Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, is alleging in a new book that Trump made disparaging remarks about Black world leaders including former South African President Nelson Mandela, as well as about US minorities in general, the Washington Post reported on Saturday.

Cohen worked closely with Trump for years before turning against him, most publicly in testimony to Congress last year prior to Trump's impeachment.

Now Cohen is serving a three-year sentence for, among other things, making false statements to Congress. In a book due to be published next week, Cohen alleges that Trump described Mandela as a poor leader, according to the Washington Post which reported it obtained a copy of the book.

According to the newspaper, Cohen wrote that following Mandela's death in 2013, Trump said: "Mandela f---ed the whole country up. Now it's a s---hole. F--- Mandela. He was no leader."

Cohen also alleged that Trump said: "Tell me one country run by a black person that isn't as---hole. They are all complete f---ing toilets."

White House Spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany responded by attacking Cohen's credibility.

"Michael Cohen is a disgraced felon and disbarred lawyer, who lied to Congress. He has lost all credibility, and it's unsurprising to see his latest attempt to profit off of lies," McEnany said in a statement.

Trump has called Cohen "a rat," and a liar, and Cohen has said he faced repeated death threats from Trump supporters.

Trump, a Republican, is seeking re-election and will face Democrat Joe Biden at the polls on Nov. 3. At the Republican convention in August where Trump was formally nominated to appear on the ballot, speakers defended Trump against past accusations of racism.

Cohen alleged that Trump was dismissive of minorities, and that Trump said during his 2016 presidential campaign that he would not win the Hispanic vote, the Washington Post reported. According to Cohen, Trump said: "Like the blacks, they're too stupid to vote for Trump."

Cohen is serving time for tax evasion, false statements and campaign finance violations, the last related to payments to silence women who alleged affairs with Trump before the 2016 presidential election.

He was released to home confinement in May given the risks of catching COVID-19 in prison, but then was briefly imprisoned again in July. A federal judge then ruled Cohen had been subjected to retaliation for planning to publish his book, and ordered him released again.

Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, is alleging in a new book that Trump made disparaging remarks about Black world leaders including former South African President Nelson Mandela, as well as about US minorities in general, the Washington Post reported on Saturday.

Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, is alleging in a new book that Trump made disparaging remarks about Black world leaders including former South African President Nelson Mandela, as well as about US minorities in general, the Washington Post reported on Saturday. Cohen worked closely with Trump for years before turning against him, most publicly in testimony to Congress last year prior to Trump's impeachment. Now Cohen is serving a three-year sentence for, among other things, making false statements to Congress. In a book due to be published next week, Cohen alleges that Trump described Mandela as a poor leader, according to the Washington Post which reported it obtained a copy of the book. According to the newspaper, Cohen wrote that following Mandela's death in 2013, Trump said: "Mandela f---ed the whole country up. Now it's a s---hole. F--- Mandela. He was no leader." Cohen also alleged that Trump said: "Tell me one country run by a black person that isn't as---hole. They are all complete f---ing toilets." White House Spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany responded by attacking Cohen's credibility. "Michael Cohen is a disgraced felon and disbarred lawyer, who lied to Congress. He has lost all credibility, and it's unsurprising to see his latest attempt to profit off of lies," McEnany said in a statement. Trump has called Cohen "a rat," and a liar, and Cohen has said he faced repeated death threats from Trump supporters. Trump, a Republican, is seeking re-election and will face Democrat Joe Biden at the polls on Nov. 3. At the Republican convention in August where Trump was formally nominated to appear on the ballot, speakers defended Trump against past accusations of racism. Cohen alleged that Trump was dismissive of minorities, and that Trump said during his 2016 presidential campaign that he would not win the Hispanic vote, the Washington Post reported. According to Cohen, Trump said: "Like the blacks, they're too stupid to vote for Trump." Cohen is serving time for tax evasion, false statements and campaign finance violations, the last related to payments to silence women who alleged affairs with Trump before the 2016 presidential election. He was released to home confinement in May given the risks of catching COVID-19 in prison, but then was briefly imprisoned again in July. A federal judge then ruled Cohen had been subjected to retaliation for planning to publish his book, and ordered him released again.

'He was no leader': Trump's ex-lawyer says US president disparaged Mandela

Facebook&nbsp;Inc said on Thursday&nbsp;it ban&nbsp;new political ads the week before the US election&nbsp;in November, bowing to concern that its loose approach to free speech could once again be exploited to interfere with the vote.

The social media giant vowed to fact check premature claims of victory, stating that if a candidate tries to declare himself the winner before final votes are tallied "we'll add a label to their posts directing people to the official results."

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The world's biggest social network also said it was creating a label for posts by candidates or campaigns that try to claim victory before the election results are official, and widening the criteria for content to be removed as voter suppression.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/russian-influence-campaign-targeted-left-wing-voters-in-us-and-uk-says-facebook-324614" hreflang="en">Russian influence campaign targeted left-wing voters in US and UK, says Facebook</a>

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;post announcing the changes that he was concerned about the unique challenges voters would face due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has prompted a surge in voting by mail.

"I'm also worried that with our nation so divided and election results potentially taking days or even weeks to be finalized, there could be an increased risk of civil unrest across the country," he said.

Facebook also started limiting its Messenger service to allow users to&nbsp;forward missives to no more than five people or groups at a time "to help curb the efforts of those looking to cause chaos, sow uncertainty or inadvertently undermine accurate information."

The moves follow sharp criticism of Facebook's handling of the 2016 presidential election, when it failed to restrict disinformation from Russian operatives that spread conspiracy theories and discouraged voting in some cases.

Facebook&nbsp;has been battered by criticism, including from its own employees, since allowing several inflammatory posts by President Donald Trump to remain untouched earlier this summer, including one which contained misleading claims about mail-in ballots.

Disinformation experts have also raised the alarm, echoed in threat assessments by&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;executives, about false claims and conspiracy theories spreading in the increasingly likely scenario that official results are not immediately available on election night.

Zuckerberg said&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;was "increasingly seeing attempts to undermine the legitimacy of our elections from within our own borders" in addition to foreign influence campaigns, like the one it and U.S. intelligence agencies determined Russia carried out to meddle in the 2016 vote.

The US is gearing up for what is expected to be a bruising campaign season against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic and mass protests for racial justice that have led to violent conflict in some cities between civil rights groups and armed right-wing vigilantes.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it ban new political ads the week before the US election in November, bowing to concern that its loose approach to free speech could once again be exploited to interfere with the vote.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it ban new political ads the week before the US election in November, bowing to concern that its loose approach to free speech could once again be exploited to interfere with the vote. The social media giant vowed to fact check premature claims of victory, stating that if a candidate tries to declare himself the winner before final votes are tallied "we'll add a label to their posts directing people to the official results." The world's biggest social network also said it was creating a label for posts by candidates or campaigns that try to claim victory before the election results are official, and widening the criteria for content to be removed as voter suppression. Also read: Russian influence campaign targeted left-wing voters in US and UK, says Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post announcing the changes that he was concerned about the unique challenges voters would face due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has prompted a surge in voting by mail. "I'm also worried that with our nation so divided and election results potentially taking days or even weeks to be finalized, there could be an increased risk of civil unrest across the country," he said. Facebook also started limiting its Messenger service to allow users to forward missives to no more than five people or groups at a time "to help curb the efforts of those looking to cause chaos, sow uncertainty or inadvertently undermine accurate information." The moves follow sharp criticism of Facebook's handling of the 2016 presidential election, when it failed to restrict disinformation from Russian operatives that spread conspiracy theories and discouraged voting in some cases. Facebook has been battered by criticism, including from its own employees, since allowing several inflammatory posts by President Donald Trump to remain untouched earlier this summer, including one which contained misleading claims about mail-in ballots. Disinformation experts have also raised the alarm, echoed in threat assessments by Facebook executives, about false claims and conspiracy theories spreading in the increasingly likely scenario that official results are not immediately available on election night. Zuckerberg said Facebook was "increasingly seeing attempts to undermine the legitimacy of our elections from within our own borders" in addition to foreign influence campaigns, like the one it and U.S. intelligence agencies determined Russia carried out to meddle in the 2016 vote. The US is gearing up for what is expected to be a bruising campaign season against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic and mass protests for racial justice that have led to violent conflict in some cities between civil rights groups and armed right-wing vigilantes.

Facebook to halt new political ads on cusp of US election

In the United States, the health of the President and the presidential candidate has become a subject of debate. People are questioning if Joe Biden is mentally and psychologically unfit for office, and there are also rumours that&nbsp;Donald Trump is suffering from mini-strokes.

Joe Biden is known to be a gaffe machine. Biden's many public blunders have earned him the title 'sleepy Joe'. The 77-year-old is now the official democratic presidential nominee and the questions around his cognitive abilities have only increased.

