US President Donald Trump stood firm <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-approves-bill-to-avert-government-shutdown-excludes-mexico-border-wall-funding-185405">on Thursday after refusing to sign</a> a stopgap spending bill because it does not contain border wall funding, leaving lawmakers scrambling to avoid a government shutdown before Christmas.

Trump's rejection of a measure that unanimously passed the Senate and was under consideration in the House plunged Washington into political chaos 36 hours before a midnight Friday deadline that sees funding expire for key agencies.

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With so much talk about the Wall, people are losing sight of the great job being done on our Southern Border by Border Patrol, ICE and our great Military. Remember the Caravans? Well, they didn’t get through and none are forming or on their way. Border is tight. Fake News silent!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075732375169060869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He appeared to harden his demand for $5 billion in funding for the wall on the US-Mexico border, something he has fought for since he began campaigning for president in 2015.

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The Democrats, who know Steel Slats (Wall) are necessary for Border Security, are putting politics over Country. What they are just beginning to realize is that I will not sign any of their legislation, including infrastructure, unless it has perfect Border Security. U.S.A. WINS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075729672628068353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Republican leaders had planned to pass a temporary funding extension, known as a continuing resolution, until February 8, to allow time for debate about issues including border security.

But with ultra-conservative lawmakers and media personalities effectively demanding that the president stick to his campaign promise to fight for a border wall, Trump doubled down.

"I've made my position very clear. Any measure that funds the government has to include border security," he said at a White House event.

"Walls work, whether we like it or not," he added. "They work better than anything."

So far Democrats have refused to budge, saying they will not support a spending measure that funds Trump's wall.

"In terms of wall funding, that's a non-starter," said top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi. "I think they know that."

Fears of a shutdown - which could send thousands of federal employees home without pay just before Christmas - helped send US stocks tumbling, with the Dow closing down 2.0 per cent.

Trump had backed off his shutdown threat earlier this week, but it roared back to life as he accused Democrats of "putting politics over country" by not supporting a wall, which he insists will curb illegal immigration.

"What they are just beginning to realize," Trump tweeted about opposition Democrats, "is that I will not sign any of their legislation, including infrastructure, unless it has perfect Border Security."

Trump's move may have been influenced by members of the House Freedom caucus, some of whom have publicly called on the Republican president to stick to his guns on wall funding.

"Mr. President, we'll back you up," caucus chairman Mark Meadows said on the House floor late on Wednesday. "If you veto this bill, we'll be there."

Meadows, along with outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republicans, met with Trump at the White House Thursday to discuss the path forward.

Ryan urged Congress to include border security measures in the funding bill but did not use the word "wall."

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders was more affirmative.

"We urgently need funding for border security and that includes a wall," she said.

Pelosi, Ryan's likely successor as speaker when Democrats reclaim the majority on January 3, meanwhile accused Republicans of having a "meltdown" over whether to pass the stopgap measure or force a shutdown.

And while House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy expressed optimism that "there's still time" for Congress to cobble together a fix before breaking for the holidays, any new bill would face huge hurdles in the Senate.

Advancing a measure in the 100-member upper chamber takes 60 votes. Republicans control 51, and getting nine Democrats to support $5 billion in wall funding is a virtual non-starter.

The news of Trump's rejection caught many lawmakers flat-footed.

"Are you ruining my life?" Republican Senator Susan Collins joked to The Hill when informed of Trump's decision, adding that she does not believe there are sufficient votes to pass a modified continuing resolution to get through Congress.

Democrats sounded flabbergasted that Republicans -- who currently control the White House, the House and the Senate -- might allow key funding to lapse.

"If the government shuts down, make no mistake -- this will be the Trump shutdown," congressman Dan Kildee said. "This is no way to run the corner grocery store, let alone the government of the United States."

The US government endured two brief shutdowns in early 2018. A far more crippling shutdown lasted for 16 days in 2013, when about 800,000 federal workers were furloughed amid a fight over funding Barack Obama's health care reforms.

US President Donald Trump stood firm on Thursday after refusing to sign a stopgap spending bill because it does not contain border wall funding, leaving lawmakers scrambling to avoid a government shutdown before Christmas.

US President Donald Trump stood firm on Thursday after refusing to sign a stopgap spending bill because it does not contain border wall funding, leaving lawmakers scrambling to avoid a government shutdown before Christmas. Trump's rejection of a measure that unanimously passed the Senate and was under consideration in the House plunged Washington into political chaos 36 hours before a midnight Friday deadline that sees funding expire for key agencies. With so much talk about the Wall, people are losing sight of the great job being done on our Southern Border by Border Patrol, ICE and our great Military. Remember the Caravans? Well, they didn’t get through and none are forming or on their way. Border is tight. Fake News silent! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018 × He appeared to harden his demand for $5 billion in funding for the wall on the US-Mexico border, something he has fought for since he began campaigning for president in 2015. The Democrats, who know Steel Slats (Wall) are necessary for Border Security, are putting politics over Country. What they are just beginning to realize is that I will not sign any of their legislation, including infrastructure, unless it has perfect Border Security. U.S.A. WINS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018 × Republican leaders had planned to pass a temporary funding extension, known as a continuing resolution, until February 8, to allow time for debate about issues including border security. But with ultra-conservative lawmakers and media personalities effectively demanding that the president stick to his campaign promise to fight for a border wall, Trump doubled down. "I've made my position very clear. Any measure that funds the government has to include border security," he said at a White House event. "Walls work, whether we like it or not," he added. "They work better than anything." So far Democrats have refused to budge, saying they will not support a spending measure that funds Trump's wall. "In terms of wall funding, that's a non-starter," said top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi. "I think they know that." Fears of a shutdown - which could send thousands of federal employees home without pay just before Christmas - helped send US stocks tumbling, with the Dow closing down 2.0 per cent. Trump had backed off his shutdown threat earlier this week, but it roared back to life as he accused Democrats of "putting politics over country" by not supporting a wall, which he insists will curb illegal immigration. "What they are just beginning to realize," Trump tweeted about opposition Democrats, "is that I will not sign any of their legislation, including infrastructure, unless it has perfect Border Security." Trump's move may have been influenced by members of the House Freedom caucus, some of whom have publicly called on the Republican president to stick to his guns on wall funding. "Mr. President, we'll back you up," caucus chairman Mark Meadows said on the House floor late on Wednesday. "If you veto this bill, we'll be there." Meadows, along with outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republicans, met with Trump at the White House Thursday to discuss the path forward. Ryan urged Congress to include border security measures in the funding bill but did not use the word "wall." White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders was more affirmative. "We urgently need funding for border security and that includes a wall," she said. Pelosi, Ryan's likely successor as speaker when Democrats reclaim the majority on January 3, meanwhile accused Republicans of having a "meltdown" over whether to pass the stopgap measure or force a shutdown. And while House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy expressed optimism that "there's still time" for Congress to cobble together a fix before breaking for the holidays, any new bill would face huge hurdles in the Senate. Advancing a measure in the 100-member upper chamber takes 60 votes. Republicans control 51, and getting nine Democrats to support $5 billion in wall funding is a virtual non-starter. The news of Trump's rejection caught many lawmakers flat-footed. "Are you ruining my life?" Republican Senator Susan Collins joked to The Hill when informed of Trump's decision, adding that she does not believe there are sufficient votes to pass a modified continuing resolution to get through Congress. Democrats sounded flabbergasted that Republicans -- who currently control the White House, the House and the Senate -- might allow key funding to lapse. "If the government shuts down, make no mistake -- this will be the Trump shutdown," congressman Dan Kildee said. "This is no way to run the corner grocery store, let alone the government of the United States." The US government endured two brief shutdowns in early 2018. A far more crippling shutdown lasted for 16 days in 2013, when about 800,000 federal workers were furloughed amid a fight over funding Barack Obama's health care reforms.

Trump refuses to sign US government shutdown legislation over Mexico wall funding

The United States does not want to be the "Policeman" of the Middle East, US President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday, as he defended <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">his controversial decision to pull US forces out of Syria</a>.

"Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we are doing? Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight....," he tweeted.

Trump added: "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">Russia, Iran, Syria &amp; many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says</a>, because now they will have to fight ISIS and others, who they hate, without us.&nbsp;

"I am building by far the most powerful military in the world. ISIS hits us they are doomed!"

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After historic victories against ISIS, it’s time to bring our great young people home! <a href="https://t.co/xoNjFzQFTp">pic.twitter.com/xoNjFzQFTp</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075528854402256896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Getting out of Syria was no surprise. I’ve been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer. Russia, Iran, Syria &amp; others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home &amp; rebuild. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MAGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MAGA</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075718191253504001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we are doing? Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075721703421042688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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....Russia, Iran, Syria &amp; many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says, because now they will have to fight ISIS and others, who they hate, without us. I am building by far the most powerful military in the world. ISIS hits us they are doomed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075726666574544896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The US president faced intense opposition to his abrupt announcement Wednesday that Islamic State had been defeated in the region, and that he was ordering the 2,000 US troops in Syria to exit the country.

Trump's decision runs counter to long-established US policy for Syria and the region. It blindsided lawmakers, the Pentagon and international allies alike.

