fox News, on Tuesday (Dec 5) before a friendly audience in the US state of Iowa where the party’s nominating contest kicks off next month. Trump, during the interview, was asked twice by host Sean Hannity to deny that he would abuse power to seek revenge on political opponents if re-elected and unsurprisingly he did not. “You are promising America tonight you would never abuse power as retribution against anybody?” Hannity asked. To which Trump responded “No. No. Other than day one.” The former president has faced growing Democratic criticism for his rhetoric which included him saying that he would target political rivals, while referring to them as “vermin”, if he wins a second term, for what he has repeatedly argued are politically motivated prosecutions against him. On “day one” the Republican said he would use his presidential powers to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling. Hannity also asked Trump if he “in any way” had “any plans whatsoever, if reelected president, to abuse power, to break the law to use the government to go after people.” To which replied by saying “You mean like they’re using right now?” Ironically, the former president’s remarks came a month before January 6. On that day, in 2021, Trump, who served as the president between 2017 and 2021, refused to concede that he lost the 2020 election to Biden, and spread false claims that the election was stolen from him. The claims and conspiracy fuelled a deadly insurrection by Trump supporters at the US Capitol who even threatened to “hang” former Vice President Mike Pence to stop him from certifying Biden’s win. The Democrat White House hopeful’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez was quick to respond and released a statement as soon as the event finished. “Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he will do if he’s re-elected and tonight he said he will be a dictator on day one. Americans should believe him.” The incumbent president has repeatedly warned that his predecessor is a threat to democracy and if he wins a second term, it could lead to an unprecedented and dangerous age of American autocracy. During a campaign event, Biden even cited Trump as one of the reasons he is running for office at the age of 81. “If Trump wasn’t running, I’m not sure I’d be running. But we cannot let him win.” He also said the former president’s increasingly violent language on the campaign trail including the use of the word “vermin” echoed the language used in Nazi Germany. ‘Sleepwalking into dictatorship’ While scathing remarks from political opponents are unsurprising, people from Trump’s party have raised similar concerns. Liz Cheney, who once served as chair of the House Republican Conference and whose opposition to Trump’s presidency alienated her from her party members, said she would prefer if Democrats won in the 2024 elections as she feared the US was “sleepwalking into dictatorship”. In an interview with CBS, Cheney suggested that since the Republican congressional majority would blindly follow Trump, his second term in office would be a tangible “threat” to American democracy. She also said how the US was “sort of sleepwalking into dictatorship” with Trump emerging as the Republican frontrunner and a clear favourite for the party’s presidential nomination. Cheney, who also chaired the congressional probe of the attack on the Capitol, said a Trump dictatorship is a “very real threat” if he wins the upcoming election. So real that she is weighing a third-party presidential run of her own to try to stop him. What about American media? In an article written in The WaPo titled, “A Trump dictatorship is increasingly inevitable. We should stop pretending,” conservative commentator Robert Kagan compared the former president to the power-grabbing Roman emperor Julius Caesar He also warned that if he came to it, not even the US Constitution and Supreme Court could prevent Trump being “president for life” if he wanted. Meanwhile, the NYT, in a recent analysis wrote that a second term could unleash a “darker President Trump” worse than what he was during his first term. The former president has repeatedly “spoken admiringly of autocrats for decades” and would likely follow their example, including employing loyalists in civil services and using the Justice Department to crack down on opponents, the Times noted. The NYT also claimed that Trump and his allies are finding ways to use a radical interpretation of “unitary executive theory” that grants unprecedented power to the president arguing that he holds total control of the executive branch, and rejects constraints on presidential power. The Atlantic magazine dedicated its entire January-February 2024 issue to what a Trump presidency would look like, with an editor’s note aptly titled, “A Warning.” The special edition of the monthly magazine titled “If Trump Wins” includes two dozen articles about how the twice-impeached, four-time indicted Republican who is also facing 90 criminal charges, including some for attempting to overturn the results of the last election, would weaponise the government. “We can’t participate in the normalization of Donald Trump,” Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic told CNN. Goldberg also spoke about how he believes “that a second Trump term poses a threat to the existence of America as we know it.” An American autocracy? From US lawmakers to the American media, together they paint a bleak picture of an angrier yet disciplined and organised Trump who would seek vengeance on his perceived enemies and try to stay in power beyond the two-term limit. There was “no question” Trump would try to stay in office beyond 2028, said Cheney, calling the January 6 riot a mere “practice run”. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Trump says he won’t be a dictator if he becomes president. American media, lawmakers say otherwise

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<p>A US federal appeals court on Friday (Dec 1) stated that former president Donald Trump can be sued over the events of January 6, 2021, that led to the attack on the US Capitol with his supporters attempting to overturn the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan who wrote the opinion, everything a president does or says while in office is not protected under presidential immunity. The judge cited several examples where Trump or, for that matter, any president was not protected from liability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is not that President Trump could not establish his entitlement to immunity...it is that he has not done so," read the ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals in Washington observed that when a first-term president seeks a second term, his re-election campaign is not an official presidential act.</p>

<p>"When a sitting president running for a second term... speaks at a campaign rally funded and organised by his re-election campaign committee, he is not carrying out the official duties of the presidency. He is acting as office-seeker, not office-holder," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opinion concluded that when the 'president' acts outside the functions of the office, he does not continue to enjoy immunity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When he acts in an unofficial, private capacity, he is subject to civil suits like any private citizen.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/capitol-hill-riots-probe-no-end-to-trumps-troubles-jan-6-panel-releases-witness-testimony-545654"><strong>Watch | Capitol Hill Riots probe: No end to Trump's troubles; Jan 6 panel releases witness testimony</strong></a></p>

<h2><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/capitol-hill-riots-probe-no-end-to-trumps-troubles-jan-6-panel-releases-witness-testimony-545654/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></h2>

<h2><strong>Ramifications for Trump?</strong></h2>

<p>The decision by the court allows three lawsuits against Trump, brought by the Capitol Police officers and members of Congress to go through. Half a dozen other lawsuits previously filed against Trump might also emerge from dormancy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision could have significant ramifications as Trump prepares for the 2024 presidential elections. He already is facing a barrage of other court cases but being tried for the insurrection attempts could have the worst possible effect on his campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, a US Congressional panel report held Trump responsible for the January 6 riots. The committee called for Trump to never be allowed to hold office again. To substantiate the claims, the report cited at least 200 acts where Trump and his allies attempted to overturn the presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 800-page report was published after conducting 1,000-plus interviews and examination of a large number of documents, phone records, texts and more.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US federal appeals court on Friday (Dec 1) stated that former president Donald Trump can be sued over the events of January 6, 2021, that led to the attack on the US Capitol with his supporters attempting to overturn the election.

