As the Amazon fire raged and the Brazilian government rejected G7 aid, US President Trump that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-open-to-g7-aid-if-macron-withdraws-insults-246047">President Jair Bolsonaro</a> was "working very hard on the Amazon fires".

Trump said in all respects Bolsonaro was doing a great job for the people of Brazil, adding that it wasn't easy.

"He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!, the US president said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have gotten to know President <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jairbolsonaro</a> well in our dealings with Brazil. He is working very hard on the Amazon fires and in all respects doing a great job for the people of Brazil - Not easy. He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1166357258726498304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Tuesday, Bolsonaro's government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-rejects-g7-aid-of-20-million-euros-to-fight-amazon-fires-245885">had refused G7 aid of 20 million euros</a> to fight the Amazon fires with Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro asserting that the money was "more relevant to reforest Europe".

"Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni asked.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drone-reveals-aftermath-of-amazon-fires-245993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hundreds of new fires have flared up in the Amazon in Brazil, data showed Monday, even as military aircraft dumped water over hard-hit areas and G7 nations pledged to help combat the blazes.

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying thousands of liters of water on Sunday had begun dousing fires devouring chunks of the world's largest rainforest, which is seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check.

According to the latest official figures, 80,626 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since at least 2013. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As the Amazon fire raged and the Brazilian government rejected G7 aid, US President Trump that President Jair Bolsonaro was "working very hard on the Amazon fires".

As the Amazon fire raged and the Brazilian government rejected G7 aid, US President Trump that President Jair Bolsonaro was "working very hard on the Amazon fires". Trump said in all respects Bolsonaro was doing a great job for the people of Brazil, adding that it wasn't easy. "He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!, the US president said. I have gotten to know President @jairbolsonaro well in our dealings with Brazil. He is working very hard on the Amazon fires and in all respects doing a great job for the people of Brazil - Not easy. He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2019 × On Tuesday, Bolsonaro's government had refused G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight the Amazon fires with Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro asserting that the money was "more relevant to reforest Europe". "Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni asked. Watch Video: Hundreds of new fires have flared up in the Amazon in Brazil, data showed Monday, even as military aircraft dumped water over hard-hit areas and G7 nations pledged to help combat the blazes. Two C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying thousands of liters of water on Sunday had begun dousing fires devouring chunks of the world's largest rainforest, which is seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check. According to the latest official figures, 80,626 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since at least 2013.

Bolsonaro working very hard on Amazon fires, doing a great job: Trump

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/signs-of-hope-as-donald-trump-says-us-china-trade-talks-back-on-245748">Donald Trump</a> on Monday denied an Axios report that he wanted to drop nuclear bombs on hurricanes before they made landfall in the United States, calling it "ridiculous".

During a briefing, Trump asked if it would be possible to disrupt <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-barry-makes-landfall-in-louisiana-weakens-to-tropical-storm-235627">hurricanes forming off</a> the coast of Africa by dropping a nuclear bomb in the eye of the storm, a report on the Axios website said on Sunday.

According to an anonymous source, the news website said that attendees left the hurricane briefing thinking, "What do we do with this?"

Axios did not say when this conversation took place.&nbsp;

But Trump slammed the story, calling it "fake news," in his latest swipe at the media.

"The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS!" he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1165918301932916736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The White House declined to comment on the report earlier, but Axios quoted a senior administration official as saying Trump's "objective is not bad."

Axios said the president had previously made a similar suggestion in a 2017 conversation, asking a senior official whether the administration should bomb hurricanes to prevent them making landfall.

Trump did not specify in 2017 that nuclear bombs be used.

The idea of bombing hurricanes is not a new one -- and was originally proposed by a government scientist in the 1950s under President Dwight Eisenhower.

Since then it has continued to pop up, even though scientists agree it would not work. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a page dedicated to the concept.

"During each hurricane season, there always appear suggestions that one should simply use nuclear weapons to try and destroy the storms," the NOAA said.

Not only would a bomb not alter a storm, the winds would quickly spread radioactive fallout over nearby land, NOAA added.

"Needless to say, this is not a good idea," said NOAA.

The US is regularly pummeled by hurricanes. In 2017 one named Harvey became the strongest hurricane to make landfall in 12 years. 
Twitter lit up with reactions to the Axios story, with many users appearing shocked.

"Not 'The Onion,'" one user wrote, referring to the satirical news publication known for outlandish headlines.

"What could possibly go wrong?" asked another.

Many tweets also included the hashtag&nbsp;

#ThatsHowTheApocalypseStarted.

Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris weighed in as well, tweeting, "Dude's gotta go."

US President Donald Trump on Monday denied an Axios report that he wanted to drop nuclear bombs on hurricanes before they made landfall in the United States, calling it "ridiculous".

US President Donald Trump on Monday denied an Axios report that he wanted to drop nuclear bombs on hurricanes before they made landfall in the United States, calling it "ridiculous". During a briefing, Trump asked if it would be possible to disrupt hurricanes forming off the coast of Africa by dropping a nuclear bomb in the eye of the storm, a report on the Axios website said on Sunday. According to an anonymous source, the news website said that attendees left the hurricane briefing thinking, "What do we do with this?" Axios did not say when this conversation took place. But Trump slammed the story, calling it "fake news," in his latest swipe at the media. "The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS!" he tweeted. The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2019 × The White House declined to comment on the report earlier, but Axios quoted a senior administration official as saying Trump's "objective is not bad." Axios said the president had previously made a similar suggestion in a 2017 conversation, asking a senior official whether the administration should bomb hurricanes to prevent them making landfall. Trump did not specify in 2017 that nuclear bombs be used. The idea of bombing hurricanes is not a new one -- and was originally proposed by a government scientist in the 1950s under President Dwight Eisenhower. Since then it has continued to pop up, even though scientists agree it would not work. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a page dedicated to the concept. "During each hurricane season, there always appear suggestions that one should simply use nuclear weapons to try and destroy the storms," the NOAA said. Not only would a bomb not alter a storm, the winds would quickly spread radioactive fallout over nearby land, NOAA added. "Needless to say, this is not a good idea," said NOAA. The US is regularly pummeled by hurricanes. In 2017 one named Harvey became the strongest hurricane to make landfall in 12 years. Twitter lit up with reactions to the Axios story, with many users appearing shocked. "Not 'The Onion,'" one user wrote, referring to the satirical news publication known for outlandish headlines. "What could possibly go wrong?" asked another. Many tweets also included the hashtag #ThatsHowTheApocalypseStarted. Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris weighed in as well, tweeting, "Dude's gotta go."

Donald Trump slams report that he wanted to use nuclear weapons to break up hurricanes

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he wanted to see a strong Iran and was not seeking regime change in Tehran, adding that the way Iranians were being forced to live was unacceptable, reported news agency Reuters.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he wanted to see a strong Iran and was not seeking regime change in Tehran, adding that the way Iranians were being forced to live was unacceptable, reported news agency Reuters. ''Not looking for regime change in Iran,'' Trump was quoted as saying on the sidelines of G7 summit in Biarritz, France. Talking to reporters at a summit, Trump said he had not been surprised that France had invited Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for talks on Sunday on the sidelines of the G7 gathering. Trump said that he told the French President Emmanuel Macron to 'go-ahead' on Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's surprise G7 visit. However, he said that he had not wanted to see Zarif himself, adding that it was 'too soon' for him to meet Iran foreign minister.

Not looking for regime change in Iran, says Trump at G7 summit

When President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had second thoughts about escalating the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hits-out-at-bullying-us-over-new-tariffs-245352"> trade war with China</a>, he meant that he wished he had raised tariffs on Beijing even higher, the White House said.

Trump, who announced higher tariffs on Chinese goods last week, raised eyebrows during a meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the G7 when he responded in the affirmative to questions from reporters on whether he had any second thoughts about the tariff move.

White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham sought to explain the remark.

"His answer has been greatly misinterpreted. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-order-us-companies-to-immediately-look-for-an-alternative-to-china-trump-245191">President Trump</a> responded in the affirmative - because he regrets not raising the tariffs higher," she said in a statement.

Trump on Friday set an additional 5% duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods, hours after China unveiled retaliatory tariffs on $75 billion worth of US goods.

The moves were the latest round in a tit-for-tat trade war between the world`s two largest economies that has damaged global growth, upset allies, and raised market fears that the world economy will tip into a recession.

Watch: Trump slaps new tariffs on China, Additional 5% Tariff On Chinese Imports

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-slaps-new-tariffs-on-china-additional-5-tariff-on-chinese-imports-245251/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

During his meeting with Johnson on Sunday in France, Trump was asked if he had second thoughts about his latest escalation.

"Yeah, sure. Why not?" he said.

The reporter repeated the question and Trump replied: "Might as well. Might as well."

A second reporter followed up again, asking if he had second thoughts about escalating the trade war with China.

"I have second thoughts about everything," Trump responded. 
The president's responses were unusual because he has been largely resolute in his demands that China changes its trade practices and that tariffs were a successful tool to encourage Beijing to do so.

On Friday, upset about China`s retaliation, the president said he was ordering U.S. companies to find alternatives to doing business in China and move operations back to the United States.

It was unclear what Trump could do to legally compel US companies to abandon China.

Asked on Sunday if he would declare a national emergency over the issue, Trump said he had the right to do so but had no plans in the works.

"I could declare a national emergency. I think when they steal and take out, and -- intellectual property theft, anywhere from $300 billion to $500 billion a year, and where we have a total loss of almost a trillion dollars a year ... in many ways, that`s an emergency," he said.

"I have no plan right now. We're getting along very well with China right now. We're talking. I think they want to make a deal much more than I do."

When President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had second thoughts about escalating the trade war with China, he meant that he wished he had raised tariffs on Beijing even higher, the White House said.

When President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had second thoughts about escalating the trade war with China, he meant that he wished he had raised tariffs on Beijing even higher, the White House said. Trump, who announced higher tariffs on Chinese goods last week, raised eyebrows during a meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the G7 when he responded in the affirmative to questions from reporters on whether he had any second thoughts about the tariff move. White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham sought to explain the remark. "His answer has been greatly misinterpreted. President Trump responded in the affirmative - because he regrets not raising the tariffs higher," she said in a statement. Trump on Friday set an additional 5% duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods, hours after China unveiled retaliatory tariffs on $75 billion worth of US goods. The moves were the latest round in a tit-for-tat trade war between the world`s two largest economies that has damaged global growth, upset allies, and raised market fears that the world economy will tip into a recession. Watch: Trump slaps new tariffs on China, Additional 5% Tariff On Chinese Imports × During his meeting with Johnson on Sunday in France, Trump was asked if he had second thoughts about his latest escalation. "Yeah, sure. Why not?" he said. The reporter repeated the question and Trump replied: "Might as well. Might as well." A second reporter followed up again, asking if he had second thoughts about escalating the trade war with China. "I have second thoughts about everything," Trump responded. The president's responses were unusual because he has been largely resolute in his demands that China changes its trade practices and that tariffs were a successful tool to encourage Beijing to do so. On Friday, upset about China`s retaliation, the president said he was ordering U.S. companies to find alternatives to doing business in China and move operations back to the United States. It was unclear what Trump could do to legally compel US companies to abandon China. Asked on Sunday if he would declare a national emergency over the issue, Trump said he had the right to do so but had no plans in the works. "I could declare a national emergency. I think when they steal and take out, and -- intellectual property theft, anywhere from $300 billion to $500 billion a year, and where we have a total loss of almost a trillion dollars a year ... in many ways, that`s an emergency," he said. "I have no plan right now. We're getting along very well with China right now. We're talking. I think they want to make a deal much more than I do."

Trump's only regret on China is 'not raising the tariffs higher': White House

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-very-worried-about-trade-tensions-tariff-hikes-245371">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson </a>on Saturday urged US President Donald Trump to remove the "considerable barriers" for UK companies seeking to export to the American market, saying they risked impeding a free-trade deal after Brexit.

Speaking as the Group of Seven summit of top nations got underway in Biarritz, Johnson pointed to a string of UK products -- ranging from shower trays to Britain's beloved pork pies -- that he said were not allowed on the American market.

"I think there is a massive opportunity for Britain, but we must understand that it is not all going to be plain sailing," Johnson told reporters.

"There remain very considerable barriers in the US to British businesses which are not widely understood," he said, adding that he had raised this in telephone discussions with Trump, and would do so again when they meet for bilateral talks on Sunday morning.

"It is very important, if we are going to do a fantastic free trade deal, it is a free trade that works in the interests of British business," he said.

Johnson and other supporters of Britain's exit from the European Union see a trade deal with the US as key to making a success of Brexit, by creating new opportunities for British firms.

The issue could become a rare bone of contention between Johnson and Trump, with the pair having warm relations dating back to well before the British premier arrived in office last month.

Their meeting on Saturday will be their first face-to-face encounter since Johnson became prime minister.

In a flourish characteristic of Johnson, he complained in particular that Americans can't savour Britain's famed Melton Mowbray pork pies, which he said are sold even in Thailand and Iceland.