"Getting out of Syria was no surprise," Trump wrote in an earlier tweet. "I've been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer.&nbsp;

"Russia, Iran, Syria &amp; others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home &amp; rebuild. #MAGA"

The US withdrawal could have major geopolitical ramifications, and plunges into uncertainty the fate of US-backed Kurdish fighters who have been tackling Islamic State jihadists, thousands of whom are thought to remain in Syria.

The United States does not want to be the "Policeman" of the Middle East, US President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday, as he defended his controversial decision to pull US forces out of Syria.

The United States does not want to be the "Policeman" of the Middle East, US President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday, as he defended his controversial decision to pull US forces out of Syria. "Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we are doing? Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight....," he tweeted. Trump added: "Russia, Iran, Syria & many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says, because now they will have to fight ISIS and others, who they hate, without us. "I am building by far the most powerful military in the world. ISIS hits us they are doomed!" After historic victories against ISIS, it’s time to bring our great young people home! pic.twitter.com/xoNjFzQFTp — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2018 × Getting out of Syria was no surprise. I’ve been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer. Russia, Iran, Syria & others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home & rebuild. #MAGA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018 × Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we are doing? Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018 × ....Russia, Iran, Syria & many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says, because now they will have to fight ISIS and others, who they hate, without us. I am building by far the most powerful military in the world. ISIS hits us they are doomed! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018 × The US president faced intense opposition to his abrupt announcement Wednesday that Islamic State had been defeated in the region, and that he was ordering the 2,000 US troops in Syria to exit the country. Trump's decision runs counter to long-established US policy for Syria and the region. It blindsided lawmakers, the Pentagon and international allies alike. "Getting out of Syria was no surprise," Trump wrote in an earlier tweet. "I've been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer. "Russia, Iran, Syria & others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home & rebuild. #MAGA" The US withdrawal could have major geopolitical ramifications, and plunges into uncertainty the fate of US-backed Kurdish fighters who have been tackling Islamic State jihadists, thousands of whom are thought to remain in Syria.

Trump defends pullout from Syria, says 'time for others to finally fight'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart&nbsp;Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria&nbsp;after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516">After </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516">very</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516"> troubled year, Indian rupee to be a top performer of 2019?</a>

The Indian rupee — which has been in constant decline this year, it fell over 13% in 2018 — may be a top performer of 2019, analysts have said. Tumbling oil prices have put the rupee on course for the best quarter in nearly two years.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-never-fall-in-love-on-facebook-hamid-nihal-ansari-says-after-6-years-in-pakistani-jails-185503">Watch: 'Never fall in love on Facebook,' Hamid Nehal Ansari says after 6 years in Pakistani jails</a>

"Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails.&nbsp;Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-treasurer-edulji-attack-coa-chief-over-womens-coach-selection-185513">Edulji, BCCI treasurer attack CoA chief Vinod Rai over women's coach selection</a>

Questioning the selection process of the Indian women's cricket coach, BCCI acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and&nbsp;Committee of Administrators&nbsp;member Diana Edulji Thursday launched a joint attack on CoA chief Vinod Rai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-quitting-nda-upendra-kushwaha-joins-mahagathbandhan-in-bihar-185506">Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar</a>

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference,&nbsp;Kushwaha&nbsp;said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces. After very troubled year, Indian rupee to be a top performer of 2019? The Indian rupee — which has been in constant decline this year, it fell over 13% in 2018 — may be a top performer of 2019, analysts have said. Tumbling oil prices have put the rupee on course for the best quarter in nearly two years. Watch: 'Never fall in love on Facebook,' Hamid Nehal Ansari says after 6 years in Pakistani jails "Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails. Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport. Edulji, BCCI treasurer attack CoA chief Vinod Rai over women's coach selection Questioning the selection process of the Indian women's cricket coach, BCCI acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji Thursday launched a joint attack on CoA chief Vinod Rai. Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pope Francis on Tuesday condemned nationalist leaders who blame migrants for their countries' problems and themselves fostered mistrust in society by pursuing dishonest gain and xenophobic and racist policies.

The 82-year-old pope, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-vows-no-more-cover-ups-in-letter-to-all-catholics-on-sexual-abuse-160429">who has made a defence of migrants a plank of his papacy</a>, made the comments in his message for the Catholic Church's World Day of Peace on January 1. It is sent to heads of state and government and international organisations.

It comes at a time when immigration is one of the most contentious issues in countries such as the United States, Italy, Germany and Hungary. Francis has sparred with US President Donald Trump and Italian right-wing league leader Matteo Salvini over the rights of migrants.

"Political addresses that tend to blame every evil on migrants and to deprive the poor of hope are unacceptable," said the pope, who did not mention any countries or leaders.

He said today's times were "marked by a climate of mistrust rooted in the fear of others or of strangers, or anxiety about one's personal security."

Francis said it was sad that mistrust was "also seen at the political level, in attitudes of rejection or forms of nationalism that call into question the fraternity of which our globalised world has such great need."

Last week, the pope praised the United Nation’s first Global Compact on Migration, which sets objectives for how the management of migration can be improved. A number of nations, including the United States, Italy, Hungary, and Poland did not attend the meeting in Morocco.

Francis denounced a list of "vices" by politicians who he said undermined authentic democracy and brought disgrace to public life through various forms of corruption.

Among these, he included misappropriation of public resources, dishonest gain, xenophobia, racism, lack of concern for the environment, and plundering of natural resources.

He proposed eight "Beatitudes of the Politician" - first formulated by the late Vietnamese Cardinal Francois-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan - as a guide for the behaviour of public office holders.

These, he said, would set goals for politicians who, among other qualities, should have a deep understanding of their role, personally exemplify credibility, work for the common good and accomplish radical change.

Pope Francis on Tuesday condemned nationalist leaders who blame migrants for their countries' problems and themselves fostered mistrust in society by pursuing dishonest gain and xenophobic and racist policies.

Pope Francis on Tuesday condemned nationalist leaders who blame migrants for their countries' problems and themselves fostered mistrust in society by pursuing dishonest gain and xenophobic and racist policies. The 82-year-old pope, who has made a defence of migrants a plank of his papacy, made the comments in his message for the Catholic Church's World Day of Peace on January 1. It is sent to heads of state and government and international organisations. It comes at a time when immigration is one of the most contentious issues in countries such as the United States, Italy, Germany and Hungary. Francis has sparred with US President Donald Trump and Italian right-wing league leader Matteo Salvini over the rights of migrants. "Political addresses that tend to blame every evil on migrants and to deprive the poor of hope are unacceptable," said the pope, who did not mention any countries or leaders. He said today's times were "marked by a climate of mistrust rooted in the fear of others or of strangers, or anxiety about one's personal security." Francis said it was sad that mistrust was "also seen at the political level, in attitudes of rejection or forms of nationalism that call into question the fraternity of which our globalised world has such great need." Last week, the pope praised the United Nation’s first Global Compact on Migration, which sets objectives for how the management of migration can be improved. A number of nations, including the United States, Italy, Hungary, and Poland did not attend the meeting in Morocco. Francis denounced a list of "vices" by politicians who he said undermined authentic democracy and brought disgrace to public life through various forms of corruption. Among these, he included misappropriation of public resources, dishonest gain, xenophobia, racism, lack of concern for the environment, and plundering of natural resources. He proposed eight "Beatitudes of the Politician" - first formulated by the late Vietnamese Cardinal Francois-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan - as a guide for the behaviour of public office holders. These, he said, would set goals for politicians who, among other qualities, should have a deep understanding of their role, personally exemplify credibility, work for the common good and accomplish radical change.

Don't blame everything on migrants, Pope tells politicians

The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-could-have-a-very-good-relationship-with-russia--putin-trump-128197">Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote</a> and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible.

According to a new report for the US Senate, the primary goal of Russia's Internet Research Agency (IRA) was to deepen divisions in US society and convince Democrat-favouring liberals -- including Latinos, youths and the LGBTQ community -- not to vote.&nbsp;

The most extensive analysis yet of thousands of IRA ads and posts across social media in 2015-2017 showed an emphasis on provoking the anger of black Americans so that they would stay home on election day.

For example, the IRA-created account "Blacktivist" sent out messages on the Democratic candidate such as: "No lives matter to Hillary Clinton. Only votes matter to Hillary Clinton."

Another IRA account, "Black Matters", posted on Facebook: "Cops kill black kids. Are you sure that your son won't be the next?"

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the report by the Computational Propaganda Project at Oxford University and social media specialists Graphika caused "nothing but incomprehension."

"It voices absolutely general charges and accusations and some of them are absolutely unclear to us," Peskov told reporters on a conference call.

"We are reproached that someone critically thinks of a situation in this or that social sphere in the United States but it is not explained what Russia has to do with it," he said.

He reiterated Russia's long-standing position that any such claims were unfounded.&nbsp;

"The Russian state, the Russian government had and has nothing to do with any interference, especially one that is described in such abstract terms," Peskov added.

The IRA is believed to have been set up by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman close to Putin, as a propaganda tool.&nbsp;

Russia has been accused of manipulating the 2016 US presidential vote through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump.&nbsp;

US investigators are probing alleged collusion between Russian agents and Trump's campaign.&nbsp;

The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible.

