The Trump administration moved on Monday to declare most migrants who cross the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-migrants-wait-in-fear-no-sign-of-large-scale-us-raids-236016"> US southern border after </a>passing through Mexico ineligible for asylum.

A new rule redefining asylum eligibility - to take effect on Tuesday - is the latest attempt to stem the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pence-visits-overcrowded-bad-smelling-facility-for-detained-migrants-in-texas-235432">flow of undocumented migrants</a> into the country, and comes amid White House frustration at Congress's failure to toughen immigration laws.

"The United States is a generous country but is being completely overwhelmed by the burdens associated with apprehending and processing hundreds of thousands of aliens along the southern border," Attorney General Bill Barr said in a statement.

"This rule will decrease forum shopping by economic migrants and those who seek to exploit our asylum system to obtain entry to the United States," Barr added.

The White House's new rule targets the recent stream of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and other countries who have tried to cross into the United States from Mexico and request asylum to gain a foothold inside the country.

These requests - increasingly made by families claiming to flee endemic violence and poverty in their countries - allow the applicants to remain in the United States and to move around freely while their cases are adjudicated, which can take two years.

Many disappear into the country and never appear in court for their hearings, immigration officials say.

The new rule declares any migrant who enters the United States from the southern border and who have not asked for asylum protection in any of the countries they cross to get to the United States ineligible for asylum.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan said the move, labelled an "interim rule" in lieu of action by Congress, was necessary because previous efforts to change immigration laws to stem the flow of migrants had proven inadequate.

"Until Congress can act, this interim rule will help reduce a major 'pull' factor driving irregular migration to the United States... leading to fewer individuals transiting through Mexico on a dangerous journey," McAleenan said.

The rule includes exceptions for people who can demonstrate they are victims of torture or persecution.

But US immigration officials have made clear they consider most of the recent migrants from Central America to be economic migrants, and thus not qualified for asylum.

The rule could quickly run into legal challenges that have repeatedly stymied the White House's efforts to slow the number of migrants entering the country without documentation.

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.

But increasingly migrants from other countries, including rising numbers from South Asia and Africa, are taking the same route through Mexico to the US southern border.

And meanwhile, the large numbers of migrants crossing the US border has overwhelmed the capacity of officials to house and care for them, with many, including children, being held in squalid conditions for weeks as they await processing.

The Trump administration has pressured Mexico and Guatemala, on Mexico's southern border, to accept migrants' asylum requests in their countries but both have resisted.

On Sunday, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales cancelled a planned trip to Washington to discuss and possibly seal a deal making Guatemala a "safe third country" for asylum requests.

Later on Sunday, the country's constitutional court imposed an injunction on Morales sealing any deal, saying it first needed the approval of lawmakers, some of whom say it would make their country a dumping ground for migrants heading to the US.

Former foreign minister Edgar Gutierrez told the daily El Periodico that the deal would have made Guatemala, one of the region's poorest countries, "the biggest concentration camp in history."

The Trump administration moved on Monday to declare most migrants who cross the US southern border after passing through Mexico ineligible for asylum. A new rule redefining asylum eligibility - to take effect on Tuesday - is the latest attempt to stem the flow of undocumented migrants into the country, and comes amid White House frustration at Congress's failure to toughen immigration laws.

The Trump administration moved on Monday to declare most migrants who cross the US southern border after passing through Mexico ineligible for asylum. A new rule redefining asylum eligibility - to take effect on Tuesday - is the latest attempt to stem the flow of undocumented migrants into the country, and comes amid White House frustration at Congress's failure to toughen immigration laws. "The United States is a generous country but is being completely overwhelmed by the burdens associated with apprehending and processing hundreds of thousands of aliens along the southern border," Attorney General Bill Barr said in a statement. "This rule will decrease forum shopping by economic migrants and those who seek to exploit our asylum system to obtain entry to the United States," Barr added. The White House's new rule targets the recent stream of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and other countries who have tried to cross into the United States from Mexico and request asylum to gain a foothold inside the country. These requests - increasingly made by families claiming to flee endemic violence and poverty in their countries - allow the applicants to remain in the United States and to move around freely while their cases are adjudicated, which can take two years. Many disappear into the country and never appear in court for their hearings, immigration officials say. The new rule declares any migrant who enters the United States from the southern border and who have not asked for asylum protection in any of the countries they cross to get to the United States ineligible for asylum. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan said the move, labelled an "interim rule" in lieu of action by Congress, was necessary because previous efforts to change immigration laws to stem the flow of migrants had proven inadequate. "Until Congress can act, this interim rule will help reduce a major 'pull' factor driving irregular migration to the United States... leading to fewer individuals transiting through Mexico on a dangerous journey," McAleenan said. The rule includes exceptions for people who can demonstrate they are victims of torture or persecution. But US immigration officials have made clear they consider most of the recent migrants from Central America to be economic migrants, and thus not qualified for asylum. The rule could quickly run into legal challenges that have repeatedly stymied the White House's efforts to slow the number of migrants entering the country without documentation. 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. But increasingly migrants from other countries, including rising numbers from South Asia and Africa, are taking the same route through Mexico to the US southern border. And meanwhile, the large numbers of migrants crossing the US border has overwhelmed the capacity of officials to house and care for them, with many, including children, being held in squalid conditions for weeks as they await processing. The Trump administration has pressured Mexico and Guatemala, on Mexico's southern border, to accept migrants' asylum requests in their countries but both have resisted. On Sunday, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales cancelled a planned trip to Washington to discuss and possibly seal a deal making Guatemala a "safe third country" for asylum requests. Later on Sunday, the country's constitutional court imposed an injunction on Morales sealing any deal, saying it first needed the approval of lawmakers, some of whom say it would make their country a dumping ground for migrants heading to the US. Former foreign minister Edgar Gutierrez told the daily El Periodico that the deal would have made Guatemala, one of the region's poorest countries, "the biggest concentration camp in history."

Trump administration moves to block asylum for migrants entering US from Mexico

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-backs-down-on-including-citizenship-question-in-2020-census-235152&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjKypS327HjAhXv7nMBHXgDDcc4ChAWMAR6BAgBEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw22Srw7_bPoBw7xzwLt14Bu">US President Donald Trump</a> late Friday declined to issue quotas for domestic uranium production but instead ordered a new 90-day review by a group of federal agencies.

Trump said in a written memorandum he did not concur with a US Commerce Department investigation that found uranium imports threaten to impair <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-provide-licenses-for-sales-to-huawei-if-national-security-protected-234433">US national security.</a>

Trump wrote that while findings "raise significant concerns" he was ordering a deeper review.

"A fuller analysis of national security considerations with respect to the entire nuclear fuel supply chain is necessary at this time."

The United States sourced just 7% of its uranium domestically in 2017, with most of the rest coming from Canada, Australia, and Russia, according to the Energy Information Administration.

The US uranium mining firms, as well as more than two dozen western state lawmakers, have argued that nuclear generators rely heavily on countries such as Russia, China, and Kazakhstan for uranium supply from their state-owned companies, who flood the market.

Electric utility companies with nuclear power plants, including Duke Energy &lt;DUK.N&gt; and Entergy &lt;ETR.N&gt;, fought back hard against the miners' petition, arguing that their costs would spike if they were forced to source uranium domestically.

They had pushed back against the miners' argument that the utilities relied on adversaries like Russia, China and Kazakhstan, saying that the United States, Canada and Australia together accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the US uranium supply in 2017.

Trump said the working group would make "recommendations to further enable domestic nuclear fuel production if needed."

US President Donald Trump late Friday declined to issue quotas for domestic uranium production but instead ordered a new 90-day review by a group of federal agencies.

US President Donald Trump late Friday declined to issue quotas for domestic uranium production but instead ordered a new 90-day review by a group of federal agencies. Trump said in a written memorandum he did not concur with a US Commerce Department investigation that found uranium imports threaten to impair US national security. Trump wrote that while findings "raise significant concerns" he was ordering a deeper review. "A fuller analysis of national security considerations with respect to the entire nuclear fuel supply chain is necessary at this time." The United States sourced just 7% of its uranium domestically in 2017, with most of the rest coming from Canada, Australia, and Russia, according to the Energy Information Administration. The US uranium mining firms, as well as more than two dozen western state lawmakers, have argued that nuclear generators rely heavily on countries such as Russia, China, and Kazakhstan for uranium supply from their state-owned companies, who flood the market. Electric utility companies with nuclear power plants, including Duke Energy <DUK.N> and Entergy <ETR.N>, fought back hard against the miners' petition, arguing that their costs would spike if they were forced to source uranium domestically. They had pushed back against the miners' argument that the utilities relied on adversaries like Russia, China and Kazakhstan, saying that the United States, Canada and Australia together accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the US uranium supply in 2017. Trump said the working group would make "recommendations to further enable domestic nuclear fuel production if needed."

Donald Trump declines to set United States uranium production quotas

US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-trade-talks-to-restart-friday-amid-few-signs-of-compromise-234949">Bitcoin, Facebook's proposed</a> Libra digital coin and other cryptocurrencies and demanded that companies seek a banking charter and make themselves subject to US and global regulations if they wanted to "become a bank."

"I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air," Trump wrote on Twitter.

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I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air. Unregulated Crypto Assets can facilitate unlawful behavior, including drug trade and other illegal activity....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1149472282584072192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"If Facebook and other companies want to become a bank, they must seek a new Banking Charter and become subject to all Banking Regulations, just like other Banks, both National and International," he added.

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....Similarly, Facebook Libra’s “virtual currency” will have little standing or dependability. If Facebook and other companies want to become a bank, they must seek a new Banking Charter and become subject to all Banking Regulations, just like other Banks, both National...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1149472284702208000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump's comments come one day after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told lawmakers that Facebook's plan to build a digital currency called Libra cannot move forward unless it addresses concerns over privacy, money laundering, consumer protection and financial stability.

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...and International. We have only one real currency in the USA, and it is stronger than ever, both dependable and reliable. It is by far the most dominant currency anywhere in the World, and it will always stay that way. It is called the United States Dollar!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1149472285905940480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Powell said the Fed has established a working group to follow the project and is coordinating with other government's central banks. The US Financial Stability Oversight Council, a panel of regulators that identifies risks to the financial system, is also expected to make a review.

Hours earlier on Thursday, Trump criticised large technology companies at an event at the White House, who he said treated conservative voices unfairly.

The Internet Association, a trade group representing major tech firms like Facebook, Twitter and Google, said, "Internet companies are not biased against any political ideology, and conservative voices in particular have used social media to great effect." 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised Bitcoin, Facebook's proposed Libra digital coin and other cryptocurrencies and demanded that companies seek a banking charter and make themselves subject to US and global regulations if they wanted to "become a bank.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised Bitcoin, Facebook's proposed Libra digital coin and other cryptocurrencies and demanded that companies seek a banking charter and make themselves subject to US and global regulations if they wanted to "become a bank." "I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air," Trump wrote on Twitter. I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air. Unregulated Crypto Assets can facilitate unlawful behavior, including drug trade and other illegal activity.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019 × "If Facebook and other companies want to become a bank, they must seek a new Banking Charter and become subject to all Banking Regulations, just like other Banks, both National and International," he added. ....Similarly, Facebook Libra’s “virtual currency” will have little standing or dependability. If Facebook and other companies want to become a bank, they must seek a new Banking Charter and become subject to all Banking Regulations, just like other Banks, both National... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019 × Trump's comments come one day after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told lawmakers that Facebook's plan to build a digital currency called Libra cannot move forward unless it addresses concerns over privacy, money laundering, consumer protection and financial stability. ...and International. We have only one real currency in the USA, and it is stronger than ever, both dependable and reliable. It is by far the most dominant currency anywhere in the World, and it will always stay that way. It is called the United States Dollar! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019 × Powell said the Fed has established a working group to follow the project and is coordinating with other government's central banks. The US Financial Stability Oversight Council, a panel of regulators that identifies risks to the financial system, is also expected to make a review. Hours earlier on Thursday, Trump criticised large technology companies at an event at the White House, who he said treated conservative voices unfairly. The Internet Association, a trade group representing major tech firms like Facebook, Twitter and Google, said, "Internet companies are not biased against any political ideology, and conservative voices in particular have used social media to great effect."

If Facebook's Libra wants to become a bank, it must seek new banking charter: Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-attempted-to-seize-british-tanker-fended-off-by-warship-hms-montrose-report-234800">Iran attempted to seize British tanker, fended off by warship HMS Montrose: Report</a> 
 
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" over the detention of one of the country's oil tankers off the coast of Gibraltar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-hasnt-acknowledged-presence-of-indian-prisoners-of-war-defence-personnel-in-its-custody-government-in-lok-sabha-234803">Pak hasn't acknowledged presence of Indian PoWs: Govt in Lok Sabha</a> 
 
In a written reply in Lok Sabha to a question on the number of Indian PoWs during the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, the government said that as per available information, around 83 missing Indian defence personnel, including PoWs, are believed to be in Pakistan's custody.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-negotiating-new-military-deal-with-us-as-president-sirisena-vows-to-veto-agreement-234805">Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe negotiating 'new military deal' with US as President Sirisena vows to veto agreement</a> 
 
Wickremesinghe denied that the new SOFA would lead to a permanent US presence on the island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-hands-win-to-trump-in-hotel-emoluments-case-president-celebrates-234802">US court hands win to Trump in hotel 'emoluments' case; president celebrates</a> 
 
The three-judge panel said the attorneys general lacked legal standing to bring the case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/we-are-proud-of-you-chin-up-bollywood-celebrities-react-to-team-indias-loss-in-icc-cricket-wc-2019-234816">Bollywood celebrities react to team India's loss in ICC Cricket WC 2019</a> 
 
The match, which went on for two days due to rain on the first day, left a lot of Bollywood celebrities disappointed as well.&nbsp;

Iran attempted to seize British tanker, fended off by warship HMS Montrose: Report Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" over the detention of one of the country's oil tankers off the coast of Gibraltar.

Iran attempted to seize British tanker, fended off by warship HMS Montrose: Report Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" over the detention of one of the country's oil tankers off the coast of Gibraltar. Pak hasn't acknowledged presence of Indian PoWs: Govt in Lok Sabha In a written reply in Lok Sabha to a question on the number of Indian PoWs during the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, the government said that as per available information, around 83 missing Indian defence personnel, including PoWs, are believed to be in Pakistan's custody. Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe negotiating 'new military deal' with US as President Sirisena vows to veto agreement Wickremesinghe denied that the new SOFA would lead to a permanent US presence on the island. US court hands win to Trump in hotel 'emoluments' case; president celebrates The three-judge panel said the attorneys general lacked legal standing to bring the case. Bollywood celebrities react to team India's loss in ICC Cricket WC 2019 The match, which went on for two days due to rain on the first day, left a lot of Bollywood celebrities disappointed as well.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-china-watch-keenly-as-sri-lanka-negotiates-new-military-deal-with-us-234975">India, China watch keenly as Sri Lanka negotiates new military deal with US</a>

As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-and-us-will-regret-detaining-our-oil-tanker-irans-elite-revolutionary-guards-deputy-commander-234959">Britain and US will regret detaining our oil tanker: Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards deputy commander</a>

Britain and the United States will regret detaining an Iranian oil tanker, a deputy commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, according to the Tasnim news agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/french-parliament-passes-law-taxing-us-digital-giants-234955">French law taxing US digital giants draws angry response from US President Trump</a>

The French parliament on Thursday passed a law taxing internet giants including Apple and Google in defiance of a probe ordered by President Donald Trump that could trigger reprisal tariffs.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-kicked-me-out-of-rcb-relationship-is-spoiled-jokes-widies-cricketer-chris-gayle-234909">'Kohli kicked me out of RCB, relationship is spoiled,' jokes Windies cricketer Chris Gayle</a>

West Indies legendary cricketer Chris Gayle, known for his power-hitting and dynamic attitude, spoke exclusively to Zee Business about his relationship with Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Indian fans.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markle-wanted-to-be-a-model-at-my-show-us-tv-host-wendy-williams-234938">Meghan Markle wanted to be a model at my show: US TV host Wendy Williams</a>

Not many in the people in the world can claim that they know more things about Duchess of Sussex aka Meghan Markle than what is already out in the public.&nbsp;

India, China watch keenly as Sri Lanka negotiates new military deal with US As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again.

India, China watch keenly as Sri Lanka negotiates new military deal with US As India scrambles to counter China's expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, negotiation over a military pact with the US threatens to split the strategically located Indian Ocean island's polity again. Britain and US will regret detaining our oil tanker: Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards deputy commander Britain and the United States will regret detaining an Iranian oil tanker, a deputy commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, according to the Tasnim news agency. French law taxing US digital giants draws angry response from US President Trump The French parliament on Thursday passed a law taxing internet giants including Apple and Google in defiance of a probe ordered by President Donald Trump that could trigger reprisal tariffs. 'Kohli kicked me out of RCB, relationship is spoiled,' jokes Windies cricketer Chris Gayle West Indies legendary cricketer Chris Gayle, known for his power-hitting and dynamic attitude, spoke exclusively to Zee Business about his relationship with Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Indian fans. Meghan Markle wanted to be a model at my show: US TV host Wendy Williams Not many in the people in the world can claim that they know more things about Duchess of Sussex aka Meghan Markle than what is already out in the public.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday scored a crucial victory in a Democratic-backed lawsuit that accuses him of violating anti-corruption provisions of the US Constitution with his Washington hotel.

The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued a set of decisions instructing a lower court judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed against the Republican president in June 2017 by the Democratic attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

The three-judge panel said the attorneys general lacked legal standing to bring the case.

The court said the District of Columbia and Maryland's interest “in enforcing the Emoluments Clauses is so attenuated and abstract that their prosecution of this case readily provokes the question of whether this action against the President is an appropriate use of the courts, which were created to resolve real cases and controversies."

The decision halts dozens of subpoenas issued to Trump's businesses and government agencies for financial documents related to the hotel.

“Today’s pair of decisions by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals is a complete victory," Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for Trump, said in a statement. "This latest effort at presidential harassment has been dismissed with prejudice."

"Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt," Trump wrote on Twitter.

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Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt. Unanimous decision in my favor from The United States Court of Appeals For The Fourth Circuit on the ridiculous Emoluments Case. I don’t make money, but lose a fortune for the honor of.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148971885457285120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump also called the lawsuit "ridiculous," adding that he loses a "fortune" by being president.

