US President Donald Trump praised PM Modi on India achieving &#39;astounding growth&#39; at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam&nbsp;today.

&quot;Since India opened its economy, it has achieved astounding growth and a new world of opportunities for its expanding middle class,&quot; Trump said.

Speaking at the gathering of CEOs, the US President said: &quot;Prime Minister Modi has been working to bring that vast country and all of its people as one. And he has been working at it very successfully indeed.&quot;

Prime Minister Modi will be leaving for the Philippines on Sunday to attend the India-ASEAN and East Asia summits.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi will be leaving for the Philippines on Sunday to attend the India-ASEAN and East Asia summits.

US President Donald Trump praised PM Modi on India achieving 'astounding growth' at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam today. "Since India opened its economy, it has achieved astounding growth and a new world of opportunities for its expanding middle class," Trump said. Speaking at the gathering of CEOs, the US President said: "Prime Minister Modi has been working to bring that vast country and all of its people as one. And he has been working at it very successfully indeed." Prime Minister Modi will be leaving for the Philippines on Sunday to attend the India-ASEAN and East Asia summits.

India has?achieved astounding growth, says Trump at APEC

U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Vietnam on Friday for a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) nations, the fourth leg of his 12-day Asia trip.

The White House has said Trump will set out a US vision for a &ldquo;free and open Indo-Pacific region&rdquo; in a speech in the beach resort of Danang.

Trump arrived from China, where he praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as &ldquo;highly respected&rdquo; and Chinese media had declared the visit had set a &ldquo;new blueprint&rdquo; for handling US-China relations and differences.

The White House has said Trump will set out a US vision for a 'free and open Indo-Pacific region' in a speech in the beach resort of Danang

U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Vietnam on Friday for a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) nations, the fourth leg of his 12-day Asia trip. The White House has said Trump will set out a US vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific region” in a speech in the beach resort of Danang. Trump arrived from China, where he praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as “highly respected” and Chinese media had declared the visit had set a “new blueprint” for handling US-China relations and differences.

Trump arrives in Vietnam for summit of Asia-Pacific leaders

China will raise foreign ownership limits in financial firms in a step granting access to a tantalizing multi-trillion dollar financial services market, as the world&#39;s second-biggest economy seeks to position itself as a major global finance hub.

The move, announced on Friday by vice finance minister Zhu Guangyao, comes a day after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump reiterated calls for better access to Chinese markets in meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi is driving broad economic reforms by opening up China&rsquo;s capital markets, internationalising the yuan currency, and seeking technical know-how through the pursuit of massive inbound and outbound investments.

The latest changes include raising the limit on foreign ownership in joint-venture firms involved in the futures, securities and funds markets to 51 per cent from the current 49 per cent.

They will take effect immediately following the drafting of specific related rules, Zhu told a news conference, adding China is &quot;formulating a timetable and roadmap for financial sector reform and opening up&quot;.

The foreign business community gave a cautious welcome to the news.

&quot;Financial services further opening definitely has been high on our list,&quot; said Ken Jarrett, President of American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

&quot;It&#39;s a step in the right direction. We&#39;ll have to see the detailed rules. In China you always have to pay attention to the fine print to see how quickly it moves, but to finally ease up on the cap is something that is welcome.&quot;

The plan to ease ownership restrictions comes as Beijing faces mounting pressure from Western governments and business lobbies to remove investment barriers and onerous regulations that restrict overseas companies&#39; operations in its markets.

During his trip to Beijing this week, Trump said that trade between the two nations was unfair, and called for greater market access for US&nbsp;companies.

&quot;We really have to look at access, forced technology transfer, and the theft of intellectual property, which just, by and of itself, is costing the United States and its companies at least $300 billion a year,&quot; Trump said.

&quot;Both the United States and China will have a more prosperous future if we can achieve a level economic playing field. Right now, unfortunately, it is a very one-sided and unfair one.&quot;

Reuters reported on Tuesday that China planned to allow global banks to take a stake of up to 51 per cent in their onshore securities ventures for the first time and tie up with local non-financial firms.

China has been sluggish to give foreign players more access to its financial sector, but has promised to quicken the pace as foreign investment into Asia&#39;s economic powerhouse slows.

It has implemented strict capital controls to contain capital outflows, while opening up new channels for foreign money to come into the domestic markets.

Foreign financial firms are still small players in the financial sector, and the sheer size of the market is a big lure for overseas players.

Western investment banks operating through joint ventures with local partners in China have struggled to make much headway in the last decade, with many of them loss-making as they struggle to win business against much larger local rivals.

A Reuters survey of data from China&rsquo;s Securities Association in 2014 found that the average sino-foreign JV lost 21 million yuan a year over the prior 10 years.

However, several have said they would be keen to invest more in China and do more broking and investment banking if they had full control over their joint ventures.

UBS, which holds a 25 per cent interest in domestic firm UBS Securities Co Ltd, said the changes on Friday were an important step in further opening up China&#39;s financial sector.

&quot;China is a key market for UBS and, as indicated previously, we continue to work towards increasing our stake in UBS Securities Co Ltd&quot;, said Eugene Qian, Chairman of UBS China Strategy Board and a member of the Asia Pacific Executive Committee.

Morgan Stanley, which earlier this year increased its stake in joint venture Morgan Stanley Huaxin Securities from 33 per cent to the then upper limit of 49 per cent, said the reforms would create new momentum for the finance industry in China.

&quot;Morgan Stanley is committed to growing our businesses in China,&quot; said a spokesman for the firm.

Some industry watchers said the changes are too little too late.

&quot;This looks good, but in reality it is pretty small and it is too late,&quot; said Keith Pogson, head of the Asia financial services team at EY.

&quot;If you are an international investment bank, you will be there for the sake of your global franchise and having it as part of your network, not because you think you will make much money in China.&quot;

All the same, markets reacted positively to the news, with insurers and futures-related firms rallying strongly.

New China Life Insurance jumped nearly 6 per cent after the announcement, while Ping An Insurance advanced more than 4 per cent and China Pacific Insurance Group rose over 3 per cent.

China will drop foreign ownership restrictions on local banks and asset management companies, Zhu said.

Full foreign ownership of local firms involved in the futures, securities and funds markets will not be permitted until after three years, while full overseas ownership of insurance firms will be allowed only after five years.

($1 = 6.6388 Chinese yuan renminbi)

The move, announced on Friday by vice finance minister Zhu Guangyao, comes a day after US President Donald Trump reiterated calls for better access to Chinese markets in meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China will raise foreign ownership limits in financial firms in a step granting access to a tantalizing multi-trillion dollar financial services market, as the world's second-biggest economy seeks to position itself as a major global finance hub. The move, announced on Friday by vice finance minister Zhu Guangyao, comes a day after US President Donald Trump reiterated calls for better access to Chinese markets in meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi is driving broad economic reforms by opening up China’s capital markets, internationalising the yuan currency, and seeking technical know-how through the pursuit of massive inbound and outbound investments. The latest changes include raising the limit on foreign ownership in joint-venture firms involved in the futures, securities and funds markets to 51 per cent from the current 49 per cent. They will take effect immediately following the drafting of specific related rules, Zhu told a news conference, adding China is "formulating a timetable and roadmap for financial sector reform and opening up". The foreign business community gave a cautious welcome to the news. "Financial services further opening definitely has been high on our list," said Ken Jarrett, President of American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. "It's a step in the right direction. We'll have to see the detailed rules. In China you always have to pay attention to the fine print to see how quickly it moves, but to finally ease up on the cap is something that is welcome." The plan to ease ownership restrictions comes as Beijing faces mounting pressure from Western governments and business lobbies to remove investment barriers and onerous regulations that restrict overseas companies' operations in its markets. During his trip to Beijing this week, Trump said that trade between the two nations was unfair, and called for greater market access for US companies. "We really have to look at access, forced technology transfer, and the theft of intellectual property, which just, by and of itself, is costing the United States and its companies at least $300 billion a year," Trump said. "Both the United States and China will have a more prosperous future if we can achieve a level economic playing field. Right now, unfortunately, it is a very one-sided and unfair one." Reuters reported on Tuesday that China planned to allow global banks to take a stake of up to 51 per cent in their onshore securities ventures for the first time and tie up with local non-financial firms. China has been sluggish to give foreign players more access to its financial sector, but has promised to quicken the pace as foreign investment into Asia's economic powerhouse slows. It has implemented strict capital controls to contain capital outflows, while opening up new channels for foreign money to come into the domestic markets. Foreign financial firms are still small players in the financial sector, and the sheer size of the market is a big lure for overseas players. Western investment banks operating through joint ventures with local partners in China have struggled to make much headway in the last decade, with many of them loss-making as they struggle to win business against much larger local rivals. A Reuters survey of data from China’s Securities Association in 2014 found that the average sino-foreign JV lost 21 million yuan a year over the prior 10 years. However, several have said they would be keen to invest more in China and do more broking and investment banking if they had full control over their joint ventures. UBS, which holds a 25 per cent interest in domestic firm UBS Securities Co Ltd, said the changes on Friday were an important step in further opening up China's financial sector. "China is a key market for UBS and, as indicated previously, we continue to work towards increasing our stake in UBS Securities Co Ltd", said Eugene Qian, Chairman of UBS China Strategy Board and a member of the Asia Pacific Executive Committee. Morgan Stanley, which earlier this year increased its stake in joint venture Morgan Stanley Huaxin Securities from 33 per cent to the then upper limit of 49 per cent, said the reforms would create new momentum for the finance industry in China. "Morgan Stanley is committed to growing our businesses in China," said a spokesman for the firm. Some industry watchers said the changes are too little too late. "This looks good, but in reality it is pretty small and it is too late," said Keith Pogson, head of the Asia financial services team at EY. "If you are an international investment bank, you will be there for the sake of your global franchise and having it as part of your network, not because you think you will make much money in China." All the same, markets reacted positively to the news, with insurers and futures-related firms rallying strongly. New China Life Insurance jumped nearly 6 per cent after the announcement, while Ping An Insurance advanced more than 4 per cent and China Pacific Insurance Group rose over 3 per cent. China will drop foreign ownership restrictions on local banks and asset management companies, Zhu said. Full foreign ownership of local firms involved in the futures, securities and funds markets will not be permitted until after three years, while full overseas ownership of insurance firms will be allowed only after five years. ($1 = 6.6388 Chinese yuan renminbi)

China widens foreign access to its giant financial sector

US President Donald Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a &quot;highly respected and powerful representative of his people&quot; on Friday as he wrapped up his first state visit to Beijing.

Trump showered his host with accolades during two days of meetings during which the US leader sought to convince Xi to do more to reduce a trade deficit with China and rein in nuclear-armed North Korea.

&quot;My meetings with President Xi Jinping were very productive on both trade and the subject of North Korea,&quot; the US leader wrote on Twitter before flying to Vietnam for an Asia-Pacific summit.

&quot;He is a highly respected and powerful representative of his people. It was great being with him and Madame Peng Liyuan!&quot; he said, referring to Xi&#39;s wife.

Trump has repeatedly congratulated Xi for his reappointment as head of the Communist Party at a congress last month where he consolidated power -- raising eyebrows over the admiration of a non-democratic process.

US and Chinese firms signed more than $250 billion in business deals during Trump&#39;s visit, though analysts say many were nonbinding agreements that could take years to show any results and would do little to reduce the US-China trade imbalance.

Trump, who has softened his past criticism of China, again lambasted past US administrations for allowing the $350 billion trade deficit to balloon over the years.

&quot;I don&#39;t blame China, I blame the incompetence of past Admins for allowing China to take advantage of the US on trade leading up to a point where the US is losing $100&#39;s of billions,&quot; he wrote as he again circumvented China&#39;s Twitter ban.

&quot;How can you blame China for taking advantage of people that had no clue? I would&#39;ve done same!&quot;

China was the showpiece of Trump&#39;s five-nation tour of Asia, which ends on Monday.

During their talks on Thursday, Trump thanked Xi for his backing of United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang and China&#39;s own restrictions on banking for North Koreans.

While Xi said China was committed to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, he did not announce any new steps to squeeze the reclusive regime.

&#39;Very special man&#39;

Xi and Trump have struck up a friendship since their first meeting at the former real estate tycoon&#39;s Mar-a-Lago resort in April.

Xi treated Trump to a lavish &quot;state visit-plus&quot; that included a private tour of the Forbidden City, a military honour guard and a banquet.

The US leader called his host a &quot;very special man&quot; and showed him a video of his granddaughter singing ballads in Mandarin. The two men will be in the same room again at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in the Vietnamese resort of Danang.

First Lady Melania Trump did not join the president for the rest of his Asian tour, staying in Beijing on Friday to continue the US charm offensive. She will see pandas and visit the Great Wall.

&quot;Melania is staying behind to see the zoo, and of course, the Great WALL of China before going to Alaska to greet our AMAZING troops,&quot; Trump tweeted.

Trump, who wants to build his own massive wall along the US-Mexico border to stem illegal immigration, did not visit the Great Wall -- a usual stop for US presidents.

Chinese state-run media hailed the positive tone of the state visit, though the China Daily said in an editorial that &quot;the differences that had been pestering bilateral ties have not instantly disappeared&quot;.

Trump praised the Chinese president as a 'highly respected and powerful representative of his people'

US President Donald Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a "highly respected and powerful representative of his people" on Friday as he wrapped up his first state visit to Beijing. Trump showered his host with accolades during two days of meetings during which the US leader sought to convince Xi to do more to reduce a trade deficit with China and rein in nuclear-armed North Korea. "My meetings with President Xi Jinping were very productive on both trade and the subject of North Korea," the US leader wrote on Twitter before flying to Vietnam for an Asia-Pacific summit. "He is a highly respected and powerful representative of his people. It was great being with him and Madame Peng Liyuan!" he said, referring to Xi's wife. Trump has repeatedly congratulated Xi for his reappointment as head of the Communist Party at a congress last month where he consolidated power -- raising eyebrows over the admiration of a non-democratic process. US and Chinese firms signed more than $250 billion in business deals during Trump's visit, though analysts say many were nonbinding agreements that could take years to show any results and would do little to reduce the US-China trade imbalance. Trump, who has softened his past criticism of China, again lambasted past US administrations for allowing the $350 billion trade deficit to balloon over the years. "I don't blame China, I blame the incompetence of past Admins for allowing China to take advantage of the US on trade leading up to a point where the US is losing $100's of billions," he wrote as he again circumvented China's Twitter ban. "How can you blame China for taking advantage of people that had no clue? I would've done same!" China was the showpiece of Trump's five-nation tour of Asia, which ends on Monday. During their talks on Thursday, Trump thanked Xi for his backing of United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang and China's own restrictions on banking for North Koreans. While Xi said China was committed to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, he did not announce any new steps to squeeze the reclusive regime. 'Very special man' Xi and Trump have struck up a friendship since their first meeting at the former real estate tycoon's Mar-a-Lago resort in April. Xi treated Trump to a lavish "state visit-plus" that included a private tour of the Forbidden City, a military honour guard and a banquet. The US leader called his host a "very special man" and showed him a video of his granddaughter singing ballads in Mandarin. The two men will be in the same room again at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in the Vietnamese resort of Danang. First Lady Melania Trump did not join the president for the rest of his Asian tour, staying in Beijing on Friday to continue the US charm offensive. She will see pandas and visit the Great Wall. "Melania is staying behind to see the zoo, and of course, the Great WALL of China before going to Alaska to greet our AMAZING troops," Trump tweeted. Trump, who wants to build his own massive wall along the US-Mexico border to stem illegal immigration, did not visit the Great Wall -- a usual stop for US presidents. Chinese state-run media hailed the positive tone of the state visit, though the China Daily said in an editorial that "the differences that had been pestering bilateral ties have not instantly disappeared".

Trump praises China's 'highly respected' Xi, wraps up visit

China today signed a deal to buy 300 Boeing airplanes even as President Trump pointed at &quot;one-sided and unfair&quot; US trade deficit with Beijing.