The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible. According to a new report for the US Senate, the primary goal of Russia's Internet Research Agency (IRA) was to deepen divisions in US society and convince Democrat-favouring liberals -- including Latinos, youths and the LGBTQ community -- not to vote. The most extensive analysis yet of thousands of IRA ads and posts across social media in 2015-2017 showed an emphasis on provoking the anger of black Americans so that they would stay home on election day. For example, the IRA-created account "Blacktivist" sent out messages on the Democratic candidate such as: "No lives matter to Hillary Clinton. Only votes matter to Hillary Clinton." Another IRA account, "Black Matters", posted on Facebook: "Cops kill black kids. Are you sure that your son won't be the next?" Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the report by the Computational Propaganda Project at Oxford University and social media specialists Graphika caused "nothing but incomprehension." "It voices absolutely general charges and accusations and some of them are absolutely unclear to us," Peskov told reporters on a conference call. "We are reproached that someone critically thinks of a situation in this or that social sphere in the United States but it is not explained what Russia has to do with it," he said. He reiterated Russia's long-standing position that any such claims were unfounded. "The Russian state, the Russian government had and has nothing to do with any interference, especially one that is described in such abstract terms," Peskov added. The IRA is believed to have been set up by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman close to Putin, as a propaganda tool. Russia has been accused of manipulating the 2016 US presidential vote through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump. US investigators are probing alleged collusion between Russian agents and Trump's campaign.

Kremlin says Russia did not target black US voters

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-on-rafael-deal-has-been-thouroughly-through-the-supreme-court-laid-to-rest-sitharaman-184062">Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal</a>

Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061">Ashok Gehlot named </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061">chief</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061"> minister of Rajasthan, Pilot to be deputy CM</a>

Bringing an end to the three-day impasse over the question of leadership in Rajasthan, Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-inaugural-committee-under-criminal-investigation-over-fund-wrongdoing-report-184063">Trump's inaugural committee under investigation over fund wrongdoing: Report</a>

President Donald Trump's 2017 inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York over allegations that it misspent funds or accepted donations in exchange for access to his administration, according to a media report.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-accusations-against-russian-butina-absolutely-unfounded-kremlin-184054">US accusations against Russian Butina 'absolutely unfounded': Kremlin</a>

Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021">Amit Shah slams Rahul </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021">Gandhi,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021"> says Rafale deal verdict is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021">slap</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021"> on politics of lies</a>

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's order on the Rafale deal saying that the "truth has won". He also slammed Congress party and its chief Rahul Gandhi saying that people were being misled by unfortunately the country's oldest party.

&nbsp;

Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''.

Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''. Ashok Gehlot named chief minister of Rajasthan, Pilot to be deputy CM Bringing an end to the three-day impasse over the question of leadership in Rajasthan, Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister. Trump's inaugural committee under investigation over fund wrongdoing: Report President Donald Trump's 2017 inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York over allegations that it misspent funds or accepted donations in exchange for access to his administration, according to a media report. US accusations against Russian Butina 'absolutely unfounded': Kremlin Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded". Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi, says Rafale deal verdict is slap on politics of lies Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's order on the Rafale deal saying that the "truth has won". He also slammed Congress party and its chief Rahul Gandhi saying that people were being misled by unfortunately the country's oldest party.

US President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-lawyer-cohen-to-be-sentenced-for-hush-money-payments-183522">former personal lawyer</a>&nbsp;Michael&nbsp;Cohen claimed on Friday that Trump was aware that the hush money payments were wrong.

News agency AFP quoted Cohen as saying, "Trump knew hush-money payments were wrong".

Michael Cohen&nbsp;has been sentenced to three years in jail&nbsp;for his role in the payment of hush money to women who said they had affairs with Trump and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia discussed during the 2016 election campaign.

In an interview to a media, Cohen said:&nbsp;"Trump acted because he was very concerned about how this would affect the election".

Cohen's claims have come after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-was-at-meeting-in-2015-when-hush-payments-were-discussed-source-183942">news reports on Thursday</a> stated that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;was at a meeting in August 2015 when his&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-lawyer-says-job-was-to-cover-up-boss-dirty-deeds-sentenced-to-3-years-in-jail-183565">personal lawyer Cohen</a>&nbsp;and David Pecker, chairman of the publisher of the National Enquirer, discussed a scheme to pay off women to suppress their stories about having had affairs with Trump.

Trump who had earlier called Cohen "liar" distanced himself from Cohen and said he had never directed Cohen to break the law.

He also said that the payments made were unrelated to his campaign.

In a guilty plea in August, Cohen had said&nbsp;that he was directed by Trump to arrange a payment to Playboy model Karen McDougal, and personally pay adult-film star Stormy Daniels, both of whom have claimed they had affairs with Trump before he was president.

Cohen,&nbsp;who once said he’d take a bullet for the president, said in federal court on Wednesday that his job was to cover up his&nbsp;boss's "dirty deeds".

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen claimed on Friday that Trump was aware that the hush money payments were wrong. News agency AFP quoted Cohen as saying, "Trump knew hush-money payments were wrong".

US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen claimed on Friday that Trump was aware that the hush money payments were wrong. News agency AFP quoted Cohen as saying, "Trump knew hush-money payments were wrong". Michael Cohen has been sentenced to three years in jail for his role in the payment of hush money to women who said they had affairs with Trump and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia discussed during the 2016 election campaign. In an interview to a media, Cohen said: "Trump acted because he was very concerned about how this would affect the election". Cohen's claims have come after news reports on Thursday stated that Trump was at a meeting in August 2015 when his personal lawyer Cohen and David Pecker, chairman of the publisher of the National Enquirer, discussed a scheme to pay off women to suppress their stories about having had affairs with Trump. Trump who had earlier called Cohen "liar" distanced himself from Cohen and said he had never directed Cohen to break the law. He also said that the payments made were unrelated to his campaign. In a guilty plea in August, Cohen had said that he was directed by Trump to arrange a payment to Playboy model Karen McDougal, and personally pay adult-film star Stormy Daniels, both of whom have claimed they had affairs with Trump before he was president. Cohen, who once said he’d take a bullet for the president, said in federal court on Wednesday that his job was to cover up his boss's "dirty deeds". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump knew hush-money payments were wrong: Ex-lawyer Cohen

President Donald Trump's 2017 inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York over allegations that it misspent funds or accepted donations in exchange for access to his administration, according to a media report.

The inauguration committee had raised a record US $107 million for expenses for Trump's inauguration and events associated with it.

The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported that the US Attorney's office in Manhattan is also investigating whether the committee accepted donations from individuals looking to gain influence in or access to the new administration.

"The criminal probe by the Manhattan US attorney's office, which is in its early stages, also is examining whether some of the committee's top donors gave money in exchange for access to the incoming Trump administration, policy concessions or to influence official administration positions, some of the people said,"&nbsp;the financial daily reported.

The daily said that "giving money in exchange of political favours could run afoul of federal corruption laws."

The White House distanced the president from his inauguration committee, saying it had nothing to do with Trump or his wife Melania.

"That doesn't have anything to do with the president or the first lady," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters.

"The biggest thing the president did, his engagement in the inauguration, was to come here and raise his hand and take the oath of office. The president was focused on the transition at that time and not on any of the planning for the inauguration," Sanders said.

According to the daily, federal prosecutors in Manhattan are investigating the matter from the documents it recovered during raid at the office and residences of Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen.

As of now, the inaugural committee has not been asked for records, the daily said.&nbsp;

During a raid of Cohen's properties in April, a recorded conversation between him and Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former adviser to first lady Melania, was seized, according to the newspaper.&nbsp;

Wolkoff expressed concern in the conversation about how the inaugural committee was spending money, a person familiar with the Cohen investigation told the Journal.

President Donald Trump's 2017 inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York over allegations that it misspent funds or accepted donations in exchange for access to his administration, according to a media report.

President Donald Trump's 2017 inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York over allegations that it misspent funds or accepted donations in exchange for access to his administration, according to a media report. The inauguration committee had raised a record US $107 million for expenses for Trump's inauguration and events associated with it. The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported that the US Attorney's office in Manhattan is also investigating whether the committee accepted donations from individuals looking to gain influence in or access to the new administration. "The criminal probe by the Manhattan US attorney's office, which is in its early stages, also is examining whether some of the committee's top donors gave money in exchange for access to the incoming Trump administration, policy concessions or to influence official administration positions, some of the people said," the financial daily reported. The daily said that "giving money in exchange of political favours could run afoul of federal corruption laws." The White House distanced the president from his inauguration committee, saying it had nothing to do with Trump or his wife Melania. "That doesn't have anything to do with the president or the first lady," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters. "The biggest thing the president did, his engagement in the inauguration, was to come here and raise his hand and take the oath of office. The president was focused on the transition at that time and not on any of the planning for the inauguration," Sanders said. According to the daily, federal prosecutors in Manhattan are investigating the matter from the documents it recovered during raid at the office and residences of Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen. As of now, the inaugural committee has not been asked for records, the daily said. During a raid of Cohen's properties in April, a recorded conversation between him and Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former adviser to first lady Melania, was seized, according to the newspaper. Wolkoff expressed concern in the conversation about how the inaugural committee was spending money, a person familiar with the Cohen investigation told the Journal.