A US federal appeals court on Friday (Dec 1) stated that former president Donald Trump can be sued over the events of January 6, 2021, that led to the attack on the US Capitol with his supporters attempting to overturn the election. According to Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan who wrote the opinion, everything a president does or says while in office is not protected under presidential immunity. The judge cited several examples where Trump or, for that matter, any president was not protected from liability. "It is not that President Trump could not establish his entitlement to immunity...it is that he has not done so," read the ruling. The three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals in Washington observed that when a first-term president seeks a second term, his re-election campaign is not an official presidential act. "When a sitting president running for a second term... speaks at a campaign rally funded and organised by his re-election campaign committee, he is not carrying out the official duties of the presidency. He is acting as office-seeker, not office-holder," it added. The opinion concluded that when the 'president' acts outside the functions of the office, he does not continue to enjoy immunity. "When he acts in an unofficial, private capacity, he is subject to civil suits like any private citizen.” Watch | Capitol Hill Riots probe: No end to Trump's troubles; Jan 6 panel releases witness testimony Ramifications for Trump? The decision by the court allows three lawsuits against Trump, brought by the Capitol Police officers and members of Congress to go through. Half a dozen other lawsuits previously filed against Trump might also emerge from dormancy. The decision could have significant ramifications as Trump prepares for the 2024 presidential elections. He already is facing a barrage of other court cases but being tried for the insurrection attempts could have the worst possible effect on his campaign. Last year, a US Congressional panel report held Trump responsible for the January 6 riots. The committee called for Trump to never be allowed to hold office again. To substantiate the claims, the report cited at least 200 acts where Trump and his allies attempted to overturn the presidential election. The 800-page report was published after conducting 1,000-plus interviews and examination of a large number of documents, phone records, texts and more. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump doesn't have 'presidential immunity', can be sued for Jan 6 riots, says appeals court

<p>The United States House of Representatives&nbsp;on Thursday (Nov 30) passed a resolution which would block Iran from ever accessing the $6 billion that Washington recently transferred to Qatar as part of a controversial prisoner swap which took place earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The House Republicans pushed the measure in response to Tehran’s alleged role in the deadly October 7 attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In September, Iran and the US held a prisoner swap which saw the exchange of five American citizens who were detained in Tehran with the same number of Iranians held in Washington. The swap also included the unfreezing of at least $6 billion of Iranian money by US President Joe Biden’s administration.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act’</strong></h2>

<p>The resolution titled ‘No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act’ in the lower chamber of Congress was passed with 307-119 votes as Republicans supposedly sought to hold the Biden administration accountable for what they called complicity in funding Iranian-backed terrorism in the Middle East.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-american-detainees-fly-out-of-iran-in-swap-deal-after-6-billion-unfrozen-637211">US and Iran swap prisoners after Qatar-brokered deal unfreezes $6 billion of Iranian oil money</a></strong></p>

<p>“With such instability in the region, the last thing we need to do is to give access to $6 billion to be diverted to more Iranian-sponsored terrorism,” said Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, during the debate, as quoted by the Associated Press.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, US officials have maintained they have not transferred even a single dollar to Iran yet and even when they do, it will be used for humanitarian needs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But critics, including several House Republicans, have said that despite the money being used for humanitarian aid, it could free up other funds for Iran to provide support to Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes amid reports of Tehran’s alleged involvement and support for the Palestinian militant group ahead of their October 7 attacks on Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The resolution also includes measures like imposing new sanctions on the funds to prevent the transfer of any monies to Iran and threatens to sanction any government or individual involved in the processing of the transfer of the funds.</p>

<h2><strong>Did US, Qatar agree to freeze Iran’s $6 billion after the prisoner swap?</strong></h2>

<p>The $6 billion frozen in South Korea had been generated by Iran through oil sales to Seoul. It was stuck after the US under former president Donald Trump reimposed sanctions as he withdrew from a landmark nuclear accord of 2015.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-truce-should-continue-as-its-producing-results-says-blinken-664846">Gaza truce should continue as it's 'producing results,' says Blinken</a></strong></p>

<p>However, days after Hamas attacked Israel, American media citing sources said that the US and the Qatari governments have agreed to block Iran from accessing any of the $6 billion it gained access to as part of a prisoner swap deal without&nbsp;any timeframe for how long the two governments plan to do so.</p>

<p>The Republican-backed resolution will now go to the Senate but may not receive any backing from the Democratic majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as Democrats have defended the Biden administration’s decision to transfer the money in exchange for the American citizens held in Tehran saying that Iran has lost the leverage of holding US nationals as hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States House of Representatives on Thursday (Nov 30) passed a resolution which would block Iran from ever accessing the $6 billion that Washington recently transferred to Qatar as part of a controversial prisoner swap which took place earlier this year.

The United States House of Representatives on Thursday (Nov 30) passed a resolution which would block Iran from ever accessing the $6 billion that Washington recently transferred to Qatar as part of a controversial prisoner swap which took place earlier this year. The House Republicans pushed the measure in response to Tehran’s alleged role in the deadly October 7 attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel. In September, Iran and the US held a prisoner swap which saw the exchange of five American citizens who were detained in Tehran with the same number of Iranians held in Washington. The swap also included the unfreezing of at least $6 billion of Iranian money by US President Joe Biden’s administration. ‘No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act’ The resolution titled ‘No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act’ in the lower chamber of Congress was passed with 307-119 votes as Republicans supposedly sought to hold the Biden administration accountable for what they called complicity in funding Iranian-backed terrorism in the Middle East. ALSO READ | US and Iran swap prisoners after Qatar-brokered deal unfreezes $6 billion of Iranian oil money “With such instability in the region, the last thing we need to do is to give access to $6 billion to be diverted to more Iranian-sponsored terrorism,” said Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, during the debate, as quoted by the Associated Press. However, US officials have maintained they have not transferred even a single dollar to Iran yet and even when they do, it will be used for humanitarian needs. But critics, including several House Republicans, have said that despite the money being used for humanitarian aid, it could free up other funds for Iran to provide support to Hamas. This comes amid reports of Tehran’s alleged involvement and support for the Palestinian militant group ahead of their October 7 attacks on Israel. The resolution also includes measures like imposing new sanctions on the funds to prevent the transfer of any monies to Iran and threatens to sanction any government or individual involved in the processing of the transfer of the funds. Did US, Qatar agree to freeze Iran’s $6 billion after the prisoner swap? The $6 billion frozen in South Korea had been generated by Iran through oil sales to Seoul. It was stuck after the US under former president Donald Trump reimposed sanctions as he withdrew from a landmark nuclear accord of 2015. ALSO READ | Gaza truce should continue as it's 'producing results,' says Blinken However, days after Hamas attacked Israel, American media citing sources said that the US and the Qatari governments have agreed to block Iran from accessing any of the $6 billion it gained access to as part of a prisoner swap deal without any timeframe for how long the two governments plan to do so. The Republican-backed resolution will now go to the Senate but may not receive any backing from the Democratic majority. This comes as Democrats have defended the Biden administration’s decision to transfer the money in exchange for the American citizens held in Tehran saying that Iran has lost the leverage of holding US nationals as hostages. (With inputs from agencies)

US House passes resolution to block Iran’s access to $6 bn oil money after prisoner swap