During the&nbsp;signing of the multi-billion dollar US-China Boeing deal, Trump said: After all, who can blame a country for being able to take advantage of another country for the sake of its citizens?&quot; adding, &quot;this out-of-control trade deficit to take place and to grow&quot;.

&quot;I don&#39;t blame China,&quot; Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping.

&quot;We have to fix this because it just doesn&#39;t work, for our great American companies, and it doesn&rsquo;t work for our great American workers,&quot; Trump added.

America&#39;s Boing and European company Airbus have been competing hard for several years to corner the Chinese market which has grown exponentially.

According to the data by Civil Aviation Administration of China, 487 million the number of domestic and international journeys made last year in China.

The surge in air traffic has been fueled by a growing middle class in China with analysts predicting China will surpass the US &nbsp;as the world&#39;s largest commercial aviation market by 2030.&nbsp;

During the meeting with Trump, Xi said: &quot;I will encourage Chinese businesses to do more investment in US and at the same time, invite more US companies to take part in One Belt One Road.&quot;

&quot;To keep opening up is our long-term strategy. We will not narrow or close our doors. We will open wider and wider,&quot; the Chinese president added.

America's Boing and European company Airbus have been competing hard for several years to corner the Chinese market

China today signed a deal to buy 300 Boeing airplanes even as President Trump pointed at "one-sided and unfair" US trade deficit with Beijing. During the signing of the multi-billion dollar US-China Boeing deal, Trump said: After all, who can blame a country for being able to take advantage of another country for the sake of its citizens?" adding, "this out-of-control trade deficit to take place and to grow". "I don't blame China," Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping. "We have to fix this because it just doesn't work, for our great American companies, and it doesn’t work for our great American workers," Trump added. America's Boing and European company Airbus have been competing hard for several years to corner the Chinese market which has grown exponentially. According to the data by Civil Aviation Administration of China, 487 million the number of domestic and international journeys made last year in China. The surge in air traffic has been fueled by a growing middle class in China with analysts predicting China will surpass the US as the world's largest commercial aviation market by 2030. During the meeting with Trump, Xi said: "I will encourage Chinese businesses to do more investment in US and at the same time, invite more US companies to take part in One Belt One Road." "To keep opening up is our long-term strategy. We will not narrow or close our doors. We will open wider and wider," the Chinese president added.

As US trade deficit grows, Trump says 'I don't blame China'

US President Donald Trump decried his country&#39;s &quot;one-sided and unfair&quot; trade deficit with Beijing on Thursday Thursday, but he told President Xi Jinping: &quot;I don&#39;t blame China.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;After all, who can blame a country for being able to take advantage of another country for the sake of its citizens?&quot; he said during a signing ceremony for over $250 billion in US-Chinese business deals.&nbsp;

The deals range from billions in Chinese soybean imports to major projects like the development and export of liquified natural gas from Alaska.&nbsp;

Speaking after talks with his Chinese counterpart, Trump said that China has to take greater action on market access, forced technology transfers and theft of intellectual property.&nbsp;

&quot;We have to fix this because it just doesn&#39;t work, for our great American companies, and it doesn&rsquo;t work for our great American workers,&quot; he said. 
 
Xi delivered a brief speech following Trump&#39;s remarks, where he said China welcomed the international business community.&nbsp;

&quot;To keep opening up is our long-term strategy. We will not narrow or close our doors. We will open wider and wider,&quot; Xi said.

&quot;I will encourage Chinese businesses to do more investment in US and at the same time, invite more US companies to take part in One Belt One Road,&quot; Xi added.&nbsp;

He was referring to China&#39;s Silk Road project to revive ancient trade routes with a massive network of rail and maritime links.&nbsp;

Annually, the US runs a steep trade deficit in goods with China of about $350 billion. 
 
After the signing ceremony, China&#39;s commerce minister Zhong Shan praised the deals as &quot;truly a miracle, not just in the history of US-China relations, but in the history of the whole world&quot;.

But some analysts say any large deals will do little to shift the overall balance of trade unless the structural barriers preventing US businesses from competing fairly in China are changed.

The gas deal between the state of Alaska, Alaska Gasline Development Corp, China Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec), China Investment Corporation (CIC) and the Bank of China involves a total investment of up to $43 billion.

Official said the joint development agreement will create up to 12,000 American jobs and reduce the trade deficit between the United States and Asia by $10 billion annually.

In turn, it will provide China with clean and affordable energy.

US, China announced over $250 bn in business deals during Trump's visit

US President Donald Trump decried his country's "one-sided and unfair" trade deficit with Beijing on Thursday Thursday, but he told President Xi Jinping: "I don't blame China." "After all, who can blame a country for being able to take advantage of another country for the sake of its citizens?" he said during a signing ceremony for over $250 billion in US-Chinese business deals. The deals range from billions in Chinese soybean imports to major projects like the development and export of liquified natural gas from Alaska. Speaking after talks with his Chinese counterpart, Trump said that China has to take greater action on market access, forced technology transfers and theft of intellectual property. "We have to fix this because it just doesn't work, for our great American companies, and it doesn’t work for our great American workers," he said. Xi delivered a brief speech following Trump's remarks, where he said China welcomed the international business community. "To keep opening up is our long-term strategy. We will not narrow or close our doors. We will open wider and wider," Xi said. "I will encourage Chinese businesses to do more investment in US and at the same time, invite more US companies to take part in One Belt One Road," Xi added. He was referring to China's Silk Road project to revive ancient trade routes with a massive network of rail and maritime links. Annually, the US runs a steep trade deficit in goods with China of about $350 billion. After the signing ceremony, China's commerce minister Zhong Shan praised the deals as "truly a miracle, not just in the history of US-China relations, but in the history of the whole world". But some analysts say any large deals will do little to shift the overall balance of trade unless the structural barriers preventing US businesses from competing fairly in China are changed. The gas deal between the state of Alaska, Alaska Gasline Development Corp, China Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec), China Investment Corporation (CIC) and the Bank of China involves a total investment of up to $43 billion. Official said the joint development agreement will create up to 12,000 American jobs and reduce the trade deficit between the United States and Asia by $10 billion annually. In turn, it will provide China with clean and affordable energy.

Trump says trade surplus unfair, but 'I don't blame China'

US President Donald Trump urged China and Russia on Thursday to act fast to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis, warning that &quot;time is quickly running out&quot;.

&quot;We must act fast. And hopefully China will act faster and more effectively on this problem than anyone,&quot; Trump said as he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Trump thanked Xi for his efforts to restrict trade with North Korea and cut off all banking ties with China&#39;s ally, but he urged him to do more.

&quot;China can fix this problem easily and quickly, and I am calling on China and your great president to hopefully work on it very hard,&quot; the US leader said.

&quot;I know one thing about your president: If he works on it hard, it will happen. There&#39;s no doubt about it.&quot;

Trump, who is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at an APEC summit in Vietnam this weekend, appealed for help from Moscow, which also has economic ties with North Korea.

&quot;I&#39;m also calling on Russia to help rein in this potentially very tragic situation,&quot; he said.

Trump earlier said he and Xi believe there is a solution to the nuclear standoff.

He did not elaborate on what the solution might be but his administration believes that China&#39;s economic leverage over North Korea is the key to strong-arming Pyongyang into halting its nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

China has called for negotiations to resolve the matter peacefully.

'We must act fast. And hopefully China will act faster and more effectively on this problem than anyone,' Trump said as he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing

US President Donald Trump urged China and Russia on Thursday to act fast to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis, warning that "time is quickly running out". "We must act fast. And hopefully China will act faster and more effectively on this problem than anyone," Trump said as he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump thanked Xi for his efforts to restrict trade with North Korea and cut off all banking ties with China's ally, but he urged him to do more. "China can fix this problem easily and quickly, and I am calling on China and your great president to hopefully work on it very hard," the US leader said. "I know one thing about your president: If he works on it hard, it will happen. There's no doubt about it." Trump, who is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at an APEC summit in Vietnam this weekend, appealed for help from Moscow, which also has economic ties with North Korea. "I'm also calling on Russia to help rein in this potentially very tragic situation," he said. Trump earlier said he and Xi believe there is a solution to the nuclear standoff. He did not elaborate on what the solution might be but his administration believes that China's economic leverage over North Korea is the key to strong-arming Pyongyang into halting its nuclear weapons and missile programmes. China has called for negotiations to resolve the matter peacefully.

Trump urges China & Russia to act fast on North Korea, warns 'time is quickly running out'

Just a few hours after Trumps arrival in China, both countries have successfully signed deals worth 9 billion USD on Wednesday.&nbsp;

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang held a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People but no information was given about these 19 deals. &nbsp;

According to the South China Morning Post, China and the US. have sealed a total of 19 deals covering bioscience, aviation and smart manufacturing.

Wang said the agreements were merely a &ldquo;warmup&rdquo; before Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold their own ceremony on Thursday which would contain larger deals, including in exports of natural gas and soybeans.

&ldquo;Addressing the imbalance in China trade has been the central focus of collaborative discussions between President Trump and President Xi,&rdquo; Ross said.

&ldquo;Achieving fair and reciprocal treatment for the companies is a shared objective,&rdquo; he said.

Wang further said: Economic deals are &ldquo;an important ballast for the overall bilateral relationship&rdquo;, adding he believed they would contribute to its &ldquo;stabilisation&rdquo;.

The deal was signed along with 30 different representatives from the respective companies.&nbsp;

President Trump&#39;s Asia trip began on November 3. From China, he will leave for Vietnam and the Philippines.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(with input from agencies)

Wang said the agreements were merely a ?warmup? before Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold their own ceremony on Thursday which would contain larger deals, including in exports of natural gas and soybeans.

Just a few hours after Trumps arrival in China, both countries have successfully signed deals worth 9 billion USD on Wednesday. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang held a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People but no information was given about these 19 deals. According to the South China Morning Post, China and the US. have sealed a total of 19 deals covering bioscience, aviation and smart manufacturing. Wang said the agreements were merely a “warmup” before Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold their own ceremony on Thursday which would contain larger deals, including in exports of natural gas and soybeans. “Addressing the imbalance in China trade has been the central focus of collaborative discussions between President Trump and President Xi,” Ross said. “Achieving fair and reciprocal treatment for the companies is a shared objective,” he said. Wang further said: Economic deals are “an important ballast for the overall bilateral relationship”, adding he believed they would contribute to its “stabilisation”. The deal was signed along with 30 different representatives from the respective companies. President Trump's Asia trip began on November 3. From China, he will leave for Vietnam and the Philippines. (with input from agencies)

China and US sign deals worth 9 billion USD

The United States was in mourning Monday after a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/texas-shooting-leaves-at-least-26-dead-officials-23554" target="_blank">gunman wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire with an assault rifle on the congregation of a small-town Texas church</a>, killing 26 people and wounding 20 more in the nation&#39;s latest shooting massacre.

President Donald Trump said the nation was living through &quot;dark times&quot; but guns were not to blame for Sunday&#39;s carnage, which came just five weeks after the worst mass shooting in modern US history.

&quot;I think that mental health is your problem here,&quot; said the US president, speaking in Tokyo as part of his&nbsp;Asia tour. &quot;This was a very, based on preliminary reports,a very deranged individual.&quot;

&quot;This isn&#39;t a guns situation,&quot; Trump insisted, calling it &quot;a mental health problem at the highest level.&quot;

The victims, who ranged in age from five to 72, were gunned down at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a rural community of some 400 people 30 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of San Antonio.

The gunman, widely identified as Devin Kelley, 26, was described by authorities as a young white male who was found dead in his vehicle after being confronted by a local resident.

The Air Force said Kelley served at a base in New Mexico starting in 2010 before being court-martialed in 2012 for allegedly assaulting his wife and child.

He was sentenced to 12 months in confinement and received a &quot;bad conduct&quot; discharge, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told AFP. He was discharged in 2014

Dressed all in black, Kelley fired outside the church before entering the building and continuing to spray bullets, said Freeman Martin, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

&quot;As he exited the church, a local resident grabbed his rifle and engaged that suspect. The suspect dropped his rifle, which was a Ruger AR assault-type rifle, and fled from the church. Our local citizen pursued the suspect at that time,&quot; Martin said.

Law enforcement later found Kelley dead in his car, which had crashed on the Wilson-Guadalupe county line. It was not clear if he had killed himself or was shot by the resident who had confronted him.

Multiple weapons

Multiple weapons were found in the car, which was processed by bomb technicians.

&quot;We have multiple, multiple crime scenes. We have the church, outside the church. We have where the suspect&#39;s vehicle was located,&quot; said Martin.

&quot;We have been following up on the suspect and where he&#39;s from. We have Texas Rangers at all the hospitals locating those and interviewing those who were injured.&quot;

&quot;There&#39;s so many families who have lost family members. Fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters,&quot; Governor Greg Abbott said, warning the toll could rise.

&quot;The tragedy, of course, is worsened by the fact that it occurred in a church, a place of worship, where these people were innocently gunned down. We mourn their loss, but we support their family members.&quot;

The wounded had been transported to various hospitals with &quot;injuries that vary from minor to very severe,&quot; Martin said.&nbsp; 
The dead included the 14-year-old daughter of pastor Frank Pomeroy, the church leader told ABC News.

Annabelle Renee Pomeroy &quot;was one very beautiful, special child,&quot; her father said.

Frank Pomeroy had been in the neighboring state of Oklahoma at the time of the shooting, and was driving back to Texas after the tragedy.

Other victims, some of whom were evacuated by helicopter, included a six-year-old boy named Rylan who was in surgery after being shot four times, his uncle told CBS News. A two-year-old was also shot and wounded, The Dallas Morning News reported.

A spokeswoman for Connally Memorial Medical Center in nearby Floresville said the hospital received eight patients with gunshot wounds. Four were transferred to San Antonio.

Trump vows &#39;full support&#39;

Police formed a perimeter around the area while tearful relatives and neighbors stood outside, nervously awaiting news from inside the traditional white-frame church.

Agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were headed to Sutherland Springs, the agencies said.

Trump called the &quot;horrific shooting&quot; an &quot;act of evil,&quot; ordering flags be flown half-staff at the White House and federal buildings.

&quot;Our hearts are broken but in dark times -- and these are dark times -- such as these, Americans do what they do best: we pull together,&quot; he said.

Though he said &quot;it&#39;s a little bit soon to go into it&quot; regarding renewed calls for gun control, the president promised his administration&#39;s &quot;full support&quot; for the investigation. 
As with many other previous shootings, Democrats pointed to the latest tragedy to highlight the need for gun control, a hot-button issue in a country that holds the right to bear arms as almost sacred.

In denouncing the &quot;act of hatred,&quot; Trump&#39;s predecessor Barack Obama said: &quot;May God also grant all of us the wisdom to ask what concrete steps we can take to reduce the violence and weaponry in our midst.&quot;

The shooting comes just over a month after a gunman in Las Vegas fired down from a hotel room on to an outdoor concert, killing 58 people and wounding hundreds. It was the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.

A little more than two years ago, white supremacist Dylann Roof entered a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, and shot nine people to death.

