A decline in the world's leading tech firms hit wall street stocks in the final stretch of an exceptional year. Despite the exuberance around the trump trade and the fervor for AI, it has been a challenging year for generating profits across asset classes.

U.S. Stocks Showing Signs Of Wavering | World Business Watch

Trump-Vance inaugural committee is on track to set a new record in inauguration fundraising, as pledged contributions have already surpassed its fundraising goal of $150 million. Watch in for more details!

US: Corporate giants woo Trump, pour cash into inaugural fund

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has set his sights on the Panama Canal, stating that the United States should reclaim the canal, a vital global waterway. Watch in for more details!

King Trump puts Panama Canal on conquest row

It's been years since the U.S. investigated the cause of COVID-19. The FBI has now claimed that they found evidence suggesting the virus was caused by a lab leak but were not allowed to brief the president. Watch in for more details!

FBI 'blocked from informing Biden' about COVID lab leak

China has sanctioned seven military-industrial companies and related senior executives over U.S. arms assistance and sales to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.
Boeing subsidiary Insitu Inc., RTX Inc.'s Raytheon Canada and Raytheon Australia, as well as Hudson Technologies Co. are among the companies listed by the ministry in a statement.
The US recently approved USD 571.3 million in defence support for Taiwan, after giving the go-ahead to arms sales worth an estimated USD 385 million.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-firmly-opposes-outgoing-us-president-bidens-approval-5713-mn-military-aid-for-taiwan-786021">China 'firmly opposes' outgoing US President Biden's approval of $571.3 million military aid for Taiwan</a>
China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future.
The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei.
The sanctions will freeze the companies and executives' assets in China and ban organizations and individuals in China from trading or collaborating with them, the ministry said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-releases-annual-report-on-chinas-military-developments-a-look-at-the-key-facts-785627">Pentagon releases annual report on China's military developments showing disturbing rise in nukes</a>&nbsp;
The US move "seriously undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," a ministry spokesperson said in a regular press briefing on Friday.
China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle and stop arming Taiwan, the spokesperson Mao Ning said, adding that Beijing will "take all necessary measures" to safeguard its security and interests.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Boeing subsidiary Insitu Inc., RTX Inc.'s Raytheon Canada and Raytheon Australia, as well as Hudson Technologies Co. are among the companies listed by the ministry.

China has sanctioned seven military-industrial companies and related senior executives over U.S. arms assistance and sales to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday. Boeing subsidiary Insitu Inc., RTX Inc.'s Raytheon Canada and Raytheon Australia, as well as Hudson Technologies Co. are among the companies listed by the ministry in a statement. The US recently approved USD 571.3 million in defence support for Taiwan, after giving the go-ahead to arms sales worth an estimated USD 385 million. Also read: China 'firmly opposes' outgoing US President Biden's approval of $571.3 million military aid for Taiwan China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future. The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei. The sanctions will freeze the companies and executives' assets in China and ban organizations and individuals in China from trading or collaborating with them, the ministry said. Also read: Pentagon releases annual report on China's military developments showing disturbing rise in nukes The US move "seriously undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," a ministry spokesperson said in a regular press briefing on Friday. China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle and stop arming Taiwan, the spokesperson Mao Ning said, adding that Beijing will "take all necessary measures" to safeguard its security and interests. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China sanctions seven military firms over US aid to Taiwan

The Mega Millions jackpot has surpassed $1 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn on Christmas Eve. That means the estimated jackpot for Friday’s drawing is $1.15 billion, potentially the fifth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. Watch in for more details!

USA News: Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $1.15 Billion | WION

Canadian businessman and investor Kevin O&rsquo;Leary expressed interest in breaking a deal with US President-elect Donald Trump to create some sort of "economic reunion" between the US and Canada, stressing that at least half of Canada's population would support such deal.&nbsp;
O&rsquo;Leary, who is also a "Shark Tank" star, said that over the last two days, Canadians have been talking about this.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Canadians over the holidays, the last two days, have been talking about this,&rdquo; O&rsquo;Leary said of Trump&rsquo;s proposal during an interview with Fox Business.&nbsp;
&ldquo;They want to hear more," he added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ed-probes-canadian-colleges-for-trafficking-indians-into-us-8567625">ED probes Canadian colleges for trafficking Indians into US</a>
This comes after Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become "our 51st State".&nbsp;
O&rsquo;Leary further highlighted that he will visit Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate to discuss his proposal to merge Canada with the US.&nbsp;
However, he also noted that "there&rsquo;s obviously a lot of issues&rdquo; that would arise if Canada attempted to join the US, adding that Trump's interest in the matter "could be the beginning of an economic reunion".&nbsp;
"Think about the power of combining the two economies, erasing the border between Canada and the United States and putting all that resource up to the northern borders where China and Russia are knocking on the door,&rdquo; he stressed.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eric-trump-posts-image-of-donald-trump-buying-canada-greenland-and-panama-canal-in-a-new-social-media-post-786466">Eric Trump posts image of Donald Trump &lsquo;Buying&rsquo; Canada, Greenland and Panama Canal in new social media post</a>
He added that the northern territories would be secured, adding that it would give a common currency, figure out taxes across the board, and create a new, almost EU-like passport. "I like this idea and at least half of Canadians are interested," sa
He further acknowledged that currently, a major obstacle is the "collapsing" Canadian government under Liberal Party Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is very likely to resign or be voted out of office by October 2025.&nbsp;
<h2>Trump calls Canada a 'US state'</h2>
For weeks now, the US president-elect has been taunting Trudeau by referring to Canada as a prospective US "state" and the prime minister as its "governor".&nbsp;
&ldquo;Nobody wants Trudeau to negotiate this deal,&rdquo; O&rsquo;Leary argued. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want him doing it for me. So I&rsquo;m going to go to Mar-A-Lago. I&rsquo;ll start the narrative.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-subsidies-to-canada-make-no-sense-suggests-canada-become-51st-us-state-785043" rel="dofollow">Trump says US subsidies to Canada make no sense, suggests it become 51st US state</a>
&ldquo;The 41 million Canadians, I think most of them would trust me on this deal," he said.&nbsp;
<h2>'Tariff row'</h2>
Trump has also threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada once he takes office in January 2025.&nbsp;
Trump, in a Christmas Day Truth Social Post, argued that Canada should become a US state because the taxes of its citizens "are far too high".&nbsp;
He further declared that "if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60 per cent.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Trump stressed that Canadian businesses also &ldquo;would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World."
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Canadians have been actively discussing Trump's proposal over the holidays, highlighting its significant impact on international conversations and cross-border relations.