<p>It was a Tuesday worth remembering for the Democrats as the party&nbsp;reaped significant gains in the off-year elections in some states, offering them a glimmer of hope ahead of the 2024 US presidential polls.</p>

<p>In two states, Democrats-backed candidates were handed victory, while in Ohio, the abortion rights activists prevailed over the naysayers, which experts believe would set the tone for national debates in the upcoming presidential polls.</p>

<p>The off-year elections are considered to be the bellwether of the 2024 presidential elections, and it is believed that Tuesday’s win would have major implications in US politics.</p>

<h2><strong>Democrats win in Trump’s county</strong></h2>

<p>Kentucky has historically elected the Republicans in the national elections. Donald Trump’s victory by a wide margin in 2020 is a testament to that.</p>

<p>But incumbent Democrat Governor Andy Beshear won a second term against Republican rival Daniel Cameron.</p>

<p>While Beshear’s first term was focused on his response to a series of natural disasters and the pandemic, his re-election campaign harped on abortion rights.</p>

<p>He portrayed Republican Cameron as too extreme on the issue, pointing to his support for the state’s abortion ban, which lacks exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest.</p>

<h2><strong>Once wrongfully jailed, now a member of New York City Council</strong></h2>

<p>Yusef Salaam was wrongfully jailed in an infamous rape case. He was one of five black and Hispanic boys who were wrongfully accused of raping a jogger in Central Park in 1989.</p>

<p>The case gripped New York City and the group became known as the Central Park Five.</p>

<p>Salaam, who was 15 at the time, was jailed for several years before a serial rapist confessed to the crime and the group's convictions were vacated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ohio-votes-to-legalise-recreational-marijuana-but-opponents-say-fight-not-over-656440">Ohio votes to legalise recreational marijuana but opponents say ‘fight not over’</a></p>

<p>On Tuesday (Nov 7), Salaam, a Democrat, was elected unopposed to a central Harlem district in one of many local elections held across New York state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ohio-voters-add-abortion-rights-to-states-constitution-approve-marijuana-legalisation-656366">Ohio voters add abortion rights to state’s constitution, Biden says 'MAGA lost'</a></p>

<p>He had won the Democratic primary in July that assured his election.</p>

<p>"For me, this means that we can really become our ancestors' wildest dreams," Salaam said in an interview before the polls.</p>

<h2><strong>Abortion remains a top issue in Ohio</strong></h2>

<p>In Ohio, voters backed an amendment to the state's constitution that will guarantee abortion rights, marking a major victory for pro-choice campaigners in the state.</p>

<p>According to CBS News, about 57 per cent of voters in the conservative-leaning state backed the measure.</p>

<p>The amendment will change the state's constitution to include protections for abortion access. It will establish "an individual right to one's own reproductive medical treatment", including abortion, contraception and miscarriage care. It will take effect on December 7, 30 days after the election.</p>

<p>The success in Kentucky and Ohio has significantly bolstered the Democrats' hopes that abortion rights remain a winning issue ahead of elections in 2024.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


It was a Tuesday worth remembering for the Democrats as the party reaped significant gains in the off-year elections in some states, offering them a glimmer of hope ahead of the 2024 US presidential polls.

It was a Tuesday worth remembering for the Democrats as the party reaped significant gains in the off-year elections in some states, offering them a glimmer of hope ahead of the 2024 US presidential polls. In two states, Democrats-backed candidates were handed victory, while in Ohio, the abortion rights activists prevailed over the naysayers, which experts believe would set the tone for national debates in the upcoming presidential polls. The off-year elections are considered to be the bellwether of the 2024 presidential elections, and it is believed that Tuesday’s win would have major implications in US politics. Democrats win in Trump’s county Kentucky has historically elected the Republicans in the national elections. Donald Trump’s victory by a wide margin in 2020 is a testament to that. But incumbent Democrat Governor Andy Beshear won a second term against Republican rival Daniel Cameron. While Beshear’s first term was focused on his response to a series of natural disasters and the pandemic, his re-election campaign harped on abortion rights. He portrayed Republican Cameron as too extreme on the issue, pointing to his support for the state’s abortion ban, which lacks exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest. Once wrongfully jailed, now a member of New York City Council Yusef Salaam was wrongfully jailed in an infamous rape case. He was one of five black and Hispanic boys who were wrongfully accused of raping a jogger in Central Park in 1989. The case gripped New York City and the group became known as the Central Park Five. Salaam, who was 15 at the time, was jailed for several years before a serial rapist confessed to the crime and the group's convictions were vacated. Also read | Ohio votes to legalise recreational marijuana but opponents say ‘fight not over’ On Tuesday (Nov 7), Salaam, a Democrat, was elected unopposed to a central Harlem district in one of many local elections held across New York state. Also read | Ohio voters add abortion rights to state’s constitution, Biden says 'MAGA lost' He had won the Democratic primary in July that assured his election. "For me, this means that we can really become our ancestors' wildest dreams," Salaam said in an interview before the polls. Abortion remains a top issue in Ohio In Ohio, voters backed an amendment to the state's constitution that will guarantee abortion rights, marking a major victory for pro-choice campaigners in the state. According to CBS News, about 57 per cent of voters in the conservative-leaning state backed the measure. The amendment will change the state's constitution to include protections for abortion access. It will establish "an individual right to one's own reproductive medical treatment", including abortion, contraception and miscarriage care. It will take effect on December 7, 30 days after the election. The success in Kentucky and Ohio has significantly bolstered the Democrats' hopes that abortion rights remain a winning issue ahead of elections in 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Big win for Democrats in Kentucky, Ohio and New York: Here’s a round-up of off-year elections

Following Kevin McCarthy's removal three weeks ago, there had been a turbulent 22-day vacancy until Mike Johnson was sworn in as the 56th Speaker of the House Representatives.

Republican Mike Johnson of Louisiana elected as speaker of the House

Republicans elect Mike Johnson as 56th speaker of the House

The United States of America, the Republican US house of Representatives still has no speaker. Watch our report to know more.