President Donald Trump said the nation was living through 'dark times' but guns were not to blame for Sunday's carnage, which came just five weeks after the worst mass shooting in modern US history

The United States was in mourning Monday after a gunman wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire with an assault rifle on the congregation of a small-town Texas church, killing 26 people and wounding 20 more in the nation's latest shooting massacre. President Donald Trump said the nation was living through "dark times" but guns were not to blame for Sunday's carnage, which came just five weeks after the worst mass shooting in modern US history. "I think that mental health is your problem here," said the US president, speaking in Tokyo as part of his Asia tour. "This was a very, based on preliminary reports,a very deranged individual." "This isn't a guns situation," Trump insisted, calling it "a mental health problem at the highest level." The victims, who ranged in age from five to 72, were gunned down at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a rural community of some 400 people 30 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of San Antonio. The gunman, widely identified as Devin Kelley, 26, was described by authorities as a young white male who was found dead in his vehicle after being confronted by a local resident. The Air Force said Kelley served at a base in New Mexico starting in 2010 before being court-martialed in 2012 for allegedly assaulting his wife and child. He was sentenced to 12 months in confinement and received a "bad conduct" discharge, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told AFP. He was discharged in 2014 Dressed all in black, Kelley fired outside the church before entering the building and continuing to spray bullets, said Freeman Martin, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. "As he exited the church, a local resident grabbed his rifle and engaged that suspect. The suspect dropped his rifle, which was a Ruger AR assault-type rifle, and fled from the church. Our local citizen pursued the suspect at that time," Martin said. Law enforcement later found Kelley dead in his car, which had crashed on the Wilson-Guadalupe county line. It was not clear if he had killed himself or was shot by the resident who had confronted him. Multiple weapons Multiple weapons were found in the car, which was processed by bomb technicians. "We have multiple, multiple crime scenes. We have the church, outside the church. We have where the suspect's vehicle was located," said Martin. "We have been following up on the suspect and where he's from. We have Texas Rangers at all the hospitals locating those and interviewing those who were injured." "There's so many families who have lost family members. Fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters," Governor Greg Abbott said, warning the toll could rise. "The tragedy, of course, is worsened by the fact that it occurred in a church, a place of worship, where these people were innocently gunned down. We mourn their loss, but we support their family members." The wounded had been transported to various hospitals with "injuries that vary from minor to very severe," Martin said. The dead included the 14-year-old daughter of pastor Frank Pomeroy, the church leader told ABC News. Annabelle Renee Pomeroy "was one very beautiful, special child," her father said. Frank Pomeroy had been in the neighboring state of Oklahoma at the time of the shooting, and was driving back to Texas after the tragedy. Other victims, some of whom were evacuated by helicopter, included a six-year-old boy named Rylan who was in surgery after being shot four times, his uncle told CBS News. A two-year-old was also shot and wounded, The Dallas Morning News reported. A spokeswoman for Connally Memorial Medical Center in nearby Floresville said the hospital received eight patients with gunshot wounds. Four were transferred to San Antonio. Trump vows 'full support' Police formed a perimeter around the area while tearful relatives and neighbors stood outside, nervously awaiting news from inside the traditional white-frame church. Agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were headed to Sutherland Springs, the agencies said. Trump called the "horrific shooting" an "act of evil," ordering flags be flown half-staff at the White House and federal buildings. "Our hearts are broken but in dark times -- and these are dark times -- such as these, Americans do what they do best: we pull together," he said. Though he said "it's a little bit soon to go into it" regarding renewed calls for gun control, the president promised his administration's "full support" for the investigation. As with many other previous shootings, Democrats pointed to the latest tragedy to highlight the need for gun control, a hot-button issue in a country that holds the right to bear arms as almost sacred. In denouncing the "act of hatred," Trump's predecessor Barack Obama said: "May God also grant all of us the wisdom to ask what concrete steps we can take to reduce the violence and weaponry in our midst." The shooting comes just over a month after a gunman in Las Vegas fired down from a hotel room on to an outdoor concert, killing 58 people and wounding hundreds. It was the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. A little more than two years ago, white supremacist Dylann Roof entered a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, and shot nine people to death.

Texas mass shooting leaves US mourning, Trump says guns not to blame

Ousted Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Islamabad on Thursday morning, ahead of a crucial hearing in a graft case.

Sharif will appear before an accountability court on November 3 in connection with the corruption references filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The NAB had earlier&nbsp;approached the Airport Security Force (ASF) seeking access to former premier&#39;s flight to execute his bailable arrest warrants.

The accountability court had recently started the trial of Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Safdar in corruption references filed by NAB.

On Tuesday, the&nbsp;court ordered Pakistan&#39;s financial regulatory agency to freeze the company shares of Sharif and his two sons in the Panama Papers case.

Sharif, who was charge-sheeted by the court last week in all three NAB references, did not turn up at the court since he is in Saudi Arabia; however, his lawyer Khawaja Haris attended the hearing.

The North's nuclear programme is 'a threat to the civilised world and international peace and stability,' Trump said

Ousted Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Islamabad on Thursday morning, ahead of a crucial hearing in a graft case. Sharif will appear before an accountability court on November 3 in connection with the corruption references filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The NAB had earlier approached the Airport Security Force (ASF) seeking access to former premier's flight to execute his bailable arrest warrants. The accountability court had recently started the trial of Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Safdar in corruption references filed by NAB. On Tuesday, the court ordered Pakistan's financial regulatory agency to freeze the company shares of Sharif and his two sons in the Panama Papers case. Sharif, who was charge-sheeted by the court last week in all three NAB references, did not turn up at the court since he is in Saudi Arabia; however, his lawyer Khawaja Haris attended the hearing.

Time for 'patience' on North Korea is over, says Trump

President Donald Trump warned on Sunday that &#39;no dictator&#39;&nbsp;should underestimate the United States, as he launched an Asia tour that will be dominated by the North Korea nuclear crisis.&nbsp;

Speaking to cheering military personnel at Yokota Air Base just west of Tokyo, Trump donned a bomber jacket and issued a threat that &#39;no one, no dictator, no regime and no nation should underestimate american resolve.&#39;

&quot;Every once in a while in the past, they underestimated us. It was not pleasant for them, was it?&quot; roared Trump.

&quot;We will never yield, never waver and never falter in defence of our people, our freedom and our great American flag.&quot;

Trump&#39;s marathon trip comes with the North Korea crisis at fever pitch, as US bombers fly sorties over the Korean peninsula and fears mount of another Pyongyang missile test.

According to the Washington Post, Pentagon officials have warned that the only way to locate and secure North Korea&#39;s nuclear weapons sites would be via a ground invasion.

The president&#39;s first stops are Japan and South Korea - frontline US allies in the effort to force Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programme, and the two countries with most to fear should a full-scale conflict break out.

Trump touched down under clear blue Tokyo skies and stepped out with his wife Melania in bright sunshine to greet the crowds.

Speaking to reporters on the plane, he announced he would likely be meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the tour, as the international community scrambles for a solution to the North Korean crisis.

&quot;I think it&#39;s expected we&#39;ll meet with Putin, yeah. We want Putin&#39;s help on North Korea, and we&#39;ll be meeting with a lot of different leaders,&quot; said Trump.

He added that North Korea was a &#39;big problem for our country and for the world, and we want to get it solved&#39;&nbsp;but had kind words for the people in the hermit state.

&quot;I think they&#39;re great people. They&#39;re industrious. They&#39;re warm, much warmer than the world really knows or understands. They&#39;re great people. And I hope it all works out for everybody,&quot; he said.

The next stop was a golfing date with his &#39;friend&#39;&nbsp;Shinzo Abe, prime minister of Japan, with whom he enjoys a close personal relationship.&nbsp;

Trump joked with reporters on Air Force One that they should not believe him if he claims to outhit Hedeki Matsuyama, one of the world&#39;s best players who joined the leaders on the course.

Abe has emerged strengthened from a crushing victory in a snap election and has firmly supported Trump in his policy of exerting maximum pressure on Kim, backed up with the threat of military force.

&quot;I want to further cement the bond of the Japan-US alliance, based on our relations of trust and friendship with President Trump,&quot; Abe said as Trump arrived.

Trump for his part described Japan as a &#39;treasured partner and crucial ally of the US.&#39;

&quot;Trump only has to play golf in Japan, as he knows Japan will follow (the US) whatever happens. Everything has been sorted out beforehand,&quot; Tetsuro Kato, political scientist at Tokyo&#39;s Hitotsubashi University, told AFP.

After Japan, Trump travels to Seoul, where his relationship with President Moon Jae-in is noticeably cooler.

While Trump has been in regular contact with the hawkish Abe during the North Korean crisis, he pointedly failed to speak to Moon for several days after Pyongyang&#39;s second intercontinental ballistic missile test in July.

Trump labelled Moon&#39;s dovish approach to North Korea as &#39;appeasement&#39;&nbsp;on Twitter, a comment that did not go down well in the Blue House.

Trump will speak to Korean MPs but not follow the well-trodden path to the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Korean peninsula - a visit derided in Washington as a bit of a &#39;cliche.&#39;

From Seoul, Trump travels to China to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping who, like Abe, has solidified his grip on power after being handed a second term.

Trump said before his trip that China could have a &#39;big problem&#39;&nbsp;with &#39;warrior nation&#39;&nbsp;Japan if the North Korea issue is not solved.

He then travels to an Pacific Rim summit in Vietnam before heading to a gathering of Southeast Asian leaders.

Some observers have fretted that a gaffe by the famously ad-lib president could send tensions rising on the peninsula.

&quot;It will be a disaster if he speaks off the cuff and without thinking,&quot; said professor Koo Kab-Woo from the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

&quot;If Trump says anything that can provoke North Korea, it could send military tensions soaring again.&quot; 
&nbsp;

According to the Washington Post, Pentagon officials have warned that the only way to locate and secure North Korea's nuclear weapons sites would be via a ground invasion.

President Donald Trump warned on Sunday that 'no dictator' should underestimate the United States, as he launched an Asia tour that will be dominated by the North Korea nuclear crisis. Speaking to cheering military personnel at Yokota Air Base just west of Tokyo, Trump donned a bomber jacket and issued a threat that 'no one, no dictator, no regime and no nation should underestimate american resolve.' "Every once in a while in the past, they underestimated us. It was not pleasant for them, was it?" roared Trump. "We will never yield, never waver and never falter in defence of our people, our freedom and our great American flag." Trump's marathon trip comes with the North Korea crisis at fever pitch, as US bombers fly sorties over the Korean peninsula and fears mount of another Pyongyang missile test. According to the Washington Post, Pentagon officials have warned that the only way to locate and secure North Korea's nuclear weapons sites would be via a ground invasion. The president's first stops are Japan and South Korea - frontline US allies in the effort to force Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programme, and the two countries with most to fear should a full-scale conflict break out. Trump touched down under clear blue Tokyo skies and stepped out with his wife Melania in bright sunshine to greet the crowds. Speaking to reporters on the plane, he announced he would likely be meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the tour, as the international community scrambles for a solution to the North Korean crisis. "I think it's expected we'll meet with Putin, yeah. We want Putin's help on North Korea, and we'll be meeting with a lot of different leaders," said Trump. He added that North Korea was a 'big problem for our country and for the world, and we want to get it solved' but had kind words for the people in the hermit state. "I think they're great people. They're industrious. They're warm, much warmer than the world really knows or understands. They're great people. And I hope it all works out for everybody," he said. The next stop was a golfing date with his 'friend' Shinzo Abe, prime minister of Japan, with whom he enjoys a close personal relationship. Trump joked with reporters on Air Force One that they should not believe him if he claims to outhit Hedeki Matsuyama, one of the world's best players who joined the leaders on the course. Abe has emerged strengthened from a crushing victory in a snap election and has firmly supported Trump in his policy of exerting maximum pressure on Kim, backed up with the threat of military force. "I want to further cement the bond of the Japan-US alliance, based on our relations of trust and friendship with President Trump," Abe said as Trump arrived. Trump for his part described Japan as a 'treasured partner and crucial ally of the US.' "Trump only has to play golf in Japan, as he knows Japan will follow (the US) whatever happens. Everything has been sorted out beforehand," Tetsuro Kato, political scientist at Tokyo's Hitotsubashi University, told AFP. After Japan, Trump travels to Seoul, where his relationship with President Moon Jae-in is noticeably cooler. While Trump has been in regular contact with the hawkish Abe during the North Korean crisis, he pointedly failed to speak to Moon for several days after Pyongyang's second intercontinental ballistic missile test in July. Trump labelled Moon's dovish approach to North Korea as 'appeasement' on Twitter, a comment that did not go down well in the Blue House. Trump will speak to Korean MPs but not follow the well-trodden path to the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Korean peninsula - a visit derided in Washington as a bit of a 'cliche.' From Seoul, Trump travels to China to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping who, like Abe, has solidified his grip on power after being handed a second term. Trump said before his trip that China could have a 'big problem' with 'warrior nation' Japan if the North Korea issue is not solved. He then travels to an Pacific Rim summit in Vietnam before heading to a gathering of Southeast Asian leaders. Some observers have fretted that a gaffe by the famously ad-lib president could send tensions rising on the peninsula. "It will be a disaster if he speaks off the cuff and without thinking," said professor Koo Kab-Woo from the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. "If Trump says anything that can provoke North Korea, it could send military tensions soaring again."

Trump: 'No dictator' should underestimate US resolve

The only certain way to locate and secure all North Korea&#39;s nuclear weapons sites would be via a US ground invasion, the Washington Post reported Saturday, citing a letter from Pentagon officials sent to US lawmakers.

It said the letter, reportedly written by the vice director of the Pentagon&#39;s Joint Staff, noted that such a conflict could prompt Pyongyang to deploy biological and chemical weapons.

The report detailing the prospect of war on the Korean peninsula comes as President Donald Trump embarks on a nearly two-week Asia tour, with the North&#39;s nuclear and missile program expected to top the agenda.

The US Defense Department sent the letter in response to a request from two members of Congress for details regarding &#39;expected casualty assessments in a conflict with North Korea&#39;&nbsp;for US and allied forces in Japan, South Korea and Guam as well as civilians, the Post said.

Tensions have soared over North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missile programs in recent months, goaded by Trump and Pyongyang leader Kim Jong-Un&#39;s fiery exchanges of insults and warnings of conflict.

On Saturday, North Korea welcomed Trump to the region by threatening to increase its nuclear arsenal and saying the idea of talks was &quot;daydreaming,&quot; according to the state-run KCNA news agency.

Neither the US president nor his fierce rhetoric were mentioned in the letter, the Post said.

It did however say the military backs the current US approach -&nbsp;led by state department chief Rex Tillerson -&nbsp;to wield economic sanctions and apply diplomatic pressure on the North as a means of discouraging its nuclear ambitions.

The Post reported that a statement from 16 lawmakers - all but one of them Democrats - obtained along with the Pentagon letter said the &#39;assessment underscores what we&#39;ve known all along: There are no good military options for North Korea.&#39;

The report detailing the prospect of war on the Korean peninsula comes as President Donald Trump embarks on a nearly two-week Asia tour, with the North's nuclear and missile program expected to top the agenda.

The only certain way to locate and secure all North Korea's nuclear weapons sites would be via a US ground invasion, the Washington Post reported Saturday, citing a letter from Pentagon officials sent to US lawmakers. It said the letter, reportedly written by the vice director of the Pentagon's Joint Staff, noted that such a conflict could prompt Pyongyang to deploy biological and chemical weapons. The report detailing the prospect of war on the Korean peninsula comes as President Donald Trump embarks on a nearly two-week Asia tour, with the North's nuclear and missile program expected to top the agenda. The US Defense Department sent the letter in response to a request from two members of Congress for details regarding 'expected casualty assessments in a conflict with North Korea' for US and allied forces in Japan, South Korea and Guam as well as civilians, the Post said. Tensions have soared over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs in recent months, goaded by Trump and Pyongyang leader Kim Jong-Un's fiery exchanges of insults and warnings of conflict. On Saturday, North Korea welcomed Trump to the region by threatening to increase its nuclear arsenal and saying the idea of talks was "daydreaming," according to the state-run KCNA news agency. Neither the US president nor his fierce rhetoric were mentioned in the letter, the Post said. It did however say the military backs the current US approach - led by state department chief Rex Tillerson - to wield economic sanctions and apply diplomatic pressure on the North as a means of discouraging its nuclear ambitions. The Post reported that a statement from 16 lawmakers - all but one of them Democrats - obtained along with the Pentagon letter said the 'assessment underscores what we've known all along: There are no good military options for North Korea.'