The pastries "are currently unable to enter the US market because of, I don't know, some sort of Food and Drug Administration restriction," he said, without specifying further.

"There are massive opportunities for UK companies to open up, to prise open the American market," he insisted.

"We intend to seize those opportunities but they are going to require our American friends to compromise and to open up their approach, because currently there are too many restrictions," he said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday urged US President Donald Trump to remove the "considerable barriers" for UK companies seeking to export to the American market, saying they risked impeding a free-trade deal after Brexit.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday urged US President Donald Trump to remove the "considerable barriers" for UK companies seeking to export to the American market, saying they risked impeding a free-trade deal after Brexit. Speaking as the Group of Seven summit of top nations got underway in Biarritz, Johnson pointed to a string of UK products -- ranging from shower trays to Britain's beloved pork pies -- that he said were not allowed on the American market. "I think there is a massive opportunity for Britain, but we must understand that it is not all going to be plain sailing," Johnson told reporters. "There remain very considerable barriers in the US to British businesses which are not widely understood," he said, adding that he had raised this in telephone discussions with Trump, and would do so again when they meet for bilateral talks on Sunday morning. "It is very important, if we are going to do a fantastic free trade deal, it is a free trade that works in the interests of British business," he said. Johnson and other supporters of Britain's exit from the European Union see a trade deal with the US as key to making a success of Brexit, by creating new opportunities for British firms. The issue could become a rare bone of contention between Johnson and Trump, with the pair having warm relations dating back to well before the British premier arrived in office last month. Their meeting on Saturday will be their first face-to-face encounter since Johnson became prime minister. In a flourish characteristic of Johnson, he complained in particular that Americans can't savour Britain's famed Melton Mowbray pork pies, which he said are sold even in Thailand and Iceland. The pastries "are currently unable to enter the US market because of, I don't know, some sort of Food and Drug Administration restriction," he said, without specifying further. "There are massive opportunities for UK companies to open up, to prise open the American market," he insisted. "We intend to seize those opportunities but they are going to require our American friends to compromise and to open up their approach, because currently there are too many restrictions," he said.

Boris Johnson urges Trump to remove 'considerable barriers' for UK trade

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-would-tax-french-wine-in-response-to-digital-tax-245250">US President Donald Trump</a> on Sunday said he was getting along well with his Western allies at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-and-economy-in-focus-as-g7-leaders-get-down-to-work-245426">G7 summit in France</a>, dismissing reports of rifts among leaders as they prepared to discuss global trade woes.

The G7 gathering is taking place against a backdrop of growing worries about a global economic downturn and coincides with an era of international disunity across an array of issues that have strained decades-old allegiances.

"Before I arrived in France, the Fake and Disgusting News was saying that relations with the 6 others countries in the G-7 are very tense, and that the two days of meetings will be a disaster," Trump wrote on Twitter shortly before meeting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"Well, we are having very good meetings, the Leaders are getting along very well, and our Country, economically, is doing great - the talk of the world!"

However, major policy differences over trade protectionism, climate change, Iran and France's push for a universal tax on digital technology giants clouded the run-up to the summit in the Atlantic coastal resort of Biarritz.

Trump arrived in France just hours after escalating his trade war with China in a tit-for-tat battle between the world's two largest economies that has spooked financial markets.

"I am very worried about the way it's going, the growth of protectionism, of tariffs that we're seeing," the UK's Johnson said on Saturday.

"Those who support the tariffs are at risk of incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy, irrespective of whether or not that is true."

Underlining the discord, Trump also threatened his host on the eve of the summit, saying the United States would tax French wine "like they've never seen before" unless Paris dropped a digital tax on US&nbsp;technology companies.

Leaping into the fray, European Council President Donald Tusk, who takes part in the G7 discussions, warned the EU would respond "in kind" if Trump acted on his threat.

"This may be the last moment to restore our political community," Tusk told reporters on Saturday, giving a bleak assessment of Western relations.

Looking to broaden the scope of the debate, Macron has invited several African leaders to discuss the problems facing their continent, while leaders from India, Australia, Chile and Spain are due to attend a dinner on Sunday where the focus will be on the environment and other issues.

Brexit squabbles

Trump up-ended last year's G7 summit in Canada, walking out of the meeting early and disassociating himself from the final communique having initially endorsed the document.

The delegations had barely arrived in Biarritz before differences were exposed, with senior US&nbsp;officials accusing the host, French President Emmanuel Macron, of looking "to fracture the G7" by focusing on "niche issues" rather than major global concerns.

France denied this, pointing to Sunday's initial session covering the economy, trade and security - areas that used to draw easy consensus but are now sources of great friction.

Overnight, Trump wrote on Twitter that lunch with Macron was the best meeting the pair had yet had, and that a meeting with world leaders on Saturday evening also "went very well."

France has got around the communique problem by doing away with the time-honoured document, deciding it was not worth even trying to find common language.

While the transatlantic rift is the most stark, there are also deep divisions within the European camp, with Johnson making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to persuade EU capitals to renegotiate Britain's exit from the bloc.

Johnson and Tusk, who are due to talk on Sunday, sparred ahead of the meeting over who would take the blame if Britain leaves the EU on October 31 without a Brexit agreement acceptable to both sides.

"I still hope that PM Johnson will not like to go down in history as Mr No Deal," said Tusk, who leads the political direction of the 28-nation EU.

Johnson later retorted that it would be Tusk himself who would carry that mantle if Britain could not secure a new withdrawal agreement.

Macron added to the internal EU strains by unexpectedly threatening on Friday to block an EU trade deal with a group of South American states over Brazil's handling of fires that are ravaging the Amazon rainforest.

Germany and Britain both voiced deep concern about the fires, but disagreed with Macron on how to respond, saying shooting down the ambitious Mercosur trade accord would not help save the Amazon.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was getting along well with his Western allies at a G7 summit in France, dismissing reports of rifts among leaders as they prepared to discuss global trade woes.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was getting along well with his Western allies at a G7 summit in France, dismissing reports of rifts among leaders as they prepared to discuss global trade woes. The G7 gathering is taking place against a backdrop of growing worries about a global economic downturn and coincides with an era of international disunity across an array of issues that have strained decades-old allegiances. "Before I arrived in France, the Fake and Disgusting News was saying that relations with the 6 others countries in the G-7 are very tense, and that the two days of meetings will be a disaster," Trump wrote on Twitter shortly before meeting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "Well, we are having very good meetings, the Leaders are getting along very well, and our Country, economically, is doing great - the talk of the world!" However, major policy differences over trade protectionism, climate change, Iran and France's push for a universal tax on digital technology giants clouded the run-up to the summit in the Atlantic coastal resort of Biarritz. Trump arrived in France just hours after escalating his trade war with China in a tit-for-tat battle between the world's two largest economies that has spooked financial markets. "I am very worried about the way it's going, the growth of protectionism, of tariffs that we're seeing," the UK's Johnson said on Saturday. "Those who support the tariffs are at risk of incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy, irrespective of whether or not that is true." Underlining the discord, Trump also threatened his host on the eve of the summit, saying the United States would tax French wine "like they've never seen before" unless Paris dropped a digital tax on US technology companies. Leaping into the fray, European Council President Donald Tusk, who takes part in the G7 discussions, warned the EU would respond "in kind" if Trump acted on his threat. "This may be the last moment to restore our political community," Tusk told reporters on Saturday, giving a bleak assessment of Western relations. Looking to broaden the scope of the debate, Macron has invited several African leaders to discuss the problems facing their continent, while leaders from India, Australia, Chile and Spain are due to attend a dinner on Sunday where the focus will be on the environment and other issues. Brexit squabbles Trump up-ended last year's G7 summit in Canada, walking out of the meeting early and disassociating himself from the final communique having initially endorsed the document. The delegations had barely arrived in Biarritz before differences were exposed, with senior US officials accusing the host, French President Emmanuel Macron, of looking "to fracture the G7" by focusing on "niche issues" rather than major global concerns. France denied this, pointing to Sunday's initial session covering the economy, trade and security - areas that used to draw easy consensus but are now sources of great friction. Overnight, Trump wrote on Twitter that lunch with Macron was the best meeting the pair had yet had, and that a meeting with world leaders on Saturday evening also "went very well." France has got around the communique problem by doing away with the time-honoured document, deciding it was not worth even trying to find common language. While the transatlantic rift is the most stark, there are also deep divisions within the European camp, with Johnson making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to persuade EU capitals to renegotiate Britain's exit from the bloc. Johnson and Tusk, who are due to talk on Sunday, sparred ahead of the meeting over who would take the blame if Britain leaves the EU on October 31 without a Brexit agreement acceptable to both sides. "I still hope that PM Johnson will not like to go down in history as Mr No Deal," said Tusk, who leads the political direction of the 28-nation EU. Johnson later retorted that it would be Tusk himself who would carry that mantle if Britain could not secure a new withdrawal agreement. Macron added to the internal EU strains by unexpectedly threatening on Friday to block an EU trade deal with a group of South American states over Brazil's handling of fires that are ravaging the Amazon rainforest. Germany and Britain both voiced deep concern about the fires, but disagreed with Macron on how to respond, saying shooting down the ambitious Mercosur trade accord would not help save the Amazon.

Trump paints picture of unity at prickly G7 summit amid reports of rifts among leaders

US President Donald Trump threatened to slap heavy tariffs on French wine in response to taxes on American tech companies just before heading to France for a summit of G7 leaders.

"Those are great American companies, and frankly, I don't want France going out and taxing our companies. Very unfair," he told reporters outside the White House shortly before boarding his helicopter.

"And if they do that, we'll be taxing their wine or doing something else. We'll be taxing their wine like they've never seen before. That's for us to tax them, not for France to tax them."

US President Donald Trump threatened to slap heavy tariffs on French wine in response to taxes on American tech companies just before heading to France for a summit of G7 leaders.

US President Donald Trump threatened to slap heavy tariffs on French wine in response to taxes on American tech companies just before heading to France for a summit of G7 leaders. "Those are great American companies, and frankly, I don't want France going out and taxing our companies. Very unfair," he told reporters outside the White House shortly before boarding his helicopter. "And if they do that, we'll be taxing their wine or doing something else. We'll be taxing their wine like they've never seen before. That's for us to tax them, not for France to tax them."

Trump threatens tariffs on French wine as he heads to G7

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States has a really good relationship with North Korea and that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, has been "pretty straight" with him.

"Kim Jong Un has been very straight with me," Trump told reporters at the White House after North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, according to the South Korean military.

A US&nbsp;official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the two missiles North Korea had fired appeared to be similar to launches in recent weeks.

Saturday's launch, the seventh by North Korea since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met at the inter-Korean border in June, have complicated attempts to restart talks between US&nbsp;and North Korean negotiators over the future of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

The two leaders agreed to restart working-level negotiations in June, but since then the United States has so far been unsuccessful in attempts to get talks going.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States has a really good relationship with North Korea and that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, has been "pretty straight" with him.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States has a really good relationship with North Korea and that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, has been "pretty straight" with him. "Kim Jong Un has been very straight with me," Trump told reporters at the White House after North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, according to the South Korean military. A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the two missiles North Korea had fired appeared to be similar to launches in recent weeks. Saturday's launch, the seventh by North Korea since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met at the inter-Korean border in June, have complicated attempts to restart talks between US and North Korean negotiators over the future of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The two leaders agreed to restart working-level negotiations in June, but since then the United States has so far been unsuccessful in attempts to get talks going.

Trump says US has really good relationship with North Korea

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he would not stand in the way of beleaguered Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell if he decided to quit.&nbsp;

Asked if he wants Powell to resign, Trump told reporters,&nbsp;"If he did, I wouldn't stop him."

Trump suggested earlier Friday that he regarded Powell as a bigger "enemy" than China, with whom he has been waging a trade war.

China announced Friday new tariffs on $75 billion in US products and President Donald Trump lashed out with threats of further retaliation, meaning the trade uncertainty that Powell said is exacerbating the global slowdown is unlikely to go away soon.

Trump lost no time in criticizing Powell -- and swiping at Beijing.

In a furious flurry of tweets, Trump attacked the Fed's stewardship of the world's biggest economy and vowed a quick response to China.

"As usual, the Fed did NOTHING! It is incredible that they can 'speak' without knowing or asking what I am doing, which will be announced shortly. We have a very strong dollar and a very weak Fed," Trump tweeted after Powell's comments.

"My only question is, who is our bigger enemy, Jay Powel or Chairman Xi?" Trump said, misspelling the Fed chief's name in an unprecedented attack on the independent central bank.

The Fed cut the benchmark interest rate last month for the first time in more than a decade, partly as insurance against the impact of trade uncertainties on the economy.

But in his hotly anticipated speech to an annual central banking conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Powell cautioned that the Fed has no "rulebook" for dealing with the trade war fallout.

"The three weeks since our July FOMC meeting have been eventful, beginning with the announcement of new tariffs on imports from China," he said.