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....serving and doing a great job as your President (including accepting Zero salary!).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148971886279311361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The idea that the District of Columbia and Maryland are not harmed by the President’s violation of the Constitution is plain error," Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine said in a joint statement. "We will continue to pursue our legal options to hold him accountable.”

Trump opened the Trump International Hotel, just blocks from the White House, shortly before he was elected in November 2016. Unlike past presidents, he has retained ownership of numerous business interests, including the hotel, while serving as president.

Since his election, the hotel has become a favoured lodging and event space for some foreign and state officials visiting the US capital.

The lawsuit alleges that, in failing to disengage from the hotel, Trump has made himself vulnerable to inducements by foreign governments seeking to curry favour, violating the Constitution.

Maryland-based US District Judge Peter Messitte last year allowed the lawsuit to proceed, a ruling that Trump appealed to the 4th Circuit.

All three of the judges who heard the appeal were appointed by Republican presidents.

Trump still faces a lawsuit making similar claims brought by a group of more than 200 Democratic Party lawmakers. A judge in Washington has issued key preliminary rulings against Trump, who on Monday asked an appeals court to halt the case.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday scored a crucial victory in a Democratic-backed lawsuit that accuses him of violating anti-corruption provisions of the US Constitution with his Washington hotel.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday scored a crucial victory in a Democratic-backed lawsuit that accuses him of violating anti-corruption provisions of the US Constitution with his Washington hotel. The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued a set of decisions instructing a lower court judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed against the Republican president in June 2017 by the Democratic attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia. The three-judge panel said the attorneys general lacked legal standing to bring the case. The court said the District of Columbia and Maryland's interest “in enforcing the Emoluments Clauses is so attenuated and abstract that their prosecution of this case readily provokes the question of whether this action against the President is an appropriate use of the courts, which were created to resolve real cases and controversies." The decision halts dozens of subpoenas issued to Trump's businesses and government agencies for financial documents related to the hotel. “Today’s pair of decisions by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals is a complete victory," Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for Trump, said in a statement. "This latest effort at presidential harassment has been dismissed with prejudice." "Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt," Trump wrote on Twitter. Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt. Unanimous decision in my favor from The United States Court of Appeals For The Fourth Circuit on the ridiculous Emoluments Case. I don’t make money, but lose a fortune for the honor of..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2019 × Trump also called the lawsuit "ridiculous," adding that he loses a "fortune" by being president. ....serving and doing a great job as your President (including accepting Zero salary!). — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2019 × "The idea that the District of Columbia and Maryland are not harmed by the President’s violation of the Constitution is plain error," Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine said in a joint statement. "We will continue to pursue our legal options to hold him accountable.” Trump opened the Trump International Hotel, just blocks from the White House, shortly before he was elected in November 2016. Unlike past presidents, he has retained ownership of numerous business interests, including the hotel, while serving as president. Since his election, the hotel has become a favoured lodging and event space for some foreign and state officials visiting the US capital. The lawsuit alleges that, in failing to disengage from the hotel, Trump has made himself vulnerable to inducements by foreign governments seeking to curry favour, violating the Constitution. Maryland-based US District Judge Peter Messitte last year allowed the lawsuit to proceed, a ruling that Trump appealed to the 4th Circuit. All three of the judges who heard the appeal were appointed by Republican presidents. Trump still faces a lawsuit making similar claims brought by a group of more than 200 Democratic Party lawmakers. A judge in Washington has issued key preliminary rulings against Trump, who on Monday asked an appeals court to halt the case.

US court hands win to Trump in hotel 'emoluments' case; president celebrates

Israel's Petah Tikvah located in the central district has named its city square <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fully-committed-to-peace-trumps-message-to-jerusalem--136783">after US President Donald Trump</a>.

The square was inaugurated on Wednesday to "thank the US president"&nbsp;for his support towards recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Last year after Trump passed the order to recognise Jerusalem as the capital,&nbsp;Israel's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-jerusalem-embassy-move-a-great-day-for-israel-136747">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> had thanked the US president for "making history" calling it a "bold decision".

In December, 2017, Trump in an executive order had decided to move the US embassy to Jerusalem amid largescale protests in Gaza. The US embassy was opened in Jerusalem in May last year as Israel celebrated.

During the ceremony at Petah Tikvah, Mayor Rami Greenberg said: "The oldest city of the State of Israel, shows its gratitude to President Donald Trump. The US President who is a big fan of the State of Israel, who helps us in difficult times, from an economic, political and security point of view. He recognised Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the State of Israel, the unified capital, and the Golan Heights."

"There was never a better president, not in the United States or anywhere else in the world, that supported Israel in its fight against extremist organisations that are here in the Middle East," the mayor added.

"He should be thanked for all that he did and all that he will do and also to show to other leaders in the world that this is the right way and whoever will go the right way we will show our gratitude here in Petah Tikva," Greenberg said during the inauguration.

Israel's Petah Tikvah located in the central district has named its city square after US President Donald Trump. The square was inaugurated on Wednesday to "thank the US president" for his support towards recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Israel's Petah Tikvah located in the central district has named its city square after US President Donald Trump. The square was inaugurated on Wednesday to "thank the US president" for his support towards recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Last year after Trump passed the order to recognise Jerusalem as the capital, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had thanked the US president for "making history" calling it a "bold decision". In December, 2017, Trump in an executive order had decided to move the US embassy to Jerusalem amid largescale protests in Gaza. The US embassy was opened in Jerusalem in May last year as Israel celebrated. During the ceremony at Petah Tikvah, Mayor Rami Greenberg said: "The oldest city of the State of Israel, shows its gratitude to President Donald Trump. The US President who is a big fan of the State of Israel, who helps us in difficult times, from an economic, political and security point of view. He recognised Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the State of Israel, the unified capital, and the Golan Heights." "There was never a better president, not in the United States or anywhere else in the world, that supported Israel in its fight against extremist organisations that are here in the Middle East," the mayor added. "He should be thanked for all that he did and all that he will do and also to show to other leaders in the world that this is the right way and whoever will go the right way we will show our gratitude here in Petah Tikva," Greenberg said during the inauguration.

Now, Israel names city square after Trump for 'recognising Jerusalem as eternal capital'

After clinching a historic fourth World Cup soccer title, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-spat-with-soccer-star-rapinoe-trump-may-invite-us-womens-world-cup-winning-team-to-white-house-233888">US soccer star&nbsp;Megan Rapinoe</a> waded into the confrontation with Trump declaring that she won't be visiting the White House even as President Trump congratulated the winning team on Monday.

"I held up my end of the bargain for sure. We did it all, we won it all," Rapinoe said, adding, "I think everybody is with me. We don't want to go to the White House."

"So I figured that's why the invitation hasn't come, may be sent by mail and it's just sort of slowly to get here. But I doubt it. But I think we will at some point be going to Washington," she told reporters after arriving in the US.

Rapinoe was engulfed in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-us-womens-soccer-star-rapinoe-not-to-disrespect-country-230684">controversy with President Trump </a>after she declared that even if the US won the World Cup she won't be going to the White House to meet the US president. Trump shot back on Twitter saying she shouldn't "disrespect the country, White House or the flag".

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Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1147946170293071872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In the same series of tweets, Trump had announced he was inviting the US women's team to the White House and had added: "I am a big fan."

Rapinoe had said: "I'm not going to the fucking White House," the US co-captain exclaimed in the clip on Eight by Eight, a football magazine. "No. I'm not going to the White House."

On asked by reporters that Senator Chuck Schumer had invited her to Capitol Hill, Rapinoe added enthusiastically: "That's great. I love that. Interesting to see what McConnell (US&nbsp;Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell) does. Thank you, Chuck Schumer, for inviting us out. We are very happy to accept your invitation to come."

However, on Trump and the White House visit, Rapinoe appeared to stick to her guns. The World Cup star was backed by her teammate Alex Morgan who said she didn't believe in a lot of things that President Trump had put in place.

"There's a lot of things that President Trump, you know, has put in place that I don't stand for," Morgan said while holding the World Cup trophy.&nbsp;

"I don't feel necessarily welcome there(at the White House) and so I don't believe that I will be individually attending. I think, you know, in the past we've all decided as a team so we'll have to see that in the future," she added.

After clinching a historic fourth World Cup soccer title, US soccer star Megan Rapinoe waded into the confrontation with Trump declaring that she won't be visiting the White House even as President Trump congratulated the winning team on Monday.

After clinching a historic fourth World Cup soccer title, US soccer star Megan Rapinoe waded into the confrontation with Trump declaring that she won't be visiting the White House even as President Trump congratulated the winning team on Monday. "I held up my end of the bargain for sure. We did it all, we won it all," Rapinoe said, adding, "I think everybody is with me. We don't want to go to the White House." "So I figured that's why the invitation hasn't come, may be sent by mail and it's just sort of slowly to get here. But I doubt it. But I think we will at some point be going to Washington," she told reporters after arriving in the US. Rapinoe was engulfed in a controversy with President Trump after she declared that even if the US won the World Cup she won't be going to the White House to meet the US president. Trump shot back on Twitter saying she shouldn't "disrespect the country, White House or the flag". Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 7, 2019 × In the same series of tweets, Trump had announced he was inviting the US women's team to the White House and had added: "I am a big fan." Rapinoe had said: "I'm not going to the fucking White House," the US co-captain exclaimed in the clip on Eight by Eight, a football magazine. "No. I'm not going to the White House." On asked by reporters that Senator Chuck Schumer had invited her to Capitol Hill, Rapinoe added enthusiastically: "That's great. I love that. Interesting to see what McConnell (US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell) does. Thank you, Chuck Schumer, for inviting us out. We are very happy to accept your invitation to come." However, on Trump and the White House visit, Rapinoe appeared to stick to her guns. The World Cup star was backed by her teammate Alex Morgan who said she didn't believe in a lot of things that President Trump had put in place. "There's a lot of things that President Trump, you know, has put in place that I don't stand for," Morgan said while holding the World Cup trophy. "I don't feel necessarily welcome there(at the White House) and so I don't believe that I will be individually attending. I think, you know, in the past we've all decided as a team so we'll have to see that in the future," she added.

I held up my end of the bargain, don't want to go to the White House: Rapinoe after winning women's World Cup

US President Donald Trump praised the women's national soccer team in the wake of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-win-womens-world-cup-after-beating-netherlands-2-0-in-final-233834">World Cup triumph on Sunday</a> and said he would look into inviting them to the White House, just days after a spat with the captain.

"Congratulations to the US Women's Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!" tweeted Trump, who had exchanged barbs with player of the tournament Megan Rapinoe during the finals in France.

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Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1147946170293071872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After Rapinoe, who led her side to victory on Sunday, told a reporter last month she would not go to the White House if the team were invited, Trump fired off a series of tweets saying: "Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!..."

"Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her &amp; the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!"

He went on to promise a White House invitation to the team "win or lose."

However, when asked by reporters on Sunday if Trump would invite the team to the White House, he said, "We haven't really thought about it. We will look at that."

English-born US&nbsp;national team coach Jill Ellis said she would not bet on an invite.

The United States duly claimed their fourth World Cup title with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, with goals from Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle.

Former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also tweeted their congratulations, along with numerous other politicians, athletes and celebrities.

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Yes! Fourth star. Back to back. Congrats to the record breakers on the <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USWNT</a>, an incredible team that’s always pushing themselves—and the rest of us—to be even better. Love this team. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneNationOneTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneNationOneTeam</a>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1147918213952360448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump also waded into the female athlete pay debate, saying that he "would like to see" women paid as much as their male counterparts, but noted that further study was needed.

Rapinoe on Saturday took aim at world soccer's governing body FIFA over a sizeable gap in the prize money offered to women's World cup champions compared to male winners.

US President Donald Trump praised the women's national soccer team in the wake of their World Cup triumph on Sunday and said he would look into inviting them to the White House, just days after a spat with the captain.

US President Donald Trump praised the women's national soccer team in the wake of their World Cup triumph on Sunday and said he would look into inviting them to the White House, just days after a spat with the captain. "Congratulations to the US Women's Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!" tweeted Trump, who had exchanged barbs with player of the tournament Megan Rapinoe during the finals in France. Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 7, 2019 × After Rapinoe, who led her side to victory on Sunday, told a reporter last month she would not go to the White House if the team were invited, Trump fired off a series of tweets saying: "Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!..." "Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!" He went on to promise a White House invitation to the team "win or lose." However, when asked by reporters on Sunday if Trump would invite the team to the White House, he said, "We haven't really thought about it. We will look at that." English-born US national team coach Jill Ellis said she would not bet on an invite. The United States duly claimed their fourth World Cup title with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, with goals from Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle. Former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also tweeted their congratulations, along with numerous other politicians, athletes and celebrities. Yes! Fourth star. Back to back. Congrats to the record breakers on the @USWNT, an incredible team that’s always pushing themselves—and the rest of us—to be even better. Love this team. #OneNationOneTeam — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 7, 2019 × Trump also waded into the female athlete pay debate, saying that he "would like to see" women paid as much as their male counterparts, but noted that further study was needed. Rapinoe on Saturday took aim at world soccer's governing body FIFA over a sizeable gap in the prize money offered to women's World cup champions compared to male winners.

After spat with soccer star Rapinoe, Trump may invite US women's World Cup winning team to White House

Britain's trade minister said on Monday he would apologise to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860"> US President Donald Trump's</a> daughter Ivanka for a leak of confidential memos in which the UK ambassador describes the US administration as "dysfunctional" and "inept".

The memos from Kim Darroch, the UK's ambassador to Washington, were leaked to a Sunday newspaper, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-top-envoy-in-us-says-trump-executive-inept-report-233737">annoying Trump</a> and triggering demands on the British side to find out who had disclosed them.

Trade minister Liam Fox, who is on a visit to Washington, told BBC radio he would apologise to the president's daughter Ivanka, who he is due to meet during his trip.

"I will be apologising for the fact that either our civil service or elements of our political class have not lived up to the expectations that either we have or the United States has about their behaviour, which in this particular case has lapsed in a most extraordinary and unacceptable way," he said.

"Malicious leaks of this nature are unprofessional, unethical and unpatriotic and can actually lead to a damage to that relationship which can therefore affect our wider security interest."

The revelations come at a time when Britain is hoping to strike a major trade deal with its closest ally after it leaves the European Union, an exit currently scheduled for October 31.

Trump told reporters, of Darroch: "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well, so I can understand and I can say things about him but I won't bother."

In memos to his government dating from 2017 to the present, Darroch said reports of in-fighting in the White House were "mostly true" and last month described confusion within the administration over Trump's decision to call off a military strike on Iran.

"We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch wrote in one memo, according to the Mail on Sunday.

Fox echoed a statement from Britain's Foreign Office that the views Darroch had expressed were not those of the British government itself. Former defence minister Michael Fallon said Darroch's term as ambassador was due to come to an end soon.

"All ambassadors are asked to report all the time honestly about the different strengths and weaknesses of the governments they are posted to," he told BBC radio. "It's obviously damaging to any relationship when this sort of stuff gets published."

Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's Brexit Party and long a thorn in the side of British governments, said figures such as Darroch would be "not be around" if ex-foreign minister Boris Johnson, one of two candidates seeking to replace Theresa May as prime minister, was chosen by Conservative Party members.

However, despite being close to Trump, Farage ruled himself out of becoming Britain's next ambassador in Washington.

"I don't think I'm the right man for that job," he told BBC radio.

Britain's trade minister said on Monday he would apologise to US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka for a leak of confidential memos in which the UK ambassador describes the US administration as "dysfunctional" and "inept".

Britain's trade minister said on Monday he would apologise to US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka for a leak of confidential memos in which the UK ambassador describes the US administration as "dysfunctional" and "inept". The memos from Kim Darroch, the UK's ambassador to Washington, were leaked to a Sunday newspaper, annoying Trump and triggering demands on the British side to find out who had disclosed them. Trade minister Liam Fox, who is on a visit to Washington, told BBC radio he would apologise to the president's daughter Ivanka, who he is due to meet during his trip. "I will be apologising for the fact that either our civil service or elements of our political class have not lived up to the expectations that either we have or the United States has about their behaviour, which in this particular case has lapsed in a most extraordinary and unacceptable way," he said. "Malicious leaks of this nature are unprofessional, unethical and unpatriotic and can actually lead to a damage to that relationship which can therefore affect our wider security interest." The revelations come at a time when Britain is hoping to strike a major trade deal with its closest ally after it leaves the European Union, an exit currently scheduled for October 31. Trump told reporters, of Darroch: "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well, so I can understand and I can say things about him but I won't bother." In memos to his government dating from 2017 to the present, Darroch said reports of in-fighting in the White House were "mostly true" and last month described confusion within the administration over Trump's decision to call off a military strike on Iran. "We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch wrote in one memo, according to the Mail on Sunday. Fox echoed a statement from Britain's Foreign Office that the views Darroch had expressed were not those of the British government itself. Former defence minister Michael Fallon said Darroch's term as ambassador was due to come to an end soon. "All ambassadors are asked to report all the time honestly about the different strengths and weaknesses of the governments they are posted to," he told BBC radio. "It's obviously damaging to any relationship when this sort of stuff gets published." Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's Brexit Party and long a thorn in the side of British governments, said figures such as Darroch would be "not be around" if ex-foreign minister Boris Johnson, one of two candidates seeking to replace Theresa May as prime minister, was chosen by Conservative Party members. However, despite being close to Trump, Farage ruled himself out of becoming Britain's next ambassador in Washington. "I don't think I'm the right man for that job," he told BBC radio.

'Dysfunctional' & 'inept': Britain's trade minister Liam Fox to apologise to Ivanka over leaked memo

Battle tanks were seen on a train in Washington on Tuesday ahead of a July Fourth celebration highlighting U.S. military might that Democrats say President Donald Trump may turn into a re-election campaign rally.

Amid questions about the cost and tone of the event, White House officials said the Republican president will avoid politics and stick to patriotic themes in his speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on Thursday.

M1 Abrams tanks and other armoured vehicles were seen atop flat rail cars in Washington on Tuesday morning, a sign of the military firepower that will be featured, differing significantly from past annual celebrations of the 1776 Declaration of Independence.