Biden is being called 'mentally unstable'. In question is a report that was recently submitted to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-off-twitter-joe-biden-asks-trump-to-do-his-real-job-325008">Also read|&nbsp;'Get off Twitter': Joe Biden asks Trump to do his real job</a>

This report was about alleged election interference by foreign powers seeking to raise doubts about the health of both the presidential candidates. The report titled, 'Russia likely to denigrate health of US candidates to influence 2020 election',&nbsp;was sent to the DHS public affairs office in July.

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The draft mentioned that the Russian media had been publishing reports on the poor mental health of Biden. This report, like many products from DHS intelligence bureau,&nbsp;was intended to be distributed to federal and state enforcement agencies but it was delayed for further review, and then completely withheld.

Now, this information has been leaked and it&nbsp;has prompted scrutiny of alleged political influence at the DHS.

The DHS says it did not publish the report because it was "poorly written" and&nbsp;it lacked the necessary context and evidence for broader dissmenation. The Democrats are pushing for a probe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-threatens-to-cut-federal-funding-for-lawless-cities-325022">Also read|&nbsp;Donald Trump threatens to cut federal funding for 'lawless' cities</a>

In the meantime, concerns are being raised about Donald Trump's health as well. Rumour mills have been abuzz with the news that the 74-yeard old POTUS&nbsp;is suffering mini-strokes.

It all started with a report published by Matt Drudge, an American political commentator and an influential media personality. He runs a website called the Druge Report.

During 2016, he used every bit of his influence to back Donald Trump, but now he has turned against Trump. Recently, he published a column which suggested that Trump had been suffering mini-strokes. As proof, he provided some images of Donald Trump dragging his right leg.

Dr. Sean Conley, the US President's physician has categorically denied all such claims, but&nbsp;Trump is known to be his own spokesperson. So, he put out a tweet, "It never ends! Now they are trying to say that your favorite President, me, went to Walter Reed Medical Center, having suffered a series of mini-strokes. Never happened to THIS candidate - FAKE NEWS. Perhaps they are referring to another candidate from another Party!"

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It never ends! Now they are trying to say that your favorite President, me, went to Walter Reed Medical Center, having suffered a series of mini-strokes. Never happened to THIS candidate - FAKE NEWS. Perhaps they are referring to another candidate from another Party!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1300811758051954695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump put out another tweet that was directly aimed at Matt Drudge saying, "Drudge didn’t support me in 2016, and I hear he doesn’t support me now. Maybe that’s why he is doing poorly. His Fake News report on Mini-Strokes is incorrect. Possibly thinking about himself, or the other party’s “candidate”."

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Drudge didn’t support me in 2016, and I hear he doesn’t support me now. Maybe that’s why he is doing poorly. His Fake News report on Mini-Strokes is incorrect. Possibly thinking about himself, or the other party’s “candidate”. <a href="https://t.co/9FraoFqOKq">https://t.co/9FraoFqOKq</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1300913237869752321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, Biden has&nbsp;mostly remained silent on questions on his mental health. He is now headed to Kenosha — the latest flashpoint of violent protests in America. His visit comes just two days after Trump travelled the same city. The dueling trips are set to frame the upcoming presidential debates around racial injustice.

In the United States, the health of the President and the presidential candidate has become a subject of debate. People are questioning if Joe Biden is mentally and psychologically unfit for office, and there are also rumours that Donald Trump is suffering from mini-strokes.

In the United States, the health of the President and the presidential candidate has become a subject of debate. People are questioning if Joe Biden is mentally and psychologically unfit for office, and there are also rumours that Donald Trump is suffering from mini-strokes. Joe Biden is known to be a gaffe machine. Biden's many public blunders have earned him the title 'sleepy Joe'. The 77-year-old is now the official democratic presidential nominee and the questions around his cognitive abilities have only increased. Biden is being called 'mentally unstable'. In question is a report that was recently submitted to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Also read| 'Get off Twitter': Joe Biden asks Trump to do his real job This report was about alleged election interference by foreign powers seeking to raise doubts about the health of both the presidential candidates. The report titled, 'Russia likely to denigrate health of US candidates to influence 2020 election', was sent to the DHS public affairs office in July. The draft mentioned that the Russian media had been publishing reports on the poor mental health of Biden. This report, like many products from DHS intelligence bureau, was intended to be distributed to federal and state enforcement agencies but it was delayed for further review, and then completely withheld. Now, this information has been leaked and it has prompted scrutiny of alleged political influence at the DHS. The DHS says it did not publish the report because it was "poorly written" and it lacked the necessary context and evidence for broader dissmenation. The Democrats are pushing for a probe. Also read| Donald Trump threatens to cut federal funding for 'lawless' cities In the meantime, concerns are being raised about Donald Trump's health as well. Rumour mills have been abuzz with the news that the 74-yeard old POTUS is suffering mini-strokes. It all started with a report published by Matt Drudge, an American political commentator and an influential media personality. He runs a website called the Druge Report. During 2016, he used every bit of his influence to back Donald Trump, but now he has turned against Trump. Recently, he published a column which suggested that Trump had been suffering mini-strokes. As proof, he provided some images of Donald Trump dragging his right leg. Dr. Sean Conley, the US President's physician has categorically denied all such claims, but Trump is known to be his own spokesperson. So, he put out a tweet, "It never ends! Now they are trying to say that your favorite President, me, went to Walter Reed Medical Center, having suffered a series of mini-strokes. Never happened to THIS candidate - FAKE NEWS. Perhaps they are referring to another candidate from another Party!" It never ends! Now they are trying to say that your favorite President, me, went to Walter Reed Medical Center, having suffered a series of mini-strokes. Never happened to THIS candidate - FAKE NEWS. Perhaps they are referring to another candidate from another Party! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2020 × Trump put out another tweet that was directly aimed at Matt Drudge saying, "Drudge didn’t support me in 2016, and I hear he doesn’t support me now. Maybe that’s why he is doing poorly. His Fake News report on Mini-Strokes is incorrect. Possibly thinking about himself, or the other party’s “candidate”." Drudge didn’t support me in 2016, and I hear he doesn’t support me now. Maybe that’s why he is doing poorly. His Fake News report on Mini-Strokes is incorrect. Possibly thinking about himself, or the other party’s “candidate”. https://t.co/9FraoFqOKq — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2020 × However, Biden has mostly remained silent on questions on his mental health. He is now headed to Kenosha — the latest flashpoint of violent protests in America. His visit comes just two days after Trump travelled the same city. The dueling trips are set to frame the upcoming presidential debates around racial injustice.

From mini strokes to mentally unstable: US presidential nominees' health in jeopardy?

Donald Trump urged the locals to go ahead and vote twice in the upcoming US Presidential elections, due in November.&nbsp;

A critic of the mail-in voting, Trump urged people to make sure that their vote has been cast by voting twice. "Based on the massive number of Unsolicited &amp; Solicited Ballots that will be sent to potential Voters for the upcoming 2020 Election, &amp; in order for you to MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS &amp; IS COUNTED, SIGN &amp; MAIL IN your Ballot as EARLY as possible. On Election Day, or Early Voting," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-the-way-biden-wears-his-mask-encourages-supporters-to-try-to-vote-twice-325086">Also read:&nbsp;Trump mocks the way Biden wears his mask; encourages supporters to try to vote twice</a>

The 'suggestion' was made in a series of three tweets, and following its new-formed policy of labelling misinformation, Twitter quickly placed a notice on the last two tweets that read, "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about civic and election integrity. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible."

The tweets read, "go to your Polling Place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted). If it has you will not be able to Vote &amp; the Mail In System worked properly. If it has not been Counted, VOTE (which is a citizen’s right to do). If your Mail In Ballot arrives"

"after you Vote, which it should not, that Ballot will not be used or counted in that your vote has already been cast &amp; tabulated. YOU ARE NOW ASSURED THAT YOUR PRECIOUS VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED, it hasn’t been “lost, thrown out, or in any way destroyed”. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!," he continued in his third tweet.

<a href="wionews.com/world/joe-biden-meets-family-of-jacob-blake-at-milwaukee-airport-325076">Also read:&nbsp;Joe Biden meets family of Jacob Blake at Milwaukee airport</a>

After placing a notice on the tweets, Twitter issued a statement defending its actions that read, "We placed a public interest notice on two Tweets in this thread for violating our Civic Integrity Policy, specifically for encouraging people to potentially vote twice."

However,&nbsp;White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany was quick to dismiss the fact that Trump had just asked his supporters to take part in an illegal activity. McEnany said that Trump&nbsp;"does not condone unlawful voting."

Trump's critics believe that this was yet another try by Trump to decrease the rising popularity of the mail-in voting system that majority of the US states are planning to opt for the upcoming elections, due to the pandemic.

While Joe Biden says he has full confidence in USPS' services, Trump and his supporters feel this is yet another way of Biden undermining Trump by rigging the election results.

Donald Trump urged the locals to go ahead and vote twice in the upcoming US Presidential elections, due in November. A critic of the mail-in voting, Trump urged people to make sure that their vote has been cast by voting twice.