"The global growth outlook has been deteriorating since the middle of last year. Trade policy uncertainty seems to be playing a role in the global slowdown and in weak manufacturing and capital spending in the United States."

While Powell said the US economy "is now in a favorable place," it faces "significant risks" and he again pledged that the Fed "will act as appropriate to sustain the expansion."&nbsp;

However, he warned that there is no "settled rulebook for international trade ... no recent precedents to guide any policy response to the current situation."

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he would not stand in the way of beleaguered Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell if he decided to quit. Asked if he wants Powell to resign, Trump told reporters, "If he did, I wouldn't stop him.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he would not stand in the way of beleaguered Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell if he decided to quit. Asked if he wants Powell to resign, Trump told reporters, "If he did, I wouldn't stop him." Trump suggested earlier Friday that he regarded Powell as a bigger "enemy" than China, with whom he has been waging a trade war. China announced Friday new tariffs on $75 billion in US products and President Donald Trump lashed out with threats of further retaliation, meaning the trade uncertainty that Powell said is exacerbating the global slowdown is unlikely to go away soon. Trump lost no time in criticizing Powell -- and swiping at Beijing. In a furious flurry of tweets, Trump attacked the Fed's stewardship of the world's biggest economy and vowed a quick response to China. "As usual, the Fed did NOTHING! It is incredible that they can 'speak' without knowing or asking what I am doing, which will be announced shortly. We have a very strong dollar and a very weak Fed," Trump tweeted after Powell's comments. "My only question is, who is our bigger enemy, Jay Powel or Chairman Xi?" Trump said, misspelling the Fed chief's name in an unprecedented attack on the independent central bank. The Fed cut the benchmark interest rate last month for the first time in more than a decade, partly as insurance against the impact of trade uncertainties on the economy. But in his hotly anticipated speech to an annual central banking conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Powell cautioned that the Fed has no "rulebook" for dealing with the trade war fallout. "The three weeks since our July FOMC meeting have been eventful, beginning with the announcement of new tariffs on imports from China," he said. "The global growth outlook has been deteriorating since the middle of last year. Trade policy uncertainty seems to be playing a role in the global slowdown and in weak manufacturing and capital spending in the United States." While Powell said the US economy "is now in a favorable place," it faces "significant risks" and he again pledged that the Fed "will act as appropriate to sustain the expansion." However, he warned that there is no "settled rulebook for international trade ... no recent precedents to guide any policy response to the current situation."

Trump says he  'wouldn't stop' if beleaguered Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell decides to quit 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meeting-advisers-on-afghan-peace-plan-243511">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump </a>sharply criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome&nbsp;Powell&nbsp;on Friday and said he wouldn't try to stop the chief US central banker if he offered to&nbsp;resign.

Trump, departing the White House to travel to the G7 summit in France, told reporters, "I'm not happy with Jay&nbsp;Powell."

His comments continued a war of words against&nbsp;Powell&nbsp;that, along with retaliatory tariffs imposed on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-begun-purchasing-farm-goods-says-china-after-resuming-trade-talks-with-us-239902">US goods by China,</a> helped trigger a sharp drop on Friday in the US stock market.

"I don't think he's doing a good job at all," Trump told reporters as he left the White House shortly before midnight on Friday.

"I don't think he's much of a chess player, but I've got him so, you know, that's what I have," added the president, who earlier questioned on Twitter who was "our bigger enemy,"&nbsp;Powellor Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Asked if he wanted&nbsp;Powell&nbsp;to&nbsp;resign, Trump replied: "Do I want him to&nbsp;resign? Let me put it this way if he did I wouldn't stop him."

Powell&nbsp;was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Friday for a meeting with other central bankers.&nbsp;

He said the Fed would "act as appropriate" to keep the US economy healthy in a deteriorating global economy but stopped short of committing to a series of rate cuts sought by Trump.

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday and said he wouldn't try to stop the chief US central banker if he offered to resign.

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday and said he wouldn't try to stop the chief US central banker if he offered to resign. Trump, departing the White House to travel to the G7 summit in France, told reporters, "I'm not happy with Jay Powell." His comments continued a war of words against Powell that, along with retaliatory tariffs imposed on US goods by China, helped trigger a sharp drop on Friday in the US stock market. "I don't think he's doing a good job at all," Trump told reporters as he left the White House shortly before midnight on Friday. "I don't think he's much of a chess player, but I've got him so, you know, that's what I have," added the president, who earlier questioned on Twitter who was "our bigger enemy," Powellor Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Asked if he wanted Powell to resign, Trump replied: "Do I want him to resign? Let me put it this way if he did I wouldn't stop him." Powell was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Friday for a meeting with other central bankers. He said the Fed would "act as appropriate" to keep the US economy healthy in a deteriorating global economy but stopped short of committing to a series of rate cuts sought by Trump.

Donald Trump says he wouldn't stop Federal Chair Powell if he offered to resign

US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5 per cent duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world's two largest economies.

Trump's move, announced on Twitter, came hours after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-order-us-companies-to-immediately-look-for-an-alternative-to-china-trump-245191"> China unveiled retaliatory tariffs on $75 billion worth of US goods</a>, prompting the president earlier in the day to demand US companies move their operations out of China.

The intensifying US-China trade war stoked market fears that the global economy will tip into recession, sending US stocks into a tailspin, with the Nasdaq Composite down 3 per cent, and the S&amp;P 500 down 2.6 per cent.

US Treasury yields also fell as investors sought safe-haven assets, and crude oil, targeted for the first time by Chinese tariffs, fell sharply.

Trump's tariff response was announced after markets closed on Friday, leaving potentially more damage for next week.

"Sadly, past Administrations have allowed China to get so far ahead of Fair and Balanced Trade that it has become a great burden to the American Taxpayer," Trump said on Twitter. "As President, I can no longer allow this to happen!"

He said the United States would raise its existing tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports to 30 per cent&nbsp;from the current 25 per cent&nbsp;beginning October&nbsp;1.

At the same time, he announced an increase in planned tariffs on the remaining $300 billion worth of Chinese goods to 15 per cent&nbsp;from 10 per cent. The United States will begin imposing those tariffs on some products starting September&nbsp;1, but tariffs on about half of those goods have been delayed until December&nbsp;15.

The US Trade Representative's office confirmed the effective dates, but said it would conduct a public comment period before imposing the 30 per cent&nbsp;tariff rate on October&nbsp;1.

Trump has accused China of unfair trade practices and pushed for a deal that would rebalance the relationship in favour of US&nbsp;manufacturers and workers.

"We don’t need China and, frankly, would be far better off without them. The vast amounts of money made and stolen by China from the United States, year after year, for decades, will and must STOP," Trump tweeted earlier on Friday.

"Our great American companies are hereby ordered to immediately start looking for an alternative to China, including bringing your companies HOME and making your products in the USA."

It's unclear what legal authority Trump would be able to use to compel US companies to close operations in China or stop sourcing products from the country.

Trump also said he was ordering shippers including FedEx,&nbsp;Amazon.com, UPS&nbsp;and the US&nbsp;Postal Service to search out and refuse all deliveries of the opioid fentanyl to the United States.

US&nbsp;business groups reacted angrily to Trump's latest tariff escalation.

"It's impossible for businesses to plan for the future in this type of environment. The administration's approach clearly isn't working, and the answer isn't more taxes on American businesses and consumers. Where does this end?" said David French, a senior vice president for the National Retail Federation.

The US Chamber of Commerce rebuffed Trump's call, urging "continued, constructive engagement."

"Time is of the essence. We do not want to see a further deterioration of US-China relations," Myron Brilliant, executive vice president and head of the business group's international affairs, said in a statement.

China's Commerce Ministry said that on September&nbsp;1 and December&nbsp;15 it will impose additional tariffs of 5 per cent&nbsp;or 10 per cent&nbsp;on a total of 5,078 products originating from the United States including agricultural products such as soybeans, beef and pork, as well as small aircraft. Beijing is also reinstituting tariffs on cars and auto parts originating from the United States that it suspended last December as US-China trade talks accelerated.

"China's decision to implement additional tariffs was forced by the US's unilateralism and protectionism," the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

"We want a deal, but it doesn't mean we want a deal that is not based on mutual respect or good for China's interests," a Chinese diplomatic source said. "If the United States levies tariffs, China will have counter-measures."

US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5 per cent duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world's two largest economies.

US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5 per cent duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world's two largest economies. Trump's move, announced on Twitter, came hours after China unveiled retaliatory tariffs on $75 billion worth of US goods, prompting the president earlier in the day to demand US companies move their operations out of China. The intensifying US-China trade war stoked market fears that the global economy will tip into recession, sending US stocks into a tailspin, with the Nasdaq Composite down 3 per cent, and the S&P 500 down 2.6 per cent. US Treasury yields also fell as investors sought safe-haven assets, and crude oil, targeted for the first time by Chinese tariffs, fell sharply. Trump's tariff response was announced after markets closed on Friday, leaving potentially more damage for next week. "Sadly, past Administrations have allowed China to get so far ahead of Fair and Balanced Trade that it has become a great burden to the American Taxpayer," Trump said on Twitter. "As President, I can no longer allow this to happen!" He said the United States would raise its existing tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports to 30 per cent from the current 25 per cent beginning October 1. At the same time, he announced an increase in planned tariffs on the remaining $300 billion worth of Chinese goods to 15 per cent from 10 per cent. The United States will begin imposing those tariffs on some products starting September 1, but tariffs on about half of those goods have been delayed until December 15. The US Trade Representative's office confirmed the effective dates, but said it would conduct a public comment period before imposing the 30 per cent tariff rate on October 1. Trump has accused China of unfair trade practices and pushed for a deal that would rebalance the relationship in favour of US manufacturers and workers. "We don’t need China and, frankly, would be far better off without them. The vast amounts of money made and stolen by China from the United States, year after year, for decades, will and must STOP," Trump tweeted earlier on Friday. "Our great American companies are hereby ordered to immediately start looking for an alternative to China, including bringing your companies HOME and making your products in the USA." It's unclear what legal authority Trump would be able to use to compel US companies to close operations in China or stop sourcing products from the country. Trump also said he was ordering shippers including FedEx, Amazon.com, UPS and the US Postal Service to search out and refuse all deliveries of the opioid fentanyl to the United States. US business groups reacted angrily to Trump's latest tariff escalation. "It's impossible for businesses to plan for the future in this type of environment. The administration's approach clearly isn't working, and the answer isn't more taxes on American businesses and consumers. Where does this end?" said David French, a senior vice president for the National Retail Federation. The US Chamber of Commerce rebuffed Trump's call, urging "continued, constructive engagement." "Time is of the essence. We do not want to see a further deterioration of US-China relations," Myron Brilliant, executive vice president and head of the business group's international affairs, said in a statement. China's Commerce Ministry said that on September 1 and December 15 it will impose additional tariffs of 5 per cent or 10 per cent on a total of 5,078 products originating from the United States including agricultural products such as soybeans, beef and pork, as well as small aircraft. Beijing is also reinstituting tariffs on cars and auto parts originating from the United States that it suspended last December as US-China trade talks accelerated. "China's decision to implement additional tariffs was forced by the US's unilateralism and protectionism," the Commerce Ministry said in a statement. "We want a deal, but it doesn't mean we want a deal that is not based on mutual respect or good for China's interests," a Chinese diplomatic source said. "If the United States levies tariffs, China will have counter-measures."

Trump heaps another 5% tariff on Chinese goods in latest tit-for-tat escalation

US President Donald Trump plans to hold discussions on Kashmir and human rights with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this weekend at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-trump-set-to-meet-at-g7-summit-on-august-26-244877">G7 summit in Biarritz</a>.

A senior administration official who briefed reporters on Trump’s agenda for the upcoming summit on Saturday said the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan are expected to come up.

"President Trump will likely want to hear from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-defence-and-kashmir-in-the-spotlight-as-modi-meets-macron-ahead-of-g7-summit-244916">Prime Minister Modi</a> on how he plans to reduce regional tensions and uphold respect for human rights in Kashmir," the official said.

After a brief conversation with Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday, the US President once again offered his proposal to mediate on Kashmir, despite making it clear before that the ongoing dispute in the region should be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan.

Ramping up rhetoric against India, Pakistan is endlessly trying to involve the international community in the wake of New Delhi's historic decision to change the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. This move comes despite the latter's, time and again, reiteration that the matter is strictly "internal" to the country.

Following the initial quashing of his plans on mediation by New Delhi, Trump had reaffirmed his position that Kashmir remains a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.

However, adhering to Khan's request on Tuesday, the US President changed his stance and offered to mediate on the issue once again.

Calling Kashmir a "complicated situation", Trump said, "A lot has to do with religion. You have the Hindus, and you have the Muslims. This has been going on for decades."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The president is also calling for Pakistan to prevent cross-border infiltration across the Line of Control and stop groups based on its soil that have attacked India in the past," the official added.

Tensions have simmered between India and Pakistan following the BJP-led Centre's decision to revoke Article 370 that guaranteed special status to Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, the Indian Parliament also passed a 'Reorganisation' bill that divided the region into Jammu and Kashmir--with a legislature and Ladakh-without a legislature.

