The U.S. military on Wednesday unveiled plans to withdraw about 12,000 troops from Germany. Trump announced his intention last month to cut by about a third the 36,000-strong U.S. troop contingent in Germany

U.S to withdraw about 12,000 troops from Germany; Trump says 'The move is strategic'

With just 97 days left, The U.S. Presidential race is heating up. Who is America going to vote for? Joe Biden or Donald Trump? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report on who stands where.

Gravitas: Biden or Trump, Who will America vote for?

US Troops withdrawal from Germany | Trump's move hints at growing cracks in NATO

US President Donald Trump's new tone on the coronavirus pandemic disappeared on Tuesday in a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert, and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories.

Trump, almost a week back, addressed national criticism of a leadership void in a crisis that has already killed nearly 150,000 Americans and wreaked havoc on the world's biggest economy. He admitted things were going to "get worse before they get better." He indicated he was embracing the science. He finally urged the wearing of masks.

But looks like all this was a short-lived affair. At a press conference in the White House on Tuesday, it was the old Trump in full display.

The president said it was unfair that the leading US infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci was more popular than him.

"Nobody likes me," he said.

He pushed his theory that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

And he praised Stella Immanuel, a doctor and preacher who believes in witchcraft and a plot being carried out to vaccinate people against being religious, calling her "spectacular."

To this end, Twitter took the rare step of removing clips tweeted by Trump from a video earlier deleted by Facebook in which Immanuel and a group of doctors told Americans that masks are unnecessary and that hydroxychloroquine can defeat the novel coronavirus.

Twitter said the video was "in violation of our COVID-19 misinformation policy."

Twitter also blocked Trump's son Don Jr -- a major player in the president's reelection campaign -- from tweeting for 12 hours after he uploaded a version of the video.

Trump has for months pushed the notion of hydroxychloroquine and says he took the drug for two weeks as a precaution, without suffering ill consequences. There is, however, currently no cure for the coronavirus. Also, a majority of medical authorities now have decided, after some initial debate, that hydroxychloroquine has no proven benefit for coronavirus patients and can be very harmful.

In his Twitter spree late Monday, the president also retweeted a growing right-wing conspiracy theory that Fauci helped push coronavirus to hurt Trump's reelection in November.

The tweet, shared by Trump to his 84 million followers, claimed that Immanuel is highlighting "what should be the biggest scandal in modern American history."

Trump also attacked Fauci by retweeting a comment on a podcast hosted by his former advisor Steve Bannon that Fauci "misled the American public on many issues."

Contary to this, however, Trump insisted on Tuesday at the press conference that he has "a very good relationship with Doctor Fauci."

US President Donald Trump's new tone on the coronavirus pandemic disappeared on Tuesday in a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert, and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories.

US President Donald Trump's new tone on the coronavirus pandemic disappeared on Tuesday in a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert, and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories. Trump, almost a week back, addressed national criticism of a leadership void in a crisis that has already killed nearly 150,000 Americans and wreaked havoc on the world's biggest economy. He admitted things were going to "get worse before they get better." He indicated he was embracing the science. He finally urged the wearing of masks. But looks like all this was a short-lived affair. At a press conference in the White House on Tuesday, it was the old Trump in full display. The president said it was unfair that the leading US infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci was more popular than him. "Nobody likes me," he said. He pushed his theory that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat COVID-19 patients. And he praised Stella Immanuel, a doctor and preacher who believes in witchcraft and a plot being carried out to vaccinate people against being religious, calling her "spectacular." To this end, Twitter took the rare step of removing clips tweeted by Trump from a video earlier deleted by Facebook in which Immanuel and a group of doctors told Americans that masks are unnecessary and that hydroxychloroquine can defeat the novel coronavirus. Twitter said the video was "in violation of our COVID-19 misinformation policy." Twitter also blocked Trump's son Don Jr -- a major player in the president's reelection campaign -- from tweeting for 12 hours after he uploaded a version of the video. Trump has for months pushed the notion of hydroxychloroquine and says he took the drug for two weeks as a precaution, without suffering ill consequences. There is, however, currently no cure for the coronavirus. Also, a majority of medical authorities now have decided, after some initial debate, that hydroxychloroquine has no proven benefit for coronavirus patients and can be very harmful. In his Twitter spree late Monday, the president also retweeted a growing right-wing conspiracy theory that Fauci helped push coronavirus to hurt Trump's reelection in November. The tweet, shared by Trump to his 84 million followers, claimed that Immanuel is highlighting "what should be the biggest scandal in modern American history." Trump also attacked Fauci by retweeting a comment on a podcast hosted by his former advisor Steve Bannon that Fauci "misled the American public on many issues." Contary to this, however, Trump insisted on Tuesday at the press conference that he has "a very good relationship with Doctor Fauci."