Republicans begin hunt for new Speaker, Mike Johnson announced as fourth nominee

<p>With 25 fellow Republicans opposing, Jim Jordan's third bid to become the next US House Speaker has now officially come to an end. It was the third time this week that Jim Jordan failed to win a majority. A total of&nbsp;194 voted in favour of the rightwing lawmaker. As many as 210 backed minority leader Hakeem Jeffries.</p>

<p>One of the interesting trends seen in the last three votes is that Jordan is gradually falling short of the required support to become the House Speaker. In the second vote, which was held on Wednesday (Oct 18), 22 Republicans voted against Jordan. 20 opposed him on Tuesday (Oct 17).&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Jordan jumped back in the race for House Speaker, soon after saying that he will not throw his hat in the ring for another bid. It is now over two weeks that the US House is leaderless and is in limbo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-detains-another-american-journalist-heres-what-we-know-649362">Explained: Russia detains another American journalist. Here’s what we know</a></p>

<p>Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted on October 3 by his own party memebers,&nbsp;in a historical moment in US history. For the first time in its 234-year history, the House backed a resolution "to vacate the office of the Speaker" with a 216-210 vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 58-year-old McCarthy was backlashed by Republican hardliners after he supported Democrats to pass a stopgap funding measure to evade a government shutdown. McCarthy's ouster was spearheaded by Republican lawmaker Matt Gaetz.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/africa/niger-military-says-late-night-escape-bid-of-president-bazoum-thwarted-649360">Niger military says late night escape bid of President Bazoum thwarted</a></p>

<p>Gaetz was the one who initiated the resolution against McCarthy from the leadership in the House.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-orthodox-church-hit-by-israeli-airstrike-649357">Israel-Palestine war: Orthodox church hit by Israeli Airstrike</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Chaos is somebody who we cannot trust with their word. The one thing that the White House, House Democrats, and many of us on the conservative side of the Republican caucus would argue is that the thing we have in common- Kevin McCarthy said something to all of us at one point or another that he didn't really mean and never intended to live up to," Gaetz said during the vote.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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With 25 fellow Republicans opposing, Jim Jordan's third bid to become the next US House Speaker has now officially come to an end. It was the third time this week that Jim Jordan failed to win a majority.

With 25 fellow Republicans opposing, Jim Jordan's third bid to become the next US House Speaker has now officially come to an end. It was the third time this week that Jim Jordan failed to win a majority. A total of 194 voted in favour of the rightwing lawmaker. As many as 210 backed minority leader Hakeem Jeffries. One of the interesting trends seen in the last three votes is that Jordan is gradually falling short of the required support to become the House Speaker. In the second vote, which was held on Wednesday (Oct 18), 22 Republicans voted against Jordan. 20 opposed him on Tuesday (Oct 17). This comes after Jordan jumped back in the race for House Speaker, soon after saying that he will not throw his hat in the ring for another bid. It is now over two weeks that the US House is leaderless and is in limbo. Also Read | Explained: Russia detains another American journalist. Here’s what we know Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted on October 3 by his own party memebers, in a historical moment in US history. For the first time in its 234-year history, the House backed a resolution "to vacate the office of the Speaker" with a 216-210 vote. The 58-year-old McCarthy was backlashed by Republican hardliners after he supported Democrats to pass a stopgap funding measure to evade a government shutdown. McCarthy's ouster was spearheaded by Republican lawmaker Matt Gaetz. Also Read | Niger military says late night escape bid of President Bazoum thwarted Gaetz was the one who initiated the resolution against McCarthy from the leadership in the House. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Orthodox church hit by Israeli Airstrike × "Chaos is somebody who we cannot trust with their word. The one thing that the White House, House Democrats, and many of us on the conservative side of the Republican caucus would argue is that the thing we have in common- Kevin McCarthy said something to all of us at one point or another that he didn't really mean and never intended to live up to," Gaetz said during the vote. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Republicans obstruct Jim Jordan's third bid to become House speaker, 25 vote against him

Republicans in the US House of Representatives sought to select a new leader of the chamber on Friday, but it was doubtful if any would be able to overcome the internal conflicts that caused presumed heir Steve Scalise to withdraw from consideration.

US: House Republicans try again to pick leader

Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise have become the first two Republicans to join the race to replace Kevin McCarthy, who was voted out as Speaker in an unprecedented move on Tuesday.

US: Republicans complain of rushed process to choose a new speaker

Republican lawmakers in the United States are divided over whether to provide military aid to Ukraine or focus on arming Taiwan. With no speaker in the House of Representatives, additional US Aid to Ukraine is hanging in the balance.

Republicans want less aid for Ukraine and more for Taiwan

Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise have become the first two Republicans to join the race to replace Kevin McCarthy, who was voted out as Speaker in an unprecedented move on Tuesday. While Donald Trump posts photo of himself in the speaker chair.

Race for US House Speaker: Donald Trump posts photo of himself in the speaker chair

<p>A recent Gallup poll has unveiled a shift in public sentiment, with Republicans now holding a substantial lead over Democrats in terms of economic trust, Bloomberg reported. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This development marks the first time in 32 years that Republicans have outpaced Democrats on this crucial issue, with 53 per cent of Americans expressing confidence in the GOP's (Grand Old Party’s) ability to strengthen the economy, while 39 per cent favour Democrats. The 14-point lead showcases a dramatic change since 1991, posing challenges for President Joe Biden's re-election campaign, as concerns over inflation and job security persistently dominate public discourse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The poll's findings serve as a clear indicator of the hurdles facing President Biden in his quest for a second term. Despite a robust job market and steady economic growth, nearly three-fourths of Americans harbour pessimism about the state of the economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Biden's administration has actively sought to reshape public perception regarding its economic stewardship. Under the banner of "Bidenomics," the administration has emphasised efforts to reduce consumer costs. This includes initiatives such as capping insulin prices for seniors, allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and lowering health-care premiums. Despite these efforts, the impact on public sentiment appears limited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Historically, Republicans held an advantage in the economic arena during the mid-to-late 1980s. However, they fell behind or were closely matched by Democrats starting in the mid-1990s, reaching a low point during the Great Recession in 2007. Gallup's long-term tracking data reveals that Republicans have consistently received higher ratings than Democrats on economic matters for much of the past decade, except for a brief period in 2020 when GOP leaders in Congress resisted passing additional pandemic relief funding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The poll also highlights a broader trend of negative sentiment toward both major political parties. A majority of respondents, 56 per cent, expressed unfavourable views of the Republican Party, while 58 per cent held an unfavourable view of the Democratic Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Conducted between September 1 and 23, 2023, across all 50 states, the Gallup poll surveyed 1,106 adults. The margin of error for the poll stands at plus or minus four percentage points.&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from Bloomberg)&nbsp;</i></p>

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A recent Gallup poll has unveiled a shift in public sentiment, with Republicans now holding a substantial lead over Democrats in terms of economic trust, Bloomberg reported.

A recent Gallup poll has unveiled a shift in public sentiment, with Republicans now holding a substantial lead over Democrats in terms of economic trust, Bloomberg reported. This development marks the first time in 32 years that Republicans have outpaced Democrats on this crucial issue, with 53 per cent of Americans expressing confidence in the GOP's (Grand Old Party’s) ability to strengthen the economy, while 39 per cent favour Democrats. The 14-point lead showcases a dramatic change since 1991, posing challenges for President Joe Biden's re-election campaign, as concerns over inflation and job security persistently dominate public discourse. The poll's findings serve as a clear indicator of the hurdles facing President Biden in his quest for a second term. Despite a robust job market and steady economic growth, nearly three-fourths of Americans harbour pessimism about the state of the economy. President Biden's administration has actively sought to reshape public perception regarding its economic stewardship. Under the banner of "Bidenomics," the administration has emphasised efforts to reduce consumer costs. This includes initiatives such as capping insulin prices for seniors, allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and lowering health-care premiums. Despite these efforts, the impact on public sentiment appears limited. Historically, Republicans held an advantage in the economic arena during the mid-to-late 1980s. However, they fell behind or were closely matched by Democrats starting in the mid-1990s, reaching a low point during the Great Recession in 2007. Gallup's long-term tracking data reveals that Republicans have consistently received higher ratings than Democrats on economic matters for much of the past decade, except for a brief period in 2020 when GOP leaders in Congress resisted passing additional pandemic relief funding. The poll also highlights a broader trend of negative sentiment toward both major political parties. A majority of respondents, 56 per cent, expressed unfavourable views of the Republican Party, while 58 per cent held an unfavourable view of the Democratic Party. Conducted between September 1 and 23, 2023, across all 50 states, the Gallup poll surveyed 1,106 adults. The margin of error for the poll stands at plus or minus four percentage points. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Republicans surge ahead of Democrats in economic trust: Gallup poll

Kevin McCarthy was axed Tuesday as speaker of the US House of Representatives in a brutal, historic rebellion by far-right Republicans furious at his cooperation with Democrats.