Donald Trump urged the locals to go ahead and vote twice in the upcoming US Presidential elections, due in November. A critic of the mail-in voting, Trump urged people to make sure that their vote has been cast by voting twice. "Based on the massive number of Unsolicited & Solicited Ballots that will be sent to potential Voters for the upcoming 2020 Election, & in order for you to MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS & IS COUNTED, SIGN & MAIL IN your Ballot as EARLY as possible. On Election Day, or Early Voting," he said. Also read: Trump mocks the way Biden wears his mask; encourages supporters to try to vote twice The 'suggestion' was made in a series of three tweets, and following its new-formed policy of labelling misinformation, Twitter quickly placed a notice on the last two tweets that read, "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about civic and election integrity. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible." The tweets read, "go to your Polling Place to see whether or not your Mail In Vote has been Tabulated (Counted). If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly. If it has not been Counted, VOTE (which is a citizen’s right to do). If your Mail In Ballot arrives" "after you Vote, which it should not, that Ballot will not be used or counted in that your vote has already been cast & tabulated. YOU ARE NOW ASSURED THAT YOUR PRECIOUS VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED, it hasn’t been “lost, thrown out, or in any way destroyed”. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!," he continued in his third tweet. Also read: Joe Biden meets family of Jacob Blake at Milwaukee airport After placing a notice on the tweets, Twitter issued a statement defending its actions that read, "We placed a public interest notice on two Tweets in this thread for violating our Civic Integrity Policy, specifically for encouraging people to potentially vote twice." However, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany was quick to dismiss the fact that Trump had just asked his supporters to take part in an illegal activity. McEnany said that Trump "does not condone unlawful voting." Trump's critics believe that this was yet another try by Trump to decrease the rising popularity of the mail-in voting system that majority of the US states are planning to opt for the upcoming elections, due to the pandemic. While Joe Biden says he has full confidence in USPS' services, Trump and his supporters feel this is yet another way of Biden undermining Trump by rigging the election results.

Twitter places notice on Trump's tweets of double voting

The US President Donald Trump is quite famous for his Tweets, among other things. Trump often announces official decisions and his personal opinions through his Twitter account. However, Joe Biden has now asked him to 'get off Twitter'.

In an address in his hometown of&nbsp;Wilmington, Delaware, Joe Biden, who is running against Donald Trump in the upcoming US Presidential elections, asked Trump to concentrate on safely reopening schools, rather than tweeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crazy-nancy-trump-calls-out-pelosi-for-defying-covid-rules-in-salon-visit-324803">Also read|&nbsp;'Crazy Nancy': Trump calls out Pelosi for defying COVID rules in salon visit</a>

"Mr President, where are you? Where are you? Why aren’t you working on this? We need emergency support funding for our schools and we need it now. Mr President, that’s your job,” Biden said.

The Democratic leader, who has earlier opposed reopening schools, said reopening schools in a safe way is a national emergency.

“That’s what you should be focused on now, getting our kids back to school safely, keeping schools safely able to remain open once they open. Not whipping up fear and division, not inciting violence in our streets," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-did-an-incredible-job-trump-cuts-off-black-pastors-when-asked-about-police-violence-324735">Also read|&nbsp;'Police did an incredible job': Trump cuts off Black pastors when asked about police violence</a>

Biden has also accused Trump of inciting violence in kenosha, Wisconsin by showing up in the city univited, even after the local government and experts repeteadly advised against it, saying Trump's visit would only promote hatred and violence and diminish resources in an already grieving city.

“Get off Twitter and start talking to the congressional leaders in both parties. Invite them to the Oval Office. You always talk about your ability to negotiate. Negotiate a deal. A deal for somebody other than yourself,” he added.

Biden asked Trump to "Get off Twitter" a day after Trump called Nancy Pelosi "Crazy Nancy Pelosi" and Joe Biden a "low energy candidate".

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Joe Biden is a Low Energy Candidate the likes of which we have never seen before. The last thing our country needs is a Low Energy Individual, especially when surrounded by High Energy Chess Players scattered all over the world. He’s back in his basement now - no schedule!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1301148373916024832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Joe Biden has often faced name-calling by Trump on Twitter.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Trump was present in&nbsp;Wilmington, North Carolina, for ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the World War II.“American warriors did not defeat fascism and oppression overseas only to watch our freedoms be trampled by violent mobs here at home,” Trump said.

The US President Donald Trump is quite famous for his Tweets, among other things. Trump often announces official decisions and his personal opinions through his Twitter account.

The US President Donald Trump is quite famous for his Tweets, among other things. Trump often announces official decisions and his personal opinions through his Twitter account. However, Joe Biden has now asked him to 'get off Twitter'. In an address in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, Joe Biden, who is running against Donald Trump in the upcoming US Presidential elections, asked Trump to concentrate on safely reopening schools, rather than tweeting. Also read| 'Crazy Nancy': Trump calls out Pelosi for defying COVID rules in salon visit "Mr President, where are you? Where are you? Why aren’t you working on this? We need emergency support funding for our schools and we need it now. Mr President, that’s your job,” Biden said. The Democratic leader, who has earlier opposed reopening schools, said reopening schools in a safe way is a national emergency. “That’s what you should be focused on now, getting our kids back to school safely, keeping schools safely able to remain open once they open. Not whipping up fear and division, not inciting violence in our streets," he said. Also read| 'Police did an incredible job': Trump cuts off Black pastors when asked about police violence Biden has also accused Trump of inciting violence in kenosha, Wisconsin by showing up in the city univited, even after the local government and experts repeteadly advised against it, saying Trump's visit would only promote hatred and violence and diminish resources in an already grieving city. “Get off Twitter and start talking to the congressional leaders in both parties. Invite them to the Oval Office. You always talk about your ability to negotiate. Negotiate a deal. A deal for somebody other than yourself,” he added. Biden asked Trump to "Get off Twitter" a day after Trump called Nancy Pelosi "Crazy Nancy Pelosi" and Joe Biden a "low energy candidate". Joe Biden is a Low Energy Candidate the likes of which we have never seen before. The last thing our country needs is a Low Energy Individual, especially when surrounded by High Energy Chess Players scattered all over the world. He’s back in his basement now - no schedule! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 2, 2020 × Joe Biden has often faced name-calling by Trump on Twitter. Meanwhile, Trump was present in Wilmington, North Carolina, for ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the World War II.“American warriors did not defeat fascism and oppression overseas only to watch our freedoms be trampled by violent mobs here at home,” Trump said.

'Get off Twitter': Joe Biden asks Trump to do his real job

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday defended its move to withhold distribution of an intelligence report that said Russia was trying to portray Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as mentally unstable.&nbsp;

Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf told Fox News that the department held up the report as it lacked necessary context and was "very poorly written."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-visit-kenosha-after-trumps-controversial-trip-324811">Joe Biden to visit Kenosha after Trump's controversial trip</a>

He also said he other career DHS officials had raised questions related to the report, adding that it would be rewritten.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-reportedly-raised-300-million-in-august-highest-ever-for-a-us-presidential-candidate-324595">Joe Biden reportedly raised $300 million in August, highest ever for a US presidential candidate</a>

"I'm going to continue to do my job [and] make sure that the information coming out of the department is first rate," Wolf said.

Earlier, US-based ABC News reported that a draft of the report, titled "Russia Likely to Denigrate Health of US Candidates to Influence 2020 Election," was sent to agency's legislative and public affairs office on July 7. &nbsp;

The draft said that Russian state media RT, Sputnik and a Russian proxy website published reports on "the poor mental health of 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden." between September 2019 and May 2020.&nbsp;

It also said that &nbsp;Iranian and Chinese media had pushed out content that questions the mental health of President Donald Trump.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday defended its move to withhold distribution of an intelligence report that said Russia was trying to portray Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as mentally unstable.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday defended its move to withhold distribution of an intelligence report that said Russia was trying to portray Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as mentally unstable. Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf told Fox News that the department held up the report as it lacked necessary context and was "very poorly written." Also read | Joe Biden to visit Kenosha after Trump's controversial trip He also said he other career DHS officials had raised questions related to the report, adding that it would be rewritten. Also read | Joe Biden reportedly raised $300 million in August, highest ever for a US presidential candidate "I'm going to continue to do my job [and] make sure that the information coming out of the department is first rate," Wolf said. Earlier, US-based ABC News reported that a draft of the report, titled "Russia Likely to Denigrate Health of US Candidates to Influence 2020 Election," was sent to agency's legislative and public affairs office on July 7. The draft said that Russian state media RT, Sputnik and a Russian proxy website published reports on "the poor mental health of 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden." between September 2019 and May 2020. It also said that Iranian and Chinese media had pushed out content that questions the mental health of President Donald Trump.

US defends intelligence report on Russians claim about Joe Biden's mental health

A Russian influence operation posed as an independent news outlet to target left-wing voters in the United States and Britain, including by recruiting freelance journalists to write about domestic politics, Facebook said on Tuesday.

Facebook Inc&nbsp;said the operation, which partly focused on US&nbsp;politics and racial tensions in the run-up to the November&nbsp;3 presidential election, centred around a pseudo media organisation called Peace Data.