Trump's inaugural committee under investigation over fund wrongdoing: Report

Kremlin on Friday held the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/accused-russian-agent-maria-butina-pleads-guilty-in-us-to-conspiracy-183856">accusations made by Maria Butina</a>, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race&nbsp;as "absolutely unfounded".

"We consider the accusations against her as absolutely unfounded," presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had "reasons to believe" the Russian had been kept in conditions designed to break her will and lead her to enter a false guilty plea.

"As far as I understand, this plea bargain -- the likes of which are common in the US -- is part of a deal to get free and return home as soon as possible," Lavrov said in comments reported by agencies.

Butina on Thursday pleaded guilty in a US court to a single conspiracy charge in a deal with prosecutors and admitted to working with a top Russian official to infiltrate a powerful gun-rights group.

She also admitted to&nbsp;influencing US policy towards&nbsp;Moscow and making inroads with American conservative activists and the Republican Party as an agent for Moscow.

Butina, a Russian former graduate student at American University in Washington admitted to the accusations&nbsp;at a court hearing in Washington before US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Thursday.

Prosecutors said she launched a plan in 2015 to develop ties with the Republican Party with the aim of influencing US foreign policy.

The plot was allegedly guided and financed in part by Alexander Torshin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin who was deputy governor of the Russian central bank until his retirement on November 30.

Butina was charged by prosecutors in July with acting as an agent of Russia's government and conspiracy to take actions on behalf of Moscow. She had earlier pleaded not guilty before changing her plea during Thursday's hearing.

Prosecutors accused Butina, who was jailed awaiting trial, of working with a Russian official and two US citizens to try to infiltrate the National Rifle Association, a group closely aligned with Republican politicians including Republican President Donald Trump, and sway Washington's policy toward Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded".

Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded". "We consider the accusations against her as absolutely unfounded," presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had "reasons to believe" the Russian had been kept in conditions designed to break her will and lead her to enter a false guilty plea. "As far as I understand, this plea bargain -- the likes of which are common in the US -- is part of a deal to get free and return home as soon as possible," Lavrov said in comments reported by agencies. Butina on Thursday pleaded guilty in a US court to a single conspiracy charge in a deal with prosecutors and admitted to working with a top Russian official to infiltrate a powerful gun-rights group. She also admitted to influencing US policy towards Moscow and making inroads with American conservative activists and the Republican Party as an agent for Moscow. Butina, a Russian former graduate student at American University in Washington admitted to the accusations at a court hearing in Washington before US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Thursday. Prosecutors said she launched a plan in 2015 to develop ties with the Republican Party with the aim of influencing US foreign policy. The plot was allegedly guided and financed in part by Alexander Torshin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin who was deputy governor of the Russian central bank until his retirement on November 30. Butina was charged by prosecutors in July with acting as an agent of Russia's government and conspiracy to take actions on behalf of Moscow. She had earlier pleaded not guilty before changing her plea during Thursday's hearing. Prosecutors accused Butina, who was jailed awaiting trial, of working with a Russian official and two US citizens to try to infiltrate the National Rifle Association, a group closely aligned with Republican politicians including Republican President Donald Trump, and sway Washington's policy toward Moscow. (With inputs from agencies)

US accusations against Russian Butina 'absolutely unfounded': Kremlin

Michael Cohen, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-lawyer-cohen-to-be-sentenced-for-hush-money-payments-183522">former personal lawyer of US President Donald Trump</a> has been sentenced to 3 years in jail&nbsp;for his role in the payment of hush money to women who said they had affairs with Trump and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia discussed during the 2016 election campaign.

Cohen,&nbsp;who once said he’d take a bullet for the president, said on Wednesday that his job was to cover up his&nbsp;boss's "dirty deeds".

In a blistering attack on his former boss in federal court, Cohen said he was taking responsibility for his crimes "including those implicating the President of the United States of America".&nbsp;

Cohen pleaded for leniency in the court on Wednesday for the multiple charges levelled against him.

Cohen's lawyers had asked for no jail time after he pleaded guilty to tax evasion, making false statements to a financial institution, illegal campaign contributions, and making false statements to Congress.

But the judge sentenced Cohen to three years in jail.

The 52-year-old former lawyer walked into federal court in downtown Manhattan with his wife, son and daughter.

He pleaded guilty in August to charges by federal prosecutors in New York that, just before the election, he paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 and helped arrange a $150,000 payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal so the women would keep quiet about their past relationships with Trump, who is married. Trump denies having the affairs.

Prosecutors say the hush money payments violated campaign finance laws and they concurred with Cohen's assertion that the payments were directed by Trump, implicating Trump in a possible campaign finance law violation.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer of US President Donald Trump has been sentenced to 3 years in jail for his role in the payment of hush money to women who said they had affairs with Trump and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia discussed during the 2016 election campaign.

Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer of US President Donald Trump has been sentenced to 3 years in jail for his role in the payment of hush money to women who said they had affairs with Trump and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia discussed during the 2016 election campaign. Cohen, who once said he’d take a bullet for the president, said on Wednesday that his job was to cover up his boss's "dirty deeds". In a blistering attack on his former boss in federal court, Cohen said he was taking responsibility for his crimes "including those implicating the President of the United States of America". Cohen pleaded for leniency in the court on Wednesday for the multiple charges levelled against him. Cohen's lawyers had asked for no jail time after he pleaded guilty to tax evasion, making false statements to a financial institution, illegal campaign contributions, and making false statements to Congress. But the judge sentenced Cohen to three years in jail. The 52-year-old former lawyer walked into federal court in downtown Manhattan with his wife, son and daughter. He pleaded guilty in August to charges by federal prosecutors in New York that, just before the election, he paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 and helped arrange a $150,000 payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal so the women would keep quiet about their past relationships with Trump, who is married. Trump denies having the affairs. Prosecutors say the hush money payments violated campaign finance laws and they concurred with Cohen's assertion that the payments were directed by Trump, implicating Trump in a possible campaign finance law violation. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Trump lawyer Cohen says job was to cover up boss's 'dirty deeds', sentenced to 3 years in prison

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday that he did not discuss the US administration's proposed border wall, when he spoke with President Donald Trump on Wednesday to talk about the issue of migration.

"We have not discussed that issue, in any conversation ... It was a respectful and friendly conversation," said Lopez Obrador.

Lopez Obrador had earlier said in a tweet that he held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump and discussed the issue of migration with him.

He said that the two leaders discussed the possibility of creating a joint program for development and job creation in Central America and Mexico.

Thousands of migrants are living in crowded shelters and encampments in Tijuana after travelling from Central America to escape poverty and violence. They may have to wait weeks or months to claim asylum at the US border.

Illegal immigration was a central theme of Trump's presidential bid, and he repeatedly invoked the issue ahead of the November 6 midterm elections and deployed some 5,800 US troops to the border.

Trump has reiterated his campaign promise to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, even after Mexico repeatedly rejected his demand that it pay for the multibillion-dollar project.

Lopez Obrador has pledged to discourage migration through economic development and wants the United States to contribute to a plan focused on Mexico's poorer south and Central America.

Shortly after Lopez Obrador took office on December 1, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard to discuss border issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday that he did not discuss the US administration's proposed border wall, when he spoke with President Donald Trump on Wednesday to talk about the issue of migration.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday that he did not discuss the US administration's proposed border wall, when he spoke with President Donald Trump on Wednesday to talk about the issue of migration. "We have not discussed that issue, in any conversation ... It was a respectful and friendly conversation," said Lopez Obrador. Lopez Obrador had earlier said in a tweet that he held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump and discussed the issue of migration with him. He said that the two leaders discussed the possibility of creating a joint program for development and job creation in Central America and Mexico. Thousands of migrants are living in crowded shelters and encampments in Tijuana after travelling from Central America to escape poverty and violence. They may have to wait weeks or months to claim asylum at the US border. Illegal immigration was a central theme of Trump's presidential bid, and he repeatedly invoked the issue ahead of the November 6 midterm elections and deployed some 5,800 US troops to the border. Trump has reiterated his campaign promise to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, even after Mexico repeatedly rejected his demand that it pay for the multibillion-dollar project. Lopez Obrador has pledged to discourage migration through economic development and wants the United States to contribute to a plan focused on Mexico's poorer south and Central America. Shortly after Lopez Obrador took office on December 1, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard to discuss border issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico President says did not discuss border wall with US President Trump

Trump spars with top Democrats in Oval Office over border wall

US President Donald Trump said in an interview Tuesday that he may intervene in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-court-grants-conditional-bail-to-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-183357">US case against a top Huawei executive</a> detained and bailed by Canada if it helps seal a trade deal with China.

Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, is wanted by US authorities for violating Iran sanctions but Beijing has expressed outrage over her detention in Vancouver, ratcheting up tensions in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trade-negotiations-underway-between-chinese-us-work-teams-chinese-fm-183496">US-China trade dispute</a>.

Asked by Reuters if he would intervene with the Justice Department in her case, Trump was quoted as saying: "Whatever's good for this country, I would do."

"If I think it's good for what will be certainly the largest trade deal ever made -- which is a very important thing, what's good for national security –- I would certainly intervene if I thought it was necessary," Trump said.

