As Democrats in the US Congress debated possibly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-pro-impeachment-republican-total-lightweight-219968/amp">impeaching Republican President Donald Trump</a>, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that he is engaged in a "cover-up."

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of House Democrats on Capitol Hill, Pelosi said, "No one is above the law, including the president of the United States. And we believe that the president of the United States is engaged in a cover-up."

Democrats who control the House of Representatives and Trump are engaged in a high-stakes power struggle over their ability to investigate him, with the president stonewalling multiple investigations of him by congressional committees.

The probes range from whether Trump obstructed justice during Special Counsel Robert Mueller's inquiry into Russian election meddling to his personal finances and businesses.

Pelosi and other senior House leaders have been trying hard for months to contain demands from more junior Democratic lawmakers to kick off impeachment proceedings.

Those demands mounted on Wednesday after former White House Counsel Don McGahn ignored a subpoena from the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to appear before it and testify.

Pelosi made her remarks about an hour before she and other congressional leaders were scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House to discuss infrastructure development.

&nbsp;

As Democrats in the US Congress debated possibly impeaching Republican President Donald Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that he is engaged in a "cover-up.

As Democrats in the US Congress debated possibly impeaching Republican President Donald Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that he is engaged in a "cover-up." Speaking to reporters after a meeting of House Democrats on Capitol Hill, Pelosi said, "No one is above the law, including the president of the United States. And we believe that the president of the United States is engaged in a cover-up." Democrats who control the House of Representatives and Trump are engaged in a high-stakes power struggle over their ability to investigate him, with the president stonewalling multiple investigations of him by congressional committees. The probes range from whether Trump obstructed justice during Special Counsel Robert Mueller's inquiry into Russian election meddling to his personal finances and businesses. Pelosi and other senior House leaders have been trying hard for months to contain demands from more junior Democratic lawmakers to kick off impeachment proceedings. Those demands mounted on Wednesday after former White House Counsel Don McGahn ignored a subpoena from the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to appear before it and testify. Pelosi made her remarks about an hour before she and other congressional leaders were scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House to discuss infrastructure development.

US House speaker Nancy Pelosi says Trump is engaged in a 'cover up'

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he would be willing for talks with the US but not under the current situation, local media IRNA reported on Monday.

"Today's situation is not suitable for talks and our choice is resistance only" IRNA quoted Rouhani as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-will-respond-with-great-force-if-iran-attacks-interests-donald-trump-220247">Trump on Monday warned Iran</a> would be met with "great force" if it attacked US interests in the Middle East.

''I think Iran would be making a very big mistake if they did anything,''&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-trying-to-set-up-negotiation-with-iran-trump-220237">Trump told reporters</a> as he left the White House yesterday evening for an event in Pennsylvania. ''If they do something, it will be met with great force but we have no indication that they will.''

Trump also said that he was willing to have talks with Iran "when they're ready."

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-threatens-iran-in-tweet-as-tension-between-two-countries-escalate-220208/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Trump's comments came as two US government sources said the United States strongly suspects Shi'ite militias with ties to, and possibly encouragement from, Iran fired a rocket on Sunday into Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.

The sources, who are familiar with US national security assessments and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States was still trying to establish which militia fired the Katyusha rocket on Sunday and the extent, if any, of Iranian involvement.

The rocket fell in the Green Zone which houses government buildings and embassies and caused no casualties, the latest in a series of regional attacks the United States believes may have been inspired by Iran.&nbsp;

Iran has rejected allegations of its possible involvement in attacks last week and Iran's Iraqi allies rushed to condemn Sunday's rocket blast.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he would be willing for talks with the US but not under the current situation, local media IRNA reported on Monday. "Today's situation is not suitable for talks and our choice is resistance only" IRNA quoted Rouhani as saying.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he would be willing for talks with the US but not under the current situation, local media IRNA reported on Monday. "Today's situation is not suitable for talks and our choice is resistance only" IRNA quoted Rouhani as saying. Trump on Monday warned Iran would be met with "great force" if it attacked US interests in the Middle East. ''I think Iran would be making a very big mistake if they did anything,'' Trump told reporters as he left the White House yesterday evening for an event in Pennsylvania. ''If they do something, it will be met with great force but we have no indication that they will.'' Trump also said that he was willing to have talks with Iran "when they're ready." Trump's comments came as two US government sources said the United States strongly suspects Shi'ite militias with ties to, and possibly encouragement from, Iran fired a rocket on Sunday into Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone. The sources, who are familiar with US national security assessments and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States was still trying to establish which militia fired the Katyusha rocket on Sunday and the extent, if any, of Iranian involvement. The rocket fell in the Green Zone which houses government buildings and embassies and caused no casualties, the latest in a series of regional attacks the United States believes may have been inspired by Iran. Iran has rejected allegations of its possible involvement in attacks last week and Iran's Iraqi allies rushed to condemn Sunday's rocket blast.

Today's situation not suitable for talks, choice is resistance only: Iran's Rouhani

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-trying-to-set-up-negotiation-with-iran-trump-220237">Donald Trump</a> warned yesterday Iran would be met with "great force" if it attacked US interests in the Middle East, and government sources said Washington strongly suspects Shia militias with ties to Tehran were behind a rocket attack in Baghdad's Green Zone.

“I think Iran would be making a very big mistake if they did anything,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House yesterday evening for an event in Pennsylvania. “If they do something, it will be met with great force but we have no indication that they will.”

His comments came as two US government sources said the United States strongly suspects Shi'ite militias with ties to, and possibly encouragement from, Iran fired a rocket on Sunday into Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.

The sources, who are familiar with US national security assessments and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States was still trying to establish which militia fired the Katyusha rocket on Sunday and the extent, if any, of Iranian involvement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-threatens-iran-in-tweet-as-tension-between-two-countries-escalate-220208/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The rocket fell in the Green Zone which houses government buildings and embassies and caused no casualties, the latest in a series of regional attacks the United States believes may have been inspired by Iran. Iran has rejected allegations of its possible involvement in attacks last week and Iran's Iraqi allies rushed to condemn Sunday's rocket blast.

The attacks include what Saudi Arabia described as armed drone attacks on two oil pumping stations within the kingdom on May 14 and the sabotage of four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on May 12.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed responsibility for attacking the pumping stations. Saudi Arabia accused Tehran of ordering the attack. Tensions between Washington and its Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab allies on one side and Tehran and its Shi'ite Muslim proxies on the other have been flaring for weeks.

European and US government sources believe Shi'ite militias based in Yemen or Iraq carried out the attacks in Saudi Arabia and near the UAE, likely with Iran's encouragement.

The two US sources said they are still trying to establish whether the rocket attack if inspired or directed by Iran, was designed to send a specific signal to the United States.

The incidents all took place after Trump decided to try to cut off Iran's oil exports, roughly a year after he withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers.

Trump's decision to abandon the deal that restricted Iran's potential pathway to developing a nuclear bomb in return for relief from economic sanctions angered Tehran, which accuses Washington of breaking its word. Iran denies ever having a nuclear weapons programme.

President Donald Trump warned yesterday Iran would be met with "great force" if it attacked US interests in the Middle East, and government sources said Washington strongly suspects Shia militias with ties to Tehran were behind a rocket attack in Baghdad's Green Zone.

President Donald Trump warned yesterday Iran would be met with "great force" if it attacked US interests in the Middle East, and government sources said Washington strongly suspects Shia militias with ties to Tehran were behind a rocket attack in Baghdad's Green Zone. “I think Iran would be making a very big mistake if they did anything,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House yesterday evening for an event in Pennsylvania. “If they do something, it will be met with great force but we have no indication that they will.” His comments came as two US government sources said the United States strongly suspects Shi'ite militias with ties to, and possibly encouragement from, Iran fired a rocket on Sunday into Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone. The sources, who are familiar with US national security assessments and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States was still trying to establish which militia fired the Katyusha rocket on Sunday and the extent, if any, of Iranian involvement. The rocket fell in the Green Zone which houses government buildings and embassies and caused no casualties, the latest in a series of regional attacks the United States believes may have been inspired by Iran. Iran has rejected allegations of its possible involvement in attacks last week and Iran's Iraqi allies rushed to condemn Sunday's rocket blast. The attacks include what Saudi Arabia described as armed drone attacks on two oil pumping stations within the kingdom on May 14 and the sabotage of four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on May 12. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed responsibility for attacking the pumping stations. Saudi Arabia accused Tehran of ordering the attack. Tensions between Washington and its Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab allies on one side and Tehran and its Shi'ite Muslim proxies on the other have been flaring for weeks. European and US government sources believe Shi'ite militias based in Yemen or Iraq carried out the attacks in Saudi Arabia and near the UAE, likely with Iran's encouragement. The two US sources said they are still trying to establish whether the rocket attack if inspired or directed by Iran, was designed to send a specific signal to the United States. The incidents all took place after Trump decided to try to cut off Iran's oil exports, roughly a year after he withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers. Trump's decision to abandon the deal that restricted Iran's potential pathway to developing a nuclear bomb in return for relief from economic sanctions angered Tehran, which accuses Washington of breaking its word. Iran denies ever having a nuclear weapons programme.

US will respond with 'great force' if Iran attacks interests: Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-trump-immigration-plan-may-increase-visas-for-highly-skilled-workers-213463">young, educated, English-speaking applicants</a> with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress.

Trump`s plan, roundly panned by Democrats and immigration advocacy groups, is aimed at trying to unite Republicans - some who want to boost immigration, others who want to restrict it - ahead of the November 2020 presidential and congressional elections.

"If for some reason, possibly political, we can`t get the Democrats to approve this merit-based, high-security plan, then we will get it approved immediately after the election when we take back the House (of Representatives), keep the Senate, and, of course, hold the presidency," Trump said in a Rose Garden address to Republican lawmakers and Cabinet members.

Currently, about two-thirds of the 1.1 million people allowed to emigrate to the United States each year are given green cards granting permanent residency because of family ties.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-immigration-agency-violates-human-rights-doesnt-deserve-a-dime-democrat-lawmakers-195965">US immigration agency violates human rights, doesn't deserve a dime: Democrat lawmakers</a>

Trump proposed keeping the overall numbers steady, but shift to a "merit-based" system similar to one used in Canada - a plan he said would result in 57% of green cards to be based on employment and skills.

Ahead of the speech, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said "merit" was a "condescending" term.

"Are they saying family is without merit? Are they saying most of the people who have ever come to the United States in the history of our country, are without merit, because they don’t have an engineering degree?" Pelosi told reporters.

The plan was developed by Trump`s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and Stephen Miller, an adviser known for his hard line on immigration issues.

Democratic support would be needed to advance any legislation through the Republican-led Senate - let alone the Democratic-controlled House.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticised the White House for failing to consult with Democratic lawmakers, and said that showed the proposal was not serious.

Trump`s plan included proposals to beef up security at the border to try to prevent people from crossing illegally and legal changes aimed at curbing a flood of Central American migrants seeking asylum.

But it left aside the thorny issue of how to deal with the roughly 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally - many for years - and protections for "Dreamer" children brought to the country illegally, a top priority for Democratic lawmakers.

"To say it’s dead on arrival would be generous," said Pili Tobar, deputy director of America`s Voice, a group that advocates for undocumented immigrants.

The plan also does not include provisions to help farmers and other seasonal employers obtain more guest workers, or reforms for technology visa programs.

Business groups said the plan was a good first step but emphasised solutions needed to be broader and bipartisan.

"It should also incorporate policies to improve access to temporary workers with skills needed in the marketplace and provide a practical solution for undocumented immigrants and those living under temporary relief from removal, including Dreamers," the Business Roundtable - a group of chief executives from large companies - said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour young, educated, English-speaking applicants with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour young, educated, English-speaking applicants with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress. Trump`s plan, roundly panned by Democrats and immigration advocacy groups, is aimed at trying to unite Republicans - some who want to boost immigration, others who want to restrict it - ahead of the November 2020 presidential and congressional elections. "If for some reason, possibly political, we can`t get the Democrats to approve this merit-based, high-security plan, then we will get it approved immediately after the election when we take back the House (of Representatives), keep the Senate, and, of course, hold the presidency," Trump said in a Rose Garden address to Republican lawmakers and Cabinet members. Currently, about two-thirds of the 1.1 million people allowed to emigrate to the United States each year are given green cards granting permanent residency because of family ties. Also read: US immigration agency violates human rights, doesn't deserve a dime: Democrat lawmakers Trump proposed keeping the overall numbers steady, but shift to a "merit-based" system similar to one used in Canada - a plan he said would result in 57% of green cards to be based on employment and skills. Ahead of the speech, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said "merit" was a "condescending" term. "Are they saying family is without merit? Are they saying most of the people who have ever come to the United States in the history of our country, are without merit, because they don’t have an engineering degree?" Pelosi told reporters. The plan was developed by Trump`s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and Stephen Miller, an adviser known for his hard line on immigration issues. Democratic support would be needed to advance any legislation through the Republican-led Senate - let alone the Democratic-controlled House. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticised the White House for failing to consult with Democratic lawmakers, and said that showed the proposal was not serious. Trump`s plan included proposals to beef up security at the border to try to prevent people from crossing illegally and legal changes aimed at curbing a flood of Central American migrants seeking asylum. But it left aside the thorny issue of how to deal with the roughly 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally - many for years - and protections for "Dreamer" children brought to the country illegally, a top priority for Democratic lawmakers. "To say it’s dead on arrival would be generous," said Pili Tobar, deputy director of America`s Voice, a group that advocates for undocumented immigrants. The plan also does not include provisions to help farmers and other seasonal employers obtain more guest workers, or reforms for technology visa programs. Business groups said the plan was a good first step but emphasised solutions needed to be broader and bipartisan. "It should also incorporate policies to improve access to temporary workers with skills needed in the marketplace and provide a practical solution for undocumented immigrants and those living under temporary relief from removal, including Dreamers," the Business Roundtable - a group of chief executives from large companies - said in a statement.

Trump proposes new US immigration plan favouring skills over family ties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-national-emergency-bars-huawei-from-us-telecommunications-networks-219053">Trump declares national emergency, bars Huawei from US telecommunications networks</a>

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a&nbsp;national emergency&nbsp;and barring US&nbsp;companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China`s Huawei Technologies Co.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabama-governor-signs-nations-strictest-abortion-ban-219055">Alabama governor signs nation's strictest abortion ban</a>

Alabama's governor on Wednesday signed a&nbsp;bill to ban nearly all abortions in the state, even in cases of rape and incest, in political conservatives' latest challenge to the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court decision establishing a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-asks-twitter-india-to-remove-all-tweets-related-to-exit-polls-219060">Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission asks Twitter India to remove all tweets related to exit polls</a>

The Election Commission is learnt to have asked Twitter to take down an exit poll-related tweet. The EC's move came after it received certain "complaint", sources aware of the development said Thursday, adding that the user later removed the tweet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1-soldierterrorist-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-pulwama-219056">Soldier, 2 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama</a>

An army man and two Jaish-e-Mohammed&nbsp;terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-restricts-live-feature-white-house-snubs-call-for-new-zealand-shooting-response-219062">Facebook restricts Live feature, White House snubs call for New Zealand shooting response</a>

Facebook announced steps on Wednesday to&nbsp;temporarily block users who break its rules from broadcasting live video, in the wake of an international outcry after a&nbsp;gunman killed 51 people in New Zealand&nbsp;last month and streamed the attack live on his page.

&nbsp;

Trump declares national emergency, bars Huawei from US telecommunications networks President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and barring US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China`s Huawei Technologies Co.

Trump declares national emergency, bars Huawei from US telecommunications networks President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and barring US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China`s Huawei Technologies Co. Alabama governor signs nation's strictest abortion ban Alabama's governor on Wednesday signed a bill to ban nearly all abortions in the state, even in cases of rape and incest, in political conservatives' latest challenge to the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court decision establishing a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy. Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission asks Twitter India to remove all tweets related to exit polls The Election Commission is learnt to have asked Twitter to take down an exit poll-related tweet. The EC's move came after it received certain "complaint", sources aware of the development said Thursday, adding that the user later removed the tweet. Soldier, 2 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama An army man and two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning. Facebook restricts Live feature, White House snubs call for New Zealand shooting response Facebook announced steps on Wednesday to temporarily block users who break its rules from broadcasting live video, in the wake of an international outcry after a gunman killed 51 people in New Zealand last month and streamed the attack live on his page.

News brief: Big stories of the day

President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned disgraced media mogul Conrad Black, who served more than three years in prison in the US for fraud and obstruction of justice.

"In 2007, prosecutors alleged that Lord Black had committed several acts of mail fraud and obstruction. The Supreme Court of the United States, however, largely disagreed and overturned almost all charges in his case," the White House said in a statement announcing the pardon.

The statement described Black -- who wrote a book entitled "Donald J. Trump: A President Like No Other" -- as an "entrepreneur and scholar" who "has made tremendous contributions to business, as well as to political and historical thought."

His legal battles began in 2004 when he was accused of siphoning off tens of millions of dollars from the sale of newspapers owned by Hollinger International, his holding company.

Black, a prolific writer and historian in his own right, vehemently maintained his innocence and launched a series of libel lawsuits in Canada to strike back at the detractors he blames for destroying his once vast empire.

But years of legal battles -- which went all the way up to the US Supreme Court -- failed to fully clear his name, although he did manage to greatly reduce his prison time by clearing himself of many of the charges.