The website operated 13 Facebook accounts and two pages, which were set up in May and suspended on Monday for using fake identities and other forms of "coordinated inauthentic behaviour," the company said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-reportedly-raised-300-million-in-august-highest-ever-for-a-us-presidential-candidate-324595" hreflang="en">Joe Biden reportedly raised $300 million in August, highest ever for a US presidential candidate</a>

Facebook said its investigation "found links to individuals associated with past activity by the Russian Internet Research Agency", a St Petersburg-based company which US&nbsp;intelligence officials say was central to Russian efforts to sway the 2016 presidential election.

Twitter said it had also suspended five accounts as part of the operation which it could "reliably attribute to Russian state actors."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerberg-says-facebooks-failure-to-remove-militia-page-an-operational-mistake-323884" hreflang="en">Zuckerberg says Facebook's failure to remove militia page an 'operational mistake'</a>

Peace Data did not respond to an emailed request for comment and Russian officials were not immediately available after normal working hours in Moscow. Russia has previously denied US&nbsp;allegations of trying to sway elections and says it does not interfere in the domestic politics of other countries.

Investigators at social media analytics firm Graphika studied the operation and said Peace Data predominately targeted progressive and left-wing groups in the United States and Britain, but also posted about events in other countries including Algeria and Egypt.

It said in a report that the website pushed messages critical of right-wing voices and the centre left, and in the United States "paid particular attention to racial and political tensions", including civil rights protests and criticism of President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

Graphika said only around 5 per cent&nbsp;of Peace Data's English-language articles directly concerned the US&nbsp;election, but that "this facet of the operation suggests an attempt to build a left-wing audience and steer it away from Biden's campaign."

The findings support an assessment by the United States' top counterintelligence official last month, who said Moscow was using online disinformation to try to undercut the Biden campaign, and could stoke fears about further Russian efforts to interfere in the November vote.

A spokesman for the Trump campaign said the president would win re-election "fair and square and we don’t need or want any foreign interference." The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The US&nbsp;Office of the Director of National Intelligence referred questions to the FBI. In a statement, the FBI said it had flagged the activity to Facebook.

"The FBI provided information in this matter to better protect against threats to the nation's security and our democratic processes," the statement said.

Information provided by FBI

Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy, Nathaniel Gleicher, said his team acted on the FBI's tip and suspended the accounts before they gathered a large online following. Only 14,000 people followed one or more of the suspended accounts, he said.

"I think it's very important that we know about this," Gleicher said. "I want people to know that Russian actors are still trying and their tactics are evolving, but I wouldn't want people to think that this was a large, successful campaign."

Peace Data publishes in English and Arabic and says on its website it is a non-profit news organisation seeking "the truth about key world events".

But the three permanent staff listed online are not real, according to the Graphika analysis, which found the profiles used computer-generated photographs of non-existent people and were linked to fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and business-networking site LinkedIn.

The fake personas advertised for writers on freelance journalism websites and Twitter, offering up to $75 for an article, screenshots of the adverts seen by Reuters showed.

Peace Data's website lists 22 "contributors", mostly freelance journalists in the United States and Britain. Facebook and Graphika said there was no indication the writers knew who was behind the website.

Peace Data "staff" then shared the articles, covering a wide range of political issues, in left-wing social media groups, Graphika said. The website published over 700 articles in English and Arabic between February and August this year.

Ben Nimmo, head of investigations at Graphika, said co-opting real people made it easier for political influence operations to remain undetected.

"What we've seen recently has been much smaller and much lower profile," he said. "It looks like they're trying harder and harder to hide."

A Russian influence operation posed as an independent news outlet to target left-wing voters in the United States and Britain, including by recruiting freelance journalists to write about domestic politics, Facebook said on Tuesday.

A Russian influence operation posed as an independent news outlet to target left-wing voters in the United States and Britain, including by recruiting freelance journalists to write about domestic politics, Facebook said on Tuesday. Facebook Inc said the operation, which partly focused on US politics and racial tensions in the run-up to the November 3 presidential election, centred around a pseudo media organisation called Peace Data. The website operated 13 Facebook accounts and two pages, which were set up in May and suspended on Monday for using fake identities and other forms of "coordinated inauthentic behaviour," the company said. Also read: Joe Biden reportedly raised $300 million in August, highest ever for a US presidential candidate Facebook said its investigation "found links to individuals associated with past activity by the Russian Internet Research Agency", a St Petersburg-based company which US intelligence officials say was central to Russian efforts to sway the 2016 presidential election. Twitter said it had also suspended five accounts as part of the operation which it could "reliably attribute to Russian state actors." Also read: Zuckerberg says Facebook's failure to remove militia page an 'operational mistake' Peace Data did not respond to an emailed request for comment and Russian officials were not immediately available after normal working hours in Moscow. Russia has previously denied US allegations of trying to sway elections and says it does not interfere in the domestic politics of other countries. Investigators at social media analytics firm Graphika studied the operation and said Peace Data predominately targeted progressive and left-wing groups in the United States and Britain, but also posted about events in other countries including Algeria and Egypt. It said in a report that the website pushed messages critical of right-wing voices and the centre left, and in the United States "paid particular attention to racial and political tensions", including civil rights protests and criticism of President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Joe Biden. Graphika said only around 5 per cent of Peace Data's English-language articles directly concerned the US election, but that "this facet of the operation suggests an attempt to build a left-wing audience and steer it away from Biden's campaign." The findings support an assessment by the United States' top counterintelligence official last month, who said Moscow was using online disinformation to try to undercut the Biden campaign, and could stoke fears about further Russian efforts to interfere in the November vote. A spokesman for the Trump campaign said the president would win re-election "fair and square and we don’t need or want any foreign interference." The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence referred questions to the FBI. In a statement, the FBI said it had flagged the activity to Facebook. "The FBI provided information in this matter to better protect against threats to the nation's security and our democratic processes," the statement said. Information provided by FBI Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy, Nathaniel Gleicher, said his team acted on the FBI's tip and suspended the accounts before they gathered a large online following. Only 14,000 people followed one or more of the suspended accounts, he said. "I think it's very important that we know about this," Gleicher said. "I want people to know that Russian actors are still trying and their tactics are evolving, but I wouldn't want people to think that this was a large, successful campaign." Peace Data publishes in English and Arabic and says on its website it is a non-profit news organisation seeking "the truth about key world events". But the three permanent staff listed online are not real, according to the Graphika analysis, which found the profiles used computer-generated photographs of non-existent people and were linked to fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and business-networking site LinkedIn. The fake personas advertised for writers on freelance journalism websites and Twitter, offering up to $75 for an article, screenshots of the adverts seen by Reuters showed. Peace Data's website lists 22 "contributors", mostly freelance journalists in the United States and Britain. Facebook and Graphika said there was no indication the writers knew who was behind the website. Peace Data "staff" then shared the articles, covering a wide range of political issues, in left-wing social media groups, Graphika said. The website published over 700 articles in English and Arabic between February and August this year. Ben Nimmo, head of investigations at Graphika, said co-opting real people made it easier for political influence operations to remain undetected. "What we've seen recently has been much smaller and much lower profile," he said. "It looks like they're trying harder and harder to hide."

Russian influence campaign targeted left-wing voters in US and UK, says Facebook

It keeps getting complicated by the day with Kanye West and news of the US Election. The rapper has now denied being in “cahoots” with the Republican party to draw votes away from Donald Trump’s competition, Joe Biden.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-nominate-donald-trump-for-second-term-to-take-on-biden-in-the-fall-322842" hreflang="en">Republicans nominate Donald Trump for second term, to take on Biden in the fall</a>

Charges were levelled against Kanye recently as people said that the Republicans had paid Kanye West to run for president to help Donald Trump’s case. Denying these charges, Kanye said that he has “more money than Trump” and so no one could buy him.&nbsp;

Speaking on fellow rapper Nick Cannon's podcast, ‘Cannon's Class’, he admitted there were rumours that he and the president's party were "in cahoots".

Kanye said, "People keep on saying, 'I think that y'all - you and Republicans - are in cahoots'. Bro, can't nobody pay me. I've got more money than Trump."

Nick Cannon said, "But people are saying that you're a distraction, and because they don't want four more years of Trump, maybe you might. You want an alternative of four years of Ye. Is that realistic right now in 2020?"

To this, the rapper said, "I'm not running for president - I'm walking."

West announced he was running for the highest office in the US in early July, tweeting that "we must now realise the promise of America".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kanye-west-kim-kardashian-timeline-romance-marriage-and-scandals-315240">Kanye West &amp; Kim Kardashian timeline: Romance, marriage and scandals</a>

A few days later he said he had "lost confidence" in Mr Trump and then announced that he was running as an independent under the banner of The Birthday Party - "because when we win, it's everybody's birthday".