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Big 4th of July in D.C. “Salute to America.” The Pentagon &amp; our great Military Leaders are thrilled to be doing this &amp; showing to the American people, among other things, the strongest and most advanced Military anywhere in the World. Incredible Flyovers &amp; biggest ever Fireworks!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146062242388959238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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For decades, US presidents have kept a low profile during the event, which typically draws hundreds of thousands of people to Washington's monument-lined National Mall for a concert and fireworks.

This year, Trump plans to speak at a military "Salute to America" that will feature military bands and flyovers from the US Navy's Blue Angels and Air Force One, the modified Boeing 747 that transports US presidents.

The event could also feature M1 Abrams battle tanks, a B-2 bomber, F-35 and F-22 fighter jets, and the Marine One helicopter that transports the president, the Pentagon said. Air traffic at nearby Ronald Reagan National Airport will be suspended during the flyovers and the fireworks, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The antiwar group Code Pink said it had secured a permit to bring a "Baby Trump" blimp, depicting the president in diapers, to a protest in the Mall during his speech. The permit does not allow the balloon to be filled with helium so it can float.

Democrats in Congress have questioned whether Trump will turn a patriotic celebration into a taxpayer-funded campaign rally.

"That's absolutely ridiculous. This is all about a salute to America. The president is not going to get political," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said on Fox Business Network.

On June 18, Trump officially launched his 2020 campaign to seek a second four-year term. More than 20 Democrats are campaigning for their party's nomination to run against Trump.

The administration has not said how much Trump's pumped-up July Fourth celebration will cost. The Pentagon postponed a military parade planned for last November after it estimated it could cost $90 million.

The National Park Service is diverting about $2.5 million in entrance and recreation fees primarily intended to improve parks to cover costs associated with the celebration, the Washington Post reported, citing unnamed sources.

The agency did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.

"It is unacceptable that the Interior Department is failing to inform Congress about how it plans to spend taxpayer money to fund the president’s lavish July Fourth plans, which reportedly include special access to the National Mall for the politically connected," Democratic Senator Tom Udall said in a statement.

A VIP section set up near the Lincoln Memorial will be open to government officials and lawmakers, according to a White House official speaking on condition of anonymity. In previous years, government officials and other VIPs have watched the fireworks from the White House lawn.

Battle tanks were seen on a train in Washington on Tuesday ahead of a July Fourth celebration highlighting U.S. military might that Democrats say President Donald Trump may turn into a re-election campaign rally.

Battle tanks were seen on a train in Washington on Tuesday ahead of a July Fourth celebration highlighting U.S. military might that Democrats say President Donald Trump may turn into a re-election campaign rally. Amid questions about the cost and tone of the event, White House officials said the Republican president will avoid politics and stick to patriotic themes in his speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on Thursday. M1 Abrams tanks and other armoured vehicles were seen atop flat rail cars in Washington on Tuesday morning, a sign of the military firepower that will be featured, differing significantly from past annual celebrations of the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Big 4th of July in D.C. “Salute to America.” The Pentagon & our great Military Leaders are thrilled to be doing this & showing to the American people, among other things, the strongest and most advanced Military anywhere in the World. Incredible Flyovers & biggest ever Fireworks! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 2, 2019 × For decades, US presidents have kept a low profile during the event, which typically draws hundreds of thousands of people to Washington's monument-lined National Mall for a concert and fireworks. This year, Trump plans to speak at a military "Salute to America" that will feature military bands and flyovers from the US Navy's Blue Angels and Air Force One, the modified Boeing 747 that transports US presidents. The event could also feature M1 Abrams battle tanks, a B-2 bomber, F-35 and F-22 fighter jets, and the Marine One helicopter that transports the president, the Pentagon said. Air traffic at nearby Ronald Reagan National Airport will be suspended during the flyovers and the fireworks, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The antiwar group Code Pink said it had secured a permit to bring a "Baby Trump" blimp, depicting the president in diapers, to a protest in the Mall during his speech. The permit does not allow the balloon to be filled with helium so it can float. Democrats in Congress have questioned whether Trump will turn a patriotic celebration into a taxpayer-funded campaign rally. "That's absolutely ridiculous. This is all about a salute to America. The president is not going to get political," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said on Fox Business Network. On June 18, Trump officially launched his 2020 campaign to seek a second four-year term. More than 20 Democrats are campaigning for their party's nomination to run against Trump. The administration has not said how much Trump's pumped-up July Fourth celebration will cost. The Pentagon postponed a military parade planned for last November after it estimated it could cost $90 million. The National Park Service is diverting about $2.5 million in entrance and recreation fees primarily intended to improve parks to cover costs associated with the celebration, the Washington Post reported, citing unnamed sources. The agency did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report. "It is unacceptable that the Interior Department is failing to inform Congress about how it plans to spend taxpayer money to fund the president’s lavish July Fourth plans, which reportedly include special access to the National Mall for the politically connected," Democratic Senator Tom Udall said in a statement. A VIP section set up near the Lincoln Memorial will be open to government officials and lawmakers, according to a White House official speaking on condition of anonymity. In previous years, government officials and other VIPs have watched the fireworks from the White House lawn.

4th July celebrations: Battle tanks arrive in Washington; Trump promises 'incredible flyovers & biggest ever fireworks'

North Korea on Monday described the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-kim-iii-publicity-stunt-or-leap-for-peace-231839">weekend meeting between its leader</a> Kim Jong-un and US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-lands-at-dmz-ahead-of-meeting-with-north-koreas-kim-231654">Trump in the Demilitarized Zone</a> as "historic" and "amazing".

The two leaders agreed to "resume and push forward productive dialogues for making a new breakthrough in the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", the official Korean Central News Agency said.

After a Twitter invitation by the US president on Saturday, the two men met a day later in the strip of land that has divided the peninsula for 66 years since the end of the Korean War, when their countries and their allies fought each other to a standstill.

Kim and Trump shook hands over the concrete blocks dividing North and South before Trump walked a few paces into Pyongyang's territory -- the first US president ever to set foot on North Korean soil.

"The top leaders of the DPRK and the US exchanging historic handshakes at Panmunjom" was an "amazing event", KCNA said, describing the truce village as a "place that had been known as the symbol of division".&nbsp;

The meeting took place "at the suggestion of Trump", it added.

The impromptu meeting in the DMZ was full of symbolism.&nbsp;

Trump's border-crossing -- which he said was uncertain until the last moment -- was an extraordinary sequel to the scene at Kim's first summit with Moon Jae-in last year, when the young leader invited the South Korean president to walk over the Military Demarcation Line, as the border is officially known.

"It was an honour that you asked me to step over that line, and I was proud to step over the line," Trump told Kim.

KCNA described it as a "historic moment", marking the "first time in history" a sitting US President set foot on North Korean soil.

Analysts have been divided on Sunday's events, some saying they spurred new momentum into deadlocked nuclear talks, while others described them as "reality show theatrics".

'Mysterious force'

The first Trump-Kim summit took place in a blaze of publicity in Singapore last year but produced only a vaguely worded pledge about denuclearisation.

A second meeting in Vietnam in February collapsed after the pair failed to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give in return.

Contact between the two sides has since been minimal -- with Pyongyang issuing frequent criticisms of the US position -- but the two leaders exchanged a series of letters before Trump issued his offer to meet at the DMZ.

Trump said after Sunday's meeting that they had agreed working-level talks on the North's weapons programme would take place within weeks.

He also floated the idea of sanctions relief -- repeatedly demanded by Pyongyang -- and said he invited the North Korean leader to the White House.

Such a trip would have to come "at the right time", Trump added.

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KCNA said Kim and Trump discussed "issues of mutual concern and interest which become a stumbling block in solving those issues".

The two leaders "agreed to keep in close touch in the future", it added.

KCNA cited Kim lauding their "good personal relations," saying they would "produce good results unpredictable by others and work as a mysterious force overcoming manifold difficulties and obstacles in the future, too".

It also said Kim had exchanged "warm greetings" with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who met the two men as they returned to his side of the border.

KCNA accorded Moon his formal title despite Pyongyang denouncing the South's authorities only last week, saying they "have nothing to meddle in the dialogue".

North Korea on Monday described the weekend meeting between its leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump in the Demilitarized Zone as "historic" and "amazing".

North Korea on Monday described the weekend meeting between its leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump in the Demilitarized Zone as "historic" and "amazing". The two leaders agreed to "resume and push forward productive dialogues for making a new breakthrough in the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", the official Korean Central News Agency said. After a Twitter invitation by the US president on Saturday, the two men met a day later in the strip of land that has divided the peninsula for 66 years since the end of the Korean War, when their countries and their allies fought each other to a standstill. Kim and Trump shook hands over the concrete blocks dividing North and South before Trump walked a few paces into Pyongyang's territory -- the first US president ever to set foot on North Korean soil. "The top leaders of the DPRK and the US exchanging historic handshakes at Panmunjom" was an "amazing event", KCNA said, describing the truce village as a "place that had been known as the symbol of division". The meeting took place "at the suggestion of Trump", it added. The impromptu meeting in the DMZ was full of symbolism. Trump's border-crossing -- which he said was uncertain until the last moment -- was an extraordinary sequel to the scene at Kim's first summit with Moon Jae-in last year, when the young leader invited the South Korean president to walk over the Military Demarcation Line, as the border is officially known. "It was an honour that you asked me to step over that line, and I was proud to step over the line," Trump told Kim. KCNA described it as a "historic moment", marking the "first time in history" a sitting US President set foot on North Korean soil. Analysts have been divided on Sunday's events, some saying they spurred new momentum into deadlocked nuclear talks, while others described them as "reality show theatrics". 'Mysterious force' The first Trump-Kim summit took place in a blaze of publicity in Singapore last year but produced only a vaguely worded pledge about denuclearisation. A second meeting in Vietnam in February collapsed after the pair failed to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give in return. Contact between the two sides has since been minimal -- with Pyongyang issuing frequent criticisms of the US position -- but the two leaders exchanged a series of letters before Trump issued his offer to meet at the DMZ. Trump said after Sunday's meeting that they had agreed working-level talks on the North's weapons programme would take place within weeks. He also floated the idea of sanctions relief -- repeatedly demanded by Pyongyang -- and said he invited the North Korean leader to the White House. Such a trip would have to come "at the right time", Trump added. KCNA said Kim and Trump discussed "issues of mutual concern and interest which become a stumbling block in solving those issues". The two leaders "agreed to keep in close touch in the future", it added. KCNA cited Kim lauding their "good personal relations," saying they would "produce good results unpredictable by others and work as a mysterious force overcoming manifold difficulties and obstacles in the future, too". It also said Kim had exchanged "warm greetings" with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who met the two men as they returned to his side of the border. KCNA accorded Moon his formal title despite Pyongyang denouncing the South's authorities only last week, saying they "have nothing to meddle in the dialogue".

North Korea calls Kim-Trump in Demilitarized Zone meeting 'historic'

Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/donald-trump-meets-kim-jong-un-becomes-first-sitting-united-states-president-to-set-foot-in-north-korea-231748">meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone</a> produced a barrage of headlines and images, but left analysts questioning whether it was a small step for publicity or a giant leap for peace.

The impromptu encounter saw Trump briefly crossing over the demarcation line -- becoming the first sitting US president to step into Pyongyang's territory.

It came months after their second summit in Hanoi broke down over what the nuclear-armed North would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief.

After around an hour of talks in Panmunjom -- the "truce village" in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/demilitarised-zone-the-worlds-last-cold-war-frontier-231677">DMZ </a>that has divided the peninsula since the two sides and their allies fought each other to a stalemate in 1953 -- Trump emerged to say the two would begin working-level talks in the next few weeks.

He also invited the North's leader to Washington "at the right time", he added.

It was a more substantive outcome than many had expected after Trump issued his Twitter invitation to Kim and said the meeting could be as short as two minutes to simply "say hello".

But analysts questioned whether it would be enough to create sustainable progress in a process that has already been running for years and has regularly become bogged down.

Vipin Narang, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said the "reality show theatrics" of Panmunjom were worth it if they led to effective working-level talks.

"If not, then we will keep tuning into this same show for the next 15 months," he added.

While the Trump administration is adamant it wants to see North Korea give up its nuclear arsenal, Pyongyang has never publicly declared it is willing to do so, referring instead to the wider and more ambiguous "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

The North is seeking relief from wide-ranging sanctions imposed on it over its weapons programmes, and has offered to close part of its Yongbyon nuclear centre, but specialists say it has other facilities producing material for weapons.

The Panmunjom meeting gave both leaders "a good reason to seek dialogue again", said Hong Min, a senior researcher at the South's state-run Korea Institute for National Unification.

'Pushes and nudges'

But Mintaro Oba, a former State Department official in the Obama administration, called it a "temporary burst of momentum".

"We are engaged in a sort of 'defibrillator diplomacy' with North Korea: keeping the process alive through an occasional injection of energy, but never treating the underlying disease," Oba tweeted.

How much progress the talks will make is open to question, experts say.

Since the Hanoi summit collapse, Pyongyang has accused Washington of acting in "bad faith" and given it until the end of the year to change its approach, and last month fired short-range missiles for the first time since November 2017.

In recent months Pyongyang has also slammed Trump's top aides -- National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo -- and demanded their removal from talks.

"That could create problems," said Go Myong-hyun, an analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies.

For both participants, though, the meeting had its uses.

With a presidential election in the US next year, Trump's dramatic steps into North Korea will be a "useful tool" on the campaign trail, said Koo Kab-woo, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

For its part, the North has long wanted to be treated as an equal to the US and sought to have Bill Clinton visit Pyongyang before his term expired.

It will welcome Sunday's symbolism, said former CIA analyst Soo Kim.

"Kim didn't have to lift a finger to get Trump to cross the DMZ," she told AFP, even though there had been "no progress on denuclearisation", and the North was continuing to advance its nuclear capabilities, test missiles and evade sanctions.

The short-notice meeting fits right into Pyongyang's playbook, she said, sending a message to the North that US policy was "quite porous" and suggesting that "with subsequent pushes and nudges, Kim will get his own way". 
&nbsp;

Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un's meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone produced a barrage of headlines and images, but left analysts questioning whether it was a small step for publicity or a giant leap for peace.

Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un's meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone produced a barrage of headlines and images, but left analysts questioning whether it was a small step for publicity or a giant leap for peace. The impromptu encounter saw Trump briefly crossing over the demarcation line -- becoming the first sitting US president to step into Pyongyang's territory. It came months after their second summit in Hanoi broke down over what the nuclear-armed North would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief. After around an hour of talks in Panmunjom -- the "truce village" in the DMZ that has divided the peninsula since the two sides and their allies fought each other to a stalemate in 1953 -- Trump emerged to say the two would begin working-level talks in the next few weeks. He also invited the North's leader to Washington "at the right time", he added. It was a more substantive outcome than many had expected after Trump issued his Twitter invitation to Kim and said the meeting could be as short as two minutes to simply "say hello". But analysts questioned whether it would be enough to create sustainable progress in a process that has already been running for years and has regularly become bogged down. Vipin Narang, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said the "reality show theatrics" of Panmunjom were worth it if they led to effective working-level talks. "If not, then we will keep tuning into this same show for the next 15 months," he added. While the Trump administration is adamant it wants to see North Korea give up its nuclear arsenal, Pyongyang has never publicly declared it is willing to do so, referring instead to the wider and more ambiguous "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". The North is seeking relief from wide-ranging sanctions imposed on it over its weapons programmes, and has offered to close part of its Yongbyon nuclear centre, but specialists say it has other facilities producing material for weapons. The Panmunjom meeting gave both leaders "a good reason to seek dialogue again", said Hong Min, a senior researcher at the South's state-run Korea Institute for National Unification. 'Pushes and nudges' But Mintaro Oba, a former State Department official in the Obama administration, called it a "temporary burst of momentum". "We are engaged in a sort of 'defibrillator diplomacy' with North Korea: keeping the process alive through an occasional injection of energy, but never treating the underlying disease," Oba tweeted. How much progress the talks will make is open to question, experts say. Since the Hanoi summit collapse, Pyongyang has accused Washington of acting in "bad faith" and given it until the end of the year to change its approach, and last month fired short-range missiles for the first time since November 2017. In recent months Pyongyang has also slammed Trump's top aides -- National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo -- and demanded their removal from talks. "That could create problems," said Go Myong-hyun, an analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies. For both participants, though, the meeting had its uses. With a presidential election in the US next year, Trump's dramatic steps into North Korea will be a "useful tool" on the campaign trail, said Koo Kab-woo, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. For its part, the North has long wanted to be treated as an equal to the US and sought to have Bill Clinton visit Pyongyang before his term expired. It will welcome Sunday's symbolism, said former CIA analyst Soo Kim. "Kim didn't have to lift a finger to get Trump to cross the DMZ," she told AFP, even though there had been "no progress on denuclearisation", and the North was continuing to advance its nuclear capabilities, test missiles and evade sanctions. The short-notice meeting fits right into Pyongyang's playbook, she said, sending a message to the North that US policy was "quite porous" and suggesting that "with subsequent pushes and nudges, Kim will get his own way".

Trump-Kim III: Publicity stunt or leap for peace?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-rs-200-crore-anti-tank-missile-deal-with-russia-231721">India signs Rs 200 crore anti-tank missile deal with Russia</a>

Seeking to keep itself battle-ready in situations like the one post-Balakot aerial strikes, India has signed a deal to acquire 'Strum Ataka'&nbsp;anti-tank&nbsp;missile from Russia&nbsp;for its fleet of Mi-35 attack choppers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-daughter-ivanka-and-pompeo-beautiful-couple-beauty-and-the-beast-231774">Trump tries off-hand humour again, calls daughter Ivanka and Pompeo 'beautiful couple'</a>

US President Donald Trump is known for his slapstick humour and off-hand comments. On Sunday, the US president went on to launch another remark, this time involving&nbsp;his daughter Ivanka Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-allowed-to-buy-from-us-suppliers-as-relations-with-china-are-back-on-track-231743">Huawei allowed to buy from US suppliers as relations with China are 'back on track'</a>

United States President Donald Trump in a series of tweets on Saturday said he had a great meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the&nbsp;G20 summit in Japan's Osaka&nbsp;where he also agreed to continue negotiations over the stalled trade talks between the two world economies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/money-in-swiss-banks-india-slips-to-74th-place-uk-remains-on-top-231751">Money in Swiss banks: India slips to 74th place, UK remains on top&nbsp;</a>

India has moved down one place to 74th rank in terms of&nbsp;money parked by its citizens and enterprises with Swiss banks, while the UK has retained its top position, as per data released by the central banking authority of the Alpine nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/donald-trump-meets-kim-jong-un-becomes-first-sitting-united-states-president-to-set-foot-in-north-korea-231748">Donald Trump meets Kim Jong-un, becomes first sitting United States president to set foot in North Korea</a>

US President Donald Trump became the first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea on Sunday when he met its leader, Kim Jong Un, in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas.