Trump back to his old ways; tweets and touts questionable coronavirus theories

Is Donald Trump is trying to win the upcoming elections by waging a war against the voters? The US President has sent federal troops to US cities after major protests erupted.

Gravitas: Is Donald Trump waging a war against America?

US President Donald Trump has cancelled the pre-election Republican party convention in Florida. Trump's campaign manager says the President is putting the health & safety of Americans first. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why that may not be the case.

Gravitas: US Election: Why Trump cancelled the Republican convention

The Trump administration moved to ease controls on exports of armed drones, saying that allies need US technology and that other countries outside of a non-proliferation pact were taking over the market.

Donald Trump looks to expand defence exports in election year

Another Senate has passed a mammoth defence policy bill which includes a plan to rename US bases with confederate names. This comes after potential threat from US President Donald Trump to veto any legislation that would allow this change.

US: Senate approves defense bill with provision to rename military bases

US President Donald Trump has now announced that he will be sending federal troops to more cities amid the black lives matter protest. Watch report.

Trump to send federal troops to Chicago amid BLM protests

China is considering ordering the closure of the US consulate in the central city of Wuhan after Washington told China to shut its consulate in the city of Houston. Watch report.

US orders its Houston mission closure: China may shut US Wuhan consulate

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler joined large crowds of protesters near the Justice Center in Portland Wednesday night.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Joins BLM protests

US President Donald Trump has now announced that he will be sending federal troops to more cities amid the black lives matter protest

Trump to deploy hundreds of federal troops to Chicago to quell BLM protests

US President Donald Trump has blamed anti-racism protests, travellers from Mexico and young bar-goers for a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases.

Trump sought on Wednesday to explain the rise in confirmed cases across the nation's South, Southwest and West as he held his second briefing ahead of the presidential election in as many days after a three-month hiatus.

Trump said cases among young Americans first started to rise "shortly after demonstrations."

"The protests following the death of George Floyd presumably triggered a broader relaxation of mitigation efforts nationwide. A substantial increase in travel around Memorial Day and summer vacations was also a driver of new cases," he said.

Young people closely congregating at bars and probably other places, maybe beaches, likely also led to new cases, he added.

Trump also blamed travellers crossing the US-Mexico border for spikes, as cases in his neighbouring country were increasing.

US President Donald Trump has blamed anti-racism protests, travellers from Mexico and young bar-goers for a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases. Trump sought on Wednesday to explain the rise in confirmed cases across the nation's South, Southwest and West as he held his second briefing ahead of the presidential election in as many days after a three-month hiatus.

US President Donald Trump has blamed anti-racism protests, travellers from Mexico and young bar-goers for a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases. Trump sought on Wednesday to explain the rise in confirmed cases across the nation's South, Southwest and West as he held his second briefing ahead of the presidential election in as many days after a three-month hiatus. Trump said cases among young Americans first started to rise "shortly after demonstrations." "The protests following the death of George Floyd presumably triggered a broader relaxation of mitigation efforts nationwide. A substantial increase in travel around Memorial Day and summer vacations was also a driver of new cases," he said. Young people closely congregating at bars and probably other places, maybe beaches, likely also led to new cases, he added. Trump also blamed travellers crossing the US-Mexico border for spikes, as cases in his neighbouring country were increasing.