Montreal-born Black renounced his Canadian citizenship in 2001 after a spat with then prime minister Jean Chretien, who protested the media owner's peerage to Britain's House of Lords.

At its peak, Black's newspaper group was one of the largest media empires in the world, with revenues in the billions of dollars and global daily circulation in the millions.

As well as The Daily Telegraph in London, the group included the Chicago Sun-Times, Canada's National Post, and the Jerusalem Post.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned disgraced media mogul Conrad Black, who served more than three years in prison in the US for fraud and obstruction of justice.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned disgraced media mogul Conrad Black, who served more than three years in prison in the US for fraud and obstruction of justice. "In 2007, prosecutors alleged that Lord Black had committed several acts of mail fraud and obstruction. The Supreme Court of the United States, however, largely disagreed and overturned almost all charges in his case," the White House said in a statement announcing the pardon. The statement described Black -- who wrote a book entitled "Donald J. Trump: A President Like No Other" -- as an "entrepreneur and scholar" who "has made tremendous contributions to business, as well as to political and historical thought." His legal battles began in 2004 when he was accused of siphoning off tens of millions of dollars from the sale of newspapers owned by Hollinger International, his holding company. Black, a prolific writer and historian in his own right, vehemently maintained his innocence and launched a series of libel lawsuits in Canada to strike back at the detractors he blames for destroying his once vast empire. But years of legal battles -- which went all the way up to the US Supreme Court -- failed to fully clear his name, although he did manage to greatly reduce his prison time by clearing himself of many of the charges. Montreal-born Black renounced his Canadian citizenship in 2001 after a spat with then prime minister Jean Chretien, who protested the media owner's peerage to Britain's House of Lords. At its peak, Black's newspaper group was one of the largest media empires in the world, with revenues in the billions of dollars and global daily circulation in the millions. As well as The Daily Telegraph in London, the group included the Chicago Sun-Times, Canada's National Post, and the Jerusalem Post.

Trump pardons disgraced media mogul Conrad Black: White House

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-us-mexico-border-emergency-democrats-protest-197678">national emergency</a> and barring US&nbsp;companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China`s Huawei Technologies Co.

The executive order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States. The order directs the Commerce Department, working with other government agencies, to draw up a plan for enforcement within 150 days.

The order, which has been under review for more than a year, is aimed at protecting the supply chain from "foreign adversaries to the nation`s information and communications technology and services supply chain," said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/huawei-willing-to-sign-no-spy-pacts-with-governments-chairman-218851">Huawei willing to sign 'no-spy' pacts with governments: Chairman</a>

"Under President Trump`s leadership, Americans will be able to trust that our data and infrastructure are secure," he said.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that Trump was expected to take action on the long-awaited proposal this week. The order does not specifically name any country or company, but US officials have previously labelled Huawei a "threat" and actively lobbied allies to not using Huawei network equipment in next generation 5G networks.

The executive order comes at a delicate time in relations between China and the United States as the world`s<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-a-us-china-trade-war-around-the-corner-217615"> two largest economies ratchet up tariffs in a battle</a> over what US officials call China`s unfair trade practices.

Washington believes equipment made by Huawei could be used by the Chinese state to spy. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-defence-secretary-fired-over-huawei-leaks-denies-involvement-215329">Huawei</a>, which has repeatedly denied the allegations, did not immediately comment.&nbsp;

The United States has been actively pushing other countries not to use Huawei`s equipment in next-generation 5G networks that it calls "untrustworthy." In August, Trump signed a bill that barred the US government itself from using equipment from Huawei and another Chinese provider, ZTE Corp.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, who has called Huawei a threat to US security, said Wednesday that "given the threats presented by certain foreign companies’ equipment and services, this is a significant step toward securing America’s networks."

The order directs the director of US National Intelligence to produce an assessment by late June on the risks to the United States and critical infrastructure "from information and communications technology or services designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary."&nbsp;

In January, US&nbsp;prosecutors charged two Huawei units in Washington state, saying they conspired to steal T-Mobile US Inc trade secrets, and also charged Huawei and its chief financial officer with bank and wire fraud on allegations that the company violated sanctions against Iran.

The FCC in April 2018 voted to advance a proposal to bar the use of a $9 billion government fund to purchase equipment or services from companies that pose a security threat to US&nbsp;communications networks.

The FCC voted unanimously to deny China Mobile Ltd’s bid to provide US telecommunications services last week and said it was reviewing similar prior approvals held by China Unicom and China Telecom Corp.

The issue has taken on new urgency as US&nbsp;wireless carriers rollout 5G networks.

While the big wireless companies have already cut ties with Huawei, small rural carriers continue to rely on both Huawei and ZTE switches and other equipment because they tend to be cheaper.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and barring US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China`s Huawei Technologies Co.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and barring US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China`s Huawei Technologies Co. The executive order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States. The order directs the Commerce Department, working with other government agencies, to draw up a plan for enforcement within 150 days. The order, which has been under review for more than a year, is aimed at protecting the supply chain from "foreign adversaries to the nation`s information and communications technology and services supply chain," said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Also read- Huawei willing to sign 'no-spy' pacts with governments: Chairman "Under President Trump`s leadership, Americans will be able to trust that our data and infrastructure are secure," he said. Reuters reported on Tuesday that Trump was expected to take action on the long-awaited proposal this week. The order does not specifically name any country or company, but US officials have previously labelled Huawei a "threat" and actively lobbied allies to not using Huawei network equipment in next generation 5G networks. The executive order comes at a delicate time in relations between China and the United States as the world`s two largest economies ratchet up tariffs in a battle over what US officials call China`s unfair trade practices. Washington believes equipment made by Huawei could be used by the Chinese state to spy. Huawei, which has repeatedly denied the allegations, did not immediately comment. The United States has been actively pushing other countries not to use Huawei`s equipment in next-generation 5G networks that it calls "untrustworthy." In August, Trump signed a bill that barred the US government itself from using equipment from Huawei and another Chinese provider, ZTE Corp. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, who has called Huawei a threat to US security, said Wednesday that "given the threats presented by certain foreign companies’ equipment and services, this is a significant step toward securing America’s networks." The order directs the director of US National Intelligence to produce an assessment by late June on the risks to the United States and critical infrastructure "from information and communications technology or services designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary." In January, US prosecutors charged two Huawei units in Washington state, saying they conspired to steal T-Mobile US Inc trade secrets, and also charged Huawei and its chief financial officer with bank and wire fraud on allegations that the company violated sanctions against Iran. The FCC in April 2018 voted to advance a proposal to bar the use of a $9 billion government fund to purchase equipment or services from companies that pose a security threat to US communications networks. The FCC voted unanimously to deny China Mobile Ltd’s bid to provide US telecommunications services last week and said it was reviewing similar prior approvals held by China Unicom and China Telecom Corp. The issue has taken on new urgency as US wireless carriers rollout 5G networks. While the big wireless companies have already cut ties with Huawei, small rural carriers continue to rely on both Huawei and ZTE switches and other equipment because they tend to be cheaper.

Trump declares national emergency, bars Huawei from US telecommunications networks

US farmers who are major exporters of pork and soy, are caught in the middle of President Donald Trump's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-trade-war-calm-amidst-storm-218799">trade wars</a>.

And farmers along with the industries that support them, are also key voters. So with 18 months to go before the presidential election, Trump is hoping to put them at ease and keep their support.

But as trade barriers continue to bite deeper into an industry that was already suffering low prices and falling income, there are signs of mounting frustration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explaining-the-us-china-trade-war-which-grabbed-spotlight-in-2018-185043">Explaining the US-China trade war which grabbed spotlight in 2018</a>

"Our great Patriot Farmers will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of what is happening now," Trump said Tuesday on Twitter.&nbsp;

He said he hoped China would "do us the honor" of continuing to buy US farm exports but even if they do not, the government "will be making up the difference" by buying crops to prop up prices.

The tweets came a day after China announced it was raising tariffs on $60 billion in US agricultural and manufactured goods to retaliate for Trump's decision last week to raise tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese merchandise.

Rural areas are generally more conservative and favorable to Trump, but they have been shaken by the conflict that has brought soy bean exports to China in particular to a screeching halt.&nbsp;

Last year's exports fell by 75 per cent from 2017, according to Commerce Department figures.

And over the last year, they have been targeted not only by China but also the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

For now, while many continue to support Trump, others "are not so sure," according to Will Rodger, head of communications for the American Farm Bureau Federation.

"We don't have hard numbers that tell us exactly how strong support or opposition may be but our gut feeling is most farmers still support the president since they like many of his policies across the board," he told AFP in an email.

Sid Ready, a farmer in Scribner, Nebraska, says the trade war has hurt but farmers were hanging in there.

"We understand it and I think farmers are pretty darn resilient," he said. "In the long run, we hope it works."

Their patience has limits, Rodger said, as revenues have been falling for six years due to global oversupply.

From a record $123.4 billion in 2013, farm incomes had fallen by about half as of last year to $63.1 billion, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Many farmers in the Midwestern US breadbasket also have been devastated by floods that destroyed crops and prevented planting.

The American Soybean Association says it generally supports the Trump administration's trade objectives, just not the means used to reach them.

'We always win'

Soy farmers are "frustrated" that Chinese and US negotiators have been unable to strike a bargain and worry their entire business is in danger.

"With depressed prices and unsold stocks expected to double by the 2019 harvest, soybean farmers are not willing to be collateral damage in an endless tariff war," ASA President Davie Stephens said in a statement Monday.

Many fear their Chinese customers, who once bought about a third of the US soy crop, may soon buy even more from Brazil instead.

The Chinese export market for soy took more than 40 years to develop, and as the trade conflict persists "it will become increasingly difficult to recover."

Other buyers, like the European Union, may step in to fill the gap left by China. Still, about two thirds of global soy exports are destined for China.

In his Tuesday tweets, Trump said the "massive tariffs" currently in place will pay for government bailouts for suffering farms.

Last week, he suggested the government could purchase the crops and send it as food aid to poor nations.

In July 2018, the government unveiled a $12 billion bailout fund and US farmers already receive about $20 billion in annual assistance through various aid programs.

And the National Pork Producer's Council said last week it "welcomes the offer of assistance from President Trump."

"We stand ready to work with the USDA to facilitate US pork exports as food aid to a number of nations," NPCC President David Herring said in a statement.

Exports now account for 26 per cent of all US pork production, of which a large share is normally shipped to China.

Trump on Tuesday called the US-China trade war a "little squabble" and predicted ultimate victory.

"We always win. We always win," he said.

US farmers who are major exporters of pork and soy, are caught in the middle of President Donald Trump's trade wars. And farmers along with the industries that support them, are also key voters.

US farmers who are major exporters of pork and soy, are caught in the middle of President Donald Trump's trade wars. And farmers along with the industries that support them, are also key voters. So with 18 months to go before the presidential election, Trump is hoping to put them at ease and keep their support. But as trade barriers continue to bite deeper into an industry that was already suffering low prices and falling income, there are signs of mounting frustration. Also read: Explaining the US-China trade war which grabbed spotlight in 2018 "Our great Patriot Farmers will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of what is happening now," Trump said Tuesday on Twitter. He said he hoped China would "do us the honor" of continuing to buy US farm exports but even if they do not, the government "will be making up the difference" by buying crops to prop up prices. The tweets came a day after China announced it was raising tariffs on $60 billion in US agricultural and manufactured goods to retaliate for Trump's decision last week to raise tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese merchandise. Rural areas are generally more conservative and favorable to Trump, but they have been shaken by the conflict that has brought soy bean exports to China in particular to a screeching halt. Last year's exports fell by 75 per cent from 2017, according to Commerce Department figures. And over the last year, they have been targeted not only by China but also the European Union, Canada and Mexico. For now, while many continue to support Trump, others "are not so sure," according to Will Rodger, head of communications for the American Farm Bureau Federation. "We don't have hard numbers that tell us exactly how strong support or opposition may be but our gut feeling is most farmers still support the president since they like many of his policies across the board," he told AFP in an email. Sid Ready, a farmer in Scribner, Nebraska, says the trade war has hurt but farmers were hanging in there. "We understand it and I think farmers are pretty darn resilient," he said. "In the long run, we hope it works." Their patience has limits, Rodger said, as revenues have been falling for six years due to global oversupply. From a record $123.4 billion in 2013, farm incomes had fallen by about half as of last year to $63.1 billion, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Many farmers in the Midwestern US breadbasket also have been devastated by floods that destroyed crops and prevented planting. The American Soybean Association says it generally supports the Trump administration's trade objectives, just not the means used to reach them. 'We always win' Soy farmers are "frustrated" that Chinese and US negotiators have been unable to strike a bargain and worry their entire business is in danger. "With depressed prices and unsold stocks expected to double by the 2019 harvest, soybean farmers are not willing to be collateral damage in an endless tariff war," ASA President Davie Stephens said in a statement Monday. Many fear their Chinese customers, who once bought about a third of the US soy crop, may soon buy even more from Brazil instead. The Chinese export market for soy took more than 40 years to develop, and as the trade conflict persists "it will become increasingly difficult to recover." Other buyers, like the European Union, may step in to fill the gap left by China. Still, about two thirds of global soy exports are destined for China. In his Tuesday tweets, Trump said the "massive tariffs" currently in place will pay for government bailouts for suffering farms. Last week, he suggested the government could purchase the crops and send it as food aid to poor nations. In July 2018, the government unveiled a $12 billion bailout fund and US farmers already receive about $20 billion in annual assistance through various aid programs. And the National Pork Producer's Council said last week it "welcomes the offer of assistance from President Trump." "We stand ready to work with the USDA to facilitate US pork exports as food aid to a number of nations," NPCC President David Herring said in a statement. Exports now account for 26 per cent of all US pork production, of which a large share is normally shipped to China. Trump on Tuesday called the US-China trade war a "little squabble" and predicted ultimate victory. "We always win. We always win," he said.

Victory awaits in China trade war, Trump tells farmers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-government-to-put-forward-brexit-bill-in-june-218823">British government to put forward Brexit bill in June</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-media-and-people-scared-of-speaking-against-cpec-us-lawmakers-told-218824">Pakistan media and people scared of speaking against CPEC, US lawmakers told</a>

People and the media in Pakistan are "scared" of speaking against the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as those critical of it are being suppressed, treated as anti-national or branded as terrorists, a former official in the Obama administration has told US lawmakers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-police-make-arrests-amid-violence-after-easter-attack-218825">Sri Lankan police make arrests in connection to violence after Easter attack</a>

Sri Lankan police arrested 23 people on Tuesday in connection with a spate of attacks on homes and shops, in what's believed to be a reprisal for the Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-blasts-venezuela-regime-after-security-forces-block-congress-218827">Juan Guaido blasts Venezuela regime after security forces block congress</a>

Juan Guaido accused the Venezuelan government of trying to "gag" congress after security forces prevented opposition lawmakers from entering the National Assembly on Tuesday, two weeks after the opposition leader's failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-army-rulers-protesters-agree-on-3-year-transition-period-218834">Sudan army rulers, protesters agree on 3-year transition period</a>

Sudanese army rulers&nbsp;and protest leaders Wednesday agreed on a three-year transition period for transferring power to a full civilian administration even as negotiations over a new sovereign ruling body remain unfinished.

&nbsp;

British government to put forward Brexit bill in June Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday.

British government to put forward Brexit bill in June Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday. Pakistan media and people scared of speaking against CPEC, US lawmakers told People and the media in Pakistan are "scared" of speaking against the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as those critical of it are being suppressed, treated as anti-national or branded as terrorists, a former official in the Obama administration has told US lawmakers. Sri Lankan police make arrests in connection to violence after Easter attack Sri Lankan police arrested 23 people on Tuesday in connection with a spate of attacks on homes and shops, in what's believed to be a reprisal for the Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people. Juan Guaido blasts Venezuela regime after security forces block congress Juan Guaido accused the Venezuelan government of trying to "gag" congress after security forces prevented opposition lawmakers from entering the National Assembly on Tuesday, two weeks after the opposition leader's failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro. Sudan army rulers, protesters agree on 3-year transition period Sudanese army rulers and protest leaders Wednesday agreed on a three-year transition period for transferring power to a full civilian administration even as negotiations over a new sovereign ruling body remain unfinished.

Russian foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-positive-venezuela-talks-with-russian-president-putin-donald-trump-215772">Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday</a> said he had "frank and useful" discussions with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a slew of issues, including Venezuela and Syria.&nbsp;

"We discussed in detail the situation regarding bilateral affairs and exchanged opinions on Venezuela, Syria and the state of affairs regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for Iran," Lavrov said at a press conference.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that he urged Russia in talks to end support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-trade-accusations-on-venezuela-in-phone-call-215196">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a>, but his call was flatly rejected by Moscow.

"The time has come for Nicolas Maduro to go, he has brought nothing but misery to the Venezuelan people, and we hope that Russian support for Maduro will end," Pompeo told a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-flashpoint-in-us-iran-standoff-218475/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Pompeo said that the United States does not want war with Iran but vowed to keep pressuring Tehran.

"We fundamentally do not see a war with Iran," Pompeo told a joint news conference with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in Sochi.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday dismissed as "fiction" speculation that US President Donald Trump had colluded with Moscow in his election campaign.

"It's clear that such insinuations are absolute fiction," he said after talks with his US counterpart Mike Pompeo.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Russia not to interfere in next year's US election and said Moscow needs to show that its purported meddling is over.