He added that White House officials had communicated with the Justice Department and Chinese officials about the Meng case but said he had not personally spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Questioned on domestic and international affairs, Trump also stood by Saudi Arabia's crown prince over the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi and said he was not concerned that he would get impeached over scandals mounting at home.

But his comments on the Meng case are likely to garner the most attention as it has become a flashpoint in the already fragile trade relationship with the world's top two economies, locking them in a dispute that has begun to eat into profits.&nbsp;

'Very good ally'

Beijing has expressed outrage over Meng's arrest at the request of Washington on December 1 and is holding a former Canadian diplomat in China, intensifying the row.

Meng was granted bail in Vancouver earlier, but the list of strict conditions of her release pending the outcome of the extradition case is lengthy, and includes electronic tagging.

Asked about Washington Post columnist Khashoggi's October 2 murder at the Saudi embassy in Istanbul, Trump refused to comment on the CIA's reported assessment that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was likely complicit, and instead offered his unequivocal backing.

"He's the leader of Saudi Arabia. They've been a very good ally," Trump said, adding that standing by the kingdom meant backing Prince Mohammed.

His remarks came as pressure builds on the president over the investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to swing the 2016 election.

Trump told Reuters the American people "would revolt" if the Mueller probe -- or separate allegations by federal prosecutors that he ordered illegal hush money payments during the campaign to cover up affairs -- led to impeachment proceedings.&nbsp;

"It's hard to impeach somebody who hasn't done anything wrong and who's created the greatest economy in the history of our country," the president said.

US President Donald Trump said in an interview Tuesday that he may intervene in the US case against a top Huawei executive detained and bailed by Canada if it helps seal a trade deal with China.

US President Donald Trump said in an interview Tuesday that he may intervene in the US case against a top Huawei executive detained and bailed by Canada if it helps seal a trade deal with China. Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, is wanted by US authorities for violating Iran sanctions but Beijing has expressed outrage over her detention in Vancouver, ratcheting up tensions in the US-China trade dispute. Asked by Reuters if he would intervene with the Justice Department in her case, Trump was quoted as saying: "Whatever's good for this country, I would do." "If I think it's good for what will be certainly the largest trade deal ever made -- which is a very important thing, what's good for national security –- I would certainly intervene if I thought it was necessary," Trump said. He added that White House officials had communicated with the Justice Department and Chinese officials about the Meng case but said he had not personally spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Questioned on domestic and international affairs, Trump also stood by Saudi Arabia's crown prince over the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi and said he was not concerned that he would get impeached over scandals mounting at home. But his comments on the Meng case are likely to garner the most attention as it has become a flashpoint in the already fragile trade relationship with the world's top two economies, locking them in a dispute that has begun to eat into profits. 'Very good ally' Beijing has expressed outrage over Meng's arrest at the request of Washington on December 1 and is holding a former Canadian diplomat in China, intensifying the row. Meng was granted bail in Vancouver earlier, but the list of strict conditions of her release pending the outcome of the extradition case is lengthy, and includes electronic tagging. Asked about Washington Post columnist Khashoggi's October 2 murder at the Saudi embassy in Istanbul, Trump refused to comment on the CIA's reported assessment that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was likely complicit, and instead offered his unequivocal backing. "He's the leader of Saudi Arabia. They've been a very good ally," Trump said, adding that standing by the kingdom meant backing Prince Mohammed. His remarks came as pressure builds on the president over the investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to swing the 2016 election. Trump told Reuters the American people "would revolt" if the Mueller probe -- or separate allegations by federal prosecutors that he ordered illegal hush money payments during the campaign to cover up affairs -- led to impeachment proceedings. "It's hard to impeach somebody who hasn't done anything wrong and who's created the greatest economy in the history of our country," the president said.

Trump says could intervene in Chinese executive's case

In a public address to a group of mostly tech novices, Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Tuesday explained the company's algorithm that works behind curating data for its search results.

One of the many questions answered by the CEO was that why the search results for 'idiot' mostly showed pictures of US President Donald Trump.

<img alt="Google " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a2830b-1983-4b07-8d54-3d0dae664a86" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/trumpp.JPG" />

The CEO responded to this by explaining the technicalities of the search results. He explained that some 200 factors such as relevance, popularity and how others are using the search term were taken into considerations to present data results for the query.

A US lawmaker also asked Sundar Pichai that it's not a little man was sitting behind and operating on what would be shown to the users.

Pichai was also asked in the event that if he had ever ordered any of his employees to manipulate search results.&nbsp;

To this, the CEO responded saying that it was impossible for one person, or even a group of people, to do that because there are so many steps in the process.

He explained that the results shown in the search engine were presented based on popular keywords and algorithm and are not at all intervened by humans.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a public address to a group of mostly tech novices, Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Tuesday explained the company's algorithm that works behind curating data for its search results.

In a public address to a group of mostly tech novices, Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Tuesday explained the company's algorithm that works behind curating data for its search results. One of the many questions answered by the CEO was that why the search results for 'idiot' mostly showed pictures of US President Donald Trump. The CEO responded to this by explaining the technicalities of the search results. He explained that some 200 factors such as relevance, popularity and how others are using the search term were taken into considerations to present data results for the query. A US lawmaker also asked Sundar Pichai that it's not a little man was sitting behind and operating on what would be shown to the users. Pichai was also asked in the event that if he had ever ordered any of his employees to manipulate search results. To this, the CEO responded saying that it was impossible for one person, or even a group of people, to do that because there are so many steps in the process. He explained that the results shown in the search engine were presented based on popular keywords and algorithm and are not at all intervened by humans.

Google 'idiot' and image of Trump shows up. Sundar Pichai explains why

Donald Trump and Democratic congressional leaders rowed at the White House on Tuesday over the president's threat to stop funding the US government if he doesn't get money for a Mexico border wall.

"If we don't get what we want, I'll shut down the government," Trump said during a heated exchange. "I will be the one to shut it down."

He spoke at a meeting with Chuck Schumer, the senior Democrat in the Republican-dominated Senate, and Nancy Pelosi, who is likely to become speaker in the newly Democrat-controlled House in January.

Trump wants Congress to agree to $5 billion he says is needed to fund a large barrier along hundreds of miles of the US-Mexican frontier, but Democrats are willing to agree to far less, with emphasis on border security rather than an actual wall.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to shut down much of the government if Democrats do not back his plan. Swaths of federal funding will expire on December 21, forcing a partial government closing, unless a deal can be reached.

Tweeting ahead of the meeting with the opposition leaders, Trump claimed that the wall was needed to prevent "large scale crime and disease" brought by illegal immigrants.

"If the Democrats do not give us the votes to secure our Country, the Military will build the remaining sections of the Wall. They know how important it is!" he tweeted.

Opponents say the wall, arguably Trump's main campaign promise in his 2016 election, is not only a waste of money but has been used by the president to whip up xenophobia.

Washington has been paralyzed by political gridlock for most of Trump's two years in office and the partisan divide is set to intensify in January when Democrats take over the majority in the lower house of Congress.

The power shift comes as Trump faces ever growing peril from criminal investigations, with talk growing of possible impeachment proceedings against the president. 
&nbsp;

Donald Trump and Democratic congressional leaders rowed at the White House on Tuesday over the president's threat to stop funding the US government if he doesn't get money for a Mexico border wall.

Donald Trump and Democratic congressional leaders rowed at the White House on Tuesday over the president's threat to stop funding the US government if he doesn't get money for a Mexico border wall. "If we don't get what we want, I'll shut down the government," Trump said during a heated exchange. "I will be the one to shut it down." He spoke at a meeting with Chuck Schumer, the senior Democrat in the Republican-dominated Senate, and Nancy Pelosi, who is likely to become speaker in the newly Democrat-controlled House in January. Trump wants Congress to agree to $5 billion he says is needed to fund a large barrier along hundreds of miles of the US-Mexican frontier, but Democrats are willing to agree to far less, with emphasis on border security rather than an actual wall. Trump has repeatedly threatened to shut down much of the government if Democrats do not back his plan. Swaths of federal funding will expire on December 21, forcing a partial government closing, unless a deal can be reached. Tweeting ahead of the meeting with the opposition leaders, Trump claimed that the wall was needed to prevent "large scale crime and disease" brought by illegal immigrants. "If the Democrats do not give us the votes to secure our Country, the Military will build the remaining sections of the Wall. They know how important it is!" he tweeted. Opponents say the wall, arguably Trump's main campaign promise in his 2016 election, is not only a waste of money but has been used by the president to whip up xenophobia. Washington has been paralyzed by political gridlock for most of Trump's two years in office and the partisan divide is set to intensify in January when Democrats take over the majority in the lower house of Congress. The power shift comes as Trump faces ever growing peril from criminal investigations, with talk growing of possible impeachment proceedings against the president.

Military will build Mexico border wall if Democrats refuse: Trump

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

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

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

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

US immigration authorities arrested 170 people between early July and late November who came forward to claim migrant children in government custody, according to official data released on Monday, crackdown advocates say is discouraging relatives from volunteering to take in some of the 14,000 detained children.