Trump blames anti-racism protests, Mexico travellers for surge in COVID cases

US President Donald Trump has now changed his stance on the novel coronavirus and now said that the pandemic will get more before getting better and he also urged all Americans to wear masks. Watch report.

Donald Trump: 'COVID to get worse before it gets better'

US President Donald Trump has now warned that he will now send Federal troops to some major US cities amid the 'Black Lives Matter' protests. Watch report.

Donald Trump: Federal troops charge at Portland protests

The United States of America continues to be the worst-hit coronavirus country in the world. Close to 4 million people have been affected and 150,000 people have lost their lives. Watch report.

Donald Trump to resume daily COVID-19 briefing: Long queues for testing in Texas, Florida

Did US President Donald Trump have a troubled childhood? Did he keep a diary of women who refused to date him? Did he make suggestive comments about his niece? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes excerpts from Mary Trump's tell-all book on her uncle.

Gravitas: Decoding Mary Trump's tell-all book

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the&nbsp;world’s most influential countries

Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test. However, the test he keeps alluding to - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is designed to not be challenging. It is mostly used to diagnose minor dysfunctions.&nbsp;

So how challenging could&nbsp;it&nbsp;be? Turns out, not much!

Just yesterday, on July 19, Trump again bragged about passing the test on Fox News. He said the last five questions “get very hard”. However precursory exam instructions in the MoCA claim that it is “designed as a rapid screening instrument for mild cognitive dysfunction”.

When Mashable traced the measuring indices of the test, it ascertained that this test is designed not to measure one’s intellect or wit, in fact it is simply a signifier of whether one has or is developing any cognitive impairment which could become a cause of concern later on in life.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508" hreflang="en">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump</a>

Serving as a quick screening test for healthcare workers, it helps with early diagnosis of mental dysfunction.

The instructions which are available on the MoCa website claim that the maximum total score cannot exceed 30. Any score above 26 is considered normal.

The test is administered&nbsp;in multiple languages. The English version on the website ask people to perform tasks like imitating a drawing as accurately as possible, naming an animal, or to draw a clock. In essence, tasks which even kids can do without struggling much. It also asks exam takers to draw a clock, and the likes.

Below is an excerpt from his conversation with Fox News.

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— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) <a href="https://twitter.com/seungminkim/status/1284844811611262976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Very hard"? Barely

Coming to Trump’s claims about the last five questions being hard, this is what the section titled “orientation” demands.

In fact, it is far from “very hard”, asking people to fill in the day of the week, or today’s date. Additionally, it involves questions about time and space along the lines of “What city are we in?”. It relies on the specifics. For instance, one would be expected to name the city and the country. When talking about the date, the examiner would expect the date, month, year. Each correct answer in this section fetches one point.

To what end did Trump find answering where he was “very hard”, we’ll never know.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/confederate-flags-not-about-racism-but-about-freedom-of-speech-donald-trump-314522" hreflang="en">Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump</a>

Another section toward the end is titled “abstraction”. It is based on categorising and placing objects in the same pool of similarly occurring characteristics.

For instance, one may be asked the similarity between an orange and a pear, which is that they’re both fruits.

Trump indeed did “ace” this test, as he should have. However, if he found the last five questions “very hard”, it is perhaps the first for any US president.

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the world’s most influential countries Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test.