Kevin McCarthy has been ousted as House speaker

<p>A group of conservative rebels among Republicans in the House of Representatives of the United States on Friday (Sep 29) rejected a bill for temporarily funding the government proposed by their leader, almost ensuring that the federal agencies will partially shut down, starting from Sunday.<br />
<br />
The House, in a 232-198 vote, rejected a measure which would have extended the government funding by 30 days and stopped the agencies from shutting down.<br />
<br />
The bill, if passed, would have restricted immigration and slashed spending of the government. After the bill's rejection, the Republicans, who control the chamber by 221-212, are now left without a clear strategy to avoid a shutdown which would close national parks, stop salaries for around 4 million federal workers and place everything from financial oversight to scientific research, if the funding is not extended beyond 12:01 a.m. ET (0401 GMT) on Sunday.<br />
<br />
After the voting on the bill, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy stated that the chamber may pass a funding extension without the policies of conservatives which had alienated Democrats. However, he did not speak about what would happen next. The chamber is likely to conduct more voting on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-likely-to-happen-if-us-government-shutdown-on-october-1-639264">Explained | What is likely to happen if US government shuts down on October 1?</a></p>

<p>"It's only a failure if you quit," he said while speaking to reporters. It was unclear whether the Senate would act in time. On Saturday afternoon, the chamber was due to take up a bipartisan bill which would fund the government through November 17, however, procedural hurdles can delay a final vote until Tuesday.<br />
<br />
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Friday said that a government shutdown would "undermine" the economic progress of the country by idling programmes for small businesses and can also delay the improvements to be incorporated into major infrastructure.<br />
<br />
The shutdown, if happens, will be the fourth in a decade and will take place just four months after the US government faced a similar standoff when it was on the verge of defaulting on its $31 trillion debt.</p>

<h2><strong>Shutdown to take heavy toll on military: Biden</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden said that a shutdown can take a heavy toll on the armed forces.<br />
<br />
"We can't be playing politics while our troops stand in the breach. It's an absolute dereliction of duty," said Biden, a Democrat, at a retirement ceremony for Mark Milley, a senior general.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US could face its fourth partial government shutdown in a decade</strong></p>

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<p><br />
McCarthy had wished for the win of the border provisions of the Republican spending bill, which so far defied efforts to avert a shutdown.<br />
<br />
By the end of the voting, 21 hardline House Republicans extended support to Democrats for defeating the measure. "There are members who don't care whether the government stays open or it shuts down. The ones that I believe are OK with a shutdown have never been through a shutdown,” said Republican Representative Kat Cammack, while speaking to reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A group of conservative rebels among Republicans in the House of Representatives of the United States on Friday (Sep 29) rejected a bill for temporarily funding the government proposed by their leader, almost ensuring that the federal agencies will partially shut down, starting from Sunday.

A group of conservative rebels among Republicans in the House of Representatives of the United States on Friday (Sep 29) rejected a bill for temporarily funding the government proposed by their leader, almost ensuring that the federal agencies will partially shut down, starting from Sunday. The House, in a 232-198 vote, rejected a measure which would have extended the government funding by 30 days and stopped the agencies from shutting down. The bill, if passed, would have restricted immigration and slashed spending of the government. After the bill's rejection, the Republicans, who control the chamber by 221-212, are now left without a clear strategy to avoid a shutdown which would close national parks, stop salaries for around 4 million federal workers and place everything from financial oversight to scientific research, if the funding is not extended beyond 12:01 a.m. ET (0401 GMT) on Sunday. After the voting on the bill, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy stated that the chamber may pass a funding extension without the policies of conservatives which had alienated Democrats. However, he did not speak about what would happen next. The chamber is likely to conduct more voting on Saturday. ALSO READ | Explained | What is likely to happen if US government shuts down on October 1? "It's only a failure if you quit," he said while speaking to reporters. It was unclear whether the Senate would act in time. On Saturday afternoon, the chamber was due to take up a bipartisan bill which would fund the government through November 17, however, procedural hurdles can delay a final vote until Tuesday. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Friday said that a government shutdown would "undermine" the economic progress of the country by idling programmes for small businesses and can also delay the improvements to be incorporated into major infrastructure. The shutdown, if happens, will be the fourth in a decade and will take place just four months after the US government faced a similar standoff when it was on the verge of defaulting on its $31 trillion debt. Shutdown to take heavy toll on military: Biden United States President Joe Biden said that a shutdown can take a heavy toll on the armed forces. "We can't be playing politics while our troops stand in the breach. It's an absolute dereliction of duty," said Biden, a Democrat, at a retirement ceremony for Mark Milley, a senior general. WATCH | Gravitas: US could face its fourth partial government shutdown in a decade McCarthy had wished for the win of the border provisions of the Republican spending bill, which so far defied efforts to avert a shutdown. By the end of the voting, 21 hardline House Republicans extended support to Democrats for defeating the measure. "There are members who don't care whether the government stays open or it shuts down. The ones that I believe are OK with a shutdown have never been through a shutdown,” said Republican Representative Kat Cammack, while speaking to reporters. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Conservative rebels reject Republicans’ short-term funding bill, US government teeters towards shutdown

Republicans in the US House of Representatives on Friday, September 29, rejected a bill put forth by their leader to temporarily fund the government, guaranteeing that the federal agencies will begin a partial shutdown on Sunday.