Many have, however, not taken his campaign seriously as he missed the cut-off date for the presidential ballot in South Carolina. He also failed to make the ballot in his home state of Illinois, Wisconsin and Montana. In Ohio, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-sues-election-head-after-being-deemed-unqualified-as-an-independent-candidate-323314">he sued the state's election chief</a> to try to get on the ballot there after being deemed unqualified as an independent candidate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-posts-rambling-tweets-on-wife-kim-kardashian-then-deletes-315138">Kanye West posts rambling tweets on wife Kim Kardashian, then deletes</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-sued-by-tech-company-for-breach-of-contract-323135">Kanye West sued by tech company for breach of contract</a>

It keeps getting complicated by the day with Kanye West and news of the US Election. The rapper has now denied being in “cahoots” with the Republican party to draw votes away from Donald Trump’s competition, Joe Biden.

It keeps getting complicated by the day with Kanye West and news of the US Election. The rapper has now denied being in “cahoots” with the Republican party to draw votes away from Donald Trump’s competition, Joe Biden. Republicans nominate Donald Trump for second term, to take on Biden in the fall Charges were levelled against Kanye recently as people said that the Republicans had paid Kanye West to run for president to help Donald Trump’s case. Denying these charges, Kanye said that he has “more money than Trump” and so no one could buy him. Speaking on fellow rapper Nick Cannon's podcast, ‘Cannon's Class’, he admitted there were rumours that he and the president's party were "in cahoots". Kanye said, "People keep on saying, 'I think that y'all - you and Republicans - are in cahoots'. Bro, can't nobody pay me. I've got more money than Trump." Nick Cannon said, "But people are saying that you're a distraction, and because they don't want four more years of Trump, maybe you might. You want an alternative of four years of Ye. Is that realistic right now in 2020?" To this, the rapper said, "I'm not running for president - I'm walking." West announced he was running for the highest office in the US in early July, tweeting that "we must now realise the promise of America". Kanye West & Kim Kardashian timeline: Romance, marriage and scandals A few days later he said he had "lost confidence" in Mr Trump and then announced that he was running as an independent under the banner of The Birthday Party - "because when we win, it's everybody's birthday". Many have, however, not taken his campaign seriously as he missed the cut-off date for the presidential ballot in South Carolina. He also failed to make the ballot in his home state of Illinois, Wisconsin and Montana. In Ohio, he sued the state's election chief to try to get on the ballot there after being deemed unqualified as an independent candidate. Kanye West posts rambling tweets on wife Kim Kardashian, then deletes Kanye West sued by tech company for breach of contract

US Election 2020: Kanye West denies being paid by Republicans to run for president

Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate, has urged South Asian women to run for office and take up a leadership role in their communities.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Harris are challenging Republican incumbents President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the November 3 US election.

"To all the young women who are watching this, I want you to know that leadership begins the day you are born. You are never too young or too old to be a leader," said Kamala Harris, 55, at an event on Saturday.

Harris has scripted history in US politics after she became the first Indian-American and Black woman to get a major party's vice-presidential nomination.

"So get involved in your community, run for office. Whatever you do, it matters, so just lead," said the senator from California, in an audio message to the virtual event "South Asian Women in Leadership: Ushering a New Wave of Diversity in the Biden-Harris Era" which was organised by South Asians for Biden.

The event was co-hosted by the American Impact Fund and the Indians for Biden National Council.

Panelists at the event included Dr Sadaf Jaffer, the first Muslim woman to serve as a mayor in the US, Kesha Ram, the youngest Indian-American woman to be elected to statewide office and Dr Nina Ahmad, candidate for Pennsylvania Auditor General. Ahmed is vying to be the first woman of colour to hold statewide office.

Harbir Bhatia, who is running to be the first Sikh American woman in the Santa Clara City Council in California, also participated in the event.

Harris described each of the panelists as "incredible trailblazing women who are ready to usher a new wave of leadership."

The session was moderated by Mini Timmaraju, board member of Indian American Impact Fund.

"As you know, my mother Shyamala Harris came (here) from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. She dedicated her life to fighting for the promise of America, just like Joe Biden has," the Indian-origin senator said.

Kamala Harris said Biden's tenure will reflect America's strength in its diversity.

"Joe has been proud to stand with the Asian American and Pacific Islandaer community, and is committed to making sure that the Biden Harris administration reflects the diversity of America. As Joe Biden has said ''we are stronger because of our diversity and not in spite of it''," Harris said.

"South Asians for Biden is truly honoured to have Senator Kamala Harris provide remarks at our South Asian Women in Leadership event," said Neha Dewan, National Director of South Asians for Biden.

"Senator Harris has been trailblazer throughout her time in public office, and her selection as the Democratic nominee for vice president has particular significance to both South Asian and Black women, who will be inspired to seek public office in unprecedented numbers in the future," Dewan said.

Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate, has urged South Asian women to run for office and take up a leadership role in their communities.

Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate, has urged South Asian women to run for office and take up a leadership role in their communities. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Harris are challenging Republican incumbents President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the November 3 US election. "To all the young women who are watching this, I want you to know that leadership begins the day you are born. You are never too young or too old to be a leader," said Kamala Harris, 55, at an event on Saturday. Harris has scripted history in US politics after she became the first Indian-American and Black woman to get a major party's vice-presidential nomination. "So get involved in your community, run for office. Whatever you do, it matters, so just lead," said the senator from California, in an audio message to the virtual event "South Asian Women in Leadership: Ushering a New Wave of Diversity in the Biden-Harris Era" which was organised by South Asians for Biden. The event was co-hosted by the American Impact Fund and the Indians for Biden National Council. Panelists at the event included Dr Sadaf Jaffer, the first Muslim woman to serve as a mayor in the US, Kesha Ram, the youngest Indian-American woman to be elected to statewide office and Dr Nina Ahmad, candidate for Pennsylvania Auditor General. Ahmed is vying to be the first woman of colour to hold statewide office. Harbir Bhatia, who is running to be the first Sikh American woman in the Santa Clara City Council in California, also participated in the event. Harris described each of the panelists as "incredible trailblazing women who are ready to usher a new wave of leadership." The session was moderated by Mini Timmaraju, board member of Indian American Impact Fund. "As you know, my mother Shyamala Harris came (here) from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. She dedicated her life to fighting for the promise of America, just like Joe Biden has," the Indian-origin senator said. Kamala Harris said Biden's tenure will reflect America's strength in its diversity. "Joe has been proud to stand with the Asian American and Pacific Islandaer community, and is committed to making sure that the Biden Harris administration reflects the diversity of America. As Joe Biden has said ''we are stronger because of our diversity and not in spite of it''," Harris said. "South Asians for Biden is truly honoured to have Senator Kamala Harris provide remarks at our South Asian Women in Leadership event," said Neha Dewan, National Director of South Asians for Biden. "Senator Harris has been trailblazer throughout her time in public office, and her selection as the Democratic nominee for vice president has particular significance to both South Asian and Black women, who will be inspired to seek public office in unprecedented numbers in the future," Dewan said.

Leadership starts the day you're born: Kamala Harris to South Asian women 

As the US Presidential elections draw near, the rumours, controversies and safety concerns are also growing. The elections are scheduled for November 03 where the present President Donald Trump will contest against Joe Biden.

While some believed that the American military will be ready for any disputes, the&nbsp;country's most senior general, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley has told the Congress that the military will not be a part of the November elections.

"The Constitution and laws of the US and the states establish procedures for carrying out elections, and for resolving disputes over the outcome of elections ... I do not see the US military as part of this process," Milley said in a letter released on Friday responding to questions from two members of the House Armed Services Committee.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-republican-party-senator-rand-paul-alleges-he-was-attacked-near-white-house-323878">Also read:&nbsp;US Republican Party Senator Rand Paul alleges he was 'attacked' near White House</a>

He also clarified that if any disputes are involved, the courts and Congress will be the decider of it. "In the event of a dispute over some aspect of the elections, by law US courts and the US Congress are required to resolve any disputes, not the US Military," he added.

"I believe deeply in the principle of an apolitical US military," he said.

The clarification was provided by Milley after&nbsp;Democratic Reps. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey asked if military will be involved in the elections.

The rumour started when Trump's opponent, Joe Biden, in a local interview, laughed that the military might have to escort the President out of the White House if Trump refuses to leave the premises upon losing the elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-people-protesting-in-washington-on-thursday-were-thugs-323838">Also read:&nbsp;Trump says people protesting in Washington on Thursday were 'thugs'</a>

"I promise you, I'm absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch," Biden said, referring to the US military's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The statement came after Trump had said he might not publically accept the election results if it is not in his favour.&nbsp;"I have to see, look, I have to see, I'm not just going to say yes, I'm not going to say no, and I didn't last time either," he had said in an interview.

Trump's statement was followed by an open-letter sent to Milley by two of the most-popular retired military officers,&nbsp;John Nagl and Paul Yingling, who had said, "If Donald Trump refuses to leave office at the expiration of his constitutional term, the United States military must remove him by force, and you must give that order."