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the world’s most influential countries Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test. However, the test he keeps alluding to - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is designed to not be challenging. It is mostly used to diagnose minor dysfunctions. So how challenging could it be? Turns out, not much! Just yesterday, on July 19, Trump again bragged about passing the test on Fox News. He said the last five questions “get very hard”. However precursory exam instructions in the MoCA claim that it is “designed as a rapid screening instrument for mild cognitive dysfunction”. When Mashable traced the measuring indices of the test, it ascertained that this test is designed not to measure one’s intellect or wit, in fact it is simply a signifier of whether one has or is developing any cognitive impairment which could become a cause of concern later on in life. Also read: Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump Serving as a quick screening test for healthcare workers, it helps with early diagnosis of mental dysfunction. The instructions which are available on the MoCa website claim that the maximum total score cannot exceed 30. Any score above 26 is considered normal. The test is administered in multiple languages. The English version on the website ask people to perform tasks like imitating a drawing as accurately as possible, naming an animal, or to draw a clock. In essence, tasks which even kids can do without struggling much. It also asks exam takers to draw a clock, and the likes. Below is an excerpt from his conversation with Fox News. pic.twitter.com/8lE6zY4SuM — Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) July 19, 2020 × "Very hard"? Barely Coming to Trump’s claims about the last five questions being hard, this is what the section titled “orientation” demands. In fact, it is far from “very hard”, asking people to fill in the day of the week, or today’s date. Additionally, it involves questions about time and space along the lines of “What city are we in?”. It relies on the specifics. For instance, one would be expected to name the city and the country. When talking about the date, the examiner would expect the date, month, year. Each correct answer in this section fetches one point. To what end did Trump find answering where he was “very hard”, we’ll never know. Also read: Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump Another section toward the end is titled “abstraction”. It is based on categorising and placing objects in the same pool of similarly occurring characteristics. For instance, one may be asked the similarity between an orange and a pear, which is that they’re both fruits. Trump indeed did “ace” this test, as he should have. However, if he found the last five questions “very hard”, it is perhaps the first for any US president.

The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple

US President Donald Trump in an interview refused to publically commit to accepting the results of the upcoming presidential polls if he were to lose. Watch report.

Donald trump on 2020 Presidential elections: May not accept results if defeated

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States.

Philipson served three years as acting chairman of the administration's Council of Economic Advisers before stepping down in June to resume his teaching role at the University of Chicago. Philipson acknowledged testing positive for coronavirus less than a month before his White House departure, according to The Wall Street Journal.

On Friday, he&nbsp;told CNN he co-authored and published a CEA report titled "Mitigating the Impact of Pandemic Influenza through Vaccine Innovation" that warned a pandemic disease could kill as many as half a million Americans and cause up to $3.79 trillion in damage to the US economy.

Trump has insisted that no one could have foreseen or prevented the coronavirus outbreak. And Philipson noted it's not uncommon for White House officials to disagree over what course of action the President should take on certain issues.

The contentious process then compelled Philipson to leave the administration roughly two months before he was scheduled to return to the University of Chicago.

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States.

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States. Philipson served three years as acting chairman of the administration's Council of Economic Advisers before stepping down in June to resume his teaching role at the University of Chicago. Philipson acknowledged testing positive for coronavirus less than a month before his White House departure, according to The Wall Street Journal. On Friday, he told CNN he co-authored and published a CEA report titled "Mitigating the Impact of Pandemic Influenza through Vaccine Innovation" that warned a pandemic disease could kill as many as half a million Americans and cause up to $3.79 trillion in damage to the US economy. Trump has insisted that no one could have foreseen or prevented the coronavirus outbreak. And Philipson noted it's not uncommon for White House officials to disagree over what course of action the President should take on certain issues. The contentious process then compelled Philipson to leave the administration roughly two months before he was scheduled to return to the University of Chicago.

White House was warned of potential pandemic disaster in September: Ex-Trump economist

Federal law enforcement officers are cracking down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect U.S. monuments in what the state's Democratic governor has called "political theater."

Crackdown on Portland protesters after Trump order to protect monuments

US President Donald Trump's White House has -- in a break with the tradition -- removed the portraits of two recent presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, from the building's entrance hall.

The two paintings were moved from the Grand Foyer&nbsp;to the Old Family Dining Room. Trump would have seen the two portraits on a daily basis in their previous position.

