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Stay tuned on WION for the most intense reportage, direct from USA | WION USA Direct

Energy and meetings with members of Indian diaspora were the top focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first day of week-long US visit.

Modi's first engagement was with chief executives of top US energy companies.&nbsp;

CEOs of 17 global energy companies, whose combined net worth is one trillion US dollars, participated in the meet.&nbsp;

After the meeting, Modi tweeted "Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector."

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It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! 
 
Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector. 
 
Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG. <a href="https://t.co/COEGYupCEt">pic.twitter.com/COEGYupCEt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175600120693428225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The companies, who have presence in 150 countries, plan to increase there footprint in India.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "CEOs talked about enhancing their footprint in India. They lauded government efforts towards Ease of Doing Business, steps were taken towards deregulation in the sector, supported reforms and policies and were upbeat on the Indian economy."

Houston based company Tellurian signed an MoU with India's Petronet LNG in which the latter will invest $2.5 billion in former's proposed Driftwood LNG export terminal. In this way, Petronet will have rights to five million metric tons of LNG per year over 40 years.

Modi later met Sikh, Dawoodi Bohra community and Kashmiri Pandit community.&nbsp;

The meetings came ahead of his biggest diaspora event in Houston — Howdy Modi — which according to organisers will see the participation of 50,000 people. The event begins at around 8.30 pm IST. He will also unveil a plaque for the groundbreaking ceremony of Eternal Gandhi Museum &amp; plaque inaugurating Gujarati Samaj of Houston Event Centre &amp; Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Houston.

Modi is on a week-long US visit in which the focus is on trade, diaspora, counter-terror, climate change among others.

(With inputs from Aditi Tyagi)

Energy and meetings with members of Indian diaspora were the top focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first day of week-long US visit. Modi's first engagement was with chief executives of top US energy companies.

Energy and meetings with members of Indian diaspora were the top focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first day of week-long US visit. Modi's first engagement was with chief executives of top US energy companies. CEOs of 17 global energy companies, whose combined net worth is one trillion US dollars, participated in the meet. After the meeting, Modi tweeted "Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector." It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector. Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG. pic.twitter.com/COEGYupCEt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019 × The companies, who have presence in 150 countries, plan to increase there footprint in India. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "CEOs talked about enhancing their footprint in India. They lauded government efforts towards Ease of Doing Business, steps were taken towards deregulation in the sector, supported reforms and policies and were upbeat on the Indian economy." Houston based company Tellurian signed an MoU with India's Petronet LNG in which the latter will invest $2.5 billion in former's proposed Driftwood LNG export terminal. In this way, Petronet will have rights to five million metric tons of LNG per year over 40 years. Modi later met Sikh, Dawoodi Bohra community and Kashmiri Pandit community. The meetings came ahead of his biggest diaspora event in Houston — Howdy Modi — which according to organisers will see the participation of 50,000 people. The event begins at around 8.30 pm IST. He will also unveil a plaque for the groundbreaking ceremony of Eternal Gandhi Museum & plaque inaugurating Gujarati Samaj of Houston Event Centre & Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Houston. Modi is on a week-long US visit in which the focus is on trade, diaspora, counter-terror, climate change among others. (With inputs from Aditi Tyagi)

Energy, diaspora in spotlight on PM Modi's first day in US

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met and interacted with a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits in Houston, United States. During the interaction, one of a Kashmir pandit went on to kiss PM Modi’s hands and thanked him on behalf of 7 lakh Kashmiri Pandits.

PM Modi to Kashmiri Pandits: You've suffered a lot, We have to build a new Kashmir

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-howdy-modi-diaspora-event-meet-with-trump-multilateral-engagements-to-unga-address-pm-modis-jam-packed-us-schedule-251007">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> met and interacted with the&nbsp;members of Sikh and Bohra communities&nbsp;in Houston.

During the interaction with the Sikh community, they congratulated PM Modi on some decisions taken by the Government of India.&nbsp;

The Sikh community has also submitted a memorandum to the prime minister.

Submitting the memorandum, the Sikh community has requested PM Modi to address the issues of - 1984 Sikh genocide, dedicating Delhi airport to Guru Nanak Dev International Airport, Article 25 of Indian Constitution and Anand Marriage Act, Visa and Passport renewal of asylees.

''We submitted a memorandum and thanked Modi ji for what he has done for Sikh community. We thanked him for the Kartarpur corridor. President Trump is coming here tomorrow (at Howdy Modi), shows how important a leader PM Modi is,'' Avinder Chawla, sitting Commissioner, Arvin, California said.

The members of the Bohra community also met and interacted with the prime minister. They also felicitated PM Modi.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-interacts-with-sikh-leaders-in-houston-251123/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-in-us-pm-holds-fruitful-interaction-with-energy-sector-ceos-in-houston-says-mea-251106">PM Modi also met CEOs from the energy sector</a> at Hotel Post Oak in Houston city to energise India-USA friendship on the first day of his week-long US visit.</div>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport at Houston, Texas on Saturday on a week-long visit to the United States.

PM Modi is scheduled to address 50,000 Indian diaspora today in Houston in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-howdy-modi-trump-and-pm-modi-could-sign-trade-deal-251028">event called ''Howdy Modi''</a>.

The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-biggest-diaspora-event-in-us-on-sunday-trump-to-address-indian-american-community-251035">US President Donald Trump</a> will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and interacted with the members of Sikh and Bohra communities in Houston. During the interaction with the Sikh community, they congratulated PM Modi on some decisions taken by the Government of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and interacted with the members of Sikh and Bohra communities in Houston. During the interaction with the Sikh community, they congratulated PM Modi on some decisions taken by the Government of India. The Sikh community has also submitted a memorandum to the prime minister. Submitting the memorandum, the Sikh community has requested PM Modi to address the issues of - 1984 Sikh genocide, dedicating Delhi airport to Guru Nanak Dev International Airport, Article 25 of Indian Constitution and Anand Marriage Act, Visa and Passport renewal of asylees. ''We submitted a memorandum and thanked Modi ji for what he has done for Sikh community. We thanked him for the Kartarpur corridor. President Trump is coming here tomorrow (at Howdy Modi), shows how important a leader PM Modi is,'' Avinder Chawla, sitting Commissioner, Arvin, California said. The members of the Bohra community also met and interacted with the prime minister. They also felicitated PM Modi. Earlier, PM Modi also met CEOs from the energy sector at Hotel Post Oak in Houston city to energise India-USA friendship on the first day of his week-long US visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport at Houston, Texas on Saturday on a week-long visit to the United States. PM Modi is scheduled to address 50,000 Indian diaspora today in Houston in an event called ''Howdy Modi''. The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Sikh and Bohra community in Houston

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with members of Sikh community in Houston, United States. During the interaction, the members of Sikh community lauded PM Modi on some key decisions taken by his government since coming to power for the second term. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi meets Sikhs, Bohra and Kashmiri Pandit communities in Houston

From PM Narendra Modi's Mega NRI Event to the highly anticipated UNGA meet, WION brings to you latest updates around the globe. Stay tuned all this week for the most intense reportage, direct from USA.

WION brings to you special coverage of PM Modi's US visit | WION USA Direct

The United States announced Friday that it was sending military reinforcements to the Gulf region following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-abundantly-clear-iran-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-250674">attacks on Saudi oil facilities</a> that it attributes to Iran, just hours after President Donald Trump ordered new sanctions on Tehran.

Trump said the sanctions were the toughest-ever against another country but indicated he did not plan a military strike, calling restraint a sign of strength.

The Treasury Department renewed action against Iran's central bank after US officials said Tehran carried out weekend attacks on rival Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, which triggered a spike in global crude prices.

Those attacks, combined with an Iranian attack on an American spy drone in June, represented a "dramatic escalation of Iranian aggression," Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said.