US: House Republicans reject own bill to extend funding by 30 days

<p>In a speech at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim, former US President Donald Trump made some highly provocative statements where he talked about ways to deal with robbers. He&nbsp;said&nbsp;robbers should be straight away shot by police as they leave the robbed stores, media reports said. His remarks are nothing new as they are consistent with his previous positions, but his endorsement of violent responses to criminal activity certainly represented an escalation, reported AP news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his speech, Trump advocated for severe consequences for individuals involved in robberies, stating, "If you rob a store, you can fully expect to be shot as you are leaving that store." This part of his speech garnered enthusiastic applause from the audience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-female-soldiers-banned-from-prison-guard-duty-after-alleged-sex-with-palestinian-inmates-641284">Israeli female soldiers banned from prison guard duty after alleged sex with Palestinian inmates</a></p>

<p>"The word that they shoot you will get out within minutes and our nation, in one day, will be an entirely different place," Trump said Friday (September 29) and added, "There must be retribution for theft and destruction and the ruination of our country."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's at the end of this clip where he said this (see quoted post)...😂<br />
<br />
President Trump promises to restore law &amp; order...including allowing people to shoot thugs who come in their stores to loot &amp; pillage! <a href="https://t.co/Xu4Vz0AoVg">https://t.co/Xu4Vz0AoVg</a> <a href="https://t.co/rMR6OmCvCl">pic.twitter.com/rMR6OmCvCl</a></p>
— Lisa Mei (@TheNotoriousLMC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousLMC/status/1707898226202862059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump has a long history of advocating for tough measures on various fronts, including immigration and crime.&nbsp;As per reports, the former US president previously suggested shooting migrants to prevent border crossings and proposed the death penalty for drug dealers, human traffickers, and those convicted of killing police officers.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-says-over-100000-have-fled-nagorno-karabakh-fuel-depot-blast-death-toll-rises-to-170-641264">Armenia says over 100,000 have fled Nagorno-Karabakh; fuel depot blast death toll rises to 170</a></p>

<p>His comments during his first year in office also included encouraging police to be rougher in their treatment of suspects.&nbsp;"Please don't be too nice," Trump had reportedly told police at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Crime in California</strong></h2>

<p>Trump's stance on crime comes as California is grappling with rising rates of homicides and other violent crimes. The state has also faced challenges such as rampant car break-ins, drug-related issues in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, and illegal street racing activities on a new $588-million bridge in Los Angeles, reported AP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-president-putin-discusses-ukraine-war-with-top-wagner-commander-641293">Russia’s President Putin discusses Ukraine war with top Wagner commander</a></strong></p>

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<p>With his fiery California speech, Trump tried to tap into the frustration of California Republicans with the state's Democratic leadership, blaming them for issues such as homelessness, open borders, high taxes, inequality, and rising crime.</p>

<p>He said that California is a symbol of national decline and promised to work to improve current dire circumstances.</p>

<p>"We will reverse the decline of America and we will end the desecration of your once great state, California," Trump said and added, "This is not a great state anymore. This is a dumping ground. You're a dumping ground. The world is being dumped into California. Prisoners. Terrorists. Mental patients."</p>

<p>Despite facing significant defeats in California in previous elections, Trump claimed that these outcomes were the result of fraud and expressed confidence in winning the state in the next general election.</p>

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In a speech at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim, former US President Donald Trump made some highly provocative statements where he talked about ways to deal with robbers.

In a speech at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim, former US President Donald Trump made some highly provocative statements where he talked about ways to deal with robbers. He said robbers should be straight away shot by police as they leave the robbed stores, media reports said. His remarks are nothing new as they are consistent with his previous positions, but his endorsement of violent responses to criminal activity certainly represented an escalation, reported AP news agency. During his speech, Trump advocated for severe consequences for individuals involved in robberies, stating, "If you rob a store, you can fully expect to be shot as you are leaving that store." This part of his speech garnered enthusiastic applause from the audience. Also Read | Israeli female soldiers banned from prison guard duty after alleged sex with Palestinian inmates "The word that they shoot you will get out within minutes and our nation, in one day, will be an entirely different place," Trump said Friday (September 29) and added, "There must be retribution for theft and destruction and the ruination of our country." It's at the end of this clip where he said this (see quoted post)...😂 President Trump promises to restore law & order...including allowing people to shoot thugs who come in their stores to loot & pillage! https://t.co/Xu4Vz0AoVg pic.twitter.com/rMR6OmCvCl — Lisa Mei (@TheNotoriousLMC) September 29, 2023 × Trump has a long history of advocating for tough measures on various fronts, including immigration and crime. As per reports, the former US president previously suggested shooting migrants to prevent border crossings and proposed the death penalty for drug dealers, human traffickers, and those convicted of killing police officers. Also Read | Armenia says over 100,000 have fled Nagorno-Karabakh; fuel depot blast death toll rises to 170 His comments during his first year in office also included encouraging police to be rougher in their treatment of suspects. "Please don't be too nice," Trump had reportedly told police at the time. Crime in California Trump's stance on crime comes as California is grappling with rising rates of homicides and other violent crimes. The state has also faced challenges such as rampant car break-ins, drug-related issues in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, and illegal street racing activities on a new $588-million bridge in Los Angeles, reported AP. Watch | Russia’s President Putin discusses Ukraine war with top Wagner commander × With his fiery California speech, Trump tried to tap into the frustration of California Republicans with the state's Democratic leadership, blaming them for issues such as homelessness, open borders, high taxes, inequality, and rising crime. He said that California is a symbol of national decline and promised to work to improve current dire circumstances. "We will reverse the decline of America and we will end the desecration of your once great state, California," Trump said and added, "This is not a great state anymore. This is a dumping ground. You're a dumping ground. The world is being dumped into California. Prisoners. Terrorists. Mental patients." Despite facing significant defeats in California in previous elections, Trump claimed that these outcomes were the result of fraud and expressed confidence in winning the state in the next general election. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Watch | Trump advocates shooting robbers in fiery California speech

Here, we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: In their first hearing on Thursday, the Republicans spearheading the investigation into President Joe Biden's impeachment provided specifics of foreign payments made to his family members, but they omitted any proof that the Democratic president had benefited directly.

Republicans open first hearing in Biden impeachment inquiry

US President Joe Biden chastised "extreme Republicans" on Saturday, stating that party members must act quickly to avert a government shutdown before a deadline of September 30.

Biden: Republicans should live up to budget deal

<p>United States House Republicans plan to hold the first hearing in the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden next week, said a spokesperson for the GOP-led panel, on Tuesday (September 19).</p>

<p>This comes a week after House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he is directing a House committee to open an impeachment inquiry into the Democratic president over his family’s business dealings.</p>

<h2><strong>When will the hearing take place?</strong></h2>

<p>The hearing which will reportedly take place on September 28, is set to “focus on constitutional and legal questions surrounding the President’s involvement in corruption and abuse of public office,” said a spokesperson for the House Oversight Committee, as quoted by the New York Post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Oversight Committee will continue to follow the evidence and money trail to provide the transparency and accountability that Americans demand from their government,” the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-house-republican-mccarthy-calls-for-prez-bidens-impeachment-inquiry-white-house-slams-move-635383">US House Speaker McCarthy orders Prez Biden's impeachment inquiry; White House slams move</a></strong></p>

<p>Oversight Chair James Comer, ahead of the hearing, said that he plans to subpoena the bank records of the US president's&nbsp;son Hunter Biden and his brother James Biden. “We’ll be issuing the details hopefully by the end of the day or first thing in the morning,” said Comer.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the impeachment inquiry about?</strong></h2>

