By Jennifer Selin

After a week of both peaceful protests and violent chaos in the wake of George Floyd’s death, President Donald Trump announced, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”

Is Trump’s warning just bluster? Does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities?

The answer to this question involves a web of legal provisions that help define the president’s constitutional roles as commander in chief and chief executive of the country and that simultaneously try to balance presidential power with the power of state leaders.

‘Protect states in times of violence’ 
 
Tracing back to the Magna Carta, the British charter of liberty signed in 1215, there is a longstanding tradition against military involvement in civilian affairs.

However, the US&nbsp;Constitution guarantees that the national government will protect the states in times of violence and permits Congress to enact laws that enable the military to aid in carrying out the law.

Almost immediately after the Constitution’s enactment in 1787, Congress passed a law that allowed the president to use the military to respond to a series of citizen rebellions.

Troops serving as what’s called “posse comitatus,” which translates roughly to “attendants with the capacity to act,” could be called to suppress insurrections and help carry out federal laws.

Following the Civil War, the national government used troops in this capacity to aid in Reconstruction efforts, particularly in states that had been part of the Confederacy.

The use of troops in this manner may even have influenced the outcome of the 1876 presidential election of Republican Rutherford B. Hayes. That happened when, in return for agreeing to withdraw federal troops from the South, Democrats informally agreed to the election of Hayes when the disputed election was thrown to a congressional commission.

Two years later, Hayes signed into law the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibited the use of the military in civilian matters.

The Posse Comitatus Act has not changed much since that time. The law prohibits the use of the military in civilian matters but, over time, Congress has passed at least 26 exemptions to the act that allow the president to send troops into states.

The exemptions range from providing military personnel to protect national parks to helping states in carrying out state quarantine and health laws.

Insurrection Act 
 
What exemption would President Trump use if he wants to send the military to one or more states?

He would likely rely on the Insurrection Act, which governs certain circumstances when the president can use the military. Signed by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Congress originally passed the law in order to help fight citizen rebellions against federal taxes.

Over time, the law has evolved to allow the use of troops in other circumstances. For example, Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson used the Insurrection Act in the 1950s and 1960s to send the military to enforce court desegregation orders and to protect civil rights marchers.

It was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, when he ordered 4,500 troops to Los Angeles after rioting erupted in response to the acquittal of police officers charged with beating Rodney King.

The Insurrection Act says that the president may use the armed forces to subdue an insurrection or rebellion and take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress violence.

But before doing so, he must issue a proclamation ordering insurgents to disperse and return to their homes.

While state governors and legislatures also have the legal authority to ask the president to use troops in this manner, none have done that during this period of unrest. The states have preferred to rely on a combination of local law enforcement and the National Guard, which is under state command, not federal.

Not only does this strategy enable governors to maintain authority over their states’ responses to the clashes in the wake of George Floyd’s death, but it also keeps things more straightforward legally and politically.

Authority uncertain 
 
Reliance on the Insurrection Act raises a host of political and practical questions about who is in charge when the military sends troops into a state.

For example, despite the fact that the act was invoked in response to the Rodney King riots, the military actually was not used as directed. The Joint Task Force Commander in control of the mission appears to have been confused regarding how the Insurrection Act worked alongside the provisions of the Posse Comitatus Act. He issued an order prohibiting troops from directly supporting law enforcement and that led to numerous denials of requests for assistance.

Questions about the federal government’s authority in the wake of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana raised similar concerns.

The administration of President George W. Bush determined that it had authority under the Insurrection Act to send federal troops to the area, despite the fact that Louisiana’s governor was opposed to military assistance.

For political reasons, President Bush did not end up deploying troops but, in 2006, Congress amended the law to address concerns that the military was unable to provide effective assistance to states in emergency situations.

The amendment was later repealed when all 50 state governors raised objections to what they perceived as a grant of unilateral power to the president.

These examples suggest a real difficulty balancing governmental responses to domestic crises. States need the flexibility and authority to respond as they see fit to the needs of their citizens.

But the federal government can and often does serve as a supplemental resource. As the events of the past week illustrate, striking an effective balance is rarely a straightforward thing.

(Jennifer Selin is Kinder Institute Assistant Professor of Constitutional Democracy, University of Missouri-Columbia)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-president-really-order-the-military-to-occupy-us-cities-and-states-139844"> original article</a>) &nbsp;

By Jennifer Selin After a week of both peaceful protests and violent chaos in the wake of George Floyd’s death, President Donald Trump announced, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.

By Jennifer Selin After a week of both peaceful protests and violent chaos in the wake of George Floyd’s death, President Donald Trump announced, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.” Is Trump’s warning just bluster? Does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities? The answer to this question involves a web of legal provisions that help define the president’s constitutional roles as commander in chief and chief executive of the country and that simultaneously try to balance presidential power with the power of state leaders. ‘Protect states in times of violence’ Tracing back to the Magna Carta, the British charter of liberty signed in 1215, there is a longstanding tradition against military involvement in civilian affairs. However, the US Constitution guarantees that the national government will protect the states in times of violence and permits Congress to enact laws that enable the military to aid in carrying out the law. Almost immediately after the Constitution’s enactment in 1787, Congress passed a law that allowed the president to use the military to respond to a series of citizen rebellions. Troops serving as what’s called “posse comitatus,” which translates roughly to “attendants with the capacity to act,” could be called to suppress insurrections and help carry out federal laws. Following the Civil War, the national government used troops in this capacity to aid in Reconstruction efforts, particularly in states that had been part of the Confederacy. The use of troops in this manner may even have influenced the outcome of the 1876 presidential election of Republican Rutherford B. Hayes. That happened when, in return for agreeing to withdraw federal troops from the South, Democrats informally agreed to the election of Hayes when the disputed election was thrown to a congressional commission. Two years later, Hayes signed into law the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibited the use of the military in civilian matters. The Posse Comitatus Act has not changed much since that time. The law prohibits the use of the military in civilian matters but, over time, Congress has passed at least 26 exemptions to the act that allow the president to send troops into states. The exemptions range from providing military personnel to protect national parks to helping states in carrying out state quarantine and health laws. Insurrection Act What exemption would President Trump use if he wants to send the military to one or more states? He would likely rely on the Insurrection Act, which governs certain circumstances when the president can use the military. Signed by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Congress originally passed the law in order to help fight citizen rebellions against federal taxes. Over time, the law has evolved to allow the use of troops in other circumstances. For example, Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson used the Insurrection Act in the 1950s and 1960s to send the military to enforce court desegregation orders and to protect civil rights marchers. It was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, when he ordered 4,500 troops to Los Angeles after rioting erupted in response to the acquittal of police officers charged with beating Rodney King. The Insurrection Act says that the president may use the armed forces to subdue an insurrection or rebellion and take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress violence. But before doing so, he must issue a proclamation ordering insurgents to disperse and return to their homes. While state governors and legislatures also have the legal authority to ask the president to use troops in this manner, none have done that during this period of unrest. The states have preferred to rely on a combination of local law enforcement and the National Guard, which is under state command, not federal. Not only does this strategy enable governors to maintain authority over their states’ responses to the clashes in the wake of George Floyd’s death, but it also keeps things more straightforward legally and politically. Authority uncertain Reliance on the Insurrection Act raises a host of political and practical questions about who is in charge when the military sends troops into a state. For example, despite the fact that the act was invoked in response to the Rodney King riots, the military actually was not used as directed. The Joint Task Force Commander in control of the mission appears to have been confused regarding how the Insurrection Act worked alongside the provisions of the Posse Comitatus Act. He issued an order prohibiting troops from directly supporting law enforcement and that led to numerous denials of requests for assistance. Questions about the federal government’s authority in the wake of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana raised similar concerns. The administration of President George W. Bush determined that it had authority under the Insurrection Act to send federal troops to the area, despite the fact that Louisiana’s governor was opposed to military assistance. For political reasons, President Bush did not end up deploying troops but, in 2006, Congress amended the law to address concerns that the military was unable to provide effective assistance to states in emergency situations. The amendment was later repealed when all 50 state governors raised objections to what they perceived as a grant of unilateral power to the president. These examples suggest a real difficulty balancing governmental responses to domestic crises. States need the flexibility and authority to respond as they see fit to the needs of their citizens. But the federal government can and often does serve as a supplemental resource. As the events of the past week illustrate, striking an effective balance is rarely a straightforward thing. (Jennifer Selin is Kinder Institute Assistant Professor of Constitutional Democracy, University of Missouri-Columbia) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

Can the president really order the military to occupy US cities and states?

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday addressed the murder of George Floyd by the police in the US city of Minneapolis which has spurred a series of protests, not only in the country, but across the world.

"I think what happened in the United States was appalling, inexcusable," Johnson said in the parliament.

"We all saw it on our screens and I perfectly understand people's right to protest what took place," he added.&nbsp;

"Obviously I also believe that protests should take place in a lawful and reasonable way”, the PM said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-protests-defy-curfews-as-trump-faces-backlash-for-violent-crackdown-302854" hreflang="en">US protests defy curfews as Trump faces backlash for violent crackdown</a>

However, Johnson was reluctant on commenting on Trump’s response and his thoughts on the same. Currently, the US is expected to make post-Brexit deal with the UK.

The murder has triggered protests across all US states, including major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Worldwide protests also followed in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Protesters chanting “I can’t breathe” with signs saying “Black Lives Matter” have flooded the streets. A lot of violence has also been reported, with police officers being shot at, and looting of stores caught in the storm.

Floyd, an unarmed African-American, died last week after a police officer in the US city Minneapolis knelt on his neck, an incident captured on video by a witness. The officer concerned has been charged with second-degree murder.

<h6><img alt="The artist Celos paints a mural in Downtown Los Angeles on May 30, 2020 in protest against the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while while being arrested and pinned to the ground by the knee of a Minneapolis police officer." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca9db369-3c03-438e-9aac-6818a2267fb0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/World%20Bicycle%20Day-2.jpg" /> 
The artist Celos paints a mural in Downtown Los Angeles on May 30, 2020 in protest against the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while while being arrested and pinned to the ground by the knee of a Minneapolis police officer. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

"We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life," British police chiefs also said in a statement.

"Justice and accountability should follow… We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then”, the statement added.

The police chiefs appealed for people in Britain to "work with officers" as protests mount over Floyd's killing, just as a nationwide coronavirus lockdown is being eased.

"Britain is no stranger to racialised police violence," it noted.

"Black and minority ethnic people are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system at every level, from arrests to stop and search, to imprisonment, to deaths in custody."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-of-george-floyds-daughter-demands-justice-minneapolis-police-faces-probe-302863" hreflang="en">Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe</a>

Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill to buy cigarettes. When the police arrived, an officer Chauvin who has now been charged with murder, pinned him to the ground with his knee stationed on his neck, which led to his death.

It was only when bystanders insisted on checking his pulse, that the policeman let go, after which Floyd was escorted away in an ambulance. An hour later, he was pronounced dead.

Data compiled by “Mapping Police Violence” of all police killings in 2019 across the US reveals that black Americans are three times more likely to be killed during their interaction with the police than white Americans.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday addressed the murder of George Floyd by the police in the US city of Minneapolis which has spurred a series of protests, not only in the country, but across the world.

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday addressed the murder of George Floyd by the police in the US city of Minneapolis which has spurred a series of protests, not only in the country, but across the world. "I think what happened in the United States was appalling, inexcusable," Johnson said in the parliament. "We all saw it on our screens and I perfectly understand people's right to protest what took place," he added. "Obviously I also believe that protests should take place in a lawful and reasonable way”, the PM said. Also read: US protests defy curfews as Trump faces backlash for violent crackdown However, Johnson was reluctant on commenting on Trump’s response and his thoughts on the same. Currently, the US is expected to make post-Brexit deal with the UK. The murder has triggered protests across all US states, including major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Worldwide protests also followed in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Protesters chanting “I can’t breathe” with signs saying “Black Lives Matter” have flooded the streets. A lot of violence has also been reported, with police officers being shot at, and looting of stores caught in the storm. Floyd, an unarmed African-American, died last week after a police officer in the US city Minneapolis knelt on his neck, an incident captured on video by a witness. The officer concerned has been charged with second-degree murder. The artist Celos paints a mural in Downtown Los Angeles on May 30, 2020 in protest against the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while while being arrested and pinned to the ground by the knee of a Minneapolis police officer. | AFP "We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life," British police chiefs also said in a statement. "Justice and accountability should follow… We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then”, the statement added. The police chiefs appealed for people in Britain to "work with officers" as protests mount over Floyd's killing, just as a nationwide coronavirus lockdown is being eased. "Britain is no stranger to racialised police violence," it noted. "Black and minority ethnic people are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system at every level, from arrests to stop and search, to imprisonment, to deaths in custody." Also read: Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill to buy cigarettes. When the police arrived, an officer Chauvin who has now been charged with murder, pinned him to the ground with his knee stationed on his neck, which led to his death. It was only when bystanders insisted on checking his pulse, that the policeman let go, after which Floyd was escorted away in an ambulance. An hour later, he was pronounced dead. Data compiled by “Mapping Police Violence” of all police killings in 2019 across the US reveals that black Americans are three times more likely to be killed during their interaction with the police than white Americans. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

George Floyd's murder 'inexcusable', says British PM Boris Johnson

Unexpanded G7 has long been in demand for the emerging world. All the member nations agree in principle that in this expansion they are divided over the decision to get the seat at the G7 table.