India signs Rs 200 crore anti-tank missile deal with Russia Seeking to keep itself battle-ready in situations like the one post-Balakot aerial strikes, India has signed a deal to acquire 'Strum Ataka' anti-tank missile from Russia for its fleet of Mi-35 attack choppers.

India signs Rs 200 crore anti-tank missile deal with Russia Seeking to keep itself battle-ready in situations like the one post-Balakot aerial strikes, India has signed a deal to acquire 'Strum Ataka' anti-tank missile from Russia for its fleet of Mi-35 attack choppers. Trump tries off-hand humour again, calls daughter Ivanka and Pompeo 'beautiful couple' US President Donald Trump is known for his slapstick humour and off-hand comments. On Sunday, the US president went on to launch another remark, this time involving his daughter Ivanka Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Huawei allowed to buy from US suppliers as relations with China are 'back on track' United States President Donald Trump in a series of tweets on Saturday said he had a great meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan's Osaka where he also agreed to continue negotiations over the stalled trade talks between the two world economies. Money in Swiss banks: India slips to 74th place, UK remains on top India has moved down one place to 74th rank in terms of money parked by its citizens and enterprises with Swiss banks, while the UK has retained its top position, as per data released by the central banking authority of the Alpine nation. Donald Trump meets Kim Jong-un, becomes first sitting United States president to set foot in North Korea US President Donald Trump became the first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea on Sunday when he met its leader, Kim Jong Un, in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas.

US Attorney General William Barr on Friday declared a public-safety emergency in rural Alaska and pledged $10.5 million in federal funds to combat some of the nation`s worst rates of sexual assault, child abuse and other violent crimes.

Barr`s announcement followed a visit to Alaska last month, where the country`s top law enforcement official was told about extraordinarily high rates of rape and domestic violence and a lack of police officers.&nbsp;

About a third of Alaska Native villages lack local law-enforcement services, according to a statement by the US Department of Justice announcing the federal money.

"I witnessed firsthand the complex, unique, and dire law enforcement challenges the State of Alaska and its remote Alaska Native communities are facing,” Barr said in the statement. &nbsp;

Rural Alaska communities, with largely Native populations and mostly without outside road access, have long been plagued by violent crime. For various legal and financial reasons, local and state responses to rural crime have been limited.

Village public safety officers, residents of the small Native communities scattered over remote parts of Alaska, are managed by the Alaska State Troopers.

Alaska tribes do not have the legal authority to establish police forces, a product of the sweeping 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act that restricted tribal powers, Native leaders told Barr in May. Establishing tribal police would require another act of Congress, the Native leaders said.

State-funded rural law enforcement has been hindered by Alaska`s long-running fiscal problems. The state is dependent on oil revenues that are dwindling and has cut back services over the years.

On Friday, just after Barr declared the public-safety emergency, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced deep cuts he was making by veto to the fiscal 2020 budget passed by the state legislature. Among them was a $3 million cut Dunleavy made to the village public safety officer programme.

Of the emergency funding announced by Barr, $6 million is to support the state`s village public safety officer programme and to help pay for mobile detention facilities.

Another $4.5 million will be paid by the end of July for 20 officer positions, equipment and training for Native grantees, the Justice Department said. 
Barr also announced plans for some longer-term responses, including some funding for child protection.

US Attorney General William Barr on Friday declared a public-safety emergency in rural Alaska and pledged $10.5 million in federal funds to combat some of the nation`s worst rates of sexual assault, child abuse and other violent crimes.

US Attorney General William Barr on Friday declared a public-safety emergency in rural Alaska and pledged $10.5 million in federal funds to combat some of the nation`s worst rates of sexual assault, child abuse and other violent crimes. Barr`s announcement followed a visit to Alaska last month, where the country`s top law enforcement official was told about extraordinarily high rates of rape and domestic violence and a lack of police officers. About a third of Alaska Native villages lack local law-enforcement services, according to a statement by the US Department of Justice announcing the federal money. "I witnessed firsthand the complex, unique, and dire law enforcement challenges the State of Alaska and its remote Alaska Native communities are facing,” Barr said in the statement. Rural Alaska communities, with largely Native populations and mostly without outside road access, have long been plagued by violent crime. For various legal and financial reasons, local and state responses to rural crime have been limited. Village public safety officers, residents of the small Native communities scattered over remote parts of Alaska, are managed by the Alaska State Troopers. Alaska tribes do not have the legal authority to establish police forces, a product of the sweeping 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act that restricted tribal powers, Native leaders told Barr in May. Establishing tribal police would require another act of Congress, the Native leaders said. State-funded rural law enforcement has been hindered by Alaska`s long-running fiscal problems. The state is dependent on oil revenues that are dwindling and has cut back services over the years. On Friday, just after Barr declared the public-safety emergency, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced deep cuts he was making by veto to the fiscal 2020 budget passed by the state legislature. Among them was a $3 million cut Dunleavy made to the village public safety officer programme. Of the emergency funding announced by Barr, $6 million is to support the state`s village public safety officer programme and to help pay for mobile detention facilities. Another $4.5 million will be paid by the end of July for 20 officer positions, equipment and training for Native grantees, the Justice Department said. Barr also announced plans for some longer-term responses, including some funding for child protection.

Trump administration declares emergency in violence-plagued rural Alaska

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he appreciated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-angry-about-khashoggi-murder-but-says-no-one-blames-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-231433">Saudi Arabia</a>`s purchase of US military equipment, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "friend of mine" who had worked to open up the country with economic and social reforms.

"It`s an honour to be with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, a friend of mine - a man who has really done things in the last five years in terms of opening up Saudi Arabia," Trump said ahead of a bilateral meeting with the crown prince, known as MbS, in Osaka, Japan.

"I think especially what you’ve done for women and seeing what’s happening - it’s like a revolution in a very positive way," he added on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit.

Trump declined to respond to reporters` questions on whether he would address the death last year of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of MbS.

The CIA has determined the prince ordered his killing, but Saudi officials have denied any involvement.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he appreciated Saudi Arabia`s purchase of US military equipment, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "friend of mine" who had worked to open up the country with economic and social reforms.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he appreciated Saudi Arabia`s purchase of US military equipment, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "friend of mine" who had worked to open up the country with economic and social reforms. "It`s an honour to be with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, a friend of mine - a man who has really done things in the last five years in terms of opening up Saudi Arabia," Trump said ahead of a bilateral meeting with the crown prince, known as MbS, in Osaka, Japan. "I think especially what you’ve done for women and seeing what’s happening - it’s like a revolution in a very positive way," he added on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit. Trump declined to respond to reporters` questions on whether he would address the death last year of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of MbS. The CIA has determined the prince ordered his killing, but Saudi officials have denied any involvement.

Trump says he 'appreciates' Saudi purchase of US military equipment

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-problem-trump-tells-erdogan-on-russia-s-400-missile-deal-231388">Russian S-400 missile defence systems</a>, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response.

NATO allies Turkey and the United States have been at odds over Turkey`s decision to procure the S-400s, with the United States warning of sanctions if the deal goes through.&nbsp;

Turkey has dismissed the warnings and said it would not back down, as already strained ties between the two countries have deteriorated further over the dispute.

Speaking before talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the deal for the S-400s showed improving ties between Turkey and Russia.

"Now, I believe eyes are on the delivery process of this issue, but there are no setbacks in our agreement," Erdogan said, adding that it was a priority for Turkey that the deal includes joint production of the systems and a technology transfer.

Erdogan also said it was important for Turkey to finish the first reactor in the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, its first nuclear plant, by 2023. He said non-nuclear equipment at the plant should be procured from Turkey.

The plant is being built by Russia`s Rosatom at a cost of more than $20 billion.

Buying military equipment from Russia leaves Turkey vulnerable to US retribution under a 2017 law known as the Countering America`s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO`s defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy.

In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with its Raytheon Co Patriot missiles, but Erdogan has said the US offer was not as good as Russia`s S-400 proposal.

Under the possible US sanctions, Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme among other measures that could deal a significant blow to Turkey`s ailing economy and its defence industry sector.

Even minor US sanctions could prompt another sharp sell-off in the Turkish lira. A 30 per cent slide in the currency drove the economy into recession last year.&nbsp; 
The lira has fallen another 10 per cent this year, and markets remain on edge.

'Complicated'

Despite the threat of sanctions, Turkey has put its hopes in the relationship between Erdogan and Trump, saying it expected the US president to protect it from sanctions over the S-400 deal.

Erdogan, in comments ahead of a meeting with Trump, said he believed Turkey and the United States would act in line with their strategic partnership.

Trump, sitting alongside Erdogan, said the United States faced a "complicated" situation in how to respond to the S-400 deal, adding that sanctions were being discussed.

But signalling a potential solution, Trump also expressed sympathy with Erdogan, blaming former President Barack Obama`s administration for placing conditions on Turkey`s purchase of Patriot missiles and treating Turkey unfairly.

"We have a very complicated situation because the president was not allowed to buy the Patriot missiles," Trump said.&nbsp;

"You can`t do business that way. It`s not good."

"They would not let him buy the missile that he wanted to buy, which is the Patriot. He`s a NATO member. He`s somebody that I`ve become friendly with. And you have to treat people fairly," he said.&nbsp;

"I don`t think he was treated fairly."

Asked if the United States would impose sanctions on Turkey, Trump said the issue was being discussed, but it was a "two-way street" and both sides were evaluating "different solutions".

In a readout of the meeting, which lasted for about 40 minutes, the White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance".

The S-400s are expected to be delivered in Turkey in the first half of July. Turkish officials have said discussions on where the systems would be stationed are underway.

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response.

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response. NATO allies Turkey and the United States have been at odds over Turkey`s decision to procure the S-400s, with the United States warning of sanctions if the deal goes through. Turkey has dismissed the warnings and said it would not back down, as already strained ties between the two countries have deteriorated further over the dispute. Speaking before talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the deal for the S-400s showed improving ties between Turkey and Russia. "Now, I believe eyes are on the delivery process of this issue, but there are no setbacks in our agreement," Erdogan said, adding that it was a priority for Turkey that the deal includes joint production of the systems and a technology transfer. Erdogan also said it was important for Turkey to finish the first reactor in the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, its first nuclear plant, by 2023. He said non-nuclear equipment at the plant should be procured from Turkey. The plant is being built by Russia`s Rosatom at a cost of more than $20 billion. Buying military equipment from Russia leaves Turkey vulnerable to US retribution under a 2017 law known as the Countering America`s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO`s defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy. In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with its Raytheon Co Patriot missiles, but Erdogan has said the US offer was not as good as Russia`s S-400 proposal. Under the possible US sanctions, Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme among other measures that could deal a significant blow to Turkey`s ailing economy and its defence industry sector. Even minor US sanctions could prompt another sharp sell-off in the Turkish lira. A 30 per cent slide in the currency drove the economy into recession last year. The lira has fallen another 10 per cent this year, and markets remain on edge. 'Complicated' Despite the threat of sanctions, Turkey has put its hopes in the relationship between Erdogan and Trump, saying it expected the US president to protect it from sanctions over the S-400 deal. Erdogan, in comments ahead of a meeting with Trump, said he believed Turkey and the United States would act in line with their strategic partnership. Trump, sitting alongside Erdogan, said the United States faced a "complicated" situation in how to respond to the S-400 deal, adding that sanctions were being discussed. But signalling a potential solution, Trump also expressed sympathy with Erdogan, blaming former President Barack Obama`s administration for placing conditions on Turkey`s purchase of Patriot missiles and treating Turkey unfairly. "We have a very complicated situation because the president was not allowed to buy the Patriot missiles," Trump said. "You can`t do business that way. It`s not good." "They would not let him buy the missile that he wanted to buy, which is the Patriot. He`s a NATO member. He`s somebody that I`ve become friendly with. And you have to treat people fairly," he said. "I don`t think he was treated fairly." Asked if the United States would impose sanctions on Turkey, Trump said the issue was being discussed, but it was a "two-way street" and both sides were evaluating "different solutions". In a readout of the meeting, which lasted for about 40 minutes, the White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance". The S-400s are expected to be delivered in Turkey in the first half of July. Turkish officials have said discussions on where the systems would be stationed are underway.

Erdogan says no setback in missile deal with Russia as Trump voices sympathy

The US Supreme Court handed President Donald Trump a significant defeat on Thursday, ruling that his administration did not give an adequate explanation for its plan to include a contentious citizenship question on the 2020 census and preventing its addition to the decennial survey for now.&nbsp;

The justices - in a 5-4 decision with Chief Justice John Roberts joining the court`s four liberals in the majority and writing the ruling - upheld part of a federal judge`s ruling barring the question in a victory for a group of states including New York and immigrant rights organizations that had challenged the plan.

Opponents of the question have called it a Republican ploy to scare immigrants into not taking part in the population count.

As part of the ruling issued on the last day of the court`s current term, the justices sent the issue back to the Commerce Department for it to decide how to proceed. But the clock is ticking, as census forms have to be printed in the coming months.

Further muddying the waters, there is also ongoing litigation in lower courts over recently unearthed evidence that the challengers have said reveals an illegal discriminatory motive by the administration for adding the question, which the high court could yet weigh in on.&nbsp;

The court ruled against the challengers on other claims, with the nine justices splitting in different ways. The court ruled on a separate 5-4 vote with the conservative justices in the majority that the US&nbsp;Constitution does not in theory prevent the administration from adding a citizenship question.

Opponents have said the question would instill fear in immigrant households that the information would be shared with law enforcement, deterring them from taking part.&nbsp;

The census, required by the US Constitution, is used to allot seats in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives and distribute some $800 billion in federal funds.

The intent of the citizenship question, opponents said, is to manufacture a deliberate undercount of areas with high immigrant and Latino populations, costing Democratic-leaning regions seats in the House, benefiting Republicans and non-Hispanic whites.&nbsp;

The administration argued that adding a question requiring people taking part in the census to declare whether they are a citizen was needed to better enforce a voting rights law, a rationale that opponents called a pretext for a political motive.

Roberts said that under a US&nbsp;law called the Administrative Procedure Act, the federal government is required to give a reasoned explanation for its actions.

"Accepting contrived reasons would defeat the purpose of the enterprise," Roberts wrote.

Roberts said that the explanation provided by the government was "more of a distraction."

In a dissenting opinion, conservative Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the decision to add the citizenship question was "legally sound" and described the ruling against Trump as "an aberration."

The Republican president`s administration had appealed to the Supreme Court after lower courts blocked the inclusion of the census question. The Justice Department had previously told the Supreme Court it needed a final decision on whether the question could be added by the end of this month.

Setback for Trump

The ruling marked the first major setback for Trump in a ruling at the Supreme Court, although both of Trump`s appointees to the court, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, voted in favor of his administration. Roberts was joined by liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

The Supreme Court had handed Trump some major victories since he took office in 2017, in particular a June 2018 ruling upholding his travel ban targeting people from several Muslim-majority countries. The court in January also let Trump`s policy barring many transgender people from the US military go into effect.&nbsp;

Manhattan-based US&nbsp;District Judge Jesse Furman ruled on January 15 that the Commerce Department`s decision to add the question violated the Administrative Procedure Act. Federal judges in Maryland and California also have issued rulings to block the question`s inclusion, saying it would violate the Constitution`s mandate to enumerate the population every 10 years.&nbsp;

Furman said the evidence showed that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross concealed his true motives for adding the question and that he and his aides had convinced the Justice Department to request a citizenship question.&nbsp;

Businesses also rely on census data to make critical strategic decisions, including where to invest capital. Citizenship has not been asked of all households since the 1950 census, featuring since then only on questionnaires sent to a smaller subset of the population.

The Census Bureau's own experts estimated that households corresponding to 6.5 million people would not respond to the census if the citizenship question were asked.&nbsp;

While only US citizens can vote, non-citizens comprise an estimated 7 per cent of the population.

Evidence surfaced in May that the challengers said showed that the administration`s plan to add a citizenship question was intended to discriminate against racial minorities.&nbsp;

Documents created by Republican strategist Thomas Hofeller, who died last year, showed that he was instrumental behind the scenes in instigating the addition of the citizenship question. He was an expert in drawing electoral district boundaries that maximize Republican chances of winning congressional elections.

Hofeller concluded in a 2015 study that asking census respondents whether they are American citizens "would clearly be a disadvantage to the Democrats" and "advantageous to Republicans and Non-Hispanic Whites" in redrawing electoral districts based on census data.

Hofeller suggested the voting rights rationale in the newly disclosed documents.

The Trump administration called the newly surfaced evidence "conspiracy theory."

Most people living in the United States will be asked to fill out the census, whether online or on paper, by March 2020.

The US Supreme Court handed President Donald Trump a significant defeat on Thursday, ruling that his administration did not give an adequate explanation for its plan to include a contentious citizenship question on the 2020 census and preventing its addition to the decennial survey for now.