Rattled by India's move, Pakistan, last week, sent its Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to China to seek its help at the United Nations Security Council, urging it to call an emergency meeting on the issue. However, four out of five permanent members in the United Nations did not support Pakistan contentions over India's decision.

India, time and again, has also stated that Jammu and Kashmir is "entirely an internal matter" of the country and all steps were taken keeping in mind the bright future of people of the region.

Following Trump's initial offer to mediate on Kashmir, last month, New Delhi then had also categorically denied his request, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had never requested the US president to meditate on the issue.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump plans to hold discussions on Kashmir and human rights with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this weekend at the G7 summit in Biarritz. A senior administration official who briefed reporters on Trump’s agenda for the upcoming summit on Saturday said the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan are expected to come up.

US President Donald Trump plans to hold discussions on Kashmir and human rights with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this weekend at the G7 summit in Biarritz. A senior administration official who briefed reporters on Trump’s agenda for the upcoming summit on Saturday said the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan are expected to come up. "President Trump will likely want to hear from Prime Minister Modi on how he plans to reduce regional tensions and uphold respect for human rights in Kashmir," the official said. After a brief conversation with Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday, the US President once again offered his proposal to mediate on Kashmir, despite making it clear before that the ongoing dispute in the region should be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan. Ramping up rhetoric against India, Pakistan is endlessly trying to involve the international community in the wake of New Delhi's historic decision to change the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. This move comes despite the latter's, time and again, reiteration that the matter is strictly "internal" to the country. Following the initial quashing of his plans on mediation by New Delhi, Trump had reaffirmed his position that Kashmir remains a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. However, adhering to Khan's request on Tuesday, the US President changed his stance and offered to mediate on the issue once again. Calling Kashmir a "complicated situation", Trump said, "A lot has to do with religion. You have the Hindus, and you have the Muslims. This has been going on for decades." "The president is also calling for Pakistan to prevent cross-border infiltration across the Line of Control and stop groups based on its soil that have attacked India in the past," the official added. Tensions have simmered between India and Pakistan following the BJP-led Centre's decision to revoke Article 370 that guaranteed special status to Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, the Indian Parliament also passed a 'Reorganisation' bill that divided the region into Jammu and Kashmir--with a legislature and Ladakh-without a legislature. Rattled by India's move, Pakistan, last week, sent its Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to China to seek its help at the United Nations Security Council, urging it to call an emergency meeting on the issue. However, four out of five permanent members in the United Nations did not support Pakistan contentions over India's decision. India, time and again, has also stated that Jammu and Kashmir is "entirely an internal matter" of the country and all steps were taken keeping in mind the bright future of people of the region. Following Trump's initial offer to mediate on Kashmir, last month, New Delhi then had also categorically denied his request, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had never requested the US president to meditate on the issue.

Trump to discuss Kashmir, human rights with Modi at G7 Summit in France

President of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-towards-regional-peace-pm-modi-to-president-trump-244225">United States Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday urged Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to 'moderate rhetoric' with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir to reduce tensions.

According to a statement released by the White House, “President Donald J. Trump spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Imran Khan today to discuss the need to reduce tensions and moderate rhetoric with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

The US President also reaffirmed the need to avoid escalation of the situation, and urged restraint on both sides.

This White House statement came&nbsp;after a 30-minute conversation between PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, during which the Indian leader raised the issue "extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence" by leaders of Pakistan.

PM Modi told US President Donald Trump that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region were not conducive to peace.

After India abrogated provision of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, Imran Khan has been venting out his ire against the India.

In his tweets, Pakistan PM Imran compared Indian leadership with Hitler and the Nazi party, which shows sign of frustration in Islamabad.

Khan on Sunday had said the world must seriously consider the safety and security of India's nuclear arsenal as it impacts not just the region but the world.

This is the second conversation between Imran Khan and Donald Trump in the last four days. Pakistani Prime Minister had called US President on Friday, just before the United Nations security council consultation meet.

Pakistan has been hoping the US will mediate between New Delhi and Islamabad, but Washington has made it clear both the neighbours need to bilaterally resolve all issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

President of the United States Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to 'moderate rhetoric' with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir to reduce tensions.

President of the United States Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to 'moderate rhetoric' with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir to reduce tensions. According to a statement released by the White House, “President Donald J. Trump spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Imran Khan today to discuss the need to reduce tensions and moderate rhetoric with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir." The US President also reaffirmed the need to avoid escalation of the situation, and urged restraint on both sides. This White House statement came after a 30-minute conversation between PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, during which the Indian leader raised the issue "extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence" by leaders of Pakistan. PM Modi told US President Donald Trump that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region were not conducive to peace. After India abrogated provision of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, Imran Khan has been venting out his ire against the India. In his tweets, Pakistan PM Imran compared Indian leadership with Hitler and the Nazi party, which shows sign of frustration in Islamabad. Khan on Sunday had said the world must seriously consider the safety and security of India's nuclear arsenal as it impacts not just the region but the world. This is the second conversation between Imran Khan and Donald Trump in the last four days. Pakistani Prime Minister had called US President on Friday, just before the United Nations security council consultation meet. Pakistan has been hoping the US will mediate between New Delhi and Islamabad, but Washington has made it clear both the neighbours need to bilaterally resolve all issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderate rhetoric with India: Donald Trump tells Imran Khan after phone call with PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a telephone conversation with US President Trump. The thirty-minute conversation covered bilateral and regional matters.

During the phone call,&nbsp;PM Modi recalled the meeting with Trump in Osaka on the margins of the G-20 summit in June.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a telephone conversation today with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> H.E. Mr. Donald Trump. Their thirty-minute conversation covered bilateral and regional matters and was marked by the warmth and cordiality which characterises the relations between the two leaders.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1163459601989165056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Referring to their bilateral discussions in Osaka, PM Modi expressed the hope that the commerce minister of India and the US Trade Representative would meet at an early date to discuss bilateral trade prospects.

"Certain nations are spreading anti-India propaganda," the Indian prime minister told the US president during the phone call, adding that India is committed towards regional peace.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In the context of the regional situation, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> stated that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1163459995993702401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

PM Modi said during the conversation that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace. The Indian prime minister highlighted the importance of creating an environment "free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception."

The Indian prime minister reiterated India’s commitment to cooperate with anyone who followed the path of peace and in fighting poverty, illiteracy and disease.&nbsp;

Recalling that today marked the one hundred years of the independence of Afghanistan, PM Modi&nbsp;reiterated India’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to work for a united,&nbsp;democratic and independent Afghanistan with the US president.

PM Modi stated that he appreciated remaining in regular touch with President Trump.&nbsp;After the phone call, the White House said Trump stressed the need to reduce India-Pakistan tensions.

"The president conveyed the importance of reducing tensions between India and Pakistan and maintaining peace in the region," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.

"The two leaders further discussed how they will continue to strengthen United States-India economic ties through increased trade, and they look forward to meeting again soon," the statement added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a telephone conversation with US President Trump. The thirty-minute conversation covered bilateral and regional matters. During the phone call, PM Modi recalled the meeting with Trump in Osaka on the margins of the G-20 summit in June.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a telephone conversation with US President Trump. The thirty-minute conversation covered bilateral and regional matters. During the phone call, PM Modi recalled the meeting with Trump in Osaka on the margins of the G-20 summit in June. Prime Minister @narendramodi had a telephone conversation today with @POTUS H.E. Mr. Donald Trump. Their thirty-minute conversation covered bilateral and regional matters and was marked by the warmth and cordiality which characterises the relations between the two leaders. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 19, 2019 × Referring to their bilateral discussions in Osaka, PM Modi expressed the hope that the commerce minister of India and the US Trade Representative would meet at an early date to discuss bilateral trade prospects. "Certain nations are spreading anti-India propaganda," the Indian prime minister told the US president during the phone call, adding that India is committed towards regional peace. In the context of the regional situation, PM @narendramodi stated that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 19, 2019 × PM Modi said during the conversation that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace. The Indian prime minister highlighted the importance of creating an environment "free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception." The Indian prime minister reiterated India’s commitment to cooperate with anyone who followed the path of peace and in fighting poverty, illiteracy and disease. Recalling that today marked the one hundred years of the independence of Afghanistan, PM Modi reiterated India’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to work for a united, democratic and independent Afghanistan with the US president. PM Modi stated that he appreciated remaining in regular touch with President Trump. After the phone call, the White House said Trump stressed the need to reduce India-Pakistan tensions. "The president conveyed the importance of reducing tensions between India and Pakistan and maintaining peace in the region," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. "The two leaders further discussed how they will continue to strengthen United States-India economic ties through increased trade, and they look forward to meeting again soon," the statement added.

India committed towards regional peace: PM Modi to President Trump

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had spoken with Apple Inc's Chief Executive Tim Cook about the impact of US tariffs on Chinese imports as well as competition from South Korean company Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.

Trump said Cook "made a good case" that tariffs could hurt Apple, given that Samsung`s products would not be subject to those same tariffs.&nbsp;

Tariffs on an additional $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, including consumer electronics, are scheduled to go into effect in two stages on September 1 and December 15.

By contrast, the United States and South Korea struck a trade agreement last September.

"I thought he made a very compelling argument, so I`m thinking about it," Trump said of Cook, speaking with reporters at a New Jersey airport.

US stock futures rose upon opening on Sunday after Trump's comments.&nbsp;

In addition to his comments on Apple, Trump said on Twitter earlier in the day that his administration was "doing very well with China."

Apple's MacBook laptops and iPhones would not face the additional tariffs until December 15, but some of the company's other products, including its AirPods, Apple Watch and HomePod, would be subject to the levies on September 1.

Apple was not immediately available for comment outside normal business hours.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had spoken with Apple Inc's Chief Executive Tim Cook about the impact of US tariffs on Chinese imports as well as competition from South Korean company Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had spoken with Apple Inc's Chief Executive Tim Cook about the impact of US tariffs on Chinese imports as well as competition from South Korean company Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. Trump said Cook "made a good case" that tariffs could hurt Apple, given that Samsung`s products would not be subject to those same tariffs. Tariffs on an additional $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, including consumer electronics, are scheduled to go into effect in two stages on September 1 and December 15. By contrast, the United States and South Korea struck a trade agreement last September. "I thought he made a very compelling argument, so I`m thinking about it," Trump said of Cook, speaking with reporters at a New Jersey airport. US stock futures rose upon opening on Sunday after Trump's comments. In addition to his comments on Apple, Trump said on Twitter earlier in the day that his administration was "doing very well with China." Apple's MacBook laptops and iPhones would not face the additional tariffs until December 15, but some of the company's other products, including its AirPods, Apple Watch and HomePod, would be subject to the levies on September 1. Apple was not immediately available for comment outside normal business hours.

Apple CEO warns Trump about China tariffs, Samsung competition

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-letter-on-kashmir-united-nations-security-council-to-hold-closed-door-talks-on-kashmir-today-243241">Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks on Kashmir today</a>

Following a request from China, the&nbsp;United Nations Security Council&nbsp;(UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday. All 15 members of the UNSC will be present when the issue is taken up.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-projectiles-rejects-south-koreas-dialogue-pledge-243231">North Korea fires projectiles, rejects South Korea's dialogue pledge</a>

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;launched at least two projectiles into the sea on Friday, South&nbsp;Korea's military said, shortly after Pyongyang described South&nbsp;Korea's president as "impudent" and vowed that inter-Korean talks are over.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blames-mass-shootings-on-mentally-ill-calls-for-more-mental-institutions-243232">Trump blames mass shootings on mentally ill, calls for more mental institutions</a>

President Donald Trump said on Thursday he supports meaningful background checks for gun buyers, but he told reporters that those responsible for recent mass shootings were mentally ill and the United States should build more mental institutions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-china-talks-productive-beijing-vows-tariff-retaliation-243233">Trump says China talks 'productive'; Beijing vows tariff retaliation</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September despite US tariffs on over $125 billion worth of Chinese imports taking effect September 1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gibraltar-decides-to-free-seized-iranian-tanker-us-opens-new-case-to-hold-it-243219">Gibraltar decides to free seized Iranian tanker; US opens new case to hold it</a>

Britain's Mediterranean territory Gibraltar decided on Thursday to free a seized&nbsp;Iranian oil tanker, but did not immediately indicate when or if the ship would set sail after the United States launched a new, last-minute legal bid to hold it.

&nbsp;

Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks on Kashmir today Following a request from China, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday.

Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks on Kashmir today Following a request from China, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday. All 15 members of the UNSC will be present when the issue is taken up. North Korea fires projectiles, rejects South Korea's dialogue pledge North Korea launched at least two projectiles into the sea on Friday, South Korea's military said, shortly after Pyongyang described South Korea's president as "impudent" and vowed that inter-Korean talks are over. Trump blames mass shootings on mentally ill, calls for more mental institutions President Donald Trump said on Thursday he supports meaningful background checks for gun buyers, but he told reporters that those responsible for recent mass shootings were mentally ill and the United States should build more mental institutions. Trump says China talks 'productive'; Beijing vows tariff retaliation US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September despite US tariffs on over $125 billion worth of Chinese imports taking effect September 1. Gibraltar decides to free seized Iranian tanker; US opens new case to hold it Britain's Mediterranean territory Gibraltar decided on Thursday to free a seized Iranian oil tanker, but did not immediately indicate when or if the ship would set sail after the United States launched a new, last-minute legal bid to hold it.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The city of San Francisco and nearby Santa Clara County sued President Donald Trump`s administration on Tuesday, seeking to block a new rule that would drastically reduce legal immigration by denying visas to poor migrants.

Some experts say the new rule could cut legal immigration in half by denying visas and permanent residency to hundreds of thousands of people if they fail to meet high enough income standards or if they receive public assistance such as welfare, food stamps, public housing or Medicaid.&nbsp;

"This illegal rule is just another attempt to vilify immigrants," San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said in a statement. Trump has made efforts to curb both legal and illegal immigration, an issue he has made a cornerstone of his presidency and one that he has stressed again as the campaign for the 2020 presidential election heats up.

The rule, unveiled on Monday and to take effect October 15, expands the definition of a public charge, allowing denials to visa applicants who fail to meet income requirements or who receive public assistance.

"The final rule rejects the longstanding, existing definition of public charge, and attempts to redefine it to include even minimal use of a much wider range of non-cash benefits," said the lawsuit, filed in US District Court in San Francisco.

"The final rule will worsen the health and well-being of the counties` residents, increase risks to the public health, undermine the counties` health and safety-net systems, and inflict significant financial harm," the suit said.

San Francisco is both a city and a county. Santa Clara County includes the city of San Jose and various other parts of Silicon Valley.

The suit names US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Homeland Security and their directors as defendants. The former agency declined to comment and the latter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The suit claims the new rule violates the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 by contradicting the longstanding definition of public charge as a person "primarily" dependent on public assistance for survival.&nbsp;

The suit also claims the new rule would split families, undermining immigration laws to prioritize family unification; misapplies the intent of Congress on the description of self-sufficiency of immigrants; and runs contrary to the statutes governing SNAP, also known as food stamps.

The National Immigration Law Center said it also will file a lawsuit to stop the rule from taking effect. The attorneys general of California and New York have also threatened to sue.

The city of San Francisco and nearby Santa Clara County sued President Donald Trump`s administration on Tuesday, seeking to block a new rule that would drastically reduce legal immigration by denying visas to poor migrants.

The city of San Francisco and nearby Santa Clara County sued President Donald Trump`s administration on Tuesday, seeking to block a new rule that would drastically reduce legal immigration by denying visas to poor migrants. Some experts say the new rule could cut legal immigration in half by denying visas and permanent residency to hundreds of thousands of people if they fail to meet high enough income standards or if they receive public assistance such as welfare, food stamps, public housing or Medicaid. "This illegal rule is just another attempt to vilify immigrants," San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said in a statement. Trump has made efforts to curb both legal and illegal immigration, an issue he has made a cornerstone of his presidency and one that he has stressed again as the campaign for the 2020 presidential election heats up. The rule, unveiled on Monday and to take effect October 15, expands the definition of a public charge, allowing denials to visa applicants who fail to meet income requirements or who receive public assistance. "The final rule rejects the longstanding, existing definition of public charge, and attempts to redefine it to include even minimal use of a much wider range of non-cash benefits," said the lawsuit, filed in US District Court in San Francisco. "The final rule will worsen the health and well-being of the counties` residents, increase risks to the public health, undermine the counties` health and safety-net systems, and inflict significant financial harm," the suit said. San Francisco is both a city and a county. Santa Clara County includes the city of San Jose and various other parts of Silicon Valley. The suit names US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Homeland Security and their directors as defendants. The former agency declined to comment and the latter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The suit claims the new rule violates the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 by contradicting the longstanding definition of public charge as a person "primarily" dependent on public assistance for survival. The suit also claims the new rule would split families, undermining immigration laws to prioritize family unification; misapplies the intent of Congress on the description of self-sufficiency of immigrants; and runs contrary to the statutes governing SNAP, also known as food stamps. The National Immigration Law Center said it also will file a lawsuit to stop the rule from taking effect. The attorneys general of California and New York have also threatened to sue.

San Francisco sues Trump administration over rule to limit legal immigration

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped no one would be killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-between-riot-police-protesters-outside-hong-kong-airport-242832">Hong Kong amid</a> new protests capping 10 weeks of unrest in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub.

The crisis, which has seen millions of anti-government activists take to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-check-ins-suspended-at-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242706"> Hong Kong's</a> streets, was a "very tricky situation," the president told reporters in New Jersey.&nbsp;

"I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed," he said.

Trump's comments come even as violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport.

Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said.

Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters, and riot police moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times.

The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped no one would be killed in Hong Kong amid new protests capping 10 weeks of unrest in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped no one would be killed in Hong Kong amid new protests capping 10 weeks of unrest in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub. The crisis, which has seen millions of anti-government activists take to Hong Kong's streets, was a "very tricky situation," the president told reporters in New Jersey. "I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed," he said. Trump's comments come even as violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport. Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said. Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters, and riot police moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times. The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration.

I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed: Trump on Hong Kong protests

US President Donald Trump has made it very clear that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">his offer to mediate between India and Pakistan</a> on the Kashmir issue is not on the table anymore after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">New Delhi rejected it</a>, India ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said on Monday (local time).

"President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan. Since India has not accepted his offer, the president has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore," the Indian envoy said in an interview with Bret Baier of Fox News.

"It has been the United States long-standing policy. The United Nations Secretary-General was also very clear that this issue has to be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan in keeping with the agreements-- the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore declaration-- that the two countries had signed.This is not an issue that needs to be settled with a third party and President Trump has clarified it," Shringla added.

Tensions simmered between the two neighbours following New Delhi`s historic decision to abrogate Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and transform it into Union Territories, with effect from October 31.

Rattled by India`s decision, Pakistan had initiated a series of measures against its neighbour, including the downgrading of bilateral ties and suspension of cross-border communication of railways and bus services.

Followingly, India had urged Pakistan to review its decision but the request was refuted by Islamabad.

Referring to the ongoing crisis in the region, Shringla stated, "India`s decision is an administrative one. It is the 12th time that India is taking such reorganisation of states. It does not in any way impinge on the borders of Jammu and Kashmir or the international borders and it is, therefore, an internal matter of India."

"We have taken this decision because we have found that over 70 years the level of development in the state has been hampered due to the special status that it enjoyed, which was, in any case, a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution. And now the intention is to ensure good governance and socio-economic justice reaches the state," he added.

In the wake of India`s decision, Pakistan has also urged the international community, including groups such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, to interfere in the matter and called for restraint against the so-called "illegal aggression" of New Delhi in the region

US President Donald Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue is not on the table anymore after New Delhi rejected it, India ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said on Monday (local time).

US President Donald Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue is not on the table anymore after New Delhi rejected it, India ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said on Monday (local time). "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan. Since India has not accepted his offer, the president has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore," the Indian envoy said in an interview with Bret Baier of Fox News. "It has been the United States long-standing policy. The United Nations Secretary-General was also very clear that this issue has to be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan in keeping with the agreements-- the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore declaration-- that the two countries had signed.This is not an issue that needs to be settled with a third party and President Trump has clarified it," Shringla added. Tensions simmered between the two neighbours following New Delhi`s historic decision to abrogate Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and transform it into Union Territories, with effect from October 31. Rattled by India`s decision, Pakistan had initiated a series of measures against its neighbour, including the downgrading of bilateral ties and suspension of cross-border communication of railways and bus services. Followingly, India had urged Pakistan to review its decision but the request was refuted by Islamabad. Referring to the ongoing crisis in the region, Shringla stated, "India`s decision is an administrative one. It is the 12th time that India is taking such reorganisation of states. It does not in any way impinge on the borders of Jammu and Kashmir or the international borders and it is, therefore, an internal matter of India." "We have taken this decision because we have found that over 70 years the level of development in the state has been hampered due to the special status that it enjoyed, which was, in any case, a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution. And now the intention is to ensure good governance and socio-economic justice reaches the state," he added. In the wake of India`s decision, Pakistan has also urged the international community, including groups such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, to interfere in the matter and called for restraint against the so-called "illegal aggression" of New Delhi in the region

Trump's Kashmir mediation offer not on table anymore: Indian envoy

US President Donald Trump's administration on Monday finalised rollbacks to key provisions of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-some-300-endangered-sea-turtles-killed-in-southern-mexico-162269">Endangered Species Act</a>, a law supported by a large majority of Americans and credited with saving the gray wolf, bald eagle and grizzly bear.

The changes include removing a rule that automatically conveys the same protections to threatened species and endangered species, and striking language that says economic considerations should play no part in making determinations on how wildlife is listed.

In a statement characterising the amendments as "improvements," Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said: "The best way to uphold the Endangered Species Act is to do everything we can to ensure it remains effective in achieving its ultimate goal -- recovery of our rarest species."

"An effectively administered Act ensures more resources can go where they will do the most good: on-the-ground conservation," added the former oil and gas lobbyist.

"The revisions finalised with this rulemaking fit squarely within the president's mandate of easing the regulatory burden on the American public, without sacrificing our species' protection and recovery goals," said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.&nbsp;

Conservation groups reacted in dismay, saying the rollbacks would pave the way for the gradual destruction of a listed species' habitat as long as each individual step was sufficiently modest.&nbsp;

"This effort to gut protections for endangered and threatened species has the same two features of most Trump administration actions: it's a gift to the industry, and it's illegal," said Drew Caputo of non-profit Earthjustice. "We'll see the Trump administration in court."

Species like the gray wolf saw their population decimated in the early 20th century, but staged a remarkable comeback thanks to the law -- which was signed by former Republican president Richard Nixon in 1973 -- and are now legally hunted in the Northern Rockies.

Similarly, there are today some 10,000 nesting pairs of bald eagles, the national symbol of the US, from a low of 417 in 1963.

A 2018 paper published in the journal Conservation Letters found that about four in five Americans support the act, while one in 10 oppose it and support for the law has remained stable over the past two decades.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has targeted more than 80 environmental and health regulations in the name of easing regulatory burdens on business.&nbsp;

Environmentalists have fought back with lawsuits, and some rollbacks have later been reinstated. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's administration on Monday finalised rollbacks to key provisions of the Endangered Species Act, a law supported by a large majority of Americans and credited with saving the gray wolf, bald eagle and grizzly bear.

US President Donald Trump's administration on Monday finalised rollbacks to key provisions of the Endangered Species Act, a law supported by a large majority of Americans and credited with saving the gray wolf, bald eagle and grizzly bear. The changes include removing a rule that automatically conveys the same protections to threatened species and endangered species, and striking language that says economic considerations should play no part in making determinations on how wildlife is listed. In a statement characterising the amendments as "improvements," Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said: "The best way to uphold the Endangered Species Act is to do everything we can to ensure it remains effective in achieving its ultimate goal -- recovery of our rarest species." "An effectively administered Act ensures more resources can go where they will do the most good: on-the-ground conservation," added the former oil and gas lobbyist. "The revisions finalised with this rulemaking fit squarely within the president's mandate of easing the regulatory burden on the American public, without sacrificing our species' protection and recovery goals," said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Conservation groups reacted in dismay, saying the rollbacks would pave the way for the gradual destruction of a listed species' habitat as long as each individual step was sufficiently modest. "This effort to gut protections for endangered and threatened species has the same two features of most Trump administration actions: it's a gift to the industry, and it's illegal," said Drew Caputo of non-profit Earthjustice. "We'll see the Trump administration in court." Species like the gray wolf saw their population decimated in the early 20th century, but staged a remarkable comeback thanks to the law -- which was signed by former Republican president Richard Nixon in 1973 -- and are now legally hunted in the Northern Rockies. Similarly, there are today some 10,000 nesting pairs of bald eagles, the national symbol of the US, from a low of 417 in 1963. A 2018 paper published in the journal Conservation Letters found that about four in five Americans support the act, while one in 10 oppose it and support for the law has remained stable over the past two decades. Since taking office, the Trump administration has targeted more than 80 environmental and health regulations in the name of easing regulatory burdens on business. Environmentalists have fought back with lawsuits, and some rollbacks have later been reinstated.

Trump administration removes key provisions in Endangered Species Act

US Attorney General Bill Barr said Monday there were "serious irregularities" at the jail where<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-victims-express-outrage-over-sex-trafficker-jeffrey-epsteins-death-us-lawmakers-push-for-investigation-for-any-foul-play-242305"> Jeffrey Epstein</a> died of an apparent suicide, and pledged to pursue any co-conspirators in the sex trafficking case.

"I was appalled and indeed the whole department was, and frankly angry, to learn of the Metropolitan Correctional Center's failure to adequately secure this prison," Barr told reporters.