In its report, CNN described the old room as "a small, rarely used room that is not seen by most visitors." It is mainly used to store tablecloths and furniture.

In place of those pictures, there now hang pictures of William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901, and of Theodore Roosevelt, his vice president who succeeded him upon his death.

It's a White House tradition that the presidents who served most recently get prominent placement in the Grand Foyer so their portraits are seen at events -- but the new portraits are those of presidents who served more than a 100 years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dissecting-trump-and-his-behaviour-as-president-of-united-states-313532">Also read |&nbsp;Dissecting Trump and his behaviour as President of United States</a>

Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton said in his recently published book that Trump "despised" both Bush and Bush's father. &nbsp;

Hillary Clinton, wife of the former president and former Secretary of State, became an object of Trump's ire when she ran against him in 2016, and has been a frequent critic of his leadership.

CNN said the portraits had been moved within the last week.

A portrait of Barack Obama, the president who preceded Trump, had not even been put in the room for display.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-surges-trump-escalates-conflict-with-fauci-313876">Also read |&nbsp;As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci</a>

US President Donald Trump's White House has -- in a break with the tradition -- removed the portraits of two recent presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, from the building's entrance hall.

US President Donald Trump's White House has -- in a break with the tradition -- removed the portraits of two recent presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, from the building's entrance hall. The two paintings were moved from the Grand Foyer to the Old Family Dining Room. Trump would have seen the two portraits on a daily basis in their previous position. In its report, CNN described the old room as "a small, rarely used room that is not seen by most visitors." It is mainly used to store tablecloths and furniture. In place of those pictures, there now hang pictures of William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901, and of Theodore Roosevelt, his vice president who succeeded him upon his death. It's a White House tradition that the presidents who served most recently get prominent placement in the Grand Foyer so their portraits are seen at events -- but the new portraits are those of presidents who served more than a 100 years ago. Also read | Dissecting Trump and his behaviour as President of United States Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton said in his recently published book that Trump "despised" both Bush and Bush's father. Hillary Clinton, wife of the former president and former Secretary of State, became an object of Trump's ire when she ran against him in 2016, and has been a frequent critic of his leadership. CNN said the portraits had been moved within the last week. A portrait of Barack Obama, the president who preceded Trump, had not even been put in the room for display. Also read | As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci

Trump's White House breaks tradition; moves Bush, Clinton portraits to disused room

The time has come for the world to push back against the challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said as he contended that the US "slept on this threat for too long."

Pompeo also said the Chinese government was aware of human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus before they shared this information with the world.

"Countries not only in Southeast Asia but in Asia more broadly, in Europe, have come to understand the threat that the Chinese Communist Party presents. The United States slept on this for too long," Pompeo told Bill Hemmer of Fox News in an interview on Thursday.

"I think they all did too, and I think they're coming to a joint conclusion that it's time for the world to make sure that we get this right.

"For democracies and freedom-loving people around the world, it is an imperative that we push back against the challenge that the Chinese Communist Party presents to us all," Pompeo said.

He said that for 40 years, successive US administrations just looked the other way and allowed China to trample on America.

President Donald Trump said "no more," he said.

The US is going to have fair, reciprocal trade relationships; and it is going to demand that the Chinese Communist Party treat Americans the same way that the US treats people who go there, he said.

Hemmer asked Pompeo to comment on claims by Hong Kong-based virologist Dr Yan Li-Meng, who recently fled to the United States, that Beijing knew that the virus could spread between humans three weeks before that knowledge was made public.

Pompeo said that "the World Health Organisation itself was co-opted into the same effort to deny the world the knowledge it needed to respond to this threat, to this threat from the virus that emanated from Wuhan, China."

"This is a simple understanding, and President Trump is going to demand that it happens," he said.

"And of course, now too, we've seen the virus that started in Wuhan, China cost the globe hundreds of thousands of people and trillions and trillions of dollars, and I believe the world is going to unite to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for having covered this up when they could have prevented so much of this tragedy," said the top American diplomat.