If Russia interferes in the 2020 election, "it would put our relationship in an even worse place," Pompeo told a joint news conference with foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, calling on Russia "to demonstrate that these types of activities are a thing of the past."

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday said he had "frank and useful" discussions with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a slew of issues, including Venezuela and Syria.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday said he had "frank and useful" discussions with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a slew of issues, including Venezuela and Syria. "We discussed in detail the situation regarding bilateral affairs and exchanged opinions on Venezuela, Syria and the state of affairs regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for Iran," Lavrov said at a press conference. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that he urged Russia in talks to end support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but his call was flatly rejected by Moscow. "The time has come for Nicolas Maduro to go, he has brought nothing but misery to the Venezuelan people, and we hope that Russian support for Maduro will end," Pompeo told a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Pompeo said that the United States does not want war with Iran but vowed to keep pressuring Tehran. "We fundamentally do not see a war with Iran," Pompeo told a joint news conference with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in Sochi. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday dismissed as "fiction" speculation that US President Donald Trump had colluded with Moscow in his election campaign. "It's clear that such insinuations are absolute fiction," he said after talks with his US counterpart Mike Pompeo. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Russia not to interfere in next year's US election and said Moscow needs to show that its purported meddling is over. If Russia interferes in the 2020 election, "it would put our relationship in an even worse place," Pompeo told a joint news conference with foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, calling on Russia "to demonstrate that these types of activities are a thing of the past."

We fundamentally do not see a war with Iran, says Pompeo in joint conference with Russian foreign minister

American reality star Kim Kardashian is the target of huge backlash from people involved in the prison reform movement who think she is getting too much credit for her `90-day Freedom Campaign` to free inmates with mild offences.

Kim along with her two attorneys, Brittany K. Barnett and MiAngel Cody of The Decarceration Collective, launched a 90-day Freedom campaign aimed at releasing inmates with non-violent offences like low-level drug offence.

Under the campaign, Kim was able to free 17 inmates, as TMZ reported.

People from the prison reform movement are now coming up with comments against the star and her attorneys for receiving too much media coverage for being a star.

Brittany K. Barnett, in a live chat with TMZ, talked about how people are dedicating their time to free non-offensive inmates.&nbsp;

She puts the blame on media which is overlooking Kim`s efforts.

Barnett said people believe that Kim is getting the coverage just because she is star while her true efforts are not being reported.

Barnett and MiAngel also took to social media to address the backlash and said, ''We are two Black women lawyers. We do this for the CULTURE, the CAUSE, and the CODE.''

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Now Retweet this as much as you are sharing the click bait articles. <a href="https://twitter.com/Blavity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Blavity</a> the only ones got what I said right. <a href="https://t.co/m3gd4kMLit">pic.twitter.com/m3gd4kMLit</a>
— Brittany K. Barnett (@MsBKB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MsBKB/status/1126905647918919680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Kim, under the purview of the campaign, also sat with President Trump in the White House to discuss the same.&nbsp;

She often deals with Jared Kushner, Senior Advisor to the President directly.

After Kim launched the campaign to free the inmates, she was flooded with emails, letters, and social media messages.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

American reality star Kim Kardashian is the target of huge backlash from people involved in the prison reform movement who think she is getting too much credit for her `90-day Freedom Campaign` to free inmates with mild offences.

American reality star Kim Kardashian is the target of huge backlash from people involved in the prison reform movement who think she is getting too much credit for her `90-day Freedom Campaign` to free inmates with mild offences. Kim along with her two attorneys, Brittany K. Barnett and MiAngel Cody of The Decarceration Collective, launched a 90-day Freedom campaign aimed at releasing inmates with non-violent offences like low-level drug offence. Under the campaign, Kim was able to free 17 inmates, as TMZ reported. People from the prison reform movement are now coming up with comments against the star and her attorneys for receiving too much media coverage for being a star. Brittany K. Barnett, in a live chat with TMZ, talked about how people are dedicating their time to free non-offensive inmates. She puts the blame on media which is overlooking Kim`s efforts. Barnett said people believe that Kim is getting the coverage just because she is star while her true efforts are not being reported. Barnett and MiAngel also took to social media to address the backlash and said, ''We are two Black women lawyers. We do this for the CULTURE, the CAUSE, and the CODE.'' Now Retweet this as much as you are sharing the click bait articles. @Blavity the only ones got what I said right. pic.twitter.com/m3gd4kMLit — Brittany K. Barnett (@MsBKB) May 10, 2019 × Kim, under the purview of the campaign, also sat with President Trump in the White House to discuss the same. She often deals with Jared Kushner, Senior Advisor to the President directly. After Kim launched the campaign to free the inmates, she was flooded with emails, letters, and social media messages.

Huge backlash for Kim Kardashian for her prison reform movement

American B-52 Stratofortress bombers sent to the Middle East over what <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-commander-says-he-could-send-carrier-into-strait-of-hormuz-despite-iran-tensions-217422">Washington describes as threats from Iran</a> have arrived at a US base in Qatar, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

The US military said on Tuesday that a number of B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the Trump administration says are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-threatens-swift-decisive-response-to-any-iran-attack-217396">"clear indications" of threats</a> from Iran to US forces there.

Iran has dismissed the new US deployments, including of an aircraft carrier, as old news announced now to intimidate it through "psychological warfare", at a time when Washington is also tightening financial sanctions. The USS Abraham Lincoln is replacing another carrier rotated out of the Gulf last month.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-us-tensions-escalate-as-trump-imposes-new-sanctions-217272/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A picture taken by US Air Force personnel stationed in Al Udaid air base and posted on the CENTCOM website showed two aircraft. The caption said: "B-52 Arrival. US B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are parked on a flight line May 8, 2019."

The media officer at Al Udaid, near Doha, did not immediately respond to a phone call and email requesting comment and details. CENTCOM is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

Washington has tightened sanctions on Iran this month, eliminating waivers that had allowed some countries to buy its oil, with a goal of reducing Tehran's crude exports to zero. Iran has responded by scaling back some curbs on its nuclear programme, although it remains compliant with a deal to restrict its nuclear activity which Washington abandoned a year ago.

American B-52 Stratofortress bombers sent to the Middle East over what Washington describes as threats from Iran have arrived at a US base in Qatar, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

American B-52 Stratofortress bombers sent to the Middle East over what Washington describes as threats from Iran have arrived at a US base in Qatar, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The US military said on Tuesday that a number of B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the Trump administration says are "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US forces there. Iran has dismissed the new US deployments, including of an aircraft carrier, as old news announced now to intimidate it through "psychological warfare", at a time when Washington is also tightening financial sanctions. The USS Abraham Lincoln is replacing another carrier rotated out of the Gulf last month. A picture taken by US Air Force personnel stationed in Al Udaid air base and posted on the CENTCOM website showed two aircraft. The caption said: "B-52 Arrival. US B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are parked on a flight line May 8, 2019." The media officer at Al Udaid, near Doha, did not immediately respond to a phone call and email requesting comment and details. CENTCOM is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Washington has tightened sanctions on Iran this month, eliminating waivers that had allowed some countries to buy its oil, with a goal of reducing Tehran's crude exports to zero. Iran has responded by scaling back some curbs on its nuclear programme, although it remains compliant with a deal to restrict its nuclear activity which Washington abandoned a year ago.

US B-52 bombers arrive in Qatar amid threats from Iran

The Russia probe plunged Washington into turmoil Wednesday as Donald Trump's son reportedly was ordered to testify before a Senate panel and the White House refused to release material on investigations into the president.

A day after the top Republican in Congress called the Russia probe "case closed," Trump's conflict with his Democratic opponents escalated to new heights as a House panel voted to hold the nation's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-accuses-william-barr-of-contempt-as-trump-invokes-executive-privilege-217129">Attorney General Bill Barr in contempt</a> for refusing to turn over key documents.

Following a day of drama that included Trump asserting executive privilege for the first time in his presidency, the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee took the surprise step of issuing a subpoena to Donald Trump Jr to testify as part of its investigation into Russian election interference, US media reported.

It was the first known legal summons issued to a member of the president's family to force testimony in the ongoing investigation, and comes after special counsel Robert Mueller declined to accuse Trump's 2016 campaign of criminal conspiracy to collude with the Russians.

Trump Jr, 41, has testified voluntarily in private once to the committee, and was peppered with questions about a June 9, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York that he and other campaign officials had with a Russian lawyer who had offered them dirt on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Committee aides would not confirm the subpoena or what they want to discuss with the president's eldest son, who currently helps run the Trump Organization.

Citing a person close to Trump Jr, The Wall Street Journal reported he had offered to answer questions in writing from the committee, and planned to fight the subpoena, which demands he testify in person.

The White House has been seeking to shield a large swathe of material -- including redacted portions of Mueller's report -- subpoenaed by lawmakers seeking to exert their oversight responsibility.

The rare move to invoke executive privilege came as the House Judiciary Committee took its most substantive step yet against a member of the Trump administration by approving a contempt motion against Barr.

"This was a very grave and momentous step we were forced to take today," committee chairman Jerry Nadler said after the party-line vote. 
Nadler said the contempt citation will proceed "rapidly" for a full House vote but did not offer a timeline.

He accused Trump and the White House of stonewalling by preventing America's congressional representatives from conducting oversight of the executive branch.

"It's an attack on the essence of our democracy," Nadler said. "We are now in a constitutional crisis." The Department of Justice swiftly shot back, branding the contempt vote "inappropriate political theatrics." Hours earlier, Trump made clear he would assert his executive privilege to keep Mueller's full report under wraps.

"Neither the White House nor Attorney General Barr will comply with Chairman Nadler's unlawful and reckless demands," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd stressed that Trump had moved to keep "the entirety of the subpoenaed materials" from the eyes of Congress.

Nadler warned that such action "represents a clear escalation in the Trump administration's blanket defiance of Congress's constitutionally mandated duties." Democrats have struggled with their battle plan in the wake of the Mueller report.

Some have called for impeachment proceedings against Trump, while others stress the need to refocus on issues affecting everyday Americans ahead of the 2020 election.

Trump claimed the document exonerated him of wrongdoing. On the question of obstruction of justice, the report did not conclude Trump committed a crime, but Mueller wrote that "it also does not exonerate him."&nbsp;

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trump's nemesis in Congress, has refrained from calling for his impeachment.

But on Wednesday she voiced support for the contempt move, and delivered a stinging message about the White House refusal to release the unredacted report.

"Is this what it looks like when you have nothing to hide?" Pelosi tweeted.

For several hours in the tense judiciary hearing, lawmakers traded barbs about Barr's brazen protection of the president and the calculated effort by Democrats to punish him and gain access to key material.

Addressing a rally of supporters in Florida on Wednesday night, Trump defended his attorney general as "great" and said that after Mueller's two-year probe found "nothing," the Democrats were not finished.

"You know it was going to be, like, 'we want the Mueller report.' Now they say, 'Mueller report, no, we want to start all over again.' It is a disgrace." Barr defied a subpoena to turn over a complete copy of Mueller's report and the underlying evidence, and last week refused to testify before the House Judiciary Committee.

The panel approved the 27-page contempt citation in which Nadler wrote that even the redacted report "offers disturbing evidence and analysis that President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice at the highest levels."

The Russia probe plunged Washington into turmoil Wednesday as Donald Trump's son reportedly was ordered to testify before a Senate panel and the White House refused to release material on investigations into the president.

The Russia probe plunged Washington into turmoil Wednesday as Donald Trump's son reportedly was ordered to testify before a Senate panel and the White House refused to release material on investigations into the president. A day after the top Republican in Congress called the Russia probe "case closed," Trump's conflict with his Democratic opponents escalated to new heights as a House panel voted to hold the nation's Attorney General Bill Barr in contempt for refusing to turn over key documents. Following a day of drama that included Trump asserting executive privilege for the first time in his presidency, the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee took the surprise step of issuing a subpoena to Donald Trump Jr to testify as part of its investigation into Russian election interference, US media reported. It was the first known legal summons issued to a member of the president's family to force testimony in the ongoing investigation, and comes after special counsel Robert Mueller declined to accuse Trump's 2016 campaign of criminal conspiracy to collude with the Russians. Trump Jr, 41, has testified voluntarily in private once to the committee, and was peppered with questions about a June 9, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York that he and other campaign officials had with a Russian lawyer who had offered them dirt on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Committee aides would not confirm the subpoena or what they want to discuss with the president's eldest son, who currently helps run the Trump Organization. Citing a person close to Trump Jr, The Wall Street Journal reported he had offered to answer questions in writing from the committee, and planned to fight the subpoena, which demands he testify in person. The White House has been seeking to shield a large swathe of material -- including redacted portions of Mueller's report -- subpoenaed by lawmakers seeking to exert their oversight responsibility. The rare move to invoke executive privilege came as the House Judiciary Committee took its most substantive step yet against a member of the Trump administration by approving a contempt motion against Barr. "This was a very grave and momentous step we were forced to take today," committee chairman Jerry Nadler said after the party-line vote. Nadler said the contempt citation will proceed "rapidly" for a full House vote but did not offer a timeline. He accused Trump and the White House of stonewalling by preventing America's congressional representatives from conducting oversight of the executive branch. "It's an attack on the essence of our democracy," Nadler said. "We are now in a constitutional crisis." The Department of Justice swiftly shot back, branding the contempt vote "inappropriate political theatrics." Hours earlier, Trump made clear he would assert his executive privilege to keep Mueller's full report under wraps. "Neither the White House nor Attorney General Barr will comply with Chairman Nadler's unlawful and reckless demands," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd stressed that Trump had moved to keep "the entirety of the subpoenaed materials" from the eyes of Congress. Nadler warned that such action "represents a clear escalation in the Trump administration's blanket defiance of Congress's constitutionally mandated duties." Democrats have struggled with their battle plan in the wake of the Mueller report. Some have called for impeachment proceedings against Trump, while others stress the need to refocus on issues affecting everyday Americans ahead of the 2020 election. Trump claimed the document exonerated him of wrongdoing. On the question of obstruction of justice, the report did not conclude Trump committed a crime, but Mueller wrote that "it also does not exonerate him." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trump's nemesis in Congress, has refrained from calling for his impeachment. But on Wednesday she voiced support for the contempt move, and delivered a stinging message about the White House refusal to release the unredacted report. "Is this what it looks like when you have nothing to hide?" Pelosi tweeted. For several hours in the tense judiciary hearing, lawmakers traded barbs about Barr's brazen protection of the president and the calculated effort by Democrats to punish him and gain access to key material. Addressing a rally of supporters in Florida on Wednesday night, Trump defended his attorney general as "great" and said that after Mueller's two-year probe found "nothing," the Democrats were not finished. "You know it was going to be, like, 'we want the Mueller report.' Now they say, 'Mueller report, no, we want to start all over again.' It is a disgrace." Barr defied a subpoena to turn over a complete copy of Mueller's report and the underlying evidence, and last week refused to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. The panel approved the 27-page contempt citation in which Nadler wrote that even the redacted report "offers disturbing evidence and analysis that President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice at the highest levels."

Trump Jr subpoenaed as Congress battles White House over Russia report

A Democratic-led House panel on Wednesday approved a measure to hold <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-readies-contempt-vote-against-william-barr-over-mueller-report-216540">US&nbsp;Attorney General William Barr in contempt</a> for refusing to hand over an unredacted copy of the Mueller report on Russian election interference even as President Donald Trump invoked the legal principle of executive privilege to block its disclosure.

Throwing down another challenge to Trump, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted to recommend that the full House cite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-attorney-general-william-barr-cancels-second-day-of-testimony-215539">Barr</a>, the top US&nbsp;law enforcement official and a Trump appointee, for contempt of Congress after he defied its subpoena for the complete report and underlying evidence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-william-barr-refuses-to-testify-before-house-judiciary-committee-on-mueller-report-215205">US Attorney General William Barr refuses to testify before House Judiciary Committee on Mueller report</a>

"We are now in a constitutional crisis," Jerrold Nadler, the committee`s Democratic chairman, told reporters after the panel approved the contempt resolution on a party-line 24-16 vote, with Democrats in favour and Republicans opposed.

The confrontation escalated a clash between the Democratic-controlled House and Republican president over congressional authority under the US Constitution to investigate him, his administration, family and business interests.

The vote came hours after the White House took its own provocative step, asserting executive privilege to block the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s full report on Russian actions to boost Trump`s candidacy in the 2016 US&nbsp;election and related evidence such as investigative interviews.

"It is deeply disappointing that elected representatives of the American people have chosen to engage in such inappropriate political theatrics," Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said, adding that no one would force the department "to break the law" by handing over documents that cannot be disclosed such as secret grand jury material.

A House vote to hold Barr in contempt was likely to trigger a court battle, with fines and possible imprisonment at stake for him. Nadler said the full House vote would come "rapidly," without being more specific.

Executive privilege is only rarely invoked by US presidents to keep other branches of government from getting access to certain internal executive branch information. Trump had not previously taken such a step in his showdown with Congress.

The White House said Democrats forced the move. "Faced with Chairman Nadler`s blatant abuse of power, and at the attorney general`s request, the president has no other option than to make a protective assertion of executive privilege," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

Nadler said Trump`s stonewalling of Congress in various investigations was "an assertion of tyrannical power by the president and that cannot be allowed to stand," although the congressman tiptoed around the question of launching the impeachment process to try to remove Trump from office.