"We are now learning of serious irregularities at this facility that are deeply concerning and demand a thorough investigation.

"The FBI and office of the inspector general are doing just that. We will get to the bottom of what happened and there will be accountability," he added.

Barr's comments came after media reports said<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jeffrey-epstein-how-the-man-with-famous-friends-fell-apart-242546"> Epstein had been taken</a> off suicide watch following an apparent suicide attempt last month.

US newspapers also reported that prison guards were working overtime due to major staff shortages at the facility and that Epstein had been left without a cellmate, which was against protocol.

Epstein, a convicted pedophile who hobnobbed with countless politicians and celebrities over the years, was found dead in his cell Saturday while awaiting trial on federal charges he trafficked underage girls for sex.

The discovery came a day after a court released documents in which one of Epstein's alleged victims claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations.

Even though Epstein's criminal prosecution is over, Barr said prosecutors would pursue cases against anyone else involved in his alleged crimes. &nbsp;

"Let me assure you this case will continue on against anyone who was complicit with Epstein. Any co-conspirators should not rest easy. The victims deserve justice and they will get it," he said.

Epstein, 66, had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.&nbsp;

Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage teens, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005.

The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged.

Epstein, who faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted, denied the charges.&nbsp;

Epstein -- whose friends included Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew -- had been convicted in 2008 in a Florida state court of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion.

Those men have all denied knowing anything about Epstein's alleged crimes. 
&nbsp;

US Attorney General Bill Barr said Monday there were "serious irregularities" at the jail where Jeffrey Epstein died of an apparent suicide, and pledged to pursue any co-conspirators in the sex trafficking case.

US Attorney General Bill Barr said Monday there were "serious irregularities" at the jail where Jeffrey Epstein died of an apparent suicide, and pledged to pursue any co-conspirators in the sex trafficking case. "I was appalled and indeed the whole department was, and frankly angry, to learn of the Metropolitan Correctional Center's failure to adequately secure this prison," Barr told reporters. "We are now learning of serious irregularities at this facility that are deeply concerning and demand a thorough investigation. "The FBI and office of the inspector general are doing just that. We will get to the bottom of what happened and there will be accountability," he added. Barr's comments came after media reports said Epstein had been taken off suicide watch following an apparent suicide attempt last month. US newspapers also reported that prison guards were working overtime due to major staff shortages at the facility and that Epstein had been left without a cellmate, which was against protocol. Epstein, a convicted pedophile who hobnobbed with countless politicians and celebrities over the years, was found dead in his cell Saturday while awaiting trial on federal charges he trafficked underage girls for sex. The discovery came a day after a court released documents in which one of Epstein's alleged victims claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations. Even though Epstein's criminal prosecution is over, Barr said prosecutors would pursue cases against anyone else involved in his alleged crimes. "Let me assure you this case will continue on against anyone who was complicit with Epstein. Any co-conspirators should not rest easy. The victims deserve justice and they will get it," he said. Epstein, 66, had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage teens, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005. The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged. Epstein, who faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted, denied the charges. Epstein -- whose friends included Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew -- had been convicted in 2008 in a Florida state court of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion. Those men have all denied knowing anything about Epstein's alleged crimes.

Serious irregularities at prison where Epstein died: US attorney general

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wealthy-financier-jeffrey-epstein-kills-himself-in-prison-242042">was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide</a>, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody.

The government and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-fbi-now-justice-department-probing-jeffrey-epstein-death-242081">FBI immediately launched probes</a> as politicians, law enforcement officials and alleged victims expressed shock that Epstein could take his own life when a recently reported suicide attempt meant he should have been under close watch.

Epstein, a convicted paedophile who befriended numerous politicians and celebrities over the years, was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York from "an apparent suicide," the US Department of Justice said.&nbsp;

He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

US Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" and instructed the Justice Department's inspector general to probe the circumstances.&nbsp;

"Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said.

Watch: A sex scandal that should worry Trump

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-sex-scandal-that-should-worry-trump-234182/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The FBI is also investigating, the Justice Department said.

The New York Times and other media reported Epstein hanged himself. The city medical examiner's office did not confirm the cause of death.

On July 23, the 66-year-old was found unconscious with marks on his neck. He was put on suicide watch for six days before being returned to his cell in a high-security part of the jail, the New York Times reported.

His death came one day after a New York court released a tranche of sealed legal documents, providing new details about what prosecutors allege was Epstein's sex-trafficking operation.

Epstein last appeared in court on July 31 when a judge told him that his trial wouldn't begin before next June.

'We need answers'

The wealthy hedge fund manager had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.&nbsp;

Epstein, who denied the charges, had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted.&nbsp;

The Metropolitan Correctional Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that often houses suspects awaiting or during the trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US.&nbsp;

Infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there as an inmate.

"We need answers. Lots of them" tweeted New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who heads the Senate's judiciary oversight committee, said the government had failed Epstein's alleged victims "yet again."

The two thousand pages of previously sealed court documents released Friday focused on testimony by a woman who claimed she was Epstein's "sex slave."

Virginia Giuffre, now an adult, claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations.&nbsp;

'No closure'

Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005.

They claimed that Epstein was "well aware that many of the victims were minors."

The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged.

Epstein allegedly had an army of recruiters, often not much older than their targets, who would approach vulnerable teens.

Epstein is also accused of paying off possible co-conspirators to "influence" them, US media have reported.

Epstein, whose friends included President Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, was convicted previously of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion.

They have all denied knowing anything about his alleged crimes.

Trump on Saturday retweeted a conspiracy theory alleging, without evidence, that Clinton may be connected with Epstein's death.

Epstein avoided federal prosecution when facing the charges in Florida a decade ago.

Under a secret plea deal negotiated by former US labour secretary Alex Acosta, at that time a federal prosecutor in Florida, Epstein admitted to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and registered as a sex offender.&nbsp;

He served 13 months in a county jail before being released. Acosta resigned last month amid a backlash over the deal.

One of Epstein's alleged victims said she'll "never have a sense of closure" because he will never be convicted, according to a message shared by the woman's attorney, Lisa Bloom.

"You stole from us the huge piece of healing that we needed to move on with our lives," the woman said.

But Manhattan federal prosecutor Geoffrey Berman said that while Epstein's apparent suicide was a "yet another hurdle" in delivering justice to his alleged victims, the court case — which included a conspiracy charge — would continue to play out.

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody.

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody. The government and FBI immediately launched probes as politicians, law enforcement officials and alleged victims expressed shock that Epstein could take his own life when a recently reported suicide attempt meant he should have been under close watch. Epstein, a convicted paedophile who befriended numerous politicians and celebrities over the years, was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York from "an apparent suicide," the US Department of Justice said. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. US Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" and instructed the Justice Department's inspector general to probe the circumstances. "Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said. Watch: A sex scandal that should worry Trump × The FBI is also investigating, the Justice Department said. The New York Times and other media reported Epstein hanged himself. The city medical examiner's office did not confirm the cause of death. On July 23, the 66-year-old was found unconscious with marks on his neck. He was put on suicide watch for six days before being returned to his cell in a high-security part of the jail, the New York Times reported. His death came one day after a New York court released a tranche of sealed legal documents, providing new details about what prosecutors allege was Epstein's sex-trafficking operation. Epstein last appeared in court on July 31 when a judge told him that his trial wouldn't begin before next June. 'We need answers' The wealthy hedge fund manager had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. Epstein, who denied the charges, had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted. The Metropolitan Correctional Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that often houses suspects awaiting or during the trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US. Infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there as an inmate. "We need answers. Lots of them" tweeted New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who heads the Senate's judiciary oversight committee, said the government had failed Epstein's alleged victims "yet again." The two thousand pages of previously sealed court documents released Friday focused on testimony by a woman who claimed she was Epstein's "sex slave." Virginia Giuffre, now an adult, claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations. 'No closure' Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005. They claimed that Epstein was "well aware that many of the victims were minors." The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged. Epstein allegedly had an army of recruiters, often not much older than their targets, who would approach vulnerable teens. Epstein is also accused of paying off possible co-conspirators to "influence" them, US media have reported. Epstein, whose friends included President Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, was convicted previously of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion. They have all denied knowing anything about his alleged crimes. Trump on Saturday retweeted a conspiracy theory alleging, without evidence, that Clinton may be connected with Epstein's death. Epstein avoided federal prosecution when facing the charges in Florida a decade ago. Under a secret plea deal negotiated by former US labour secretary Alex Acosta, at that time a federal prosecutor in Florida, Epstein admitted to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and registered as a sex offender. He served 13 months in a county jail before being released. Acosta resigned last month amid a backlash over the deal. One of Epstein's alleged victims said she'll "never have a sense of closure" because he will never be convicted, according to a message shared by the woman's attorney, Lisa Bloom. "You stole from us the huge piece of healing that we needed to move on with our lives," the woman said. But Manhattan federal prosecutor Geoffrey Berman said that while Epstein's apparent suicide was a "yet another hurdle" in delivering justice to his alleged victims, the court case — which included a conspiracy charge — would continue to play out.

Trump retweets conspiracy theory about Bill Clinton, amid outcry on Jeffrey Epstein's death

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-support-direct-dialogue-between-india-pak-on-kashmir-us-state-department-241415">We support direct dialogue between India &amp; Pak on Kashmir: US State Department</a> 
 
The US State Department's move comes amid increased tension between India and Pakistan after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-must-stop-supporting-infiltration-across-loc-us-senate-foreign-affairs-committee-241424">Pak must stop supporting infiltration across LoC: US Senate foreign affairs committee</a> 
 
The joint statement comes amid spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan after the Indian Parliament passed a resolution to revoke Article 370.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyrgyz-officer-dies-after-security-forces-storm-ex-presidents-home-241418">Kyrgyz officer dies after security forces storm ex-president's home</a> 
 
Former president Atambayev saw his immunity lifted in June as the authorities seek to prosecute him on corruption charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-800-million-in-helicopters-for-south-korea-241419">US approves $800 million in helicopters for South Korea</a>

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department had approved the sale of 12 MH-60R Multi-Mission Seahawk Helicopters and extensive associated radar, communications and weaponry equipment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-fanned-the-flames-of-white-supremacy-biden-241421">Trump has 'fanned the flames of white supremacy': Biden</a>

Trump has been accused by his Democratic critics and others of promoting white nationalism with his frequent attacks on immigrants and minorities.

We support direct dialogue between India & Pak on Kashmir: US State Department The US State Department's move comes amid increased tension between India and Pakistan after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

We support direct dialogue between India & Pak on Kashmir: US State Department The US State Department's move comes amid increased tension between India and Pakistan after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Pak must stop supporting infiltration across LoC: US Senate foreign affairs committee The joint statement comes amid spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan after the Indian Parliament passed a resolution to revoke Article 370. Kyrgyz officer dies after security forces storm ex-president's home Former president Atambayev saw his immunity lifted in June as the authorities seek to prosecute him on corruption charges. US approves $800 million in helicopters for South Korea The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department had approved the sale of 12 MH-60R Multi-Mission Seahawk Helicopters and extensive associated radar, communications and weaponry equipment. Trump has 'fanned the flames of white supremacy': Biden Trump has been accused by his Democratic critics and others of promoting white nationalism with his frequent attacks on immigrants and minorities.

Residents in majority-Hispanic El Paso told <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-visit-el-paso-tomorrow-following-mass-shooting-mayor-241082">US President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday to stay away amid fury over his anti-immigration rhetoric as he struggles to unite the country in the wake of back-to-back mass shootings that killed 31 people.

Trump is scheduled to stop off in the Texan border city where 22 died in a weekend gun massacre on Wednesday, after first visiting Dayton, Ohio, where another gunman shot nine dead.

The president called on Americans in a nationwide address Monday to condemn bigotry -&nbsp;but community leaders say his words rang hollow set against a longstanding refusal to call out white supremacy and a history of tweets widely condemned as racist.

"This president, who helped create the hatred that made Saturday's tragedy possible, should not come to El Paso," tweeted Beto O'Rourke, a Democratic presidential hopeful and former congressman who grew up in the city.

"We do not need more division. We need to heal. He has no place here."

Before opening fire at a Walmart superstore in El Paso, the 21-year-old suspected gunman, who is white and from the Dallas area, reportedly posted an online manifesto railing against a "Hispanic invasion of Texas."

Critics pointed out that the language echoed much of Trump's rhetoric on Twitter and at rallies, where he has frequently framed Hispanic migrants as part of an "invasion."

Trump has also characterised Mexicans and Central Americans as criminals, gang members and rapists, and described the communities of African American lawmakers on several occasions as "infested" with crime and filth.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, whose district includes the area targeted by the El Paso gunman, urged Trump "to consider the fact that his words and his actions have played a role in this."

"From my perspective, he is not welcome here," Escobar told MSNBC. "He should not come here while we are in mourning."

Presidential advisor Kellyanne Conway accused Democrats of politicising a moment of acute pain while Trump was trying to "bring the country together, heal a nation."