Canadian businessman and investor Kevin O’Leary expressed interest in breaking a deal with US President-elect Donald Trump to create some sort of "economic reunion" between the US and Canada, stressing that at least half of Canada's population would support such deal. O’Leary, who is also a "Shark Tank" star, said that over the last two days, Canadians have been talking about this. “Canadians over the holidays, the last two days, have been talking about this,” O’Leary said of Trump’s proposal during an interview with Fox Business. “They want to hear more," he added. Also read: ED probes Canadian colleges for trafficking Indians into US This comes after Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become "our 51st State". O’Leary further highlighted that he will visit Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate to discuss his proposal to merge Canada with the US. However, he also noted that "there’s obviously a lot of issues” that would arise if Canada attempted to join the US, adding that Trump's interest in the matter "could be the beginning of an economic reunion". "Think about the power of combining the two economies, erasing the border between Canada and the United States and putting all that resource up to the northern borders where China and Russia are knocking on the door,” he stressed. Also read: Eric Trump posts image of Donald Trump ‘Buying’ Canada, Greenland and Panama Canal in new social media post He added that the northern territories would be secured, adding that it would give a common currency, figure out taxes across the board, and create a new, almost EU-like passport. "I like this idea and at least half of Canadians are interested," sa He further acknowledged that currently, a major obstacle is the "collapsing" Canadian government under Liberal Party Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is very likely to resign or be voted out of office by October 2025. Trump calls Canada a 'US state' For weeks now, the US president-elect has been taunting Trudeau by referring to Canada as a prospective US "state" and the prime minister as its "governor". “Nobody wants Trudeau to negotiate this deal,” O’Leary argued. “I don’t want him doing it for me. So I’m going to go to Mar-A-Lago. I’ll start the narrative.” Also read: Trump says US subsidies to Canada make no sense, suggests it become 51st US state “The 41 million Canadians, I think most of them would trust me on this deal," he said. 'Tariff row' Trump has also threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada once he takes office in January 2025. Trump, in a Christmas Day Truth Social Post, argued that Canada should become a US state because the taxes of its citizens "are far too high". He further declared that "if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60 per cent.” Trump stressed that Canadian businesses also “would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World." (With inputs from agencies)

Half of Canadians interested in Trump's offer to merge US, Canada, says Shark Tank's Kevin O’Leary

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who found evidence that a Chinese lab leak caused COVID-19, was "silenced" and was not allowed to present the findings from the August 2021 report to US President Joe Biden, The New York Post reported.&nbsp;
The report concluded that the virus behind COVID-19 was "probably not genetically engineered".&nbsp;
During that time, a popular theory emerged, suggesting that the virus spread from a bat at a Wuhan wet market, the place where the virus was first reported in 2019.&nbsp;
President Biden ordered an inquiry in May 2021 by US intelligence agencies and national laboratories. The National Intelligence Council (NIC), a body of senior intelligence officers organised the review, in which the findings were presented by Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence (DNI), and two of her senior analysts, to President Biden and his top aides.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-lab-leak-likely-behind-covid-pandemic-finds-us-investigation-780981" rel="dofollow">Also read: Wuhan lab leak likely behind Covid pandemic, finds US investigation STORY HIGHLIGHTS</a>
Jason Bannan, a former senior scientist at the FBI, said that he is surprised that the findings were not presented to the president, given the agency's confidence in its assessment.&nbsp;
Bannan, a microbiologist and former senior FBI scientist, spent much of his life investigating the origins of COVID-19, along with the FBI.
He was excluded from a key National Intelligence Council (NIC) briefing with US President Biden, The New York Post reported.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-likely-to-pick-john-hopkins-surgeon-covid-mandate-martin-makary-to-lead-fda-say-sources-778076" rel="dofollow">Also read: Trump likely to pick John Hopkins surgeon, COVID mandate critic Martin Makary to lead FDA, say sources</a>
&ldquo;The scientists who had the subject matter expertise were silenced,&rdquo; a source said according to the Post, adding that the US President and other officials were "completely unwitting" about the evidence.&nbsp;
Bannan also stressed that the FBI was the only agency that firmly believed the virus likely originated from a laboratory, yet it wasn&rsquo;t invited to share its findings.&nbsp;
<h2>'Surprising that White House didn't ask'</h2>
&ldquo;Being the only agency that assessed that a laboratory origin was more likely, and the agency that expressed the highest level of confidence in its analysis of the source of the pandemic, we anticipated the FBI would be asked to attend the briefing,&rdquo; Bannan said.
&nbsp;&ldquo;I find it surprising that the White House didn&rsquo;t ask," he added.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sent-covid-test-kits-to-putin-while-americans-died-explosive-new-book-reveals-his-shocking-betrayal-765783" rel="dofollow">Also read: Trump sent COVID test kits to Putin while Americans died? Explosive new book reveals his shocking betrayal</a>
Meanwhile, whistleblower Lt. Col. Joseph Murphy said that federal grant documents outlining a "blueprint" for engineering viruses like SARS-CoV-2 were inappropriately classified.
Bannan has now emphasised the need to reexamine what was left out of the intelligence community&rsquo;s review.&nbsp;
&ldquo;What ended up on the intelligence community&rsquo;s cutting-room floor needs to be re-examined," he said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Jason Bannan, a former senior scientist at the FBI, said that he is surprised that the findings were not presented to the president, given the agency's confidence in its assessment. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who found evidence that a Chinese lab leak caused COVID-19, was "silenced" and was not allowed to present the findings from the August 2021 report to US President Joe Biden, The New York Post reported. The report concluded that the virus behind COVID-19 was "probably not genetically engineered". During that time, a popular theory emerged, suggesting that the virus spread from a bat at a Wuhan wet market, the place where the virus was first reported in 2019. President Biden ordered an inquiry in May 2021 by US intelligence agencies and national laboratories. The National Intelligence Council (NIC), a body of senior intelligence officers organised the review, in which the findings were presented by Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence (DNI), and two of her senior analysts, to President Biden and his top aides. Also read: Wuhan lab leak likely behind Covid pandemic, finds US investigation STORY HIGHLIGHTS Jason Bannan, a former senior scientist at the FBI, said that he is surprised that the findings were not presented to the president, given the agency's confidence in its assessment. Bannan, a microbiologist and former senior FBI scientist, spent much of his life investigating the origins of COVID-19, along with the FBI. He was excluded from a key National Intelligence Council (NIC) briefing with US President Biden, The New York Post reported. Also read: Trump likely to pick John Hopkins surgeon, COVID mandate critic Martin Makary to lead FDA, say sources “The scientists who had the subject matter expertise were silenced,” a source said according to the Post, adding that the US President and other officials were "completely unwitting" about the evidence. Bannan also stressed that the FBI was the only agency that firmly believed the virus likely originated from a laboratory, yet it wasn’t invited to share its findings. 'Surprising that White House didn't ask' “Being the only agency that assessed that a laboratory origin was more likely, and the agency that expressed the highest level of confidence in its analysis of the source of the pandemic, we anticipated the FBI would be asked to attend the briefing,” Bannan said. “I find it surprising that the White House didn’t ask," he added. Also read: Trump sent COVID test kits to Putin while Americans died? Explosive new book reveals his shocking betrayal Meanwhile, whistleblower Lt. Col. Joseph Murphy said that federal grant documents outlining a "blueprint" for engineering viruses like SARS-CoV-2 were inappropriately classified. Bannan has now emphasised the need to reexamine what was left out of the intelligence community’s review. “What ended up on the intelligence community’s cutting-room floor needs to be re-examined," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US spy chiefs 'silenced' FBI from briefing Joe Biden about COVID lab leak evidence: Report