Putin wants China at G7 table: Trump's G7 expansion plan

Pope Francis recently condemned the killing of George Floyd, an African American man in the US city of Minneapolis.

The Pope said that “we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism”, while referring to the murder which has triggered protests across all US states, including major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Worldwide protests also followed in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Protesters chanting “I can’t breathe” with signs saying “Black Lives Matter” have flooded the streets. A lot of violence has also been reported, with police officers being shot at, and looting of stores caught in the storm.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-of-george-floyds-daughter-demands-justice-minneapolis-police-faces-probe-302863" hreflang="en">Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe</a>

Pope Francis also addressed the violence in cities and called it “self-destructive and self-defeating”.&nbsp;"Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost," Francis added.

The Pope additionally asserted that he was praying for Floyd and many others have lost their lives to the “sin of racism”.

Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill to buy cigarettes. When the police arrived, an officer Chauvin who has now been charged with murder, pinned him to the ground with his knee stationed on his neck, which led to his death.

<h6><img alt="People raise their hands and shout slogans as they protest at the makeshift memorial in honour of George Floyd, on June 2, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a75afeac-0832-49ba-b4b8-31e19f1b7360" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_17.jpg" /> 
People raise their hands and shout slogans as they protest at the makeshift memorial in honour of George Floyd, on June 2, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

It was only when bystanders insisted on checking his pulse, that the policeman let go, after which Floyd was escorted away in an ambulance. An hour later, he was pronounced dead.

The protests have been calling for an end to police brutality against people of colour, many researchers have pointed how African American have more risk of being assaulted by the police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-protests-defy-curfews-as-trump-faces-backlash-for-violent-crackdown-302854" hreflang="en">US protests defy curfews as Trump faces backlash for violent crackdown</a>

Data compiled by “Mapping Police Violence” of all police killings in 2019 across the US reveals that black Americans are three times more likely to be killed during their interaction with the police than white Americans.

Thousands of people have arrested across Americans cities so far.&nbsp;US President on Tuesday was spotted posing with a bible in the White House. Media outlets reported that to attain free passage of the president, scores of protesters were violently cleared out from the area.

Pope Francis recently condemned the killing of George Floyd, an African American man in the US city of Minneapolis. The Pope said that “we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism”, while referring to the murder which has triggered protests across all US states, including major cities like New York and Los Angeles.

Pope Francis recently condemned the killing of George Floyd, an African American man in the US city of Minneapolis. The Pope said that “we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism”, while referring to the murder which has triggered protests across all US states, including major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Worldwide protests also followed in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Protesters chanting “I can’t breathe” with signs saying “Black Lives Matter” have flooded the streets. A lot of violence has also been reported, with police officers being shot at, and looting of stores caught in the storm. Also read: Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe Pope Francis also addressed the violence in cities and called it “self-destructive and self-defeating”. "Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost," Francis added. The Pope additionally asserted that he was praying for Floyd and many others have lost their lives to the “sin of racism”. Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill to buy cigarettes. When the police arrived, an officer Chauvin who has now been charged with murder, pinned him to the ground with his knee stationed on his neck, which led to his death. People raise their hands and shout slogans as they protest at the makeshift memorial in honour of George Floyd, on June 2, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota | AFP It was only when bystanders insisted on checking his pulse, that the policeman let go, after which Floyd was escorted away in an ambulance. An hour later, he was pronounced dead. The protests have been calling for an end to police brutality against people of colour, many researchers have pointed how African American have more risk of being assaulted by the police. Also read: US protests defy curfews as Trump faces backlash for violent crackdown Data compiled by “Mapping Police Violence” of all police killings in 2019 across the US reveals that black Americans are three times more likely to be killed during their interaction with the police than white Americans. Thousands of people have arrested across Americans cities so far. US President on Tuesday was spotted posing with a bible in the White House. Media outlets reported that to attain free passage of the president, scores of protesters were violently cleared out from the area.

'Cannot tolerate sin of racism', says Pope Francis while addressing the murder of George Floyd

China's wolf-warriors seem to be delighted in watching the unrest unfold in U.S. WION's palki Sharma gets you a report on China's double standards.

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The United States seems to be witnessing its worst civil unrest in decades. From protesters looting shops to cops running over demonstrators, anarchy has gripped the entire country. WION's Palki Sharma decodes 5 videos that tell the story of the upheaval in America.

Gravitas: Riots in the United States | 5 videos of anarchy in America

The US will ship next week the first batch of 100 ventilators it has donated to India to treat the coronavirus patients, President Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a conference call, the White House said.

Trump spoke with Modi on Tuesday and "the two leaders discussed the G-7 (summit), the COVID-19 response, and regional security issues", it said.

"The president was happy to announce that the United States would be ready to ship the first tranche of 100 donated ventilators to India next week, the White House said in a readout of the call.

India is now the seventh among the worst-hit nations by the COVID-19 pandemic after the US, Brazil, Russia, the UK, Spain and Italy.

India has reported over two lakh confirmed coronavirus cases and 5,815 deaths, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

Ventilators have emerged as a key medical device to treat critical coronavirus patients. Around 1 out of every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops breathing difficulty, according to the World Health Organisation.

A ventilator takes over the body's breathing process when a disease has caused the lungs to fail. This gives the patient time to fight off the infection and recover.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi in a series of tweets on Tuesday said that he had a warm and productive conversation with his friend Trump.

''We discussed his plans for the US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues,''&nbsp;he said.

''The richness and depth of India-US consultations will remain an important pillar of the post-COVID global architecture,'' Modi tweeted.

The US will ship next week the first batch of 100 ventilators it has donated to India to treat the coronavirus patients, President Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a conference call, the White House said.

The US will ship next week the first batch of 100 ventilators it has donated to India to treat the coronavirus patients, President Donald Trump has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a conference call, the White House said. Trump spoke with Modi on Tuesday and "the two leaders discussed the G-7 (summit), the COVID-19 response, and regional security issues", it said. "The president was happy to announce that the United States would be ready to ship the first tranche of 100 donated ventilators to India next week, the White House said in a readout of the call. India is now the seventh among the worst-hit nations by the COVID-19 pandemic after the US, Brazil, Russia, the UK, Spain and Italy. India has reported over two lakh confirmed coronavirus cases and 5,815 deaths, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Ventilators have emerged as a key medical device to treat critical coronavirus patients. Around 1 out of every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops breathing difficulty, according to the World Health Organisation. A ventilator takes over the body's breathing process when a disease has caused the lungs to fail. This gives the patient time to fight off the infection and recover. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi in a series of tweets on Tuesday said that he had a warm and productive conversation with his friend Trump. ''We discussed his plans for the US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues,'' he said. ''The richness and depth of India-US consultations will remain an important pillar of the post-COVID global architecture,'' Modi tweeted.

US to ship first batch of 100 ventilators donated to India next week: White House

SpaceX has made history with a manned mission to the International Space station. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report on the many firsts this American aerospace giant has achieved through its latest mission.

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The death of George Floyd in the US has triggered mass protests. Floyd was suffocated to death under police custody. WION'S Palki Sharma brings you a video timeline of what happened on the 25th of May.

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Various agencies of the United States often issue resolutions on human rights violations across the world. But, does the US practice what it preaches? WION's Palki Sharma tells you how America has failed to ensure equal rights to the African American community.

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The death of an African American in Minnesota has triggered violent mass protests. The clashes between the cops and the protesters even led to riots and mass looting. WION's Palki Sharma sums up how America's moral authority and credibility is fast eroding.

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Residents and business owners in cities across the United States swept up broken glass, took stock of looted goods and surveyed the damage on Monday after a sixth straight night of violent protests over racial inequities and excessive police force.&nbsp;

Police and fire departments fought into the night to quell the chaos as fires burned near the White House and shops were looted in New York City and Southern California. The National Guard said it had deployed in 23 states and Washington, D.C.

One person was killed in Louisville, Kentucky, overnight where police and National Guard troops returned fire while trying to disperse a crowd.

"It’s devastating and heartbreaking," Alex Flowers, 30, said as she swept broken glass from the sidewalk outside Wasteland, a used-clothing store in Santa Monica, California, early on Monday. "I came to help clean up the city that has been destroyed and help the business owners and employees."

The unrest, which erupted as the country was reopening after lengthy lockdowns to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, began with peaceful protests over the death of a black man, George Floyd, in police custody in Minneapolis last Monday.

Video footage showed a white police officer kneeling on the neck of Floyd, 46, for nearly nine minutes before he died. Derek Chauvin, the since-fired 44-year-old police officer involved in the incident, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He was released on $500,000 bail and is due to appear in court on June 8, according to jail records.&nbsp;

Dozens of cities across the United States remain under curfews at a level not seen since riots following the 1968 assassination of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

There was "significant ongoing" civil unrest in 36 U.S. cities, including smaller ones like Fargo, North Dakota, and Roanoke, Virginia, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said on Monday.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc9ce6cc-49a7-4864-bcee-3e5686217daa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_12.jpg" /> 
Protests in NYC | Reuters</h6>

In the U.S. capital, St. John's Episcopal Church, an historic place near the White House where many U.S. presidents have gone to worship, suffered minor damage while the nearby headquarters of the AFL-CIO labor group was vandalized.

"The looting and destruction of property was expansive," Washington, D.C., Police Chief Peter Newsham told reporters, noting that looting had occurred in the Northeast and Northwest quadrants of the district, as well as upscale Georgetown area.&nbsp;

The city's mayor, Muriel Bowser, announced on Monday a curfew would be in place for two days starting at 7 p.m. and lasting until the morning hours.

'NOT HELPING'

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News that Antifa, an anti-fascist group, was "certainly behind" the violence that had erupted in U.S. cities in recent days and that the country needed "law and order."

U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Sunday branded the group a terrorist organization, was due on Monday to meet his top law enforcement officer behind closed doors and then hold a call with governors, law enforcement and national security officials.

Trump has condemned the killing of Floyd and promised justice but has made no major public statement to address the crisis. He has issued a flurry of tweets, describing protesters as "thugs" and urging mayors and governors to "get tough" and threatened to use the U.S. military.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/curfew-imposed-in-several-us-states-more-than-2500-protestors-arrested-302477/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Critics accuse the Republican president, who is seeking re-election in a Nov. 3 election, of further stoking conflict and racial tension rather than seeking to bring the country together and address the underlying issues.

"He's not helping ... He is not leading, he is causing further disruption," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told CNN on Monday. Atlanta, Georgia's capital, was among a string of cities where protests turned violent in recent days.

Tensions in Georgia had been rising over the Feb. 23 death of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man who was shot while jogging. The white father-and-son suspects were not arrested until 74 days later.&nbsp;

The deaths of Arbery and Floyd were the latest in a string of similar incidents involving unarmed black men in recent years that has raised an outcry over racism in law enforcement, and reignited outrage across a politically and racially divided country that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Many cities affected by the unrest are just restarting some normal economic activity after more than two months of stay-at-home orders aimed at stemming the outbreak, which has killed more than 104,000 people and plunged more than 40 million people into joblessness.&nbsp;

Black people account for 6.8% of the population in Minnesota but 29% of coronavirus cases, according to state and federal data.

Residents and business owners in cities across the United States swept up broken glass, took stock of looted goods and surveyed the damage on Monday after a sixth straight night of violent protests over racial inequities and excessive police force.

Residents and business owners in cities across the United States swept up broken glass, took stock of looted goods and surveyed the damage on Monday after a sixth straight night of violent protests over racial inequities and excessive police force. Police and fire departments fought into the night to quell the chaos as fires burned near the White House and shops were looted in New York City and Southern California. The National Guard said it had deployed in 23 states and Washington, D.C. One person was killed in Louisville, Kentucky, overnight where police and National Guard troops returned fire while trying to disperse a crowd. "It’s devastating and heartbreaking," Alex Flowers, 30, said as she swept broken glass from the sidewalk outside Wasteland, a used-clothing store in Santa Monica, California, early on Monday. "I came to help clean up the city that has been destroyed and help the business owners and employees." The unrest, which erupted as the country was reopening after lengthy lockdowns to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, began with peaceful protests over the death of a black man, George Floyd, in police custody in Minneapolis last Monday. Video footage showed a white police officer kneeling on the neck of Floyd, 46, for nearly nine minutes before he died. Derek Chauvin, the since-fired 44-year-old police officer involved in the incident, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He was released on $500,000 bail and is due to appear in court on June 8, according to jail records. Dozens of cities across the United States remain under curfews at a level not seen since riots following the 1968 assassination of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. There was "significant ongoing" civil unrest in 36 U.S. cities, including smaller ones like Fargo, North Dakota, and Roanoke, Virginia, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said on Monday. Protests in NYC | Reuters In the U.S. capital, St. John's Episcopal Church, an historic place near the White House where many U.S. presidents have gone to worship, suffered minor damage while the nearby headquarters of the AFL-CIO labor group was vandalized. "The looting and destruction of property was expansive," Washington, D.C., Police Chief Peter Newsham told reporters, noting that looting had occurred in the Northeast and Northwest quadrants of the district, as well as upscale Georgetown area. The city's mayor, Muriel Bowser, announced on Monday a curfew would be in place for two days starting at 7 p.m. and lasting until the morning hours. 'NOT HELPING' White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News that Antifa, an anti-fascist group, was "certainly behind" the violence that had erupted in U.S. cities in recent days and that the country needed "law and order." U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Sunday branded the group a terrorist organization, was due on Monday to meet his top law enforcement officer behind closed doors and then hold a call with governors, law enforcement and national security officials. Trump has condemned the killing of Floyd and promised justice but has made no major public statement to address the crisis. He has issued a flurry of tweets, describing protesters as "thugs" and urging mayors and governors to "get tough" and threatened to use the U.S. military. Critics accuse the Republican president, who is seeking re-election in a Nov. 3 election, of further stoking conflict and racial tension rather than seeking to bring the country together and address the underlying issues. "He's not helping ... He is not leading, he is causing further disruption," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told CNN on Monday. Atlanta, Georgia's capital, was among a string of cities where protests turned violent in recent days. Tensions in Georgia had been rising over the Feb. 23 death of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man who was shot while jogging. The white father-and-son suspects were not arrested until 74 days later. The deaths of Arbery and Floyd were the latest in a string of similar incidents involving unarmed black men in recent years that has raised an outcry over racism in law enforcement, and reignited outrage across a politically and racially divided country that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Many cities affected by the unrest are just restarting some normal economic activity after more than two months of stay-at-home orders aimed at stemming the outbreak, which has killed more than 104,000 people and plunged more than 40 million people into joblessness. Black people account for 6.8% of the population in Minnesota but 29% of coronavirus cases, according to state and federal data.