The United States has been the worst-hit country with over 3.5 million coronavirus cases. The country has reported more than 137,000 deaths so far.

Pompeo refrained from responding to news reports that there could be a ban on US travel for Chinese party members and their families.

"We're working our way through, under the president's guidance, about how to think about pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party. You see it in trade, you see it in other economic activity, you see it in diplomatic engagement," he added.

"The rights that we have that the Declaration of Independence set forth, that are in our Constitution, are central to American foreign policy. We have to get that right. We have this deep tradition. It's under attack," he said in response to a question.&nbsp;

The time has come for the world to push back against the challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said as he contended that the US "slept on this threat for too long.

The time has come for the world to push back against the challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said as he contended that the US "slept on this threat for too long." Pompeo also said the Chinese government was aware of human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus before they shared this information with the world. "Countries not only in Southeast Asia but in Asia more broadly, in Europe, have come to understand the threat that the Chinese Communist Party presents. The United States slept on this for too long," Pompeo told Bill Hemmer of Fox News in an interview on Thursday. "I think they all did too, and I think they're coming to a joint conclusion that it's time for the world to make sure that we get this right. "For democracies and freedom-loving people around the world, it is an imperative that we push back against the challenge that the Chinese Communist Party presents to us all," Pompeo said. He said that for 40 years, successive US administrations just looked the other way and allowed China to trample on America. President Donald Trump said "no more," he said. The US is going to have fair, reciprocal trade relationships; and it is going to demand that the Chinese Communist Party treat Americans the same way that the US treats people who go there, he said. Hemmer asked Pompeo to comment on claims by Hong Kong-based virologist Dr Yan Li-Meng, who recently fled to the United States, that Beijing knew that the virus could spread between humans three weeks before that knowledge was made public. Pompeo said that "the World Health Organisation itself was co-opted into the same effort to deny the world the knowledge it needed to respond to this threat, to this threat from the virus that emanated from Wuhan, China." "This is a simple understanding, and President Trump is going to demand that it happens," he said. "And of course, now too, we've seen the virus that started in Wuhan, China cost the globe hundreds of thousands of people and trillions and trillions of dollars, and I believe the world is going to unite to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for having covered this up when they could have prevented so much of this tragedy," said the top American diplomat. The United States has been the worst-hit country with over 3.5 million coronavirus cases. The country has reported more than 137,000 deaths so far. Pompeo refrained from responding to news reports that there could be a ban on US travel for Chinese party members and their families. "We're working our way through, under the president's guidance, about how to think about pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party. You see it in trade, you see it in other economic activity, you see it in diplomatic engagement," he added. "The rights that we have that the Declaration of Independence set forth, that are in our Constitution, are central to American foreign policy. We have to get that right. We have this deep tradition. It's under attack," he said in response to a question.

It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo

United States President Donald Trump has said he wants to do everything possible to keep peace for the people of India and China, according to the White House spokesperson.

Donald Trump's second offer to help India and China

The U.S. President is selling beans in the middle of a pandemic that has eliminated over 137,000 Americans. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the story of Trump's latest addiction 'Goya'.

Gravitas: Why is Trump endorsing Goya Foods?

The coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate in the US. The country recorded more than 68,400 cases in the last 24-hours alone. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Massive surge in COVID-19 cases in South and West of US

U.S. infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Wednesday called the White House effort to discredit him "bizarre" and urged an end to the divisiveness over the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic, saying "let's stop this nonsense."

White House tries to undermine top infectious disease expert

US President Donald Trump ordered an end to Hong Kong's special status under US law in response to Beijing's imposition of new security legislation on the territory.

Donald Trump signs executive order to end Hong Kong special status

China's new security law has sent a chill through Hong Kong's schools and universities with many teachers fearful the city's reputation for academic freedom and excellence is now at risk. 
 