The Pentagon chief announced that the United States would send <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attacks-on-oil-facilities-unquestionably-sponsored-by-iran-saudi-arabia-250580">military reinforcements to the Gulf region</a> at the request of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

"In response to the kingdom's request, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive in nature, and primarily focused on air and missile defence," Esper said.&nbsp;

However, Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford categorized the deployment as "moderate," with the number of troops not expected to reach the thousands.

Earlier in the day Trump attacked both critics who thought the mogul-turned-president would trigger war and hawks seeking a military response.

"The easiest thing I could do (is) knock out 15 different major things in Iran," Trump said.

"But I think the strong-person approach and the thing that does show strength would be showing a little bit of restraint," he said.

Trump in June authorized a military strike after Iran shot down the US spy drone, only to call it off at the last moment.&nbsp;

Extensive damage

Saudi Arabia on Friday revealed extensive damage from the strikes on state giant Aramco's facilities in Khurais and the world's largest oil processing facility at Abqaiq.

The attacks, which knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's oil production, have been claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, but Washington has pointed its finger at Tehran, condemning the strikes as an "act of war."

Abqaiq was struck 18 times while nearby Khurais was hit four times in a raid that triggered multiple explosions and towering flames that took hours to extinguish, Aramco officials said.

Aramco flew dozens of international journalists to the two sites to show it was speeding up repairs, giving rare access to the nerve centre of the world's largest oil producer as it seeks to shore up investor confidence ahead of a planned initial public offering (IPO).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have repeatedly targeted key Saudi infrastructure in recent months in cross-border attacks, unexpectedly announced late Friday that they planned to halt all strikes on the country.

The move, they said, was part of a peace initiative to end their country's devastating conflict which has killed tens of thousands of people -- most of them civilians -- and driven millions more to the brink of famine.

Iran denies US and Saudi accusations that it arms the Huthis.

New ground for sanctions

The United States already maintains sweeping sanctions on Iran including on its central bank, with anyone who deals with it subject to prosecution, due to Tehran's alleged nuclear program.

But the new sanctions Friday were imposed for the additional reason of "terrorism," Treasury said, adding that Iran's central bank had provided "billions of dollars" to two groups blacklisted by the United States.

WION Dispatch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-saudi-arabia-presents-proof-against-iran-250651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Treasury's action targets a crucial funding mechanism that the Iranian regime uses to support its terrorist network, including the Qods Force, Hezbollah and other militants that spread terror and destabilize the region," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

The Qods Force conducts international operations for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, while Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group and political party in Lebanon, is among Iran's closest regional partners.

Iran responded that the move showed that the United States was running out of options.

The United States also imposed sanctions on Iran's sovereign wealth fund, whose board of trustees includes President Hassan Rouhani, as well as Etemad Tejarate Pars, a company that the Treasury Department said had sent money internationally on behalf of Iran's defence ministry.

Trump recently said that he hopes for talks with Rouhani, who responded that Trump must first ease sanctions.

Last year Trump pulled out of a nuclear accord with Iran negotiated under former president Barack Obama, sending tensions soaring as he tried to stop all countries from buying Iran's oil.

The United States announced Friday that it was sending military reinforcements to the Gulf region following attacks on Saudi oil facilities that it attributes to Iran, just hours after President Donald Trump ordered new sanctions on Tehran.

The United States announced Friday that it was sending military reinforcements to the Gulf region following attacks on Saudi oil facilities that it attributes to Iran, just hours after President Donald Trump ordered new sanctions on Tehran. Trump said the sanctions were the toughest-ever against another country but indicated he did not plan a military strike, calling restraint a sign of strength. The Treasury Department renewed action against Iran's central bank after US officials said Tehran carried out weekend attacks on rival Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, which triggered a spike in global crude prices. Those attacks, combined with an Iranian attack on an American spy drone in June, represented a "dramatic escalation of Iranian aggression," Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said. The Pentagon chief announced that the United States would send military reinforcements to the Gulf region at the request of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "In response to the kingdom's request, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive in nature, and primarily focused on air and missile defence," Esper said. However, Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford categorized the deployment as "moderate," with the number of troops not expected to reach the thousands. Earlier in the day Trump attacked both critics who thought the mogul-turned-president would trigger war and hawks seeking a military response. "The easiest thing I could do (is) knock out 15 different major things in Iran," Trump said. "But I think the strong-person approach and the thing that does show strength would be showing a little bit of restraint," he said. Trump in June authorized a military strike after Iran shot down the US spy drone, only to call it off at the last moment. Extensive damage Saudi Arabia on Friday revealed extensive damage from the strikes on state giant Aramco's facilities in Khurais and the world's largest oil processing facility at Abqaiq. The attacks, which knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's oil production, have been claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, but Washington has pointed its finger at Tehran, condemning the strikes as an "act of war." Abqaiq was struck 18 times while nearby Khurais was hit four times in a raid that triggered multiple explosions and towering flames that took hours to extinguish, Aramco officials said. Aramco flew dozens of international journalists to the two sites to show it was speeding up repairs, giving rare access to the nerve centre of the world's largest oil producer as it seeks to shore up investor confidence ahead of a planned initial public offering (IPO). Meanwhile, Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have repeatedly targeted key Saudi infrastructure in recent months in cross-border attacks, unexpectedly announced late Friday that they planned to halt all strikes on the country. The move, they said, was part of a peace initiative to end their country's devastating conflict which has killed tens of thousands of people -- most of them civilians -- and driven millions more to the brink of famine. Iran denies US and Saudi accusations that it arms the Huthis. New ground for sanctions The United States already maintains sweeping sanctions on Iran including on its central bank, with anyone who deals with it subject to prosecution, due to Tehran's alleged nuclear program. But the new sanctions Friday were imposed for the additional reason of "terrorism," Treasury said, adding that Iran's central bank had provided "billions of dollars" to two groups blacklisted by the United States. WION Dispatch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran "Treasury's action targets a crucial funding mechanism that the Iranian regime uses to support its terrorist network, including the Qods Force, Hezbollah and other militants that spread terror and destabilize the region," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The Qods Force conducts international operations for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, while Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group and political party in Lebanon, is among Iran's closest regional partners. Iran responded that the move showed that the United States was running out of options. The United States also imposed sanctions on Iran's sovereign wealth fund, whose board of trustees includes President Hassan Rouhani, as well as Etemad Tejarate Pars, a company that the Treasury Department said had sent money internationally on behalf of Iran's defence ministry. Trump recently said that he hopes for talks with Rouhani, who responded that Trump must first ease sanctions. Last year Trump pulled out of a nuclear accord with Iran negotiated under former president Barack Obama, sending tensions soaring as he tried to stop all countries from buying Iran's oil.

US sending more troops to Gulf, Trump announces Iran sanctions

Ahead of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week, India's envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin has slammed Pakistan who plans to use the world stage to rake up Kashmir.&nbsp;

In response to a question on how India plans to counter Islamabad's Kashmir rant, Akbaruddin said, "It is for every country to determine its trajectory how it wants to approach global issues. There may be some who stoop low, response to them is we soar high."&nbsp;

Explaining further Akbaruddin said, "We have seen them, mainstream terrorism in the past&nbsp;and they may now want to mainstream hate speech. It is their&nbsp;call."

"Poison&nbsp;pens don't work for too long. We are confident that we will soar. We will soar when they stoop low," Akbaruddin added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has made it clear that he will be using his UNGA speech to raise Kashmir, which the Pakistani leadership has been doing for the last 70 years.

Meanwhile talking about India's engagement at UNGA, Akbaruddin said, "Extent&nbsp;of outreach is unprecedented this time" and "expect concrete tangible action-oriented visible outcomes."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of State in MEA V Muraleedharan will be reaching out in substantive meetings to 75 plus countries at heads of state/ foreign ministers for at least 30 minutes or more.