In a letter to Nadler, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd said Barr could not comply with the subpoena "without violating the law, court rules, and court orders, and without threatening the independence of the Department of Justice`s prosecutorial functions."

Trump, seeking re-election in 2020, is pushing back against numerous probes by House Democrats, ranging from Mueller`s inquiry to matters such as Trump`s tax returns and past financial records.

On Wednesday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said he had issued a subpoena to Barr for documents related to the Mueller investigation after the Justice Department responded to the panel`s requests "with silence or outright defiance." Schiff said he had set a deadline of May 15 for Barr to produce the materials.

`SELF-IMPEACHABLE`&nbsp;

Contempt of Congress is an offence that can be enforced several ways, most likely by a civil lawsuit, which could lead to a judge ordering imposing daily fines on the defendant or even arrest and imprisonment, according to legal experts.

The next step will be a floor vote by the full House. No action in the Republican-led Senate is needed.

Barr, who released a 448-page redacted version of the report on April 18, missed two deadlines to turn over the requested material after Nadler subpoenaed it last month. Nadler said lawmakers needed the material to determine whether Trump obstructed justice by trying to impede Mueller`s inquiry.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, said Trump`s moves to thwart House subpoenas were obstructing oversight by lawmakers and inquiries into Russian election interference.&nbsp;

"Every single day the president is making the case. He`s becoming self-impeachable," Pelosi told the Washington Post. Pelosi added that Barr, who last week also refused to testify before the House panel, should be held in contempt of Congress. She accused Barr last week of committing a crime by lying to lawmakers.

Trump has filed lawsuits meant to block House subpoenas seeking some of his financial and business records, and his administration refused to disclose his subpoenaed tax returns. In a letter seen by Reuters last week, White House legal counsel Emmet Flood asserted that Trump had the right to instruct his advisers not to testify before congressional oversight probes related to the Mueller investigation.

In a lengthy Judiciary Committee meeting, Republicans condemned the move to hold Barr in contempt. "What a cynical, mean-spirited, counterproductive and irresponsible step," said Doug Collins, the panel`s top Republican. Other Republicans accused Democrats of paving the way for impeachment.

Democrats said the Trump administration waived executive privilege when it allowed some senior Trump advisers, including former White House counsel Don McGahn, to talk to Mueller`s team during the investigation. The Justice Department said allowing such cooperation did not mean Trump relinquished the right to assert executive privilege now.

When the House was controlled by Republicans, it voted in 2012 to hold Eric Holder, attorney general under Democratic President Barack Obama, in contempt for failing to turn over subpoenaed Justice Department documents about a gun-running investigation. It was the first time Congress had held any Cabinet member in contempt.

A 1974 Supreme Court ruling made clear the contours of the doctrine of executive privilege. In the case US&nbsp;v&nbsp;Nixon, President Richard Nixon was ordered to deliver tapes and other subpoenaed materials to a judge for review. The Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that a president`s right to privacy in his communications must be balanced against the power of Congress to investigate and oversee the executive branch. Nixon resigned as president.

Mueller`s report detailed extensive contacts between Trump`s campaign and Moscow, as well as the campaign`s expectation of benefiting from Russia`s efforts to tilt the election in Trump`s favour. But Mueller concluded there was insufficient evidence to show a criminal conspiracy between Russia and the campaign.

The report also described numerous actions by Trump to try to impede Mueller`s investigation, but Mueller offered no conclusion on whether Trump committed criminal obstruction.

A Democratic-led House panel on Wednesday approved a measure to hold US Attorney General William Barr in contempt for refusing to hand over an unredacted copy of the Mueller report on Russian election interference even as President Donald Trump invoked the legal principle of executive privilege to block its disclosure.

A Democratic-led House panel on Wednesday approved a measure to hold US Attorney General William Barr in contempt for refusing to hand over an unredacted copy of the Mueller report on Russian election interference even as President Donald Trump invoked the legal principle of executive privilege to block its disclosure. Throwing down another challenge to Trump, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted to recommend that the full House cite Barr, the top US law enforcement official and a Trump appointee, for contempt of Congress after he defied its subpoena for the complete report and underlying evidence. Also read: US Attorney General William Barr refuses to testify before House Judiciary Committee on Mueller report "We are now in a constitutional crisis," Jerrold Nadler, the committee`s Democratic chairman, told reporters after the panel approved the contempt resolution on a party-line 24-16 vote, with Democrats in favour and Republicans opposed. The confrontation escalated a clash between the Democratic-controlled House and Republican president over congressional authority under the US Constitution to investigate him, his administration, family and business interests. The vote came hours after the White House took its own provocative step, asserting executive privilege to block the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s full report on Russian actions to boost Trump`s candidacy in the 2016 US election and related evidence such as investigative interviews. "It is deeply disappointing that elected representatives of the American people have chosen to engage in such inappropriate political theatrics," Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said, adding that no one would force the department "to break the law" by handing over documents that cannot be disclosed such as secret grand jury material. A House vote to hold Barr in contempt was likely to trigger a court battle, with fines and possible imprisonment at stake for him. Nadler said the full House vote would come "rapidly," without being more specific. Executive privilege is only rarely invoked by US presidents to keep other branches of government from getting access to certain internal executive branch information. Trump had not previously taken such a step in his showdown with Congress. The White House said Democrats forced the move. "Faced with Chairman Nadler`s blatant abuse of power, and at the attorney general`s request, the president has no other option than to make a protective assertion of executive privilege," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. Nadler said Trump`s stonewalling of Congress in various investigations was "an assertion of tyrannical power by the president and that cannot be allowed to stand," although the congressman tiptoed around the question of launching the impeachment process to try to remove Trump from office. In a letter to Nadler, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd said Barr could not comply with the subpoena "without violating the law, court rules, and court orders, and without threatening the independence of the Department of Justice`s prosecutorial functions." Trump, seeking re-election in 2020, is pushing back against numerous probes by House Democrats, ranging from Mueller`s inquiry to matters such as Trump`s tax returns and past financial records. On Wednesday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said he had issued a subpoena to Barr for documents related to the Mueller investigation after the Justice Department responded to the panel`s requests "with silence or outright defiance." Schiff said he had set a deadline of May 15 for Barr to produce the materials. `SELF-IMPEACHABLE` Contempt of Congress is an offence that can be enforced several ways, most likely by a civil lawsuit, which could lead to a judge ordering imposing daily fines on the defendant or even arrest and imprisonment, according to legal experts. The next step will be a floor vote by the full House. No action in the Republican-led Senate is needed. Barr, who released a 448-page redacted version of the report on April 18, missed two deadlines to turn over the requested material after Nadler subpoenaed it last month. Nadler said lawmakers needed the material to determine whether Trump obstructed justice by trying to impede Mueller`s inquiry. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, said Trump`s moves to thwart House subpoenas were obstructing oversight by lawmakers and inquiries into Russian election interference. "Every single day the president is making the case. He`s becoming self-impeachable," Pelosi told the Washington Post. Pelosi added that Barr, who last week also refused to testify before the House panel, should be held in contempt of Congress. She accused Barr last week of committing a crime by lying to lawmakers. Trump has filed lawsuits meant to block House subpoenas seeking some of his financial and business records, and his administration refused to disclose his subpoenaed tax returns. In a letter seen by Reuters last week, White House legal counsel Emmet Flood asserted that Trump had the right to instruct his advisers not to testify before congressional oversight probes related to the Mueller investigation. In a lengthy Judiciary Committee meeting, Republicans condemned the move to hold Barr in contempt. "What a cynical, mean-spirited, counterproductive and irresponsible step," said Doug Collins, the panel`s top Republican. Other Republicans accused Democrats of paving the way for impeachment. Democrats said the Trump administration waived executive privilege when it allowed some senior Trump advisers, including former White House counsel Don McGahn, to talk to Mueller`s team during the investigation. The Justice Department said allowing such cooperation did not mean Trump relinquished the right to assert executive privilege now. When the House was controlled by Republicans, it voted in 2012 to hold Eric Holder, attorney general under Democratic President Barack Obama, in contempt for failing to turn over subpoenaed Justice Department documents about a gun-running investigation. It was the first time Congress had held any Cabinet member in contempt. A 1974 Supreme Court ruling made clear the contours of the doctrine of executive privilege. In the case US v Nixon, President Richard Nixon was ordered to deliver tapes and other subpoenaed materials to a judge for review. The Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that a president`s right to privacy in his communications must be balanced against the power of Congress to investigate and oversee the executive branch. Nixon resigned as president. Mueller`s report detailed extensive contacts between Trump`s campaign and Moscow, as well as the campaign`s expectation of benefiting from Russia`s efforts to tilt the election in Trump`s favour. But Mueller concluded there was insufficient evidence to show a criminal conspiracy between Russia and the campaign. The report also described numerous actions by Trump to try to impede Mueller`s investigation, but Mueller offered no conclusion on whether Trump committed criminal obstruction.

US House panel accuses William Barr of contempt as Trump invokes executive privilege

US President Donald Trump`s businesses lost a total of more than $1 billion from 1985 to 1994, according to the New York Times, which said it obtained printouts from Trump`s official Internal Revenue Service tax transcripts.

The newspaper said Trump posted losses in excess of $250 million in both 1990 and 1991, which appeared to be more than double any other individual US&nbsp;taxpayer in an annual IRS sampling of high-income earners.

Trump lost so much money that he was able to avoid paying income taxes for eight of the 10 years, the Times said.

Over the 10 years, Trump`s core businesses, including casinos, hotels and apartment buildings, lost $1.17 billion, according to the newspaper.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Times quoted a lawyer for the president, Charles Harder, as saying the tax information was "highly inaccurate."

Trump, a real estate magnate who turned over the running of his businesses to his sons after his election in 2016, touted his business acumen and negotiating skills on the campaign trail.&nbsp;

Trump broke with a decades-old precedent by refusing to release his tax returns as a presidential candidate in 2016 or since being elected, saying he could not do so while his taxes were being audited.

On Monday, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin refused a request by the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee for Trump`s tax returns.

Democrats want Trump`s tax data as part of their investigations of possible conflicts of interest posed by his continued ownership of extensive business interests, even as he serves as president.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump`s businesses lost a total of more than $1 billion from 1985 to 1994, according to the New York Times, which said it obtained printouts from Trump`s official Internal Revenue Service tax transcripts.

US President Donald Trump`s businesses lost a total of more than $1 billion from 1985 to 1994, according to the New York Times, which said it obtained printouts from Trump`s official Internal Revenue Service tax transcripts. The newspaper said Trump posted losses in excess of $250 million in both 1990 and 1991, which appeared to be more than double any other individual US taxpayer in an annual IRS sampling of high-income earners. Trump lost so much money that he was able to avoid paying income taxes for eight of the 10 years, the Times said. Over the 10 years, Trump`s core businesses, including casinos, hotels and apartment buildings, lost $1.17 billion, according to the newspaper. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Times quoted a lawyer for the president, Charles Harder, as saying the tax information was "highly inaccurate." Trump, a real estate magnate who turned over the running of his businesses to his sons after his election in 2016, touted his business acumen and negotiating skills on the campaign trail. Trump broke with a decades-old precedent by refusing to release his tax returns as a presidential candidate in 2016 or since being elected, saying he could not do so while his taxes were being audited. On Monday, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin refused a request by the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee for Trump`s tax returns. Democrats want Trump`s tax data as part of their investigations of possible conflicts of interest posed by his continued ownership of extensive business interests, even as he serves as president.

Trump tax returns from 1985 to 1994 show $1 billion in losses: Report

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/terrorist-attacks-had-become-daily-affair-during-congress-pm-modi-in-rajasthan-215640">Narendra Modi </a>is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report.

Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-instagram-a-new-game-changer-to-woo-young-voters-186133"> Instagram</a>. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million, the report released by digital marketing platform SEMrush said on Tuesday.

"With his approximately 110 million followers worldwide, Narendra Modi has overtaken the present US President Donald Trump who has 96 million followers globally. However, Trump still enjoys the second most followed politician position globally on Twitter (with 59.8 million followers)," it said.

According to the report, Modi had over 43 million followers on Facebook, about 47 million followers on Twitter and more than 20 million followers on Instagram.

However, these numbers do not represent unique users, which means that the same person or entity could be following the same politician across various social media platforms.

Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accumulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the report said.

The report said of all the social media platforms, Twitter served as "the nest of the maximum number of active political audiences, both domestic and global".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report. Modi has a total audience of 110.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama, according to a report. Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million, the report released by digital marketing platform SEMrush said on Tuesday. "With his approximately 110 million followers worldwide, Narendra Modi has overtaken the present US President Donald Trump who has 96 million followers globally. However, Trump still enjoys the second most followed politician position globally on Twitter (with 59.8 million followers)," it said. According to the report, Modi had over 43 million followers on Facebook, about 47 million followers on Twitter and more than 20 million followers on Instagram. However, these numbers do not represent unique users, which means that the same person or entity could be following the same politician across various social media platforms. Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accumulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the report said. The report said of all the social media platforms, Twitter served as "the nest of the maximum number of active political audiences, both domestic and global".

PM Narendra Modi overtakes Trump, becomes second most followed politician on social media in world

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-considers-cancelling-trade-talks-with-us-after-trump-vows-new-tariff-hike-report-216292">China</a> backtracked on substantial commitments it made during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-dilemma-how-to-hold-beijings-feet-to-the-fire-216010">trade talks with the United States</a>, prompting President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods slated to go into effect on Friday, top US&nbsp;trade officials said on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explaining-the-us-china-trade-war-which-grabbed-spotlight-in-2018-185043">Explaining the US-China trade war which grabbed spotlight in 2018</a>

The swift deterioration in negotiations between the world`s two largest economies hit global financial markets as investors faced the prospect of an escalation rather than an end to a 10-month-old trade war.

Trump tweeted on Sunday that he would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-higher-us-tariffs-on-china-goods-216186">raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods </a>to 25 per cent from 10 per cent by the end of the week, and would "soon" target the remaining Chinese imports with tariffs, sending stocks and oil prices lower on Monday.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who has been an advocate for tough structural changes in China, said Beijing had reneged on commitments it had made previously that would have changed the agreement substantially.

"Over the course of the last week or so we have seen ... an erosion in commitments by China," Lighthizer told reporters. "That in our view is unacceptable."

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is expected to be in Washington on Thursday and Friday of this week for further talks.

"We`re not breaking off talks at this point. But for now ... come Friday there will be tariffs in place," Lighthizer said.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, considered to be less hawkish toward China, said China`s backtracking became clear with "new information" over the weekend. He declined to give specifics and said the US&nbsp;side had originally hoped to conclude a deal one way or the other this week.

"They were trying to go back on language that had been previously negotiated, very clear language, that had the potential of changing the deal dramatically," Mnuchin said. "The entire economic team ... are completely unified and recommended to the president to move forward with tariffs if we are not able to conclude a deal by the end of the week."

A spokesman at the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to queries about the US assertions.

"We are also in the process of understanding the relevant situation. What I can tell you is that China`s team is preparing to go to the United States for the discussions," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Gene Shuang said earlier in Beijing. "We still hope the United States can work hard with China to meet each other halfway, and strive to reach a mutually beneficial, win-win agreement on the basis of mutual respect."

TRUCE ENDS

Trump`s Sunday announcement abruptly ended a five-month truce in a trade war that has cost the two countries billions of dollars, slowed global growth and disrupted manufacturing supply chains and US farm exports.

Businesses, while largely supportive of Trump`s tough stance on China, want the tariffs to be lifted. Mnuchin said on Monday that the stock market reaction was not affecting US decisions on the trade talks.&nbsp;

A person familiar with the negotiations said the latest dispute came after the Chinese side sought to deal with policy changes through administrative and regulatory actions, not through changes to Chinese law as previously agreed.

"It undermines the core architecture of the deal," the person said, adding that not codifying the concessions would make it difficult to verify and enforce China`s compliance.

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, the person said that under China's system in which the Communist Party has ultimate control, changes in law are the only way to get even a small measure of certainty.

The United States is demanding sweeping changes to China`s economic policies, including better protection of US intellectual property, and ending forced technology transfers from US companies and cyber theft of American trade secrets.

Washington also wants more access to China`s vast markets for US businesses, curbs on industrial subsidies and increased purchases of American products.

Another source familiar with the situation said Trump had reiterated to advisers in recent days that he would walk away from a trade deal with China if it was not strong enough.

The United States imported about $539.5 billion in goods from China in 2018 and exported $120.3 billion, for a record trade deficit of $419.2 billion, according to US Census Bureau data.

Trump lashed out over the US trade deficit with China on Monday. "With China we lose 500 Billion Dollars. Sorry, we’re not going to be doing that anymore!" he tweeted. Trump has said that China was paying existing US tariffs on Chinese imports into the United States, but in reality, mostly US companies importing the goods pay the tariffs.

The United States currently has 25 per cent tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese machinery and technology goods, and 10 per cent tariffs on $200 billion worth of products ranging from computer modems and routers to furniture, lighting and building materials.

Negotiations on removing punitive US tariffs has been one of the remaining sticking points. China wants the tariffs to be removed, while US&nbsp;officials want to keep some, if not all, as part of any final deal to ensure China lives up to its commitments.

Mnuchin, who originally had called the talks in Beijing "productive," said Washington had been in the process of planning a summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping for a successful deal.

China backtracked on substantial commitments it made during trade talks with the United States, prompting President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods slated to go into effect on Friday, top US trade officials said on Monday.