Tensions rise in US as fires burn near White House amid riots

Protests are currently going on across the United States. The demonstrations began in after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country.

George Floyd was 46 years old. He was accused of buying cigarettes with a fake 20 dollar bill. 17 minutes after he was arrested, he was lying dead on the ground.

Here we play out what actually happened!

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-george-floyds-death-unfolded-in-minneapolis-us-riots-302485/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Near Dragon Wok restaurant, two men enter a shop called Cup Foods. One of these men was George Floyd. They both buy a pack of cigarettes from the shop, but store employee suspects Floyd used a counterfeit $20 bill, after which the store employee calls 911 and reports it.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e9b4a7e-5c8d-453c-9f0f-64aafe6e42aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_11.jpg" /> 
A protestor lays on the ground mimicking the final moments of George Floyd | AFP</h6>

8:08 PM

At around 8:08 pm, two police officers arrive at the scene, and Floyd is seen sitting with two others in a parked car. One officer, Thomas Lane, aims his gun at at Floyd and then restrains him. To this, Floyd resists while being handcuffed.

8:14 PM

The officer then attempts to force Floyd into a squad car. At 8.14 PM, Floyd falls to the ground and pleads to the officers. After this, officer Derek Chauvin arrives with others&nbsp;and further attempts to put him in the police car.

8:19 PM

At 8:19 pm Chauvin is seen pulling Floyd out of the passenger side, after which he falls to the ground, face down,&nbsp; and still in handcuffs. At this point, witnesses starts filming the incident. Officer Chauvin then pins his left knee on Floyd’s neck, to which he can be heard responding to with “I can't breathe… Please, please, please”.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e782d779-83bd-45d2-a05c-c0258fb00327" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_8.jpg" /> 
A protestor carries a painting in search of justice for George Flyod | AFP</h6>

For 8 minutes and 45 seconds, the officer keeps his knee on Floyd's neck. After he fell silent, bystanders urge officers to check his pulse. Another officer Ja Kueng is seen checking Floyd's right wrist. Officer Chauvin still doesn’t let go

8:27 PM

At 8:27pm, officer Chauvin removes his knee from Floyd's neck

After this, Floyd is seen lying motionless, after which he has taken away in an ambulance. An hour later, he is pronounced dead.

Protests are currently going on across the United States. The demonstrations began in after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota.

Protests are currently going on across the United States. The demonstrations began in after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country. George Floyd was 46 years old. He was accused of buying cigarettes with a fake 20 dollar bill. 17 minutes after he was arrested, he was lying dead on the ground. Here we play out what actually happened! Near Dragon Wok restaurant, two men enter a shop called Cup Foods. One of these men was George Floyd. They both buy a pack of cigarettes from the shop, but store employee suspects Floyd used a counterfeit $20 bill, after which the store employee calls 911 and reports it. A protestor lays on the ground mimicking the final moments of George Floyd | AFP 8:08 PM At around 8:08 pm, two police officers arrive at the scene, and Floyd is seen sitting with two others in a parked car. One officer, Thomas Lane, aims his gun at at Floyd and then restrains him. To this, Floyd resists while being handcuffed. 8:14 PM The officer then attempts to force Floyd into a squad car. At 8.14 PM, Floyd falls to the ground and pleads to the officers. After this, officer Derek Chauvin arrives with others and further attempts to put him in the police car. 8:19 PM At 8:19 pm Chauvin is seen pulling Floyd out of the passenger side, after which he falls to the ground, face down, and still in handcuffs. At this point, witnesses starts filming the incident. Officer Chauvin then pins his left knee on Floyd’s neck, to which he can be heard responding to with “I can't breathe… Please, please, please”. A protestor carries a painting in search of justice for George Flyod | AFP For 8 minutes and 45 seconds, the officer keeps his knee on Floyd's neck. After he fell silent, bystanders urge officers to check his pulse. Another officer Ja Kueng is seen checking Floyd's right wrist. Officer Chauvin still doesn’t let go 8:27 PM At 8:27pm, officer Chauvin removes his knee from Floyd's neck After this, Floyd is seen lying motionless, after which he has taken away in an ambulance. An hour later, he is pronounced dead.

What really played out between the police and George Floyd in his final moments

The US leaves no opportunity in commenting on the affairs of other countries. What does the world make of violence in America? WION's Palki Sharma brings you global reactions.

Gravitas: Riots in the United States | How is the world reacting?

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that&nbsp;he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-rise-in-us-as-fires-burn-near-white-house-amid-riots-302482">Also read: Tensions rise in US as fires burn near White House amid riots</a>

“My first and highest duty as president is to defend our great country and the American people,” Trump said. “I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation and that is exactly what I will do.” 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/official-autopsy-reveals-floyds-homicide-caused-by-neck-compression-302503">Also read: Official autopsy reveals Floyd's 'homicide' caused by 'neck compression'</a>

"What happened in the city last night was a total disgrace," he said during a nationwide address.

"I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property."

"I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail," Trump said as police could be heard using tear gas and stun grenades to clear protestors just outside the White House. 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/01/142782-untitled-design.jpg?itok=JMSBCNtG" />

Fireworks explode behind Ferguson Police during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Ferguson, Missouri, U.S. May 31, 2020. (Reuters Photo) 
 
As Trump spoke, riot police and military police used tear gas to clear protesters out of a public square in front of the White House. Trump took a walk through the square after his remarks.

One week after Floyd died in Minneapolis, an autopsy blamed his videotaped death squarely on a white police officer who pinned him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes as Floyd pleaded, "I can't breathe!" 
 
"The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, and homicide as the manner of death," Aleccia Wilson, a University of Michigan expert who examined his body at the family's request, told a news conference.

The unrest has been the most widespread in the United States since 1968 when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and rekindled memories of 1992 riots in Los Angeles after police were acquitted in the brutal beating of black motorist Rodney King. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House.

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House. Also read: Tensions rise in US as fires burn near White House amid riots “My first and highest duty as president is to defend our great country and the American people,” Trump said. “I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation and that is exactly what I will do.” Also read: Official autopsy reveals Floyd's 'homicide' caused by 'neck compression' "What happened in the city last night was a total disgrace," he said during a nationwide address. "I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property." "I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail," Trump said as police could be heard using tear gas and stun grenades to clear protestors just outside the White House. Fireworks explode behind Ferguson Police during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Ferguson, Missouri, U.S. May 31, 2020. (Reuters Photo) As Trump spoke, riot police and military police used tear gas to clear protesters out of a public square in front of the White House. Trump took a walk through the square after his remarks. One week after Floyd died in Minneapolis, an autopsy blamed his videotaped death squarely on a white police officer who pinned him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes as Floyd pleaded, "I can't breathe!" "The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, and homicide as the manner of death," Aleccia Wilson, a University of Michigan expert who examined his body at the family's request, told a news conference. The unrest has been the most widespread in the United States since 1968 when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and rekindled memories of 1992 riots in Los Angeles after police were acquitted in the brutal beating of black motorist Rodney King. (With inputs from AFP)

Unrest in Washington a 'total disgrace', mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests: Trump

The United States is currently dealing with two crises: the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 100,000 in the country, and protests against racism and police brutality .

The protests began in the United States after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/racism-haunts-america-as-african-americans-struggle-for-equality-302462" hreflang="en">Racism haunts America as African-Americans struggle for equality</a>

This is the election year in the US. However, when American cities were burning, the President - Donald Trump in Cape Canaveral to witness the launch of the SpaceX-NASA flight to the International Space Station.

<h6><img alt="oo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ba1c778-dcb7-40c7-9c02-60c5e17733bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_104.jpg" /> 
Protests in the United States | AFP</h6>

While speaking at the facility, he declared - “mobs won’t call the shots”. He blamed "the radical left" ---for the violence.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-united-states-the-biggest-violator-of-human-rights-302486/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the protests did not simmer. In fact, right outside his residence - the White House, protesters were seen clashing with the secret service.

After three years in power, Donald Trump is facing a pandemic, a protest, and an election.

"When the looting starts, the shooting starts"

On Friday, he called the protesters "thugs". Then he tweeted: when the looting starts, the shooting starts.&nbsp;These are the words of a former Miami police chief in the 1960s which spurred race riots in that decade.

On Saturday - he wanted to unleash "the most vicious dogs, the most ominous weapons" on the protesters. He was talking about the crowd that had gathered outside the White House.

Additionally, Trump wants to declare ANTIFA (the anti-fascist movement) a terrorist movement. However, the group doesn't have a leader, or a defined structure or any membership roles.

It represents activists - who share similar philosophy and tactics and are usually far left and anti-fascist.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trumps-america-burns-as-protests-spread-like-wildfire-302449" hreflang="en">Trump's America burns as protests spread like wildfire!</a>

The President, however, cannot officially designate the ANTIFA as terrorists.

Firstly, it is impossible to know exactly how many people identify themselves as part of the “ANTIFA. Secondly, the United States does not have a domestic terrorism law.

The law, as it exists right now - applies to foreign entities, and not domestic groups.

Nonetheless, the President has made the pronouncements on Twitter.

According to a report, Trump's own advisers are worried about his tweets, for they feel his content is “pouring fuel on an already incendiary situation".

The Democrats have latched onto this. Joe Biden, his co-contender in the upcoming elections, is taking on Trump for these remarks.

The United States is currently dealing with two crises: the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 100,000 in the country, and protests against racism and police brutality .

The United States is currently dealing with two crises: the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 100,000 in the country, and protests against racism and police brutality . The protests began in the United States after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country. Also read: Racism haunts America as African-Americans struggle for equality This is the election year in the US. However, when American cities were burning, the President - Donald Trump in Cape Canaveral to witness the launch of the SpaceX-NASA flight to the International Space Station. Protests in the United States | AFP While speaking at the facility, he declared - “mobs won’t call the shots”. He blamed "the radical left" ---for the violence. However, the protests did not simmer. In fact, right outside his residence - the White House, protesters were seen clashing with the secret service. After three years in power, Donald Trump is facing a pandemic, a protest, and an election. "When the looting starts, the shooting starts" On Friday, he called the protesters "thugs". Then he tweeted: when the looting starts, the shooting starts. These are the words of a former Miami police chief in the 1960s which spurred race riots in that decade. On Saturday - he wanted to unleash "the most vicious dogs, the most ominous weapons" on the protesters. He was talking about the crowd that had gathered outside the White House. Additionally, Trump wants to declare ANTIFA (the anti-fascist movement) a terrorist movement. However, the group doesn't have a leader, or a defined structure or any membership roles. It represents activists - who share similar philosophy and tactics and are usually far left and anti-fascist. Also read: Trump's America burns as protests spread like wildfire! The President, however, cannot officially designate the ANTIFA as terrorists. Firstly, it is impossible to know exactly how many people identify themselves as part of the “ANTIFA. Secondly, the United States does not have a domestic terrorism law. The law, as it exists right now - applies to foreign entities, and not domestic groups. Nonetheless, the President has made the pronouncements on Twitter. According to a report, Trump's own advisers are worried about his tweets, for they feel his content is “pouring fuel on an already incendiary situation". The Democrats have latched onto this. Joe Biden, his co-contender in the upcoming elections, is taking on Trump for these remarks.

Can Donald Trump actually label ANTIFA as a terrorist organisation?

Should President Donald Trump and Twitter ultimately part ways, his campaign has a backup plan at the ready to get his voice out.&nbsp;

Tensions between Trump and the messaging platform escalated last week after Twitter began to label some of his tweets with a fact-check. Trump responded with an executive order that threatens to curtail some legal protections enjoyed by social media companies.

Trump’s campaign has been building an alternative channel for him for months, a smartphone app that aims to become a one-stop news, information and entertainment platform for his supporters, in part because of concerns that the president would lose access to the Twitter platform, said his campaign manager, Brad Parscale.

The Trump app, which was launched in April, has since often placed among the Top 10 in Apple's rankings of news apps, sometimes above those of individual news organizations such as CNN, the New York Times and Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-considering-offering-citizenship-to-hong-kongers-amid-crisis-with-china-302621" hreflang="en">United States 'considering' offering citizenship to Hong Kongers amid crisis with China</a>

“We have always been worried about Twitter and Facebook taking us offline and this serves as a backup,” Parscale told Reuters.