PM Modi will be speaking at 10 events that will be broadcast live. The events include--Howdy Modi in Houston, UN Climate Action summit, UN High-level meeting on universal health coverage, Leaders dialogue on strategic responses to terrorist, Third India-Pacific Island Summit, 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi event, Third annual goalkeeper's event, Bloomberg global business forum, First India-Caribbean summit and UNGA address in New York.

Ahead of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week, India's envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin has slammed Pakistan who plans to use the world stage to rake up Kashmir.

Ahead of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week, India's envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin has slammed Pakistan who plans to use the world stage to rake up Kashmir. In response to a question on how India plans to counter Islamabad's Kashmir rant, Akbaruddin said, "It is for every country to determine its trajectory how it wants to approach global issues. There may be some who stoop low, response to them is we soar high." Explaining further Akbaruddin said, "We have seen them, mainstream terrorism in the past and they may now want to mainstream hate speech. It is their call." "Poison pens don't work for too long. We are confident that we will soar. We will soar when they stoop low," Akbaruddin added. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has made it clear that he will be using his UNGA speech to raise Kashmir, which the Pakistani leadership has been doing for the last 70 years. Meanwhile talking about India's engagement at UNGA, Akbaruddin said, "Extent of outreach is unprecedented this time" and "expect concrete tangible action-oriented visible outcomes." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of State in MEA V Muraleedharan will be reaching out in substantive meetings to 75 plus countries at heads of state/ foreign ministers for at least 30 minutes or more. PM Modi will be speaking at 10 events that will be broadcast live. The events include--Howdy Modi in Houston, UN Climate Action summit, UN High-level meeting on universal health coverage, Leaders dialogue on strategic responses to terrorist, Third India-Pacific Island Summit, 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi event, Third annual goalkeeper's event, Bloomberg global business forum, First India-Caribbean summit and UNGA address in New York.

Poison pens don't work for too long: India's envoy to UN Syed Akbaruddin slams Pakistan

US President Donald Trump said on Monday Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports.

In a letter to the US&nbsp;Congress released by the White House, Trump said that he intends to enter into the agreements on tariff barriers and digital trade "in the coming weeks" and was notifying lawmakers that the tariff deal would be made under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-japan-agree-trade-deal-in-principle-245579">trade</a> law provision allowing the US&nbsp;president to make reciprocal tariff reductions by proclamation.

"In addition, I also will be entering into an Executive Agreement with Japan regarding digital trade," Trump said in the letter.

Neither agreement would require a vote in Congress under the so-called "fast track" approval process.

The Trump administration last year notified Congress that it would pursue negotiations with Japan under this method.

On a critical issue to Japan, Trump's announcement left unclear whether he has agreed not to impose threatened national security tariffs on Japanese vehicles and auto parts.

Avoiding the "Section 232" tariffs of up to 25 per cent&nbsp;was a major motivating factor for Tokyo in negotiating with Washington on trade.

"At the finishing stage, we plan to reconfirm that 232 won't be imposed," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's lead negotiator, told a regular news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Taro Aso said the deal won't contain any provision on currencies another worry for Tokyo.

Japan wants to avoid any agreement hindering its ability to intervene in the foreign-exchange markets in the event of a spike in the yen, or to expand the Bank of Japan's massive monetary stimulus.

Trump said after the&nbsp;G7 summit last month that he was not considering auto tariffs "at this moment".

Over much of the past year, the scope of talks has narrowed to exclude the automotive sector, the source of most of the $67 billion US&nbsp;trade deficit with Japan.

Instead, Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in August announced an agreement in principle of a deal that covered reductions in tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods, but not autos.

A spokesman for US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer could not immediately be reached for comment on the letter and the trade deals.

Trump and Abe said at the G7 summit in France that they hoped to sign the agreement at this month's United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Trump's letter did not disclose any content of the agreements, but Japan had previously said it was willing to consider a deal that would reduce agriculture tariffs to levels previously contemplated under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that Trump quit on his third day in office in 2017.

Trump's letter said that the United States would pursue further trade negotiations with Japan.

"My Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with the Congress on further negotiations with Japan to achieve a comprehensive trade agreement that results in more fair and reciprocal trade between the United States and Japan," Trump said.

The US&nbsp;technology industry officials say they expect the digital trade agreement with Japan to be closely aligned with provisions in the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which follow the US&nbsp;model for internet development.

The USMCA provisions aim to ensure the free flow of data across borders without taxation, prohibit data server localization requirements and limit governments' ability to require the disclosure of source code by the companies they regulate.

For Trump, the signing of even a partial trade deal with Japan centred largely on agriculture would provide some relief to US&nbsp;farmers who have been battered by a 14-month US-China trade war and lost market share.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports. In a letter to the US Congress released by the White House, Trump said that he intends to enter into the agreements on tariff barriers and digital trade "in the coming weeks" and was notifying lawmakers that the tariff deal would be made under a trade law provision allowing the US president to make reciprocal tariff reductions by proclamation. "In addition, I also will be entering into an Executive Agreement with Japan regarding digital trade," Trump said in the letter. Neither agreement would require a vote in Congress under the so-called "fast track" approval process. The Trump administration last year notified Congress that it would pursue negotiations with Japan under this method. On a critical issue to Japan, Trump's announcement left unclear whether he has agreed not to impose threatened national security tariffs on Japanese vehicles and auto parts. Avoiding the "Section 232" tariffs of up to 25 per cent was a major motivating factor for Tokyo in negotiating with Washington on trade. "At the finishing stage, we plan to reconfirm that 232 won't be imposed," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's lead negotiator, told a regular news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday. Finance Minister Taro Aso said the deal won't contain any provision on currencies another worry for Tokyo. Japan wants to avoid any agreement hindering its ability to intervene in the foreign-exchange markets in the event of a spike in the yen, or to expand the Bank of Japan's massive monetary stimulus. Trump said after the G7 summit last month that he was not considering auto tariffs "at this moment". Over much of the past year, the scope of talks has narrowed to exclude the automotive sector, the source of most of the $67 billion US trade deficit with Japan. Instead, Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in August announced an agreement in principle of a deal that covered reductions in tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods, but not autos. A spokesman for US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer could not immediately be reached for comment on the letter and the trade deals. Trump and Abe said at the G7 summit in France that they hoped to sign the agreement at this month's United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump's letter did not disclose any content of the agreements, but Japan had previously said it was willing to consider a deal that would reduce agriculture tariffs to levels previously contemplated under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that Trump quit on his third day in office in 2017. Trump's letter said that the United States would pursue further trade negotiations with Japan. "My Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with the Congress on further negotiations with Japan to achieve a comprehensive trade agreement that results in more fair and reciprocal trade between the United States and Japan," Trump said. The US technology industry officials say they expect the digital trade agreement with Japan to be closely aligned with provisions in the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which follow the US model for internet development. The USMCA provisions aim to ensure the free flow of data across borders without taxation, prohibit data server localization requirements and limit governments' ability to require the disclosure of source code by the companies they regulate. For Trump, the signing of even a partial trade deal with Japan centred largely on agriculture would provide some relief to US farmers who have been battered by a 14-month US-China trade war and lost market share.

Trump says the US reaches trade deals with Japan, no word on cars

<a href="wionews.com/world/trump-fed-should-get-us-interest-rate-down-to-zero-or-less-249064">President Donald Trump</a> attacked the Federal Reserve again Thursday for not "acting quickly" like its European counterpart to provide stimulus to the US economy.

After the European Central Bank unveiled a massive stimulus program earlier Thursday, Trump said on Twitter, "They are trying, and succeeding, in depreciating the Euro against the VERY strong Dollar, hurting US&nbsp;exports."