The rumour was also clarified by chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman, who had said,&nbsp;"We have a Constitution, and our Constitution, which all members of the military have sworn an oath to, provides no role for the US military as arbiter of political or election disputes."

"This issue appears to be born of unserious thought reflecting a fundamental lack of appreciation for the history of our democracy and the civilian-military relationship established under our Constitution," he added.

As the US Presidential elections draw near, the rumours, controversies and safety concerns are also growing. The elections are scheduled for November 03 where the present President Donald Trump will contest against Joe Biden.

As the US Presidential elections draw near, the rumours, controversies and safety concerns are also growing. The elections are scheduled for November 03 where the present President Donald Trump will contest against Joe Biden. While some believed that the American military will be ready for any disputes, the country's most senior general, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley has told the Congress that the military will not be a part of the November elections. "The Constitution and laws of the US and the states establish procedures for carrying out elections, and for resolving disputes over the outcome of elections ... I do not see the US military as part of this process," Milley said in a letter released on Friday responding to questions from two members of the House Armed Services Committee. Also read: US Republican Party Senator Rand Paul alleges he was 'attacked' near White House He also clarified that if any disputes are involved, the courts and Congress will be the decider of it. "In the event of a dispute over some aspect of the elections, by law US courts and the US Congress are required to resolve any disputes, not the US Military," he added. "I believe deeply in the principle of an apolitical US military," he said. The clarification was provided by Milley after Democratic Reps. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey asked if military will be involved in the elections. The rumour started when Trump's opponent, Joe Biden, in a local interview, laughed that the military might have to escort the President out of the White House if Trump refuses to leave the premises upon losing the elections. Also read: Trump says people protesting in Washington on Thursday were 'thugs' "I promise you, I'm absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch," Biden said, referring to the US military's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The statement came after Trump had said he might not publically accept the election results if it is not in his favour. "I have to see, look, I have to see, I'm not just going to say yes, I'm not going to say no, and I didn't last time either," he had said in an interview. Trump's statement was followed by an open-letter sent to Milley by two of the most-popular retired military officers, John Nagl and Paul Yingling, who had said, "If Donald Trump refuses to leave office at the expiration of his constitutional term, the United States military must remove him by force, and you must give that order." The rumour was also clarified by chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman, who had said, "We have a Constitution, and our Constitution, which all members of the military have sworn an oath to, provides no role for the US military as arbiter of political or election disputes." "This issue appears to be born of unserious thought reflecting a fundamental lack of appreciation for the history of our democracy and the civilian-military relationship established under our Constitution," he added.

Military will not play any role in US elections: US Army General Mark Milley

When the United States votes, each and every country, be it Washington's ally or its bitter rival, sets their eyes on it. The November 3 presidential election will also provide clarity on ties between the US and other countries.&nbsp;

After the end of the Cold War era, the relations between India and the United States have started to become warm irrespective of whether a Republican or a Democrat is in power. Similarly, whether Donald Trump gets re-elected or Joe Biden becomes the president, ties between the two nations are likely to remain unaffected if not better. This article, therefore, looks to decode, who will be a more suitable president for New Delhi. It will also look at what has or hasn't been done in the past four years under Trump when it comes to India.&nbsp;

Did India-US ties flourish under Trump?

Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently stressed their fondness for each other. Their bonhomie resulted in first-ever 2+2 dialogue between both the countries at defence and foreign ministry levels. Despite Trump lauding Modi on various occasions, the US president undertook actions against India's preference, which includes actions on Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), H-1B visa and attempts to mediate on Kashmir conflict.&nbsp;

During his tenure, Trump described India as a "tariff king" and removed it from the list of countries with the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), an arrangement to help developing countries with trade. The US president demanded "equitable and reasonable" treatment to US goods in the Indian market. In response, New Delhi also imposed <a href="https://www.cfr.org/article/field-guide-us-india-trade-tensions">retaliatory tariffs</a>. Various talks were held between New Delhi and Washington, however, no settlement has been reached so far. Trump also raised the issue of high tariffs by India on US motorcycle companies, which were then brought down from 75 per cent to 50 per cent. However, according to Trump, this reduction is "still unacceptable".&nbsp;

Trump's support to 'America First' policy during the 2016 election campaign really appealed to the Americans, though it really received a lot of flak from a lot of economists and supporters of free-market economies. During the tenure of Trump, Indian IT giants in the US, like Wipro and Infosys, were forced to hire more Americans. Due to this, these IT firms rejected a lot of applications and visa renewals as rejection rate on new visas jumped from 6 per cent in FY16 to 44 per cent in FY20 and on renewals rose from 4 per cent in FY16 to 21 per cent in FY20, according to a report by Nomura. H-1B visa allows companies in the US to hire foreign workers for highly specialised roles and since Indians have generally been the biggest beneficiaries of this system, a shift in policy under Trump meant that aspirants from India were hurt the most. In June, Trump extended his earlier order to suspend foreign workers visa till the end of this year in order to provide American jobs in the wake of coronavirus pandemic that led to an adverse effect on several economies. To add insult to injury, the US president signed an executive order in early August that barred US federal agencies to hire foreign workers.&nbsp;

The Indo-US defence ties have strengthened since the era of junior Bush and administrations succeeding him remained on that trajectory. The <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/research/india-us-defence-trade-continuity-under-trump-68919/">bilateral defence trade </a>between both the countries was less than US$ 1billion in 2008 and it jumped to US$ 18 billion in 2019, writes Observation Research Foundation, an India-based think tank. The article further adds that US arms exports skyrocketed by more than 550 per cent in the period between 2013-17 as compared to the previous five years. Trump also discontinued Obama administration's freeze of giving unmanned systems to India as New Delhi became Washington's "the first non-treaty partner to be offered an MTCR Category-1 Unmanned Aerial System". &nbsp;Arms exports to India also became easy as Trump passed executive orders to accord India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status, which was earlier enjoyed by only two Asian countries, South Korea and Japan.&nbsp;

Other than this, despite Trump's mediation offers in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has stayed away from criticising India's internal matters. Be it abolishing Article 370, Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, the US president has repeatedly said that he trusts India's democratic system. It has also seen in Trump's administration that Washington is more comfortable in engaging with New Delhi, than Islamabad and Beijing.&nbsp;

What has Biden in store for India?

"Fifteen years ago, I was leading the efforts to approve the historic civil nuclear deal with India. I said that if the US and India became closer friends and partners, then the world will be a safer place," Biden said, in his address to Indian-American community on India's Independence Day. The watershed moment of the Indo-US ties was the signing of the nuclear deal in 2009 under Obama's presidency. Experts believe that Biden's foreign policy expertise played a significant role in finalising this agreement which means New Delhi will remain a key priority for Washington. During his Independence Day address, Biden also said that he will continue to stand with India on the threats it faces on the border, implying a check on Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

Biden has also said "there can be no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia, cross-border or otherwise," another reference warning Pakistan to not try taking the US for a ride on terrorism.&nbsp;

However, when it comes to Pakistan, when Biden was the vice president, he received Hilal-i-Pakistan, country's second-highest civilian honour. Also, from 2013-16, the <a href="https://www.firstpost.com/india/joe-bidens-remarks-on-india-us-ties-are-nice-but-what-relationship-really-needs-is-consistency-8718211.html">US's aid to Pakistan </a>was consistently over USD 630 billion which was brought down to USD 392 billion in 2017 by Trump and remained at similar levels in 2018. So, it remains to be seen whether Biden administration become benevolent to Pakistan than the current administration or not.&nbsp;

Trump is floating a conspiracy theory that China wants Biden to be the president. However, none of the statements from Biden or his campaign has suggested that Beijing can expect any favours from the Democratic presidential candidate. "A Biden administration will also work with India to support a rules-based and stable Indo-Pacific region in which no country, including China, is able to threaten its neighbours with impunity," his campaign has said.&nbsp;

The Indians were the most impacted with Trump's sudden suspension of the H-1B visas and Biden has clarified that the suspension will "not be in this administration". Recognising the contribution of foreign workers, Biden also said if voted to power, giving citizenship to undocumented immigrants will be a priority, including 1.7 million from AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community.

There were eyebrows raised when Biden's campaign website in a policy paper criticised India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying they compromise with India's credentials of a secular and a multi-religious democracy. The criticism was not just limited to CAA, but extended to Kashmir as well. But to imply that Indo-US ties under Biden will get affected because of these issues is reading too much.&nbsp;

So, Indians should read this article and let Americans take a call. After all, New Delhi and Washington know that straining ties with the other will not only be irrational but harm world order too. And, Biden and Trump are likely to be aware of it.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

When the United States votes, each and every country, be it Washington's ally or its bitter rival, sets their eyes on it. The November 3 presidential election will also provide clarity on ties between the US and other countries.