The US Supreme Court handed President Donald Trump a significant defeat on Thursday, ruling that his administration did not give an adequate explanation for its plan to include a contentious citizenship question on the 2020 census and preventing its addition to the decennial survey for now. The justices - in a 5-4 decision with Chief Justice John Roberts joining the court`s four liberals in the majority and writing the ruling - upheld part of a federal judge`s ruling barring the question in a victory for a group of states including New York and immigrant rights organizations that had challenged the plan. Opponents of the question have called it a Republican ploy to scare immigrants into not taking part in the population count. As part of the ruling issued on the last day of the court`s current term, the justices sent the issue back to the Commerce Department for it to decide how to proceed. But the clock is ticking, as census forms have to be printed in the coming months. Further muddying the waters, there is also ongoing litigation in lower courts over recently unearthed evidence that the challengers have said reveals an illegal discriminatory motive by the administration for adding the question, which the high court could yet weigh in on. The court ruled against the challengers on other claims, with the nine justices splitting in different ways. The court ruled on a separate 5-4 vote with the conservative justices in the majority that the US Constitution does not in theory prevent the administration from adding a citizenship question. Opponents have said the question would instill fear in immigrant households that the information would be shared with law enforcement, deterring them from taking part. The census, required by the US Constitution, is used to allot seats in the US House of Representatives and distribute some $800 billion in federal funds. The intent of the citizenship question, opponents said, is to manufacture a deliberate undercount of areas with high immigrant and Latino populations, costing Democratic-leaning regions seats in the House, benefiting Republicans and non-Hispanic whites. The administration argued that adding a question requiring people taking part in the census to declare whether they are a citizen was needed to better enforce a voting rights law, a rationale that opponents called a pretext for a political motive. Roberts said that under a US law called the Administrative Procedure Act, the federal government is required to give a reasoned explanation for its actions. "Accepting contrived reasons would defeat the purpose of the enterprise," Roberts wrote. Roberts said that the explanation provided by the government was "more of a distraction." In a dissenting opinion, conservative Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the decision to add the citizenship question was "legally sound" and described the ruling against Trump as "an aberration." The Republican president`s administration had appealed to the Supreme Court after lower courts blocked the inclusion of the census question. The Justice Department had previously told the Supreme Court it needed a final decision on whether the question could be added by the end of this month. Setback for Trump The ruling marked the first major setback for Trump in a ruling at the Supreme Court, although both of Trump`s appointees to the court, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, voted in favor of his administration. Roberts was joined by liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. The Supreme Court had handed Trump some major victories since he took office in 2017, in particular a June 2018 ruling upholding his travel ban targeting people from several Muslim-majority countries. The court in January also let Trump`s policy barring many transgender people from the US military go into effect. Manhattan-based US District Judge Jesse Furman ruled on January 15 that the Commerce Department`s decision to add the question violated the Administrative Procedure Act. Federal judges in Maryland and California also have issued rulings to block the question`s inclusion, saying it would violate the Constitution`s mandate to enumerate the population every 10 years. Furman said the evidence showed that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross concealed his true motives for adding the question and that he and his aides had convinced the Justice Department to request a citizenship question. Businesses also rely on census data to make critical strategic decisions, including where to invest capital. Citizenship has not been asked of all households since the 1950 census, featuring since then only on questionnaires sent to a smaller subset of the population. The Census Bureau's own experts estimated that households corresponding to 6.5 million people would not respond to the census if the citizenship question were asked. While only US citizens can vote, non-citizens comprise an estimated 7 per cent of the population. Evidence surfaced in May that the challengers said showed that the administration`s plan to add a citizenship question was intended to discriminate against racial minorities. Documents created by Republican strategist Thomas Hofeller, who died last year, showed that he was instrumental behind the scenes in instigating the addition of the citizenship question. He was an expert in drawing electoral district boundaries that maximize Republican chances of winning congressional elections. Hofeller concluded in a 2015 study that asking census respondents whether they are American citizens "would clearly be a disadvantage to the Democrats" and "advantageous to Republicans and Non-Hispanic Whites" in redrawing electoral districts based on census data. Hofeller suggested the voting rights rationale in the newly disclosed documents. The Trump administration called the newly surfaced evidence "conspiracy theory." Most people living in the United States will be asked to fill out the census, whether online or on paper, by March 2020.

US Supreme Court blocks Trump's census citizenship question, for now

Former Trump campaign chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-ex-lawyer-michael-cohen-begins-3-year-jail-term-says-still-much-to-be-told-216528">Paul Manafort</a>, who was convicted of numerous federal crimes last year, is expected to plead not guilty on Thursday to residential mortgage fraud and other New York state charges, setting the stage for a showdown over whether those charges amount to double jeopardy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-ex-campaign-chief-paul-manafort-jailed-for-43-more-months-203163">Manafort</a>, 70, is scheduled to appear before Justice Maxwell Wiley of the state Supreme Court on Thursday at 2:15pm &nbsp;EDT (1815 GMT) to face an indictment with 16 felony charges disclosed by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance in March.

The charges include mortgage fraud, conspiracy and falsifying records related to Manafort's efforts to obtain millions of dollars in loans on New York properties between 2015 and 2017. He served as chairman of US President Donald Trump's presidential campaign for three months until August 2016.

Todd Blanche, Manafort`s lawyer, told Reuters his client would plead not guilty. Blanche said he planned to bring a motion to dismiss the case on double jeopardy grounds, given that the charges centre on mortgage applications to two banks that were also at issue in Manafort`s federal trial last year.

Under New York law, a person can only be prosecuted twice for the same act if it meets certain exceptions such as at least one element of the crimes is distinct and the statutes address "very different kinds of harm or evil." Vance's office will likely argue an exception to New York`s double jeopardy protections is warranted in Manafort`s case.&nbsp;

Manafort is serving a 7-1/2-year sentence for tax fraud, bank fraud and other charges stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s federal investigation into Russia`s interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Federal prosecutors accused him of hiding $16 million from US tax authorities that he earned as a consultant for pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine and then lying to banks to obtain loans to maintain a luxury lifestyle.&nbsp;

The New York state charges have been widely seen as an attempt to ensure Manafort serves significant prison time even if Trump grants him a pardon, a prospect the president has not ruled out. US presidents have the power to pardon people for federal but not state crimes.

Manafort faces up to 25 years in prison in New York on the top state charges.&nbsp;

Manafort's legal woes in New York have attracted the attention of the US Justice Department, which earlier this month decided to keep him in federal custody while the state proceedings take place out of concern for his health and safety.

The intervention, which legal experts said was unusual and raised concerns of special treatment, ensured that Manafort would not be placed in New York`s Rikers Island jail complex pending trial.

Manafort was instead transferred to a federal facility in Manhattan on June 13 ahead of his arraignment. He had been housed at a low-security federal prison in Pennsylvania before the move.

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who was convicted of numerous federal crimes last year, is expected to plead not guilty on Thursday to residential mortgage fraud and other New York state charges, setting the stage for a showdown over whether those charges amount to double jeopardy.

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who was convicted of numerous federal crimes last year, is expected to plead not guilty on Thursday to residential mortgage fraud and other New York state charges, setting the stage for a showdown over whether those charges amount to double jeopardy. Manafort, 70, is scheduled to appear before Justice Maxwell Wiley of the state Supreme Court on Thursday at 2:15pm EDT (1815 GMT) to face an indictment with 16 felony charges disclosed by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance in March. The charges include mortgage fraud, conspiracy and falsifying records related to Manafort's efforts to obtain millions of dollars in loans on New York properties between 2015 and 2017. He served as chairman of US President Donald Trump's presidential campaign for three months until August 2016. Todd Blanche, Manafort`s lawyer, told Reuters his client would plead not guilty. Blanche said he planned to bring a motion to dismiss the case on double jeopardy grounds, given that the charges centre on mortgage applications to two banks that were also at issue in Manafort`s federal trial last year. Under New York law, a person can only be prosecuted twice for the same act if it meets certain exceptions such as at least one element of the crimes is distinct and the statutes address "very different kinds of harm or evil." Vance's office will likely argue an exception to New York`s double jeopardy protections is warranted in Manafort`s case. Manafort is serving a 7-1/2-year sentence for tax fraud, bank fraud and other charges stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s federal investigation into Russia`s interference in the 2016 presidential election. Federal prosecutors accused him of hiding $16 million from US tax authorities that he earned as a consultant for pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine and then lying to banks to obtain loans to maintain a luxury lifestyle. The New York state charges have been widely seen as an attempt to ensure Manafort serves significant prison time even if Trump grants him a pardon, a prospect the president has not ruled out. US presidents have the power to pardon people for federal but not state crimes. Manafort faces up to 25 years in prison in New York on the top state charges. Manafort's legal woes in New York have attracted the attention of the US Justice Department, which earlier this month decided to keep him in federal custody while the state proceedings take place out of concern for his health and safety. The intervention, which legal experts said was unusual and raised concerns of special treatment, ensured that Manafort would not be placed in New York`s Rikers Island jail complex pending trial. Manafort was instead transferred to a federal facility in Manhattan on June 13 ahead of his arraignment. He had been housed at a low-security federal prison in Pennsylvania before the move.

Ex-Trump aide Manafort to plead not guilty in New York

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that China needs a trade deal with the United States because its economy is so weakened by US tariffs.

"China's economy is going down the tubes -- they want to make a deal," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business News hours before he took off for a G20 summit in Japan, where he will meet with President Xi Jinping.

Also read-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-in-a-very-strong-position-no-boots-on-the-ground-against-iran-trump-230652">US in a very strong position, no boots on the ground against Iran: Trump</a>

Trump has hit $200 billion of Chinese imports with levies and has threatened to impose them on an additional $300 billion if Beijing does not agree to US demands for protection of intellectual property and other reforms to a trading system that Trump says gives China huge unfair advantages.

The two sides said they were close to a deal before talks broke down in May.

Trump noted that some companies are leaving China for Vietnam to avoid the US import tariffs, but he complained that Vietnam was "even worse than China" when it comes to unfair trading practices.

Vietnam is the "single worst abuser," he said.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that China needs a trade deal with the United States because its economy is so weakened by US tariffs. "China's economy is going down the tubes -- they want to make a deal," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business News hours before he took off for a G20 summit in Japan, where he will meet with President Xi Jinping.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that China needs a trade deal with the United States because its economy is so weakened by US tariffs. "China's economy is going down the tubes -- they want to make a deal," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business News hours before he took off for a G20 summit in Japan, where he will meet with President Xi Jinping. Also read-US in a very strong position, no boots on the ground against Iran: Trump Trump has hit $200 billion of Chinese imports with levies and has threatened to impose them on an additional $300 billion if Beijing does not agree to US demands for protection of intellectual property and other reforms to a trading system that Trump says gives China huge unfair advantages. The two sides said they were close to a deal before talks broke down in May. Trump noted that some companies are leaving China for Vietnam to avoid the US import tariffs, but he complained that Vietnam was "even worse than China" when it comes to unfair trading practices. Vietnam is the "single worst abuser," he said.

Trump says Vietnam worse than China on trade

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a $4.5 billion aid package to address the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-migrant-deaths-reported-in-extreme-heat-at-united-states-border-230336/amp">migrant</a> surge along the US-Mexico border, including new standards for migrants in custody following reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-describe-overcrowded-mexican-detention-centers-as-trump-ratchets-up-pressure-229762">poor conditions facing young children</a> at overcrowded facilities.

The Democratic-led House voted 230-195, mostly along party lines, to pass the measure, but its future is uncertain. The Republican-run Senate is working on its own version of the bill, and Republican President Donald Trump has vowed to veto the House legislation, with White House officials saying it would hamstring the administration's border enforcement efforts.

Trump on May 1 requested the aid for programs that house, feed, transport and oversee record numbers of Central American families seeking asylum in the United States and straining capacity at migrant shelters in border cities.

Attorneys raised alarms last week after finding more than 300 migrant children in an overcrowded Texas border patrol station, where they said some had been held for weeks in squalid conditions without adequate food and water.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-how-does-the-situation-on-the-us-mexico-border-compare-with-the-past-225130">Explainer: How does the situation on the US-Mexico border compare with the past?</a>

Amid the ensuing outcry, the acting commissioner of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, John Sanders, said on Tuesday he was resigning.

Democrats emphasised on Tuesday that while they were approving the border aid to address the humanitarian crisis, they were not ratifying the administration's attempts to restrict and discourage immigration, which Trump has made a central focus of his presidency.

"Our legislation is a vote against the cruel attitude toward children of this administration. This bill does not fund the administration's failed mass detention policy. Instead it funds effective humane alternatives to detention that have a proven record of success," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said ahead of the vote.

Wooing progressives

But Democratic leaders had to work to secure votes for the bill from progressive lawmakers worried the Trump administration might use the funds for other purposes, such as deportation of migrants.

On Tuesday afternoon, Democrats added provisions to better protect the health of migrants in the custody of US Border Patrol agents, including standards for medical care and nutrition. They also added language to set a three-month limit for any unaccompanied child migrant to spend at an intake shelter unless notice is given.

Another amendment said shelters run by contractors must meet standards of care within six months or risk losing their contracts. Representative Pramila Jayapal, the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, agreed to back the bill after that provision was included.

The House legislation would also reinstate hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras that was cut off by the Trump administration.

The same provisions that helped win over progressive Democrats were denounced by House Republicans as "poison pills." Republicans said they preferred the $4.6 billion Senate version of the bill, which has passed a committee on a bipartisan basis, and includes money - left out by the House - to pay overtime for Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees.

The House bill is a sham that "does not help our overstretched law enforcement authorities," said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy.

With administration officials warning they will soon run out of funds at the border, and a one-week congressional recess coming up next week, House Democrats hurried to pass the measure on Tuesday. But the Senate has yet to pass its version, and the two chambers must agree on the same legislation before it is sent to Trump.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a $4.5 billion aid package to address the migrant surge along the US-Mexico border, including new standards for migrants in custody following reports of poor conditions facing young children at overcrowded facilities.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a $4.5 billion aid package to address the migrant surge along the US-Mexico border, including new standards for migrants in custody following reports of poor conditions facing young children at overcrowded facilities. The Democratic-led House voted 230-195, mostly along party lines, to pass the measure, but its future is uncertain. The Republican-run Senate is working on its own version of the bill, and Republican President Donald Trump has vowed to veto the House legislation, with White House officials saying it would hamstring the administration's border enforcement efforts. Trump on May 1 requested the aid for programs that house, feed, transport and oversee record numbers of Central American families seeking asylum in the United States and straining capacity at migrant shelters in border cities. Attorneys raised alarms last week after finding more than 300 migrant children in an overcrowded Texas border patrol station, where they said some had been held for weeks in squalid conditions without adequate food and water. Explainer: How does the situation on the US-Mexico border compare with the past? Amid the ensuing outcry, the acting commissioner of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, John Sanders, said on Tuesday he was resigning. Democrats emphasised on Tuesday that while they were approving the border aid to address the humanitarian crisis, they were not ratifying the administration's attempts to restrict and discourage immigration, which Trump has made a central focus of his presidency. "Our legislation is a vote against the cruel attitude toward children of this administration. This bill does not fund the administration's failed mass detention policy. Instead it funds effective humane alternatives to detention that have a proven record of success," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said ahead of the vote. Wooing progressives But Democratic leaders had to work to secure votes for the bill from progressive lawmakers worried the Trump administration might use the funds for other purposes, such as deportation of migrants. On Tuesday afternoon, Democrats added provisions to better protect the health of migrants in the custody of US Border Patrol agents, including standards for medical care and nutrition. They also added language to set a three-month limit for any unaccompanied child migrant to spend at an intake shelter unless notice is given. Another amendment said shelters run by contractors must meet standards of care within six months or risk losing their contracts. Representative Pramila Jayapal, the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, agreed to back the bill after that provision was included. The House legislation would also reinstate hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras that was cut off by the Trump administration. The same provisions that helped win over progressive Democrats were denounced by House Republicans as "poison pills." Republicans said they preferred the $4.6 billion Senate version of the bill, which has passed a committee on a bipartisan basis, and includes money - left out by the House - to pay overtime for Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees. The House bill is a sham that "does not help our overstretched law enforcement authorities," said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy. With administration officials warning they will soon run out of funds at the border, and a one-week congressional recess coming up next week, House Democrats hurried to pass the measure on Tuesday. But the Senate has yet to pass its version, and the two chambers must agree on the same legislation before it is sent to Trump.

US House passes border aid bill, Trump vows veto

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will impose additional <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-one-bullet-towards-iran-will-set-fire-to-americas-interests-iran-229490">sanctions on Iran</a> in an effort to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, adding that military action was still a possibility.

Trump, who was speaking to reporters at the White House, made his comments after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-aborted-retaliatory-strike-to-spare-iranian-lives-229374">recently calling off military action</a> against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-firmly-confront-any-aggression-or-threat-by-america-iran-229442">Iran to retaliate</a> for the downing of a US&nbsp;military drone.

"We are putting additional sanctions on Iran," Trump said. "In some cases we are going slowly, but in other cases we are moving rapidly."

The president said military action "is always on the table" against Iran.

But Trump also indicated he was open to reversing the escalation, adding he was willing to quickly reach a deal with Iran that he said would bolster the country's flagging economy.

"We will call it 'Let's make Iran great again.'"

Trump spoke to reporters as he prepared to depart Washington for the presidential retreat Camp David, where he said he would be deliberating on Iran.

Watch: Trump says, 'not looking for war with Iran'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-not-looking-for-war-with-iran-229399/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iran said on Saturday it would respond firmly to any US&nbsp;threat, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, amid escalating tension between Tehran and Washington over the shooting down of an unmanned US&nbsp;drone by the Islamic Republic.

On Thursday, an Iranian missile destroyed a US&nbsp;Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran repeated on Saturday that the drone was shot down over its territory. Washington said the incident had occurred in international airspace.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday he aborted a military strike to retaliate because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran.

"Regardless of any decision they (US&nbsp;officials) make ... we will not allow any of Iran's borders to be violated. Iran will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told Tasnim.

Worries about a confrontation between Iran and the United States have mounted despite Trump saying that he has no appetite to go to war with Iran. Tehran has also said it is not seeking a war but has warned of a "crushing" response if attacked.

"Any mistake by Iran's enemies, in particular America and its regional allies, would be like firing at a powder keg that will burn America, its interests and its allies to the ground," the senior spokesman of Iran's Armed Forces, Abolfazl Shekarchi, told Tasnim on Saturday.

A senior commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards struck a similarly defiant note, in comments quoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

"This is our response to a violation of Iranian space and if the violation is repeated then our response will be repeated," said Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' aerospace division.

"It's possible that this infringement of the Americans was carried out by a general or some operators."

Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned a diplomatic representative of the United Arab Emirates on Saturday because the UAE allowed the drone that was shot down to be launched from a US&nbsp;military base on its territory, the Fars news agency reported.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will impose additional sanctions on Iran in an effort to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, adding that military action was still a possibility.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will impose additional sanctions on Iran in an effort to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, adding that military action was still a possibility. Trump, who was speaking to reporters at the White House, made his comments after recently calling off military action against Iran to retaliate for the downing of a US military drone. "We are putting additional sanctions on Iran," Trump said. "In some cases we are going slowly, but in other cases we are moving rapidly." The president said military action "is always on the table" against Iran. But Trump also indicated he was open to reversing the escalation, adding he was willing to quickly reach a deal with Iran that he said would bolster the country's flagging economy. "We will call it 'Let's make Iran great again.'" Trump spoke to reporters as he prepared to depart Washington for the presidential retreat Camp David, where he said he would be deliberating on Iran. Watch: Trump says, 'not looking for war with Iran' Iran said on Saturday it would respond firmly to any US threat, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, amid escalating tension between Tehran and Washington over the shooting down of an unmanned US drone by the Islamic Republic. On Thursday, an Iranian missile destroyed a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran repeated on Saturday that the drone was shot down over its territory. Washington said the incident had occurred in international airspace. US President Donald Trump said on Friday he aborted a military strike to retaliate because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran. "Regardless of any decision they (US officials) make ... we will not allow any of Iran's borders to be violated. Iran will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told Tasnim. Worries about a confrontation between Iran and the United States have mounted despite Trump saying that he has no appetite to go to war with Iran. Tehran has also said it is not seeking a war but has warned of a "crushing" response if attacked. "Any mistake by Iran's enemies, in particular America and its regional allies, would be like firing at a powder keg that will burn America, its interests and its allies to the ground," the senior spokesman of Iran's Armed Forces, Abolfazl Shekarchi, told Tasnim on Saturday. A senior commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards struck a similarly defiant note, in comments quoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). "This is our response to a violation of Iranian space and if the violation is repeated then our response will be repeated," said Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' aerospace division. "It's possible that this infringement of the Americans was carried out by a general or some operators." Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned a diplomatic representative of the United Arab Emirates on Saturday because the UAE allowed the drone that was shot down to be launched from a US military base on its territory, the Fars news agency reported.

'We are putting additional sanctions on Iran,' says Trump; military action still on table

The Trump administration's $50 billion Middle East economic plan calls for creation of a global investment fund to lift the Palestinian and neighboring Arab state economies, and construction of a $5 billion transportation corridor to connect the West Bank and Gaza, according to US officials and documents reviewed by Reuters.

The "economy first" approach toward reviving the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process could be a hard sell to a largely skeptical region. The plan, set to be presented by President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, at an international conference in Bahrain next week, includes 179 infrastructure and business projects, according to the documents.

More than half of the $50 billion would be spent in the economically troubled Palestinian territories over 10 years while the rest would be split between Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan. Some of the projects would be in Egypt's Sinai peninsula, where investments could benefit Palestinians living in adjacent Gaza, a crowded and impoverished coastal enclave.

The plan also proposes nearly a billion dollars to build up the Palestinians' tourism sector, a seemingly impractical notion for now given the frequent flareups between Israeli forces and militants from Hamas-ruled Gaza, and the tenuous security in the occupied West Bank.

The Trump administration hopes that other countries, principally wealthy Gulf states, and private investors, would foot much of the bill, Kushner told Reuters.

The unveiling of the economic blueprint follows two years of deliberations and delays in rolling out a broader peace plan between Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinians, who are boycotting the event, have refused to talk to the Trump administration since it recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital in late 2017.

Kushner made clear in two interviews with Reuters that he sees his detailed formula as a game-changer, despite the view of many Middle East experts that he has little chance of success where decades of US-backed peace efforts have failed.

"I laugh when they attack this as the 'Deal of the Century'," Kushner said of Palestinian leaders who have dismissed his plan as an attempt to buy off their aspirations for statehood. "This is going to be the 'Opportunity of the Century' if they have the courage to pursue it."

Kushner said some Palestinian business executives have confirmed their participation in the conference, but he declined to identify them. The overwhelming majority of the Palestinian business community will not attend, businessmen in the West Bank city of Ramallah told Reuters.

Several Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, will also participate in the June 25-26 US-led gathering in Bahrain's capital, Manama, for Kushner's rollout of the first phase of the Trump peace plan. Their presence, some US officials say privately, appears intended in part to curry favor with Trump as he takes a hard line against Iran, those countries' regional arch-foe.

The White House said it decided against inviting the Israeli government because the Palestinian Authority would not be there, making do instead with a small Israeli business delegation.

Political disputes remain

There are strong doubts whether potential donor governments would be willing to open their checkbooks anytime soon, as long as the thorny political disputes at the heart of the decades-old Palestinian conflict remain unresolved.

The 38-year-old Kushner - who like his father-in-law came to government steeped in the world of New York real estate deal-making - seems to be treating peacemaking in some ways like a business transaction, analysts and former US officials say.

Palestinian officials reject the overall US-led peace effort as heavily tilted in favor of Israel and likely to deny them a fully sovereign state of their own.

Kushner's attempt to decide economic priorities first while initially sidestepping politics ignores the realities of the conflict, say many experts.

"This is completely out of sequence because the Israeli-Palestinian issue is primarily driven by historical wounds and overlapping claims to land and sacred space," said Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator for Republican and Democratic administrations.

Kushner acknowledges that "you can't push the economic plan forward without resolving the political issues as well." The administration, he said, will "address that at a later time," referring to the second stage of the peace plan's rollout now expected no earlier than November.

Kushner says his approach is aimed at laying out economic incentives to show the Palestinians the potential for a prosperous future if they return to the table to negotiate a peace deal.

White House officials have played down expectations for Manama, which will put Kushner just across the Gulf from Iran at a time of surging tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Kushner, for instance, is calling it a "Prosperity to Peace workshop" instead of a conference, and a "vision" instead of an actual plan. He stressed that governments would not be expected to make financial pledges on the spot.

"It is a small victory that they are all showing up to listen and partake. In the old days, the Palestinian leaders would have spoken and nobody would have disobeyed," he said.

Travel corridor

Kushner's proposed new investment fund for the Palestinians and neighboring states would be administered by a "multilateral development bank." Global financial lenders including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank plan to be present at the meeting.

A signature project would be to construct a travel corridor for Palestinian use that would cross Israel to link the West Bank and Gaza. It could include a highway and possibly a rail line. The narrowest distance between the territories, whose populations have long been divided by Israeli travel restrictions, is about 40 km (25 miles).

Kushner insists that if executed the plan would create a million jobs in the West Bank and Gaza, reduce Palestinian poverty by half and double the Palestinians' GDP.

But most foreign investors will likely stay clear for the moment, not only because of security and corruption concerns but also because of the drag on the Palestinian economy from Israel's West Bank occupation that obstructs the flow of people, goods and services, experts say.

Kushner sees his economic approach as resembling the Marshall Plan, which Washington introduced in 1948 to rebuild Western Europe from the devastation of World War Two. Unlike the US-funded Marshall Plan, however, the latest initiative would put much of the financial burden on other countries.

Trump would "consider making a big investment in it" if there is a good governance mechanism, Kushner said. But he was non-committal about how much the president, who has often proved himself averse to foreign aid, might contribute.

Economic programs have been tried before in the long line of US-led peace efforts, only to fail for lack of political progress. Kushner's approach, however, may be the most detailed so far, presented in two pamphlets of 40 and 96 pages each that are filled with financial tables and economic projections.

In Manama, the yet-to-released political part of the plan will not be up for discussion, Kushner said.

The economic documents offer no development projects in predominantly Arab east Jerusalem, which Palestinians want as the capital of their future state.

What Kushner hopes, however, is that the Saudis and other Gulf delegates will like what they hear enough to urge Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to consider the plan.

The message Kushner wants them to take to Ramallah: "We'd like to see you go to the table and negotiate and try to make a deal to better the lives of the Palestinian people."

Palestinian officials fear that, even with all the high-priced promises, Kushner's economic formula is just a prelude to a political plan that would jettison the two-state solution, the long-time cornerstone of US and international peace efforts.

The Trump administration's $50 billion Middle East economic plan calls for creation of a global investment fund to lift the Palestinian and neighboring Arab state economies, and construction of a $5 billion transportation corridor to connect the West Bank and Gaza, according to US officials and documents reviewed by Reuters.

The Trump administration's $50 billion Middle East economic plan calls for creation of a global investment fund to lift the Palestinian and neighboring Arab state economies, and construction of a $5 billion transportation corridor to connect the West Bank and Gaza, according to US officials and documents reviewed by Reuters. The "economy first" approach toward reviving the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process could be a hard sell to a largely skeptical region. The plan, set to be presented by President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, at an international conference in Bahrain next week, includes 179 infrastructure and business projects, according to the documents. More than half of the $50 billion would be spent in the economically troubled Palestinian territories over 10 years while the rest would be split between Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan. Some of the projects would be in Egypt's Sinai peninsula, where investments could benefit Palestinians living in adjacent Gaza, a crowded and impoverished coastal enclave. The plan also proposes nearly a billion dollars to build up the Palestinians' tourism sector, a seemingly impractical notion for now given the frequent flareups between Israeli forces and militants from Hamas-ruled Gaza, and the tenuous security in the occupied West Bank. The Trump administration hopes that other countries, principally wealthy Gulf states, and private investors, would foot much of the bill, Kushner told Reuters. The unveiling of the economic blueprint follows two years of deliberations and delays in rolling out a broader peace plan between Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinians, who are boycotting the event, have refused to talk to the Trump administration since it recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital in late 2017. Kushner made clear in two interviews with Reuters that he sees his detailed formula as a game-changer, despite the view of many Middle East experts that he has little chance of success where decades of US-backed peace efforts have failed. "I laugh when they attack this as the 'Deal of the Century'," Kushner said of Palestinian leaders who have dismissed his plan as an attempt to buy off their aspirations for statehood. "This is going to be the 'Opportunity of the Century' if they have the courage to pursue it." Kushner said some Palestinian business executives have confirmed their participation in the conference, but he declined to identify them. The overwhelming majority of the Palestinian business community will not attend, businessmen in the West Bank city of Ramallah told Reuters. Several Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, will also participate in the June 25-26 US-led gathering in Bahrain's capital, Manama, for Kushner's rollout of the first phase of the Trump peace plan. Their presence, some US officials say privately, appears intended in part to curry favor with Trump as he takes a hard line against Iran, those countries' regional arch-foe. The White House said it decided against inviting the Israeli government because the Palestinian Authority would not be there, making do instead with a small Israeli business delegation. Political disputes remain There are strong doubts whether potential donor governments would be willing to open their checkbooks anytime soon, as long as the thorny political disputes at the heart of the decades-old Palestinian conflict remain unresolved. The 38-year-old Kushner - who like his father-in-law came to government steeped in the world of New York real estate deal-making - seems to be treating peacemaking in some ways like a business transaction, analysts and former US officials say. Palestinian officials reject the overall US-led peace effort as heavily tilted in favor of Israel and likely to deny them a fully sovereign state of their own. Kushner's attempt to decide economic priorities first while initially sidestepping politics ignores the realities of the conflict, say many experts. "This is completely out of sequence because the Israeli-Palestinian issue is primarily driven by historical wounds and overlapping claims to land and sacred space," said Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator for Republican and Democratic administrations. Kushner acknowledges that "you can't push the economic plan forward without resolving the political issues as well." The administration, he said, will "address that at a later time," referring to the second stage of the peace plan's rollout now expected no earlier than November. Kushner says his approach is aimed at laying out economic incentives to show the Palestinians the potential for a prosperous future if they return to the table to negotiate a peace deal. White House officials have played down expectations for Manama, which will put Kushner just across the Gulf from Iran at a time of surging tensions between Tehran and Washington. Kushner, for instance, is calling it a "Prosperity to Peace workshop" instead of a conference, and a "vision" instead of an actual plan. He stressed that governments would not be expected to make financial pledges on the spot. "It is a small victory that they are all showing up to listen and partake. In the old days, the Palestinian leaders would have spoken and nobody would have disobeyed," he said. Travel corridor Kushner's proposed new investment fund for the Palestinians and neighboring states would be administered by a "multilateral development bank." Global financial lenders including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank plan to be present at the meeting. A signature project would be to construct a travel corridor for Palestinian use that would cross Israel to link the West Bank and Gaza. It could include a highway and possibly a rail line. The narrowest distance between the territories, whose populations have long been divided by Israeli travel restrictions, is about 40 km (25 miles). Kushner insists that if executed the plan would create a million jobs in the West Bank and Gaza, reduce Palestinian poverty by half and double the Palestinians' GDP. But most foreign investors will likely stay clear for the moment, not only because of security and corruption concerns but also because of the drag on the Palestinian economy from Israel's West Bank occupation that obstructs the flow of people, goods and services, experts say. Kushner sees his economic approach as resembling the Marshall Plan, which Washington introduced in 1948 to rebuild Western Europe from the devastation of World War Two. Unlike the US-funded Marshall Plan, however, the latest initiative would put much of the financial burden on other countries. Trump would "consider making a big investment in it" if there is a good governance mechanism, Kushner said. But he was non-committal about how much the president, who has often proved himself averse to foreign aid, might contribute. Economic programs have been tried before in the long line of US-led peace efforts, only to fail for lack of political progress. Kushner's approach, however, may be the most detailed so far, presented in two pamphlets of 40 and 96 pages each that are filled with financial tables and economic projections. In Manama, the yet-to-released political part of the plan will not be up for discussion, Kushner said. The economic documents offer no development projects in predominantly Arab east Jerusalem, which Palestinians want as the capital of their future state. What Kushner hopes, however, is that the Saudis and other Gulf delegates will like what they hear enough to urge Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to consider the plan. The message Kushner wants them to take to Ramallah: "We'd like to see you go to the table and negotiate and try to make a deal to better the lives of the Palestinian people." Palestinian officials fear that, even with all the high-priced promises, Kushner's economic formula is just a prelude to a political plan that would jettison the two-state solution, the long-time cornerstone of US and international peace efforts.

Kushner unveils economic portion of Middle East peace plan

President Donald Trump`s conflict with US House Democrats over their many investigations of him, his family and businesses is beginning to move from Capitol Hill into the US courts, where some key cases are already developing.

Trump and most of his fellow Republicans dismiss the Democrats` inquiries as grandstanding or political harassment.

The Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, say the investigations are needed to hold to account a president who scorns respect for the law and governing norms.

In most of the disputes, Trump and his advisers run the legal risk of contempt of Congress citations and court enforcement actions that could result in fines.

Here are some of the conflicts between Congress and Trump that are being litigated or could end up in court.&nbsp;

Mazars accounting firm

In a win for House Democrats, a federal judge on May 20 said Mazars LLP, Trump`s long-time accounting firm, should hand over Trump`s financial records to congressional investigators.&nbsp;

Lawyers for Trump asserted that a subpoena seeking the records was unlawful because Congress was improperly taking on a law enforcement role.&nbsp;

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said they needed the documents to examine whether Trump faces conflicts of interest or broke the law by not disentangling himself from his businesses as previous presidents have done.

Trump called the judge`s decision "crazy" and appealed. An appeals court will hold an oral argument on July 12.

Deutsche Bank, Capital One

Another judge ruled against Trump in a similar case involving banks that Trump did business with - Deutsche Bank AG and Capital One Financial.

Two House committees sent subpoenas to the banks and, as in the Mazars case, Trump sued to try to block them, arguing that the committees were reaching beyond their legislative role.

US District Judge Edgardo Ramos in New York said Congress has the legal authority to demand the records, clearing the way for the banks to comply with the subpoenas.&nbsp;

The Deutsche Bank subpoena seeks accounts, transactions and investments linked to Trump, his three oldest children, their immediate family and several Trump Organization entities, as well as records of ties they might have to foreign entities.

Deutsche Bank has long been a principal lender for Trump`s real estate business. A 2017 disclosure form showed that Trump had at least $130 million of liabilities to the bank.

The Capital One subpoena seeks records related to the Trump Organization`s hotel business, which some Democrats have argued raises potential conflicts of interest.&nbsp;

An appeals court will hold oral arguments in August.&nbsp;

Tax returns

Unlike past presidents in recent decades, Trump refuses to make public his tax returns, raising questions about what is in them. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has defied a subpoena from the House tax committee seeking six years of Trump`s past individual and business tax returns.

Committee Chairman Richard Neal said on May 23 that he plans to take the Trump administration to court to enforce the subpoena, but he has not followed through.&nbsp;

Trump`s Justice Department said in a June 14 legal opinion that Mnuchin did not violate the law by refusing to turn over the tax returns. A judge could opt to ignore that Justice Department memo in the event of a legal battle.&nbsp;

Mueller report

Attorney General William Barr released a redacted version on April 18 of a report from Special Counsel Robert Mueller on his investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 US election in Trump`s favor and Trump`s attempt to impede that probe.&nbsp;

The redactions left unanswered some key questions about Mueller`s probe. Seeking answers, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler has subpoenaed the unredacted report and the evidence that Mueller relied on.

The White House has asserted the seldom-used principle of executive privilege to keep the full Mueller report under wraps.

On June 10, Nadler cut a deal with Barr to allow committee members to view some of the materials they want, avoiding a court showdown. But Nadler said he would not rule out suing Barr if the Justice Department does not continue to cooperate.&nbsp;

A similar May 22 agreement gave the House Intelligence Committee access to counterintelligence materials underlying Mueller`s report.&nbsp;

House Democrats have also discussed a possible subpoena directing Mueller to testify about his report.&nbsp;

Emoluments

In 2017, a group of congressional Democrats sued Trump in Washington for allegedly accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments through his businesses, a violation of the anti-corruption Emoluments Clauses of the Constitution.

In April, a federal judge denied a request by Trump to dismiss that case.&nbsp; 
A similar case, filed by the Democratic attorneys general of the District of Columbia and Maryland, is making its way through the courts. An appeals court heard oral arguments in March over whether that case should have been allowed to proceed.&nbsp;

The Justice Department argues Democrats are reading the Emoluments Clauses too broadly and that there is nothing new or illegal about a president engaging in commercial transactions.&nbsp;

Ex-White House counsel McGhan

Nadler has said he may begin legal proceedings to force former White House counsel Don McGahn to cooperate with the Judiciary Committee`s probe into whether Trump obstructed justice. McGahn failed to show up to testify at a May 21 hearing, having been told by the White House not to produce documents in response to a committee subpoena.