"And the Fed sits, and sits, and sits," Trump said in the latest blast against the US central bank.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
European Central Bank, acting quickly, Cuts Rates 10 Basis Points. They are trying, and succeeding, in depreciating the Euro against the VERY strong Dollar, hurting U.S. exports.... And the Fed sits, and sits, and sits. They get paid to borrow money, while we are paying interest!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1172120964232093697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump has maintained a relentless campaign against the Fed and its chair, Jerome Powell, with near-daily tweets criticizing the independent institution. In an outburst on Twitter on Wednesday, he called for the Fed to bring interest rates back down to zero.

The Fed's policy committee meets again next week and is widely expected to deliver another cut in interest rates, after Powell flagged the uncertainty caused by Trump's trade conflict with China and said the central bank is prepared to act to support the economy.

Investors overwhelmingly expect the Fed to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut next week, but cutting to zero would be an extreme move reserved only for a severe economic crisis.

After raising the benchmark lending rate four times last year, to a range of 2.0-2.25 per cent, the central bank cut in July for the first time in more than a decade, partly as insurance against the impact of trade uncertainties on the economy.

President Donald Trump attacked the Federal Reserve again Thursday for not "acting quickly" like its European counterpart to provide stimulus to the US economy. After the European Central Bank unveiled a massive stimulus program earlier Thursday, Trump said on Twitter, "They are trying, and succeeding, in depreciating the Euro against the VERY strong Dollar, hurting US exports.

President Donald Trump attacked the Federal Reserve again Thursday for not "acting quickly" like its European counterpart to provide stimulus to the US economy. After the European Central Bank unveiled a massive stimulus program earlier Thursday, Trump said on Twitter, "They are trying, and succeeding, in depreciating the Euro against the VERY strong Dollar, hurting US exports." "And the Fed sits, and sits, and sits," Trump said in the latest blast against the US central bank. European Central Bank, acting quickly, Cuts Rates 10 Basis Points. They are trying, and succeeding, in depreciating the Euro against the VERY strong Dollar, hurting U.S. exports.... And the Fed sits, and sits, and sits. They get paid to borrow money, while we are paying interest! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 12, 2019 × Trump has maintained a relentless campaign against the Fed and its chair, Jerome Powell, with near-daily tweets criticizing the independent institution. In an outburst on Twitter on Wednesday, he called for the Fed to bring interest rates back down to zero. The Fed's policy committee meets again next week and is widely expected to deliver another cut in interest rates, after Powell flagged the uncertainty caused by Trump's trade conflict with China and said the central bank is prepared to act to support the economy. Investors overwhelmingly expect the Fed to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut next week, but cutting to zero would be an extreme move reserved only for a severe economic crisis. After raising the benchmark lending rate four times last year, to a range of 2.0-2.25 per cent, the central bank cut in July for the first time in more than a decade, partly as insurance against the impact of trade uncertainties on the economy.

Trump criticises Federal Reserve for not 'acting quickly' as European Central Bank

U.S President Donald Trump has called off peace talks with the Taliban just after the terror group claimed responsibility of a car bomb attack

Trump calls off peace talks with Taliban

U.S. Space Command 'Space Com' To Be the Command Center For Space Military Operations

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US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Trump made a remark to reporters at the White House before leaving for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland.

Trump said on Thursday US troop levels in Afghanistan were being reduced to 8,600 but that American forces would remain in the country even if Washington reaches an agreement with the Taliban to end the 18-year war.

The Taliban said on Wednesday it was close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise that the country would not become a haven for international militants.

Both US and Taliban negotiators have reported progress in their talks in recent weeks, raising the prospect of an end to the conflict. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, was due to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Afghan leaders.

The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and ousted its Taliban leaders after they refused to hand over members of the al Qaeda militant group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump made a remark to reporters at the White House before leaving for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland. Trump said on Thursday US troop levels in Afghanistan were being reduced to 8,600 but that American forces would remain in the country even if Washington reaches an agreement with the Taliban to end the 18-year war. The Taliban said on Wednesday it was close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise that the country would not become a haven for international militants. Both US and Taliban negotiators have reported progress in their talks in recent weeks, raising the prospect of an end to the conflict. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, was due to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Afghan leaders. The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and ousted its Taliban leaders after they refused to hand over members of the al Qaeda militant group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Trump says US has good negotiations with Taliban but no deal yet

US President Donald Trump said his longtime executive assistant Madeleine Westerhout had a "bad night" when she allegedly shared details about the first family at a dinner with reporters.

Trump's assistant resigns, said things that were "a little bit hurtful" - Trump

US President Donald Trump blames federal policies again. Trump says the US economy does not have a 'tariff problem' and blames badly run companies.

US President Donald Trump blames federal policies again

Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said the "war on nature must end" and called on Donald Trump to listen to science after she sailed into New York on a zero-emissions yacht Wednesday.

The 16-year-old completed a 15-day journey across the Atlantic shortly after 4:00 pm, stepping off the boat onto a Manhattan dock to cheering crowds chanting her name.

"It is devastating and so horrible. It's hard to imagine. They are a clear sign that we need to stop destroying nature," she told waiting reporters when asked how she felt about raging fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest.

The Swede also rebuked Trump, a notorious climate change sceptic.&nbsp;

"My message for him is listen to the science and he obviously doesn't do that," she said, as she brought her environmental message to the United States for the first time.

Thunberg poked fun at the president too by saying she was "pretty sure" windmills don't cause cancer, in reference to a comment Trump made at a Republican fundraising event in April.

The teenager has become a symbol for climate action with her stark warnings of catastrophe if the world does not act now to cut carbon emissions and curb global warming.

Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 to get members to act on climate change.

She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born.

She will attend a summit on zero emissions at the United Nations next month but refused to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by planes.

The Swede was offered a ride on the Malizia II racing yacht skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Monaco's Princess Caroline, and German round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann.

Thunberg has received criticism and abuse for her uncompromising attitude, however.

'Insane'

Her voyage sparked controversy after a spokesman for co-skipper Herrmann told Berlin newspaper TAZ that several people would fly into New York to help take the yacht back to Europe.

Hermann himself will also return by plane, according to the spokesman.

Team Malizia's manager insisted, though, that the young activist's journey would be climate neutral, as the flights would "be offset."

A few hundred well-wishers and activists clapped and chanted "Greta, Greta, Greta" as she completed her 3,000-nautical-mile (5,550 kilometers) trip under overcast skies.

She passed the Statue of Liberty and headed up the Hudson River before docking at North Cove Marina near the World Trade Center.

The United Nations sent a flotilla of 17 sailboats, one for each of its sustainable development goals for 2030, to welcome her.

Thunberg endured rough seas and cramped conditions but said she never felt seasick once. She ate freeze-dried food and used a bucket as a toilet.

"It's insane that a 16-year-old has to cross the Atlantic Ocean to make a stand. This, of course, is not something that I want everyone to do," she said, smiling.

Thunberg added that she planned to rest before joining youngsters striking outside the UN on Friday.

The Malizia II yacht left Plymouth in southern England on August 14, and the teenager marked the first anniversary of the start of her school strike on August 20.

The 18-meter yacht features state-of-the-art solar panels on its deck and sides, and two hydro-generators provide the vessel's electricity.

It can travel at speeds of around 35 knots (70 kilometers an hour).

Thunberg has said that she does not yet know how she will return to Europe.

Ahead of the UN summit on September 23, Thunberg will take part in youth demonstrations, before heading to Canada, Mexico and then to Chile for another UN conference in December.

Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said the "war on nature must end" and called on Donald Trump to listen to science after she sailed into New York on a zero-emissions yacht Wednesday.

Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said the "war on nature must end" and called on Donald Trump to listen to science after she sailed into New York on a zero-emissions yacht Wednesday. The 16-year-old completed a 15-day journey across the Atlantic shortly after 4:00 pm, stepping off the boat onto a Manhattan dock to cheering crowds chanting her name. "It is devastating and so horrible. It's hard to imagine. They are a clear sign that we need to stop destroying nature," she told waiting reporters when asked how she felt about raging fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest. The Swede also rebuked Trump, a notorious climate change sceptic. "My message for him is listen to the science and he obviously doesn't do that," she said, as she brought her environmental message to the United States for the first time. Thunberg poked fun at the president too by saying she was "pretty sure" windmills don't cause cancer, in reference to a comment Trump made at a Republican fundraising event in April. The teenager has become a symbol for climate action with her stark warnings of catastrophe if the world does not act now to cut carbon emissions and curb global warming. Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 to get members to act on climate change. She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born. She will attend a summit on zero emissions at the United Nations next month but refused to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by planes. The Swede was offered a ride on the Malizia II racing yacht skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Monaco's Princess Caroline, and German round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann. Thunberg has received criticism and abuse for her uncompromising attitude, however. 'Insane' Her voyage sparked controversy after a spokesman for co-skipper Herrmann told Berlin newspaper TAZ that several people would fly into New York to help take the yacht back to Europe. Hermann himself will also return by plane, according to the spokesman. Team Malizia's manager insisted, though, that the young activist's journey would be climate neutral, as the flights would "be offset." A few hundred well-wishers and activists clapped and chanted "Greta, Greta, Greta" as she completed her 3,000-nautical-mile (5,550 kilometers) trip under overcast skies. She passed the Statue of Liberty and headed up the Hudson River before docking at North Cove Marina near the World Trade Center. The United Nations sent a flotilla of 17 sailboats, one for each of its sustainable development goals for 2030, to welcome her. Thunberg endured rough seas and cramped conditions but said she never felt seasick once. She ate freeze-dried food and used a bucket as a toilet. "It's insane that a 16-year-old has to cross the Atlantic Ocean to make a stand. This, of course, is not something that I want everyone to do," she said, smiling. Thunberg added that she planned to rest before joining youngsters striking outside the UN on Friday. The Malizia II yacht left Plymouth in southern England on August 14, and the teenager marked the first anniversary of the start of her school strike on August 20. The 18-meter yacht features state-of-the-art solar panels on its deck and sides, and two hydro-generators provide the vessel's electricity. It can travel at speeds of around 35 knots (70 kilometers an hour). Thunberg has said that she does not yet know how she will return to Europe. Ahead of the UN summit on September 23, Thunberg will take part in youth demonstrations, before heading to Canada, Mexico and then to Chile for another UN conference in December.

'War on nature must end,' says activist Greta Thunberg in New York

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bahrain-honours-pm-modi-with-king-hamad-order-of-the-renaissance-245393">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday departed from Bahrain to France's Biarritz to attend the G7 summit.

PM Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26.

Earlier on August 22, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-defence-and-kashmir-in-the-spotlight-as-modi-meets-macron-ahead-of-g7-summit-244916">PM Modi visited France</a> and held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

On the bilateral side, Modi and Macron discussed a gamut of issues.

PM&nbsp;Modi is also expected to interact with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-trump-set-to-meet-at-g7-summit-on-august-26-244877">US President Donald Trump</a> and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at G7.

It's after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday departed from Bahrain to France's Biarritz to attend the G7 summit. PM Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday departed from Bahrain to France's Biarritz to attend the G7 summit. PM Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26. Earlier on August 22, PM Modi visited France and held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. On the bilateral side, Modi and Macron discussed a gamut of issues. PM Modi is also expected to interact with US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at G7. It's after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for France to attend G7 summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-threatens-trade-retaliation-brazil-sends-army-to-fight-amazon-fires-245212">As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires</a>

European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-short-range-missiles-again-complicating-us-attempts-for-talks-245221">North Korea launches short-range missiles again, complicating US attempts for talks</a>

North Korea fired what appears to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heaps-another-5-tariff-on-chinese-goods-in-latest-tit-for-tat-escalation-245211">Trump heaps another 5% tariff on Chinese goods in latest tit-for-tat escalation</a>

US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5 per cent duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world's two largest economies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-be-honoured-with-uaes-highest-civilian-award-245219">PM Modi to be honoured with UAE's highest civilian award for boosting ties</a>

Indian Prime will be conferred with United Arab Emirates's highest civilian award--the Zayed medal on Saturday. The award was announced in April this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitleys-health-deteriorated-aiims-245239">Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health deteriorates, says AIIMS sources</a>

Two weeks after being hospitalised, former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health has been deteriorating, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) sources said on Friday.

As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis.

As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis. North Korea launches short-range missiles again, complicating US attempts for talks North Korea fired what appears to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks. Trump heaps another 5% tariff on Chinese goods in latest tit-for-tat escalation US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5 per cent duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world's two largest economies. PM Modi to be honoured with UAE's highest civilian award for boosting ties Indian Prime will be conferred with United Arab Emirates's highest civilian award--the Zayed medal on Saturday. The award was announced in April this year. Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health deteriorates, says AIIMS sources Two weeks after being hospitalised, former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health has been deteriorating, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) sources said on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Gold&nbsp;surged&nbsp;2 per cent on&nbsp;Friday as investors interpreted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-eke-out-small-gains-ahead-of-federal-reserve-chair-jerome-powell-speech-244921">US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome&nbsp;Powell</a>'s&nbsp;speech&nbsp;as leaning toward a dovish monetary policy stance and President Donald&nbsp;Trump's latest comments exacerbated trade tensions with China.

Spot&nbsp;gold&nbsp;rose 1.9per cent at $1,526.60 an ounce by 14:08 pm EDT (1801 GMT), shaking off slight headwinds ahead of the Fed Chair's&nbsp;speech.

Prices earlier rose to $1,528.79, the highest since August&nbsp;13, when spot&nbsp;gold&nbsp;had scaled a six-year peak of $1,534.31.

US&nbsp;gold&nbsp;futures settled up 1.9per cent to $1,537.60.

"The fact that he (Powell) said that they (the Fed) will act appropriately to sustain expansion is pretty bullish for&nbsp;gold. The two primary tools they have are quantitative easing (QE) or lower rates - both those tools will cause&nbsp;gold&nbsp;to go higher," said Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures.

"The move this morning is just more people buying&nbsp;gold&nbsp;simply with the expectations that interest rates will be lower by year-end."

Powell&nbsp;said the US economy is in a "favourable place," but gave few clues about interest rate cuts at its next meeting.

However, he listed a series of economic and geopolitical risks the Fed is monitoring, noting these were linked to the trade spat.

"We shouldn't be surprised if we see the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fedex-offers-cautious-2020-outlook-as-ceo-slams-united-states-china-on-trade-230487">Fed deliver a full percentage point</a> in rate cuts over the next 12 months and a new QE program as we may only need a couple of the following macro events to blow up: trade uncertainties, weakness in China and Germany, Brexit, Hong Kong, and the dissolution of the Italian government," Edward Moya, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note.

Powell's&nbsp;speech&nbsp;prompted a backlash from&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on Twitter, asking whether the Fed chair was a greater "enemy" than China's leader Xi Jinping.

Trump&nbsp;also ratcheted up the rhetoric on China, ordering US companies to look at ways to close operations in the country, which sent equities tumbling and drove further inflows into safe-haven&nbsp;gold.

This came&nbsp;after&nbsp;China unveiled retaliatory tariffs against about $75 billion worth of US&nbsp;goods.

"This means there is no resolution, the escalation continues. Investors are selling the risk and buying&nbsp;gold," said SP Angel analyst Sergey Raevskiy.

Gold&nbsp;has risen nearly 8 per cent so far this month and about 19per cent this year and was set for a fourth straight week of gains.

Elsewhere, silver gained 2.3per cent to $17.39 an ounce, while platinum was up 0.1per cent at $858.11.

Palladium fell 1.7per cent to $1,461.83 an ounce, but the autocatalyst metal remained on track for a third straight weekly gain of about 0.9

Gold surged 2 per cent on Friday as investors interpreted US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech as leaning toward a dovish monetary policy stance and President Donald Trump's latest comments exacerbated trade tensions with China.