Just a week after the sweeping legislation was imposed on the territory, staff at some institutions have already been warned by their administrators to be careful how they teach.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pledges-retaliation-against-us-over-hong-kong-sanctions-313344" hreflang="en">China pledges retaliation against US over Hong Kong sanctions</a> 
 
"Remain neutral in your teaching and be mindful of the language you use," read one email to staff of HKU SPACE, a college attached to the prestigious University of Hong Kong (HKU). 
 
"Any behaviour in eliciting further discussion on sensitive issues MUST be avoided," the email from the program director of the humanities and law faculty said. 
 
It ended with a warning of "zero-tolerance against politics or personal political views brought into classrooms". 
 
One recipient told AFP the instruction amounted to self censorship. 
 
"This may be partly out of genuine concern for staff, but it strangles free speech without the government having to lift a finger," said a lecturer who asked not to be identified. 
 
In a statement, HKU said the email was "private correspondence" and not official policy, but it added that classrooms must be "a politically neutral space where participants focus on academic learning".

'Campuses infiltrated' 
Hong Kong has some of Asia's best schools and universities and -- compared with China's party-controlled education system -- boasts an open campus culture of critical analysis and tackling subjects that are unapproachable on the mainland. 
 
But all that could be changing. 
 
China's leaders have made it clear they view Hong Kong's education system as one of the driving factors behind last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. 
 
They have ordered the city to instil more "patriotic" education and ensure the new security laws are obeyed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-interested-in-china-trade-talks-ends-hong-kong-preferential-status-313332" hreflang="en">Trump not interested in China trade talks, ends Hong Kong preferential status</a> 
 
Hong Kong's education chief has since banned students from singing a popular protest anthem, while public and school libraries are pulling books that might breach the new rules. 
 
At a speech to an education summit last weekend, city leader Carrie Lam said schools and universities had become "politicised". 
 
"Anti-central government and anti-government forces are trying to infiltrate our campuses," she said, adding that student resentment was also fuelled by "negative media reports about our country". 
 
Pro-Beijing politicians have even proposed installing cameras in classrooms to keep a tab on teachers. 
 
"Academic freedom... can't override laws and give students an excuse to do whatever they want," Tommy Cheung, a cabinet member who also sits on the council of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told AFP. 
 
Asked about the idea of cameras in classrooms he replied: "If you are not saying anything that you would not be afraid of being heard, then why would you fear being recorded?" 
 
China's definition of national security extends beyond the standard concepts of threats such as terrorism and military attacks, and is often used to crush domestic criticism on the mainland. 
 
The Hong Kong version contains many ambiguously worded provisions, including against "inducing hatred" of the government. 
 
Harder to hire 
As a result, some teachers say they already fear overstepping invisible red lines -- even mistakenly. 
 
"Should we uphold the critical thinking approach or should we toe the official line for better safety," said Benson Wong, a lecturer at the Education University of Hong Kong. 
 
A history teacher at an international school said he already avoided asking students to write essays about controversial topics, preferring conversations instead. 
 
"The vagaries of the national security law are designed to chill and quell discussion because one cannot know when they have stepped over the line," he told AFP.&nbsp; 
 
"A true education in history and social studies is not about remembering a story or being able to regurgitate a national myth." 
 
Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a prominent scholar of Chinese politics, said Hong Kong's universities were already struggling to attract the best global talent. 
 
"People are getting more hesitant to come," he told AFP, noting that it had become all but impossible in recent years to arrange conferences in Hong Kong on taboo topics such as Taiwan, Xinjiang and Tibet. 
 
Others said they would consider leaving if the situation deteriorates further. 
 
"I haven't yet determined where my line is," one lecturer at CUHK told AFP, asking to remain anonymous. 
 
"I suspect I'll know it when it's crossed, and at that moment I hope I'll have the courage of my convictions."

China's new security law has sent a chill through Hong Kong's schools and universities with many teachers fearful the city's reputation for academic freedom and excellence is now at risk.