China backtracked on substantial commitments it made during trade talks with the United States, prompting President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods slated to go into effect on Friday, top US trade officials said on Monday. Also read: Explaining the US-China trade war which grabbed spotlight in 2018 The swift deterioration in negotiations between the world`s two largest economies hit global financial markets as investors faced the prospect of an escalation rather than an end to a 10-month-old trade war. Trump tweeted on Sunday that he would raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods to 25 per cent from 10 per cent by the end of the week, and would "soon" target the remaining Chinese imports with tariffs, sending stocks and oil prices lower on Monday. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who has been an advocate for tough structural changes in China, said Beijing had reneged on commitments it had made previously that would have changed the agreement substantially. "Over the course of the last week or so we have seen ... an erosion in commitments by China," Lighthizer told reporters. "That in our view is unacceptable." Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is expected to be in Washington on Thursday and Friday of this week for further talks. "We`re not breaking off talks at this point. But for now ... come Friday there will be tariffs in place," Lighthizer said. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, considered to be less hawkish toward China, said China`s backtracking became clear with "new information" over the weekend. He declined to give specifics and said the US side had originally hoped to conclude a deal one way or the other this week. "They were trying to go back on language that had been previously negotiated, very clear language, that had the potential of changing the deal dramatically," Mnuchin said. "The entire economic team ... are completely unified and recommended to the president to move forward with tariffs if we are not able to conclude a deal by the end of the week." A spokesman at the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to queries about the US assertions. "We are also in the process of understanding the relevant situation. What I can tell you is that China`s team is preparing to go to the United States for the discussions," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Gene Shuang said earlier in Beijing. "We still hope the United States can work hard with China to meet each other halfway, and strive to reach a mutually beneficial, win-win agreement on the basis of mutual respect." TRUCE ENDS Trump`s Sunday announcement abruptly ended a five-month truce in a trade war that has cost the two countries billions of dollars, slowed global growth and disrupted manufacturing supply chains and US farm exports. Businesses, while largely supportive of Trump`s tough stance on China, want the tariffs to be lifted. Mnuchin said on Monday that the stock market reaction was not affecting US decisions on the trade talks. A person familiar with the negotiations said the latest dispute came after the Chinese side sought to deal with policy changes through administrative and regulatory actions, not through changes to Chinese law as previously agreed. "It undermines the core architecture of the deal," the person said, adding that not codifying the concessions would make it difficult to verify and enforce China`s compliance. Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, the person said that under China's system in which the Communist Party has ultimate control, changes in law are the only way to get even a small measure of certainty. The United States is demanding sweeping changes to China`s economic policies, including better protection of US intellectual property, and ending forced technology transfers from US companies and cyber theft of American trade secrets. Washington also wants more access to China`s vast markets for US businesses, curbs on industrial subsidies and increased purchases of American products. Another source familiar with the situation said Trump had reiterated to advisers in recent days that he would walk away from a trade deal with China if it was not strong enough. The United States imported about $539.5 billion in goods from China in 2018 and exported $120.3 billion, for a record trade deficit of $419.2 billion, according to US Census Bureau data. Trump lashed out over the US trade deficit with China on Monday. "With China we lose 500 Billion Dollars. Sorry, we’re not going to be doing that anymore!" he tweeted. Trump has said that China was paying existing US tariffs on Chinese imports into the United States, but in reality, mostly US companies importing the goods pay the tariffs. The United States currently has 25 per cent tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese machinery and technology goods, and 10 per cent tariffs on $200 billion worth of products ranging from computer modems and routers to furniture, lighting and building materials. Negotiations on removing punitive US tariffs has been one of the remaining sticking points. China wants the tariffs to be removed, while US officials want to keep some, if not all, as part of any final deal to ensure China lives up to its commitments. Mnuchin, who originally had called the talks in Beijing "productive," said Washington had been in the process of planning a summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping for a successful deal.

China reneged on trade commitments, sparking Trump tariff hike: US officials

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-cohen-accuses-trump-over-wikileaks-moscow-project-hush-payments-200061">Donald Trump's one-time personal lawyer Michael Cohen</a> entered federal prison to serve a three-year sentence Monday for a crime he said was ordered by the US president, suggesting he still has more to tell about his former boss.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-cohen-trumps-loyal-fixer-turned-tell-all-accuser-183620">Cohen</a>, 52, was sentenced to prison in December after admitting he paid hush money during the 2016 presidential election -- in violation of electoral laws -- to two women who said they had had affairs with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-a-racist-conman-and-cheat-ex-lawyer-michael-cohen-tells-congress-200117">Trump</a>, committed tax fraud, and lied to Congress.

"There still remains much to be told. And I look forward to the day that I can share the truth," he told reporters as he left his Manhattan residence for the federal prison in Otisville, New York.

"I hope when I rejoin my family and friends that the country will be in a place without xenophobia, injustice, and lies at the helm of our country," he said.

Hours later the onetime vice president and key problem-fixer at the Trump Organisation arrived at the rural prison north of New York City, becoming the second former top Trump aide serving hefty terms for multiple criminal offences, after former campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

His lawyer Lanny Davis said Cohen was the victim of "selective prosecution and disproportionate sentencing and will continue to help prosecutors investigating the president.

"I will continue questioning why Michael is the only person within the Trump organisation to be prosecuted for crimes committed at the direction of and for the benefit of Mr Trump," Davis said.

Cohen: Trump ordered hush payments

Cohen, who worked for the real estate tycoon for a decade, fell out with the president after telling prosecutors and Congress that he was ordered to make the hush payments by Trump himself.

He showed evidence that Trump and his son signed reimbursement checks for the payoffs, which were made to keep two women silent about their alleged affairs with Trump in the weeks before the November 2016 presidential election.

"I didn't work for the campaign. I worked for him. And how come I'm the one that's going to prison? I'm not the one that slept with the porn star," Cohen said in an interview with The New Yorker, referring to one of the women.

After it became clear that Cohen was cooperating with investigators, Trump denigrated him as "weak" and a "rat" ready to make up any lies necessary to avoid prison.

The White House had no comment Monday about Cohen's entering prison.

But in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, current Trump Organisation executive vice president George Sorial dismissed Cohen as someone of few abilities who Trump kept on for years out of loyalty.

"Michael wasn't much of a lawyer," Sorial wrote. "He wasn't trusted to run his own department" and "wasn’t good enough to be given real control."

"He knows he’ll be remembered for turning on those most loyal to him."

Hoped for reduced sentence

But Cohen's case and testimony provided some of the most damaging information on Trump, leading to speculation that New York prosecutors might be reserving charges against the president until after he leaves office -- the earliest of which would be January 2021.

Father of two children in their 20s, Cohen had hoped until the last moment that his sentence would be reduced based on his readiness to cooperate with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election meddling, and, separately, New York prosecutors.

Now disbarred and low on cash, Cohen has mentioned plans to write a book and have his experiences made into a film.

That would follow the footsteps of Richard Nixon's former lawyer John Dean, who pleaded guilty for having bought the silence of the Watergate scandal burglars in the early 1970s, and then wrote a book about his experience.

The Otisville prison conditions should allow Cohen to spend at least some time on such projects.

He is due to be held in the detention centre's low-security "camp," which holds detainees who are not considered to be dangerous, including many other white-collar criminals.

Practising Jews like Cohen who are sentenced to federal prison often request to be placed at Otisville because it provides kosher meals and detainees are allowed to follow the Shabbat day of rest.

The 120-some prisoners of this wing of the centre can use libraries, as well as basketball and tennis courts while wearing their beige uniforms.

Donald Trump's one-time personal lawyer Michael Cohen entered federal prison to serve a three-year sentence Monday for a crime he said was ordered by the US president, suggesting he still has more to tell about his former boss.

Donald Trump's one-time personal lawyer Michael Cohen entered federal prison to serve a three-year sentence Monday for a crime he said was ordered by the US president, suggesting he still has more to tell about his former boss. Cohen, 52, was sentenced to prison in December after admitting he paid hush money during the 2016 presidential election -- in violation of electoral laws -- to two women who said they had had affairs with Trump, committed tax fraud, and lied to Congress. "There still remains much to be told. And I look forward to the day that I can share the truth," he told reporters as he left his Manhattan residence for the federal prison in Otisville, New York. "I hope when I rejoin my family and friends that the country will be in a place without xenophobia, injustice, and lies at the helm of our country," he said. Hours later the onetime vice president and key problem-fixer at the Trump Organisation arrived at the rural prison north of New York City, becoming the second former top Trump aide serving hefty terms for multiple criminal offences, after former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. His lawyer Lanny Davis said Cohen was the victim of "selective prosecution and disproportionate sentencing and will continue to help prosecutors investigating the president. "I will continue questioning why Michael is the only person within the Trump organisation to be prosecuted for crimes committed at the direction of and for the benefit of Mr Trump," Davis said. Cohen: Trump ordered hush payments Cohen, who worked for the real estate tycoon for a decade, fell out with the president after telling prosecutors and Congress that he was ordered to make the hush payments by Trump himself. He showed evidence that Trump and his son signed reimbursement checks for the payoffs, which were made to keep two women silent about their alleged affairs with Trump in the weeks before the November 2016 presidential election. "I didn't work for the campaign. I worked for him. And how come I'm the one that's going to prison? I'm not the one that slept with the porn star," Cohen said in an interview with The New Yorker, referring to one of the women. After it became clear that Cohen was cooperating with investigators, Trump denigrated him as "weak" and a "rat" ready to make up any lies necessary to avoid prison. The White House had no comment Monday about Cohen's entering prison. But in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, current Trump Organisation executive vice president George Sorial dismissed Cohen as someone of few abilities who Trump kept on for years out of loyalty. "Michael wasn't much of a lawyer," Sorial wrote. "He wasn't trusted to run his own department" and "wasn’t good enough to be given real control." "He knows he’ll be remembered for turning on those most loyal to him." Hoped for reduced sentence But Cohen's case and testimony provided some of the most damaging information on Trump, leading to speculation that New York prosecutors might be reserving charges against the president until after he leaves office -- the earliest of which would be January 2021. Father of two children in their 20s, Cohen had hoped until the last moment that his sentence would be reduced based on his readiness to cooperate with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election meddling, and, separately, New York prosecutors. Now disbarred and low on cash, Cohen has mentioned plans to write a book and have his experiences made into a film. That would follow the footsteps of Richard Nixon's former lawyer John Dean, who pleaded guilty for having bought the silence of the Watergate scandal burglars in the early 1970s, and then wrote a book about his experience. The Otisville prison conditions should allow Cohen to spend at least some time on such projects. He is due to be held in the detention centre's low-security "camp," which holds detainees who are not considered to be dangerous, including many other white-collar criminals. Practising Jews like Cohen who are sentenced to federal prison often request to be placed at Otisville because it provides kosher meals and detainees are allowed to follow the Shabbat day of rest. The 120-some prisoners of this wing of the centre can use libraries, as well as basketball and tennis courts while wearing their beige uniforms.

Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen begins 3-year jail term, says still 'much to be told'

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-says-jack-nicklaus-record-in-crosshairs-213630">Tiger Woods won the Masters</a> on April 14th, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible.

On Monday, Trump got what he asked for. At a ceremony in the sun-splashed White House Rose Garden, Trump made the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-victory-in-masters-a-win-for-golf-business-210868"> 43-year-old Woods the fourth</a>, and youngest, professional golfer to receive the nation's highest civilian honour, after Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Sifford.

With 81 PGA Tour victories, Woods is one shy of Sam Snead's all-time record, and with 15 major tournament victories, he trails only Nicklaus, who has 18.

But it was his dramatic Masters victory at Augusta National Golf Club last month, ending an 11-year major championship drought, that capped a years-long comeback from injuries and drama in his personal life, including an arrest two years ago for driving under the influence.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiger-woods-awarded-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-216653/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Trump eagerly leapt onto the Tiger bandwagon. The two have played golf a number of times, most recently with Nicklaus in February at Trump's course in Jupiter, Florida.

At a ceremony attended by several US lawmakers, Trump called Woods "a true legend."

"He's a great guy," said Trump. "He introduced countless new people to the sport of golf, from every background and walk of life. ... Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive."

Woods, wearing a blue suit (not the Masters green jacket) was joined at the ceremony by his mother, Kultida, his two children, Sam and Charlie, his girlfriend, Erica Herman, and his caddie, Joe LaCava.

"You've seen the good and the bad the highs and the lows, and I wouldn't be here without your help," Woods said.

Speaking directly to his loved ones, Woods added: "You guys have meant so much to me in my life. I've battled and I've tried to hang in there and I've tried to come back and play a great game of golf again."

With the golf world wondering if he has enough high-level golf in him to match Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, Woods left a clue as to his aspirations, calling his recent Masters experience "certainly one of the highest that I've accomplished so far in my life on the golf course."

When Tiger Woods won the Masters on April 14th, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible.

When Tiger Woods won the Masters on April 14th, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible. On Monday, Trump got what he asked for. At a ceremony in the sun-splashed White House Rose Garden, Trump made the 43-year-old Woods the fourth, and youngest, professional golfer to receive the nation's highest civilian honour, after Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Sifford. With 81 PGA Tour victories, Woods is one shy of Sam Snead's all-time record, and with 15 major tournament victories, he trails only Nicklaus, who has 18. But it was his dramatic Masters victory at Augusta National Golf Club last month, ending an 11-year major championship drought, that capped a years-long comeback from injuries and drama in his personal life, including an arrest two years ago for driving under the influence. Trump eagerly leapt onto the Tiger bandwagon. The two have played golf a number of times, most recently with Nicklaus in February at Trump's course in Jupiter, Florida. At a ceremony attended by several US lawmakers, Trump called Woods "a true legend." "He's a great guy," said Trump. "He introduced countless new people to the sport of golf, from every background and walk of life. ... Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive." Woods, wearing a blue suit (not the Masters green jacket) was joined at the ceremony by his mother, Kultida, his two children, Sam and Charlie, his girlfriend, Erica Herman, and his caddie, Joe LaCava. "You've seen the good and the bad the highs and the lows, and I wouldn't be here without your help," Woods said. Speaking directly to his loved ones, Woods added: "You guys have meant so much to me in my life. I've battled and I've tried to hang in there and I've tried to come back and play a great game of golf again." With the golf world wondering if he has enough high-level golf in him to match Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, Woods left a clue as to his aspirations, calling his recent Masters experience "certainly one of the highest that I've accomplished so far in my life on the golf course."

Trump awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods

The Trump administration has revised training guidelines for asylum officers in ways that could make it harder for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-give-migrants-dna-tests-to-prove-family-ties-215190">migrants seeking refuge in the United States</a> to pass an initial screening.

The revisions to a lesson plan used by hundreds of asylum officers suggest the Trump administration is finding new ways to narrow who can access asylum as bolder policy proposals with that same goal have been blocked by federals courts, said former government officials and immigration experts who reviewed the internal plan that was shared with Reuters. The changes could potentially lead to more denials and deportations before migrants' full cases can be heard, they said.

Jessica Collins, a spokeswoman for US&nbsp;Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which oversees asylum applications, said the agency periodically updates its training documents and that it processes all claims on a case-by-case basis.

The lesson plan has been revised in 2006, 2014 and February 2017. The new version, dated April 30, goes into effect this month, USCIS said.

The ballooning number of mostly Central American families turning themselves into border agents and asking for asylum has pushed US&nbsp;border agencies to a breaking point. In March, more than 100,000 people were caught at the US-Mexico border, the highest monthly level in more than a decade.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-did-not-raise-election-meddling-with-putin-in-phone-call-216036">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> has claimed the migrants are exploiting "loopholes" in immigration law and says many asylum claims are fraudulent.

The first step in the long US&nbsp;asylum process is an interview by a USCIS official specially trained in asylum and refugee law to determine whether a migrant has a "credible fear" of returning to their home country.

If they pass that first hurdle, a low bar, they go on to immigration court where a judge can grant them asylum if they prove they have been persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Around three-quarters of the thousands of monthly applicants regularly pass the first "credible fear" interviews, according to government data. But most Central American migrants fleeing general violence and corruption ultimately do not qualify for asylum.

Trump has said repeatedly that the standards for entry into the United States are too lenient.

'Big fat con job'

The revised lesson plan is "a significant and disturbing step towards making it more difficult to pass credible fear interviews," said Victoria Neilson, who worked in the USCIS refugee and asylum division during the Obama administration.

The new plan deletes a paragraph from the previous guidance that told "credible fear" interviewers to consider that asylum seekers may not have all the evidence to prove their claims when they first arrive in the United States.

Guidance to consider trauma and cultural background when assessing credibility has also been deleted. Instructions to be warier of fraud were inserted.

Stephen Legomsky, a former USCIS chief counsel said that asylum seekers who arrive in the United States without documents to prove their persecution back home have to rely on their own testimony. "Without taking cultural and psychological factors into account, evaluating the person's credibility becomes nearly impossible," Legomsky said.

USCIS' Collins said the agency's officers take into account "relevant country conditions information" and adhere "to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions."

Currently, asylum officers are required to complete weeks of in-person training followed by regular ongoing refresher courses.

The White House is seeking $23 million of funding to train border patrol agents to perform "credible fear" interviews that are usually done by specialized USCIS asylum officers. It was not clear whether or not this new lesson plan would be used to train border patrol agents.