Gold surged 2 per cent on Friday as investors interpreted US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech as leaning toward a dovish monetary policy stance and President Donald Trump's latest comments exacerbated trade tensions with China. Spot gold rose 1.9per cent at $1,526.60 an ounce by 14:08 pm EDT (1801 GMT), shaking off slight headwinds ahead of the Fed Chair's speech. Prices earlier rose to $1,528.79, the highest since August 13, when spot gold had scaled a six-year peak of $1,534.31. US gold futures settled up 1.9per cent to $1,537.60. "The fact that he (Powell) said that they (the Fed) will act appropriately to sustain expansion is pretty bullish for gold. The two primary tools they have are quantitative easing (QE) or lower rates - both those tools will cause gold to go higher," said Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures. "The move this morning is just more people buying gold simply with the expectations that interest rates will be lower by year-end." Powell said the US economy is in a "favourable place," but gave few clues about interest rate cuts at its next meeting. However, he listed a series of economic and geopolitical risks the Fed is monitoring, noting these were linked to the trade spat. "We shouldn't be surprised if we see the Fed deliver a full percentage point in rate cuts over the next 12 months and a new QE program as we may only need a couple of the following macro events to blow up: trade uncertainties, weakness in China and Germany, Brexit, Hong Kong, and the dissolution of the Italian government," Edward Moya, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note. Powell's speech prompted a backlash from Trump on Twitter, asking whether the Fed chair was a greater "enemy" than China's leader Xi Jinping. Trump also ratcheted up the rhetoric on China, ordering US companies to look at ways to close operations in the country, which sent equities tumbling and drove further inflows into safe-haven gold. This came after China unveiled retaliatory tariffs against about $75 billion worth of US goods. "This means there is no resolution, the escalation continues. Investors are selling the risk and buying gold," said SP Angel analyst Sergey Raevskiy. Gold has risen nearly 8 per cent so far this month and about 19per cent this year and was set for a fourth straight week of gains. Elsewhere, silver gained 2.3per cent to $17.39 an ounce, while platinum was up 0.1per cent at $858.11. Palladium fell 1.7per cent to $1,461.83 an ounce, but the autocatalyst metal remained on track for a third straight weekly gain of about 0.9

Gold soars 2% after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speech, Trump tweets

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that other countries must assume the battle against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/any-role-for-pakistan-backed-extremists-in-afghanistan-is-bad-news-for-south-asia-244288">Islamic extremists</a> as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-vows-to-eliminate-islamic-state-says-will-take-revenge-for-our-people-244235">US negotiates</a> a withdrawal from Afghanistan.

He also warned Europeans to take back nationals captured fighting for the Islamic State, or he will release them back to their countries.

Asked by journalists if he is concerned about the reemergence of the Islamic State group in Iraq, Trump said forces under his lead had wiped out the extremists' caliphate.

Watch: Other countries need to take up fight against Islamic State militants, says Trump

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&nbsp;

"At a certain point Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, they are going to have to fight their battles too."

"We wiped out the caliphate 100 per cent. I did it in record time. But at a certain point, all of these other countries, where ISIS is around ... are going to have to fight them. Because do we want to stay there another 19 years? I don't think so."

He singled out India and Pakistan as frontline countries that are doing little to fight jihadist groups.

"Look, India's right there, they are not fighting it, we're fighting it. Pakistan is next door. They're fighting it, very little.... it's not fair. The United States is seven thousand miles away," he told reporters.

The Trump administration has reduced the US military presence in Syria and Iraq and is negotiating a US withdrawal from Afghanistan with the Taliban insurgents.

But defence experts warn that a vacuum left by the United States could allow an extremist resurgence.

A recent Pentagon report said that the Islamic State is reforming and launching attacks after losing their hold on physical territory in Iraq and Syria.

Trump, meanwhile, assailed France and Germany for not repatriating citizens who had fought with the Islamic State and are now being held in camps in Syria.

"We're holding thousands of ISIS fighters right now. And Europe has to take them," he said.

"If Europe doesn't take them, I'll have no choice but to release them into the countries from which they came. Which is Germany and France and other places."&nbsp;

"We captured them, we've got thousands of them, and now, as usual, our allies don't want 'em," he said.

"The United States is not going to put them in Guantanamo for the next 50 years and pay for it."

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that other countries must assume the battle against Islamic extremists as the US negotiates a withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that other countries must assume the battle against Islamic extremists as the US negotiates a withdrawal from Afghanistan. He also warned Europeans to take back nationals captured fighting for the Islamic State, or he will release them back to their countries. Asked by journalists if he is concerned about the reemergence of the Islamic State group in Iraq, Trump said forces under his lead had wiped out the extremists' caliphate. Watch: Other countries need to take up fight against Islamic State militants, says Trump × "At a certain point Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, they are going to have to fight their battles too." "We wiped out the caliphate 100 per cent. I did it in record time. But at a certain point, all of these other countries, where ISIS is around ... are going to have to fight them. Because do we want to stay there another 19 years? I don't think so." He singled out India and Pakistan as frontline countries that are doing little to fight jihadist groups. "Look, India's right there, they are not fighting it, we're fighting it. Pakistan is next door. They're fighting it, very little.... it's not fair. The United States is seven thousand miles away," he told reporters. The Trump administration has reduced the US military presence in Syria and Iraq and is negotiating a US withdrawal from Afghanistan with the Taliban insurgents. But defence experts warn that a vacuum left by the United States could allow an extremist resurgence. A recent Pentagon report said that the Islamic State is reforming and launching attacks after losing their hold on physical territory in Iraq and Syria. Trump, meanwhile, assailed France and Germany for not repatriating citizens who had fought with the Islamic State and are now being held in camps in Syria. "We're holding thousands of ISIS fighters right now. And Europe has to take them," he said. "If Europe doesn't take them, I'll have no choice but to release them into the countries from which they came. Which is Germany and France and other places." "We captured them, we've got thousands of them, and now, as usual, our allies don't want 'em," he said. "The United States is not going to put them in Guantanamo for the next 50 years and pay for it."

India should take a larger role in fighting terrorism in Afghanistan: Donald Trump

Greenland dismissed the notion that it might be up for sale after reports that US President Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisers the idea of buying the world's biggest island.

Greenland tells Trump it is open for business but not for sale

The United States President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trumps-kashmir-mediation-offer-not-on-table-anymore-indian-envoy-242696">Trump's offer to mediate</a> between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-calls-us-president-donald-trump-to-discuss-kashmir-243492">Imran Khan had called Trump</a> on Friday ahead of the United Nations Security Council consultation meetings on how to react to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's letter.

Qureshi had earlier written a letter to UNSC president Joanna Wronecka, urging the council to urgently convene a session on India's decision to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir and revoking of Article 370.

A statement from White House Deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said, "The President conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."&nbsp;

The development comes after the&nbsp;Indian Envoy to the United States, Harsh Shringla in an interview to a private US channel said, "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan accepting it."

Harsh Shringla further added, "Since India has not accepted the offer of mediation, he has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore."

Last month, Trump, while sitting next to Imran Khan in White House said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit and he is willing to mediate. He again reiterated the offer in early August.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with Minister of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally.

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally. Imran Khan had called Trump on Friday ahead of the United Nations Security Council consultation meetings on how to react to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's letter. Qureshi had earlier written a letter to UNSC president Joanna Wronecka, urging the council to urgently convene a session on India's decision to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir and revoking of Article 370. A statement from White House Deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said, "The President conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir." The development comes after the Indian Envoy to the United States, Harsh Shringla in an interview to a private US channel said, "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan accepting it." Harsh Shringla further added, "Since India has not accepted the offer of mediation, he has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore." Last month, Trump, while sitting next to Imran Khan in White House said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit and he is willing to mediate. He again reiterated the offer in early August. This was dismissed by the Indian side with Minister of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.