China's new security law has sent a chill through Hong Kong's schools and universities with many teachers fearful the city's reputation for academic freedom and excellence is now at risk. Just a week after the sweeping legislation was imposed on the territory, staff at some institutions have already been warned by their administrators to be careful how they teach. Also read: China pledges retaliation against US over Hong Kong sanctions "Remain neutral in your teaching and be mindful of the language you use," read one email to staff of HKU SPACE, a college attached to the prestigious University of Hong Kong (HKU). "Any behaviour in eliciting further discussion on sensitive issues MUST be avoided," the email from the program director of the humanities and law faculty said. It ended with a warning of "zero-tolerance against politics or personal political views brought into classrooms". One recipient told AFP the instruction amounted to self censorship. "This may be partly out of genuine concern for staff, but it strangles free speech without the government having to lift a finger," said a lecturer who asked not to be identified. In a statement, HKU said the email was "private correspondence" and not official policy, but it added that classrooms must be "a politically neutral space where participants focus on academic learning". 'Campuses infiltrated' Hong Kong has some of Asia's best schools and universities and -- compared with China's party-controlled education system -- boasts an open campus culture of critical analysis and tackling subjects that are unapproachable on the mainland. But all that could be changing. China's leaders have made it clear they view Hong Kong's education system as one of the driving factors behind last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. They have ordered the city to instil more "patriotic" education and ensure the new security laws are obeyed. Also read: Trump not interested in China trade talks, ends Hong Kong preferential status Hong Kong's education chief has since banned students from singing a popular protest anthem, while public and school libraries are pulling books that might breach the new rules. At a speech to an education summit last weekend, city leader Carrie Lam said schools and universities had become "politicised". "Anti-central government and anti-government forces are trying to infiltrate our campuses," she said, adding that student resentment was also fuelled by "negative media reports about our country". Pro-Beijing politicians have even proposed installing cameras in classrooms to keep a tab on teachers. "Academic freedom... can't override laws and give students an excuse to do whatever they want," Tommy Cheung, a cabinet member who also sits on the council of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told AFP. Asked about the idea of cameras in classrooms he replied: "If you are not saying anything that you would not be afraid of being heard, then why would you fear being recorded?" China's definition of national security extends beyond the standard concepts of threats such as terrorism and military attacks, and is often used to crush domestic criticism on the mainland. The Hong Kong version contains many ambiguously worded provisions, including against "inducing hatred" of the government. Harder to hire As a result, some teachers say they already fear overstepping invisible red lines -- even mistakenly. "Should we uphold the critical thinking approach or should we toe the official line for better safety," said Benson Wong, a lecturer at the Education University of Hong Kong. A history teacher at an international school said he already avoided asking students to write essays about controversial topics, preferring conversations instead. "The vagaries of the national security law are designed to chill and quell discussion because one cannot know when they have stepped over the line," he told AFP. "A true education in history and social studies is not about remembering a story or being able to regurgitate a national myth." Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a prominent scholar of Chinese politics, said Hong Kong's universities were already struggling to attract the best global talent. "People are getting more hesitant to come," he told AFP, noting that it had become all but impossible in recent years to arrange conferences in Hong Kong on taboo topics such as Taiwan, Xinjiang and Tibet. Others said they would consider leaving if the situation deteriorates further. "I haven't yet determined where my line is," one lecturer at CUHK told AFP, asking to remain anonymous. "I suspect I'll know it when it's crossed, and at that moment I hope I'll have the courage of my convictions."

Hong Kong academics fear for freedom under new security law

The Trump administration has rejected Beijing's maritime claims in the South China Sea. This has drifted into a conflict that has pitted China against several Southeast Asian countries with competing claims at a time of already-strained relations between Washington and Beijing. Watch report.

South China Sea tensions: Chinese claim over S.China Sea rejected by US

As the United States continues to battle the coronavirus, there is another war brewing at the white house. The Trump administration is now clashing with its expert and its new target is the top US infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Trump administration vs Fauci amid COVID-19 pandemic

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