US&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the Border Patrol, referred questions about its agents conducting interviews to the US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security, which did not respond to a request for comment.

An April 29 White House memo said agencies should "reprioritize" immigration officials to do "credible fear" screenings, without specifically mentioning Border Patrol.

Migrants who pass the initial "credible fear" interview are often allowed stay in the United States until their asylum cases are decided, a process that can take months or years because of a massive backlog of immigration court cases.

The Trump administration has said people are gaming the legal system in order to stay in the country.

At a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 29, Trump called the asylum process "a big, fat con job."

"You have people coming up, they are all met by the lawyers," he said, "and they say, say the following phrase, 'I'm very afraid for my life' ... and then I look at the guy, he looks like he just got out of the ring, he's the heavyweight champion of the world."

Under a new Trump policy started in January, hundreds of asylum seekers have been forced to return to wait in Mexico while their cases lumber through US&nbsp;courts. That policy is being challenged by lawsuits.

Trump has promised to build a wall along the US-Mexico border but a physical barrier would have little effect on migrants who turn themselves into officials.

By changing the rules for asylum screenings the government "is erecting an invisible wall," for those seeking protection, said Dree Collopy, an immigration attorney at a Washington, DC-based law firm.

The Trump administration has revised training guidelines for asylum officers in ways that could make it harder for migrants seeking refuge in the United States to pass an initial screening.

The Trump administration has revised training guidelines for asylum officers in ways that could make it harder for migrants seeking refuge in the United States to pass an initial screening. The revisions to a lesson plan used by hundreds of asylum officers suggest the Trump administration is finding new ways to narrow who can access asylum as bolder policy proposals with that same goal have been blocked by federals courts, said former government officials and immigration experts who reviewed the internal plan that was shared with Reuters. The changes could potentially lead to more denials and deportations before migrants' full cases can be heard, they said. Jessica Collins, a spokeswoman for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which oversees asylum applications, said the agency periodically updates its training documents and that it processes all claims on a case-by-case basis. The lesson plan has been revised in 2006, 2014 and February 2017. The new version, dated April 30, goes into effect this month, USCIS said. The ballooning number of mostly Central American families turning themselves into border agents and asking for asylum has pushed US border agencies to a breaking point. In March, more than 100,000 people were caught at the US-Mexico border, the highest monthly level in more than a decade. US President Donald Trump has claimed the migrants are exploiting "loopholes" in immigration law and says many asylum claims are fraudulent. The first step in the long US asylum process is an interview by a USCIS official specially trained in asylum and refugee law to determine whether a migrant has a "credible fear" of returning to their home country. If they pass that first hurdle, a low bar, they go on to immigration court where a judge can grant them asylum if they prove they have been persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Around three-quarters of the thousands of monthly applicants regularly pass the first "credible fear" interviews, according to government data. But most Central American migrants fleeing general violence and corruption ultimately do not qualify for asylum. Trump has said repeatedly that the standards for entry into the United States are too lenient. 'Big fat con job' The revised lesson plan is "a significant and disturbing step towards making it more difficult to pass credible fear interviews," said Victoria Neilson, who worked in the USCIS refugee and asylum division during the Obama administration. The new plan deletes a paragraph from the previous guidance that told "credible fear" interviewers to consider that asylum seekers may not have all the evidence to prove their claims when they first arrive in the United States. Guidance to consider trauma and cultural background when assessing credibility has also been deleted. Instructions to be warier of fraud were inserted. Stephen Legomsky, a former USCIS chief counsel said that asylum seekers who arrive in the United States without documents to prove their persecution back home have to rely on their own testimony. "Without taking cultural and psychological factors into account, evaluating the person's credibility becomes nearly impossible," Legomsky said. USCIS' Collins said the agency's officers take into account "relevant country conditions information" and adhere "to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions." Currently, asylum officers are required to complete weeks of in-person training followed by regular ongoing refresher courses. The White House is seeking $23 million of funding to train border patrol agents to perform "credible fear" interviews that are usually done by specialized USCIS asylum officers. It was not clear whether or not this new lesson plan would be used to train border patrol agents. US Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the Border Patrol, referred questions about its agents conducting interviews to the US Department of Homeland Security, which did not respond to a request for comment. An April 29 White House memo said agencies should "reprioritize" immigration officials to do "credible fear" screenings, without specifically mentioning Border Patrol. Migrants who pass the initial "credible fear" interview are often allowed stay in the United States until their asylum cases are decided, a process that can take months or years because of a massive backlog of immigration court cases. The Trump administration has said people are gaming the legal system in order to stay in the country. At a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 29, Trump called the asylum process "a big, fat con job." "You have people coming up, they are all met by the lawyers," he said, "and they say, say the following phrase, 'I'm very afraid for my life' ... and then I look at the guy, he looks like he just got out of the ring, he's the heavyweight champion of the world." Under a new Trump policy started in January, hundreds of asylum seekers have been forced to return to wait in Mexico while their cases lumber through US courts. That policy is being challenged by lawsuits. Trump has promised to build a wall along the US-Mexico border but a physical barrier would have little effect on migrants who turn themselves into officials. By changing the rules for asylum screenings the government "is erecting an invisible wall," for those seeking protection, said Dree Collopy, an immigration attorney at a Washington, DC-based law firm.

Trump administration's new training guidelines for asylum screenings reflect tougher US stance on migrants

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-could-have-a-very-good-relationship-with-russia--putin-trump-128197">US President Donald Trump</a> spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for more than an hour on Friday, discussing the possibility of a new nuclear accord, North Korean denuclearisation and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-standoff-top-diplomats-of-russia-us-likely-to-meet-on-may-6-215677">political situation in Venezuela</a>, the White House said.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters Trump and Putin talked about the possibility of a new multilateral nuclear accord between the United States, Russia and China, or an extension of the current US-Russia strategic nuclear treaty.

Sanders said the conversation lasted for more than an hour and briefly touched upon Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential campaign. She said that issue was discussed in the context that the investigation had ended.

"They discussed a nuclear agreement, both new and extended, and the possibility of having conversations with China on that as well," Sanders said.

"They discussed trade and the fact that it has increased between the two countries since the president has come into office. They also talked about North Korea. They also spoke about Ukraine and Venezuela - an overall positive conversation," she said.

US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for more than an hour on Friday, discussing the possibility of a new nuclear accord, North Korean denuclearisation and the political situation in Venezuela, the White House said.

US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for more than an hour on Friday, discussing the possibility of a new nuclear accord, North Korean denuclearisation and the political situation in Venezuela, the White House said. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters Trump and Putin talked about the possibility of a new multilateral nuclear accord between the United States, Russia and China, or an extension of the current US-Russia strategic nuclear treaty. Sanders said the conversation lasted for more than an hour and briefly touched upon Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential campaign. She said that issue was discussed in the context that the investigation had ended. "They discussed a nuclear agreement, both new and extended, and the possibility of having conversations with China on that as well," Sanders said. "They discussed trade and the fact that it has increased between the two countries since the president has come into office. They also talked about North Korea. They also spoke about Ukraine and Venezuela - an overall positive conversation," she said.

Trump, Putin discuss possible new nuclear accord: White House

The FBI sent an undercover investigator to meet with an advisor to Donald Trump's presidential campaign to try to determine if it was working with Russia, The New York Times reported Thursday.

The investigator who met with <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-big-moments-in-mueller-investigation-of-russian-meddling-in-2016-us-election-211303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwizyfrs3P7hAhWJqI8KHdgcAz8QFjAGegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1jJziI0gY-Oif39SAggvG2">George Papadopoulos</a> at a London bar in September 2016 -- two months before the election that brought Trump to office -- was posing as a research assistant, the Times said, citing unnamed people familiar with the operation.

The effort ultimately "yielded no fruitful information," the newspaper reported, but the revelation may provide further ammunition to Trump, who has denounced what he has termed "spying" on his presidential campaign.

Attorney General William Barr echoed that characterisation in testimony to Congress, saying that he will open an inquiry into "spying" against Trump by the FBI at the origins of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The 22-month investigation -- which Trump repeatedly dismissed as a "witch hunt" -- led to charges against 34 individuals, including Papadopoulos, and three companies.

Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and pledged to cooperate, eventually serving 12 days in prison.

The FBI sent an undercover investigator to meet with an advisor to Donald Trump's presidential campaign to try to determine if it was working with Russia, The New York Times reported Thursday.

The FBI sent an undercover investigator to meet with an advisor to Donald Trump's presidential campaign to try to determine if it was working with Russia, The New York Times reported Thursday. The investigator who met with George Papadopoulos at a London bar in September 2016 -- two months before the election that brought Trump to office -- was posing as a research assistant, the Times said, citing unnamed people familiar with the operation. The effort ultimately "yielded no fruitful information," the newspaper reported, but the revelation may provide further ammunition to Trump, who has denounced what he has termed "spying" on his presidential campaign. Attorney General William Barr echoed that characterisation in testimony to Congress, saying that he will open an inquiry into "spying" against Trump by the FBI at the origins of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The 22-month investigation -- which Trump repeatedly dismissed as a "witch hunt" -- led to charges against 34 individuals, including Papadopoulos, and three companies. Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and pledged to cooperate, eventually serving 12 days in prison.

FBI sent undercover investigator to meet Trump aide: Report

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-venezuelas-us-backed-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-of-fuelling-conflict-215063">US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido</a>.

"The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," Trump said as he hosted a national day of prayer service at the White House.

"People are starving. They have no food they have no water, and this was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world," said the president. 
"So we wish them well, we'll be there to help and we are there to help."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/will-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-topple-venezuelas-president-nicolas-maduro-215414">Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro?</a>

Meanwhile, a US official said&nbsp;US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss disagreements on the Venezuela crisis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov when they meet next week in Finland.

The official said the top diplomats would take up a range of tensions between the rival powers when they see each other on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting starting Monday in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi.

"I would expect that the secretary and he (Lavrov) will have an opportunity, obviously, to talk," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

"When they have a chance to get together they can review a whole range of issues including our concerns about Russia's behaviour that includes Ukraine and, certainly, Venezuela," he said.

Lavrov and Pompeo had a tense call on Wednesday over Venezuela, where the United States is trying to oust <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, an ally of Moscow.

Pompeo told Lavrov that Russia's assistance to the leftist leader, whose re-election last year was widely criticized internationally as fraudulent, was "destabilizing" Venezuela.

Lavrov, in turn, denounced the "destructive influence" of the United States in what he called a "flagrant violation of international law."

The United States and its European allies have been imposing sanctions on Russia since its 2014 takeover of Crimea, with Moscow's ongoing support of separatists in Ukraine becoming a major source of tension.

The encounter with Lavrov also comes after the long-awaited release of an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller who said that Russia worked extensively to try to sway the 2016 US election in Donald Trump's favour. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido.

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido. "The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," Trump said as he hosted a national day of prayer service at the White House. "People are starving. They have no food they have no water, and this was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world," said the president. "So we wish them well, we'll be there to help and we are there to help." Also read: Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro? Meanwhile, a US official said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss disagreements on the Venezuela crisis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov when they meet next week in Finland. The official said the top diplomats would take up a range of tensions between the rival powers when they see each other on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting starting Monday in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi. "I would expect that the secretary and he (Lavrov) will have an opportunity, obviously, to talk," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "When they have a chance to get together they can review a whole range of issues including our concerns about Russia's behaviour that includes Ukraine and, certainly, Venezuela," he said. Lavrov and Pompeo had a tense call on Wednesday over Venezuela, where the United States is trying to oust President Nicolas Maduro, an ally of Moscow. Pompeo told Lavrov that Russia's assistance to the leftist leader, whose re-election last year was widely criticized internationally as fraudulent, was "destabilizing" Venezuela. Lavrov, in turn, denounced the "destructive influence" of the United States in what he called a "flagrant violation of international law." The United States and its European allies have been imposing sanctions on Russia since its 2014 takeover of Crimea, with Moscow's ongoing support of separatists in Ukraine becoming a major source of tension. The encounter with Lavrov also comes after the long-awaited release of an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller who said that Russia worked extensively to try to sway the 2016 US election in Donald Trump's favour.

Trump says 'brutal repression' of Venezuelan people 'must end'

US President Donald Trump, along with his family and businesses, on Monday sued Deutsche Bank and Capital One in an attempt to stop them from complying with Congressional subpoenas issued as part of a probe into foreign political influence.

The subpoenas -- which the Trumps described in their suit as "intrusive and overbroad" -- were issued to several banks by the Democratic-majority House's intelligence and financial services committees, which are looking into the president's finances as part of a larger probe into election meddling by Russia.

The lawsuit is the latest step in Trump's fightback against the Democrats, and alleges that the subpoenas have "no legitimate or lawful purpose."

"The subpoenas were issued to harass President Donald J. Trump, to rummage through every aspect of his personal finances, his businesses, and the private information of the President and his family, and to ferret about for any material that might be used to cause him political damage," said the suit, filed with the US federal court in the Southern District of New York.

"No grounds exist to establish any purpose other than a political one."

The suit accuses Congress of stepping beyond its law-making mandate into law enforcement, and says the subpoenas violate the financial privacy rights of Trump and his family.

Deutsche Bank was one of the few major Western financial institutions to continue to lend to Trump's real estate empire after several of its casinos went bankrupt in the 1990s, resulting in claims by creditors valued at $330 million in present-day dollars.

"We remain committed to providing appropriate information to all authorized investigations and will abide by a court order regarding such investigations," the German bank said in a statement.

But the Trumps want to block any such disclosures, and have requested in their latest lawsuit "a permanent injunction prohibiting Deutsche Bank and Capital One from disclosing, revealing, delivering, or producing the requested information, or otherwise complying with the subpoenas."

Their filing also argues that Congress is seeking information about "events that occurred while President Trump was a private citizen, years before he was even a candidate for public office."

Following the money

The suit comes weeks after the release of a heavily redacted version of the Mueller report, which concluded an almost two-year investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.&nbsp;

The president described it as a "complete exoneration."

But Democrats believe the investigation has revealed serious wrongdoing by Trump and have not yet decided on whether they want to push for impeachment.

The Congressional subpoenas to the banks were announced days ahead of the release of the Mueller report, and House member Adam Schiff described the one sent to Deutsche Bank as "friendly."

Explaining why the banks were subpoenaed, Maxine Waters, chair of the House Financial Services Committee, said the body was investigating "the potential use of the US financial system for illicit purposes."

The committee, she added, "is exploring these matters, including as they may involve the president and his associates." 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump, along with his family and businesses, on Monday sued Deutsche Bank and Capital One in an attempt to stop them from complying with Congressional subpoenas issued as part of a probe into foreign political influence.

US President Donald Trump, along with his family and businesses, on Monday sued Deutsche Bank and Capital One in an attempt to stop them from complying with Congressional subpoenas issued as part of a probe into foreign political influence. The subpoenas -- which the Trumps described in their suit as "intrusive and overbroad" -- were issued to several banks by the Democratic-majority House's intelligence and financial services committees, which are looking into the president's finances as part of a larger probe into election meddling by Russia. The lawsuit is the latest step in Trump's fightback against the Democrats, and alleges that the subpoenas have "no legitimate or lawful purpose." "The subpoenas were issued to harass President Donald J. Trump, to rummage through every aspect of his personal finances, his businesses, and the private information of the President and his family, and to ferret about for any material that might be used to cause him political damage," said the suit, filed with the US federal court in the Southern District of New York. "No grounds exist to establish any purpose other than a political one." The suit accuses Congress of stepping beyond its law-making mandate into law enforcement, and says the subpoenas violate the financial privacy rights of Trump and his family. Deutsche Bank was one of the few major Western financial institutions to continue to lend to Trump's real estate empire after several of its casinos went bankrupt in the 1990s, resulting in claims by creditors valued at $330 million in present-day dollars. "We remain committed to providing appropriate information to all authorized investigations and will abide by a court order regarding such investigations," the German bank said in a statement. But the Trumps want to block any such disclosures, and have requested in their latest lawsuit "a permanent injunction prohibiting Deutsche Bank and Capital One from disclosing, revealing, delivering, or producing the requested information, or otherwise complying with the subpoenas." Their filing also argues that Congress is seeking information about "events that occurred while President Trump was a private citizen, years before he was even a candidate for public office." Following the money The suit comes weeks after the release of a heavily redacted version of the Mueller report, which concluded an almost two-year investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The president described it as a "complete exoneration." But Democrats believe the investigation has revealed serious wrongdoing by Trump and have not yet decided on whether they want to push for impeachment. The Congressional subpoenas to the banks were announced days ahead of the release of the Mueller report, and House member Adam Schiff described the one sent to Deutsche Bank as "friendly." Explaining why the banks were subpoenaed, Maxine Waters, chair of the House Financial Services Committee, said the body was investigating "the potential use of the US financial system for illicit purposes." The committee, she added, "is exploring these matters, including as they may involve the president and his associates."

Trump sues banks in bid to block Congress subpoenas

President Donald Trump is seeking to blacklist the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/osama-bin-ladens-mother-blames-muslim-brotherhood-for-influencing-his-son--156908">Muslim Brotherhood</a> as a terrorist group, a far-reaching step that would place the United States firmly on the side of its authoritarian allies in the Middle East.

"The president has consulted with his national security team and leaders in the region who share his concern, and this designation is working its way through the internal process," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

The Brotherhood, a nearly century-old Islamist movement born in Egypt with pockets of support across the Arab world, was designated a terrorist organisation by Cairo after the military in 2013 ousted Mohamed Morsi, a democratically elected president with roots in the movement.