Mediation off table as US President Donald Trump says Indian and Pakistan should resolve issues bilaterally

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-gets-update-from-aides-on-afghan-peace-plan-with-troop-pullout-possible-243530">US President Donald Trump</a> said he was having dinner on Friday with Chief Executive Officer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-trump-goof-up-tim-cook-renames-his-twitter-handle-as-tim-apple-201972">Tim Cook of Apple</a>, a company the president has criticized for not manufacturing more of its products in the United States.

"Having dinner tonight with Tim Cook of Apple. They will be spending vast sums of money in the US Great!" Trump, who is on a working vacation at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, said in a Twitter message.

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Having dinner tonight with Tim Cook of Apple. They will be spending vast sums of money in the U.S. Great!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1162500362810642437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The White House did not immediately respond to a question about the agenda for the dinner and what Trump was referring to when he said Apple would be spending vast sums in the United States.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has said he wants Apple and other manufacturers to move their production from China and other countries to the United States.

Another round of US tariffs on Chinese imports had been due to take effect in Sept. 1, but the Trump administration this week delayed the tariffs on some products until December 15.

"We're doing this for Christmas season, just in case some of the tariffs would have an impact on US customers," Trump said on Tuesday after the announcement.

Levies on Apple's MacBooks and iPhones were delayed until December, while tariffs on its AirPods, Apple Watch and HomePod will go into effect as scheduled next month.

The United States and China are locked in a trade war over US demands that China change its policies on intellectual property protection, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and other trade barriers.

Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September.

US President Donald Trump said he was having dinner on Friday with Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook of Apple, a company the president has criticized for not manufacturing more of its products in the United States.

US President Donald Trump said he was having dinner on Friday with Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook of Apple, a company the president has criticized for not manufacturing more of its products in the United States. "Having dinner tonight with Tim Cook of Apple. They will be spending vast sums of money in the US Great!" Trump, who is on a working vacation at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, said in a Twitter message. Having dinner tonight with Tim Cook of Apple. They will be spending vast sums of money in the U.S. Great! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2019 × The White House did not immediately respond to a question about the agenda for the dinner and what Trump was referring to when he said Apple would be spending vast sums in the United States. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump has said he wants Apple and other manufacturers to move their production from China and other countries to the United States. Another round of US tariffs on Chinese imports had been due to take effect in Sept. 1, but the Trump administration this week delayed the tariffs on some products until December 15. "We're doing this for Christmas season, just in case some of the tariffs would have an impact on US customers," Trump said on Tuesday after the announcement. Levies on Apple's MacBooks and iPhones were delayed until December, while tariffs on its AirPods, Apple Watch and HomePod will go into effect as scheduled next month. The United States and China are locked in a trade war over US demands that China change its policies on intellectual property protection, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and other trade barriers. Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September.

Having dinner on Friday with Tim Cook of Apple: Trump

Greenland on Friday dismissed the notion that it might be up for sale after reports that US President Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisers the idea of buying the world's biggest island.

"We are open for business, but we're not for sale," Greenland's foreign minister Ane Lone Bagger told Reuters.

Trump is due to visit Copenhagen in September and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-floating-nuclear-reactor-ready-for-arctic-operations-environmentalists-concerned-232605">Arctic will be on the agenda during meetings</a> with the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.

Talk of a Greenland purchase was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

Two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that the notion had been laughed off by some advisers as a joke but was taken more seriously by others in the White House.

Danish politicians on Friday poured scorn on the idea.

"It has to be an April Fool's joke. Totally out of season," former prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Twitter.

"If he is truly contemplating this, then this is final proof, that he has gone mad," foreign affairs spokesman for the Danish People's Party, Soren Espersen, told broadcaster DR.

"The thought of Denmark selling 50,000 citizens to the United States is completely ridiculous," he said.

Greenland, a self-ruling part of Denmark located between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, is dependant on Danish economic support. It handles its domestic affairs while Copenhagen looks after defence and foreign policy.

"I am sure a majority in Greenland believes it is better to have a relation to Denmark than the United States, in the long term," Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, Danish MP from Greenland's second-largest party Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), told Reuters.

"My immediate thought is 'No, thank you'," she said.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod were not available for comment but officials said they would respond later on Friday.

The US Embassy in Copenhagen was also not immediately available for comment.

"Oh dear lord. As someone who loves Greenland, has been there nine times to every corner and loves the people, this is a complete and total catastrophe," former US ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford, said in on Twitter.

Greenland is gaining attention from global superpowers including China, Russia, and the United States due to its strategic location and its mineral resources.

In May, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Russia was behaving aggressively in the Arctic and China's actions there had to be watched closely as well.

A defence treaty between Denmark and the United States dating back to 1951 gives the US military rights over the Thule Air Base in northern Greenland.

There has been no indication that a Greenland purchase will be on the agenda for Trump's talks with Danish officials.

Martin Lidegaard, the senior lawmaker of the Danish Social Liberal Party and a former foreign minister, called the idea "a grotesque proposal" which had no basis in reality.

"We are talking about real people and you can't just sell Greenland like an old colonial power," he told Reuters.

"But what we can take seriously is that the US stakes and interest in the Arctic is significantly on the rise and they want a much bigger influence," he added.

In 1917 Denmark sold off the then Danish West Indies islands for $25 million to the United States, which renamed them the United States Virgin Islands.

Greenland on Friday dismissed the notion that it might be up for sale after reports that US President Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisers the idea of buying the world's biggest island.

Greenland on Friday dismissed the notion that it might be up for sale after reports that US President Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisers the idea of buying the world's biggest island. "We are open for business, but we're not for sale," Greenland's foreign minister Ane Lone Bagger told Reuters. Trump is due to visit Copenhagen in September and the Arctic will be on the agenda during meetings with the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Talk of a Greenland purchase was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that the notion had been laughed off by some advisers as a joke but was taken more seriously by others in the White House. Danish politicians on Friday poured scorn on the idea. "It has to be an April Fool's joke. Totally out of season," former prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Twitter. "If he is truly contemplating this, then this is final proof, that he has gone mad," foreign affairs spokesman for the Danish People's Party, Soren Espersen, told broadcaster DR. "The thought of Denmark selling 50,000 citizens to the United States is completely ridiculous," he said. Greenland, a self-ruling part of Denmark located between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, is dependant on Danish economic support. It handles its domestic affairs while Copenhagen looks after defence and foreign policy. "I am sure a majority in Greenland believes it is better to have a relation to Denmark than the United States, in the long term," Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, Danish MP from Greenland's second-largest party Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), told Reuters. "My immediate thought is 'No, thank you'," she said. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod were not available for comment but officials said they would respond later on Friday. The US Embassy in Copenhagen was also not immediately available for comment. "Oh dear lord. As someone who loves Greenland, has been there nine times to every corner and loves the people, this is a complete and total catastrophe," former US ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford, said in on Twitter. Greenland is gaining attention from global superpowers including China, Russia, and the United States due to its strategic location and its mineral resources. In May, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Russia was behaving aggressively in the Arctic and China's actions there had to be watched closely as well. A defence treaty between Denmark and the United States dating back to 1951 gives the US military rights over the Thule Air Base in northern Greenland. There has been no indication that a Greenland purchase will be on the agenda for Trump's talks with Danish officials. Martin Lidegaard, the senior lawmaker of the Danish Social Liberal Party and a former foreign minister, called the idea "a grotesque proposal" which had no basis in reality. "We are talking about real people and you can't just sell Greenland like an old colonial power," he told Reuters. "But what we can take seriously is that the US stakes and interest in the Arctic is significantly on the rise and they want a much bigger influence," he added. In 1917 Denmark sold off the then Danish West Indies islands for $25 million to the United States, which renamed them the United States Virgin Islands.