When the United States votes, each and every country, be it Washington's ally or its bitter rival, sets their eyes on it. The November 3 presidential election will also provide clarity on ties between the US and other countries. After the end of the Cold War era, the relations between India and the United States have started to become warm irrespective of whether a Republican or a Democrat is in power. Similarly, whether Donald Trump gets re-elected or Joe Biden becomes the president, ties between the two nations are likely to remain unaffected if not better. This article, therefore, looks to decode, who will be a more suitable president for New Delhi. It will also look at what has or hasn't been done in the past four years under Trump when it comes to India. Did India-US ties flourish under Trump? Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently stressed their fondness for each other. Their bonhomie resulted in first-ever 2+2 dialogue between both the countries at defence and foreign ministry levels. Despite Trump lauding Modi on various occasions, the US president undertook actions against India's preference, which includes actions on Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), H-1B visa and attempts to mediate on Kashmir conflict. During his tenure, Trump described India as a "tariff king" and removed it from the list of countries with the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), an arrangement to help developing countries with trade. The US president demanded "equitable and reasonable" treatment to US goods in the Indian market. In response, New Delhi also imposed retaliatory tariffs. Various talks were held between New Delhi and Washington, however, no settlement has been reached so far. Trump also raised the issue of high tariffs by India on US motorcycle companies, which were then brought down from 75 per cent to 50 per cent. However, according to Trump, this reduction is "still unacceptable". Trump's support to 'America First' policy during the 2016 election campaign really appealed to the Americans, though it really received a lot of flak from a lot of economists and supporters of free-market economies. During the tenure of Trump, Indian IT giants in the US, like Wipro and Infosys, were forced to hire more Americans. Due to this, these IT firms rejected a lot of applications and visa renewals as rejection rate on new visas jumped from 6 per cent in FY16 to 44 per cent in FY20 and on renewals rose from 4 per cent in FY16 to 21 per cent in FY20, according to a report by Nomura. H-1B visa allows companies in the US to hire foreign workers for highly specialised roles and since Indians have generally been the biggest beneficiaries of this system, a shift in policy under Trump meant that aspirants from India were hurt the most. In June, Trump extended his earlier order to suspend foreign workers visa till the end of this year in order to provide American jobs in the wake of coronavirus pandemic that led to an adverse effect on several economies. To add insult to injury, the US president signed an executive order in early August that barred US federal agencies to hire foreign workers. The Indo-US defence ties have strengthened since the era of junior Bush and administrations succeeding him remained on that trajectory. The bilateral defence trade between both the countries was less than US$ 1billion in 2008 and it jumped to US$ 18 billion in 2019, writes Observation Research Foundation, an India-based think tank. The article further adds that US arms exports skyrocketed by more than 550 per cent in the period between 2013-17 as compared to the previous five years. Trump also discontinued Obama administration's freeze of giving unmanned systems to India as New Delhi became Washington's "the first non-treaty partner to be offered an MTCR Category-1 Unmanned Aerial System". Arms exports to India also became easy as Trump passed executive orders to accord India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status, which was earlier enjoyed by only two Asian countries, South Korea and Japan. Other than this, despite Trump's mediation offers in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has stayed away from criticising India's internal matters. Be it abolishing Article 370, Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, the US president has repeatedly said that he trusts India's democratic system. It has also seen in Trump's administration that Washington is more comfortable in engaging with New Delhi, than Islamabad and Beijing. What has Biden in store for India? "Fifteen years ago, I was leading the efforts to approve the historic civil nuclear deal with India. I said that if the US and India became closer friends and partners, then the world will be a safer place," Biden said, in his address to Indian-American community on India's Independence Day. The watershed moment of the Indo-US ties was the signing of the nuclear deal in 2009 under Obama's presidency. Experts believe that Biden's foreign policy expertise played a significant role in finalising this agreement which means New Delhi will remain a key priority for Washington. During his Independence Day address, Biden also said that he will continue to stand with India on the threats it faces on the border, implying a check on Pakistan and China. Biden has also said "there can be no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia, cross-border or otherwise," another reference warning Pakistan to not try taking the US for a ride on terrorism. However, when it comes to Pakistan, when Biden was the vice president, he received Hilal-i-Pakistan, country's second-highest civilian honour. Also, from 2013-16, the US's aid to Pakistan was consistently over USD 630 billion which was brought down to USD 392 billion in 2017 by Trump and remained at similar levels in 2018. So, it remains to be seen whether Biden administration become benevolent to Pakistan than the current administration or not. Trump is floating a conspiracy theory that China wants Biden to be the president. However, none of the statements from Biden or his campaign has suggested that Beijing can expect any favours from the Democratic presidential candidate. "A Biden administration will also work with India to support a rules-based and stable Indo-Pacific region in which no country, including China, is able to threaten its neighbours with impunity," his campaign has said. The Indians were the most impacted with Trump's sudden suspension of the H-1B visas and Biden has clarified that the suspension will "not be in this administration". Recognising the contribution of foreign workers, Biden also said if voted to power, giving citizenship to undocumented immigrants will be a priority, including 1.7 million from AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community. There were eyebrows raised when Biden's campaign website in a policy paper criticised India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying they compromise with India's credentials of a secular and a multi-religious democracy. The criticism was not just limited to CAA, but extended to Kashmir as well. But to imply that Indo-US ties under Biden will get affected because of these issues is reading too much. So, Indians should read this article and let Americans take a call. After all, New Delhi and Washington know that straining ties with the other will not only be irrational but harm world order too. And, Biden and Trump are likely to be aware of it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Joe Biden or Donald Trump: Who is/ will be better for India?

Eric Trump, the executive vice president to the US President's campaign and son of Donald Trump, addressed the Republican National Convention in Washington and said that "Biden has been a total pushover for Communist China".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/if-elected-joe-biden-will-clear-path-for-chinas-treacherous-agenda-292289">Opinion | If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda</a> 
 
"Joe Biden is a politician who has been in the government for 47 years. He is a career politician who has never signed the front of a check and does not know the slightest thing about the American worker or the American business," Eric said. 
 
Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-china-relationship-took-a-turn-for-the-worse-314882">How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse</a>

“The same politician has been a total pushover for Communist China and someone who would be a giant relief for terrorists. Joe Biden has pledged to raise taxes by USD 400 trillion. My father fights for the American people every day," he added. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-jinping-warns-period-of-turbulent-change-as-external-risks-rise-322953" hreflang="en">China: Jinping warns 'period of turbulent change' as external risks rise</a>

In a message to his father stating that he was "proud of what you (Donald) are doing for this country".&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Eric Trump, the executive vice president to the US President's campaign and son of Donald Trump, addressed the Republican National Convention in Washington and said that "Biden has been a total pushover for Communist China".

Eric Trump, the executive vice president to the US President's campaign and son of Donald Trump, addressed the Republican National Convention in Washington and said that "Biden has been a total pushover for Communist China". Opinion | If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda "Joe Biden is a politician who has been in the government for 47 years. He is a career politician who has never signed the front of a check and does not know the slightest thing about the American worker or the American business," Eric said. Also see: How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse “The same politician has been a total pushover for Communist China and someone who would be a giant relief for terrorists. Joe Biden has pledged to raise taxes by USD 400 trillion. My father fights for the American people every day," he added. Also read: China: Jinping warns 'period of turbulent change' as external risks rise In a message to his father stating that he was "proud of what you (Donald) are doing for this country". (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump's son lashes out on rival Joe Biden, calls him 'pushover' to China

In the United States, the race to the White House is heating up. After the Democratic Convention, a four-day celebration of the US president has begun.&nbsp;

The difference, though, is unlike the Democratic one, this is not an entirely virtual event.&nbsp;

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-trump-formally-nominated-for-republican-party-ticket-322856/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least 336 Republican delegates from all over America have gathered in Charlotte, North America.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-nominate-donald-trump-for-second-term-to-take-on-biden-in-the-fall-322842">Republicans nominate Donald Trump for second term, to take on Biden in the fall</a>

For the next three days, they will be honouring what they call "The Great American Story" and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The convention will highlight four years of the Trump administration, the promises he delivered on, the governance he has transformed, the international agreements he has secured and the greatness that America has achieved under him.&nbsp;

The convention began with the nomination of Donald Trump for his second term and will culminate with a live acceptance speech by Trump, all the way from the White House.&nbsp;

Amid all this, take a look at some of the developments in America.&nbsp;

There are large-scale protests outside the Charlotte Convention Centre, where dozens of 'Black Lives Matter' demonstrators are facing off with the police.&nbsp;

The authorities say the protesters are trying to derail the Convention, though the protesters say they just want Trump to acknowledge their concerns in his speech.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, most leading news websites have been inundated with Trump campaign ads. This is because the Trump campaign has invested heavily in 'premium' or 'unskippable' ads on most websites.&nbsp;

Also, the Trump campaign is using snippets from the 'Howdy Modi' event held last year to woo Indian American voters.&nbsp;

In fact, they have released an entire campaign video dedicated to America's friendship with India, headline as "four more years".&nbsp;

There are some other controversies too that surround the Republican Convention. The row about mail-in voting, which Trump says will lead to fraud.&nbsp;

The pandemic is driving many Americans to vote through this system but there are concerns as US Postal Service is cash-strapped and will find it difficult to function on a national scale.&nbsp;

However, Democrat-run House of Representatives has recently voted to provide US Postal Service with $25 billion to fix the system.