<p>McCarthy said last Tuesday (Sep 12) that the House Oversight Committee’s investigation so far has found a “culture of corruption” around the Biden family, in reference to the probe sought by Republicans into dealings of the incumbent president’s son, Hunter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also alleged that the Democratic president had lied to the American people about his son’s foreign business dealings when he was serving as the vice president under Barack Obama. The issue has also been a constant target for the GOP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Republicans, who now narrowly control the House, have repeatedly accused Biden of profiting from his son’s foreign business ventures while he served as vice president, but have not reportedly provided any substantial evidence for their claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-ramps-up-efforts-against-potential-impeachment-inquiry-against-biden-632445">White House ramps up efforts against potential impeachment inquiry against Biden</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked if the hearing would reveal new evidence, Comer, a Republican from the US state of Kentucky said, “I think that some of you need to have a refresher course on the existing evidence, so we’ll probably rehash some of that if for no other purpose (than) to help educate the Washington, D.C., press corps,” in an apparent jibe at the media, as quoted by The Hill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inquiry also comes ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. Notably, the&nbsp;House, then controlled by Democrats, impeached former US president and now Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in 2019 and 2021.</p>

<p>While he was acquitted both times after the impeachment resolution failed to gain a majority in the Senate, it was also previously reported that some hardline Republicans had threatened to remove McCarthy as the speaker of the House if he did not back impeachment efforts against Biden.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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United States House Republicans plan to hold the first hearing in the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden next week, said a spokesperson for the GOP-led panel, on Tuesday (September 19).

United States House Republicans plan to hold the first hearing in the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden next week, said a spokesperson for the GOP-led panel, on Tuesday (September 19). This comes a week after House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he is directing a House committee to open an impeachment inquiry into the Democratic president over his family’s business dealings. When will the hearing take place? The hearing which will reportedly take place on September 28, is set to “focus on constitutional and legal questions surrounding the President’s involvement in corruption and abuse of public office,” said a spokesperson for the House Oversight Committee, as quoted by the New York Post. “The Oversight Committee will continue to follow the evidence and money trail to provide the transparency and accountability that Americans demand from their government,” the statement added. ALSO READ | US House Speaker McCarthy orders Prez Biden's impeachment inquiry; White House slams move Oversight Chair James Comer, ahead of the hearing, said that he plans to subpoena the bank records of the US president's son Hunter Biden and his brother James Biden. “We’ll be issuing the details hopefully by the end of the day or first thing in the morning,” said Comer. What is the impeachment inquiry about? McCarthy said last Tuesday (Sep 12) that the House Oversight Committee’s investigation so far has found a “culture of corruption” around the Biden family, in reference to the probe sought by Republicans into dealings of the incumbent president’s son, Hunter. He also alleged that the Democratic president had lied to the American people about his son’s foreign business dealings when he was serving as the vice president under Barack Obama. The issue has also been a constant target for the GOP. Republicans, who now narrowly control the House, have repeatedly accused Biden of profiting from his son’s foreign business ventures while he served as vice president, but have not reportedly provided any substantial evidence for their claim. ALSO READ | White House ramps up efforts against potential impeachment inquiry against Biden When asked if the hearing would reveal new evidence, Comer, a Republican from the US state of Kentucky said, “I think that some of you need to have a refresher course on the existing evidence, so we’ll probably rehash some of that if for no other purpose (than) to help educate the Washington, D.C., press corps,” in an apparent jibe at the media, as quoted by The Hill. The inquiry also comes ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. Notably, the House, then controlled by Democrats, impeached former US president and now Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in 2019 and 2021. While he was acquitted both times after the impeachment resolution failed to gain a majority in the Senate, it was also previously reported that some hardline Republicans had threatened to remove McCarthy as the speaker of the House if he did not back impeachment efforts against Biden. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US House Republicans to hold first impeachment hearing against President Biden next week

<p>The war of words between GOP presidential nomination hopefuls Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley continues to heat up. In the latest exchange, 38-year-old Ramaswamy on his campaign website referred to Haley by her Indian birth name.</p>

<p>In an updated section of the website, aimed at dispelling the myths about him, Ramaswamy slammed Haley for her criticism of his position on the US relationship with Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"WRONG. Keep lying, Nimarata Randhawa. The desperation is showing," read the website under the "Vivek Doesn't Support Israel" section.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Don’t believe the opponents’ lies that he wants to cut aid to Israel – which makes zero sense as a foreign policy priority any time in the foreseeable future. We will not leave Israel hanging out to dry – ever. (But that didn’t stop his opponents from pouncing to lie about his position)."</p>

<p>Notably, Haley has addressed questions about her full name previously. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, dated 20 May 2018, Haley cleared the air by stating:&nbsp;"Nikki is my name on my birth certificate. I married a Haley. I was born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa and married Michael Haley."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nikki is my name on my birth certificate. I married a Haley. I was born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa and married Michael Haley.</p>
— Archive: Ambassador Nikki Haley (@AmbNikkiHaley) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbNikkiHaley/status/998051865433640966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>The first GOP debate&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, the two sparred over Ukraine and Israel funding by the US at the debate stage in Milwaukee. Haley slammed Ramaswamy for lacking foreign policy experience and supporting a 'dictator' like Russian President Vladimir Putin while 'leaving' a friend like Israel.</p>

<p>Nearly an hour into the debate, the Fox News moderators posed questions on the Ukraine war and asked the eight candidates if they would continue supporting/funding Kyiv in its war against Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pastor-attacks-vivek-ramaswamys-hindu-faith-says-there-will-be-strange-gods-in-white-house-628599"><strong>Watch | Trump pastor attacks Vivek Ramaswamy’s Hindu faith, says there will be “strange gods in White House”</strong></a></p>

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<p>While the majority&nbsp;vowed to continue support to Ukraine, Ramaswamy took a defiantly opposite position. Seizing in on the opportunity, Haley called out Ramaswamy for his position on Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan, he wants to go and stop funding Israel,” said Haley, adding:&nbsp;You don’t do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-have-no-experience-haley-blasts-ramaswamy-for-his-foreign-policy-during-gop-debate-628686"><strong>Also read | You have no experience...: Haley blasts Ramaswamy for his foreign policy stance during GOP debate</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite Ramswamy's arguments, Haley continued to push back. “Look at what Putin did today. He killed [Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny] Prigozhin. When I was at the UN, the Russian ambassador suddenly died. This guy is a murderer and you are choosing a murderer," Haley said.</p>

<p>"You have no experience in foreign policy, and it shows," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To which Ramaswamy replied, referring to top US defence contractors: “I wish you well in your future career on the boards of Lockheed [Martin] and Raytheon."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The war of words between GOP presidential nomination hopefuls Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley continues to heat up. In the latest exchange, 38-year-old Ramaswamy on his campaign website referred to Haley by her Indian birth name.