He spoke before Twitter for the first time prompted readers to check the facts in Trump's tweets last week, warning that his claims about mail-in ballots were false and had been debunked by fact checkers.

For supporters, the new app is where they can get the latest campaign news, watch campaign-produced, prime-time shows hosted by Trump allies and earn reward points for making phone calls or signing people up for the app.

For the campaign, it is a pandemic-proof substitute to Trump's signature rallies, and a key tool to collect crucial data that can help micro-target voters ahead of November's election. Trump will face presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the Nov. 3 contest.

With millions of Americans stuck at home and campaign rallies paused due to the coronavirus, successful digital organizing can make a difference, digital strategists in both parties say.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/twitter-flags-donald-trumps-tweet-twitter-says-post-glorified-violence-301937/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Signing into the app requires a cellphone number, which then allows the campaign to send the user regular text messages lauding Trump or asking for donations.

“The most important, golden thing in politics is a cellphone number," said Parscale, who ran Trump's digital efforts in 2016 before leading the 2020 campaign. “When we receive cellphone numbers, it really allows us to identify them across the databases. Who are they, voting history, everything."

Reward points that users can earn by getting other people to sign up for the app can be used to buy campaign gear or even score a meeting with Trump himself, the campaign said.&nbsp;

'Digital mousetrap'

Biden’s campaign has a phone app as well, where supporters can donate or volunteer, and text people directly with campaign messaging.

But unlike Trump's app, it provides little information, such as social media streams or news releases. Nor does it connect to the virtual campaign events Biden has been holding nearly daily during the coronavirus pandemic. The app is not ranked by Apple as among its 200 most popular for news.&nbsp;

The Biden campaign said it uses its app almost solely for organizing supporters, not for pushing content.&nbsp;

By contrast, according to Stefan Smith, a Democratic digital strategist who worked for Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential campaign, the Trump app has created a “walled garden” or “digital mousetrap” where voters ideally stay as long as possible, interacting with the app’s steady stream of content.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-police-officers-shot-in-violent-protests-after-trump-vows-to-bring-in-us-military-302581" hreflang="en">Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military</a>

"The Trump campaign is a media company with an electoral component," Smith said.&nbsp;

The Trump campaign hired Texas-based company Phunware to build the app.&nbsp;

If they so choose, users can rely on the app as a primary, if heavily filtered, information source, one where Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is championed and the economy is poised for a quick recovery and the federal probe into Trump's collusion with Russia was a politically motivated hoax.

Not included is less favorable coverage of the president. On Monday, the app contained a campaign statement framed like a news article that said Trump had been working to unite the county in the wake of nationwide protests over the police shooting of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

There was no mention of a combative conference call Trump had with U.S. governors in which he urged them to act more aggressively toward the protesters.

Bill Bigby, a Trump supporter in Scranton, Pennsylvania, said the app has now become his go-to source for the latest news.&nbsp;

"We have learned that you can’t trust anything the media says about Trump," Bigby, 56, said. "They just don’t like him."

Parscale said that was exactly the goal the campaign had in mind.

“I think everything we do is to counter the media,” Parscale said. “This is another tool in the tool shed to fight that fight, and it’s a big tool.”

Should President Donald Trump and Twitter ultimately part ways, his campaign has a backup plan at the ready to get his voice out. Tensions between Trump and the messaging platform escalated last week after Twitter began to label some of his tweets with a fact-check.

Should President Donald Trump and Twitter ultimately part ways, his campaign has a backup plan at the ready to get his voice out. Tensions between Trump and the messaging platform escalated last week after Twitter began to label some of his tweets with a fact-check. Trump responded with an executive order that threatens to curtail some legal protections enjoyed by social media companies. Trump’s campaign has been building an alternative channel for him for months, a smartphone app that aims to become a one-stop news, information and entertainment platform for his supporters, in part because of concerns that the president would lose access to the Twitter platform, said his campaign manager, Brad Parscale. The Trump app, which was launched in April, has since often placed among the Top 10 in Apple's rankings of news apps, sometimes above those of individual news organizations such as CNN, the New York Times and Reuters. Also read: United States 'considering' offering citizenship to Hong Kongers amid crisis with China “We have always been worried about Twitter and Facebook taking us offline and this serves as a backup,” Parscale told Reuters. He spoke before Twitter for the first time prompted readers to check the facts in Trump's tweets last week, warning that his claims about mail-in ballots were false and had been debunked by fact checkers. For supporters, the new app is where they can get the latest campaign news, watch campaign-produced, prime-time shows hosted by Trump allies and earn reward points for making phone calls or signing people up for the app. For the campaign, it is a pandemic-proof substitute to Trump's signature rallies, and a key tool to collect crucial data that can help micro-target voters ahead of November's election. Trump will face presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the Nov. 3 contest. With millions of Americans stuck at home and campaign rallies paused due to the coronavirus, successful digital organizing can make a difference, digital strategists in both parties say. Signing into the app requires a cellphone number, which then allows the campaign to send the user regular text messages lauding Trump or asking for donations. “The most important, golden thing in politics is a cellphone number," said Parscale, who ran Trump's digital efforts in 2016 before leading the 2020 campaign. “When we receive cellphone numbers, it really allows us to identify them across the databases. Who are they, voting history, everything." Reward points that users can earn by getting other people to sign up for the app can be used to buy campaign gear or even score a meeting with Trump himself, the campaign said. 'Digital mousetrap' Biden’s campaign has a phone app as well, where supporters can donate or volunteer, and text people directly with campaign messaging. But unlike Trump's app, it provides little information, such as social media streams or news releases. Nor does it connect to the virtual campaign events Biden has been holding nearly daily during the coronavirus pandemic. The app is not ranked by Apple as among its 200 most popular for news. The Biden campaign said it uses its app almost solely for organizing supporters, not for pushing content. By contrast, according to Stefan Smith, a Democratic digital strategist who worked for Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential campaign, the Trump app has created a “walled garden” or “digital mousetrap” where voters ideally stay as long as possible, interacting with the app’s steady stream of content. Also read: Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military "The Trump campaign is a media company with an electoral component," Smith said. The Trump campaign hired Texas-based company Phunware to build the app. If they so choose, users can rely on the app as a primary, if heavily filtered, information source, one where Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is championed and the economy is poised for a quick recovery and the federal probe into Trump's collusion with Russia was a politically motivated hoax. Not included is less favorable coverage of the president. On Monday, the app contained a campaign statement framed like a news article that said Trump had been working to unite the county in the wake of nationwide protests over the police shooting of George Floyd in Minneapolis. There was no mention of a combative conference call Trump had with U.S. governors in which he urged them to act more aggressively toward the protesters. Bill Bigby, a Trump supporter in Scranton, Pennsylvania, said the app has now become his go-to source for the latest news. "We have learned that you can’t trust anything the media says about Trump," Bigby, 56, said. "They just don’t like him." Parscale said that was exactly the goal the campaign had in mind. “I think everything we do is to counter the media,” Parscale said. “This is another tool in the tool shed to fight that fight, and it’s a big tool.”

With rallies halted and tweets fact-checked, Trump campaign turns to smartphone app

The United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city.

China’s approval of security laws in the city make disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-accuses-us-of-double-standards-over-protests-302568" hreflang="en">Hong Kong leader accuses US of 'double standards' over protests</a>

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country will let in those who aren’t “comfortable” in Hong Kong. The US has continuously called China’s actions an attempt to subvert democracy in the territory.

The Guardian reported that he claimed the same during an interview with the American Enterprise Institute.

Recently, UK ministers wrote to the government to begin a coordinated international response to the crisis, which would also include offering hosting Hong Kongers in the country. The UK’s Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel promised support to the people of Hong Kong. More people from Hong Kong are now eligible to apply for UK citizenship, as an international relief measure.

<h6><img alt="US President Donald Trump, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, holds a press conference on China on May 29, 2020, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77b48e34-673f-4df5-9965-266158a1d120" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_105.jpg" /> 
US President Donald Trump, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, holds a press conference on China on May 29, 2020, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC | AFP</h6>

 
Similarly, the US might allow people in distress to move to its territory. “Are we going to consider that as a possibility to make the United States welcome Hong Kong people to come here and bring their entrepreneurial creativity to our country?”

He said that they’d “consider it”.

However, the city was British territory until it was handed back to China as part of its “Two Systems, One Country” agreement which gave democratic rights and freedoms to people of the city. He addressed this difference in British and American policy and said, “I don’t know precisely how it will play out. The British have, as you know, a different relationship. A lot of these folks have British national passports. There’s a long history between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; it’s very different.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-accuses-china-of-using-tactical-situation-to-threaten-others-302525" hreflang="en">Pompeo accuses China of using 'tactical situation' to threaten others</a>

The Secretary of State also reiterated his concern with the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to assert control in the city. “But in the event that they don’t go in that direction, which is, I think, the more likely case given what we’ve seen them do over the past several weeks, the United States is going to impose a cost on the decision-makers who deny this freedom to the people of Hong Kong”, he said.

After China formally began the process of implementing the security laws, the United States withdrew the special status allotted to the city, which could have economic reparations in the city.

China recently hit out at US amid ongoing anti-racism protests in the city, and accused the country of hypocrisy as it using the same tools of suppression like tear gas, and military might to contain the protests.

The United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city. China’s approval of security laws in the city make disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers.

The United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city. China’s approval of security laws in the city make disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers. Also read: Hong Kong leader accuses US of 'double standards' over protests The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country will let in those who aren’t “comfortable” in Hong Kong. The US has continuously called China’s actions an attempt to subvert democracy in the territory. The Guardian reported that he claimed the same during an interview with the American Enterprise Institute. Recently, UK ministers wrote to the government to begin a coordinated international response to the crisis, which would also include offering hosting Hong Kongers in the country. The UK’s Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel promised support to the people of Hong Kong. More people from Hong Kong are now eligible to apply for UK citizenship, as an international relief measure. US President Donald Trump, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, holds a press conference on China on May 29, 2020, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC | AFP Similarly, the US might allow people in distress to move to its territory. “Are we going to consider that as a possibility to make the United States welcome Hong Kong people to come here and bring their entrepreneurial creativity to our country?” He said that they’d “consider it”. However, the city was British territory until it was handed back to China as part of its “Two Systems, One Country” agreement which gave democratic rights and freedoms to people of the city. He addressed this difference in British and American policy and said, “I don’t know precisely how it will play out. The British have, as you know, a different relationship. A lot of these folks have British national passports. There’s a long history between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; it’s very different.” Also read: Pompeo accuses China of using 'tactical situation' to threaten others The Secretary of State also reiterated his concern with the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to assert control in the city. “But in the event that they don’t go in that direction, which is, I think, the more likely case given what we’ve seen them do over the past several weeks, the United States is going to impose a cost on the decision-makers who deny this freedom to the people of Hong Kong”, he said. After China formally began the process of implementing the security laws, the United States withdrew the special status allotted to the city, which could have economic reparations in the city. China recently hit out at US amid ongoing anti-racism protests in the city, and accused the country of hypocrisy as it using the same tools of suppression like tear gas, and military might to contain the protests.

United States 'considering' offering citizenship to Hong Kongers amid crisis with China

The United States has been embroiled in a series of protests after an African American man, George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. A reminder of police brutality against people of colour, the police action prompted a series of protests that have now gone global, with offshoots in cities like London.

The European Union recently expressed “shock” over the incident. Josep Borrell, a top EU diplomat called it an “abuse of power” and expressed disbelief at the police excesses involved in the case.

"Like the people of the United States, we are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd ... all societies must remain vigilant against the excessive use of force," Borrell told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unrest-in-washington-a-total-disgrace-mobilizing-heavily-armed-military-to-stop-protests-trump-302497">Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests</a>

When Floyd was pinned down by an officer called&nbsp;Chauvin, he was heard on the tape saying “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, please”. The officer had knelt his knee on Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes, which led to his demise. He soon went into a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead an hour later.

While referring to the incident, Borrell also referred to Floyd’s death as a “very unhappy” one.

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"We condemn racism of any kind ... we trust in the ability of the Americans to come together, to heal as a nation”, he added.

The video of Floyd’s arrest went viral. The 46-year-old man had gone to a store to buy cigarettes when the store incharge accused him of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill, after which the police got involved.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-police-officers-shot-in-violent-protests-after-trump-vows-to-bring-in-us-military-302581" hreflang="en">Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military</a>

In the video, the police officer is visible clearly pinning his knee on the man’s neck, to which he was pleading against. Later, when he fell unconscious, the bystanders asked the officers to check his pulse, after which he was taken to a hospital.

Borrell also said,&nbsp;"All lives matter, black lives also matter."

Earlier on May 26, Borrell had claimed that the world was witnessing the end of a “US-led system” with rising concerns between the US and China, which many are calling the beginning of a cold war.

The United States is currently reeling from the effects of COVID-19, which has killed more 104,000 people in the country alone - the highest toll for any single nation.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The United States has been embroiled in a series of protests after an African American man, George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. A reminder of police brutality against people of colour, the police action prompted a series of protests that have now gone global, with offshoots in cities like London.