She was backed by the chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, Adolpho Telles, who defended Trump's visit but told CNN he needs to be more careful about his language.

In his nationwide address, Trump spoke out against racism but blamed mental illness, video games and the internet for fueling gun violence, sidestepping the fact that other countries with these issues do not have mass shootings.&nbsp;

He had nothing substantial to say about gun control measures, drawing expressions of disappointment from those hoping for a healing moment.

"He mentioned gun issues one time," said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, describing the president's comments as "unhelpful."

"I think, watching the president over the past few years on the issue of guns... I don't know if he knows what he believes, frankly."

Residents in El Paso, unimpressed by Trump's tightly scripted appeal for unity, told AFP they were fearful of a rise in white nationalism and said the president was part of the problem.

"I do blame our president. Since the moment he got into office the rhetoric, the hate that he's got towards people that are just different color skin, he has no right," said Silvia Rios.

Adding to the backlash, Washington-based non-profit the Center for Public Integrity questioned Trump's self-professed "unfailing support" to El Paso, pointing to $570,000 in unpaid police and public safety-related bills it said he owed the city dating back to a campaign visit in February.

The president began Tuesday apparently irritated by veiled criticism from former president Barack Obama, who called on Americans to "soundly reject language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders that feeds a climate of fear and hatred."

Trump responded with a tweeted quote from Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade, who said Obama had seen 32 mass shootings during his presidency, yet "not many people said Obama is out of control."

Legislation to overhaul gun control under Obama failed in 2013 when the Republican-controlled Senate rejected a ban of assault-style weapons and expanding background checks.

He told the BBC that gun control was "the one area where I feel that I've been most frustrated and most stymied." 
&nbsp;

Residents in majority-Hispanic El Paso told US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to stay away amid fury over his anti-immigration rhetoric as he struggles to unite the country in the wake of back-to-back mass shootings that killed 31 people.

Residents in majority-Hispanic El Paso told US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to stay away amid fury over his anti-immigration rhetoric as he struggles to unite the country in the wake of back-to-back mass shootings that killed 31 people. Trump is scheduled to stop off in the Texan border city where 22 died in a weekend gun massacre on Wednesday, after first visiting Dayton, Ohio, where another gunman shot nine dead. The president called on Americans in a nationwide address Monday to condemn bigotry - but community leaders say his words rang hollow set against a longstanding refusal to call out white supremacy and a history of tweets widely condemned as racist. "This president, who helped create the hatred that made Saturday's tragedy possible, should not come to El Paso," tweeted Beto O'Rourke, a Democratic presidential hopeful and former congressman who grew up in the city. "We do not need more division. We need to heal. He has no place here." Before opening fire at a Walmart superstore in El Paso, the 21-year-old suspected gunman, who is white and from the Dallas area, reportedly posted an online manifesto railing against a "Hispanic invasion of Texas." Critics pointed out that the language echoed much of Trump's rhetoric on Twitter and at rallies, where he has frequently framed Hispanic migrants as part of an "invasion." Trump has also characterised Mexicans and Central Americans as criminals, gang members and rapists, and described the communities of African American lawmakers on several occasions as "infested" with crime and filth. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, whose district includes the area targeted by the El Paso gunman, urged Trump "to consider the fact that his words and his actions have played a role in this." "From my perspective, he is not welcome here," Escobar told MSNBC. "He should not come here while we are in mourning." Presidential advisor Kellyanne Conway accused Democrats of politicising a moment of acute pain while Trump was trying to "bring the country together, heal a nation." She was backed by the chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, Adolpho Telles, who defended Trump's visit but told CNN he needs to be more careful about his language. In his nationwide address, Trump spoke out against racism but blamed mental illness, video games and the internet for fueling gun violence, sidestepping the fact that other countries with these issues do not have mass shootings. He had nothing substantial to say about gun control measures, drawing expressions of disappointment from those hoping for a healing moment. "He mentioned gun issues one time," said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, describing the president's comments as "unhelpful." "I think, watching the president over the past few years on the issue of guns... I don't know if he knows what he believes, frankly." Residents in El Paso, unimpressed by Trump's tightly scripted appeal for unity, told AFP they were fearful of a rise in white nationalism and said the president was part of the problem. "I do blame our president. Since the moment he got into office the rhetoric, the hate that he's got towards people that are just different color skin, he has no right," said Silvia Rios. Adding to the backlash, Washington-based non-profit the Center for Public Integrity questioned Trump's self-professed "unfailing support" to El Paso, pointing to $570,000 in unpaid police and public safety-related bills it said he owed the city dating back to a campaign visit in February. The president began Tuesday apparently irritated by veiled criticism from former president Barack Obama, who called on Americans to "soundly reject language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders that feeds a climate of fear and hatred." Trump responded with a tweeted quote from Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade, who said Obama had seen 32 mass shootings during his presidency, yet "not many people said Obama is out of control." Legislation to overhaul gun control under Obama failed in 2013 when the Republican-controlled Senate rejected a ban of assault-style weapons and expanding background checks. He told the BBC that gun control was "the one area where I feel that I've been most frustrated and most stymied."

After Walmart shooting, residents, lawmakers urge Trump not to visit El Paso

US President Donald Trump contended Wednesday there was no political support to implement tough controls on highly lethal assault weapons that were used in three mass shootings in the past two weeks.

Trump told reporters that he and leaders in Congress support legislation to prevent mentally ill people from possessing firearms via background checks.

"I think background checks are important. I don't want to put guns into the hands of mentally unstable people or people with rage or hate, sick people. I'm all in favour of it," he said.

But Trump replied negatively when asked if the US could ban assault rifles, like the semi-automatic weapons attackers used to kill 22 people on Saturday in El Paso, Texas and nine in Dayton, Ohio on Sunday.

"I can tell you there is no political appetite for that at this moment," he said.

"You could speak and do your own polling and there is no political appetite from the standpoint of the legislature."

"I can only do what I can do," he added.

"I think there's a great appetite to do something about making sure that mentally unstable, seriously ill people aren't carrying guns. And I've never seen the appetite as strong as it is now. I have not seen it about certain types of weapons," he said.

Trump spoke before travelling to Dayton and El Paso to "pay his respects" to victims and their families and meet with local officials. 
Those shootings, and a third in Gilroy, California on July 28 that left three people dead, involved AR-15 and AK-47-type assault rifles originally designed for war but now widely available in the United States.

The same weapons have been used in the deadliest massacres in the country over the past decade, and gun control advocates say their ban would reduce the toll in mass shootings.

Support for bans rise after mass shootings, but polls are generally inconclusive.

A Quinnipiac poll in May showed 63 per cent of voters favoured a ban on the sale of&nbsp;assault weapons.

In a Gallup poll taken shortly after October 1, 2017, Las Vegas massacre, in which a gunman who stockpiled nearly two dozen assault rifles killed 58 people at a concert, Americans were evenly divided on a total ban on the manufacture, sale or possession of such weapons.&nbsp;

But in a repeat poll in October 2018, Gallup said only 40 per cent supported such a sweeping ban, and 57 per cent opposed.

US President Donald Trump contended Wednesday there was no political support to implement tough controls on highly lethal assault weapons that were used in three mass shootings in the past two weeks.

US President Donald Trump contended Wednesday there was no political support to implement tough controls on highly lethal assault weapons that were used in three mass shootings in the past two weeks. Trump told reporters that he and leaders in Congress support legislation to prevent mentally ill people from possessing firearms via background checks. "I think background checks are important. I don't want to put guns into the hands of mentally unstable people or people with rage or hate, sick people. I'm all in favour of it," he said. But Trump replied negatively when asked if the US could ban assault rifles, like the semi-automatic weapons attackers used to kill 22 people on Saturday in El Paso, Texas and nine in Dayton, Ohio on Sunday. "I can tell you there is no political appetite for that at this moment," he said. "You could speak and do your own polling and there is no political appetite from the standpoint of the legislature." "I can only do what I can do," he added. "I think there's a great appetite to do something about making sure that mentally unstable, seriously ill people aren't carrying guns. And I've never seen the appetite as strong as it is now. I have not seen it about certain types of weapons," he said. Trump spoke before travelling to Dayton and El Paso to "pay his respects" to victims and their families and meet with local officials. Those shootings, and a third in Gilroy, California on July 28 that left three people dead, involved AR-15 and AK-47-type assault rifles originally designed for war but now widely available in the United States. The same weapons have been used in the deadliest massacres in the country over the past decade, and gun control advocates say their ban would reduce the toll in mass shootings. Support for bans rise after mass shootings, but polls are generally inconclusive. A Quinnipiac poll in May showed 63 per cent of voters favoured a ban on the sale of assault weapons. In a Gallup poll taken shortly after October 1, 2017, Las Vegas massacre, in which a gunman who stockpiled nearly two dozen assault rifles killed 58 people at a concert, Americans were evenly divided on a total ban on the manufacture, sale or possession of such weapons. But in a repeat poll in October 2018, Gallup said only 40 per cent supported such a sweeping ban, and 57 per cent opposed.

Trump: No political support for assault rifle controls

Advocacy groups sued the Trump administration on Tuesday in an effort to block a rule published last month that expands the number of migrants who can be subject to a sped-up deportation process without oversight by an immigration judge.

The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 23, broadened the practice of "expedited removal" to apply to anyone arrested anywhere nationwide who entered the United States illegally and cannot prove they have lived continuously in the country for at least two years.

Previously, only migrants caught within 100 miles of a US border and who had been in the country for 14 days or less were subject to the fast-track process.&nbsp;

Under expedited removal, migrants are not entitled to a review of their cases in front of an immigration judge or access to an attorney.&nbsp;

The lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Washington, D.C., by the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Immigration Council on behalf of three immigration rights groups, claims the government did not go through the proper procedures in issuing the rule and says it violates due process and US immigration laws.

The US Department of Justice declined to comment on the filing.

President Donald Trump has struggled to stem an increase of mostly Central American families arriving at the US-Mexico border, leading to overcrowded detention facilities and a political battle over immigration that is inflaming tensions in the country. In El Paso, Texas, last weekend a gunman killed 22 people after apparently posting an anti-immigrant manifesto online.

Nearly 300,000 of the approximately 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally could be quickly deported under the new rule, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.&nbsp;

"Hundreds of thousands of people living anywhere in the US are at risk of being separated from their families and expelled from the country without any recourse," Anand Balakrishnan, an attorney with the ACLU`s Immigrants` Rights Project, said in a statement.

The government has said increasing rapid deportations would free up detention space and ease strains on immigration courts, which face a backlog of more than 900,000 cases.&nbsp;

People in rapid deportation proceedings are detained for 11.4 days on average, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. People in regular proceedings are held for 51.5 days and are released into the United States for the months or years it takes to resolve their cases.

Advocacy groups sued the Trump administration on Tuesday in an effort to block a rule published last month that expands the number of migrants who can be subject to a sped-up deportation process without oversight by an immigration judge.

Advocacy groups sued the Trump administration on Tuesday in an effort to block a rule published last month that expands the number of migrants who can be subject to a sped-up deportation process without oversight by an immigration judge. The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 23, broadened the practice of "expedited removal" to apply to anyone arrested anywhere nationwide who entered the United States illegally and cannot prove they have lived continuously in the country for at least two years. Previously, only migrants caught within 100 miles of a US border and who had been in the country for 14 days or less were subject to the fast-track process. Under expedited removal, migrants are not entitled to a review of their cases in front of an immigration judge or access to an attorney. The lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Washington, D.C., by the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Immigration Council on behalf of three immigration rights groups, claims the government did not go through the proper procedures in issuing the rule and says it violates due process and US immigration laws. The US Department of Justice declined to comment on the filing. President Donald Trump has struggled to stem an increase of mostly Central American families arriving at the US-Mexico border, leading to overcrowded detention facilities and a political battle over immigration that is inflaming tensions in the country. In El Paso, Texas, last weekend a gunman killed 22 people after apparently posting an anti-immigrant manifesto online. Nearly 300,000 of the approximately 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally could be quickly deported under the new rule, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. "Hundreds of thousands of people living anywhere in the US are at risk of being separated from their families and expelled from the country without any recourse," Anand Balakrishnan, an attorney with the ACLU`s Immigrants` Rights Project, said in a statement. The government has said increasing rapid deportations would free up detention space and ease strains on immigration courts, which face a backlog of more than 900,000 cases. People in rapid deportation proceedings are detained for 11.4 days on average, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. People in regular proceedings are held for 51.5 days and are released into the United States for the months or years it takes to resolve their cases.

Groups sue to block Trump administration's expansion of rapid deportations

US-China trade war in 10 dates

US President Donald Trump on Monday mistakenly offered condolences to people in Toledo, Ohio, following a mass shooting over the weekend in Dayton, Ohio. Trump, who has been accused of not doing enough to tackle extremist groups, also said he was directing the Department of Justice to investigate domestic terrorism, and propose legislation to ensure that those who commit hate crimes and mass murders face the death penalty.