McGahn was the most-cited witness in Mueller`s report, recounting Trump`s efforts to interfere with the investigation.

The House approved a measure on June 11 that authorized Nadler to take legal action to enforce the subpoena to McGahn.

Census and Citizenship

Trump on June 12 asserted executive privilege to keep under wraps documents related to his administration’s push to add a citizenship question to the census, defying a subpoena from the Democratic-led House Oversight Committee.

That same day, the committee voted to recommend the full House find Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in contempt for their refusal to produce the documents. It was unclear if the committee would sue to enforce the contempt finding.

President Donald Trump`s conflict with US House Democrats over their many investigations of him, his family and businesses is beginning to move from Capitol Hill into the US courts, where some key cases are already developing.

President Donald Trump`s conflict with US House Democrats over their many investigations of him, his family and businesses is beginning to move from Capitol Hill into the US courts, where some key cases are already developing. Trump and most of his fellow Republicans dismiss the Democrats` inquiries as grandstanding or political harassment. The Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, say the investigations are needed to hold to account a president who scorns respect for the law and governing norms. In most of the disputes, Trump and his advisers run the legal risk of contempt of Congress citations and court enforcement actions that could result in fines. Here are some of the conflicts between Congress and Trump that are being litigated or could end up in court. Mazars accounting firm In a win for House Democrats, a federal judge on May 20 said Mazars LLP, Trump`s long-time accounting firm, should hand over Trump`s financial records to congressional investigators. Lawyers for Trump asserted that a subpoena seeking the records was unlawful because Congress was improperly taking on a law enforcement role. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said they needed the documents to examine whether Trump faces conflicts of interest or broke the law by not disentangling himself from his businesses as previous presidents have done. Trump called the judge`s decision "crazy" and appealed. An appeals court will hold an oral argument on July 12. Deutsche Bank, Capital One Another judge ruled against Trump in a similar case involving banks that Trump did business with - Deutsche Bank AG and Capital One Financial. Two House committees sent subpoenas to the banks and, as in the Mazars case, Trump sued to try to block them, arguing that the committees were reaching beyond their legislative role. US District Judge Edgardo Ramos in New York said Congress has the legal authority to demand the records, clearing the way for the banks to comply with the subpoenas. The Deutsche Bank subpoena seeks accounts, transactions and investments linked to Trump, his three oldest children, their immediate family and several Trump Organization entities, as well as records of ties they might have to foreign entities. Deutsche Bank has long been a principal lender for Trump`s real estate business. A 2017 disclosure form showed that Trump had at least $130 million of liabilities to the bank. The Capital One subpoena seeks records related to the Trump Organization`s hotel business, which some Democrats have argued raises potential conflicts of interest. An appeals court will hold oral arguments in August. Tax returns Unlike past presidents in recent decades, Trump refuses to make public his tax returns, raising questions about what is in them. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has defied a subpoena from the House tax committee seeking six years of Trump`s past individual and business tax returns. Committee Chairman Richard Neal said on May 23 that he plans to take the Trump administration to court to enforce the subpoena, but he has not followed through. Trump`s Justice Department said in a June 14 legal opinion that Mnuchin did not violate the law by refusing to turn over the tax returns. A judge could opt to ignore that Justice Department memo in the event of a legal battle. Mueller report Attorney General William Barr released a redacted version on April 18 of a report from Special Counsel Robert Mueller on his investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 US election in Trump`s favor and Trump`s attempt to impede that probe. The redactions left unanswered some key questions about Mueller`s probe. Seeking answers, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler has subpoenaed the unredacted report and the evidence that Mueller relied on. The White House has asserted the seldom-used principle of executive privilege to keep the full Mueller report under wraps. On June 10, Nadler cut a deal with Barr to allow committee members to view some of the materials they want, avoiding a court showdown. But Nadler said he would not rule out suing Barr if the Justice Department does not continue to cooperate. A similar May 22 agreement gave the House Intelligence Committee access to counterintelligence materials underlying Mueller`s report. House Democrats have also discussed a possible subpoena directing Mueller to testify about his report. Emoluments In 2017, a group of congressional Democrats sued Trump in Washington for allegedly accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments through his businesses, a violation of the anti-corruption Emoluments Clauses of the Constitution. In April, a federal judge denied a request by Trump to dismiss that case. A similar case, filed by the Democratic attorneys general of the District of Columbia and Maryland, is making its way through the courts. An appeals court heard oral arguments in March over whether that case should have been allowed to proceed. The Justice Department argues Democrats are reading the Emoluments Clauses too broadly and that there is nothing new or illegal about a president engaging in commercial transactions. Ex-White House counsel McGhan Nadler has said he may begin legal proceedings to force former White House counsel Don McGahn to cooperate with the Judiciary Committee`s probe into whether Trump obstructed justice. McGahn failed to show up to testify at a May 21 hearing, having been told by the White House not to produce documents in response to a committee subpoena. McGahn was the most-cited witness in Mueller`s report, recounting Trump`s efforts to interfere with the investigation. The House approved a measure on June 11 that authorized Nadler to take legal action to enforce the subpoena to McGahn. Census and Citizenship Trump on June 12 asserted executive privilege to keep under wraps documents related to his administration’s push to add a citizenship question to the census, defying a subpoena from the Democratic-led House Oversight Committee. That same day, the committee voted to recommend the full House find Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in contempt for their refusal to produce the documents. It was unclear if the committee would sue to enforce the contempt finding.

Factbox: Clash between Trump, US House Democrats shifts into courts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gulf-of-oman-tanker-attacks-un-chief-pushes-for-an-independent-probe-as-iran-rejects-us-blame-227226">Gulf of Oman tanker attacks: Trump dismisses Iran denials, UN chief pushes for an independent probe</a>

US President Donald Trump declared Friday that a mysterious attack on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman had Iran "written all over it," rejecting Tehran's denial that it had any involvement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-far-better-than-pakistan-will-beat-them-7-out-of-10-times-kapil-dev-227228">India far better than Pakistan, will beat them 7 out of 10 times: Kapil Dev</a>

The "far better" Indian team has a much higher probability of winning against&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;in their forthcoming&nbsp;Cricket World Cup clash, said former India captain Kapil Dev on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-intercepts-five-yemen-rebel-drones-in-new-airport-attack-227225">Saudi Arabia intercepts five Yemen rebel drones in new airport attack</a>

Saudi forces&nbsp;on Friday intercepted five drones launched by Iran-aligned&nbsp;Yemeni rebels, a Riyadh-led military coalition said, in a second assault on an airport in the kingdom's southwest in two days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-invites-agitating-doctors-to-meet-her-saturday-227227">Mamata Banerjee invites agitating doctors to meet her Saturday</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;asked the striking doctors'&nbsp;to end the impasse in government hospitals and&nbsp;invited them&nbsp;to meet her Saturday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-news-outlets-say-controversial-extradition-bill-may-be-suspended-227232">Hong Kong news outlets say controversial extradition bill may be suspended</a>

Hong Kong media reported on Saturday the city`s government would suspend a proposed law on extradition to mainland China that sparked widespread anger and violent protests, with leader Carrie Lam planning to address reporters later in the day.

Gulf of Oman tanker attacks: Trump dismisses Iran denials, UN chief pushes for an independent probe US President Donald Trump declared Friday that a mysterious attack on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman had Iran "written all over it," rejecting Tehran's denial that it had any involvement.

Gulf of Oman tanker attacks: Trump dismisses Iran denials, UN chief pushes for an independent probe US President Donald Trump declared Friday that a mysterious attack on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman had Iran "written all over it," rejecting Tehran's denial that it had any involvement. India far better than Pakistan, will beat them 7 out of 10 times: Kapil Dev The "far better" Indian team has a much higher probability of winning against Pakistan in their forthcoming Cricket World Cup clash, said former India captain Kapil Dev on Friday. Saudi Arabia intercepts five Yemen rebel drones in new airport attack Saudi forces on Friday intercepted five drones launched by Iran-aligned Yemeni rebels, a Riyadh-led military coalition said, in a second assault on an airport in the kingdom's southwest in two days. Mamata Banerjee invites agitating doctors to meet her Saturday West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday asked the striking doctors' to end the impasse in government hospitals and invited them to meet her Saturday evening. Hong Kong news outlets say controversial extradition bill may be suspended Hong Kong media reported on Saturday the city`s government would suspend a proposed law on extradition to mainland China that sparked widespread anger and violent protests, with leader Carrie Lam planning to address reporters later in the day.

The United States has doubled the number of asylum seekers it sends back each day to Mexico from El Paso, Texas, a Mexican immigration official said on Friday, in the first sign of action following a deal struck to avert US&nbsp;tariffs last week.&nbsp;

Luis Carlos Cano, a spokesman for Mexico`s national immigration agency in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, said starting Thursday some 200 asylum seekers per day were being sent back, up from 100 previously.&nbsp;

Under pressure from US President Donald Trump, Mexico agreed on June 7 to expand the program, known as the Migrant Protection Protocols, or `Remain in Mexico,` which forces mostly Central American asylum seekers arriving at the US southern border to await the outcome of their US&nbsp;asylum claims in Mexico.

Remain in Mexico currently operates in Tijuana, Mexicali and Ciudad Juarez. Close to 12,000 people have been returned to Mexico since it began in January.&nbsp;

However, Mexico has not accepted that the United States send it an unlimited number of asylum seekers, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said, ahead of planned meetings with US&nbsp;officials on Friday to determine details of the expansion.

"Today there is a meeting with US&nbsp;authorities, to learn, to discuss the ports of entry and how the number will be measured, because Mexico has not accepted that it be undetermined," Ebrard said at a news conference.&nbsp;

The agreement has put Mexican officials under mounting pressure to deliver results. The head of Mexico`s National Migration Institute, Tonatiuh Guillen, resigned on Friday for "personal reasons," an interior ministry official said.&nbsp;

'Safe third country'

If enforcement measures are not successful after 45 days, Mexico has also agreed to consider making itself a "safe third country." Asylum seekers who first set foot on Mexican soil would have to apply for refugee status in Mexico instead of in the United States.&nbsp;

Mexico`s government on Friday published the section of the joint accord which said Mexico would examine any changes to its legislation necessary to permit a safe third country arrangement to come into force 90 days after June 7.

The document also stated that such an agreement was intended to be "part of a regional approach to burden-sharing" in processing migrants` asylum claims.

Ebrard said this week that if Mexico could not stem the flow of people, a regional system should be established to bind in other countries crossed by migrants en route to the United States, including Guatemala, Panama and Brazil.&nbsp;

A rights group in Guatemala on Friday lashed out at the proposal to make asylum seekers from Honduras and El Salvador seek refuge in Guatemala, when its own citizens were fleeing poverty and violence.&nbsp;

Trump confirmed the deal included the safe third country plan if Mexico did not do enough to cut migration.

Asked in a Fox News interview if that possibility was part of the accord, Trump said, "It`s exactly right, and that`s what`s going to happen." 
Trump also named Tom Homan as "Border Czar."

Homan is a veteran of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and served as the agency`s acting head during the first year of Trump`s presidency. He retired last year, after increasing arrests of non-criminal immigrants.

The United States has doubled the number of asylum seekers it sends back each day to Mexico from El Paso, Texas, a Mexican immigration official said on Friday, in the first sign of action following a deal struck to avert US tariffs last week.

The United States has doubled the number of asylum seekers it sends back each day to Mexico from El Paso, Texas, a Mexican immigration official said on Friday, in the first sign of action following a deal struck to avert US tariffs last week. Luis Carlos Cano, a spokesman for Mexico`s national immigration agency in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, said starting Thursday some 200 asylum seekers per day were being sent back, up from 100 previously. Under pressure from US President Donald Trump, Mexico agreed on June 7 to expand the program, known as the Migrant Protection Protocols, or `Remain in Mexico,` which forces mostly Central American asylum seekers arriving at the US southern border to await the outcome of their US asylum claims in Mexico. Remain in Mexico currently operates in Tijuana, Mexicali and Ciudad Juarez. Close to 12,000 people have been returned to Mexico since it began in January. However, Mexico has not accepted that the United States send it an unlimited number of asylum seekers, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said, ahead of planned meetings with US officials on Friday to determine details of the expansion. "Today there is a meeting with US authorities, to learn, to discuss the ports of entry and how the number will be measured, because Mexico has not accepted that it be undetermined," Ebrard said at a news conference. The agreement has put Mexican officials under mounting pressure to deliver results. The head of Mexico`s National Migration Institute, Tonatiuh Guillen, resigned on Friday for "personal reasons," an interior ministry official said. 'Safe third country' If enforcement measures are not successful after 45 days, Mexico has also agreed to consider making itself a "safe third country." Asylum seekers who first set foot on Mexican soil would have to apply for refugee status in Mexico instead of in the United States. Mexico`s government on Friday published the section of the joint accord which said Mexico would examine any changes to its legislation necessary to permit a safe third country arrangement to come into force 90 days after June 7. The document also stated that such an agreement was intended to be "part of a regional approach to burden-sharing" in processing migrants` asylum claims. Ebrard said this week that if Mexico could not stem the flow of people, a regional system should be established to bind in other countries crossed by migrants en route to the United States, including Guatemala, Panama and Brazil. A rights group in Guatemala on Friday lashed out at the proposal to make asylum seekers from Honduras and El Salvador seek refuge in Guatemala, when its own citizens were fleeing poverty and violence. Trump confirmed the deal included the safe third country plan if Mexico did not do enough to cut migration. Asked in a Fox News interview if that possibility was part of the accord, Trump said, "It`s exactly right, and that`s what`s going to happen." Trump also named Tom Homan as "Border Czar." Homan is a veteran of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and served as the agency`s acting head during the first year of Trump`s presidency. He retired last year, after increasing arrests of non-criminal immigrants.

US ramps up Mexico asylum returns, Trump confirms 'safe third country' plan

Democratic lawmakers accused President Donald Trump on Thursday of giving Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 US presidential race, while a top Republican ally said Trump was wrong to say he would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-wrong-with-accepting-dirt-from-foreign-governments-on-opponents-trump-226696">accept political dirt from foreign sources</a>.

The uproar followed televised comments in which the US president told ABC News he would be willing to listen to such damaging information about political opponents as he seeks re-election.

"I think you might want to listen, there isn`t anything wrong with listening,” Trump said in an interview aired on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It`s not an interference. They have information, I think I`d take it. If I thought there was something wrong, I`d go maybe to the FBI - if I thought there was something wrong."

Trump`s comments came less than three months after Special Counsel Robert Mueller submitted a report that found Russia waged a hacking and influence campaign to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

Democratic lawmakers roundly condemned the remarks.&nbsp;

"What the president said last night shows clearly, once again, over and over again, that he does not know the difference between right and wrong," said US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress.

While some 2020 Democratic presidential candidates renewed their call to impeach the president, Trump`s comments did not seem to move House Democrats who have been on the fence closer to initiating impeachment proceedings.

Trump`s statement drew a rebuke, however, from one of his closest allies in Congress, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

"I think it`s a mistake," said Graham, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.&nbsp;

He accused Democrats of having accepted damaging information from foreign nationals on political opponents and said any public official contacted by a foreign government with an offer of help to their campaign should reject it and inform the FBI.

House of Representatives Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he was confident Trump was speaking hypothetically. Others prominent Republicans were outspoken in their discomfort, without naming Trump.

"It is never appropriate to allow a foreign government or its agents to interfere in our election process. Period," said Republican Senator Mike Rounds.&nbsp;

Mitt Romney, a senator and former Republican presidential candidate, said it was "unthinkable" to accept adverse information on a political opponent from a foreign source. "It would strike at the very heart of our democracy," he said.

Senate Democrats failed on Thursday to ram through legislation requiring US presidential campaigns to report to the FBI offers of help from an agent of a foreign government. The move was blocked by Republicans who control the chamber.

Senator Mark Warner, who pushed the legislation, recalled Trump`s "Russia, if you are listening" call for Moscow to dig up Clinton`s missing emails during the 2016 campaign.

"The President has given Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 election," Warner wrote on Twitter earlier.&nbsp;

'Thing of value'

Any foreign contribution of "money or other thing of value" violates US campaign finance law. Legal experts say knowingly soliciting information from a foreign entity would also be illegal.

In a statement on Twitter prefaced with the comment: "I would not have thought that I needed to say this," Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen Weintraub warned political campaigns not to accept foreign help, saying it risked putting them "on the wrong of a federal investigation."

An FBI counterintelligence investigation of Russian election activities in the 2016 presidential election sparked Mueller`s probe, which confirmed US intelligence agencies` findings that Russia worked to help Trump win.

Mueller, whose investigation examined a 2016 meeting at Trump Tower that Trump`s campaign had with Russians promising dirt on Clinton, did not charge Trump campaign staff who attended the meeting.&nbsp;

Trump defended his remarks in a flurry of tweets on Thursday morning in which he said it would be "ridiculous" to report his contacts with foreign leaders to the FBI.

The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee expressed alarm at Trump`s comments.

"The president has either learned nothing in the last two years or picked up exactly the wrong lesson - that he can accept gleefully foreign assistance again and escape the punishment of the law," Representative Adam Schiff said.

Democratic presidential candidates who renewed calls for Trump`s impeachment included US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand and US Representative Eric Swalwell.

"A foreign government attacked our 2016 elections to support Trump, Trump welcomed that help, and Trump obstructed the investigation. Now, he said he`d do it all over again. It`s time to impeach Donald Trump,” Warren said.

Democratic lawmakers accused President Donald Trump on Thursday of giving Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 US presidential race, while a top Republican ally said Trump was wrong to say he would accept political dirt from foreign sources.