Of those arrested, 61 were classified as criminals while the other 109 had only committed immigration violations, said US Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Matthew Bourke.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-democrats-say-trump-may-face-impeachment-jail-over-hush-money-182838">President Donald Trump</a> won the White House on a promise to crack down on illegal immigrants and he has ordered more aggressive enforcement to dissuade migrants from crossing the US southern border.

US laws and legal precedent limit the time migrant juveniles can be detained, so those caught crossing the border alone are often released to their parents or other close relatives.

About 80 per cent of potential sponsors that ICE conducted checks on in that five-month period were in the United States unlawfully, said Bourke.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cares for the migrant children, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforces immigration law and oversees ICE.

HHS officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In April, HHS and DHS agreed they would share more information about children and their potential sponsors. That information was not previously routinely shared. HHS now provides immigration authorities with names, dates of birth, and fingerprints of potential sponsors. All adult members of the potential sponsor's household must also be fingerprinted, something not required in the past.

The government says it wants to ensure that potential sponsors are suitable and properly vetted. But immigrant advocates have criticized the policy change, saying it is scaring parents and other relatives from claiming their children.

On November 28, 112 organizations wrote a letter to DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and HHS Secretary Alex Azar urging them to reverse the policy.

"Your agencies have taken a process designed to protect children and made it into a tool that uses them to find and deport their families," they wrote.

In September, senior ICE official Matthew Albence testified to Congress that ICE had arrested 41 people who came forward to sponsor immigrant children. The figures provided by ICE on Monday include the 41 people mentioned by Albence, Bourke said.

US immigration authorities arrested 170 people between early July and late November who came forward to claim migrant children in government custody, according to official data released on Monday, crackdown advocates say is discouraging relatives from volunteering to take in some of the 14,000 detained children.

US immigration authorities arrested 170 people between early July and late November who came forward to claim migrant children in government custody, according to official data released on Monday, crackdown advocates say is discouraging relatives from volunteering to take in some of the 14,000 detained children. Of those arrested, 61 were classified as criminals while the other 109 had only committed immigration violations, said US Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Matthew Bourke. President Donald Trump won the White House on a promise to crack down on illegal immigrants and he has ordered more aggressive enforcement to dissuade migrants from crossing the US southern border. US laws and legal precedent limit the time migrant juveniles can be detained, so those caught crossing the border alone are often released to their parents or other close relatives. About 80 per cent of potential sponsors that ICE conducted checks on in that five-month period were in the United States unlawfully, said Bourke. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cares for the migrant children, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforces immigration law and oversees ICE. HHS officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In April, HHS and DHS agreed they would share more information about children and their potential sponsors. That information was not previously routinely shared. HHS now provides immigration authorities with names, dates of birth, and fingerprints of potential sponsors. All adult members of the potential sponsor's household must also be fingerprinted, something not required in the past. The government says it wants to ensure that potential sponsors are suitable and properly vetted. But immigrant advocates have criticized the policy change, saying it is scaring parents and other relatives from claiming their children. On November 28, 112 organizations wrote a letter to DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and HHS Secretary Alex Azar urging them to reverse the policy. "Your agencies have taken a process designed to protect children and made it into a tool that uses them to find and deport their families," they wrote. In September, senior ICE official Matthew Albence testified to Congress that ICE had arrested 41 people who came forward to sponsor immigrant children. The figures provided by ICE on Monday include the 41 people mentioned by Albence, Bourke said.

US arrests 170 immigrants who tried to claim migrant children

US President Donald Trump could face impeachment and jail time if hush money payments reported by his former lawyer are proven to be campaign finance violations, Democratic lawmakers said on Sunday.

Court filings on Friday in cases that stemmed from a federal probe into Russian activities during the 2016 presidential election pointed to potential problem areas for Trump, including whether he instructed six-figure payments to two women during the campaign to keep quiet about affairs.

Federal prosecutors sought prison time for longtime Trump "fixer" Michael Cohen for paying off an adult film star and a former Playboy model at Trump's behest, evading taxes and lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Organization building in Moscow.

If the payments are proven to be felony campaign finance violations, Democratic US&nbsp;Representative Jerrold Nadler told CNN those would be grounds for impeachment.

"Well, they would be impeachable offences. Whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question," said Nadler, who will lead the Judiciary Committee when Democrats take control of the House of Representatives in January.

Under US&nbsp;law, campaign contributions, defined as things of value given to a campaign to influence an election, must be disclosed. Such payments are also limited to $2,700 per person.

The White House did not immediately return a request for comment. Press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Friday that Cohen has lied repeatedly and that the filing was insignificant.

Friday's court filings also revealed new information about contacts between people working for Trump and Russians in the cases of Cohen, Trump's former longtime personal lawyer, and Paul Manafort, Trump's short-lived campaign chairman who was convicted in August on tax and bank fraud charges.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller said Manafort lied to investigators about his interactions with a Russian tied to Russian intelligence services. Mueller's office said the lying prompted prosecutors last week to retract a plea agreement with Manafort on two separate conspiracy charges.

"I think what these indictments and filings show is that the president was at the centre of a massive fraud - several massive frauds - against the American people," Nadler told CNN.

Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow to sway the election. Russia denies interfering in the 2016 election and Trump has denied any collusion occurred.

The investigation has cast a shadow over Trump's presidency, with its implication Moscow may have had a hand in his White House victory. The Republican president repeatedly has expressed his impatience with the probe that Mueller took over in March 2017, saying it was politically motivated.

PROSPECT OF JAIL TIME

Trump said the filings did not prove any collusion with Russia and called for an end to the investigation.

"Time for the Witch Hunt to END!" Trump said in a Twitter post on Saturday.

However, the end of the Mueller probe could be the beginning of bigger problems for Trump.

"There's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office the Justice Department may indict him, that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time," Representative Adam Schiff, the Democrat who will lead the House Intelligence Committee next year, told CBS' "Face the Nation."

Legal experts are divided over whether a sitting president can be charged with a crime, as well as on whether a violation of campaign finance law would be an impeachable offence.

Republican Senator Rand Paul warned against over-criminalizing campaign finance violations, telling NBC's "Meet the Press" that errors in disclosures should be punished with fines, not jail.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio told CNN he was waiting for the results of the Russia investigation and related federal probes. However, he cautioned that "no one should be above the law."

Rubio said it would be a "terrible mistake" if Trump pardoned Manafort, saying that "could trigger a debate about whether the pardon powers should be amended."

Trump has not ruled out a pardon for Manafort, praising him as a good man. In contrast, he has said Cohen, who has cooperated with federal prosecutors, should go to jail.

Schiff said Trump may end up needing to seek a pardon for himself from the next US&nbsp;president. House Democrats have promised an array of investigations into Trump's activities.

"What is clear also is that the Republican Congress absolutely tried to shield the president," Nadler said. "The new Congress will not try to shield the president."

US President Donald Trump could face impeachment and jail time if hush money payments reported by his former lawyer are proven to be campaign finance violations, Democratic lawmakers said on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump could face impeachment and jail time if hush money payments reported by his former lawyer are proven to be campaign finance violations, Democratic lawmakers said on Sunday. Court filings on Friday in cases that stemmed from a federal probe into Russian activities during the 2016 presidential election pointed to potential problem areas for Trump, including whether he instructed six-figure payments to two women during the campaign to keep quiet about affairs. Federal prosecutors sought prison time for longtime Trump "fixer" Michael Cohen for paying off an adult film star and a former Playboy model at Trump's behest, evading taxes and lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Organization building in Moscow. If the payments are proven to be felony campaign finance violations, Democratic US Representative Jerrold Nadler told CNN those would be grounds for impeachment. "Well, they would be impeachable offences. Whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question," said Nadler, who will lead the Judiciary Committee when Democrats take control of the House of Representatives in January. Under US law, campaign contributions, defined as things of value given to a campaign to influence an election, must be disclosed. Such payments are also limited to $2,700 per person. The White House did not immediately return a request for comment. Press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Friday that Cohen has lied repeatedly and that the filing was insignificant. Friday's court filings also revealed new information about contacts between people working for Trump and Russians in the cases of Cohen, Trump's former longtime personal lawyer, and Paul Manafort, Trump's short-lived campaign chairman who was convicted in August on tax and bank fraud charges. Special Counsel Robert Mueller said Manafort lied to investigators about his interactions with a Russian tied to Russian intelligence services. Mueller's office said the lying prompted prosecutors last week to retract a plea agreement with Manafort on two separate conspiracy charges. "I think what these indictments and filings show is that the president was at the centre of a massive fraud - several massive frauds - against the American people," Nadler told CNN. Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow to sway the election. Russia denies interfering in the 2016 election and Trump has denied any collusion occurred. The investigation has cast a shadow over Trump's presidency, with its implication Moscow may have had a hand in his White House victory. The Republican president repeatedly has expressed his impatience with the probe that Mueller took over in March 2017, saying it was politically motivated. PROSPECT OF JAIL TIME Trump said the filings did not prove any collusion with Russia and called for an end to the investigation. "Time for the Witch Hunt to END!" Trump said in a Twitter post on Saturday. However, the end of the Mueller probe could be the beginning of bigger problems for Trump. "There's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office the Justice Department may indict him, that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time," Representative Adam Schiff, the Democrat who will lead the House Intelligence Committee next year, told CBS' "Face the Nation." Legal experts are divided over whether a sitting president can be charged with a crime, as well as on whether a violation of campaign finance law would be an impeachable offence. Republican Senator Rand Paul warned against over-criminalizing campaign finance violations, telling NBC's "Meet the Press" that errors in disclosures should be punished with fines, not jail. Republican Senator Marco Rubio told CNN he was waiting for the results of the Russia investigation and related federal probes. However, he cautioned that "no one should be above the law." Rubio said it would be a "terrible mistake" if Trump pardoned Manafort, saying that "could trigger a debate about whether the pardon powers should be amended." Trump has not ruled out a pardon for Manafort, praising him as a good man. In contrast, he has said Cohen, who has cooperated with federal prosecutors, should go to jail. Schiff said Trump may end up needing to seek a pardon for himself from the next US president. House Democrats have promised an array of investigations into Trump's activities. "What is clear also is that the Republican Congress absolutely tried to shield the president," Nadler said. "The new Congress will not try to shield the president."