Securing N. Korea nukes would require US ground invasion: Reports

U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up his tough rhetoric against North Korea when he arrived in Japan on Sunday, saying that the United States and its allies are prepared to defend freedom and that &#39;no dictator&#39;&nbsp;should underestimate US&nbsp;resolve.

Trump kicked off a 12-day Asian trip and is looking to present a united front with Japan against North Korea through meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe amid heightened tensions over Pyongyang&rsquo;s nuclear and missile tests.

He told reporters on Air Force One en route to Asia that North Korea would figure prominently in discussions during the trip. He also singled out trade, which he said had been &#39;badly handled&#39;&nbsp;in the region for years.

Trump has rattled some allies with his vow to &#39;totally destroy&#39;&nbsp;North Korea if it threatens the United States and his dismissal of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a &#39;rocket man&#39;&nbsp;on a suicide mission.

&ldquo;No dictator, no regime, no nation should ever underestimate American resolve,&rdquo; Trump told hundreds of cheering US&nbsp;and Japanese troops in camouflage uniforms gathered at Yokota Air Base, just west of Tokyo, soon after he arrived.

&ldquo;Every once in a while, in the past, they underestimated us. It was not pleasant for them, was it?&rdquo; said Trump, who wore a leather bomber jacket as he addressed the troops.

North Korea&rsquo;s recent actions, including several missiles that overflew Japan and Pyongyang&rsquo;s sixth and largest nuclear test, have raised the stakes in the most critical international challenge of Trump&rsquo;s presidency.

<iframe data-integralas-id-9156c4a1-f918-a000-8681-5266851aa6d7="" frameborder="0" height="2" id="google_ads_iframe_/4735792/us.reuters/world/article_2" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/4735792/us.reuters/world/article_2" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="2"></iframe>Recent drills over South Korea by two US&nbsp;strategic bombers have further raised tensions.

&ldquo;We will never yield, never waver and never falter in defense of our freedom,&rdquo; Trump said.

He told reporters earlier on Air Force One that a decision would be made soon on whether to add reclusive North Korea to a list of state sponsors of terrorism.

His administration also planned to take a different approach to dealing with the issue after years of what he termed &#39;total weakness&#39;, although he did not give any details.

&ldquo;We want to get it solved. It&rsquo;s a big problem for our country and the world, and we want to get it solved,&rdquo; he said.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters before Trump&rsquo;s arrival that he welcomed the visit as a chance to deepen bilateral ties by building upon the &ldquo;friendship and trust&rdquo; between the two leaders, fostered by several meetings that included a round of golf in Florida earlier this year.

&ldquo;I hope we will be able to have thorough discussions about international issues, including North Korea,&rdquo; he said.

Trump and Abe were to play golf on Sunday afternoon at a course to be used during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, followed by dinner. More discussions were set for Monday.

Trump also said he planned to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his trip, the longest Asian tour by any US&nbsp;leader since George H.W. Bush in 1992.

&ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s expected that we will meet,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We want Putin&rsquo;s help on North Korea.&rdquo;

Trump wants a united front with the leaders of Japan and South Korea against North Korea before he visits Beijing to make the case to Chinese President Xi Jinping that he should do more to rein in Pyongyang.

Trade will factor heavily during Trump&rsquo;s trip as he tries to persuade Asian allies to agree to policies more favorable to the United States, a point Trump emphasized.

A centerpiece of the trip will be a visit to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Danang, Vietnam, where he will deliver a speech in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, which is seen as offering a bulwark in response to expansionist Chinese policies.

&ldquo;One of the things we&rsquo;re going to be very focused on is trade because trade has not been done well for 25 years by the United States with this part of the world, with any part of the world,&rdquo; he said on Air Force One.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to be discussing reciprocal trade. Fair, free but reciprocal,&rdquo; he said.

Trump kicked off a 12-day Asian trip and is looking to present a united front with Japan against North Korea through meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe amid heightened tensions over Pyongyang?s nuclear and missile tests.

U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up his tough rhetoric against North Korea when he arrived in Japan on Sunday, saying that the United States and its allies are prepared to defend freedom and that 'no dictator' should underestimate US resolve. Trump kicked off a 12-day Asian trip and is looking to present a united front with Japan against North Korea through meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe amid heightened tensions over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile tests. He told reporters on Air Force One en route to Asia that North Korea would figure prominently in discussions during the trip. He also singled out trade, which he said had been 'badly handled' in the region for years. Trump has rattled some allies with his vow to 'totally destroy' North Korea if it threatens the United States and his dismissal of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a 'rocket man' on a suicide mission. “No dictator, no regime, no nation should ever underestimate American resolve,” Trump told hundreds of cheering US and Japanese troops in camouflage uniforms gathered at Yokota Air Base, just west of Tokyo, soon after he arrived. “Every once in a while, in the past, they underestimated us. It was not pleasant for them, was it?” said Trump, who wore a leather bomber jacket as he addressed the troops. North Korea’s recent actions, including several missiles that overflew Japan and Pyongyang’s sixth and largest nuclear test, have raised the stakes in the most critical international challenge of Trump’s presidency. Recent drills over South Korea by two US strategic bombers have further raised tensions. “We will never yield, never waver and never falter in defense of our freedom,” Trump said. He told reporters earlier on Air Force One that a decision would be made soon on whether to add reclusive North Korea to a list of state sponsors of terrorism. His administration also planned to take a different approach to dealing with the issue after years of what he termed 'total weakness', although he did not give any details. “We want to get it solved. It’s a big problem for our country and the world, and we want to get it solved,” he said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters before Trump’s arrival that he welcomed the visit as a chance to deepen bilateral ties by building upon the “friendship and trust” between the two leaders, fostered by several meetings that included a round of golf in Florida earlier this year. “I hope we will be able to have thorough discussions about international issues, including North Korea,” he said. Trump and Abe were to play golf on Sunday afternoon at a course to be used during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, followed by dinner. More discussions were set for Monday. Trump also said he planned to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his trip, the longest Asian tour by any US leader since George H.W. Bush in 1992. “I think it’s expected that we will meet,” he said. “We want Putin’s help on North Korea.” Trump wants a united front with the leaders of Japan and South Korea against North Korea before he visits Beijing to make the case to Chinese President Xi Jinping that he should do more to rein in Pyongyang. Trade will factor heavily during Trump’s trip as he tries to persuade Asian allies to agree to policies more favorable to the United States, a point Trump emphasized. A centerpiece of the trip will be a visit to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Danang, Vietnam, where he will deliver a speech in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, which is seen as offering a bulwark in response to expansionist Chinese policies. “One of the things we’re going to be very focused on is trade because trade has not been done well for 25 years by the United States with this part of the world, with any part of the world,” he said on Air Force One. “We’re going to be discussing reciprocal trade. Fair, free but reciprocal,” he said.

Trump lands in Japan, says US and allies are prepared to defend freedom

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-extend-asia-trip-attend-east-asia-summit-white-house-23477" target="_blank">US President Donald Trump</a> paid a somber visit to Pearl Harbor ahead of his first official trip to Asia, also meeting with military officials overseeing US operations in the Pacific region.

Trump and his wife Melania tossed white pikake flower petals into the waters at the USS Arizona Memorial, where hundreds of US service members died when Japan launched a surprise attack in 1941, triggering the US entry into World War II.

The Trumps also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony during the stopover on Friday, watching as two sailors placed the flower arrangement before a white marble wall bearing the names of the fallen.

Before his some 20-minute visit to the shrine, Trump met with leaders of the US Pacific Command, amid growing concerns over security in the region.&nbsp;

In brief comments to reporters, Trump said it was &quot;very special being in Hawaii.&quot;

He voiced enthusiasm over his trip to Pearl Harbor, &quot;which I&#39;ve read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven&#39;t seen.

&quot;And that is going to be very exciting for me.&quot;

Trump stopped in Hawaii ahead of a tour of Asia lasting nearly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heads-to-japan-with-north-korea-on-his-mind-23489" target="_blank">two weeks which will include visits to Japan</a>, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-leaves-for-asia-with-heavy-domestic-baggage-23482" target="_blank">He left Washington with heavy domestic baggage</a>, including new developments in the high-stakes <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/two-former-trump-aides-charged-in-russia-probe-third-pleads-guilty-23166" target="_blank">probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election</a>, that risks dogging efforts at top-level diplomacy.

The trip itself poses its own set of challenges, with efforts to contain or roll back North Korea&#39;s ballistic and nuclear missile programs topping the diplomatic agenda.

Trump stopped in Hawaii ahead of a tour of Asia lasting nearly two weeks which will include visits to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines

US President Donald Trump paid a somber visit to Pearl Harbor ahead of his first official trip to Asia, also meeting with military officials overseeing US operations in the Pacific region. Trump and his wife Melania tossed white pikake flower petals into the waters at the USS Arizona Memorial, where hundreds of US service members died when Japan launched a surprise attack in 1941, triggering the US entry into World War II. The Trumps also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony during the stopover on Friday, watching as two sailors placed the flower arrangement before a white marble wall bearing the names of the fallen. Before his some 20-minute visit to the shrine, Trump met with leaders of the US Pacific Command, amid growing concerns over security in the region. In brief comments to reporters, Trump said it was "very special being in Hawaii." He voiced enthusiasm over his trip to Pearl Harbor, "which I've read about, spoken about, heard about, studied, but I haven't seen. "And that is going to be very exciting for me." Trump stopped in Hawaii ahead of a tour of Asia lasting nearly two weeks which will include visits to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. He left Washington with heavy domestic baggage, including new developments in the high-stakes probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, that risks dogging efforts at top-level diplomacy. The trip itself poses its own set of challenges, with efforts to contain or roll back North Korea's ballistic and nuclear missile programs topping the diplomatic agenda.

Trump makes Pearl Harbour stop en route to Asia

US President Donald Trump has decided at the last minute to extend a marathon trip to Asia, after criticism that he was expected to miss an East Asia regional summit.

&quot;We&#39;re actually staying an extra day in the Philippines,&quot; Trump said on departure Friday, a decision that was confirmed by senior White House officials.

US President Donald Trump has decided at the last minute to extend a marathon trip to Asia, after criticism that he was expected to miss an East Asia regional summit

US President Donald Trump has decided at the last minute to extend a marathon trip to Asia, after criticism that he was expected to miss an East Asia regional summit. "We're actually staying an extra day in the Philippines," Trump said on departure Friday, a decision that was confirmed by senior White House officials.

Trump to extend Asia trip, attend East Asia Summit: White House

The United States is Iran&#39;s &#39;number one enemy&#39;&nbsp;and Tehran will never succumb to Washington&#39;s pressure over a multinational nuclear deal, Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech on Thursday.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump broke ranks with other major powers last month by refusing to formally certify Iran&#39;s compliance with the nuclear deal.

Under that deal, most sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for Tehran curbing its nuclear work.

&quot;The American president&#39;s foolish remarks against our people show the depth of America&#39;s hostility towards the entire Iranian nation,&quot; Iran&#39;s top authority Khamenei told a group of students.&nbsp;

&quot;America is the number one enemy of our nation.&quot;&nbsp;

Since the deal was reached in 2015, Khamenei has continued to denounce the United States publicly, suggesting that antagonism between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Tehran would not abate because of the accord.&nbsp;

Iran and the United States severed diplomatic ties shortly after the revolution, when hardline students took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. Iran will mark the anniversary of the American embassy seizure on Saturday.&nbsp;

Trump has called the nuclear agreement, which was reached under his predecessor Barack Obama, &#39;the worst deal ever negotiated&#39;&nbsp;and has adopted a harsh approach to Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.&nbsp;

Washington has imposed new sanctions on Iran over its missile activity, calling on Tehran not to develop missiles capable of delivering nuclear bombs. Iran says it has no such plans and its missile programme is solely for defence purposes.

The deal`s other signatories, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China, and the European Union say Washington cannot unilaterally cancel an international accord enshrined by a UN&nbsp;resolution.

Iranian officials have repeatedly said that Tehran would stick to the nuclear accord as long as the other signatories respected it. But it has warned about the consequences if the deal falls apart.&nbsp;

&quot;We will never accept their bullying over the nuclear deal. Americans are using all the wickedness to damage the result of the nuclear talks,&quot; Khamenei said to chants of &#39;Death to America&#39;&nbsp;by students.&nbsp;

&quot;Any retreat by Iran will make America more blatant and impudent. Resistance is the only option.&quot;

Trump also accuses Iran of supporting terrorism in the Middle East. Iran rejects that and in turn blames the growth of militant groups such as Islamic State on the policies of the United States and its regional allies.&nbsp;

Shi&#39;ite-dominated Iran and its regional arch-rival, US backed Sunni Saudi Arabia, are involved in proxy wars across the region, backing opposite sides in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon.

U.S. President Donald Trump broke ranks with other major powers last month by refusing to formally certify Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal.

The United States is Iran's 'number one enemy' and Tehran will never succumb to Washington's pressure over a multinational nuclear deal, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech on Thursday. US President Donald Trump broke ranks with other major powers last month by refusing to formally certify Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal. Under that deal, most sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for Tehran curbing its nuclear work. "The American president's foolish remarks against our people show the depth of America's hostility towards the entire Iranian nation," Iran's top authority Khamenei told a group of students. "America is the number one enemy of our nation." Since the deal was reached in 2015, Khamenei has continued to denounce the United States publicly, suggesting that antagonism between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Tehran would not abate because of the accord. Iran and the United States severed diplomatic ties shortly after the revolution, when hardline students took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. Iran will mark the anniversary of the American embassy seizure on Saturday. Trump has called the nuclear agreement, which was reached under his predecessor Barack Obama, 'the worst deal ever negotiated' and has adopted a harsh approach to Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Washington has imposed new sanctions on Iran over its missile activity, calling on Tehran not to develop missiles capable of delivering nuclear bombs. Iran says it has no such plans and its missile programme is solely for defence purposes. The deal`s other signatories, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China, and the European Union say Washington cannot unilaterally cancel an international accord enshrined by a UN resolution. Iranian officials have repeatedly said that Tehran would stick to the nuclear accord as long as the other signatories respected it. But it has warned about the consequences if the deal falls apart. "We will never accept their bullying over the nuclear deal. Americans are using all the wickedness to damage the result of the nuclear talks," Khamenei said to chants of 'Death to America' by students. "Any retreat by Iran will make America more blatant and impudent. Resistance is the only option." Trump also accuses Iran of supporting terrorism in the Middle East. Iran rejects that and in turn blames the growth of militant groups such as Islamic State on the policies of the United States and its regional allies. Shi'ite-dominated Iran and its regional arch-rival, US backed Sunni Saudi Arabia, are involved in proxy wars across the region, backing opposite sides in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon.

Supreme Leader Khamenei says US is Iran's 'number one enemy'

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized the nation&#39;s visa system in the wake of Tuesday`s truck attack in New York City that left eight dead, blaming&nbsp;Democrats and pressing a `merit-based` program for immigrants to the United States.

&quot;The terrorist came into our country through what is called the &#39;Diversity Visa Lottery Program&#39;,&nbsp;a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit-based,&quot; Trump wrote in a post on Twitter, referring to the Senate Democratic leader.