The United States has been embroiled in a series of protests after an African American man, George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. A reminder of police brutality against people of colour, the police action prompted a series of protests that have now gone global, with offshoots in cities like London. The European Union recently expressed “shock” over the incident. Josep Borrell, a top EU diplomat called it an “abuse of power” and expressed disbelief at the police excesses involved in the case. "Like the people of the United States, we are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd ... all societies must remain vigilant against the excessive use of force," Borrell told reporters. Also read: Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests When Floyd was pinned down by an officer called Chauvin, he was heard on the tape saying “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, please”. The officer had knelt his knee on Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes, which led to his demise. He soon went into a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead an hour later. While referring to the incident, Borrell also referred to Floyd’s death as a “very unhappy” one. "We condemn racism of any kind ... we trust in the ability of the Americans to come together, to heal as a nation”, he added. The video of Floyd’s arrest went viral. The 46-year-old man had gone to a store to buy cigarettes when the store incharge accused him of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill, after which the police got involved. Also read: Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military In the video, the police officer is visible clearly pinning his knee on the man’s neck, to which he was pleading against. Later, when he fell unconscious, the bystanders asked the officers to check his pulse, after which he was taken to a hospital. Borrell also said, "All lives matter, black lives also matter." Earlier on May 26, Borrell had claimed that the world was witnessing the end of a “US-led system” with rising concerns between the US and China, which many are calling the beginning of a cold war. The United States is currently reeling from the effects of COVID-19, which has killed more 104,000 people in the country alone - the highest toll for any single nation. (With inputs from Reuters)

EU 'shocked and appalled' by George Floyd's murder, calls it 'abuse of power'

Australia is investigating a US police attack on two Australian television journalists outside the White House, the foreign minister said Tuesday, expressing "strong concerns" about the assault caught live on camera. 
 
"We have asked the Australian embassy in Washington, DC to investigate this incident," Marise Payne said after the journalists were slammed with a riot shield, punched and hit with a baton while broadcasting from the protest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrified-by-george-floyds-death-says-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-302598" hreflang="en">'Horrified' by George Floyd's death, says New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern</a> 
 
"I want to get further advice on how we would go about registering Australia's strong concerns with the responsible local authorities in Washington," she said, indicating a formal complaint would follow.&nbsp; 
 
Footage showed 7NEWS reporter Amelia Brace being clubbed with a truncheon and cameraman Tim Myers being hit with a riot shield and punched in the face by police clearing Washington's Lafayette Square of protesters on Monday. 
 
The journalists said they were later shot with rubber bullets and tear-gassed, which Brace said left the pair "a bit sore". 
 
The incident was widely broadcast in Australia, causing consternation in a country that has been a close US ally. 
 
US police -- with support from military personnel -- had forcibly cleared the square of peaceful protesters to allow President Donald Trump to leave the White House for a photo opportunity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-police-officers-shot-in-violent-protests-after-trump-vows-to-bring-in-us-military-302581" hreflang="en">Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military</a> 
 
Trump has faced fierce criticism for his handling of week-long protests over the death in custody of an unarmed African-American man in Minneapolis. 
 
George Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. 
 
In several cities, the demonstrations have spiralled into rioting, violent confrontations with police and looting, prompting National Guard deployments to around two dozen US states and strictly enforced curfews. 
 
Payne steered clear of criticising Trump directly,&nbsp;highlighting the delicate balancing act US allies face when registering unease with his administration. 
 
"This is obviously a very troubling period in the United States and a very tough period at so many levels," she told ABC radio. 
 
"We are always supportive of people's right to peaceful protest and we encourage all involved on both sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence." &nbsp;

Australia is investigating a US police attack on two Australian television journalists outside the White House, the foreign minister said Tuesday, expressing "strong concerns" about the assault caught live on camera.

Australia is investigating a US police attack on two Australian television journalists outside the White House, the foreign minister said Tuesday, expressing "strong concerns" about the assault caught live on camera. "We have asked the Australian embassy in Washington, DC to investigate this incident," Marise Payne said after the journalists were slammed with a riot shield, punched and hit with a baton while broadcasting from the protest. Also read: 'Horrified' by George Floyd's death, says New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern "I want to get further advice on how we would go about registering Australia's strong concerns with the responsible local authorities in Washington," she said, indicating a formal complaint would follow. Footage showed 7NEWS reporter Amelia Brace being clubbed with a truncheon and cameraman Tim Myers being hit with a riot shield and punched in the face by police clearing Washington's Lafayette Square of protesters on Monday. The journalists said they were later shot with rubber bullets and tear-gassed, which Brace said left the pair "a bit sore". The incident was widely broadcast in Australia, causing consternation in a country that has been a close US ally. US police -- with support from military personnel -- had forcibly cleared the square of peaceful protesters to allow President Donald Trump to leave the White House for a photo opportunity. Also read: Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military Trump has faced fierce criticism for his handling of week-long protests over the death in custody of an unarmed African-American man in Minneapolis. George Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. In several cities, the demonstrations have spiralled into rioting, violent confrontations with police and looting, prompting National Guard deployments to around two dozen US states and strictly enforced curfews. Payne steered clear of criticising Trump directly, highlighting the delicate balancing act US allies face when registering unease with his administration. "This is obviously a very troubling period in the United States and a very tough period at so many levels," she told ABC radio. "We are always supportive of people's right to peaceful protest and we encourage all involved on both sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence."

Australia probes US police assault on its journalists

The country worst-hit from novel coronavirus, the United States recorded 598 new deaths on Sunday, taking the overall toll to 104,356, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 1,788,762, far more than any other country. as per the tally at 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Monday).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curfew-imposed-in-40-cities-including-washington-dc-as-protests-spread-across-us-302235">Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US</a>

The US is far from recovering from the virus and protests, violence in the last few days over the killing of a black man allegedly by a police officer has rocked the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-truck-drives-into-george-floyd-protests-in-minneapolis-driver-handed-over-to-police-302238">Tanker truck drives into George Floyd protests in Minneapolis; driver handed over to police</a>

Major cities in the country were put under curfew as violence escalated across the country, with several reports of arson, looting, vandalism, and clashes between police and protesters.&nbsp;

The protests erupted after last Monday a shocking video surfaced which showed an unarmed black man George Floyd getting killed in Minneapolis by a police officer who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.&nbsp;

Initially, the demonstrations were limited to Minneapolis, but afterward, it reached across the country, where protesters demanded justice for the black man.

However, large-scale incidents of violence, looting, and building set on fire were also reported, which led to the imposition of curfew in many areas.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after cutting off ties with World Health Organization, US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that he will skip the G7 meeting scheduled for June, saying that it's an "outdated group of countries".

Trump said he would invite Russia, South Korea, Australia, and India to attend the G7 Summit in the fall.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

The country worst-hit from novel coronavirus, the United States recorded 598 new deaths on Sunday, taking the overall toll to 104,356, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally.

The country worst-hit from novel coronavirus, the United States recorded 598 new deaths on Sunday, taking the overall toll to 104,356, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 1,788,762, far more than any other country. as per the tally at 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Monday). Also read | Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US The US is far from recovering from the virus and protests, violence in the last few days over the killing of a black man allegedly by a police officer has rocked the country. Also read | Tanker truck drives into George Floyd protests in Minneapolis; driver handed over to police Major cities in the country were put under curfew as violence escalated across the country, with several reports of arson, looting, vandalism, and clashes between police and protesters. The protests erupted after last Monday a shocking video surfaced which showed an unarmed black man George Floyd getting killed in Minneapolis by a police officer who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Initially, the demonstrations were limited to Minneapolis, but afterward, it reached across the country, where protesters demanded justice for the black man. However, large-scale incidents of violence, looting, and building set on fire were also reported, which led to the imposition of curfew in many areas. Meanwhile, after cutting off ties with World Health Organization, US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that he will skip the G7 meeting scheduled for June, saying that it's an "outdated group of countries". Trump said he would invite Russia, South Korea, Australia, and India to attend the G7 Summit in the fall. (With inputs from AFP)

US records nearly 600 new coronavirus deaths as Minneapolis killing intensifies violence across country

The Kremlin on Monday rejected accusations it had played any role in protests rocking the United States, after former US&nbsp;National Security Advisor Susan Rice raised the possibility of Russian involvement.&nbsp;

Unrest has swept US&nbsp;cities since last week, after peaceful protests over the death of a black man in the custody of a white police officer turned violent. On Saturday Rice told CNN that fostering violence at protests was "right out of the Russian playbook".

"We see it all the time, we've seen it for years and frankly every day on social media where they take any painful divisive issue....and they play on both sides," she said. "Their aim is to divide us, to cause us to come into combat with each other, and to disintegrate from within."

"I would not be surprised to learn they have fomented some of these extremists on both sides using social media. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they are funding it in some way, shape or form and that's something that we need to take seriously."

Asked about Rice's comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "We have never interfered in international affairs and we don't intend to interfere now."

"Any insinuations that have been mentioned are absolutely wrong, erroneous, and, as far as we understand, such insinuations can in no way reflect Washington's official position," said Peskov.

Russia has previously denied U.S. allegations it meddled in the 2016 presidential election to try to help Donald Trump get elected and says it is keen to try to rebuild battered ties with Washington.

The Kremlin on Monday rejected accusations it had played any role in protests rocking the United States, after former US National Security Advisor Susan Rice raised the possibility of Russian involvement.

The Kremlin on Monday rejected accusations it had played any role in protests rocking the United States, after former US National Security Advisor Susan Rice raised the possibility of Russian involvement. Unrest has swept US cities since last week, after peaceful protests over the death of a black man in the custody of a white police officer turned violent. On Saturday Rice told CNN that fostering violence at protests was "right out of the Russian playbook". "We see it all the time, we've seen it for years and frankly every day on social media where they take any painful divisive issue....and they play on both sides," she said. "Their aim is to divide us, to cause us to come into combat with each other, and to disintegrate from within." "I would not be surprised to learn they have fomented some of these extremists on both sides using social media. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they are funding it in some way, shape or form and that's something that we need to take seriously." Asked about Rice's comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "We have never interfered in international affairs and we don't intend to interfere now." "Any insinuations that have been mentioned are absolutely wrong, erroneous, and, as far as we understand, such insinuations can in no way reflect Washington's official position," said Peskov. Russia has previously denied U.S. allegations it meddled in the 2016 presidential election to try to help Donald Trump get elected and says it is keen to try to rebuild battered ties with Washington.

Kremlin rejects idea floated by Obama-era security advisor it stoked US protests

Facebook employees critical of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision not to remove&nbsp;an inflammatory comment from U.S. President Donald Trump took their dissent public over the weekend on Twitter, praising the rival social media firm for taking action and rebuking their own employer.

Many tech workers at companies including Facebook, Google and Amazon have become active on social justice issues in recent years and urged their employers take action and change policies.&nbsp;

Still, the criticism of Zuckerberg marked a rare case of high-level employees publicly taking their own CEO to task, with at least three of the seven critical posts seen by Reuters coming from people who identified themselves as senior managers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/facebook-will-not-be-arbiters-of-truth-says-zuckerberg-after-trump-threat-301827" hreflang="en">Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat</a>

“Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind," wrote Ryan Freitas, whose Twitter account identifies him as director of product design for Facebook’s News Feed. He added he had mobilized "50+ likeminded folks" to lobby for internal change.

Jason Toff, identified as director of product management, wrote: "I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard."

Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the employee dissent.

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Twitter on Friday hid a tweet from Trump that included the phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" behind a warning label. It explained the tweet violated Twitter's rules against "glorifying violence" but was being left up as a "public service exception."&nbsp;

Facebook declined to take action on the same message, with Zuckerberg saying in a Facebook post on Friday that while he found the remarks "deeply offensive," the company decided they did not violate its policy against "incitements to violence."

Some of the dissenting employees directly praised Twitter's response.

"Respect to @Twitter’s integrity team for making the enforcement call," wrote David Gillis, identified as a director of product design. In a long Twitter thread he said he understood the logic of Facebook's decision, but said: "I think it would have been right for us to make a 'spirit of the policy' exception that took more context into account."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/facebook-plans-to-shift-to-work-from-home-lesser-salary-packages-expected-300372" hreflang="en">Facebook plans to shift to work-from-home; lesser salary packages expected</a>

Toff was one of several Facebook employees who were organizing fundraisers for non-profit groups assisting protesters in Minnesota. Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post early Monday that the company would contribute an additional $10 million to social justice causes.&nbsp;

"Giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if it’s newsworthy," wrote another Facebook manager, Andrew Crow, head of design for the Portal product. "I disagree with Mark’s position and will work to make change happen."

Facebook employees critical of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision not to remove an inflammatory comment from U.S. President Donald Trump took their dissent public over the weekend on Twitter, praising the rival social media firm for taking action and rebuking their own employer.

Facebook employees critical of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision not to remove an inflammatory comment from U.S. President Donald Trump took their dissent public over the weekend on Twitter, praising the rival social media firm for taking action and rebuking their own employer. Many tech workers at companies including Facebook, Google and Amazon have become active on social justice issues in recent years and urged their employers take action and change policies. Still, the criticism of Zuckerberg marked a rare case of high-level employees publicly taking their own CEO to task, with at least three of the seven critical posts seen by Reuters coming from people who identified themselves as senior managers. Also read: Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat “Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind," wrote Ryan Freitas, whose Twitter account identifies him as director of product design for Facebook’s News Feed. He added he had mobilized "50+ likeminded folks" to lobby for internal change. Jason Toff, identified as director of product management, wrote: "I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard." Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the employee dissent. Twitter on Friday hid a tweet from Trump that included the phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" behind a warning label. It explained the tweet violated Twitter's rules against "glorifying violence" but was being left up as a "public service exception." Facebook declined to take action on the same message, with Zuckerberg saying in a Facebook post on Friday that while he found the remarks "deeply offensive," the company decided they did not violate its policy against "incitements to violence." Some of the dissenting employees directly praised Twitter's response. "Respect to @Twitter’s integrity team for making the enforcement call," wrote David Gillis, identified as a director of product design. In a long Twitter thread he said he understood the logic of Facebook's decision, but said: "I think it would have been right for us to make a 'spirit of the policy' exception that took more context into account." Also read: Facebook plans to shift to work-from-home; lesser salary packages expected Toff was one of several Facebook employees who were organizing fundraisers for non-profit groups assisting protesters in Minnesota. Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post early Monday that the company would contribute an additional $10 million to social justice causes. "Giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if it’s newsworthy," wrote another Facebook manager, Andrew Crow, head of design for the Portal product. "I disagree with Mark’s position and will work to make change happen."