Top Democrats say Trump may face impeachment, jail over hush money

Trump chief of staff John Kelly to leave White House job

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

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

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

Trump to nominate Milley as next chairman of Joint Chiefs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Factbox: Trump administration departures, resignations and firings

Jail term sought for Trump's ex-lawyer Cohen

Breaking News: After US President Trump, Tayyip Erdogan slams Macron

President Donald Trump on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-attorney-general-jeff-sessions-vows-to-fight-democrats-if-they-launch-probes-176119">tapped William Barr, a conservative lawyer </a>who was attorney general in the administration of the late George H.W. Bush, to lead the US Department of Justice.

Barr would succeed Jeff Sessions, who Trump forced to resign last month amid rising pressure on the White House from the Russia collusion investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

"Bill Barr will be nominated for the United States Attorney General position. I think he will serve with great distinction," Trump told reporters.

"He was my first choice from day one. Respected by Republicans and &nbsp;respected by Democrats," he added, describing Barr as "a terrific man, a terrific person, a brilliant man."&nbsp;

Barr has a record of supporting strong executive powers, which could play into high-stakes legal battles on everything from immigration policy to war powers to whether the president can be required to give testimony in the Russia investigation.

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I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating The Honorable William P. Barr for the position of Attorney General of the United States. As the former AG for George H.W. Bush....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1071076519584268288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He expressed support in May 2017 when Trump fired then-FBI director James Comey, which has become a focus of Mueller's investigation into whether Trump obstructed justice, and has expressed support for Trump's calls to reopen investigations into his 2016 rival Hillary Clinton.

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....and one of the most highly respected lawyers and legal minds in the Country, he will be a great addition to our team. I look forward to having him join our very successful Administration!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1071076523719909376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While Barr initially expressed support for Mueller's naming as an independent prosecutor to lead the Russia investigation, he subsequently voiced concerns that Mueller's investigative team appeared too heavily Democratic, citing the fact a number of his prosecutors had donated to the party.

Trump's naming of Barr came after he unleashed a new series of attacks on the special counsel and his team, with the prosecutor expected to release documents that could shed new light in the Russia probe.

Repeating his regular dismissal of the probe as a "total witch hunt," Trump once again accused Mueller of political bias in an early morning tweetstorm alleging that the prosecutor had coerced false testimony from witnesses.

Barr would replace current Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, a little-experienced Republican activist named by Trump last month after Sessions was dismissed.

While he led major initiatives of the Trump administration to crack down on crime and illegal immigration, Sessions had angered the president early on when he recused himself from overseeing the Mueller probe because of his own contacts with Russians.

His recusal had effectively created insulation between Mueller and the White House -- a barrier that would no longer exist once Barr is approved by the Senate, probably next month.

President Donald Trump on Friday tapped William Barr, a conservative lawyer who was attorney general in the administration of the late George H.W. Bush, to lead the US Department of Justice.

President Donald Trump on Friday tapped William Barr, a conservative lawyer who was attorney general in the administration of the late George H.W. Bush, to lead the US Department of Justice. Barr would succeed Jeff Sessions, who Trump forced to resign last month amid rising pressure on the White House from the Russia collusion investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. "Bill Barr will be nominated for the United States Attorney General position. I think he will serve with great distinction," Trump told reporters. "He was my first choice from day one. Respected by Republicans and respected by Democrats," he added, describing Barr as "a terrific man, a terrific person, a brilliant man." Barr has a record of supporting strong executive powers, which could play into high-stakes legal battles on everything from immigration policy to war powers to whether the president can be required to give testimony in the Russia investigation. I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating The Honorable William P. Barr for the position of Attorney General of the United States. As the former AG for George H.W. Bush.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2018 × He expressed support in May 2017 when Trump fired then-FBI director James Comey, which has become a focus of Mueller's investigation into whether Trump obstructed justice, and has expressed support for Trump's calls to reopen investigations into his 2016 rival Hillary Clinton. ....and one of the most highly respected lawyers and legal minds in the Country, he will be a great addition to our team. I look forward to having him join our very successful Administration! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2018 × While Barr initially expressed support for Mueller's naming as an independent prosecutor to lead the Russia investigation, he subsequently voiced concerns that Mueller's investigative team appeared too heavily Democratic, citing the fact a number of his prosecutors had donated to the party. Trump's naming of Barr came after he unleashed a new series of attacks on the special counsel and his team, with the prosecutor expected to release documents that could shed new light in the Russia probe. Repeating his regular dismissal of the probe as a "total witch hunt," Trump once again accused Mueller of political bias in an early morning tweetstorm alleging that the prosecutor had coerced false testimony from witnesses. Barr would replace current Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, a little-experienced Republican activist named by Trump last month after Sessions was dismissed. While he led major initiatives of the Trump administration to crack down on crime and illegal immigration, Sessions had angered the president early on when he recused himself from overseeing the Mueller probe because of his own contacts with Russians. His recusal had effectively created insulation between Mueller and the White House -- a barrier that would no longer exist once Barr is approved by the Senate, probably next month.

Trump names William Barr as new attorney general

John Kelly is expected to resign as US&nbsp;President Donald <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/total-bs-john-kelly-on-reports-he-called-trump-idiot-133881?amp">Trump's chief of staff in the</a> coming days, CNN reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources.

Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

The rocky relationship between Trump and Kelly, 68, a retired Marine Corps general, has been widely reported. CNN, citing its sources, said their relationship was now worse than ever and that the two were not on speaking terms, but added that no decision on Kelly's possible departure was final until it was announced.

A source told Reuters last month that Trump was considering a replacement for Kelly. Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is a possible contender, the source said.

Kelly had sought to bring more order and stability to a White House that has often been chaotic under the unpredictable Trump. 
&nbsp;

John Kelly is expected to resign as US President Donald Trump's chief of staff in the coming days, CNN reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources. Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

John Kelly is expected to resign as US President Donald Trump's chief of staff in the coming days, CNN reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources. Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. The rocky relationship between Trump and Kelly, 68, a retired Marine Corps general, has been widely reported. CNN, citing its sources, said their relationship was now worse than ever and that the two were not on speaking terms, but added that no decision on Kelly's possible departure was final until it was announced. A source told Reuters last month that Trump was considering a replacement for Kelly. Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is a possible contender, the source said. Kelly had sought to bring more order and stability to a White House that has often been chaotic under the unpredictable Trump.

White House chief of staff John Kelly to resign: Report

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Monday the Trump administration wants to end subsidies for electric cars and other items, including renewable energy sources.

Asked about plans after General Motors Co announced US plant closings and layoffs last week, Kudlow pointed to the $2,500-to-$7,500 tax credit for consumers who buy plug-in electric vehicles, including those made by GM, under federal law.

"As a matter of our policy, we want to end all of those subsidies," Kudlow said. "And by the way, other subsidies that were imposed during the Obama administration, we are ending, whether it’s for renewables and so forth."

Asked about a timeline, he said: "It’s just all going to end in the near future. I don’t know whether it will end in 2020 or 2021."

The tax credits are capped by Congress at 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer, after which the subsidy phases out. GM has said it expects to hit the threshold by the end of 2018, which means under the current law, its tax credit scheme would end in 2020. Tesla Inc said in July it had hit the threshold. Other automakers may not hit the cap for several years.

Experts say the White House cannot change the cap unilaterally US President Donald Trump last week threatened to eliminate subsidies for GM in retaliation for the company's decision.

Kudlow made clear any changes in subsidies would not just affect GM. "I think legally you just can’t," he said.

Democrats will take control of the US House in January and are unlikely to agree to end subsidies for electric cars and many have been pushing for additional incentives.

Tesla and GM have lobbied Congress for months to lift the cap on electric vehicles or make other changes, but face an uphill battle make changes before the current Congress expires.

In October, Senator Dean Heller proposed lifting the current cap on electric vehicles eligible for tax credits but phase out the credit for the entire industry in 2022. Two other senators in September proposed lifting the per manufacturer credit and extending the benefit for 10 years.