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The terrorist came into our country through what is called the &quot;Diversity Visa Lottery Program,&quot; a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based.
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/925684982307348480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter). <a href="https://twitter.com/foxandfriends?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@foxandfriends</a>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/925686558304464897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

New York terror attack happened on Tuesday morning near One World Trade Center

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized the nation's visa system in the wake of Tuesday`s truck attack in New York City that left eight dead, blaming Democrats and pressing a `merit-based` program for immigrants to the United States. "The terrorist came into our country through what is called the 'Diversity Visa Lottery Program', a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit-based," Trump wrote in a post on Twitter, referring to the Senate Democratic leader. The terrorist came into our country through what is called the "Diversity Visa Lottery Program," a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017 × We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter). @foxandfriends — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017 ×

After New York attack, Trump pushes for 'merit-based' US visa system

Japan is going all out to welcome US president&nbsp;Donald Trump during his visit to the country next week with top golfer&nbsp;Hideki&nbsp;Matsuyama&nbsp;and&nbsp;Pikotaro, singer behind the 2016 online pop hit,&nbsp;set to&nbsp;entertain the president during his high-profile Asia tour.&nbsp;

Matsuyama, a five-time&nbsp;PGA tour champion, will accompany Trump and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe with a few games of golf in Tokyo.&nbsp;

Trump, Abe and Matsuyama are scheduled to tee off on November&nbsp;5 at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe.&nbsp;

Reports said PM&nbsp;Abe had told Trump that he adored the video of Arabella singing the PPAP&nbsp;song during a meeting&nbsp;after Trump won the US presidency.

A video displaying&nbsp;Ivanka Trump&rsquo;s daughter Arabella, singing along to &ldquo;Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen&rdquo; had gone&nbsp;viral in November last year.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BM1SSaygBUb/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Apologies in advance&mdash;this may be stuck in your head all day. #PineapplePen ??????</a>

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Trump will visit Japan between November 5 to 7 as part of the first leg of a five-nation Asia tour, his first official trip to the region.

The 12-day trip will also cover&nbsp;South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Trump will visit Japan between Nov 5 to 7 in the first leg of a five-nation Asia tour, his first official trip to the region.

Japan is going all out to welcome US president Donald Trump during his visit to the country next week with top golfer Hideki Matsuyama and Pikotaro, singer behind the 2016 online pop hit, set to entertain the president during his high-profile Asia tour. Matsuyama, a five-time PGA tour champion, will accompany Trump and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe with a few games of golf in Tokyo. Trump, Abe and Matsuyama are scheduled to tee off on November 5 at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe. Reports said PM Abe had told Trump that he adored the video of Arabella singing the PPAP song during a meeting after Trump won the US presidency. A video displaying Ivanka Trump’s daughter Arabella, singing along to “Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen” had gone viral in November last year. Apologies in advance—this may be stuck in your head all day. #PineapplePen ?????? A post shared by Ivanka Trump (@ivankatrump) on Nov 15, 2016 at 5:32am PST × Trump will visit Japan between November 5 to 7 as part of the first leg of a five-nation Asia tour, his first official trip to the region. The 12-day trip will also cover South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Singer Pikotaro and Golfer Matsuyama to entertain Trump during Japan visit

In a new directive, the Trump administration has made it more difficult for the renewal of non-immigrant visas such as H-1B and L1, popular among Indian IT professionals, saying that the burden of proof lies on the applicant even when an extension is sought.

Rescinding its more than 13-year-old policy, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that the burden of proof in establishing eligibility is, at all times, on the petitioner. USCIS also said the previous memorandum of April 23, 2004 appeared to place this burden on this federal agency.

&quot;This memorandum makes it clear that the burden of proof remains on the petitioner, even where an extension of non- immigrant status is sought,&quot; USCIS said in its latest memorandum issued on October 23.

Under the previous policy, if a person was once found to be eligible for a work visa initially, they would usually be considered for extension of their visa.

Now during every extension, they need to prove to the federal authorities that they are still eligible for the visa they apply for.

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

William Stock, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said that the change is being made retroactively to people already living in the country and not just to new visa applicants.

&quot;In adjudicating petitions for immigration benefits, including non-immigrant petition extensions, adjudicators must, in all cases, thoroughly review the petition and supporting evidence to determine eligibility for the benefit sought.

The new policy is in line with the Trump administration&#39;s goal to protect American workers from discrimination and replacement by foreign labour, NumberUSA website said.

This new policy will make sure that only qualified H-1B workers will be allowed to stay in the US and will help crackdown on visa fraud and abuse, it added.&nbsp;

The new policy is in line with the Trump administration's goal to protect American workers from discrimination and replacement by foreign labour, NumberUSA website said.

In a new directive, the Trump administration has made it more difficult for the renewal of non-immigrant visas such as H-1B and L1, popular among Indian IT professionals, saying that the burden of proof lies on the applicant even when an extension is sought. Rescinding its more than 13-year-old policy, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that the burden of proof in establishing eligibility is, at all times, on the petitioner. USCIS also said the previous memorandum of April 23, 2004 appeared to place this burden on this federal agency. "This memorandum makes it clear that the burden of proof remains on the petitioner, even where an extension of non- immigrant status is sought," USCIS said in its latest memorandum issued on October 23. Under the previous policy, if a person was once found to be eligible for a work visa initially, they would usually be considered for extension of their visa. Now during every extension, they need to prove to the federal authorities that they are still eligible for the visa they apply for. Representative Photo (Reuters) × William Stock, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said that the change is being made retroactively to people already living in the country and not just to new visa applicants. "In adjudicating petitions for immigration benefits, including non-immigrant petition extensions, adjudicators must, in all cases, thoroughly review the petition and supporting evidence to determine eligibility for the benefit sought. The new policy is in line with the Trump administration's goal to protect American workers from discrimination and replacement by foreign labour, NumberUSA website said. This new policy will make sure that only qualified H-1B workers will be allowed to stay in the US and will help crackdown on visa fraud and abuse, it added.

Trump administration makes it more difficult to extend H-1B visas

The widow of a US&nbsp;Army sergeant killed in Niger this month said on Monday that President Donald Trump &quot;made me cry even worse&quot; in a condolence telephone call when he said that her husband &quot;knew what he signed up for.&quot;

In an interview with ABC&#39;s &quot;Good Morning America,&quot; Myeshia Johnson, widow of Sergeant La David T&nbsp;Johnson, also said she has been told little about how her husband was killed and has not been allowed to see his body.

Johnson&#39;s comments, her first to the media about the condolence call from Trump, were likely to fuel a controversy that has swirled for days around the president&#39;s handling of the call to the widow.

La David Johnson was one of four US&nbsp;Army soldiers killed on October 4 in an attack in the West African nation. Last week, a member of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives, Frederica Wilson, said she had listened to the call from Trump and that he had upset the family by saying Johnson &quot;knew what he signed up for.&quot;

That drew a&nbsp;sharp rebuke from the president, who dubbed Wilson &quot;whacky&quot; and denied her account of the call. &quot;I didn&#39;t say what that congresswoman said,&quot; Trump told reporters last week. &quot;I had a very nice conversation with the woman, with the wife who ... sounded like a lovely woman.&quot;

In Monday&#39;s interview, Myeshia Johnson said, &quot;The president said that he (her husband) knew what he signed up for, but it hurts anyway ...And it made me cry because I was very angry at the tone of his voice and how he couldn&rsquo;t remember my husband&rsquo;s name.&quot;

In a Twitter post on Monday soon after the interview aired, Trump said, &quot;I had a very respectful conversation with the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson, and spoke his name from beginning, without hesitation!&quot;

Johnson said that when Trump called, she and other family members were in a limousine riding to an airport where her husband&#39;s body was shipped. Wilson was also in the car.

Johnson said she did not say anything during the call, adding that afterward, she was &quot;very upset and hurt. It made me cry even worse.&quot;

Asked what she might now say to Trump, Johnson said she had &quot;nothing to say to him.&quot;

The widow also said that the military has told her little about what happened in Niger, and that she is upset that she has not been allowed to see her husband&#39;s body.

&quot;I don&#39;t know what&#39;s in that box,&quot; said of her husband&#39;s coffin. &quot;It could be empty for all I know.&quot;

The attack earlier this month, which U.S. officials suspect was carried out by a local affiliate of Islamic State, has thrown a spotlight on the U.S. counter-terrorism mission in Niger, which has about 800 U.S. troops.

Myeshia Johnson, widow of Sergeant La David T?Johnson, also said she has been told little about how her husband was killed and has not been allowed to see his body.

The widow of a US Army sergeant killed in Niger this month said on Monday that President Donald Trump "made me cry even worse" in a condolence telephone call when he said that her husband "knew what he signed up for." In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America," Myeshia Johnson, widow of Sergeant La David T Johnson, also said she has been told little about how her husband was killed and has not been allowed to see his body. Johnson's comments, her first to the media about the condolence call from Trump, were likely to fuel a controversy that has swirled for days around the president's handling of the call to the widow. La David Johnson was one of four US Army soldiers killed on October 4 in an attack in the West African nation. Last week, a member of the US House of Representatives, Frederica Wilson, said she had listened to the call from Trump and that he had upset the family by saying Johnson "knew what he signed up for." That drew a sharp rebuke from the president, who dubbed Wilson "whacky" and denied her account of the call. "I didn't say what that congresswoman said," Trump told reporters last week. "I had a very nice conversation with the woman, with the wife who ... sounded like a lovely woman." In Monday's interview, Myeshia Johnson said, "The president said that he (her husband) knew what he signed up for, but it hurts anyway ...And it made me cry because I was very angry at the tone of his voice and how he couldn’t remember my husband’s name." In a Twitter post on Monday soon after the interview aired, Trump said, "I had a very respectful conversation with the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson, and spoke his name from beginning, without hesitation!" Johnson said that when Trump called, she and other family members were in a limousine riding to an airport where her husband's body was shipped. Wilson was also in the car. Johnson said she did not say anything during the call, adding that afterward, she was "very upset and hurt. It made me cry even worse." Asked what she might now say to Trump, Johnson said she had "nothing to say to him." The widow also said that the military has told her little about what happened in Niger, and that she is upset that she has not been allowed to see her husband's body. "I don't know what's in that box," said of her husband's coffin. "It could be empty for all I know." The attack earlier this month, which U.S. officials suspect was carried out by a local affiliate of Islamic State, has thrown a spotlight on the U.S. counter-terrorism mission in Niger, which has about 800 U.S. troops.

Widow of slain US soldier says Trump call 'made me cry even worse'

US President Donald Trump reignited a long-standing feud with John McCain Tuesday, warning &quot;I fight back, and it won&#39;t be pretty&quot; after the respected senator appeared to take aim at him in a speech.

The relationship between the pair -- one a veteran lawmaker and war hero, the other a real estate tycoon and political neophyte before he assumed the presidency -- has long been testy.

But the acrimony has risen to a new level with Trump&#39;s latest threats, which come just over a week after a war-of-words with another senior legislator from his own party, Bob Corker.

Speaking on Monday night at an event in Philadelphia to honor his life&#39;s achievements, McCain had railed against the &quot;America First&quot; approach espoused by the Trump administration.

&quot;To refuse the obligations of international leadership...for the sake of some half-baked, spurious nationalism cooked up by people who would rather find scapegoats than solve problems is as unpatriotic as an attachment to any other tired dogma of the past,&quot; said the 81-year-old, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in July.

Trump lashed out Tuesday, telling conservative radio host Chris Plante: &quot;People have to be careful because at some point I fight back.

&quot;I&#39;m being very nice. I&#39;m being very, very nice. But at some point I fight back, and it won&#39;t be pretty.&quot;

McCain has proved a thorn in Trump&#39;s side in recent months, twice helping to scupper Republican attempts to repeal a healthcare law that was a signature accomplishment of former president Barack Obama.

Asked by AFP what he made of the president&#39;s latest missive, McCain shrugged the matter off. &quot;I do what I have to do and I work with him as much as I can, and I do what I need to do for the people of Arizona,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Regarding the president&#39;s suggestion he would fight back, he responded simply: &quot;I have faced some pretty tough adversaries in my life.&quot;

&#39;Lincolnesque&#39;

The Trump-McCain feud has a long history.&nbsp;

Trump -- who in addition to being a businessman was also a reality TV star winning the White House -- questioned McCain&#39;s military record in July 2015, earning widespread rebuke for saying &quot;I like people who weren&#39;t captured&quot; in comments that threatened to derail his presidential ambitions just a month after announcing his bid.

Former Navy pilot McCain spent more than five years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam where he was tortured, while Trump received student and medical deferments that prevented him from being enlisted in the conflict.

In August, McCain broke party ranks to call Trump &quot;often poorly informed,&quot; adding he &quot;can be impulsive in his speech and conduct.&quot;

Some political observers wondered whether his votes against Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare -- one of Trump&#39;s main campaign promises -- were influenced by the desire for revenge.

McCain on Monday received the backing of another long-time Trump critic Mitt Romney, who was also the Republican candidate for president in 2012.

&quot;Ran against him, sometimes disagree, but proud to be a friend of @SenJohnMcCain: hero, champion of character and last night, Lincolnesque,&quot; said Romney.

The latest battle with a senior member of the Republican party comes after Trump engaged in a heated exchange with senior Senator Bob Corker, who accused the president of pushing the country to the brink of World War III.

Trump&#39;s frequent sparring with congressional leaders is seen as perhaps damaging to his legislative agenda, with a potentially bruising fight for tax-reforms that could divide his party on the horizon.&nbsp;

Republicans currently hold only a slim majority in the Senate, with 52 of the chamber&#39;s 100 seats.

 
&nbsp;

McCain had said unflattering things about Trump's 'America First ' policy

US President Donald Trump reignited a long-standing feud with John McCain Tuesday, warning "I fight back, and it won't be pretty" after the respected senator appeared to take aim at him in a speech. The relationship between the pair -- one a veteran lawmaker and war hero, the other a real estate tycoon and political neophyte before he assumed the presidency -- has long been testy. But the acrimony has risen to a new level with Trump's latest threats, which come just over a week after a war-of-words with another senior legislator from his own party, Bob Corker. Speaking on Monday night at an event in Philadelphia to honor his life's achievements, McCain had railed against the "America First" approach espoused by the Trump administration. "To refuse the obligations of international leadership...for the sake of some half-baked, spurious nationalism cooked up by people who would rather find scapegoats than solve problems is as unpatriotic as an attachment to any other tired dogma of the past," said the 81-year-old, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in July. Trump lashed out Tuesday, telling conservative radio host Chris Plante: "People have to be careful because at some point I fight back. "I'm being very nice. I'm being very, very nice. But at some point I fight back, and it won't be pretty." McCain has proved a thorn in Trump's side in recent months, twice helping to scupper Republican attempts to repeal a healthcare law that was a signature accomplishment of former president Barack Obama. Asked by AFP what he made of the president's latest missive, McCain shrugged the matter off. "I do what I have to do and I work with him as much as I can, and I do what I need to do for the people of Arizona," he said. Regarding the president's suggestion he would fight back, he responded simply: "I have faced some pretty tough adversaries in my life." 'Lincolnesque' The Trump-McCain feud has a long history. Trump -- who in addition to being a businessman was also a reality TV star winning the White House -- questioned McCain's military record in July 2015, earning widespread rebuke for saying "I like people who weren't captured" in comments that threatened to derail his presidential ambitions just a month after announcing his bid. Former Navy pilot McCain spent more than five years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam where he was tortured, while Trump received student and medical deferments that prevented him from being enlisted in the conflict. In August, McCain broke party ranks to call Trump "often poorly informed," adding he "can be impulsive in his speech and conduct." Some political observers wondered whether his votes against Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare -- one of Trump's main campaign promises -- were influenced by the desire for revenge. McCain on Monday received the backing of another long-time Trump critic Mitt Romney, who was also the Republican candidate for president in 2012. "Ran against him, sometimes disagree, but proud to be a friend of @SenJohnMcCain: hero, champion of character and last night, Lincolnesque," said Romney. The latest battle with a senior member of the Republican party comes after Trump engaged in a heated exchange with senior Senator Bob Corker, who accused the president of pushing the country to the brink of World War III. Trump's frequent sparring with congressional leaders is seen as perhaps damaging to his legislative agenda, with a potentially bruising fight for tax-reforms that could divide his party on the horizon. Republicans currently hold only a slim majority in the Senate, with 52 of the chamber's 100 seats.

Trump to McCain: I fight back, and it won't be pretty

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said he and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are working very closely on a number of Republican initiatives, including tax reform, and described their relationship as closer than ever, despite his own public barbs after the Senate failed to move on healthcare reform.