The incoming US 'border czar' Tom Homan on Thursday (Dec 26) said that he will reinstate policies that hold families in detention.&nbsp;
Homan, who was appointed by President-elect Donald Trump last month, said that the new detention centres will be able to hold families exiting the country.&nbsp;
&ldquo;You knew you were in the country illegally and chose to have a child. So you put your family in that position,&rdquo; Homan said in an interview with The Washington Post.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to need to construct family facilities,&rdquo; Homan stated, adding, "How many beds we&rsquo;re going to need will depend on what the data says.&rdquo;
President Biden directed the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to get rid of "residential centres" that held families in 2021, along with other deportation tactics that were considered inhumane by some.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-confirms-to-declare-national-emergency-use-military-assets-to-deport-illegal-migrants-777170">Trump confirms he will declare 'national emergency', use 'military assets' to deport illegal migrants</a>
Homan, in a previous interview with CNN, estimated that 100,000 beds would be needed for mass deportation efforts.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This will be an expense &mdash; this will be an expensive operation. But in the long run, it should be a &mdash; it would be a huge tax savings on the American people,&rdquo; Homan said in the interview.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-announces-tom-homan-as-border-czar-to-handle-deportation-of-illegal-aliens-775269" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump announces Tom Homan as 'border czar' to handle 'deportation of illegal aliens'</a>
Homan will not be directly leading the agency, as he will be working along with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), Trump&rsquo;s nominee for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to carry out border security efforts.
He has also planned to launch a targeted investigation into the 300,000 teenagers and children in America whose caretakers have stopped reporting to federal caseworkers.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/trumps-mass-deportation-project-easier-said-than-done-776002">Trump&rsquo;s mass deportation project &mdash; easier said than done</a>
&ldquo;I think some of these children will be in forced labour, and some will be in the sex trade,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I think some will be perfectly fine. We just want to make sure.&rdquo;
Last month, Homan also received death threats and said that this is something "we are going to deal with".&nbsp;
He further noted that his task is to deliver on Trump's promise to enact the "largest deportation operation in history". To begin that, he said he would target those that "a federal judge said you must go and they didn't".
(With inputs from agencies)

Homan, who was appointed by President-elect Donald Trump last month, said that the new detention centres will be able to hold families exiting the country. 

The incoming US 'border czar' Tom Homan on Thursday (Dec 26) said that he will reinstate policies that hold families in detention. Homan, who was appointed by President-elect Donald Trump last month, said that the new detention centres will be able to hold families exiting the country. “You knew you were in the country illegally and chose to have a child. So you put your family in that position,” Homan said in an interview with The Washington Post. “We’re going to need to construct family facilities,” Homan stated, adding, "How many beds we’re going to need will depend on what the data says.” President Biden directed the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to get rid of "residential centres" that held families in 2021, along with other deportation tactics that were considered inhumane by some. Also read: Trump confirms he will declare 'national emergency', use 'military assets' to deport illegal migrants Homan, in a previous interview with CNN, estimated that 100,000 beds would be needed for mass deportation efforts. “This will be an expense — this will be an expensive operation. But in the long run, it should be a — it would be a huge tax savings on the American people,” Homan said in the interview. Also read: Donald Trump announces Tom Homan as 'border czar' to handle 'deportation of illegal aliens' Homan will not be directly leading the agency, as he will be working along with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to carry out border security efforts. He has also planned to launch a targeted investigation into the 300,000 teenagers and children in America whose caretakers have stopped reporting to federal caseworkers. Also read: Trump’s mass deportation project — easier said than done “I think some of these children will be in forced labour, and some will be in the sex trade,” he said. “I think some will be perfectly fine. We just want to make sure.” Last month, Homan also received death threats and said that this is something "we are going to deal with". He further noted that his task is to deliver on Trump's promise to enact the "largest deportation operation in history". To begin that, he said he would target those that "a federal judge said you must go and they didn't". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's border czar Tom Homan to bring back family detention centres amid migration crackdown