Democratic lawmakers accused President Donald Trump on Thursday of giving Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 US presidential race, while a top Republican ally said Trump was wrong to say he would accept political dirt from foreign sources. The uproar followed televised comments in which the US president told ABC News he would be willing to listen to such damaging information about political opponents as he seeks re-election. "I think you might want to listen, there isn`t anything wrong with listening,” Trump said in an interview aired on Wednesday. "It`s not an interference. They have information, I think I`d take it. If I thought there was something wrong, I`d go maybe to the FBI - if I thought there was something wrong." Trump`s comments came less than three months after Special Counsel Robert Mueller submitted a report that found Russia waged a hacking and influence campaign to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Democratic lawmakers roundly condemned the remarks. "What the president said last night shows clearly, once again, over and over again, that he does not know the difference between right and wrong," said US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress. While some 2020 Democratic presidential candidates renewed their call to impeach the president, Trump`s comments did not seem to move House Democrats who have been on the fence closer to initiating impeachment proceedings. Trump`s statement drew a rebuke, however, from one of his closest allies in Congress, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. "I think it`s a mistake," said Graham, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He accused Democrats of having accepted damaging information from foreign nationals on political opponents and said any public official contacted by a foreign government with an offer of help to their campaign should reject it and inform the FBI. House of Representatives Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he was confident Trump was speaking hypothetically. Others prominent Republicans were outspoken in their discomfort, without naming Trump. "It is never appropriate to allow a foreign government or its agents to interfere in our election process. Period," said Republican Senator Mike Rounds. Mitt Romney, a senator and former Republican presidential candidate, said it was "unthinkable" to accept adverse information on a political opponent from a foreign source. "It would strike at the very heart of our democracy," he said. Senate Democrats failed on Thursday to ram through legislation requiring US presidential campaigns to report to the FBI offers of help from an agent of a foreign government. The move was blocked by Republicans who control the chamber. Senator Mark Warner, who pushed the legislation, recalled Trump`s "Russia, if you are listening" call for Moscow to dig up Clinton`s missing emails during the 2016 campaign. "The President has given Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 election," Warner wrote on Twitter earlier. 'Thing of value' Any foreign contribution of "money or other thing of value" violates US campaign finance law. Legal experts say knowingly soliciting information from a foreign entity would also be illegal. In a statement on Twitter prefaced with the comment: "I would not have thought that I needed to say this," Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen Weintraub warned political campaigns not to accept foreign help, saying it risked putting them "on the wrong of a federal investigation." An FBI counterintelligence investigation of Russian election activities in the 2016 presidential election sparked Mueller`s probe, which confirmed US intelligence agencies` findings that Russia worked to help Trump win. Mueller, whose investigation examined a 2016 meeting at Trump Tower that Trump`s campaign had with Russians promising dirt on Clinton, did not charge Trump campaign staff who attended the meeting. Trump defended his remarks in a flurry of tweets on Thursday morning in which he said it would be "ridiculous" to report his contacts with foreign leaders to the FBI. The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee expressed alarm at Trump`s comments. "The president has either learned nothing in the last two years or picked up exactly the wrong lesson - that he can accept gleefully foreign assistance again and escape the punishment of the law," Representative Adam Schiff said. Democratic presidential candidates who renewed calls for Trump`s impeachment included US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand and US Representative Eric Swalwell. "A foreign government attacked our 2016 elections to support Trump, Trump welcomed that help, and Trump obstructed the investigation. Now, he said he`d do it all over again. It`s time to impeach Donald Trump,” Warren said.

Trump comments give green light to foreign election meddling: Democrats

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, a fierce loyalist of President Donald Trump who channelled his combativeness toward the news media, will leave her job at month's end for a possible political future in her home state of Arkansas, Trump said on Thursday.

Sanders, who has worked with Trump since the early days of his unconventional run for office and became a national public figure in her own right, is the latest in a long line of senior advisers to leave the White House.

Sanders, 36, often compared the antics of the press corps to the behaviour of her three young children and had largely backed Trump's dismissal of the news media as "the enemy of the people."

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After 3 1/2 years, our wonderful Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be leaving the White House at the end of the month and going home to the Great State of Arkansas....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1139263781144596486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While ending her daily press briefings, she was often helpful to reporters behind the scenes.

She called the job "an honour of a lifetime" but said she was eager to spend time with her children, who are just getting out of school for the summer.

"I've loved every minute, even the hard minutes," Sanders said at a White House event, called onstage by Trump to a standing ovation, her voice trembling with emotion. "I have three amazing kids and I'm going to spend a little more time with them."

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....She is a very special person with extraordinary talents, who has done an incredible job! I hope she decides to run for Governor of Arkansas - she would be fantastic. Sarah, thank you for a job well done!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1139263782142787585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"She's a warrior," said Trump, who announced her departure on Twitter shortly before the event. "We've been through a lot together, and she's tough, but she's good."

Sanders' role had developed into that of a senior adviser and confidante of the president, one who is regularly brought into senior-level meetings.

She told reporters she told Trump of her decision on Thursday and that "he couldn’t have been nicer, more supportive, more understanding, more encouraging than he was.”

She did nothing to squelch speculation she might someday run for governor of Arkansas, a position once held by her father, Mike Huckabee, who twice ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination, including in 2016.

"I’ve learned a long time ago never to rule anything out. I do look forward to going back home," she told reporters.

Trump said he liked the idea.

"If we can get her to run for the governor of Arkansas, I think she'll do very well," Trump said.

Trump, who has seen almost a complete turnover in his press and communications teams, did not immediately name a replacement. There was speculation that Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley could be a possible successor.

Trump's first press secretary, Sean Spicer, resigned abruptly after six months, having become the butt of late-night comedy lampoons for his blustery and fact-challenged arguments for Trump.

Sanders, who had been Spicer's deputy, initially had a less combative approach with journalists. But her fiery defences of her boss drew criticism.

In 2017, Sanders told reporters she had heard from "countless members of the FBI" who wanted Trump to fire his FBI director James Comey - an assertion she later cast as a "slip of the tongue" during the probe of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Her relationship with the press corps became particularly strained a year ago after a comedian hired by the White House Correspondents’ Association for its annual dinner mocked her appearance and penchant for spinning the truth as Sanders sat nearby at the head table.

In the months afterwards, she was asked to leave a restaurant in Lexington, Virginia, because of her association with the Trump administration, a move she later said reflected more on the restaurant owners than on her.

Over time, Sanders retreated from the lectern, frustrating reporters by ending the long tradition of daily press briefings. Trump preferred to take questions himself from reporters and command the White House stage, and relegated Sanders and other staff to appearances on television to defend his policies.

Sanders' last briefing was 94 days ago, but Trump answers questions from reporters on a near-daily basis, including two extended sessions with them on Wednesday.

Sanders became a popular figure at Trump rallies, sought after for selfies by his supporters. In November, at his final rallies ahead of the congressional elections, Trump invited her on stage to speak briefly to the cheering crowds.

Sanders has long been rumoured as a future gubernatorial candidate in Arkansas. The current governor, Republican Asa Hutchinson, began his second and final four-year term in January. The state's next regular gubernatorial election would be in 2022.

"Arkansas is a very red state, the Huckabee name carries a lot of weight there and if she ran, I can’t think of anyone that would have a chance of beating her if she decided to run," said Alice Stewart, a Republican strategist in Washington who is from Arkansas and worked for Huckabee while he was governor and then on his presidential campaign.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, a fierce loyalist of President Donald Trump who channelled his combativeness toward the news media, will leave her job at month's end for a possible political future in her home state of Arkansas, Trump said on Thursday.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, a fierce loyalist of President Donald Trump who channelled his combativeness toward the news media, will leave her job at month's end for a possible political future in her home state of Arkansas, Trump said on Thursday. Sanders, who has worked with Trump since the early days of his unconventional run for office and became a national public figure in her own right, is the latest in a long line of senior advisers to leave the White House. Sanders, 36, often compared the antics of the press corps to the behaviour of her three young children and had largely backed Trump's dismissal of the news media as "the enemy of the people." After 3 1/2 years, our wonderful Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be leaving the White House at the end of the month and going home to the Great State of Arkansas.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2019 × While ending her daily press briefings, she was often helpful to reporters behind the scenes. She called the job "an honour of a lifetime" but said she was eager to spend time with her children, who are just getting out of school for the summer. "I've loved every minute, even the hard minutes," Sanders said at a White House event, called onstage by Trump to a standing ovation, her voice trembling with emotion. "I have three amazing kids and I'm going to spend a little more time with them." ....She is a very special person with extraordinary talents, who has done an incredible job! I hope she decides to run for Governor of Arkansas - she would be fantastic. Sarah, thank you for a job well done! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2019 × "She's a warrior," said Trump, who announced her departure on Twitter shortly before the event. "We've been through a lot together, and she's tough, but she's good." Sanders' role had developed into that of a senior adviser and confidante of the president, one who is regularly brought into senior-level meetings. She told reporters she told Trump of her decision on Thursday and that "he couldn’t have been nicer, more supportive, more understanding, more encouraging than he was.” She did nothing to squelch speculation she might someday run for governor of Arkansas, a position once held by her father, Mike Huckabee, who twice ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination, including in 2016. "I’ve learned a long time ago never to rule anything out. I do look forward to going back home," she told reporters. Trump said he liked the idea. "If we can get her to run for the governor of Arkansas, I think she'll do very well," Trump said. Trump, who has seen almost a complete turnover in his press and communications teams, did not immediately name a replacement. There was speculation that Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley could be a possible successor. Trump's first press secretary, Sean Spicer, resigned abruptly after six months, having become the butt of late-night comedy lampoons for his blustery and fact-challenged arguments for Trump. Sanders, who had been Spicer's deputy, initially had a less combative approach with journalists. But her fiery defences of her boss drew criticism. In 2017, Sanders told reporters she had heard from "countless members of the FBI" who wanted Trump to fire his FBI director James Comey - an assertion she later cast as a "slip of the tongue" during the probe of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Her relationship with the press corps became particularly strained a year ago after a comedian hired by the White House Correspondents’ Association for its annual dinner mocked her appearance and penchant for spinning the truth as Sanders sat nearby at the head table. In the months afterwards, she was asked to leave a restaurant in Lexington, Virginia, because of her association with the Trump administration, a move she later said reflected more on the restaurant owners than on her. Over time, Sanders retreated from the lectern, frustrating reporters by ending the long tradition of daily press briefings. Trump preferred to take questions himself from reporters and command the White House stage, and relegated Sanders and other staff to appearances on television to defend his policies. Sanders' last briefing was 94 days ago, but Trump answers questions from reporters on a near-daily basis, including two extended sessions with them on Wednesday. Sanders became a popular figure at Trump rallies, sought after for selfies by his supporters. In November, at his final rallies ahead of the congressional elections, Trump invited her on stage to speak briefly to the cheering crowds. Sanders has long been rumoured as a future gubernatorial candidate in Arkansas. The current governor, Republican Asa Hutchinson, began his second and final four-year term in January. The state's next regular gubernatorial election would be in 2022. "Arkansas is a very red state, the Huckabee name carries a lot of weight there and if she ran, I can’t think of anyone that would have a chance of beating her if she decided to run," said Alice Stewart, a Republican strategist in Washington who is from Arkansas and worked for Huckabee while he was governor and then on his presidential campaign.

Trump's 'warrior' spokeswoman Sarah Sanders quits White House

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-written-all-over-tanker-attacks-227168">US President Trump says Iran 'written all over' tanker attacks</a>

'Iran did do it,' Trump said in an interview on "Fox and Friends," after the US military released footage it said showed an Iranian patrol boat removing an "unexploded limpet mine" from one of the tankers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-set-to-levy-higher-tariffs-on-some-us-goods-next-week-sources-227113">India set to levy higher tariffs on some US goods next week: Sources</a> 
 
India is by far the largest buyer of US almonds and second largest buyer of US apples

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-judge-sets-february-2020-for-wikileaks-founder-assanges-extradition-hearing-227139">UK judge sets February 2020 for WikiLeaks founder Assange's US extradition hearing</a> 
 
Assange, 47, is accused of violating the Espionage Act by releasing a vast trove of classified military and diplomatic files in 2010 about US bombing campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-meeting-with-imran-khan-xi-offers-support-for-improvement-of-indo-pak-ties-227159">In meeting with Imran Khan, Xi offers support for improvement of Indo-Pak ties</a> 
 
Modi did not meet Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit, spurning Pakistan Prime Minister's suggestion for a bilateral meeting in Bishkek.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/apology-from-mamata-banerjee-among-6-demands-put-forth-by-agitating-west-bengal-doctors-227140">Apology from Mamata Banerjee among 6 demands put forth by agitating West Bengal doctors&nbsp;</a> 
 
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared an All India Protest Day Friday in the wake of violence against doctors in Kolkata.

US President Trump says Iran 'written all over' tanker attacks 'Iran did do it,' Trump said in an interview on "Fox and Friends," after the US military released footage it said showed an Iranian patrol boat removing an "unexploded limpet mine" from one of the tankers.

US President Trump says Iran 'written all over' tanker attacks 'Iran did do it,' Trump said in an interview on "Fox and Friends," after the US military released footage it said showed an Iranian patrol boat removing an "unexploded limpet mine" from one of the tankers. India set to levy higher tariffs on some US goods next week: Sources India is by far the largest buyer of US almonds and second largest buyer of US apples UK judge sets February 2020 for WikiLeaks founder Assange's US extradition hearing Assange, 47, is accused of violating the Espionage Act by releasing a vast trove of classified military and diplomatic files in 2010 about US bombing campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. In meeting with Imran Khan, Xi offers support for improvement of Indo-Pak ties Modi did not meet Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit, spurning Pakistan Prime Minister's suggestion for a bilateral meeting in Bishkek. Apology from Mamata Banerjee among 6 demands put forth by agitating West Bengal doctors The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared an All India Protest Day Friday in the wake of violence against doctors in Kolkata.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he understands <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-state-media-blames-hong-kong-protests-on-lawlessness-226680">Hong Kong protesters</a> who have risen up against plans to allow extraditions to China, but hopes they can "work it out" with Beijing.

"I hope they're going to be able to work it out with China," Trump told reporters at the White House, as Hong Kong was rocked by the worst political violence since its handover to China.

"I understand the reason for the demonstration," he said. "I hope it all works out for China and for Hong Kong."

Trump's cautious response to what he said were "massive" demonstrations came as Washington and Beijing try to pick up the pieces of their collapsed talks on resolving a trade war.

"We're doing very well with respect to China," Trump said, referring to huge trade tariffs imposed on Chinese imports.

Trump reiterated that he expects to meet President Xi Jinping at a G20 summit later this month.

"I have a feeling that we're going to make a deal with China," he said. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he understands Hong Kong protesters who have risen up against plans to allow extraditions to China, but hopes they can "work it out" with Beijing.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he understands Hong Kong protesters who have risen up against plans to allow extraditions to China, but hopes they can "work it out" with Beijing. "I hope they're going to be able to work it out with China," Trump told reporters at the White House, as Hong Kong was rocked by the worst political violence since its handover to China. "I understand the reason for the demonstration," he said. "I hope it all works out for China and for Hong Kong." Trump's cautious response to what he said were "massive" demonstrations came as Washington and Beijing try to pick up the pieces of their collapsed talks on resolving a trade war. "We're doing very well with respect to China," Trump said, referring to huge trade tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. Trump reiterated that he expects to meet President Xi Jinping at a G20 summit later this month. "I have a feeling that we're going to make a deal with China," he said.

Hope protesters in Hong Kong can work it out with China, says Trump

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would see nothing wrong in accepting damaging information on a US political opponent if it were offered to his re-election campaign by a foreign government.

Asked in an interview with ABC News if he would accept the information or alert the FBI, Trump said, "I think maybe you do both. I think you might want to listen, there`s nothing wrong with listening."

"If somebody called from a country, Norway, `we have information on your opponent` - oh, I think I`d want to hear it," Trump said.

Trump`s son Donald Trump Jr. was questioned by a US Senate committee on Wednesday in a closed session about a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York in which a Russian lawyer had offered damaging information on Hillary Clinton, the elder Trump`s Democratic opponent in the 2016 presidential election.

The younger Trump, on learning the topic of the meeting, had written in an email: "I love it." But people who attended the meeting said later it focused on other matters.&nbsp;

Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigated the meeting as part of his probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. He documented extensive contacts between Trump`s 2016 campaign and Russia, but did not establish that members of the campaign conspired with Moscow.

Speaking to ABC News on Wednesday, Trump said he disagreed with FBI Director Christopher Wray, who told Congress last month that political campaigns should contact the agency about any suspicious communications from a foreign government.

"The FBI director is wrong," Trump said.

"I`ve seen a lot of things over my life. I don`t think in my whole life I`ve ever called the FBI. In my whole life. You don’t call the FBI. You throw somebody out of your office, you do whatever you do,” Trump said. “Oh, give me a break – life doesn`t work that way.”

Trump compared damaging information on an opponent supplied by a foreign government to opposition research conducted by all political campaigns.&nbsp;

"It`s not an interference, they have information - I think I`d take it," Trump said. "If I thought there was something wrong, I`d go maybe to the FBI - if I thought there was something wrong."

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would see nothing wrong in accepting damaging information on a US political opponent if it were offered to his re-election campaign by a foreign government.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would see nothing wrong in accepting damaging information on a US political opponent if it were offered to his re-election campaign by a foreign government. Asked in an interview with ABC News if he would accept the information or alert the FBI, Trump said, "I think maybe you do both. I think you might want to listen, there`s nothing wrong with listening." "If somebody called from a country, Norway, `we have information on your opponent` - oh, I think I`d want to hear it," Trump said. Trump`s son Donald Trump Jr. was questioned by a US Senate committee on Wednesday in a closed session about a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York in which a Russian lawyer had offered damaging information on Hillary Clinton, the elder Trump`s Democratic opponent in the 2016 presidential election. The younger Trump, on learning the topic of the meeting, had written in an email: "I love it." But people who attended the meeting said later it focused on other matters. Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigated the meeting as part of his probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. He documented extensive contacts between Trump`s 2016 campaign and Russia, but did not establish that members of the campaign conspired with Moscow. Speaking to ABC News on Wednesday, Trump said he disagreed with FBI Director Christopher Wray, who told Congress last month that political campaigns should contact the agency about any suspicious communications from a foreign government. "The FBI director is wrong," Trump said. "I`ve seen a lot of things over my life. I don`t think in my whole life I`ve ever called the FBI. In my whole life. You don’t call the FBI. You throw somebody out of your office, you do whatever you do,” Trump said. “Oh, give me a break – life doesn`t work that way.” Trump compared damaging information on an opponent supplied by a foreign government to opposition research conducted by all political campaigns. "It`s not an interference, they have information - I think I`d take it," Trump said. "If I thought there was something wrong, I`d go maybe to the FBI - if I thought there was something wrong."

Nothing wrong with accepting dirt from foreign governments on opponents: Trump

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