Also in October, Senator John Barrasso a Republican who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, proposed legislation to end the EV tax credit entirely.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Monday the Trump administration wants to end subsidies for electric cars and other items, including renewable energy sources.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Monday the Trump administration wants to end subsidies for electric cars and other items, including renewable energy sources. Asked about plans after General Motors Co announced US plant closings and layoffs last week, Kudlow pointed to the $2,500-to-$7,500 tax credit for consumers who buy plug-in electric vehicles, including those made by GM, under federal law. "As a matter of our policy, we want to end all of those subsidies," Kudlow said. "And by the way, other subsidies that were imposed during the Obama administration, we are ending, whether it’s for renewables and so forth." Asked about a timeline, he said: "It’s just all going to end in the near future. I don’t know whether it will end in 2020 or 2021." The tax credits are capped by Congress at 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer, after which the subsidy phases out. GM has said it expects to hit the threshold by the end of 2018, which means under the current law, its tax credit scheme would end in 2020. Tesla Inc said in July it had hit the threshold. Other automakers may not hit the cap for several years. Experts say the White House cannot change the cap unilaterally US President Donald Trump last week threatened to eliminate subsidies for GM in retaliation for the company's decision. Kudlow made clear any changes in subsidies would not just affect GM. "I think legally you just can’t," he said. Democrats will take control of the US House in January and are unlikely to agree to end subsidies for electric cars and many have been pushing for additional incentives. Tesla and GM have lobbied Congress for months to lift the cap on electric vehicles or make other changes, but face an uphill battle make changes before the current Congress expires. In October, Senator Dean Heller proposed lifting the current cap on electric vehicles eligible for tax credits but phase out the credit for the entire industry in 2022. Two other senators in September proposed lifting the per manufacturer credit and extending the benefit for 10 years. Also in October, Senator John Barrasso a Republican who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, proposed legislation to end the EV tax credit entirely.

White House seeks to end subsidies for electric cars, renewables

Prosecutors in Maryland and Washington announced Tuesday subpoenas for the records of 13 private businesses owned by Donald Trump as part of an investigation into whether the US president is illegally benefitting from his Washington hotel.

The investigation focuses on the Trump International Hotel just four blocks away from the White House, which has become popular with foreign dignitaries and businessmen seeking to gain favour with the Trump administration.

The Maryland and Washington attorneys general also issued subpoenas to five federal agencies for records related to the Trump hotel, which occupies the stately Old Post Office Pavilion on Pennsylvania Avenue and is owned by the federal government.

Trump's victory in the presidential election in November 2016 immediately made the five-star hotel a hub for Washington politics, with various governments and embassies hosting receptions there.

According to the Washington Post, the Saudi government spent more than $270,000 on rooms and other facilities in the hotel.

In June 2017 Washington and Maryland filed suit, saying Trump was violating the emoluments clause of the US constitution, which prohibits US government officials from receiving gifts, payments or other valuable benefits from foreign governments and foreign officials.

The lawsuit seeks "to make certain that (Trump) faithfully serves the American people, free from compromising financial entanglements with foreign and domestic governments and officials," the suit said.

Behind the suit were complaints that the hotel and its restaurants have -- because of the link with the US president -- unfairly siphoned off business from local Washington and Maryland businesses, including convention centers in Washington and nearby Baltimore.

The first complaints were made shortly after Trump became president. On Monday, a judge turned away objections by the US Justice Department, which argued that there was no basis for the case.

Trump stepped away from involvement in his real estate business, The Trump Organization, when he became president, leaving management in the hands of his two sons.

To skirt controversy over the hotel, Trump announced early on that profits from the Washington hotel and others derived from foreign customers would be donated to the US Treasury.

In March they announced a donation of $151,470 for 2017, but without detailing how that figure was determined.

Prosecutors in Maryland and Washington announced Tuesday subpoenas for the records of 13 private businesses owned by Donald Trump as part of an investigation into whether the US president is illegally benefitting from his Washington hotel.

Prosecutors in Maryland and Washington announced Tuesday subpoenas for the records of 13 private businesses owned by Donald Trump as part of an investigation into whether the US president is illegally benefitting from his Washington hotel. The investigation focuses on the Trump International Hotel just four blocks away from the White House, which has become popular with foreign dignitaries and businessmen seeking to gain favour with the Trump administration. The Maryland and Washington attorneys general also issued subpoenas to five federal agencies for records related to the Trump hotel, which occupies the stately Old Post Office Pavilion on Pennsylvania Avenue and is owned by the federal government. Trump's victory in the presidential election in November 2016 immediately made the five-star hotel a hub for Washington politics, with various governments and embassies hosting receptions there. According to the Washington Post, the Saudi government spent more than $270,000 on rooms and other facilities in the hotel. In June 2017 Washington and Maryland filed suit, saying Trump was violating the emoluments clause of the US constitution, which prohibits US government officials from receiving gifts, payments or other valuable benefits from foreign governments and foreign officials. The lawsuit seeks "to make certain that (Trump) faithfully serves the American people, free from compromising financial entanglements with foreign and domestic governments and officials," the suit said. Behind the suit were complaints that the hotel and its restaurants have -- because of the link with the US president -- unfairly siphoned off business from local Washington and Maryland businesses, including convention centers in Washington and nearby Baltimore. The first complaints were made shortly after Trump became president. On Monday, a judge turned away objections by the US Justice Department, which argued that there was no basis for the case. Trump stepped away from involvement in his real estate business, The Trump Organization, when he became president, leaving management in the hands of his two sons. To skirt controversy over the hotel, Trump announced early on that profits from the Washington hotel and others derived from foreign customers would be donated to the US Treasury. In March they announced a donation of $151,470 for 2017, but without detailing how that figure was determined.

Prosecutors to subpoena Trump hotel business records

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday French leader Emmanuel Macron's retreat on fuel tax hikes amid riots in Paris vindicated his rejection of the 2015 Paris Agreement on combating climate change.

Pressure has been mounting on the French government after protests degenerated into the worst street clashes in central Paris in decades over increases on petrol and diesel planned for January 1.

"I am glad that my friend @EmmanuelMacron and the protestors in Paris have agreed with the conclusion I reached two years ago," Trump tweeted.

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I am glad that my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> and the protestors in Paris have agreed with the conclusion I reached two years ago. The Paris Agreement is fatally flawed because it raises the price of energy for responsible countries while whitewashing some of the worst polluters....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1070089365995642881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The Paris Agreement is fatally flawed because it raises the price of energy for responsible countries while whitewashing some of the worst polluters...in the world."

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday French leader Emmanuel Macron's retreat on fuel tax hikes amid riots in Paris vindicated his rejection of the 2015 Paris Agreement on combating climate change.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday French leader Emmanuel Macron's retreat on fuel tax hikes amid riots in Paris vindicated his rejection of the 2015 Paris Agreement on combating climate change. Pressure has been mounting on the French government after protests degenerated into the worst street clashes in central Paris in decades over increases on petrol and diesel planned for January 1. "I am glad that my friend @EmmanuelMacron and the protestors in Paris have agreed with the conclusion I reached two years ago," Trump tweeted. I am glad that my friend @EmmanuelMacron and the protestors in Paris have agreed with the conclusion I reached two years ago. The Paris Agreement is fatally flawed because it raises the price of energy for responsible countries while whitewashing some of the worst polluters.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2018 × "The Paris Agreement is fatally flawed because it raises the price of energy for responsible countries while whitewashing some of the worst polluters...in the world."

Trump says Macron U-turn proves him right on 'flawed' Paris accord

US President Donald Trump met with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping at a dinner meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit.

According to reports, the two leaders interacted and discussed the growing trade war between the two biggest economies in the world.&nbsp;

During the start of the dinner, which marked the end of the two-day-long, high-voltage summit, the US President described his relationship with the Chinese President as "very special."

"The relationship is very special — the relationship that I have with President Xi — and I think that is going to be a very primary reason why <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-agree-no-new-tariffs-after-january-1-chinese-media-180801">we will probably end up getting something that will be good</a> for China and the United States," Trump said.&nbsp;

Xi, on the other hand, called for mutual cooperation for better ties and easing of tensions. &nbsp;"Only with cooperation between us can we serve the interest of both peace and prosperity," Xi noted.&nbsp;

White House top economic advisor Larry Kudlow shared that the meeting went "very well" and that an official statement on Trump-Xi interaction will be issued shortly by White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump met with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping at a dinner meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit. According to reports, the two leaders interacted and discussed the growing trade war between the two biggest economies in the world.

US President Donald Trump met with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping at a dinner meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit. According to reports, the two leaders interacted and discussed the growing trade war between the two biggest economies in the world. During the start of the dinner, which marked the end of the two-day-long, high-voltage summit, the US President described his relationship with the Chinese President as "very special." "The relationship is very special — the relationship that I have with President Xi — and I think that is going to be a very primary reason why we will probably end up getting something that will be good for China and the United States," Trump said. Xi, on the other hand, called for mutual cooperation for better ties and easing of tensions. "Only with cooperation between us can we serve the interest of both peace and prosperity," Xi noted. White House top economic advisor Larry Kudlow shared that the meeting went "very well" and that an official statement on Trump-Xi interaction will be issued shortly by White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, news agency AFP reported. (With inputs from AFP)

At G20 dinner with China's Xi, Trump says their relationship is 'very special'

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