Donald Trump’s Christmas Day was not all silent as President-elect put out 34 posts within one hour; he covered holiday greetings, memes, and political opinions. Watch this report for more details!

US President-elect Donald Trump fires 34 posts over an hour on Christmas

Donald Trump's first pick for heading the Justice Department has been accused by the House Ethics Committee for regularly paying women, including a 17-year-old, for sex. Matt Gaetz was Donald Trump's pick to serve as U.S. Attorney General, after withdrew his name and resigned from Congress. The 37-page report by the bipartisan panel includes explicit details of the accusations. Watch in for more details!

Matt Gaetz Spent Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars On Sex And Drugs: Report

US President-elect Donald Trump has reignited the death penalty debate. Set to take office in January next year, Trump has vowed to direct his Justice Department to vigorously pursue federal capital punishment. Watch in for more details!

US: Republicans Condemn Biden's Move To Commute Death Sentences

Russia has accused the United States of expanding biological warfare activities in Africa. The accusations were made by Russia's Deputy Chief of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops, Major General Aleksey Rtishchev. Watch in for more details!

Russia: US Expanding Biological Warfare Presence In Africa

In a significant legislative move, President Joe Biden signed 50 bills into law this Christmas week, including a measure that formally designates the bald eagle as the United States' national bird. Long recognised as a symbol of American power and strength, the bald eagle has graced the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 but was never officially codified as the national bird—until now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-trump-overturn-bidens-pardons-president-elect-vows-to-pursue-death-penalty-vigorously-786624">Can Trump overturn Biden's pardons? President-elect vows to pursue death penalty 'vigorously'</a>

The new legislation amends the United States Code to correct this oversight, giving legal recognition to what many had long assumed was an established fact. The bald eagle, distinguished by its white head, yellow beak, and brown body, has been a prominent emblem of US&nbsp;sovereignty, appearing on military insignias, the presidential flag, and even U.S. currency.

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Bipartisan legislation designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States will now be headed to President Bident to be signed into law, following today's unanimous passage in the House by voice vote. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent in July. 🦅🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ho1tSwcUgz">https://t.co/ho1tSwcUgz</a> <a href="https://t.co/bvrSunUm5M">pic.twitter.com/bvrSunUm5M</a>
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigCaplan/status/1868774272891863502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Significance of the move</h2>

The bald eagle is the symbol of America's values and independence. It is native to North America and has been featured on the Great Seal alongside an olive branch, arrows, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” Despite its ubiquity, the bird’s status as the national bird had never been formalised.

This bird appears on various emblems, including those of the US&nbsp;Air Force, the Great Seal, and the US&nbsp;Navy.

<img alt="US seals" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7f5636b-707b-406f-ae88-bc967ac46d9e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-25T120848.727.jpg" />

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-israel-for-brazen-admission-of-killing-hamas-leader-haniyeh-calls-it-heinous-crime-786603">Iran slams Israel for 'brazen admission' of killing Hamas leader Haniyeh, calls it 'heinous crime'</a>

By officially recognising the bird, the US&nbsp;underscores its commitment to preserving its heritage and natural treasures.

Interestingly, founding father Benjamin Franklin once criticized the bald eagle in a letter, calling it a "bird of bad moral character." Moreover, his preferred national bird was Turkey. Nevertheless, the bird has become synonymous with American identity.

The US&nbsp;Fish &amp; Wildlife Service's 2020 report estimates the bald eagle population at approximately 316,700 individuals, including 71,400 nesting pairs. This represents a fourfold increase compared to the data collected in 2009.

<h2>Other legislative highlights</h2>

On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed 50 diverse bills into law, covering a wide range of topics. Key highlights include:

Legislation (H.R. 5646) establishing the first-ever federal anti-hazing standards to address violence and deaths occurring on higher education campuses around the country.

A measure (S. 1351) supported by Paris Hilton aimed at addressing child abuse in institutional facilities for at-risk youth.

The Eliminate Useless Reports Act (H.R. 5301), which would curtail the number of outdated and unnecessary reports coming out of federal agencies.

A measure (S. 932) preventing members of Congress from collecting their pensions if convicted of certain crimes.

A bill (H.R. 663) aimed at boosting tools for Native American tribes to combat child abuse and family violence.

Legislation (S. 3998) to convert temporary judicial posts in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas into permanent ones.

A measure (S. 4077)—opposed by several dozen House Republicans—to name a post office in California after the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D).

S. 5314, which names a Veterans Affairs facility in Oklahoma after the late Sen. James Inhofe (R).

Earlier this month, Biden vetoed a bill to add 66 judges to understaffed federal courts, commuted the sentences of 37 federal death-row inmates to life without parole, and granted a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden.

<h2>A push to the finish line</h2>

As Biden’s term winds down ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, this flurry of activity reflects his efforts to cement key priorities and address long-standing issues before leaving office.

In a significant legislative move, President Joe Biden signed 50 bills into law this Christmas week, including a measure that formally designates the bald eagle as the United States' national bird.