The war of words between GOP presidential nomination hopefuls Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley continues to heat up. In the latest exchange, 38-year-old Ramaswamy on his campaign website referred to Haley by her Indian birth name. In an updated section of the website, aimed at dispelling the myths about him, Ramaswamy slammed Haley for her criticism of his position on the US relationship with Israel. "WRONG. Keep lying, Nimarata Randhawa. The desperation is showing," read the website under the "Vivek Doesn't Support Israel" section. "Don’t believe the opponents’ lies that he wants to cut aid to Israel – which makes zero sense as a foreign policy priority any time in the foreseeable future. We will not leave Israel hanging out to dry – ever. (But that didn’t stop his opponents from pouncing to lie about his position)." Notably, Haley has addressed questions about her full name previously. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, dated 20 May 2018, Haley cleared the air by stating: "Nikki is my name on my birth certificate. I married a Haley. I was born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa and married Michael Haley." Nikki is my name on my birth certificate. I married a Haley. I was born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa and married Michael Haley. — Archive: Ambassador Nikki Haley (@AmbNikkiHaley) May 20, 2018 × The first GOP debate Last week, the two sparred over Ukraine and Israel funding by the US at the debate stage in Milwaukee. Haley slammed Ramaswamy for lacking foreign policy experience and supporting a 'dictator' like Russian President Vladimir Putin while 'leaving' a friend like Israel. Nearly an hour into the debate, the Fox News moderators posed questions on the Ukraine war and asked the eight candidates if they would continue supporting/funding Kyiv in its war against Moscow. Watch | Trump pastor attacks Vivek Ramaswamy’s Hindu faith, says there will be “strange gods in White House” While the majority vowed to continue support to Ukraine, Ramaswamy took a defiantly opposite position. Seizing in on the opportunity, Haley called out Ramaswamy for his position on Israel. “He wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan, he wants to go and stop funding Israel,” said Haley, adding: You don’t do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends.” Also read | You have no experience...: Haley blasts Ramaswamy for his foreign policy stance during GOP debate Despite Ramswamy's arguments, Haley continued to push back. “Look at what Putin did today. He killed [Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny] Prigozhin. When I was at the UN, the Russian ambassador suddenly died. This guy is a murderer and you are choosing a murderer," Haley said. "You have no experience in foreign policy, and it shows," she added. To which Ramaswamy replied, referring to top US defence contractors: “I wish you well in your future career on the boards of Lockheed [Martin] and Raytheon." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Keep Lying, Nimarata Randhawa’: Ramaswamy slams Nikki Haley by using her birth name

<p>Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Republican primary debates, Reuters reported. However, Trump did not specify&nbsp;whether he will opt out of all the Republican debates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He took the decision basis his leading position in the recent opinion polls. It is worth noting that the recent polls reflect the dominance of former president Trump in the Republican quarters.&nbsp;The most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll from this month indicated that Trump commands 47 per cent of the Republican vote nationally. Meanwhile, Trump's rival and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis saw a decline of six percentage points from July, settling at 13 per cent. The other debate participants continue to struggle with single-digit levels of support.</p>

<p>This development comes after The New York Times reported that the former president, instead of participating in the upcoming&nbsp;Republican primary debate, will&nbsp;be sitting with former Fox News presenter&nbsp;Tucker Carlson for an online interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, now Trump has put a stop to all the anticipation. Taking to the social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "The public knows who I am &amp; what a successful Presidency I had."&nbsp;"I will therefore not be doing the debates," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the post, the former US president asserted that he has "legendary" numbers in opinion polls and therefore his popularity among voters for the 2024 election makes his participation unnecessary.<img alt="Image" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4AiKQlaEAAYPfC?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096" /></p>

<p>Trump has previously hinted at his intention to forego the debate scheduled for Wednesday evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His rationale is rooted in his belief that granting his Republican competitors the opportunity to launch attacks against him is illogical, given his substantial lead in national polls.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecowas-rejects-niger-coup-leaders-pitch-to-restore-civilian-rule-in-three-years-627364">ECOWAS rejects Niger coup leader's pledge to restore civilian rule in three years</a></p>

<h2><strong>DeSantis' response</strong></h2>

<p>By abstaining from this week's debate, Trump could potentially shift the focus of criticism by other Republicans towards DeSantis. This scenario might prompt other candidates to position themselves as viable alternatives to the former president.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-president-ramaphosa-calls-for-unsc-reform-sets-pitch-for-brics-expansion-ahead-of-summit-627366">South Africa's President Ramaphosa calls for UNSC reform, sets pitch for BRICS expansion ahead of summit</a></p>

<p>The ultimate winner of the Republican nomination will face Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for DeSantis' campaign Andrew Romeo, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, "No one is entitled to this nomination, including Donald Trump. You have to show up and earn it."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan: President Arif Alvi denies signing of key laws</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Ongoing legal situation</strong></h2>

<p>Parallel to these political developments, Trump faces a deadline of Friday to voluntarily surrender in Fulton County, Georgia. He was recently indicted for the fourth time on charges related to an alleged scheme aimed at overturning his 2020 election.</p>

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Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Republican primary debates, Reuters reported. However, Trump did not specify whether he will opt out of all the Republican debates.

Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Republican primary debates, Reuters reported. However, Trump did not specify whether he will opt out of all the Republican debates. He took the decision basis his leading position in the recent opinion polls. It is worth noting that the recent polls reflect the dominance of former president Trump in the Republican quarters. The most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll from this month indicated that Trump commands 47 per cent of the Republican vote nationally. Meanwhile, Trump's rival and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis saw a decline of six percentage points from July, settling at 13 per cent. The other debate participants continue to struggle with single-digit levels of support. This development comes after The New York Times reported that the former president, instead of participating in the upcoming Republican primary debate, will be sitting with former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson for an online interview. However, now Trump has put a stop to all the anticipation. Taking to the social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had." "I will therefore not be doing the debates," he added. In the post, the former US president asserted that he has "legendary" numbers in opinion polls and therefore his popularity among voters for the 2024 election makes his participation unnecessary. Trump has previously hinted at his intention to forego the debate scheduled for Wednesday evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His rationale is rooted in his belief that granting his Republican competitors the opportunity to launch attacks against him is illogical, given his substantial lead in national polls. Also Read | ECOWAS rejects Niger coup leader's pledge to restore civilian rule in three years DeSantis' response By abstaining from this week's debate, Trump could potentially shift the focus of criticism by other Republicans towards DeSantis. This scenario might prompt other candidates to position themselves as viable alternatives to the former president. Also Read | South Africa's President Ramaphosa calls for UNSC reform, sets pitch for BRICS expansion ahead of summit The ultimate winner of the Republican nomination will face Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election. A spokesperson for DeSantis' campaign Andrew Romeo, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, "No one is entitled to this nomination, including Donald Trump. You have to show up and earn it." Watch | Pakistan: President Arif Alvi denies signing of key laws × Ongoing legal situation Parallel to these political developments, Trump faces a deadline of Friday to voluntarily surrender in Fulton County, Georgia. He was recently indicted for the fourth time on charges related to an alleged scheme aimed at overturning his 2020 election. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Trump to skip Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls

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