Facebook's Zuckerberg faces employee blowback over ruling on Trump comments

At a time when the United States is burning because of the unrest triggered by the murder of a black man, several theories are being floated over who instigated violence, arson, looting, and vandalism.&nbsp;

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who earlier blamed white supremacists and outsiders to create chaos on the state, on Sunday said, "We have reason to believe that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests of George Floyd’s murder, which is why we are extending the curfew by one day".

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We have reason to believe that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests of George Floyd’s murder, which is why we are extending the curfew by one day.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/1267132906595631104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A senior police official in New York City said that anarchists had planned to start the mischief even before the protests erupted, through encrypted communication to raise bail money and recruit medics, New York Times reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-nearly-600-new-coronavirus-deaths-as-minneapolis-killing-intensifies-violence-across-country-302256">US records nearly 600 new coronavirus deaths as Minneapolis killing intensifies violence across country</a>

"They prepared to commit property damage and directed people who were following them that this should be done selectively and only in wealthier areas or at high-end stores run by corporate entities," the cop told reporters in a telephone briefing.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curfew-imposed-in-40-cities-including-washington-dc-as-protests-spread-across-us-302235">Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US</a>

However, Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s attorney general suggested that nobody still knows who instigated or committed the act on NBC’s 'Meet the Press'.

"There’s been a lot of videotape taken by demonstrators of people who are very suspicious, who really did start breaking windows," he said.

The Trump administration blamed the radical left-wing organisation Antifa for the chaos and aims to declare it as a terrorist organisation.

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The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1267129644228247552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Antifa, a short name for ant-fascist, has earlier also been accused of vandalism.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At a time when the United States is burning because of the unrest triggered by the murder of a black man, several theories are being floated over who instigated violence, arson, looting, and vandalism.

At a time when the United States is burning because of the unrest triggered by the murder of a black man, several theories are being floated over who instigated violence, arson, looting, and vandalism. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who earlier blamed white supremacists and outsiders to create chaos on the state, on Sunday said, "We have reason to believe that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests of George Floyd’s murder, which is why we are extending the curfew by one day". We have reason to believe that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests of George Floyd’s murder, which is why we are extending the curfew by one day. — Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 31, 2020 × A senior police official in New York City said that anarchists had planned to start the mischief even before the protests erupted, through encrypted communication to raise bail money and recruit medics, New York Times reported. Also read | US records nearly 600 new coronavirus deaths as Minneapolis killing intensifies violence across country "They prepared to commit property damage and directed people who were following them that this should be done selectively and only in wealthier areas or at high-end stores run by corporate entities," the cop told reporters in a telephone briefing. Also read | Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US However, Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s attorney general suggested that nobody still knows who instigated or committed the act on NBC’s 'Meet the Press'. "There’s been a lot of videotape taken by demonstrators of people who are very suspicious, who really did start breaking windows," he said. The Trump administration blamed the radical left-wing organisation Antifa for the chaos and aims to declare it as a terrorist organisation. The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2020 × Antifa, a short name for ant-fascist, has earlier also been accused of vandalism.

White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US

The &nbsp;‘Boone City bargain’ and the ‘ Emerald City consensus’- allegorical and metaphorical references to post-Cold War frameworks or bargains- &nbsp;were the defining features of American political life, according to the American scholar of scholars and the writer of writers, &nbsp;Professor Andrew Bacevich in his lucid, eminently readable and very engaging book, ‘ The Age of Illusions: How America &nbsp;Squandered its Post-Cold War Victory’. The former, emerging out of the context of the Second World War, defined by certain sobriety, was where freedom had a moral foundation and the latter, incubated in the post-Cold War context was characterized by four intersecting ideas: neoliberal globalization and its spread and advancement, a militarized quest for leadership or hegemony, akin to a post-colonial form of an empire, a presidency that was quasi monarchical and a conception of ‘freedom, an ancient word now drastically revised. The new conception of freedom emphasized autonomy, with traditional moral prohibitions declared obsolete and the removal of constraints maximizing choice. Order and abundance together would underwrite freedom relieving Americans of existential concerns about safety and survival’.

This American idea and conception of modernity was to be transplanted across the world in the service of American interests, holds Professor Bacevich. Each of the elements undergirding the ‘Emerald City Consensus’ was encouraged by academics and journalists – aka Francis Fukuyamas and Thomas Friedman’s of the world- connected to Washington, the former by way of ‘boosterism’- that is intellectual and philosophical gloss referred to as ‘The End of History’, where American inspired democracy and capitalism were the only game in town- and the latter by giving the ‘Emerald City Consensus’ the simulated sheen and framework of coherence. This consensus was validated and reinforced by each of the Post-Cold War presidents, ranging from Bill Clinton, to George Bush Jr and finally Barack Obama, in varying contexts, permutations ad combinations.

While these bargains were riven by contradictions, which inhered in them, and the subsurface anxieties that these generated were pointed out by intellectuals and writers but because they lacked clout, these alarm bells were ignored. Incubating under the cover or patina of the post-Cold War ‘ Emerald City Consensus’ was massive inequality and an assault to democracy, whose early portents were insurgent presidential candidates, Pat Buchanan, Ross Perot and even Hillary Clinton( not a presidential candidate then but an aspirant to power through her husband, Bill Clinton). These inchoate trends were obscured by the seeming transfer of the baton of power to a younger, new generation of politicians.

Beneath the surface, America was changing and had changed, a fact that became painfully evident in 2016 and emblematized by-elections that year. This had to do with the paradoxes of privilege and inequality that undercut democracy. As Professor Bacevich posits, ‘ in a nation that had once prided itself on being immune to class distinctions- simply being American sufficed as identity-such distinctions were becoming omnipresent. ‘On a daily basis, tens of millions of Americans were enduring what one writer called “financial impotence” according to Professor Bacevich. ‘ In the 2016 election, financial impotence was to turn into political outrage , bringing the post-Cold war era to an abrupt end’.

The implication here is that the elements undergirding the Emerald city consensus created conditions propitious for Donald Trump’s rise to US presidency who turned the election into a plebiscite.&nbsp;

Trump’ ascendancy, a metaphor for the malaises identified by Professor Bacevich, was greeted with howls of protest and continues to be done so by mainstream American media. But, according to the good professor, ‘obsessing about Trump, impeded efforts to understand what his election actually signified, diverting attention from matters of far greater relevance to the wellbeing of the United States and the planet as a whole. It was Obama mania turned inside out and magnified’. ‘ What the president’s most prominent opponents have yet to appreciate, according to Professor Bacevich, is that the Emerald City consensus is as defunct as the Boone City consensus that preceded it. They confuse cause for effect. They charge him with dividing America when, in fact, it was a pervasive division that vaulted him to the centre of American politics in the first place’. &nbsp;Assessing this in a grim tone, Professor Bacevich adds, ‘Trump did not create this cleavage. He merely turned it to his advantage. So regardless of the date or terms of Trump’s departure from office, the schism that allowed him to become president is likely to persist after he is gone. It’s that schism […] that merits more attention than it has received’. All in all, asserts Professor Bacevich, ‘Trump’s America did not differ appreciably from pre-Trump America. While a noxious and venal die-hard, the president turned out not to be the disruptive force that his critics have charged him with being’.

Amidst all this, the hat has accrued, according to Professor Bacevich, is that that the West has lost its claim to primacy and, ‘no less important is the fact that belief in the inherent superiority of Western civilization has now become politically and morally unacceptable’.

Calling attention to the American political establishment’s aversion or inability to brook dissent, Professor Bacevich points out to the need of enlarging the discussion now and developing a new consensus and even social contact around issues like Climate change. ‘Around this’ new conception of citizenship can emerge and also an enlightened notion of leadership’. Implying that this potential change will not be top-down, Professor Bacevich leaves the proverbial ball for this to crystallize in the court of the American people. The alternative, too bleak to countenance, can lead to ‘ even something worse than Trump’

All in all, Professor Andrew Bacevich’s book is a lucid and brilliant exposition of what ails America and the deeper, underlying sources of Trump’s ascent to power. &nbsp;The good professor articulates a trenchant critique of the post-war American establishment and what in his schema are and have been its warped preferences-conceptually and in policy terms. While his overall assessment is suggestive or reflective of his political preference-that of conservativism, laced with religious beliefs, these instead of detracting from his core arguments add weight to his overall thesis. But the analysis is more or less monofocal, at times, devolving into mere polemic. Moreover, Professor Bacevich, while delineating the core elements of the ‘ Emerald City consensus’ elides over the context of some foreign policy goals of the United States. For example, the bombings in Yugoslavia were not motivated by some fetish over militarism by the grid lock at the UN Security council and other structural and contextual factors. Similarly, globalization, in its pure form may not be an unalloyed good but surely it has lifted millions out of poverty worldwide.

The rise of China, in some senses, accrues from globalization. Last but not the least, while rallying around climate change is a laudable and noble objective, and a clarion but it implies the United States retreating into itself. The world of states is a ruthless one defined by the quest for power and its maximization. Where would a retreat leave the United States and its allies? While professor Bacevich alludes to ‘enlightened leadership’, he is curiously silent on its nature and content. However, &nbsp;by its very nature, ‘The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered its Cold War Victory’ constitutes essential reading for all those who seek to understand the trajectory of this peculiar nation after the second world war, during and after the Cold War. While it should be of immense interest to policymakers, policy intellectuals, and anyone interested in a fairer, just world, its ultimate readership should be the American people, upon who may rest the future of their nation and by extension that of the world. It is then time a real and robust conversation inspired by the eminent Professor Bacevich should begin!

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The ‘Boone City bargain’ and the ‘ Emerald City consensus’- allegorical and metaphorical references to post-Cold War frameworks or bargains- were the defining features of American political life, according to the American scholar of scholars and the writer of writers, Professor Andrew Bacevich in his lucid, eminently readable and very engaging book, ‘ The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered its Post-Cold War Victory’.