Placing the Muslim Brotherhood on Washington's list of foreign terrorist organisations would make it a crime for any American to assist the group and would ban from the United States its members, who are active in political parties in several countries.

The move comes three weeks after Trump welcomed Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has cracked down heavily on the Muslim Brotherhood as well as other movements ranging from Islamic State extremists to secular activists.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stance-on-muslims-fox-host-in-spotlight-after-mosque-shootings-203927">Trump stance on Muslims, Fox host in spotlight after mosque shootings</a>

During their White House talks, Trump praised Sisi for "doing a great job," saying the United States and Egypt had "never had a better relationship."

The terrorist designation would delight Sisi as well as Saudi Arabia, which despite its ultra-conservative Wahabi ideology disdains the Muslim Brotherhood due to its support for political change in the kingdom, including over Riyadh's alliance with Washington.

But targeting the movement would be a major new impediment in US ties with NATO ally Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed an Islamist foreign policy that includes support for the Muslim Brotherhood inside Egypt.

Another US ally friendly toward the Muslim Brotherhood is Qatar, with the issue becoming a key source of friction with its neighbors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Signature cause for US conservatives

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been a longtime supporter of designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, co-sponsoring legislation with fellow conservatives to take the step when he was a member of Congress.

The Muslim Brotherhood has emerged in recent years as a favorite bugbear for the US far-right, with numerous social media users on Tuesday hailing Trump's push by sharing unfounded conspiracy theories that the group had infiltrated former president Barack Obama's administration or was attempting to impose Islamic sharia law in the United States.

But the proposal has seen pushback from policymakers who say that it is inaccurate to lump together the Muslim Brotherhood, which includes more moderate and democratic strains, with groups set on apocalyptic violence such as the Islamic State movement and Al-Qaeda.

Human Rights Watch has argued that a terrorist designation would "unfairly taint anyone alleged to be linked to the Muslim Brotherhood," meaning that people based in the United States could face prosecution -- or, if not citizens, deportation -- for backing charities or advocacy groups accused of ties to the movement.

Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, which generally backs hawkish policies in the Middle East, doubted that the whole Muslim Brotherhood could be declared a terrorist group under normal processes.

"There is near zero likelihood of the entire network, with all its disparate parts, meeting legal criteria," he tweeted.

"But targeting the violent branches is certainly viable. That, in turn, can enable further designations based on financial ties."

The debate comes less than a month after the Trump administration took the sweeping decision to declare Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards a terrorist group, the first time it has designated a unit of a government.

Egypt is one of the biggest US strategic partners -- an Arab country that made peace with top US ally Israel 40 years ago and remains one of the largest recipients of US aid, at more than $1 billion a year.

Trump has all but ended criticism of Egypt's rights record. When Sisi took over in 2013, security forces killed some 700 protesters who had assembled in two Cairo squares -- with courts then sentencing to death 75 people, including Muslim Brotherhood leaders, over the uprising. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump is seeking to blacklist the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, a far-reaching step that would place the United States firmly on the side of its authoritarian allies in the Middle East.

President Donald Trump is seeking to blacklist the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, a far-reaching step that would place the United States firmly on the side of its authoritarian allies in the Middle East. "The president has consulted with his national security team and leaders in the region who share his concern, and this designation is working its way through the internal process," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. The Brotherhood, a nearly century-old Islamist movement born in Egypt with pockets of support across the Arab world, was designated a terrorist organisation by Cairo after the military in 2013 ousted Mohamed Morsi, a democratically elected president with roots in the movement. Placing the Muslim Brotherhood on Washington's list of foreign terrorist organisations would make it a crime for any American to assist the group and would ban from the United States its members, who are active in political parties in several countries. The move comes three weeks after Trump welcomed Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has cracked down heavily on the Muslim Brotherhood as well as other movements ranging from Islamic State extremists to secular activists. Also read: Trump stance on Muslims, Fox host in spotlight after mosque shootings During their White House talks, Trump praised Sisi for "doing a great job," saying the United States and Egypt had "never had a better relationship." The terrorist designation would delight Sisi as well as Saudi Arabia, which despite its ultra-conservative Wahabi ideology disdains the Muslim Brotherhood due to its support for political change in the kingdom, including over Riyadh's alliance with Washington. But targeting the movement would be a major new impediment in US ties with NATO ally Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed an Islamist foreign policy that includes support for the Muslim Brotherhood inside Egypt. Another US ally friendly toward the Muslim Brotherhood is Qatar, with the issue becoming a key source of friction with its neighbors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Signature cause for US conservatives Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been a longtime supporter of designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, co-sponsoring legislation with fellow conservatives to take the step when he was a member of Congress. The Muslim Brotherhood has emerged in recent years as a favorite bugbear for the US far-right, with numerous social media users on Tuesday hailing Trump's push by sharing unfounded conspiracy theories that the group had infiltrated former president Barack Obama's administration or was attempting to impose Islamic sharia law in the United States. But the proposal has seen pushback from policymakers who say that it is inaccurate to lump together the Muslim Brotherhood, which includes more moderate and democratic strains, with groups set on apocalyptic violence such as the Islamic State movement and Al-Qaeda. Human Rights Watch has argued that a terrorist designation would "unfairly taint anyone alleged to be linked to the Muslim Brotherhood," meaning that people based in the United States could face prosecution -- or, if not citizens, deportation -- for backing charities or advocacy groups accused of ties to the movement. Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, which generally backs hawkish policies in the Middle East, doubted that the whole Muslim Brotherhood could be declared a terrorist group under normal processes. "There is near zero likelihood of the entire network, with all its disparate parts, meeting legal criteria," he tweeted. "But targeting the violent branches is certainly viable. That, in turn, can enable further designations based on financial ties." The debate comes less than a month after the Trump administration took the sweeping decision to declare Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards a terrorist group, the first time it has designated a unit of a government. Egypt is one of the biggest US strategic partners -- an Arab country that made peace with top US ally Israel 40 years ago and remains one of the largest recipients of US aid, at more than $1 billion a year. Trump has all but ended criticism of Egypt's rights record. When Sisi took over in 2013, security forces killed some 700 protesters who had assembled in two Cairo squares -- with courts then sentencing to death 75 people, including Muslim Brotherhood leaders, over the uprising.

Trump seeks to declare Muslim Brotherhood terrorists

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-deploying-320-additional-troops-along-mexico-border-us-defence-department-214622">Donald Trump has directed </a>his administration to charge fees for asylum claims and handle cases within 180 days, the White House said in a statement Monday night.&nbsp;

The announcement came as Trump blasted what he described as the United States' "weak, ineffective and dangerous" immigration laws on Twitter.

The memo outlined other changes including charging asylum seekers to file work permit applications, and barring people who enter the US illegally -&nbsp;or attempt to -&nbsp;from receiving temporary work permits before being approved for relief.

It also directed officials to revoke the work permits of immigrants who receive final deportation orders.

The order came two weeks after Attorney General Bill Barr directed immigration judges to no longer allow asylum seekers apprehended after entering the country illegally to post bail, according to the US media reports.

Trump has staked his presidency on his insistence that the United States is being overrun by migrants and asylum seekers.

But opponents, mostly in the Democratic Party, say his push for building more barriers on the Mexican border and his almost daily denunciations of migrants as dangerous criminals incites racial hatred.

The president declared an emergency to bypass Congress and unlock billions of dollars in funding for his controversial wall project, and has also deployed troops to the border with Mexico.

US President Donald Trump has directed his administration to charge fees for asylum claims and handle cases within 180 days, the White House said in a statement Monday night.

US President Donald Trump has directed his administration to charge fees for asylum claims and handle cases within 180 days, the White House said in a statement Monday night. The announcement came as Trump blasted what he described as the United States' "weak, ineffective and dangerous" immigration laws on Twitter. The memo outlined other changes including charging asylum seekers to file work permit applications, and barring people who enter the US illegally - or attempt to - from receiving temporary work permits before being approved for relief. It also directed officials to revoke the work permits of immigrants who receive final deportation orders. The order came two weeks after Attorney General Bill Barr directed immigration judges to no longer allow asylum seekers apprehended after entering the country illegally to post bail, according to the US media reports. Trump has staked his presidency on his insistence that the United States is being overrun by migrants and asylum seekers. But opponents, mostly in the Democratic Party, say his push for building more barriers on the Mexican border and his almost daily denunciations of migrants as dangerous criminals incites racial hatred. The president declared an emergency to bypass Congress and unlock billions of dollars in funding for his controversial wall project, and has also deployed troops to the border with Mexico.

Trump directs officials to charge fees for asylum claims, settle cases in 180 days

President Trump has criticised India's "big tariffs" on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-to-hit-back-at-eu-as-tariffs-bite-harley-davidson-213010">American paper products</a> and the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes once again, saying the US has been losing billions of dollars to countries like India, China and Japan.

Addressing a Republican political rally in Wisconsin state's Green Bay city on Sunday, Trump alleged that every country has been ripping off America for years.

The President has repeatedly claimed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-not-a-tariff-king-has-the-right-to-protect-specific-sectors-under-wto-experts-212214">India is a "tariff king"</a> and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products.

"For so many decades, we've been losing tens of billions of dollars to China and Japan, and India, and name any country and we lost, but we're not losing anymore," he said to his cheering supporters.

He said that the US was being charged high tariffs on foreign paper products.

"We charge other countries zero tariffs on foreign paper products, but when Wisconsin paper companies export it abroad... China charged us big tariffs, India charged us big tariffs, Vietnam charge us massive tariffs," Trump said.

He claimed that people of the US demanded a government that puts America first.

"And we're doing that with China, we're doing that with India, we're doing that with Japan, we're doing it with a great new trade deal, that hopefully will get approved in the house," the President said.

Early this year at a White House event to announce his support for reciprocal tax, Trump had said that he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent.

The President said that he called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

"Look at Harley-Davidson. I met with them three years ago, they would tell me tough to do business in a certain kind. I asked 'How you're doing in India?' and they said, 'Oh, we don't do any business'.&nbsp;

"So India charged a 100 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson, but when they send their motorcycles and they may come to us, we charge them nothing," Trump said.

"So I called up Prime Minister Modi, I said unfair, he cut it 50 per cent... But that's not good enough because look, it's 50 per cent to nothing. And what we're doing is changing all of that stuff, changing all of that rapidly," he added.

India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors.

On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through a cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products.

India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

President Trump has criticised India's "big tariffs" on American paper products and the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes once again, saying the US has been losing billions of dollars to countries like India, China and Japan.

President Trump has criticised India's "big tariffs" on American paper products and the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes once again, saying the US has been losing billions of dollars to countries like India, China and Japan. Addressing a Republican political rally in Wisconsin state's Green Bay city on Sunday, Trump alleged that every country has been ripping off America for years. The President has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products. "For so many decades, we've been losing tens of billions of dollars to China and Japan, and India, and name any country and we lost, but we're not losing anymore," he said to his cheering supporters. He said that the US was being charged high tariffs on foreign paper products. "We charge other countries zero tariffs on foreign paper products, but when Wisconsin paper companies export it abroad... China charged us big tariffs, India charged us big tariffs, Vietnam charge us massive tariffs," Trump said. He claimed that people of the US demanded a government that puts America first. "And we're doing that with China, we're doing that with India, we're doing that with Japan, we're doing it with a great new trade deal, that hopefully will get approved in the house," the President said. Early this year at a White House event to announce his support for reciprocal tax, Trump had said that he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent. The President said that he called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. "Look at Harley-Davidson. I met with them three years ago, they would tell me tough to do business in a certain kind. I asked 'How you're doing in India?' and they said, 'Oh, we don't do any business'. "So India charged a 100 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson, but when they send their motorcycles and they may come to us, we charge them nothing," Trump said. "So I called up Prime Minister Modi, I said unfair, he cut it 50 per cent... But that's not good enough because look, it's 50 per cent to nothing. And what we're doing is changing all of that stuff, changing all of that rapidly," he added. India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors. On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through a cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

China, India, Vietnam charged us big tariffs: Trump at Wisconsin rally

The "i word" - impeachment - is swirling around the US Congress since the release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-mueller-report-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-211667">Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s redacted Russia report</a>, which painted a picture of lies, threats and confusion in Donald Trump`s White House.

Some Democrats say trying to remove Trump from office would be a waste of time because his fellow Republicans still have majority control of the Senate. Other Democrats argue they have a moral obligation at least to try to impeach, even though Mueller did not charge Trump with conspiring with Russia in the 2016 US&nbsp;election or with obstruction of justice.

Whether or not the Democrats decide to go down this risky path, here is how the impeachment process works.&nbsp;

WHAT ARE GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT?

The US&nbsp;Constitution says the president can be removed from office by Congress for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." Exactly what that means is unclear.

Before he became president in 1974, replacing Republican Richard Nixon who resigned over the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford said: “An impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history.”

Frank Bowman, a University of Missouri law professor and author of a forthcoming book on the history of impeachment, said Congress could look beyond criminal laws in defining "high crimes and misdemeanors."

Historically, it can encompass corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings.

HOW DOES IMPEACHMENT PLAY OUT?

The term impeachment is often interpreted as simply removing a president from office, but that is not strictly accurate.&nbsp;

Impeachment technically refers to the 435-member House of Representatives approving formal charges against a president.&nbsp;

The House effectively acts as accuser - voting on whether to bring specific charges. An impeachment resolution, known as "articles of impeachment," is like an indictment in a criminal case. A simple majority vote is needed in the House to impeach.&nbsp;

The Senate then conducts a trial. House members act as the prosecutors, with senators as the jurors. The chief justice of the US&nbsp;Supreme Court presides over the trial. A two-thirds majority vote is required in the 100-member Senate to convict and remove a president from office.

No president has ever been removed from office as a direct result of an impeachment and conviction by Congress. 
Nixon quit in 1974 rather than face impeachment. Presidents Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998 were impeached by the House, but both stayed in office after the Senate acquitted them.

Obstruction of justice was one charge against Clinton, who faced allegations of lying under oath about his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Obstruction was also included in the articles of impeachment against Nixon.

CAN THE SUPREME COURT OVERTURN?&nbsp;

No.

Trump said on Twitter on Wednesday that he would ask the Supreme Court to intervene if Democrats tried to impeach him. But America`s founders explicitly rejected making a Senate conviction appealable to the federal judiciary, Bowman said.

"They quite plainly decided this is a political process and it is ultimately a political judgment," Bowman said.

"So when Trump suggests there is any judicial remedy for impeachment, he is just wrong."

PROOF OF WRONGDOING?

In a typical criminal court case, jurors are told to convict only if there is "proof beyond a reasonable doubt," a fairly stringent standard.

Impeachment proceedings are different. The House and Senate "can decide on whatever burden of proof they want," Bowman said. "There is no agreement on what the burden should be."

PARTY BREAKDOWN IN CONGRESS?

Right now, there are 235 Democrats, 197 Republicans and three vacancies in the House. As a result, the Democratic majority could vote to impeach Trump without any Republican votes.

In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat.

The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with Democrats.

Conviction and removal of a president would requires 67 votes. So that means for Trump to be impeached, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him.

WHO BECOMES PRESIDENT IF TRUMP IS REMOVED?

A Senate conviction removing Trump from office would elevate Vice President Mike Pence to the presidency to fill out Trump’s term, which ends on Jan. 20, 2021.

The "i word" - impeachment - is swirling around the US Congress since the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s redacted Russia report, which painted a picture of lies, threats and confusion in Donald Trump`s White House.

The "i word" - impeachment - is swirling around the US Congress since the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s redacted Russia report, which painted a picture of lies, threats and confusion in Donald Trump`s White House. Some Democrats say trying to remove Trump from office would be a waste of time because his fellow Republicans still have majority control of the Senate. Other Democrats argue they have a moral obligation at least to try to impeach, even though Mueller did not charge Trump with conspiring with Russia in the 2016 US election or with obstruction of justice. Whether or not the Democrats decide to go down this risky path, here is how the impeachment process works. WHAT ARE GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT? The US Constitution says the president can be removed from office by Congress for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." Exactly what that means is unclear. Before he became president in 1974, replacing Republican Richard Nixon who resigned over the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford said: “An impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history.” Frank Bowman, a University of Missouri law professor and author of a forthcoming book on the history of impeachment, said Congress could look beyond criminal laws in defining "high crimes and misdemeanors." Historically, it can encompass corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings. HOW DOES IMPEACHMENT PLAY OUT? The term impeachment is often interpreted as simply removing a president from office, but that is not strictly accurate. Impeachment technically refers to the 435-member House of Representatives approving formal charges against a president. The House effectively acts as accuser - voting on whether to bring specific charges. An impeachment resolution, known as "articles of impeachment," is like an indictment in a criminal case. A simple majority vote is needed in the House to impeach. The Senate then conducts a trial. House members act as the prosecutors, with senators as the jurors. The chief justice of the US Supreme Court presides over the trial. A two-thirds majority vote is required in the 100-member Senate to convict and remove a president from office. No president has ever been removed from office as a direct result of an impeachment and conviction by Congress. Nixon quit in 1974 rather than face impeachment. Presidents Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998 were impeached by the House, but both stayed in office after the Senate acquitted them. Obstruction of justice was one charge against Clinton, who faced allegations of lying under oath about his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Obstruction was also included in the articles of impeachment against Nixon. CAN THE SUPREME COURT OVERTURN? No. Trump said on Twitter on Wednesday that he would ask the Supreme Court to intervene if Democrats tried to impeach him. But America`s founders explicitly rejected making a Senate conviction appealable to the federal judiciary, Bowman said. "They quite plainly decided this is a political process and it is ultimately a political judgment," Bowman said. "So when Trump suggests there is any judicial remedy for impeachment, he is just wrong." PROOF OF WRONGDOING? In a typical criminal court case, jurors are told to convict only if there is "proof beyond a reasonable doubt," a fairly stringent standard. Impeachment proceedings are different. The House and Senate "can decide on whatever burden of proof they want," Bowman said. "There is no agreement on what the burden should be." PARTY BREAKDOWN IN CONGRESS? Right now, there are 235 Democrats, 197 Republicans and three vacancies in the House. As a result, the Democratic majority could vote to impeach Trump without any Republican votes. In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat. The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with Democrats. Conviction and removal of a president would requires 67 votes. So that means for Trump to be impeached, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him. WHO BECOMES PRESIDENT IF TRUMP IS REMOVED? A Senate conviction removing Trump from office would elevate Vice President Mike Pence to the presidency to fill out Trump’s term, which ends on Jan. 20, 2021.