In a significant legislative move, President Joe Biden signed 50 bills into law this Christmas week, including a measure that formally designates the bald eagle as the United States' national bird. Long recognised as a symbol of American power and strength, the bald eagle has graced the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 but was never officially codified as the national bird—until now. Also read | Can Trump overturn Biden's pardons? President-elect vows to pursue death penalty 'vigorously' The new legislation amends the United States Code to correct this oversight, giving legal recognition to what many had long assumed was an established fact. The bald eagle, distinguished by its white head, yellow beak, and brown body, has been a prominent emblem of US sovereignty, appearing on military insignias, the presidential flag, and even U.S. currency. Bipartisan legislation designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States will now be headed to President Bident to be signed into law, following today's unanimous passage in the House by voice vote. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent in July. 🦅🇺🇸 https://t.co/ho1tSwcUgz pic.twitter.com/bvrSunUm5M — Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) December 16, 2024 × Significance of the move The bald eagle is the symbol of America's values and independence. It is native to North America and has been featured on the Great Seal alongside an olive branch, arrows, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” Despite its ubiquity, the bird’s status as the national bird had never been formalised. This bird appears on various emblems, including those of the US Air Force, the Great Seal, and the US Navy. Also read | Iran slams Israel for 'brazen admission' of killing Hamas leader Haniyeh, calls it 'heinous crime' By officially recognising the bird, the US underscores its commitment to preserving its heritage and natural treasures. Interestingly, founding father Benjamin Franklin once criticized the bald eagle in a letter, calling it a "bird of bad moral character." Moreover, his preferred national bird was Turkey. Nevertheless, the bird has become synonymous with American identity. The US Fish & Wildlife Service's 2020 report estimates the bald eagle population at approximately 316,700 individuals, including 71,400 nesting pairs. This represents a fourfold increase compared to the data collected in 2009. Other legislative highlights On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed 50 diverse bills into law, covering a wide range of topics. Key highlights include: Legislation (H.R. 5646) establishing the first-ever federal anti-hazing standards to address violence and deaths occurring on higher education campuses around the country. A measure (S. 1351) supported by Paris Hilton aimed at addressing child abuse in institutional facilities for at-risk youth. The Eliminate Useless Reports Act (H.R. 5301), which would curtail the number of outdated and unnecessary reports coming out of federal agencies. A measure (S. 932) preventing members of Congress from collecting their pensions if convicted of certain crimes. A bill (H.R. 663) aimed at boosting tools for Native American tribes to combat child abuse and family violence. Legislation (S. 3998) to convert temporary judicial posts in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas into permanent ones. A measure (S. 4077)—opposed by several dozen House Republicans—to name a post office in California after the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D). S. 5314, which names a Veterans Affairs facility in Oklahoma after the late Sen. James Inhofe (R). Earlier this month, Biden vetoed a bill to add 66 judges to understaffed federal courts, commuted the sentences of 37 federal death-row inmates to life without parole, and granted a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden. A push to the finish line As Biden’s term winds down ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, this flurry of activity reflects his efforts to cement key priorities and address long-standing issues before leaving office.

Bald Eagle declared US national bird as Biden enacts 50 new laws

Washington, United States
In a significant legislative move, President Joe Biden signed 50 bills into law this Christmas week, including a measure that formally designates the bald eagle as the United States' national bird. Long recognised as a symbol of American power and strength, the bald eagle has graced the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 but was never officially codified as the national bird—until now.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-trump-overturn-bidens-pardons-president-elect-vows-to-pursue-death-penalty-vigorously-786624">Can Trump overturn Biden's pardons? President-elect vows to pursue death penalty 'vigorously'</a>
The new legislation amends the United States Code to correct this oversight, giving legal recognition to what many had long assumed was an established fact. The bald eagle, distinguished by its white head, yellow beak, and brown body, has been a prominent emblem of US sovereignty, appearing on military insignias, the presidential flag, and even U.S. currency.
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Bipartisan legislation designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States will now be headed to President Bident to be signed into law, following today's unanimous passage in the House by voice vote. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent in July. ??? <a href="https://t.co/ho1tSwcUgz">https://t.co/ho1tSwcUgz</a> <a href="https://t.co/bvrSunUm5M">pic.twitter.com/bvrSunUm5M</a>
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigCaplan/status/1868774272891863502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Significance of the move</h2>
The bald eagle is the symbol of America's values and independence. It is native to North America and has been featured on the Great Seal alongside an olive branch, arrows, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” Despite its ubiquity, the bird’s status as the national bird had never been formalised.
This bird appears on various emblems, including those of the US Air Force, the Great Seal, and the US Navy.
<img alt="US seals" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7f5636b-707b-406f-ae88-bc967ac46d9e" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-25T120848.727.jpg"/>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-israel-for-brazen-admission-of-killing-hamas-leader-haniyeh-calls-it-heinous-crime-786603">Iran slams Israel for 'brazen admission' of killing Hamas leader Haniyeh, calls it 'heinous crime'</a>
By officially recognising the bird, the US underscores its commitment to preserving its heritage and natural treasures.
Interestingly, founding father Benjamin Franklin once criticized the bald eagle in a letter, calling it a "bird of bad moral character." Moreover, his preferred national bird was Turkey. Nevertheless, the bird has become synonymous with American identity.
The US Fish &amp; Wildlife Service's 2020 report estimates the bald eagle population at approximately 316,700 individuals, including 71,400 nesting pairs. This represents a fourfold increase compared to the data collected in 2009.
<h2>Other legislative highlights</h2>
On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed 50 diverse bills into law, covering a wide range of topics. Key highlights include:
Legislation (H.R. 5646) establishing the first-ever federal anti-hazing standards to address violence and deaths occurring on higher education campuses around the country.
A measure (S. 1351) supported by Paris Hilton aimed at addressing child abuse in institutional facilities for at-risk youth.
The Eliminate Useless Reports Act (H.R. 5301), which would curtail the number of outdated and unnecessary reports coming out of federal agencies.
A measure (S. 932) preventing members of Congress from collecting their pensions if convicted of certain crimes.
A bill (H.R. 663) aimed at boosting tools for Native American tribes to combat child abuse and family violence.
Legislation (S. 3998) to convert temporary judicial posts in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas into permanent ones.
A measure (S. 4077)—opposed by several dozen House Republicans—to name a post office in California after the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D).
S. 5314, which names a Veterans Affairs facility in Oklahoma after the late Sen. James Inhofe (R).
Earlier this month, Biden vetoed a bill to add 66 judges to understaffed federal courts, commuted the sentences of 37 federal death-row inmates to life without parole, and granted a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden.
<h2>A push to the finish line</h2>
As Biden’s term winds down ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, this flurry of activity reflects his efforts to cement key priorities and address long-standing issues before leaving office.