&quot;We have we have been working together long and hard. We think we&#39;re in good shape for the budget, we hope,&quot; Trump said in a White House appearance with McConnell on Monday (October 16).

Trump also said that he believes Havana is responsible for a series of incidents that Washington thinks hurt at least 22 U.S. diplomats over a period of months in Cuba, prompting Washington to scale back its presence there.

He said he would write and call the families of American soldiers killed in Niger and said he was told former President Barack Obama &quot;sometimes didn&#39;t.&quot;

Asked whether Obama called families of fallen soldiers, Trump said,&quot;I don&#39;t know if he did. No, no, no. I was, I was told that he didn&#39;t often. And a lot of presidents don&#39;t they write letters. I do. Excuse me, Peter. I do a combination of both. Sometimes it&#39;s a very difficult thing to do. But I do a combination of both.

President Obama, I think, probably did sometimes and maybe sometimes he didn&#39;t, I don&#39;t know, that&#39;s what I was told. All I can do, all I can do is ask my generals.

Other&nbsp;presidents did not call. They&#39;d write letters and some presidents didn&#39;t do anything. But I like I like the combination of I like, when I can, the combination of a call and also a letter.&quot; 
 
Trump also bashed his former Democratic campaign rival Hillary Clinton&#39;s recent statement that players kneeling during the National Anthem were &quot;not against our anthem or flag.&quot; Trump said it was that sort of &quot;thinking&quot; that lost her the presidential race.

 
&nbsp;

Trump also bashed his former Democratic campaign rival Hillary Clinton's recent statement that players kneeling during the National Anthem were 'not against our anthem or flag'

US President Donald Trump said he and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are working very closely on a number of Republican initiatives, including tax reform, and described their relationship as closer than ever, despite his own public barbs after the Senate failed to move on healthcare reform. "We have we have been working together long and hard. We think we're in good shape for the budget, we hope," Trump said in a White House appearance with McConnell on Monday (October 16). Trump also said that he believes Havana is responsible for a series of incidents that Washington thinks hurt at least 22 U.S. diplomats over a period of months in Cuba, prompting Washington to scale back its presence there. He said he would write and call the families of American soldiers killed in Niger and said he was told former President Barack Obama "sometimes didn't." Asked whether Obama called families of fallen soldiers, Trump said,"I don't know if he did. No, no, no. I was, I was told that he didn't often. And a lot of presidents don't they write letters. I do. Excuse me, Peter. I do a combination of both. Sometimes it's a very difficult thing to do. But I do a combination of both. President Obama, I think, probably did sometimes and maybe sometimes he didn't, I don't know, that's what I was told. All I can do, all I can do is ask my generals. Other presidents did not call. They'd write letters and some presidents didn't do anything. But I like I like the combination of I like, when I can, the combination of a call and also a letter." Trump also bashed his former Democratic campaign rival Hillary Clinton's recent statement that players kneeling during the National Anthem were "not against our anthem or flag." Trump said it was that sort of "thinking" that lost her the presidential race.

Obama often did not call families of fallen soldiers: Trump

President Donald Trump on Saturday said that Pakistan took &quot;tremendous advantage&quot;&nbsp;of the US over the years, but is now &quot;starting to have a real&quot;&nbsp;relationship.

Trump&#39;s remarks came a day after Pakistan secured the release of an American-Canadian family from the clutches of the Haqqani terror network, five years after they were abducted.

&ldquo;Yesterday, things happened with Pakistan,&rdquo; said the US president.

&ldquo;I have openly said Pakistan took tremendous advantage of our country for many years, but we&rsquo;re starting to have a real relationship with Pakistan, and they&rsquo;re to respect us as a nation again, and so are other nations,&rdquo; Trump said.

&quot;They are starting to respect the United States of America again,&quot;&nbsp;he said and thanked the leaders of Pakistan for &ldquo;what they&rsquo;ve been doing&rdquo;.

&ldquo;In this administration, we will call evil by its name,&rdquo; Trump said.

American citizen Caitlan Coleman and her Canadian husband Joshua Boyle along with their three children were rescued from the Haqqani network on Friday after an operation by Pakistani forces based on intelligence from the US authorities.

Trump had slammed Pakistan for its continued support to terrorist groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so while announcing his Afghan and south Asia policy in August.

President Trump yesterday hailed the release of the hostages from Taliban captivity. He said their release was a &ldquo;positive moment&rdquo; for US relations with Pakistan.

Trump also praised Pakistan for its willingness to &ldquo;do more to provide security in the region&rdquo; and said the release suggests other &ldquo;countries are starting to respect the United States of America once again.&rdquo;

Donald Trump said Pakistan was beginning to respect US again

President Donald Trump on Saturday said that Pakistan took "tremendous advantage" of the US over the years, but is now "starting to have a real" relationship. Trump's remarks came a day after Pakistan secured the release of an American-Canadian family from the clutches of the Haqqani terror network, five years after they were abducted. “Yesterday, things happened with Pakistan,” said the US president. “I have openly said Pakistan took tremendous advantage of our country for many years, but we’re starting to have a real relationship with Pakistan, and they’re to respect us as a nation again, and so are other nations,” Trump said. "They are starting to respect the United States of America again," he said and thanked the leaders of Pakistan for “what they’ve been doing”. “In this administration, we will call evil by its name,” Trump said. American citizen Caitlan Coleman and her Canadian husband Joshua Boyle along with their three children were rescued from the Haqqani network on Friday after an operation by Pakistani forces based on intelligence from the US authorities. Trump had slammed Pakistan for its continued support to terrorist groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so while announcing his Afghan and south Asia policy in August. President Trump yesterday hailed the release of the hostages from Taliban captivity. He said their release was a “positive moment” for US relations with Pakistan. Trump also praised Pakistan for its willingness to “do more to provide security in the region” and said the release suggests other “countries are starting to respect the United States of America once again.”

We call evil by its name: President Trump on Pakistan

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said today President Trump won&#39;t ask Congress to &quot;snap back&quot; sanctions against Iran but will stop short of killing the agreement.

&quot;The intent is that we will stay in the JCPOA, but the president is going to decertify,&quot; said Rex Tillerson, referring to the 2015 multilateral agreement.

Tillerson said President Trump will announce additional sanctions on Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard but will not declare&nbsp;it a terrorist organization.

&quot;A re-imposition of the sanctions,&quot; said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, &quot;would, in effect, say we&#39;re walking away from the deal,&quot; he added.

Trump is set to make the announcement in a speech at 12:45 p.m. EDT (1645 GMT).

&quot;What we are laying out here is this is the pathway we think provides us the best platform from which to attempt to fix this deal,&quot; he said.

&quot;We may be unsuccessful. We may not be able to fix it. And if we&rsquo;re not then we may end up out of the deal,&quot; the secretary of state added.

Meanwhile, Iran said today it would retaliate against any action targeting towards its armed forces.

&quot;Iran will strongly respond to any action against its military forces, including the Revolutionary Guards Corps,&quot; Reuters quoted foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi statement on state TV.

Qasemi also warned about the possibility of pulling out of the deal.

&quot;Iran always acts based on its interests and will continue to do so. If necessary, we can also withdraw from the deal,&quot; Qasemi said.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump is set to make the announcement in a speech today

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said today President Trump won't ask Congress to "snap back" sanctions against Iran but will stop short of killing the agreement. "The intent is that we will stay in the JCPOA, but the president is going to decertify," said Rex Tillerson, referring to the 2015 multilateral agreement. Tillerson said President Trump will announce additional sanctions on Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard but will not declare it a terrorist organization. "A re-imposition of the sanctions," said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, "would, in effect, say we're walking away from the deal," he added. Trump is set to make the announcement in a speech at 12:45 p.m. EDT (1645 GMT). "What we are laying out here is this is the pathway we think provides us the best platform from which to attempt to fix this deal," he said. "We may be unsuccessful. We may not be able to fix it. And if we’re not then we may end up out of the deal," the secretary of state added. Meanwhile, Iran said today it would retaliate against any action targeting towards its armed forces. "Iran will strongly respond to any action against its military forces, including the Revolutionary Guards Corps," Reuters quoted foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi statement on state TV. Qasemi also warned about the possibility of pulling out of the deal. "Iran always acts based on its interests and will continue to do so. If necessary, we can also withdraw from the deal," Qasemi said.

President Trump to decertify Iran nuclear deal: Tillerson

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an order to make it easier for Americans to buy bare-bones health insurance plans, using his presidential powers to undermine Obamacare after fellow Republicans in Congress failed to repeal the 2010 law.

Trump issued the executive order aimed at letting small businesses band together across state lines to buy cheaper, less regulated health plans for their employees with fewer benefits. Such new insurance options, however, may not be available until 2019, and the order could face legal challenges from Democratic state attorneys general.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-set-to-sign-order-circumventing-obamacare-rules-22360">It was Trump&#39;s most concrete step to undo Obamacare</a> since he took office in January promising to dismantle Democratic former President Barack Obama&#39;s signature domestic policy achievement.&nbsp;

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of &quot;using a wrecking ball to single-handedly rip apart our healthcare system.&quot;

Republicans call Obamacare, which extended health insurance to 20 million people, a government intrusion into Americans&#39;&nbsp;healthcare, and have been promising for seven years to scrap it.

Trump&#39;s order aims to give people more access to cheaper plans, which do not cover essential health benefits such as maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs, and mental health and addiction treatment.&nbsp;

Obamacare, known formally as the Affordable Care Act, requires most small business and individual health plans to cover those benefits.&nbsp;

&quot;Destroying everything&quot;

&quot;The cost of the Obamacare has been so outrageous, it is absolutely destroying everything in its wake,&quot; Trump said at a White House signing ceremony.

Trump&#39;s order was aimed at making it easier for small businesses to join together as associations across state lines.

Unlike large employers that can create their own health plans because their workforces are big enough to spread risk - mitigating the effect of individuals with serious illnesses - small employers have few options to offer reasonably priced health coverage.

Allowing small employers to band together in associations is meant to give them options similar to larger companies. The White House also said the associations would give employers more leverage to negotiate with insurance companies in purchasing health insurance plans for employees.

Some of the business groups that the order is aimed at, including franchise organisations and retailers - which generally have large number of hourly employees - said they are interested and want to be part of the rule-making process at the Department of Labor, but cautioned that there are many details to tackle.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not something we&#39;ll be able to open a suitcase tomorrow and be in business with. There are a lot of issues to be worked out and to consider,&rdquo; said Neil Trautwein, vice president of health care policy at the National Retail Federation.

A spokesman for the National Federation of Independent Business, the largest small-business association in the country, said it would be watching to see &quot;how the regulatory architecture develops&quot; and make a determination in the future.

Small businesses have been among the biggest critics of Obamacare.

The order also sought to change an Obama-era limit on the time span that people can use short-term health insurance plans, which are cheaper but cover few medical benefits. Those plans are currently limited to three months.

Joseph Antos, a healthcare expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank, said he did not believe the order would have much of an impact because employers from regions with lower healthcare costs, like Iowa, would not want to join up with those from regions with higher costs.

Experts also questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to expand association health plans.

Democratic state attorneys general have said they will sue if Trump tries to destroy Obamacare. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Trump&#39;s executive order is just another step towards imploding the Affordable Care Act.

&quot;It should come as no surprise that California is prepared to fight in court to protect affordable healthcare for its people,&quot; Becerra said.

The downfalls of the executive order

The association health plans could attract young, healthy people and leave a sicker, more expensive patient pool in the individual insurance markets created under Obamacare, driving up premiums.&nbsp;

The American Hospital Association said Trump&#39;s order &quot;could destabilise the individual and small group markets, leaving millions of Americans who need comprehensive coverage to manage chronic and other pre-existing conditions, as well as protection against unforeseen illness and injury, without affordable options.&quot;

Small health insurers and state insurance regulators also criticised Trump&#39;s move.&nbsp;

Hospital stocks edged lower in Thursday trading, with HCA Healthcare down 1.7 per cent and Tenet Healthcare down 4.4 per cent. Medicaid insurers also fell with Centene off 2.5 per cent.&nbsp;

Trump has taken a number of other steps to weaken or undermine Obamacare. He has not committed to making billions of dollars of payments to insurers guaranteed under Obamacare, prompting many to exit the individual market or hike premiums for 2018.&nbsp;

The administration also halved the open enrollment period, which begins November 1, slashed the Obamacare advertising and outreach budget, and allowed broad religious and moral exemptions to the law&#39;s mandate that employers provide coverage for women&#39;s birth control.

Trump issued the executive order aimed at letting small businesses band together across state lines to buy cheaper, less regulated health plans for their employees with fewer benefits

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an order to make it easier for Americans to buy bare-bones health insurance plans, using his presidential powers to undermine Obamacare after fellow Republicans in Congress failed to repeal the 2010 law. Trump issued the executive order aimed at letting small businesses band together across state lines to buy cheaper, less regulated health plans for their employees with fewer benefits. Such new insurance options, however, may not be available until 2019, and the order could face legal challenges from Democratic state attorneys general. It was Trump's most concrete step to undo Obamacare since he took office in January promising to dismantle Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature domestic policy achievement. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of "using a wrecking ball to single-handedly rip apart our healthcare system." Republicans call Obamacare, which extended health insurance to 20 million people, a government intrusion into Americans' healthcare, and have been promising for seven years to scrap it. Trump's order aims to give people more access to cheaper plans, which do not cover essential health benefits such as maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs, and mental health and addiction treatment. Obamacare, known formally as the Affordable Care Act, requires most small business and individual health plans to cover those benefits. "Destroying everything" "The cost of the Obamacare has been so outrageous, it is absolutely destroying everything in its wake," Trump said at a White House signing ceremony. Trump's order was aimed at making it easier for small businesses to join together as associations across state lines. Unlike large employers that can create their own health plans because their workforces are big enough to spread risk - mitigating the effect of individuals with serious illnesses - small employers have few options to offer reasonably priced health coverage. Allowing small employers to band together in associations is meant to give them options similar to larger companies. The White House also said the associations would give employers more leverage to negotiate with insurance companies in purchasing health insurance plans for employees. Some of the business groups that the order is aimed at, including franchise organisations and retailers - which generally have large number of hourly employees - said they are interested and want to be part of the rule-making process at the Department of Labor, but cautioned that there are many details to tackle. “It’s not something we'll be able to open a suitcase tomorrow and be in business with. There are a lot of issues to be worked out and to consider,” said Neil Trautwein, vice president of health care policy at the National Retail Federation. A spokesman for the National Federation of Independent Business, the largest small-business association in the country, said it would be watching to see "how the regulatory architecture develops" and make a determination in the future. Small businesses have been among the biggest critics of Obamacare. The order also sought to change an Obama-era limit on the time span that people can use short-term health insurance plans, which are cheaper but cover few medical benefits. Those plans are currently limited to three months. Joseph Antos, a healthcare expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank, said he did not believe the order would have much of an impact because employers from regions with lower healthcare costs, like Iowa, would not want to join up with those from regions with higher costs. Experts also questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to expand association health plans. Democratic state attorneys general have said they will sue if Trump tries to destroy Obamacare. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Trump's executive order is just another step towards imploding the Affordable Care Act. "It should come as no surprise that California is prepared to fight in court to protect affordable healthcare for its people," Becerra said. The downfalls of the executive order The association health plans could attract young, healthy people and leave a sicker, more expensive patient pool in the individual insurance markets created under Obamacare, driving up premiums. The American Hospital Association said Trump's order "could destabilise the individual and small group markets, leaving millions of Americans who need comprehensive coverage to manage chronic and other pre-existing conditions, as well as protection against unforeseen illness and injury, without affordable options." Small health insurers and state insurance regulators also criticised Trump's move. Hospital stocks edged lower in Thursday trading, with HCA Healthcare down 1.7 per cent and Tenet Healthcare down 4.4 per cent. Medicaid insurers also fell with Centene off 2.5 per cent. Trump has taken a number of other steps to weaken or undermine Obamacare. He has not committed to making billions of dollars of payments to insurers guaranteed under Obamacare, prompting many to exit the individual market or hike premiums for 2018. The administration also halved the open enrollment period, which begins November 1, slashed the Obamacare advertising and outreach budget, and allowed broad religious and moral exemptions to the law's mandate that employers provide coverage for women's birth control.