Explainer: What does it take to remove a US president from office?

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/iran-has-suffered-from-terrorists-operating-from-pakistan-imran-khan-to-president-rouhani-212892&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRwfm0s-vhAhXJuY8KHet6BtcQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2dGht5GN8_qZ3zmEetgk6i">Iran</a> on Wednesday criticized US talks with the Taliban on ending the Afghanistan war, saying Washington was elevating the role of the militants.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif acknowledged that Iran had also opened a dialogue with the Taliban but said that the US push for a deal with the extremists was "seriously wrong."

"An attempt to exclude everybody and just talk to the Taliban has alienated the government, has alienated the region, has alienated everybody else and it achieved nothing, as you've seen from the statement that came from the Taliban," Zarif said, apparently referring to the militants' announcement of a new spring offensive.

"I was the first to say that in any peace in Afghanistan, the Taliban cannot be set aside or isolated," Zarif said at the Asia Society in New York, which he was visiting to take part in a UN session.

"But you cannot negotiate the future of Afghanistan with the Taliban.

The Taliban only represent a segment of Afghan society, not all of it," he said.

President Donald Trump has voiced impatience at ending the longest-ever US war, launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is set shortly to hold a fresh round of talks in Qatar with the Taliban, with early indications saying Washington will agree to pull troops and that the militants will promise not to allow foreign extremists on their soil.

But the Taliban have refused to negotiate with President Ashraf Ghani's internationally recognized government, with a would-be breakthrough meeting recently collapsing in a dispute over the delegation list.

Despite its tense relations with the United States, Iran had quietly backed the initial US invasion that ousted the Taliban, Sunni Muslims who imposed an austere interpretation of Islam over Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.

Iran, led by Shiite clerics, nearly went to war with the Taliban in 1998 after an attack on its consulate in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif killed nine Iranian diplomats and a journalist.

But Iran has more recently sought to build relations with the Taliban, mindful of preserving interests in the neighbouring country.

Iran on Wednesday criticized US talks with the Taliban on ending the Afghanistan war, saying Washington was elevating the role of the militants. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif acknowledged that Iran had also opened a dialogue with the Taliban but said that the US push for a deal with the extremists was "seriously wrong.

Iran on Wednesday criticized US talks with the Taliban on ending the Afghanistan war, saying Washington was elevating the role of the militants. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif acknowledged that Iran had also opened a dialogue with the Taliban but said that the US push for a deal with the extremists was "seriously wrong." "An attempt to exclude everybody and just talk to the Taliban has alienated the government, has alienated the region, has alienated everybody else and it achieved nothing, as you've seen from the statement that came from the Taliban," Zarif said, apparently referring to the militants' announcement of a new spring offensive. "I was the first to say that in any peace in Afghanistan, the Taliban cannot be set aside or isolated," Zarif said at the Asia Society in New York, which he was visiting to take part in a UN session. "But you cannot negotiate the future of Afghanistan with the Taliban. The Taliban only represent a segment of Afghan society, not all of it," he said. President Donald Trump has voiced impatience at ending the longest-ever US war, launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is set shortly to hold a fresh round of talks in Qatar with the Taliban, with early indications saying Washington will agree to pull troops and that the militants will promise not to allow foreign extremists on their soil. But the Taliban have refused to negotiate with President Ashraf Ghani's internationally recognized government, with a would-be breakthrough meeting recently collapsing in a dispute over the delegation list. Despite its tense relations with the United States, Iran had quietly backed the initial US invasion that ousted the Taliban, Sunni Muslims who imposed an austere interpretation of Islam over Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Iran, led by Shiite clerics, nearly went to war with the Taliban in 1998 after an attack on its consulate in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif killed nine Iranian diplomats and a journalist. But Iran has more recently sought to build relations with the Taliban, mindful of preserving interests in the neighbouring country.

Iran denounces US talks with Taliban on ending Afghanistan war

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-opposed-to-aides-testifying-to-congress-on-mueller-report-213118">President Donald Trump </a>on Wednesday vowed to fight any effort by congressional Democrats to impeach him after Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia inquiry, promising to take the matter to the Supreme Court even though the US&nbsp;Constitution gives Congress complete authority over the impeachment process.&nbsp;

"If the partisan Dems ever tried to Impeach, I would first head to the US Supreme Court," the Republican president, who is seeking re-election next year, wrote on Twitter, without offering details about what legal action he envisioned.&nbsp;

Democrats, who control the House, remain divided over whether to proceed with the impeachment process even as new fights flare in their intensifying investigations into Trump and his administration. A fierce legal battle is taking shape over Trump`s bid to fight House subpoenas for documents and testimony from his administration that potentially could head to the Supreme Court.

The Constitution gives the sole power of impeachment and removing a president from office to the House of Representatives and the Senate, not the judiciary, as part of the founding document`s separation of powers among the three branches of the federal government.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have remained cautious over launching impeachment proceedings against Trump ahead of the 2020 election, although they have left the door open to such action. Others in the party`s more liberal wing have demanded impeachment proceedings.&nbsp;

Mueller`s findings, released in a redacted report last week, detailed about a dozen episodes of potential obstruction of justice by Trump in trying to impede the inquiry but stopped short of concluding that he had committed a crime.&nbsp;

The report said Congress could address whether the president violated the law. Mueller separately found insufficient evidence that Trump`s campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia in the 2016 presidential race.

Under the Constitution, Congress is a co-equal branch of government alongside the executive branch and the judiciary.&nbsp;

The Constitution empowers Congress to remove a president from office for "treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors." The House is given the power to impeach a president - bring formal charges - and the Senate then convenes a trial, with the senators as jurors, with a two-thirds vote needed to convict a president and remove him from office.&nbsp;

The Constitution gives no role to the Supreme Court in impeachment, though it does assign the chief justice the task of presiding over the Senate trial. Conservative John Roberts currently serves as chief justice.

That would not preclude Trump from proceeding with litigation to tie up the issue in the courts, despite Supreme Court precedent upholding congressional impeachment power. In 1993, the nation`s top court ruled 9-0 in a case involving an impeached US judge that the judiciary has no role in the impeachment process.

Some congressional Republicans have urged that the country to move forward after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-mueller-report-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-211667">Mueller report</a>, while a few, including Senator Mitt Romney, have condemned Trump`s actions. Some conservatives outside of Congress have urged congressional action in the wake of Mueller`s report.&nbsp;

"We believe the framers of the Constitution would have viewed the totality of this conduct as evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors," Checks &amp; Balances, a group of conservative lawyers, said in a statement on Tuesday that backed more investigations.

Trump has said Mueller`s findings cleared him of any wrongdoing. "We waited for Mueller and WON, so now the Dems look to Congress as last hope!" he tweeted on Wednesday.&nbsp;

House Democrats have stepped up their oversight of the Trump administration on numerous fronts since taking control of the chamber in January, from Trump`s tax returns and White House security clearances to the investigation into Russian interference in US&nbsp;politics.

Trump has ramped up his fight against congressional oversight, ordering officials not to comply with subpoenas and filing a lawsuit to prevent material from being turned over to lawmakers.&nbsp;

"There is no reason to go any further, and especially in Congress where it`s very partisan - obviously very partisan," Trump told the Washington Post in an interview on Tuesday.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Wednesday vowed to fight any effort by congressional Democrats to impeach him after Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia inquiry, promising to take the matter to the Supreme Court even though the US Constitution gives Congress complete authority over the impeachment process.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday vowed to fight any effort by congressional Democrats to impeach him after Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia inquiry, promising to take the matter to the Supreme Court even though the US Constitution gives Congress complete authority over the impeachment process. "If the partisan Dems ever tried to Impeach, I would first head to the US Supreme Court," the Republican president, who is seeking re-election next year, wrote on Twitter, without offering details about what legal action he envisioned. Democrats, who control the House, remain divided over whether to proceed with the impeachment process even as new fights flare in their intensifying investigations into Trump and his administration. A fierce legal battle is taking shape over Trump`s bid to fight House subpoenas for documents and testimony from his administration that potentially could head to the Supreme Court. The Constitution gives the sole power of impeachment and removing a president from office to the House of Representatives and the Senate, not the judiciary, as part of the founding document`s separation of powers among the three branches of the federal government. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have remained cautious over launching impeachment proceedings against Trump ahead of the 2020 election, although they have left the door open to such action. Others in the party`s more liberal wing have demanded impeachment proceedings. Mueller`s findings, released in a redacted report last week, detailed about a dozen episodes of potential obstruction of justice by Trump in trying to impede the inquiry but stopped short of concluding that he had committed a crime. The report said Congress could address whether the president violated the law. Mueller separately found insufficient evidence that Trump`s campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia in the 2016 presidential race. Under the Constitution, Congress is a co-equal branch of government alongside the executive branch and the judiciary. The Constitution empowers Congress to remove a president from office for "treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors." The House is given the power to impeach a president - bring formal charges - and the Senate then convenes a trial, with the senators as jurors, with a two-thirds vote needed to convict a president and remove him from office. The Constitution gives no role to the Supreme Court in impeachment, though it does assign the chief justice the task of presiding over the Senate trial. Conservative John Roberts currently serves as chief justice. That would not preclude Trump from proceeding with litigation to tie up the issue in the courts, despite Supreme Court precedent upholding congressional impeachment power. In 1993, the nation`s top court ruled 9-0 in a case involving an impeached US judge that the judiciary has no role in the impeachment process. Some congressional Republicans have urged that the country to move forward after the Mueller report, while a few, including Senator Mitt Romney, have condemned Trump`s actions. Some conservatives outside of Congress have urged congressional action in the wake of Mueller`s report. "We believe the framers of the Constitution would have viewed the totality of this conduct as evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors," Checks & Balances, a group of conservative lawyers, said in a statement on Tuesday that backed more investigations. Trump has said Mueller`s findings cleared him of any wrongdoing. "We waited for Mueller and WON, so now the Dems look to Congress as last hope!" he tweeted on Wednesday. House Democrats have stepped up their oversight of the Trump administration on numerous fronts since taking control of the chamber in January, from Trump`s tax returns and White House security clearances to the investigation into Russian interference in US politics. Trump has ramped up his fight against congressional oversight, ordering officials not to comply with subpoenas and filing a lawsuit to prevent material from being turned over to lawmakers. "There is no reason to go any further, and especially in Congress where it`s very partisan - obviously very partisan," Trump told the Washington Post in an interview on Tuesday.

Defying Congress, Trump vows Supreme Court fight over any impeachment

US President Donald Trump threatened retribution on Europe Tuesday over tariffs that have bruised profitability at iconic US motorcycle company Harley-Davidson.

Trump cited commentary from Fox Business News anchor Maria Bartiromo, who pointed to the drag from European Union tariffs as a key factor in falling sales by the iconic US motorcycle maker.

"So unfair to US," Trump said on Twitter. "We will reciprocate."

The commentary was a pivot of sorts from the US president, in targeting Brussels rather than Wisconsin-based Harley.&nbsp;

He previously lashed out at the 116-year-old company after it announced plans last summer to shift some US manufacturing overseas as a way to circumvent the EU tariffs, which were imposed on key American goods in March 2018 in retaliation for Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Trump's latest threat comes as Washington and Brussels are close to the start of formal trade talks, now that the US leader has moved closer to settling a months-long fight with China.

Harley-Davidson reported a $21 million hit from tariffs in the first quarter, which contributed to the 26.8 per cent drop in profits to $127.9 million amid lower revenues.

In June, Harley-Davidson announced it was shifting some manufacturing capacity overseas as "the only sustainable option" following punitive import duties of 31 per cent in the EU.

The motorcycle manufacturer in January 2018 announced it would close a Missouri factory and consolidate jobs into Pennsylvania at the same time it was building a new factory in Thailand.

The Thailand operation is part of Harley's "tariff mitigation" strategy aimed at the growing Southeast Asian market, the company said.

"We're acting with agility and discipline to take full advantage of rapidly evolving global markets," Chief Executive Matt Levatich said.

Harley also is focused on building up a new generation of riders to make up for declines in the older population that has been its bedrock.

The company said it found 278,000 "new riders" in the US in 2018 and that "this group is the most diverse across age, ethnicity and gender in all the years Harley-Davidson has tracked this data."

Shares of Harley-Davidson fell 2.1 per cent to $38.90 in pre-market trading, but was down just 0.35 per cent in early trading.

US President Donald Trump threatened retribution on Europe Tuesday over tariffs that have bruised profitability at iconic US motorcycle company Harley-Davidson. Trump cited commentary from Fox Business News anchor Maria Bartiromo, who pointed to the drag from European Union tariffs as a key factor in falling sales by the iconic US motorcycle maker.

US President Donald Trump threatened retribution on Europe Tuesday over tariffs that have bruised profitability at iconic US motorcycle company Harley-Davidson. Trump cited commentary from Fox Business News anchor Maria Bartiromo, who pointed to the drag from European Union tariffs as a key factor in falling sales by the iconic US motorcycle maker. "So unfair to US," Trump said on Twitter. "We will reciprocate." The commentary was a pivot of sorts from the US president, in targeting Brussels rather than Wisconsin-based Harley. He previously lashed out at the 116-year-old company after it announced plans last summer to shift some US manufacturing overseas as a way to circumvent the EU tariffs, which were imposed on key American goods in March 2018 in retaliation for Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminium. Trump's latest threat comes as Washington and Brussels are close to the start of formal trade talks, now that the US leader has moved closer to settling a months-long fight with China. Harley-Davidson reported a $21 million hit from tariffs in the first quarter, which contributed to the 26.8 per cent drop in profits to $127.9 million amid lower revenues. In June, Harley-Davidson announced it was shifting some manufacturing capacity overseas as "the only sustainable option" following punitive import duties of 31 per cent in the EU. The motorcycle manufacturer in January 2018 announced it would close a Missouri factory and consolidate jobs into Pennsylvania at the same time it was building a new factory in Thailand. The Thailand operation is part of Harley's "tariff mitigation" strategy aimed at the growing Southeast Asian market, the company said. "We're acting with agility and discipline to take full advantage of rapidly evolving global markets," Chief Executive Matt Levatich said. Harley also is focused on building up a new generation of riders to make up for declines in the older population that has been its bedrock. The company said it found 278,000 "new riders" in the US in 2018 and that "this group is the most diverse across age, ethnicity and gender in all the years Harley-Davidson has tracked this data." Shares of Harley-Davidson fell 2.1 per cent to $38.90 in pre-market trading, but was down just 0.35 per cent in early trading.

Donald Trump vows to hit back at European Union as tariffs bite Harley-Davidson

trump-0

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

trump 0

US House speaker Nancy Pelosi says Trump is engaged in a 'cover up'

Today's situation not suitable for talks, choice is resistance only: Iran's Rouhani

US will respond with 'great force' if Iran attacks interests: Donald Trump

Trump proposes new US immigration plan favouring skills over family ties

News brief: Big stories of the day

Trump pardons disgraced media mogul Conrad Black: White House

Trump declares national emergency, bars Huawei from US telecommunications networks

Victory awaits in China trade war, Trump tells farmers

News brief: Big stories of the day

We fundamentally do not see a war with Iran, says Pompeo in joint conference with Russian foreign minister

Huge backlash for Kim Kardashian for her prison reform movement

US B-52 bombers arrive in Qatar amid threats from Iran

Trump Jr subpoenaed as Congress battles White House over Russia report

US House panel accuses William Barr of contempt as Trump invokes executive privilege

Trump tax returns from 1985 to 1994 show $1 billion in losses: Report

PM Narendra Modi overtakes Trump, becomes second most followed politician on social media in world

China reneged on trade commitments, sparking Trump tariff hike: US officials

Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen begins 3-year jail term, says still 'much to be told'

Trump awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods

Trump administration's new training guidelines for asylum screenings reflect tougher US stance on migrants

Trump, Putin discuss possible new nuclear accord: White House

FBI sent undercover investigator to meet Trump aide: Report

Trump says 'brutal repression' of Venezuelan people 'must end'

Trump sues banks in bid to block Congress subpoenas

Trump seeks to declare Muslim Brotherhood terrorists

Trump directs officials to charge fees for asylum claims, settle cases in 180 days