President Joe Biden capped off Christmas week by signing 50 bills into law, including historic legislation officially declaring the bald eagle as the United States' national bird. Long a symbol of American strength and unity, the bald eagle’s status is now firmly enshrined in law, alongside sweeping measures addressing new anti-hazing standards, child protection laws, and federal reforms



Washington, United States In a significant legislative move, President Joe Biden signed 50 bills into law this Christmas week, including a measure that formally designates the bald eagle as the United States' national bird. Long recognised as a symbol of American power and strength, the bald eagle has graced the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 but was never officially codified as the national bird—until now. Also read | Can Trump overturn Biden's pardons? President-elect vows to pursue death penalty 'vigorously' The new legislation amends the United States Code to correct this oversight, giving legal recognition to what many had long assumed was an established fact. The bald eagle, distinguished by its white head, yellow beak, and brown body, has been a prominent emblem of US sovereignty, appearing on military insignias, the presidential flag, and even U.S. currency. Bipartisan legislation designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States will now be headed to President Bident to be signed into law, following today's unanimous passage in the House by voice vote. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent in July. ??? https://t.co/ho1tSwcUgz pic.twitter.com/bvrSunUm5M — Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) December 16, 2024 × Significance of the move The bald eagle is the symbol of America's values and independence. It is native to North America and has been featured on the Great Seal alongside an olive branch, arrows, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” Despite its ubiquity, the bird’s status as the national bird had never been formalised. This bird appears on various emblems, including those of the US Air Force, the Great Seal, and the US Navy. Also read | Iran slams Israel for 'brazen admission' of killing Hamas leader Haniyeh, calls it 'heinous crime' By officially recognising the bird, the US underscores its commitment to preserving its heritage and natural treasures. Interestingly, founding father Benjamin Franklin once criticized the bald eagle in a letter, calling it a "bird of bad moral character." Moreover, his preferred national bird was Turkey. Nevertheless, the bird has become synonymous with American identity. The US Fish & Wildlife Service's 2020 report estimates the bald eagle population at approximately 316,700 individuals, including 71,400 nesting pairs. This represents a fourfold increase compared to the data collected in 2009. Other legislative highlights On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed 50 diverse bills into law, covering a wide range of topics. Key highlights include: Legislation (H.R. 5646) establishing the first-ever federal anti-hazing standards to address violence and deaths occurring on higher education campuses around the country. A measure (S. 1351) supported by Paris Hilton aimed at addressing child abuse in institutional facilities for at-risk youth. The Eliminate Useless Reports Act (H.R. 5301), which would curtail the number of outdated and unnecessary reports coming out of federal agencies. A measure (S. 932) preventing members of Congress from collecting their pensions if convicted of certain crimes. A bill (H.R. 663) aimed at boosting tools for Native American tribes to combat child abuse and family violence. Legislation (S. 3998) to convert temporary judicial posts in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas into permanent ones. A measure (S. 4077)—opposed by several dozen House Republicans—to name a post office in California after the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D). S. 5314, which names a Veterans Affairs facility in Oklahoma after the late Sen. James Inhofe (R). Earlier this month, Biden vetoed a bill to add 66 judges to understaffed federal courts, commuted the sentences of 37 federal death-row inmates to life without parole, and granted a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden. A push to the finish line As Biden’s term winds down ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, this flurry of activity reflects his efforts to cement key priorities and address long-standing issues before leaving office.

British right-wing politician Nigel Farage has said he could help UK's envoy to US Peter Mandelson&nbsp;secure a trade deal with the Donald Trump administration.

The Reform UK leader told The Telegraph newspaper that he is ready to use his connections with the administration to help prevent hefty trade tariffs, starting with financial regulations.

Lord Mandelson has suggested that Farage’s friendship with the Republican president-elect could serve as a link between the UK and US administrations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-trump-overturn-bidens-pardons-president-elect-vows-to-pursue-death-penalty-vigorously-786624">Can Trump overturn Biden's pardons? President-elect vows to pursue death penalty 'vigorously'</a>

Amid the debate among Labour MPs about whether Mandelson should take on his help, Farage has indicated that he would support the national concern regardless of party politics.

“I am no fan of any of the people in the Labour Party, but if it is in the national interest I have always thought I could be a useful asset if they want to use that – but if they don’t, more fool them,” Farage said.

Farage believes he can act as a bridge between the UK and the Trump administration in areas including trade, tariffs, intelligence-sharing and countering terrorism as “a lot of the members of the President’s cabinet are friends of mine, and many of them long-term friends”.

“I know these people, and in terms of trade, in terms of defence and in terms of intelligence, the US is our most important relationship in the world – forget Brussels,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-global-crisis-much-more-likely-in-trumps-second-term-due-to-says-his-ex-nsa-786578">Major global crisis 'much more likely' in Trump's second term due to..., says his ex-NSA</a>

Lord Mandelson has previously stated that a Labour-appointed ambassador to the US should “swallow” their pride and join hands with “friends” of the US administration like Farage to maintain relations and avoid a trade war.