Frustrated by Congress, Trump signs order to weaken Obamacare

US President Donald Trump has &quot;lit the wick of war&quot; with North Korea and his country will be made to pay with &quot;a hail of fire&quot;, a Russian news agency quoted North Korea&#39;s foreign minister as saying on Wednesday. 
 
Tensions between North Korea and the United States have risen in recent weeks over Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear weapons and missile programs. 
 
North Korea has test-fired several missiles and conducted what it said was a test explosion of a hydrogen bomb as it advances toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US&nbsp;mainland. 
 
Speaking to Russia&#39;s state-run TASS news agency, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said his country&#39;s nuclear program guaranteed peace and safety in the region and would not be a matter of discussion. 
 
&quot;With his bellicose and insane statement at the United Nations, Trump, you can say, has lit the wick of a war against us,&quot; TASS quoted Ri as saying. &quot;We need to settle the final score, only with a hail of fire, not words.&quot; 
 
Ri has previously called Trump &quot;President Evil&quot; and his comments are likely to fuel an escalating war of words between the U.S. President and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. 
 
&quot;We have almost reached the last point on the journey towards our final goal - to achieve a real balance of power with the United States,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;Our principal position is that we will never agree to any talks in which our nuclear weapons will be the subject of negotiations.&quot; 
&nbsp;

A Russian news agency quoted North Korea's foreign minister as saying Trump would be made to pay with 'a hail of fire'

US President Donald Trump has "lit the wick of war" with North Korea and his country will be made to pay with "a hail of fire", a Russian news agency quoted North Korea's foreign minister as saying on Wednesday. Tensions between North Korea and the United States have risen in recent weeks over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and missile programs. North Korea has test-fired several missiles and conducted what it said was a test explosion of a hydrogen bomb as it advances toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland. Speaking to Russia's state-run TASS news agency, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said his country's nuclear program guaranteed peace and safety in the region and would not be a matter of discussion. "With his bellicose and insane statement at the United Nations, Trump, you can say, has lit the wick of a war against us," TASS quoted Ri as saying. "We need to settle the final score, only with a hail of fire, not words." Ri has previously called Trump "President Evil" and his comments are likely to fuel an escalating war of words between the U.S. President and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "We have almost reached the last point on the journey towards our final goal - to achieve a real balance of power with the United States," he said. "Our principal position is that we will never agree to any talks in which our nuclear weapons will be the subject of negotiations."

North Korea says Trump has 'lit the wick of war': Russian media

President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Thursday to make it easier for Americans to buy bare-bones health insurance plans and circumvent Obamacare rules, the White House said, but the action faces possible legal challenges.

Stymied in Congress by the failure of Senate Republicans to pass legislation to dismantle Democratic former President Barack Obama&#39;s signature domestic policy achievement, Trump&#39;s executive order marks his administration&#39;s latest effort to undermine the 2010 law without action by lawmakers.

Trump was due to sign the order at a ceremony scheduled for 11:15 a.m. (1515 GMT).

&quot;This is the beginning of the actions the administration will take to provide relief to Americans,&quot; Andrew Bremberg, director of Trump&#39;s Domestic Policy Council, told reporters.

Bremberg said Trump still hopes Congress will pass legislation repealing and replacing Obamacare, formally called the Affordable Care Act.

The order instructs the labor secretary to consider steps that would make it easier for small businesses to band together as associations across state lines to buy cheaper health plans that would be exempt from some Obamacare requirements.

Those requirements include the mandate that all health plans cover 10 essential health benefits, including maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs, and mental health and addiction treatment.

The order also instructs the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury to change an Obama-era limit on the time span people can use short-term health insurance plans, which are cheaper but cover few medical benefits. Those plans are currently limited to three months.

Republicans, despite controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress, have failed since Trump took office in January to make good on their seven-year promise to repeal Obamacare, which they have called a government intrusion into Americans&#39; healthcare.

Experts questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to expand association health plans.

The action could open Trump to legal challenges from Democratic state attorneys general, who have said they will sue Trump if he tries to destroy Obamacare, a law that brought health insurance coverage to 20 million Americans.

Experts said the association health plans could attract young, healthy people and leave a sicker, more expensive patient pool in the individual insurance markets created under Obamacare, driving up premiums and effectively eroding the law&#39;s protection for those with pre-existing conditions.

Conservative groups and lawmakers have cheered Trump&#39;s order. Republican Senator Rand Paul, who said he worked with Trump for months on the order, opposed the Senate&#39;s most recent attempt to overhaul Obamacare because he said it left too many of Obamcare&#39;s regulations and spending programs in place.

Trump has taken a number of steps since assuming power in January to weaken or undermine Obamacare. He has not committed to making billions of dollars of payments to insurers guaranteed under Obamacare, prompting many to exit the individual market or hike premiums for 2018.

The administration also halved the open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 1, and slashed the Obamacare advertising and outreach budget.

Experts have questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to expand association health plans.

President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Thursday to make it easier for Americans to buy bare-bones health insurance plans and circumvent Obamacare rules, the White House said, but the action faces possible legal challenges. Stymied in Congress by the failure of Senate Republicans to pass legislation to dismantle Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature domestic policy achievement, Trump's executive order marks his administration's latest effort to undermine the 2010 law without action by lawmakers. Trump was due to sign the order at a ceremony scheduled for 11:15 a.m. (1515 GMT). "This is the beginning of the actions the administration will take to provide relief to Americans," Andrew Bremberg, director of Trump's Domestic Policy Council, told reporters. Bremberg said Trump still hopes Congress will pass legislation repealing and replacing Obamacare, formally called the Affordable Care Act. The order instructs the labor secretary to consider steps that would make it easier for small businesses to band together as associations across state lines to buy cheaper health plans that would be exempt from some Obamacare requirements. Those requirements include the mandate that all health plans cover 10 essential health benefits, including maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs, and mental health and addiction treatment. The order also instructs the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury to change an Obama-era limit on the time span people can use short-term health insurance plans, which are cheaper but cover few medical benefits. Those plans are currently limited to three months. Republicans, despite controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress, have failed since Trump took office in January to make good on their seven-year promise to repeal Obamacare, which they have called a government intrusion into Americans' healthcare. Experts questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to expand association health plans. The action could open Trump to legal challenges from Democratic state attorneys general, who have said they will sue Trump if he tries to destroy Obamacare, a law that brought health insurance coverage to 20 million Americans. Experts said the association health plans could attract young, healthy people and leave a sicker, more expensive patient pool in the individual insurance markets created under Obamacare, driving up premiums and effectively eroding the law's protection for those with pre-existing conditions. Conservative groups and lawmakers have cheered Trump's order. Republican Senator Rand Paul, who said he worked with Trump for months on the order, opposed the Senate's most recent attempt to overhaul Obamacare because he said it left too many of Obamcare's regulations and spending programs in place. Trump has taken a number of steps since assuming power in January to weaken or undermine Obamacare. He has not committed to making billions of dollars of payments to insurers guaranteed under Obamacare, prompting many to exit the individual market or hike premiums for 2018. The administration also halved the open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 1, and slashed the Obamacare advertising and outreach budget.

Trump set to sign order circumventing Obamacare rules

US President Donald Trump tore into the press and questioned whether broadcasters should have their licenses revoked Wednesday,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fake-news-that-i-wanted-ten-fold-increase-in-nuclear-arsenal-trump-21310"> after an unflattering story about his nuclear policy</a>.

&quot;It&#39;s frankly disgusting the way the press is able to write whatever they want to write,&quot; Trump fumed as he met his Canadian counterpart in the Oval Office &quot;people should want to look into it.&quot;

But the president -- who has a history of being combative with the media -- said he did not want to see formal restrictions.

&quot;No. The press should speak more honestly, I mean, I&#39;ve seen&nbsp;tremendously dishonest press. It&#39;s not even a question of distortion.&quot; &nbsp;

Trump was angered after NBC News reported he had asked to dramatically increase in America&#39;s nuclear stockpile, calling it &quot;made up.&quot;

His secretary of defense backed him publicly.

&quot;Recent reports that the president called for an increase in the US nuclear arsenal are absolutely false,&quot; Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said in a statement.&nbsp;

&quot;This kind of erroneous reporting is irresponsible.&quot;

The US television network reported that Trump told generals and security aides over the summer that he wanted a &quot;nearly tenfold increase&quot; in the US nuclear arsenal.

&quot;With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!&quot; Trump had earlier tweeted.

The US Constitution is understood to guarantee press freedom, but television networks rely on access to broadcast frequencies granted by government agencies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jessica Rosenworcel, a member of the Federal Communications Commission -- a government regulator -- &nbsp;shot back at Trump on Twitter, saying that is &quot;not how it works.&quot;

&quot;Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy. Hope my @FCC colleagues can all be on the same page with respect to 1st Amendment.&quot;

Citing three officials who were in the room, NBC said Trump&#39;s response came when he was shown a slide showing the steady reduction of nukes since the 1960s.

After the briefing, the secretary of state is alleged to have called Trump a &quot;moron,&quot; although Rex Tillerson&#39;s spokeswoman has denied that allegation.

Trump denied requesting more weapons. &quot;I never discussed increasing it. I want it in perfect shape. That was fake news,&quot; he said.

Such a move would abrogate key international arms control treaties and upend decades of non-proliferation policy, with deep ramifications across the globe.

&quot;Right now, we have so many nuclear weapons I want them in perfect condition, perfect shape. That&#39;s the only thing I have discussed,&quot; Trump said.

As president and candidate, Trump has often mused aloud about America&#39;s nuclear weapons power, saying there is no point in having them if you do not use them.

US President Donald Trump tore into the press and questioned whether broadcasters should have their licenses revoked Wednesday, after an unflattering story about his nuclear policy.

US President Donald Trump tore into the press and questioned whether broadcasters should have their licenses revoked Wednesday, after an unflattering story about his nuclear policy. "It's frankly disgusting the way the press is able to write whatever they want to write," Trump fumed as he met his Canadian counterpart in the Oval Office "people should want to look into it." But the president -- who has a history of being combative with the media -- said he did not want to see formal restrictions. "No. The press should speak more honestly, I mean, I've seen tremendously dishonest press. It's not even a question of distortion." Trump was angered after NBC News reported he had asked to dramatically increase in America's nuclear stockpile, calling it "made up." His secretary of defense backed him publicly. "Recent reports that the president called for an increase in the US nuclear arsenal are absolutely false," Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said in a statement. "This kind of erroneous reporting is irresponsible." The US television network reported that Trump told generals and security aides over the summer that he wanted a "nearly tenfold increase" in the US nuclear arsenal. "With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!" Trump had earlier tweeted. The US Constitution is understood to guarantee press freedom, but television networks rely on access to broadcast frequencies granted by government agencies. Jessica Rosenworcel, a member of the Federal Communications Commission -- a government regulator -- shot back at Trump on Twitter, saying that is "not how it works." "Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy. Hope my @FCC colleagues can all be on the same page with respect to 1st Amendment." Citing three officials who were in the room, NBC said Trump's response came when he was shown a slide showing the steady reduction of nukes since the 1960s. After the briefing, the secretary of state is alleged to have called Trump a "moron," although Rex Tillerson's spokeswoman has denied that allegation. Trump denied requesting more weapons. "I never discussed increasing it. I want it in perfect shape. That was fake news," he said. Such a move would abrogate key international arms control treaties and upend decades of non-proliferation policy, with deep ramifications across the globe. "Right now, we have so many nuclear weapons I want them in perfect condition, perfect shape. That's the only thing I have discussed," Trump said. As president and candidate, Trump has often mused aloud about America's nuclear weapons power, saying there is no point in having them if you do not use them.

Trump calls freedom of press 'disgusting'

President Donald Trump said today US TV network CBS had &quot;made up a story&quot; that he wanted a ten-fold increase in nuclear arsenal.

The President took to Twitter to say: &quot;With all of the fake news coming out of NBC and the networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their license.&quot;

&quot;Bad for country!,&quot; the President said&nbsp;on Twitter.

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With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/918112884630093825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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US broadcaster NBC has been at the centre of controversy after it reported that vice president Mike Pence had to talk Tillerson out of resigning and that foreign secretary Tillerson had called Trump a &quot;moron.&quot;&nbsp;

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Fake <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBCNews</a> made up a story that I wanted a &quot;tenfold&quot; increase in our U.S. nuclear arsenal. Pure fiction, made up to demean. NBC = CNN!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/918110279367643137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Trump was quick to dismiss Tillerson&#39;s reported &quot;moron&quot; comment as &quot;fake news&quot;.

The president added, &quot;I think it&#39;s fake news. But if he did that, I guess we&#39;ll have to compare IQ tests. And I can tell you who is going to win.&quot;

On NFL, the president in an early morning tweet said: &quot;It is about time that Roger Goodell of the NFL is finally demanding that all players STAND for our great National Anthem.&quot;

However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told CNN he didn&#39;t demand or order players to stand during the national anthem.

The NFL issued a statement after Trump&#39;s tweet saying: &quot;Commentary this morning about the Commissioner&#39;s position on the anthem is not accurate.&quot;

&quot;As we said yesterday, there will be a discussion of these issues at the owners meeting next week. The NFL is doing the hard work of trying to move from protest to progress, working to bring people together....Players from around the league will be in New York next week to meet with owners to continue our work together,&quot; the statement said.&nbsp;

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It is about time that Roger Goodell of the NFL is finally demanding that all players STAND for our great National Anthem-RESPECT OUR COUNTRY
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/918065431939829760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

US broadcaster NBC has been at the centre of controversy after it reported that vice president Mike Pence had to talk Tillerson out of resigning.

President Donald Trump said today US TV network CBS had "made up a story" that he wanted a ten-fold increase in nuclear arsenal. The President took to Twitter to say: "With all of the fake news coming out of NBC and the networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their license." "Bad for country!," the President said on Twitter. With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2017 × US broadcaster NBC has been at the centre of controversy after it reported that vice president Mike Pence had to talk Tillerson out of resigning and that foreign secretary Tillerson had called Trump a "moron." Fake @NBCNews made up a story that I wanted a "tenfold" increase in our U.S. nuclear arsenal. Pure fiction, made up to demean. NBC = CNN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2017 × Trump was quick to dismiss Tillerson's reported "moron" comment as "fake news". The president added, "I think it's fake news. But if he did that, I guess we'll have to compare IQ tests. And I can tell you who is going to win." On NFL, the president in an early morning tweet said: "It is about time that Roger Goodell of the NFL is finally demanding that all players STAND for our great National Anthem." However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told CNN he didn't demand or order players to stand during the national anthem. The NFL issued a statement after Trump's tweet saying: "Commentary this morning about the Commissioner's position on the anthem is not accurate." "As we said yesterday, there will be a discussion of these issues at the owners meeting next week. The NFL is doing the hard work of trying to move from protest to progress, working to bring people together....Players from around the league will be in New York next week to meet with owners to continue our work together," the statement said. It is about time that Roger Goodell of the NFL is finally demanding that all players STAND for our great National Anthem-RESPECT OUR COUNTRY — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2017 ×

Fake news that I wanted 'ten-fold' increase in nuclear arsenal: Trump

Donald Trump&#39;s feud with top diplomat Rex Tillerson burst back into the open Tuesday, after the US president joked that he and his Secretary of State should compare IQ scores.