US President Donald Trump on Monday mistakenly offered condolences to people in Toledo, Ohio, following a mass shooting over the weekend in Dayton, Ohio. Trump, who has been accused of not doing enough to tackle extremist groups, also said he was directing the Department of Justice to investigate domestic terrorism, and propose legislation to ensure that those who commit hate crimes and mass murders face the death penalty. A gunman shot dead nine people in the city of Dayton, Ohio, in the latest US mass shooting killed his victims in less than a minute. Within less than a minute, the 24-year-old shooter was shot dead himself by police officers who rushed to the scene while on patrol nearby.

Trump misstates location of Ohio shooting rampage

A judge on Friday blocked a move by US President Donald Trump's administration to stop <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-opens-new-migrant-shelter-as-us-continues-to-send-back-asylum-seekers-240177">migrants from claiming asylum</a> unless they had entered the country at an official border crossing, news outlets reported.

The policy, enacted by Trump last year, is among a host of measures his government has taken against the movement of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and elsewhere who have recently tried to cross into the US from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-says-migrant-numbers-at-us-border-down-40-since-may-239609">Mexico</a> and request asylum.

Federal judge Randolph Moss, sitting in Washington, ruled that the policy was "in excess of statutory... authority," ABC News reported.

Moss said it contradicts standing US immigration law, which allows undocumented people who are physically present in the country to apply for asylum even if they did not enter at an official port of entry, The Hill newspaper said.

The policy had earlier been blocked by a judge in San Francisco, a ruling the government is appealing.

Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-immigration-debate-seesaws-placed-at-us-mexico-border-240019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump's immigration policy has been the subject of numerous court challenges.

Last week, a federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration's new rule barring most immigrants from obtaining asylum in the US if they transit through Mexico.

That policy would have effectively prevented most Central American asylum seekers from gaining entry into the United States at the southern border, as the majority come through Mexico.

Day later, Guatemala signed an agreement with the US that, according to Washington, makes it a "safe third country," meaning migrants who want to seek asylum in the United States but travel through Guatemala must request asylum in the Central American country.

The number of border-crossers detained by the US Border Patrol surged to a 13-year high of more than 144,000 in May before easing to 104,000 in June -- still up 142 per cent from a year earlier.

Most are families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

A judge on Friday blocked a move by US President Donald Trump's administration to stop migrants from claiming asylum unless they had entered the country at an official border crossing, news outlets reported.

A judge on Friday blocked a move by US President Donald Trump's administration to stop migrants from claiming asylum unless they had entered the country at an official border crossing, news outlets reported. The policy, enacted by Trump last year, is among a host of measures his government has taken against the movement of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and elsewhere who have recently tried to cross into the US from Mexico and request asylum. Federal judge Randolph Moss, sitting in Washington, ruled that the policy was "in excess of statutory... authority," ABC News reported. Moss said it contradicts standing US immigration law, which allows undocumented people who are physically present in the country to apply for asylum even if they did not enter at an official port of entry, The Hill newspaper said. The policy had earlier been blocked by a judge in San Francisco, a ruling the government is appealing. Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border × Trump's immigration policy has been the subject of numerous court challenges. Last week, a federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration's new rule barring most immigrants from obtaining asylum in the US if they transit through Mexico. That policy would have effectively prevented most Central American asylum seekers from gaining entry into the United States at the southern border, as the majority come through Mexico. Day later, Guatemala signed an agreement with the US that, according to Washington, makes it a "safe third country," meaning migrants who want to seek asylum in the United States but travel through Guatemala must request asylum in the Central American country. The number of border-crossers detained by the US Border Patrol surged to a 13-year high of more than 144,000 in May before easing to 104,000 in June -- still up 142 per cent from a year earlier. Most are families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Judge blocks Trump asylum restriction: Reports

President Donald Trump's controversial pick to be the next Director of National Intelligence, Representative John Ratcliffe, withdrew from consideration on Friday amid questions over his experience and credentials.

Trump blamed Ratcliffe's withdrawal on attacks from the media but the nomination of the Republican lawmaker from Texas had raised broad concerns about the politicization of the sensitive post and his Senate confirmation was far from assured.&nbsp;

Trump said he would announce a new nominee "shortly" to replace Republican former senator Dan Coats as head of the 17 agencies that make up the US intelligence community.

"Our great Republican Congressman John Ratcliffe is being treated very unfairly by the LameStream Media," Trump said in a tweet announcing the withdrawal of his choice for DNI.

"Rather than going through months of slander and libel, I explained to John how miserable it would be for him and his family to deal with these people," Trump said. "John has therefore decided to stay in Congress where he has done such an outstanding job representing the people of Texas, and our Country."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Our great Republican Congressman John Ratcliffe is being treated very unfairly by the LameStream Media. Rather than going through months of slander and libel, I explained to John how miserable it would be for him and his family to deal with these people....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1157352000327180289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
....John has therefore decided to stay in Congress where he has done such an outstanding job representing the people of Texas, and our Country. I will be announcing my nomination for DNI shortly.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1157352001593892864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The nomination of Ratcliffe, a staunch Trump supporter, to become the chief US intelligence official had come in for strong criticism from Democrats.

It received only tepid support from key Republicans, putting a question mark over whether the 53-year-old Ratcliffe could have earned the 51 votes needed for Senate confirmation.

"Rep. Ratcliffe never should have been considered in the first place," said New York Senator Chuck Schumer, the head of the Democratic minority in the Senate. "This is part of a pattern from President Trump: nomination on a whim without consultation or vetting, and then forced withdrawal when mess ensues.

"The next Director of National Intelligence must be someone who is nonpartisan, sees the world objectively and speaks truth to power," Schumer said.

Ratcliffe is the latest of several people Trump has floated for key jobs in the US government who pulled out before they could assume the posts.

"This is as close as Trump will ever get to acknowledging that the individual he nominated is so woefully under-qualified for DNI," said Ned Price, a former CIA officer and spokesman for the National Security Council under Democratic president Barack Obama.

Price said on Twitter that Ratcliffe was "so extraordinarily hyper-partisan, and so brazenly deceitful in his resume that he would've met a freight train even in a rubber stamp Senate."

Ratcliffe's resume has been the subject of several news articles in recent days which suggested he may have burnished his anti-terrorism credentials. He claimed on his website that he sent terrorists to prison while a prosecutor but that does not appear to be the case.

The outspoken defender of the president frequently appears on Fox News repeating conspiracy theories, like alleging that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference was a political hit-job by Democrats working with US intelligence.

Before arriving in Congress in 2015, he was mayor of a small, wealthy lakeside suburb of Dallas, Texas for eight years, a staff lawyer for the local federal district attorney, and then interim district attorney for just one year in 2007.

- 'Humbled and honored' -

In a statement, Ratcliffe, who serves on the House intelligence, judiciary and homeland security committees, thanked Trump for nominating him.

"I was humbled and honored that the President put his trust in me to lead our nation's intelligence operations and remain convinced that when confirmed, I would have done so with the objectivity, fairness and integrity that our intelligence agencies need and deserve," he said.

"However, I do not wish for a national security and intelligence debate surrounding my confirmation, however untrue, to become a purely political and partisan issue," Ratcliffe said. "The country we all love deserves that it be treated as an American issue.

"Accordingly, I have asked the President to nominate someone other than me for this position."

Coats, the current DNI chief, announced Sunday that he would be stepping down on August 15.

Coats did not always see eye-to-eye with Trump on a range of issues while serving as the official who oversees and coordinates the CIA, the National Security Agency and other US intelligence bodies.

President Donald Trump's controversial pick to be the next Director of National Intelligence, Representative John Ratcliffe, withdrew from consideration on Friday amid questions over his experience and credentials.

President Donald Trump's controversial pick to be the next Director of National Intelligence, Representative John Ratcliffe, withdrew from consideration on Friday amid questions over his experience and credentials. Trump blamed Ratcliffe's withdrawal on attacks from the media but the nomination of the Republican lawmaker from Texas had raised broad concerns about the politicization of the sensitive post and his Senate confirmation was far from assured. Trump said he would announce a new nominee "shortly" to replace Republican former senator Dan Coats as head of the 17 agencies that make up the US intelligence community. "Our great Republican Congressman John Ratcliffe is being treated very unfairly by the LameStream Media," Trump said in a tweet announcing the withdrawal of his choice for DNI. "Rather than going through months of slander and libel, I explained to John how miserable it would be for him and his family to deal with these people," Trump said. "John has therefore decided to stay in Congress where he has done such an outstanding job representing the people of Texas, and our Country." Our great Republican Congressman John Ratcliffe is being treated very unfairly by the LameStream Media. Rather than going through months of slander and libel, I explained to John how miserable it would be for him and his family to deal with these people.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019 × ....John has therefore decided to stay in Congress where he has done such an outstanding job representing the people of Texas, and our Country. I will be announcing my nomination for DNI shortly. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019 × The nomination of Ratcliffe, a staunch Trump supporter, to become the chief US intelligence official had come in for strong criticism from Democrats. It received only tepid support from key Republicans, putting a question mark over whether the 53-year-old Ratcliffe could have earned the 51 votes needed for Senate confirmation. "Rep. Ratcliffe never should have been considered in the first place," said New York Senator Chuck Schumer, the head of the Democratic minority in the Senate. "This is part of a pattern from President Trump: nomination on a whim without consultation or vetting, and then forced withdrawal when mess ensues. "The next Director of National Intelligence must be someone who is nonpartisan, sees the world objectively and speaks truth to power," Schumer said. Ratcliffe is the latest of several people Trump has floated for key jobs in the US government who pulled out before they could assume the posts. "This is as close as Trump will ever get to acknowledging that the individual he nominated is so woefully under-qualified for DNI," said Ned Price, a former CIA officer and spokesman for the National Security Council under Democratic president Barack Obama. Price said on Twitter that Ratcliffe was "so extraordinarily hyper-partisan, and so brazenly deceitful in his resume that he would've met a freight train even in a rubber stamp Senate." Ratcliffe's resume has been the subject of several news articles in recent days which suggested he may have burnished his anti-terrorism credentials. He claimed on his website that he sent terrorists to prison while a prosecutor but that does not appear to be the case. The outspoken defender of the president frequently appears on Fox News repeating conspiracy theories, like alleging that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference was a political hit-job by Democrats working with US intelligence. Before arriving in Congress in 2015, he was mayor of a small, wealthy lakeside suburb of Dallas, Texas for eight years, a staff lawyer for the local federal district attorney, and then interim district attorney for just one year in 2007. - 'Humbled and honored' - In a statement, Ratcliffe, who serves on the House intelligence, judiciary and homeland security committees, thanked Trump for nominating him. "I was humbled and honored that the President put his trust in me to lead our nation's intelligence operations and remain convinced that when confirmed, I would have done so with the objectivity, fairness and integrity that our intelligence agencies need and deserve," he said. "However, I do not wish for a national security and intelligence debate surrounding my confirmation, however untrue, to become a purely political and partisan issue," Ratcliffe said. "The country we all love deserves that it be treated as an American issue. "Accordingly, I have asked the President to nominate someone other than me for this position." Coats, the current DNI chief, announced Sunday that he would be stepping down on August 15. Coats did not always see eye-to-eye with Trump on a range of issues while serving as the official who oversees and coordinates the CIA, the National Security Agency and other US intelligence bodies.

Trump drops US spy chief pick Ratcliffe and mulls a replacement

trump-0

Trump, News on Trump, stories on Trump, articles on Trump, Trump stories at Wion, Trump news, Trump latest news

trump 0

Bolsonaro working very hard on Amazon fires, doing a great job: Trump

Donald Trump slams report that he wanted to use nuclear weapons to break up hurricanes

Not looking for regime change in Iran, says Trump at G7 summit

Trump's only regret on China is 'not raising the tariffs higher': White House

Boris Johnson urges Trump to remove 'considerable barriers' for UK trade

Trump paints picture of unity at prickly G7 summit amid reports of rifts among leaders

Trump threatens tariffs on French wine as he heads to G7

Trump says US has really good relationship with North Korea

Trump says he 'wouldn't stop' if beleaguered Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell decides to quit

Donald Trump says he wouldn't stop Federal Chair Powell if he offered to resign

Trump heaps another 5% tariff on Chinese goods in latest tit-for-tat escalation

Trump to discuss Kashmir, human rights with Modi at G7 Summit in France

Moderate rhetoric with India: Donald Trump tells Imran Khan after phone call with PM Narendra Modi

India committed towards regional peace: PM Modi to President Trump

Apple CEO warns Trump about China tariffs, Samsung competition

News brief: Big stories of the day

San Francisco sues Trump administration over rule to limit legal immigration

I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed: Trump on Hong Kong protests

Trump's Kashmir mediation offer not on table anymore: Indian envoy

Trump administration removes key provisions in Endangered Species Act

Serious irregularities at prison where Epstein died: US attorney general

Trump retweets conspiracy theory about Bill Clinton, amid outcry on Jeffrey Epstein's death

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

After Walmart shooting, residents, lawmakers urge Trump not to visit El Paso

Trump: No political support for assault rifle controls