However, senior members of the party are concerned the move may “elevate” the status of Farage and the Reform party, which may be upsetting for many Labour supporters.

Meanwhile, Farage argued that personal relationships matter at all levels in life. "It doesn’t matter how high you go, wherever you go these relationships matter.”

“There has to be a proper negotiation around tariffs and trade. The opportunity for sectoral free trade relationships is very, very high,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

British right-wing politician Nigel Farage has said he could help UK's envoy to US Peter Mandelson secure a trade deal with the Donald Trump administration. The Reform UK leader told The Telegraph newspaper that he is ready to use his connections with the administration to help prevent hefty trade tariffs, starting with financial regulations.

British right-wing politician Nigel Farage has said he could help UK's envoy to US Peter Mandelson secure a trade deal with the Donald Trump administration. The Reform UK leader told The Telegraph newspaper that he is ready to use his connections with the administration to help prevent hefty trade tariffs, starting with financial regulations. Lord Mandelson has suggested that Farage’s friendship with the Republican president-elect could serve as a link between the UK and US administrations. Also read | Can Trump overturn Biden's pardons? President-elect vows to pursue death penalty 'vigorously' Amid the debate among Labour MPs about whether Mandelson should take on his help, Farage has indicated that he would support the national concern regardless of party politics. “I am no fan of any of the people in the Labour Party, but if it is in the national interest I have always thought I could be a useful asset if they want to use that – but if they don’t, more fool them,” Farage said. Farage believes he can act as a bridge between the UK and the Trump administration in areas including trade, tariffs, intelligence-sharing and countering terrorism as “a lot of the members of the President’s cabinet are friends of mine, and many of them long-term friends”. “I know these people, and in terms of trade, in terms of defence and in terms of intelligence, the US is our most important relationship in the world – forget Brussels,” he added. Also read | Major global crisis 'much more likely' in Trump's second term due to..., says his ex-NSA Lord Mandelson has previously stated that a Labour-appointed ambassador to the US should “swallow” their pride and join hands with “friends” of the US administration like Farage to maintain relations and avoid a trade war. However, senior members of the party are concerned the move may “elevate” the status of Farage and the Reform party, which may be upsetting for many Labour supporters. Meanwhile, Farage argued that personal relationships matter at all levels in life. "It doesn’t matter how high you go, wherever you go these relationships matter.” “There has to be a proper negotiation around tariffs and trade. The opportunity for sectoral free trade relationships is very, very high,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigel Farage ready to work with UK envoy to US Peter Mandelson to secure trade deal with Trump

London
British right-wing politician Nigel Farage has said he could help UK's envoy to US Peter Mandelson secure a trade deal with the Donald Trump administration.
The Reform UK leader told The Telegraph newspaper that he is ready to use his connections with the administration to help prevent hefty trade tariffs, starting with financial regulations.
Lord Mandelson has suggested that Farage’s friendship with the Republican president-elect could serve as a link between the UK and US administrations.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-trump-overturn-bidens-pardons-president-elect-vows-to-pursue-death-penalty-vigorously-786624">Can Trump overturn Biden's pardons? President-elect vows to pursue death penalty 'vigorously'</a>
Amid the debate among Labour MPs about whether Mandelson should take on his help, Farage has indicated that he would support the national concern regardless of party politics.
“I am no fan of any of the people in the Labour Party, but if it is in the national interest I have always thought I could be a useful asset if they want to use that – but if they don’t, more fool them,” Farage said.
Farage believes he can act as a bridge between the UK and the Trump administration in areas including trade, tariffs, intelligence-sharing and countering terrorism as “a lot of the members of the President’s cabinet are friends of mine, and many of them long-term friends”.
“I know these people, and in terms of trade, in terms of defence and in terms of intelligence, the US is our most important relationship in the world – forget Brussels,” he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-global-crisis-much-more-likely-in-trumps-second-term-due-to-says-his-ex-nsa-786578">Major global crisis 'much more likely' in Trump's second term due to..., says his ex-NSA</a>
Lord Mandelson has previously stated that a Labour-appointed ambassador to the US should “swallow” their pride and join hands with “friends” of the US administration like Farage to maintain relations and avoid a trade war.
However, senior members of the party are concerned the move may “elevate” the status of Farage and the Reform party, which may be upsetting for many Labour supporters.
Meanwhile, Farage argued that personal relationships matter at all levels in life. "It doesn’t matter how high you go, wherever you go these relationships matter.”
“There has to be a proper negotiation around tariffs and trade. The opportunity for sectoral free trade relationships is very, very high,” he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

The Reform UK leader told The Telegraph that he is ready to use his connections with the administration to help prevent hefty trade tariffs, starting with financial regulations



London British right-wing politician Nigel Farage has said he could help UK's envoy to US Peter Mandelson secure a trade deal with the Donald Trump administration. The Reform UK leader told The Telegraph newspaper that he is ready to use his connections with the administration to help prevent hefty trade tariffs, starting with financial regulations. Lord Mandelson has suggested that Farage’s friendship with the Republican president-elect could serve as a link between the UK and US administrations. Also read | Can Trump overturn Biden's pardons? President-elect vows to pursue death penalty 'vigorously' Amid the debate among Labour MPs about whether Mandelson should take on his help, Farage has indicated that he would support the national concern regardless of party politics. “I am no fan of any of the people in the Labour Party, but if it is in the national interest I have always thought I could be a useful asset if they want to use that – but if they don’t, more fool them,” Farage said. Farage believes he can act as a bridge between the UK and the Trump administration in areas including trade, tariffs, intelligence-sharing and countering terrorism as “a lot of the members of the President’s cabinet are friends of mine, and many of them long-term friends”. “I know these people, and in terms of trade, in terms of defence and in terms of intelligence, the US is our most important relationship in the world – forget Brussels,” he added. Also read | Major global crisis 'much more likely' in Trump's second term due to..., says his ex-NSA Lord Mandelson has previously stated that a Labour-appointed ambassador to the US should “swallow” their pride and join hands with “friends” of the US administration like Farage to maintain relations and avoid a trade war. However, senior members of the party are concerned the move may “elevate” the status of Farage and the Reform party, which may be upsetting for many Labour supporters. Meanwhile, Farage argued that personal relationships matter at all levels in life. "It doesn’t matter how high you go, wherever you go these relationships matter.” “There has to be a proper negotiation around tariffs and trade. The opportunity for sectoral free trade relationships is very, very high,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