The ‘Boone City bargain’ and the ‘ Emerald City consensus’- allegorical and metaphorical references to post-Cold War frameworks or bargains- were the defining features of American political life, according to the American scholar of scholars and the writer of writers, Professor Andrew Bacevich in his lucid, eminently readable and very engaging book, ‘ The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered its Post-Cold War Victory’. The former, emerging out of the context of the Second World War, defined by certain sobriety, was where freedom had a moral foundation and the latter, incubated in the post-Cold War context was characterized by four intersecting ideas: neoliberal globalization and its spread and advancement, a militarized quest for leadership or hegemony, akin to a post-colonial form of an empire, a presidency that was quasi monarchical and a conception of ‘freedom, an ancient word now drastically revised. The new conception of freedom emphasized autonomy, with traditional moral prohibitions declared obsolete and the removal of constraints maximizing choice. Order and abundance together would underwrite freedom relieving Americans of existential concerns about safety and survival’. This American idea and conception of modernity was to be transplanted across the world in the service of American interests, holds Professor Bacevich. Each of the elements undergirding the ‘Emerald City Consensus’ was encouraged by academics and journalists – aka Francis Fukuyamas and Thomas Friedman’s of the world- connected to Washington, the former by way of ‘boosterism’- that is intellectual and philosophical gloss referred to as ‘The End of History’, where American inspired democracy and capitalism were the only game in town- and the latter by giving the ‘Emerald City Consensus’ the simulated sheen and framework of coherence. This consensus was validated and reinforced by each of the Post-Cold War presidents, ranging from Bill Clinton, to George Bush Jr and finally Barack Obama, in varying contexts, permutations ad combinations. While these bargains were riven by contradictions, which inhered in them, and the subsurface anxieties that these generated were pointed out by intellectuals and writers but because they lacked clout, these alarm bells were ignored. Incubating under the cover or patina of the post-Cold War ‘ Emerald City Consensus’ was massive inequality and an assault to democracy, whose early portents were insurgent presidential candidates, Pat Buchanan, Ross Perot and even Hillary Clinton( not a presidential candidate then but an aspirant to power through her husband, Bill Clinton). These inchoate trends were obscured by the seeming transfer of the baton of power to a younger, new generation of politicians. Beneath the surface, America was changing and had changed, a fact that became painfully evident in 2016 and emblematized by-elections that year. This had to do with the paradoxes of privilege and inequality that undercut democracy. As Professor Bacevich posits, ‘ in a nation that had once prided itself on being immune to class distinctions- simply being American sufficed as identity-such distinctions were becoming omnipresent. ‘On a daily basis, tens of millions of Americans were enduring what one writer called “financial impotence” according to Professor Bacevich. ‘ In the 2016 election, financial impotence was to turn into political outrage , bringing the post-Cold war era to an abrupt end’. The implication here is that the elements undergirding the Emerald city consensus created conditions propitious for Donald Trump’s rise to US presidency who turned the election into a plebiscite. Trump’ ascendancy, a metaphor for the malaises identified by Professor Bacevich, was greeted with howls of protest and continues to be done so by mainstream American media. But, according to the good professor, ‘obsessing about Trump, impeded efforts to understand what his election actually signified, diverting attention from matters of far greater relevance to the wellbeing of the United States and the planet as a whole. It was Obama mania turned inside out and magnified’. ‘ What the president’s most prominent opponents have yet to appreciate, according to Professor Bacevich, is that the Emerald City consensus is as defunct as the Boone City consensus that preceded it. They confuse cause for effect. They charge him with dividing America when, in fact, it was a pervasive division that vaulted him to the centre of American politics in the first place’. Assessing this in a grim tone, Professor Bacevich adds, ‘Trump did not create this cleavage. He merely turned it to his advantage. So regardless of the date or terms of Trump’s departure from office, the schism that allowed him to become president is likely to persist after he is gone. It’s that schism […] that merits more attention than it has received’. All in all, asserts Professor Bacevich, ‘Trump’s America did not differ appreciably from pre-Trump America. While a noxious and venal die-hard, the president turned out not to be the disruptive force that his critics have charged him with being’. Amidst all this, the hat has accrued, according to Professor Bacevich, is that that the West has lost its claim to primacy and, ‘no less important is the fact that belief in the inherent superiority of Western civilization has now become politically and morally unacceptable’. Calling attention to the American political establishment’s aversion or inability to brook dissent, Professor Bacevich points out to the need of enlarging the discussion now and developing a new consensus and even social contact around issues like Climate change. ‘Around this’ new conception of citizenship can emerge and also an enlightened notion of leadership’. Implying that this potential change will not be top-down, Professor Bacevich leaves the proverbial ball for this to crystallize in the court of the American people. The alternative, too bleak to countenance, can lead to ‘ even something worse than Trump’ All in all, Professor Andrew Bacevich’s book is a lucid and brilliant exposition of what ails America and the deeper, underlying sources of Trump’s ascent to power. The good professor articulates a trenchant critique of the post-war American establishment and what in his schema are and have been its warped preferences-conceptually and in policy terms. While his overall assessment is suggestive or reflective of his political preference-that of conservativism, laced with religious beliefs, these instead of detracting from his core arguments add weight to his overall thesis. But the analysis is more or less monofocal, at times, devolving into mere polemic. Moreover, Professor Bacevich, while delineating the core elements of the ‘ Emerald City consensus’ elides over the context of some foreign policy goals of the United States. For example, the bombings in Yugoslavia were not motivated by some fetish over militarism by the grid lock at the UN Security council and other structural and contextual factors. Similarly, globalization, in its pure form may not be an unalloyed good but surely it has lifted millions out of poverty worldwide. The rise of China, in some senses, accrues from globalization. Last but not the least, while rallying around climate change is a laudable and noble objective, and a clarion but it implies the United States retreating into itself. The world of states is a ruthless one defined by the quest for power and its maximization. Where would a retreat leave the United States and its allies? While professor Bacevich alludes to ‘enlightened leadership’, he is curiously silent on its nature and content. However, by its very nature, ‘The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered its Cold War Victory’ constitutes essential reading for all those who seek to understand the trajectory of this peculiar nation after the second world war, during and after the Cold War. While it should be of immense interest to policymakers, policy intellectuals, and anyone interested in a fairer, just world, its ultimate readership should be the American people, upon who may rest the future of their nation and by extension that of the world. It is then time a real and robust conversation inspired by the eminent Professor Bacevich should begin! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

The Age of illusions: How America squandered its cold war victory

One of the biggest social media sites on the internet, Twitter has changed its official display image to show solidarity with the ongoing protests against racism and police brutality.

The protests, which began in the United States after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died in the process on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/white-house-doubles-down-dares-twitter-to-block-another-trumps-tweet-301891" hreflang="en">White House doubles down &amp; dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet</a>

The Black Lives Matter movement has regained&nbsp;steam&nbsp;after the incident. Thousands of people across major cities like New York and Los Angeles have taken to the streets demanding justice for the victim.

The police officer, Derek Chauvin has been charged with murdering Floyd, after the video surfaced whereby the black man was asking for respite and reiterated his inability to breathe, which did not stop Chauvin from kneeling on his neck.

Related video:&nbsp;Twitter flags Donald Trump's tweet, Twitter says post 'Glorified Violence'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/twitter-flags-donald-trumps-tweet-twitter-says-post-glorified-violence-301937/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Besides Chauvin, four officers have been sacked for their involvement in Floyd’s death.

“Please, I can’t breathe”, Floyd’s last words before death have become the primary slogan for the movement’s resurgence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/twitter-says-ceo-dorsey-was-informed-in-advance-of-decision-to-hide-trump-tweet-301828" hreflang="en">Twitter says CEO Dorsey was informed in advance of decision to hide Trump tweet</a>

Twitter has been heavily involved in the movement. Recently, President Trump tweeted “When the looting starts, the shooting starts”, which was interpreted by many as an open threat to shoot protesters. The company flagged his tweet with a warning, in which he had also referred to the protesters as “thugs”.

His another factually incorrect tweet about ballot boxes was flagged by the company recently, after which Trump displayed outrage against social media companies and promised to sign a new order limiting the powers of such companies.

One of the biggest social media sites on the internet, Twitter has changed its official display image to show solidarity with the ongoing protests against racism and police brutality.

One of the biggest social media sites on the internet, Twitter has changed its official display image to show solidarity with the ongoing protests against racism and police brutality. The protests, which began in the United States after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died in the process on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country. Also read: White House doubles down & dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet The Black Lives Matter movement has regained steam after the incident. Thousands of people across major cities like New York and Los Angeles have taken to the streets demanding justice for the victim. The police officer, Derek Chauvin has been charged with murdering Floyd, after the video surfaced whereby the black man was asking for respite and reiterated his inability to breathe, which did not stop Chauvin from kneeling on his neck. Related video: Twitter flags Donald Trump's tweet, Twitter says post 'Glorified Violence' Besides Chauvin, four officers have been sacked for their involvement in Floyd’s death. “Please, I can’t breathe”, Floyd’s last words before death have become the primary slogan for the movement’s resurgence. Also read: Twitter says CEO Dorsey was informed in advance of decision to hide Trump tweet Twitter has been heavily involved in the movement. Recently, President Trump tweeted “When the looting starts, the shooting starts”, which was interpreted by many as an open threat to shoot protesters. The company flagged his tweet with a warning, in which he had also referred to the protesters as “thugs”. His another factually incorrect tweet about ballot boxes was flagged by the company recently, after which Trump displayed outrage against social media companies and promised to sign a new order limiting the powers of such companies.

Twitter’s blue bird goes black to show solidarity with protestors in the US

A fish processing vessel owned by American Seafoods now account for 86 cases of coronavirus.

In a statement released on Sunday, the company announced that crew members onboard one of their vessels, “American Dynasty” were tested for the deadly respiratory disease recently. The testing was conducted at the port of Bellingham in the US state of Washington, before the vessel took off for Seattle.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-question-authenticity-of-study-on-hydroxychloroquine-drugs-302287" hreflang="en">Scientists question authenticity of study on hydroxychloroquine drugs</a>

The vessel can carry 142 crew members. Even though everybody was tested, the results of nine crew members is still being fetched, Reuters reported.

The seafood company is based in Seattle and is responsible for six fish processing vessels in the North Pacific Ocean. The company is touted as one of the largest processors of wild pacific hake, and wild Alaska pollock fish.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/us-has-lost-over-1-lakh-lives-40-million-jobs-due-to-covid-19-302254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As coronavirus-induced hysteria hit the meat industry, over twenty plants in the United States were shut down recently after new clusters emerged at units across the country. Big corporations like McDonald’s and Smithfield Foods were recently sued for not adhering to health and safety measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-supremacists-or-antifa-or-multiple-theories-float-on-who-caused-violence-in-us-302348" hreflang="en">White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US</a>

Based on numbers from May 31, the US state of Washington alone has 22,000 positive cases of coronavirus, with over 1.8 million infections across the country - the highest in the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left no country untouched from its impact and has triggered one of the biggest recessions in the history of modern civilisation. Most economic activity has been suspended and chains of supply have been disrupted causing trouble for all economies which are now reopening slowly to recover from the impact.

As per now, no vaccine has been approved to contain the spread of COVID-19. The deadly virus continues to claim lives of people across the globe, with over 100,000 deaths in the United States alone. The number of cases are jumping rapidly in Brazil and India.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A fish processing vessel owned by American Seafoods now account for 86 cases of coronavirus. In a statement released on Sunday, the company announced that crew members onboard one of their vessels, “American Dynasty” were tested for the deadly respiratory disease recently.

A fish processing vessel owned by American Seafoods now account for 86 cases of coronavirus. In a statement released on Sunday, the company announced that crew members onboard one of their vessels, “American Dynasty” were tested for the deadly respiratory disease recently. The testing was conducted at the port of Bellingham in the US state of Washington, before the vessel took off for Seattle. Also read: Scientists question authenticity of study on hydroxychloroquine drugs The vessel can carry 142 crew members. Even though everybody was tested, the results of nine crew members is still being fetched, Reuters reported. The seafood company is based in Seattle and is responsible for six fish processing vessels in the North Pacific Ocean. The company is touted as one of the largest processors of wild pacific hake, and wild Alaska pollock fish. As coronavirus-induced hysteria hit the meat industry, over twenty plants in the United States were shut down recently after new clusters emerged at units across the country. Big corporations like McDonald’s and Smithfield Foods were recently sued for not adhering to health and safety measures to contain the spread of coronavirus. Also read: White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US Based on numbers from May 31, the US state of Washington alone has 22,000 positive cases of coronavirus, with over 1.8 million infections across the country - the highest in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has left no country untouched from its impact and has triggered one of the biggest recessions in the history of modern civilisation. Most economic activity has been suspended and chains of supply have been disrupted causing trouble for all economies which are now reopening slowly to recover from the impact. As per now, no vaccine has been approved to contain the spread of COVID-19. The deadly virus continues to claim lives of people across the globe, with over 100,000 deaths in the United States alone. The number of cases are jumping rapidly in Brazil and India. (With inputs from Reuters)

American seafood company's vessel spawns a coronavirus cluster with 86 new cases

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has little choice but to stick with his Phase 1 China trade deal despite his anger at Beijing over the coronavirus pandemic, new Hong Kong security rules, and dwindling hopes China can meet U.S. goods purchase targets, people familiar with his administration's deliberations say.&nbsp;

The US-China trade negotiations took more than two years, heaped tariffs on $370 billion of Chinese products, whipsawed financial markets and dimmed global growth prospects well before the coronavirus outbreak crushed them.

In recent weeks, suggestions that Trump may cancel the deal have emanated from the White House almost daily, and businesses, investors, and China trade watchers are hanging on to every word and tweet.

But on Friday, when Trump said the United States would start dismantling trade and travel privileges for Hong Kong, he did not mention the deal. Stock markets heaved a sigh of relief, with the S&amp;P 500 reversing losses.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-supremacists-or-antifa-or-multiple-theories-float-on-who-caused-violence-in-us-302348" hreflang="en">White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US</a>

Talking tough on China and criticizing the Obama administration's more measured approach is a key part of Trump's re-election strategy. Sticking with the pact may mean accepting that China is likely to fall short of purchase commitments for US&nbsp;agricultural goods, manufactured products, energy and services - goals that many said were unrealistic&nbsp;even before the pandemic.

Canceling the deal, though, would reignite the nearly two-year US-China trade war at a time US&nbsp;unemployment is at its worst since the 1930s Great Depression.

The next US&nbsp;step would likely be reviving previously planned but canceled tariffs on some $165 billion worth of Chinese consumer goods, including Apple cellphones and computers, toys and clothing - all ultimately paid by US&nbsp;companies and passed on to consumers. Beijing would retaliate with tariffs on US&nbsp;goods, fueling more market turmoil and delaying recovery.

"He's stuck with a lemon. He gets an empty agreement if he sticks with it, and he gets more actions that create an economic drag and more volatility if he abandons it," said one person briefed on the administration's trade deliberations.

US&nbsp;goods exports&nbsp;to China in the first quarter were down $4 billion from the trade war-damaged levels a year earlier, according to US&nbsp;Census Bureau data.

The Peterson Institute of International Economics estimates&nbsp;that during the first quarter, China made only about 40% of the purchases it needed to stay on target for a first-year increase of $77 billion over 2017 levels, implying an extremely steep climb in the second half.

Leaving the deal now would not buy a lasting political bounce for Trump in manufacturing-heavy swing states with five months to go before the presidential election, analysts say.

Complex relationship

Trump blames China for failing to contain the coronavirus and has repeatedly said the deal, including its pledges to boost US&nbsp;exports to China by $200 billion over two years, no longer means as much to him with US&nbsp;coronavirus deaths now over 100,000 and job losses piling up.