Having loudly dismissed reports that Tillerson had once called him a &quot;moron,&quot; Trump refused to let the controversy go, renewing questions about Tillerson&#39;s future.

In an interview with Forbes magazine, Trump was asked about last week&#39;s report that Tillerson had insulted him behind his back -- a story that both had already denied.

&quot;I think it&#39;s fake news,&quot; Trump said, before allowing: &quot;But if he did that, I guess we&#39;ll have to compare IQ tests. And I can tell you who is going to win.&quot;

The interview was published hours before the two men met in the White House for talks on Iran, Turkey and North Korea and then lunch with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Ahead of the sit-down, Trump had insisted he still had confidence in the secretary of state, saying: &quot;I did not undercut anybody. I don&#39;t believe in undercutting people.&quot;

But White House insiders say that Tillerson&#39;s refusal to personally deny an NBC News report that he labelled Trump a &quot;moron&quot; after a July meeting had only deepened the rift.

President &#39;allowed to joke&#39; 
After the meetings, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders insisted there was no rift between the men -- and that Trump does not think Tillerson stupid.

&quot;The President certainly never implied that the secretary of state was not incredibly intelligent. He made a joke, nothing more than that,&quot; Sanders insisted.&nbsp;

&quot;He has full confidence in the secretary of state. They had a great visit earlier today. And they are working hand in hand to move the president&#39;s agenda forward.&quot;

Over at the State Department, spokeswoman Heather Nauert declared when asked that Tillerson&#39;s IQ was &quot;high&quot; but insisted that the top diplomat he had not been offended.

&quot;Speaking with some of our folks who were over there with the president, with the secretary and the president. The meetings were described as positive,&quot; Nauert said.

&quot;I think the president is allowed to joke. He&#39;s allowed to have a sense of humor &hellip; the secretary is more than fine with that,&quot; she said of Trump&#39;s remarks about IQ.

Since the alleged insult was reported, White House chief of staff John Kelly has been struggling to keep a lid on the crisis, and on renewed rumors of Tillerson&#39;s departure.

But that effort that has been consistently thwarted by Trump&#39;s tweets and barbed remarks.

Last week, before the report of the insult was published, Trump took to Twitter to accuse the former ExxonMobil CEO of &quot;wasting his time&quot; trying to negotiate with North Korea.

The rebuke revived rumors that Tillerson is unhappy at his post, but he insists he has no intention of resigning.

Crucial time 
In Washington, Tillerson, along with Mattis, Kelly and chairman of the joint chiefs Joseph Dunford are increasingly seen as a buffer against Trump&#39;s impulses.&nbsp;

Kelly has worked to control the flow of information across Trump&#39;s desk and imposed a decision-making structure that was absent in the early days of the administration.

But for many in Washington, even former supporters from the president&#39;s own party, he has not yet been successful.

&quot;The White House has become an adult day care center,&quot; Senator Bob Corker declared at the weekend, an astonishing public rebuke from a Republican who campaigned for Trump and chairs the Senate foreign relations committee.

Tillerson&#39;s departure would be a major blow to those hoping to temper Trump and prevent the slide towards what Corker described as &quot;the path to World War III.&quot;

And it could not come at a more sensitive time diplomatically.&nbsp;

Trump is poised to confront Iran by questioning a major nuclear deal later this week and appears set on stepping up his threats against nuclear-armed North Korea.&nbsp;

Tillerson will also play a major role in preparing Trump&#39;s monster trip to Asia next month, that will take in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson had reportedly once called Trump a 'moron'

Donald Trump's feud with top diplomat Rex Tillerson burst back into the open Tuesday, after the US president joked that he and his Secretary of State should compare IQ scores. Having loudly dismissed reports that Tillerson had once called him a "moron," Trump refused to let the controversy go, renewing questions about Tillerson's future. In an interview with Forbes magazine, Trump was asked about last week's report that Tillerson had insulted him behind his back -- a story that both had already denied. "I think it's fake news," Trump said, before allowing: "But if he did that, I guess we'll have to compare IQ tests. And I can tell you who is going to win." The interview was published hours before the two men met in the White House for talks on Iran, Turkey and North Korea and then lunch with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. Ahead of the sit-down, Trump had insisted he still had confidence in the secretary of state, saying: "I did not undercut anybody. I don't believe in undercutting people." But White House insiders say that Tillerson's refusal to personally deny an NBC News report that he labelled Trump a "moron" after a July meeting had only deepened the rift. President 'allowed to joke' After the meetings, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders insisted there was no rift between the men -- and that Trump does not think Tillerson stupid. "The President certainly never implied that the secretary of state was not incredibly intelligent. He made a joke, nothing more than that," Sanders insisted. "He has full confidence in the secretary of state. They had a great visit earlier today. And they are working hand in hand to move the president's agenda forward." Over at the State Department, spokeswoman Heather Nauert declared when asked that Tillerson's IQ was "high" but insisted that the top diplomat he had not been offended. "Speaking with some of our folks who were over there with the president, with the secretary and the president. The meetings were described as positive," Nauert said. "I think the president is allowed to joke. He's allowed to have a sense of humor … the secretary is more than fine with that," she said of Trump's remarks about IQ. Since the alleged insult was reported, White House chief of staff John Kelly has been struggling to keep a lid on the crisis, and on renewed rumors of Tillerson's departure. But that effort that has been consistently thwarted by Trump's tweets and barbed remarks. Last week, before the report of the insult was published, Trump took to Twitter to accuse the former ExxonMobil CEO of "wasting his time" trying to negotiate with North Korea. The rebuke revived rumors that Tillerson is unhappy at his post, but he insists he has no intention of resigning. Crucial time In Washington, Tillerson, along with Mattis, Kelly and chairman of the joint chiefs Joseph Dunford are increasingly seen as a buffer against Trump's impulses. Kelly has worked to control the flow of information across Trump's desk and imposed a decision-making structure that was absent in the early days of the administration. But for many in Washington, even former supporters from the president's own party, he has not yet been successful. "The White House has become an adult day care center," Senator Bob Corker declared at the weekend, an astonishing public rebuke from a Republican who campaigned for Trump and chairs the Senate foreign relations committee. Tillerson's departure would be a major blow to those hoping to temper Trump and prevent the slide towards what Corker described as "the path to World War III." And it could not come at a more sensitive time diplomatically. Trump is poised to confront Iran by questioning a major nuclear deal later this week and appears set on stepping up his threats against nuclear-armed North Korea. Tillerson will also play a major role in preparing Trump's monster trip to Asia next month, that will take in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Who's the moron? Trump challenges Tillerson to IQ test

Outside the Morgan County fair in McConnelsville, in a rural swath of Ohio that fervently backed US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in last year&#39;s election, ticket seller John Wilson quietly counts off a handful of disappointments with the man he helped elect.

The 70-year-old retired banker said he is unhappy with infighting and turnover in the White House. He does not like Trump&#39;s penchant for traveling to his personal golf resorts. He wishes the president would do more to fix the healthcare system, and he worries that Trump might back down from his promise to force illegal immigrants out of the country.

&quot;Every president makes mistakes,&quot; Wilson said. &quot;But if you add one on top of one, on top of another one, on top of another, there&#39;s just a limit.&quot;

Trump, who inspired millions of supporters last year in places like Morgan County, has been losing his grip on rural America.

According to the Reuters/Ipsos daily tracking poll, the Republican president&#39;s popularity is eroding in small towns and rural communities where 15 per cent of the country&#39;s population lives. The poll of more than 15,000 adults in &quot;non-metro&quot; areas shows that they are now as likely to disapprove of Trump as they are to approve of him.

In September, 47 per cent of people in non-metro areas approved of Trump while 47 per cent disapproved. That is down from Trump&#39;s first four weeks in office, when 55 percent said they approved of the president while 39 percent disapproved.

The poll found that Trump has lost support in rural areas among men, whites and people who never went to college. He lost support with rural Republicans and rural voters who supported him on Election Day.

And while Trump still gets relatively high marks in the poll for his handling of the economy and national security, rural Americans are increasingly unhappy with Trump&#39;s record on immigration, a central part of his presidential campaign.

Forty-seven percent of rural Americans said in September they approved of the president&#39;s handling of immigration, down from 56 percent during his first month in office.

Poll respondents who were interviewed by Reuters gave different reasons for their dissatisfaction with the president on immigration.

A few said they are tired of waiting for Trump to make good on his promise to build a wall along America&#39;s southern border, while others said they were uncomfortable with his administration&#39;s efforts to restrict travel into the United States.

&quot;There should be some sort of compromise between a free flow of people over the border and something that&#39;s more controlled,&quot; said Drew Carlson, 19, of Warrensburg, Missouri, who took the poll.

But Trump&#39;s &quot;constant fixation on deportation is a little bit unsettling to me.&quot;

The Trump administration would not comment about the Reuters/Ipsos poll. (For a graphic depicting poll results, see: http://tmsnrt.rs/2yuVIun)

To be sure, Trump is still much more popular in rural America than he is elsewhere.

Since he took office, &quot;I like him less, but I support him more,&quot; said Robert Cody, 87, a retired chemical engineer from Bartlesville, Oklahoma who took the poll.

Cody said that Trump may rankle some people with the way he talks and tweets, but it is a small price to pay for a president who will fight to strip away government regulations and strengthen the border.

Dropping off the screen

When Trump called the election a &quot;last shot&quot; for the struggling coal industry and when he called for protecting the nation&rsquo;s southern border with a &ldquo;big, fat, beautiful wall&quot;, he was speaking directly to rural America, said David Swenson, an economist at Iowa State University.

&quot;Feelings of resentment and deprivation have pervaded a lot of these places,&quot; Swenson said. &quot;And here comes a candidate (Trump) who&#39;s offering simplistic answers&quot; to issues that concern them.

Rural Americans responded by supporting Trump over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by 26 percentage points during the election, an advantage that helped tip the balance in battleground states, such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, where Trump won by less than 1 percentage point.

But after 10 months, many are still waiting to see concrete changes that could make life easier in rural America, said Karl Stauber, who runs a private economic development agency serving a patchwork of manufacturing communities in south central Virginia.

&quot;Rural people are more cynical about the federal government than people in general are,&quot; Stauber said. &quot;They&#39;ve heard so many promises, and they&#39;ve not seen much done.&quot;

Despite all the talk of bringing manufacturing jobs back, Stauber said he has not seen any companies which have relocated to his region, or anyone expand their workforce, due to new federal policies.

&quot;It just seems like we&#39;ve dropped off the screen,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

According to the poll, Trump&#39;s overall popularity has dropped gradually, and for different reasons, this year.

Rural Americans were increasingly unhappy with Trump&#39;s handling of healthcare in March and April after he lobbied for a Republican plan to overhaul Obamacare and cut coverage for millions of Americans.

In May and June, they were more critical of Trump&#39;s ability to carry out US&nbsp;foreign policy, and they gave him lower marks for &quot;the way he treats people like me.&quot;

In August, they were increasingly unhappy with &quot;the effort he&#39;s making to unify the country&quot; after he blamed &quot;both sides&quot; for the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, in which a suspected white nationalist drove his car into a crowd of anti-racist demonstrators.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English across the United States. It asked people to rate the president&rsquo;s performance and the results were filtered for people who lived in zip codes that fell within counties designated as &quot;non-metro&quot; by the federal government.

The poll combined the results of &quot;non-metro&quot; respondents into nine, four-week periods. Each period included between 1,300 and 2,000 responses and had a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 3 percentage points.

Rural Americans were increasingly unhappy with Trump's handling of immigration and healthcare

Outside the Morgan County fair in McConnelsville, in a rural swath of Ohio that fervently backed US President Donald Trump in last year's election, ticket seller John Wilson quietly counts off a handful of disappointments with the man he helped elect. The 70-year-old retired banker said he is unhappy with infighting and turnover in the White House. He does not like Trump's penchant for traveling to his personal golf resorts. He wishes the president would do more to fix the healthcare system, and he worries that Trump might back down from his promise to force illegal immigrants out of the country. "Every president makes mistakes," Wilson said. "But if you add one on top of one, on top of another one, on top of another, there's just a limit." Trump, who inspired millions of supporters last year in places like Morgan County, has been losing his grip on rural America. According to the Reuters/Ipsos daily tracking poll, the Republican president's popularity is eroding in small towns and rural communities where 15 per cent of the country's population lives. The poll of more than 15,000 adults in "non-metro" areas shows that they are now as likely to disapprove of Trump as they are to approve of him. In September, 47 per cent of people in non-metro areas approved of Trump while 47 per cent disapproved. That is down from Trump's first four weeks in office, when 55 percent said they approved of the president while 39 percent disapproved. The poll found that Trump has lost support in rural areas among men, whites and people who never went to college. He lost support with rural Republicans and rural voters who supported him on Election Day. And while Trump still gets relatively high marks in the poll for his handling of the economy and national security, rural Americans are increasingly unhappy with Trump's record on immigration, a central part of his presidential campaign. Forty-seven percent of rural Americans said in September they approved of the president's handling of immigration, down from 56 percent during his first month in office. Poll respondents who were interviewed by Reuters gave different reasons for their dissatisfaction with the president on immigration. A few said they are tired of waiting for Trump to make good on his promise to build a wall along America's southern border, while others said they were uncomfortable with his administration's efforts to restrict travel into the United States. "There should be some sort of compromise between a free flow of people over the border and something that's more controlled," said Drew Carlson, 19, of Warrensburg, Missouri, who took the poll. But Trump's "constant fixation on deportation is a little bit unsettling to me." The Trump administration would not comment about the Reuters/Ipsos poll. (For a graphic depicting poll results, see: http://tmsnrt.rs/2yuVIun) To be sure, Trump is still much more popular in rural America than he is elsewhere. Since he took office, "I like him less, but I support him more," said Robert Cody, 87, a retired chemical engineer from Bartlesville, Oklahoma who took the poll. Cody said that Trump may rankle some people with the way he talks and tweets, but it is a small price to pay for a president who will fight to strip away government regulations and strengthen the border. Dropping off the screen When Trump called the election a "last shot" for the struggling coal industry and when he called for protecting the nation’s southern border with a “big, fat, beautiful wall", he was speaking directly to rural America, said David Swenson, an economist at Iowa State University. "Feelings of resentment and deprivation have pervaded a lot of these places," Swenson said. "And here comes a candidate (Trump) who's offering simplistic answers" to issues that concern them. Rural Americans responded by supporting Trump over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by 26 percentage points during the election, an advantage that helped tip the balance in battleground states, such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, where Trump won by less than 1 percentage point. But after 10 months, many are still waiting to see concrete changes that could make life easier in rural America, said Karl Stauber, who runs a private economic development agency serving a patchwork of manufacturing communities in south central Virginia. "Rural people are more cynical about the federal government than people in general are," Stauber said. "They've heard so many promises, and they've not seen much done." Despite all the talk of bringing manufacturing jobs back, Stauber said he has not seen any companies which have relocated to his region, or anyone expand their workforce, due to new federal policies. "It just seems like we've dropped off the screen," he said. According to the poll, Trump's overall popularity has dropped gradually, and for different reasons, this year. Rural Americans were increasingly unhappy with Trump's handling of healthcare in March and April after he lobbied for a Republican plan to overhaul Obamacare and cut coverage for millions of Americans. In May and June, they were more critical of Trump's ability to carry out US foreign policy, and they gave him lower marks for "the way he treats people like me." In August, they were increasingly unhappy with "the effort he's making to unify the country" after he blamed "both sides" for the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, in which a suspected white nationalist drove his car into a crowd of anti-racist demonstrators. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English across the United States. It asked people to rate the president’s performance and the results were filtered for people who lived in zip codes that fell within counties designated as "non-metro" by the federal government. The poll combined the results of "non-metro" respondents into nine, four-week periods. Each period included between 1,300 and 2,000 responses and had a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 3 percentage points.

Trump's popularity slipping in rural America: Poll

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