In response to Trump's threats to restore US authority over the canal, Panama's President, Jose Raul Mulino, sought backing from other leaders to protect the country's strategic waterway. On Monday, Mulino met with three Panamanian leaders who, in a joint statement, reaffirmed Panama's sovereignty and independence of the canal.

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President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will direct the Department of Justice to “vigorously pursue the death penalty” after President Joe Biden on Monday commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates to life in prison. Watch this report for more details!

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Russia has accused the United States of expanding biological warfare activities in Africa. The accusations were made by Russia's Deputy Chief of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops, Major General Aleksey Rtishchev. Watch in for more details!



Washington, US
Former US national security adviser John Bolton said on Tuesday (Dec 24) that a major international crisis is "much more likely" in US President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term given his "inability to focus" on foreign policy. 
Bolton, who was also a US ambassador to the United Nations, slammed Trump for his lack of knowledge, interest in facts, or coherent strategy. 
John Bolton was also Trump's longest-serving national security adviser and served from April 2018 to September 2019.
He further described the president-elect's decision-making as driven by personal relationships and "neuron flashes" rather than a deep understanding of national interests. 
He also dismissed Trump's claims he made during this year's presidential campaign, in which he said that only he could prevent a third world war while bringing a swift end to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/makes-no-sense-trump-hits-out-at-biden-for-death-sentence-commutations-786553">Also read: 'Makes no sense': Trump hits out at Biden for death sentence commutations</a>
“It’s typical Trump: it’s all braggadocio,” Bolton told the Guardian. “The world is more dangerous than when he was president before. The only real crisis we had was Covid, which is a long-term crisis and not against a particular foreign power but against a pandemic."
“But the risk of an international crisis of the 19th-century variety is much more likely in a second Trump term. Given Trump’s inability to focus on coherent decision-making, I’m very worried about how that might look," he added. 
He further recalled that earlier he believed that like other US presidents, the weight of the responsibilities, certainly in national security, the gravity of the issues that he was confronting, the consequences of his decisions, would discipline his thinking in a way that would produce serious outcomes.
“It turned out I was wrong. By the time I got there, a lot of patterns of behaviour had already been set that were never changed, and it could well be, even if I had been there earlier, I couldn’t have affected it. But it was clear pretty soon after I got there that intellectual discipline wasn’t in the Trump vocabulary," he continued.
Watch | Trump Is Teasing US Expansion Into Panama, Greenland &amp; Canada
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On Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bolton said that he believed that he had a friendship with Putin. 
“I don’t know what Putin thinks his relationship is with Trump but he believes he knows how to play Trump, that Trump’s an easy mark. Trump doesn’t see that at all," he said. 
“If you put everything on the basis of personal relations and you don’t understand how the person you’re talking about on the other side views you, that’s a real lack of situational awareness that can only cause trouble," Bolton added. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Bolton, who was also a US ambassador to the United Nations, slammed Trump for his lack of knowledge, interest in facts or coherent strategy. 



Washington, US Former US national security adviser John Bolton said on Tuesday (Dec 24) that a major international crisis is "much more likely" in US President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term given his "inability to focus" on foreign policy. Bolton, who was also a US ambassador to the United Nations, slammed Trump for his lack of knowledge, interest in facts, or coherent strategy. John Bolton was also Trump's longest-serving national security adviser and served from April 2018 to September 2019. He further described the president-elect's decision-making as driven by personal relationships and "neuron flashes" rather than a deep understanding of national interests. He also dismissed Trump's claims he made during this year's presidential campaign, in which he said that only he could prevent a third world war while bringing a swift end to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Also read: 'Makes no sense': Trump hits out at Biden for death sentence commutations “It’s typical Trump: it’s all braggadocio,” Bolton told the Guardian. “The world is more dangerous than when he was president before. The only real crisis we had was Covid, which is a long-term crisis and not against a particular foreign power but against a pandemic." “But the risk of an international crisis of the 19th-century variety is much more likely in a second Trump term. Given Trump’s inability to focus on coherent decision-making, I’m very worried about how that might look," he added. He further recalled that earlier he believed that like other US presidents, the weight of the responsibilities, certainly in national security, the gravity of the issues that he was confronting, the consequences of his decisions, would discipline his thinking in a way that would produce serious outcomes. “It turned out I was wrong. By the time I got there, a lot of patterns of behaviour had already been set that were never changed, and it could well be, even if I had been there earlier, I couldn’t have affected it. But it was clear pretty soon after I got there that intellectual discipline wasn’t in the Trump vocabulary," he continued. Watch | Trump Is Teasing US Expansion Into Panama, Greenland & Canada × On Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bolton said that he believed that he had a friendship with Putin. “I don’t know what Putin thinks his relationship is with Trump but he believes he knows how to play Trump, that Trump’s an easy mark. Trump doesn’t see that at all," he said. “If you put everything on the basis of personal relations and you don’t understand how the person you’re talking about on the other side views you, that’s a real lack of situational awareness that can only cause trouble," Bolton added. (With inputs from agencies)

Major global crisis 'much more likely' in Trump's second term due to..., says his ex-NSA

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