Greenland tells US President Donald Trump it is open for business but not for sale

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 14th, 2019

Indian stock indexes ended almost 1% higher on Wednesday, after Washington delayed tariffs on some Chinese imports, bringing relief to markets across Asia.

The benchmark NSE Nifty ended 0.95% higher at 11,029.40, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.96% at 37,311.53.

Shares in Tata Steel Ltd, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and Vedanta Ltd were among the top gainers on the NSE index, gaining amid a rise in commodity prices.

The Nifty metal index, which has slid nearly 24% since the beginning of the year, rose 2.3%.

Indian stock indexes ended almost 1% higher on Wednesday, after Washington delayed tariffs on some Chinese imports, bringing relief to markets across Asia. The benchmark NSE Nifty ended 0.

Indian stock indexes ended almost 1% higher on Wednesday, after Washington delayed tariffs on some Chinese imports, bringing relief to markets across Asia. The benchmark NSE Nifty ended 0.95% higher at 11,029.40, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.96% at 37,311.53. Shares in Tata Steel Ltd, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and Vedanta Ltd were among the top gainers on the NSE index, gaining amid a rise in commodity prices. The Nifty metal index, which has slid nearly 24% since the beginning of the year, rose 2.3%.

Nifty, Sensex end higher after Trump delays China tariffs

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/india-charging-us-over-100-per-cent-tariffs-on-many-products-donald-trump-208487">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday said that countries like<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-trade-talks-to-restart-friday-amid-few-signs-of-compromise-234949"> India </a>and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO.

Addressing a gathering at Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Trump said "China, India, many countries -&nbsp;for a long time, they viewed them as “they’re growing.”&nbsp;Right?&nbsp;They’re “growing nations.”&nbsp;We’re a “mature nation.”&nbsp;They’re growing.&nbsp;These are “growing nations," said US president.

"Well, they’ve grown.&nbsp;And they had tremendous advantages.&nbsp;But we’re not letting that happen anymore, okay?&nbsp;We’re not letting that happen anymore," he added

Donald Trump told the conference that economic growth promoted by his policies would help the world, in an attempt to square his “America First” agenda with globalism.

Trump, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products and has described the country as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-king-india-wants-trade-talks-us-immediately-says-trump-168847">"tariff king".</a>

Last February, India slashed the customs duty on imported motorcycles like Harley-Davidson to 50 per cent after Trump called it "unfair" and threatened to increase the tariff on import of Indian bikes to the US.

Trade between and India and the US was worth $142.1 billion in 2018, with India having a surplus of $24.2 billion.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that countries like India and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO. Addressing a gathering at Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Trump said "China, India, many countries - for a long time, they viewed them as “they’re growing.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that countries like India and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO. Addressing a gathering at Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Trump said "China, India, many countries - for a long time, they viewed them as “they’re growing.” Right? They’re “growing nations.” We’re a “mature nation.” They’re growing. These are “growing nations," said US president. "Well, they’ve grown. And they had tremendous advantages. But we’re not letting that happen anymore, okay? We’re not letting that happen anymore," he added Donald Trump told the conference that economic growth promoted by his policies would help the world, in an attempt to square his “America First” agenda with globalism. Trump, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products and has described the country as a "tariff king". Last February, India slashed the customs duty on imported motorcycles like Harley-Davidson to 50 per cent after Trump called it "unfair" and threatened to increase the tariff on import of Indian bikes to the US. Trade between and India and the US was worth $142.1 billion in 2018, with India having a surplus of $24.2 billion.

Trump accuses India, China of taking advantage of 'developing nations' tag in WTO

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 13th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 12th, 2019

Two US gold medal winners could face sanctions after staging dramatic podium protests against US President Donald Trump at the Pan American Games in Lima.

Gwen Berry stunned the crowd when she raised a clenched right fist and bowed her head as the US national anthem closed her gold medal ceremony for the women's hammer.

The 30-year-old's protest on Saturday -- which she told US media was aimed at "extreme injustice" - echoed the iconic raised fist protest of US sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.

On Friday, two-time Olympian fencer Race Imboden, 26, set the tone after 'taking a knee' as his team celebrated gold in the team foil event.

He was the latest US sports star to follow NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick,&nbsp;whose kneeling protest during the US national anthem before NFL games in 2016 became a national issue.

"We must call for change. This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze," tweeted Imboden.

"My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list.&nbsp;

"I chose to sacrifice my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change."

Imboden had already staged a similar kneeling protest at the 2017 Fencing World Cup in Egypt.

Mark Jones, vice president of communications for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), told ESPN that the governing body was considering what sanctions it might impose.

"Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature," Jones said in a statement to the US sports network.&nbsp;

"In these cases, the athletes didn't adhere to the commitment they made to the organizing committee and the USOPC.

"We respect their rights to express their viewpoints, but we are disappointed that they chose not to honor their commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result."

Current athletes aren't the only ones who have used the Pan Am Games to call out Trump, with Olympic athletics legend Carl Lewis -- attending at the invitation of Lima Organizers -- also weighing in.

"We have a president who is racist and a misogynist, who doesn't value anybody but himself," said Lewis, who was asked to weigh in on the issue of gender equality in sport.

"My mother was a pioneer. My parents were teachers and they taught us that everyone deserves the same opportunities," said Lewis, who counts nine Olympic gold medals among his 10 total.

"Of course I'm for (equal pay) in athletics. We shouldn't even be talking about it."

Two US gold medal winners could face sanctions after staging dramatic podium protests against US President Donald Trump at the Pan American Games in Lima. Gwen Berry stunned the crowd when she raised a clenched right fist and bowed her head as the US national anthem closed her gold medal ceremony for the women's hammer.

Two US gold medal winners could face sanctions after staging dramatic podium protests against US President Donald Trump at the Pan American Games in Lima. Gwen Berry stunned the crowd when she raised a clenched right fist and bowed her head as the US national anthem closed her gold medal ceremony for the women's hammer. The 30-year-old's protest on Saturday -- which she told US media was aimed at "extreme injustice" - echoed the iconic raised fist protest of US sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. On Friday, two-time Olympian fencer Race Imboden, 26, set the tone after 'taking a knee' as his team celebrated gold in the team foil event. He was the latest US sports star to follow NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose kneeling protest during the US national anthem before NFL games in 2016 became a national issue. "We must call for change. This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze," tweeted Imboden. "My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list. "I chose to sacrifice my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change." Imboden had already staged a similar kneeling protest at the 2017 Fencing World Cup in Egypt. Mark Jones, vice president of communications for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), told ESPN that the governing body was considering what sanctions it might impose. "Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature," Jones said in a statement to the US sports network. "In these cases, the athletes didn't adhere to the commitment they made to the organizing committee and the USOPC. "We respect their rights to express their viewpoints, but we are disappointed that they chose not to honor their commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result." Current athletes aren't the only ones who have used the Pan Am Games to call out Trump, with Olympic athletics legend Carl Lewis -- attending at the invitation of Lima Organizers -- also weighing in. "We have a president who is racist and a misogynist, who doesn't value anybody but himself," said Lewis, who was asked to weigh in on the issue of gender equality in sport. "My mother was a pioneer. My parents were teachers and they taught us that everyone deserves the same opportunities," said Lewis, who counts nine Olympic gold medals among his 10 total. "Of course I'm for (equal pay) in athletics. We shouldn't even be talking about it."

US gold medallists at Pan American Games face sanctions over anti-Trump podium protests

A photo of U.S. President Donald Trump smiling broadly and giving a thumbs-up as his wife, Melania, cradles a baby orphaned in the El Paso, Texas mass shooting has become a social media talking point days after the first lady posted it on Twitter. The image was taken on Wednesday at the University Medical Center of El Paso during Trump's visit to the West Texas border city to meet with first responders, medical personnel and surviving victims from Saturday's gun violence at a Walmart store.

Trump thumbs-up photo with orphaned baby in El Paso sparks controversy

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