Trump said on Friday that China was "absolutely smothering Hong Kong’s freedom," but refrained from harsh sanctions that could put the trade deal in jeopardy, taking milder steps to revoke the territory's separate travel and customs benefits from China.&nbsp;

Claire Reade, a former US&nbsp;trade negotiator, said Trump's "peripheral steps" would not deter Beijing from proceeding with the security law, as it regards Hong Kong as a core national security issue.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalists-covering-us-protests-face-the-ire-of-police-demonstrators-302331" hreflang="en">Journalists covering US protests face the ire of police, demonstrators</a>

"Probably the most significant thing from the trade perspective is that the Phase 1 trade deal is – for now anyway - unaffected," said Reade, senior counsel with Arnold and Porter law firm in Washington.&nbsp;

White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow criticized Beijing last week, but on trade told CNBC: "It’s a complex relationship. The China Phase 1 trade deal does continue to go on for the moment and we may be making progress there."&nbsp;

US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has recently cited&nbsp;"continuing progress" in the deal, after China welcomed US&nbsp;blueberries, barley, beef and dairy products. He has touted the deal's dispute settlement mechanism, which provides for regular consultations on compliance with Beijing's commitments on intellectual property protections, financial services, agriculture standards and purchases.&nbsp;

US-China flashpoints on Hong Kong, Taiwan and other issues did not derail negotiations that resulted in new concessions from China, said Jamieson Greer, who served as Lighthizer's chief of staff until April.

"Some of these security and human rights challenges have certainly complicated the atmosphere, but the trade agreement can still provide a set of rules governing important aspects of the trade relationship," said Greer, now an international trade partner at the King and Spalding law firm.

Another person familiar with USTR thinking said the agency "needs to make Phase 1 look good. They want to show that progress is being made. The president looks at the China relationship much more broadly."

US President Donald Trump has little choice but to stick with his Phase 1 China trade deal despite his anger at Beijing over the coronavirus pandemic, new Hong Kong security rules, and dwindling hopes China can meet U.

US President Donald Trump has little choice but to stick with his Phase 1 China trade deal despite his anger at Beijing over the coronavirus pandemic, new Hong Kong security rules, and dwindling hopes China can meet U.S. goods purchase targets, people familiar with his administration's deliberations say. The US-China trade negotiations took more than two years, heaped tariffs on $370 billion of Chinese products, whipsawed financial markets and dimmed global growth prospects well before the coronavirus outbreak crushed them. In recent weeks, suggestions that Trump may cancel the deal have emanated from the White House almost daily, and businesses, investors, and China trade watchers are hanging on to every word and tweet. But on Friday, when Trump said the United States would start dismantling trade and travel privileges for Hong Kong, he did not mention the deal. Stock markets heaved a sigh of relief, with the S&P 500 reversing losses. Also read: White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US Talking tough on China and criticizing the Obama administration's more measured approach is a key part of Trump's re-election strategy. Sticking with the pact may mean accepting that China is likely to fall short of purchase commitments for US agricultural goods, manufactured products, energy and services - goals that many said were unrealistic even before the pandemic. Canceling the deal, though, would reignite the nearly two-year US-China trade war at a time US unemployment is at its worst since the 1930s Great Depression. The next US step would likely be reviving previously planned but canceled tariffs on some $165 billion worth of Chinese consumer goods, including Apple cellphones and computers, toys and clothing - all ultimately paid by US companies and passed on to consumers. Beijing would retaliate with tariffs on US goods, fueling more market turmoil and delaying recovery. "He's stuck with a lemon. He gets an empty agreement if he sticks with it, and he gets more actions that create an economic drag and more volatility if he abandons it," said one person briefed on the administration's trade deliberations. US goods exports to China in the first quarter were down $4 billion from the trade war-damaged levels a year earlier, according to US Census Bureau data. The Peterson Institute of International Economics estimates that during the first quarter, China made only about 40% of the purchases it needed to stay on target for a first-year increase of $77 billion over 2017 levels, implying an extremely steep climb in the second half. Leaving the deal now would not buy a lasting political bounce for Trump in manufacturing-heavy swing states with five months to go before the presidential election, analysts say. Complex relationship Trump blames China for failing to contain the coronavirus and has repeatedly said the deal, including its pledges to boost US exports to China by $200 billion over two years, no longer means as much to him with US coronavirus deaths now over 100,000 and job losses piling up. Trump said on Friday that China was "absolutely smothering Hong Kong’s freedom," but refrained from harsh sanctions that could put the trade deal in jeopardy, taking milder steps to revoke the territory's separate travel and customs benefits from China. Claire Reade, a former US trade negotiator, said Trump's "peripheral steps" would not deter Beijing from proceeding with the security law, as it regards Hong Kong as a core national security issue. Also read: Journalists covering US protests face the ire of police, demonstrators "Probably the most significant thing from the trade perspective is that the Phase 1 trade deal is – for now anyway - unaffected," said Reade, senior counsel with Arnold and Porter law firm in Washington. White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow criticized Beijing last week, but on trade told CNBC: "It’s a complex relationship. The China Phase 1 trade deal does continue to go on for the moment and we may be making progress there." US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has recently cited "continuing progress" in the deal, after China welcomed US blueberries, barley, beef and dairy products. He has touted the deal's dispute settlement mechanism, which provides for regular consultations on compliance with Beijing's commitments on intellectual property protections, financial services, agriculture standards and purchases. US-China flashpoints on Hong Kong, Taiwan and other issues did not derail negotiations that resulted in new concessions from China, said Jamieson Greer, who served as Lighthizer's chief of staff until April. "Some of these security and human rights challenges have certainly complicated the atmosphere, but the trade agreement can still provide a set of rules governing important aspects of the trade relationship," said Greer, now an international trade partner at the King and Spalding law firm. Another person familiar with USTR thinking said the agency "needs to make Phase 1 look good. They want to show that progress is being made. The president looks at the China relationship much more broadly."

'Lemon' or not, Trump is stuck with Phase 1 China trade deal

Journalists covering nationwide protests over the death of a black man at police hands in Minneapolis have found themselves under attack, by police and at times by protesters.

The arrest and handcuffing Friday of a black CNN journalist by police in Minneapolis -- even as he was reporting live on camera following the death of George Floyd -- may have drawn the widest coverage.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curfew-imposed-in-40-cities-including-washington-dc-as-protests-spread-across-us-302235">Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US</a>

The journalist, Omar Jimenez, was released an hour later after the Minnesota governor personally intervened.

But there have been several other serious incidents across the country, notably in Louisville, Kentucky, where a riot-squad policeman fired what appeared to be pepper-spray pellets at a local TV crew filming the scene.

"I'm getting shot!" Kaitlin Rust, a reporter with local TV channel WAVE-3, cried out on camera.&nbsp;

And in Minneapolis, freelance journalist Linda Tirado was struck in the left eye by a rubber bullet fired by police, and said later on Twitter that she had permanently lost vision in that eye.

"Authorities in cities across the US need to instruct police not to target journalists and ensure they can report safely on the protests without fear of injury or retaliation,” said a statement from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Members of the media have also come under attack by protesters. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, photographer Ian Smith said he was subjected to a beating until other demonstrators came to his defense.

In Atlanta, the headquarters of news network CNN was attacked Friday by several dozen people. Someone in the crowd lobbed a flash grenade into the building's lobby as police stood guard there.

And on Saturday morning, a Fox News journalist who was reporting from a position in front of the White House was pummeled and chased by demonstrators until police intervened.&nbsp;

"If you are a protester, do what you feel is right, but don’t stop us from doing what we know is the job we have to do for the public. Please do not target, intimidate, humiliate or block our efforts," said a statement from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).&nbsp;

President Donald Trump has frequently targeted the news media as a source of what he calls "fake news," claiming without evidence that the media invent stories intended to harm him.

Following the attack on the CNN building in Atlanta, the president retweeted a supporter's post that seemed to gloat about the incident: "In an ironic twist of fate, CNN HQ is being attacked by the very riots they promoted as noble &amp; just. Oops.”

He has regularly denounced the press as "enemies of the people," and has often singled out CNN as a favorite target.

Media critics and commentators say such language can have the effect, at least among fringe elements, of encouraging violence against journalists.

Journalists covering nationwide protests over the death of a black man at police hands in Minneapolis have found themselves under attack, by police and at times by protesters.

Journalists covering nationwide protests over the death of a black man at police hands in Minneapolis have found themselves under attack, by police and at times by protesters. The arrest and handcuffing Friday of a black CNN journalist by police in Minneapolis -- even as he was reporting live on camera following the death of George Floyd -- may have drawn the widest coverage. Also read | Curfew imposed in 40 cities including Washington DC as protests spread across US The journalist, Omar Jimenez, was released an hour later after the Minnesota governor personally intervened. But there have been several other serious incidents across the country, notably in Louisville, Kentucky, where a riot-squad policeman fired what appeared to be pepper-spray pellets at a local TV crew filming the scene. "I'm getting shot!" Kaitlin Rust, a reporter with local TV channel WAVE-3, cried out on camera. And in Minneapolis, freelance journalist Linda Tirado was struck in the left eye by a rubber bullet fired by police, and said later on Twitter that she had permanently lost vision in that eye. "Authorities in cities across the US need to instruct police not to target journalists and ensure they can report safely on the protests without fear of injury or retaliation,” said a statement from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Members of the media have also come under attack by protesters. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, photographer Ian Smith said he was subjected to a beating until other demonstrators came to his defense. In Atlanta, the headquarters of news network CNN was attacked Friday by several dozen people. Someone in the crowd lobbed a flash grenade into the building's lobby as police stood guard there. And on Saturday morning, a Fox News journalist who was reporting from a position in front of the White House was pummeled and chased by demonstrators until police intervened. "If you are a protester, do what you feel is right, but don’t stop us from doing what we know is the job we have to do for the public. Please do not target, intimidate, humiliate or block our efforts," said a statement from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). President Donald Trump has frequently targeted the news media as a source of what he calls "fake news," claiming without evidence that the media invent stories intended to harm him. Following the attack on the CNN building in Atlanta, the president retweeted a supporter's post that seemed to gloat about the incident: "In an ironic twist of fate, CNN HQ is being attacked by the very riots they promoted as noble & just. Oops.” He has regularly denounced the press as "enemies of the people," and has often singled out CNN as a favorite target. Media critics and commentators say such language can have the effect, at least among fringe elements, of encouraging violence against journalists.

Journalists covering US protests face the ire of police, demonstrators

The Chinese government and the media have seized on the ongoing protest in the US and compared it with the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and accused Washington of hypocrisy.

Floyd, 46, died on recently after video showed a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It touched off outrage that has swept across a politically and racially divided nation in the midst of a polarizing presidential campaign and recently released from strict stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic that threw millions out of work.

The US protest follows months of often violent protests in Hong Kong, &nbsp;particularly since Beijing’s declaration it would impose national security laws on the semi-autonomous region. Trump administration has been very vocal about its support for Hong Kong.&nbsp;

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"I can't breathe." <a href="https://t.co/UXHgXMT0lk">pic.twitter.com/UXHgXMT0lk</a>
— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonCHN/status/1266741986096107520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After days of chaotic scenes in the US, on Sunday China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying posted “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s last words – to Twitter, with a screenshot of her American counterpart criticising China’s crackdown on Hong Kong.

Fellow ministry spokesman, Lijian Zhao retweeted numerous comments and reports on the protests, including from Russia’s deputy representative to the UN, accusing the US of double standards. “Why US denies China’s right to restore peace and order in HK while brutally dispersing crowds at home?” said Dmitry Polyanskiy.

State media has also revelled in the scenes of unrest unfolding in the US.

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I highly suspect that Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states. Attacking police stations, smashing shops,blocking roads, breaking public facilities, these are all routine in their protests. Vicious HK rioters obviously are mastermind of violent protests across the US😡
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1267018071207669760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

“US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once called the violent protests in&nbsp;Hong Kong&nbsp;‘a beautiful sight to behold.’… US politicians now can enjoy this sight from their own windows,” Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of nationalist tabloid Global Times, wrote on Saturday.

The Chinese government and the media have seized on the ongoing protest in the US and compared it with the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and accused Washington of hypocrisy.

The Chinese government and the media have seized on the ongoing protest in the US and compared it with the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and accused Washington of hypocrisy. Floyd, 46, died on recently after video showed a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It touched off outrage that has swept across a politically and racially divided nation in the midst of a polarizing presidential campaign and recently released from strict stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic that threw millions out of work. The US protest follows months of often violent protests in Hong Kong, particularly since Beijing’s declaration it would impose national security laws on the semi-autonomous region. Trump administration has been very vocal about its support for Hong Kong. "I can't breathe." pic.twitter.com/UXHgXMT0lk — Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) May 30, 2020 × After days of chaotic scenes in the US, on Sunday China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying posted “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s last words – to Twitter, with a screenshot of her American counterpart criticising China’s crackdown on Hong Kong. Fellow ministry spokesman, Lijian Zhao retweeted numerous comments and reports on the protests, including from Russia’s deputy representative to the UN, accusing the US of double standards. “Why US denies China’s right to restore peace and order in HK while brutally dispersing crowds at home?” said Dmitry Polyanskiy. State media has also revelled in the scenes of unrest unfolding in the US. I highly suspect that Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states. Attacking police stations, smashing shops,blocking roads, breaking public facilities, these are all routine in their protests. Vicious HK rioters obviously are mastermind of violent protests across the US😡 — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) May 31, 2020 × “US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once called the violent protests in Hong Kong ‘a beautiful sight to behold.’… US politicians now can enjoy this sight from their own windows,” Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of nationalist tabloid Global Times, wrote on Saturday.

'Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states': China hits out at US over George Floyd protests

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