But, Louis DeJoy, US Postmaster General is still in two minds, saying that the money won't be enough to solve the problem.&nbsp;

The Democrats called him a Republican operative and blamed him for undertaking some operation changes in the system to suit Trump's party.&nbsp;

DeJoy testified before the US House Committee earlier today and the details of the testimony are still awaited.&nbsp;

It seems Trump's wax replicas are also in trouble.

Trump is the best-selling model for the Shanghai-based arts organisation.

Zheng Sheng, the manager of the company, is still waiting for new orders for Trump's replicas as the Wuhan virus has hit the orders.&nbsp;

He is now thinking of switching to make Biden's replicas and in the US too, the tide is seeming to turn into Joe Biden's favour.&nbsp;

Even before the Republican National Convention began, the American media was lauding Biden for his performance at the Democratic event.

Much to Biden's surprise, Fox News, Trump's primary source for most of his arguments, praised him.

Three days ago, Fox News carried this headline: 'Biden promises a healing presence in a speech praised by Left and Right'.&nbsp;

Trump may be losing his friends in the media and the Republican Convention could be his last chance to win them back.&nbsp;

In the United States, the race to the White House is heating up. After the Democratic Convention, a four-day celebration of the US president has begun. The difference, though, is unlike the Democratic one, this is not an entirely virtual event.

In the United States, the race to the White House is heating up. After the Democratic Convention, a four-day celebration of the US president has begun. The difference, though, is unlike the Democratic one, this is not an entirely virtual event. Watch | At least 336 Republican delegates from all over America have gathered in Charlotte, North America. Also read | Republicans nominate Donald Trump for second term, to take on Biden in the fall For the next three days, they will be honouring what they call "The Great American Story" and US President Donald Trump. The convention will highlight four years of the Trump administration, the promises he delivered on, the governance he has transformed, the international agreements he has secured and the greatness that America has achieved under him. The convention began with the nomination of Donald Trump for his second term and will culminate with a live acceptance speech by Trump, all the way from the White House. Amid all this, take a look at some of the developments in America. There are large-scale protests outside the Charlotte Convention Centre, where dozens of 'Black Lives Matter' demonstrators are facing off with the police. The authorities say the protesters are trying to derail the Convention, though the protesters say they just want Trump to acknowledge their concerns in his speech. Meanwhile, most leading news websites have been inundated with Trump campaign ads. This is because the Trump campaign has invested heavily in 'premium' or 'unskippable' ads on most websites. Also, the Trump campaign is using snippets from the 'Howdy Modi' event held last year to woo Indian American voters. In fact, they have released an entire campaign video dedicated to America's friendship with India, headline as "four more years". There are some other controversies too that surround the Republican Convention. The row about mail-in voting, which Trump says will lead to fraud. The pandemic is driving many Americans to vote through this system but there are concerns as US Postal Service is cash-strapped and will find it difficult to function on a national scale. However, Democrat-run House of Representatives has recently voted to provide US Postal Service with $25 billion to fix the system. But, Louis DeJoy, US Postmaster General is still in two minds, saying that the money won't be enough to solve the problem. The Democrats called him a Republican operative and blamed him for undertaking some operation changes in the system to suit Trump's party. DeJoy testified before the US House Committee earlier today and the details of the testimony are still awaited. It seems Trump's wax replicas are also in trouble. Trump is the best-selling model for the Shanghai-based arts organisation. Zheng Sheng, the manager of the company, is still waiting for new orders for Trump's replicas as the Wuhan virus has hit the orders. He is now thinking of switching to make Biden's replicas and in the US too, the tide is seeming to turn into Joe Biden's favour. Even before the Republican National Convention began, the American media was lauding Biden for his performance at the Democratic event. Much to Biden's surprise, Fox News, Trump's primary source for most of his arguments, praised him. Three days ago, Fox News carried this headline: 'Biden promises a healing presence in a speech praised by Left and Right'. Trump may be losing his friends in the media and the Republican Convention could be his last chance to win them back.

Are Americans listening to Donald Trump's 'Great American story'?

US President Donald Trump has won an official nomination as the 2020 Republican presidential candidate on Monday, a symbolic moment to open the party’s convention and officially kick off the final stretch of his uphill climb for a second term. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-as-us-president-would-help-india-get-seat-on-unsc-former-american-diplomat-314422">Also read|&nbsp;Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat</a>

Trump was nominated by a roll call vote of states at a party convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-not-losing-donald-trump-refuses-to-commit-to-election-results-if-defeated-314500">Also read: I'm not losing, says&nbsp;Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated</a>

Trump, 74, who faces a formidable challenge from former Democratic vice president Joe Biden, 77, is scheduled to deliver his acceptance speech from the South Lawns of the White House on August 27.

The once in four-year GOP (Grand Old Party) convention is being held in virtual mode due to the coronavirus pandemic. A small part of the official business of the convention is being held at Charlotte in North Carolina.

Trump was re-nominated following a roll call of votes from elected GOP delegates from all the 50 states. Vice President Mike Pence was re-nominated as the running mate of Trump. Pence made a surprise appearance at the Charlotte where the roll call vote was done. He will deliver his formal acceptance speech on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump has won an official nomination as the 2020 Republican presidential candidate on Monday, a symbolic moment to open the party’s convention and officially kick off the final stretch of his uphill climb for a second term.

US President Donald Trump has won an official nomination as the 2020 Republican presidential candidate on Monday, a symbolic moment to open the party’s convention and officially kick off the final stretch of his uphill climb for a second term. Also read| Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat Trump was nominated by a roll call vote of states at a party convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Also read: I'm not losing, says Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated Trump, 74, who faces a formidable challenge from former Democratic vice president Joe Biden, 77, is scheduled to deliver his acceptance speech from the South Lawns of the White House on August 27. The once in four-year GOP (Grand Old Party) convention is being held in virtual mode due to the coronavirus pandemic. A small part of the official business of the convention is being held at Charlotte in North Carolina. Trump was re-nominated following a roll call of votes from elected GOP delegates from all the 50 states. Vice President Mike Pence was re-nominated as the running mate of Trump. Pence made a surprise appearance at the Charlotte where the roll call vote was done. He will deliver his formal acceptance speech on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Republicans nominate Donald Trump for second term, to take on Biden in the fall

The U.S. Postal Service said on Sunday that a bill passed by the Democratic-led House of Representatives would hamper its ability to "improve service to the American people" and assured it could handle mail-in ballots for the Nov. 3 presidential election.

US elections 2020: US Postmaster-General to testify again

U.S. Postmaster Louis DeJoy on Friday told lawmakers that the Postal Service has not changed the way it handles election mail as he sought to assure the public that ballots would be handled "securely and on time" in the November presidential election.

US Post chief backs in-mail voting for 2020 elections

The Democrats are all set for upcoming US elections as their convention ended with fanfare and fireworks. The highlights of Day 4 was the acceptance speech given by now presidential nominee Joe Biden.&nbsp;

Biden talked about his vision for America and also seized the opportunity to hit out at US President Donald Trump. He also spoke on the coronavirus pandemic that has worst impacted the US. Biden also talked about the economic crisis and the called for racial justice, promising to be the "generation that finally wipes out the stain of racism from our national character".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-elusive-quest-for-biden-from-mumbai-continues-322103">Joe Biden's elusive quest for 'Biden from Mumbai' continues</a>

After the speech, Biden and Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris greeted a crowd in Delaware, where they were joined by their partners.&nbsp;

Biden's message to the voters was to unite in the "love for each other".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-joe-biden-fought-for-segregationists-322239">When Joe Biden fought for segregationists</a>

After the end of Democrats convention, now all eyes are on the Republican event where Donald Trump will be nominated as the presidential candidate.&nbsp;

The Republican Convention will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina. and the theme of the event is "Honouring the Great American Story".&nbsp;

However, the last few stories on Trump have spelt trouble. Firstly, Trump's tax records may soon be out in the open.&nbsp;

This could also open a pandora's box on the hush money pay-off case involving pornstar Stormy Daniels.&nbsp;

In another development, Trump's former White House strategist Steve Bannon was arrested on Thursday on charges of fraud. Trump called Bannon's arrest as a "sad" event.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Trump wanted to block critics to access his Twitter feed. This despite the fact that a Federal Appeals Court ruled last year that Trump uses his personal account for official announcements and blocking users could lead to the violation of the first amendment, which guarantees freedom of expression and press.&nbsp;

The US president has now moved to the Supreme Court over this issue, arguing that his Twitter handle is his personal property, independent of the presidential office.&nbsp;

Our suggestion to Trump would be: Read the Federal Appeal Court's rule again. 
&nbsp;

The Democrats are all set for upcoming US elections as their convention ended with fanfare and fireworks. The highlights of Day 4 was the acceptance speech given by now presidential nominee Joe Biden.

The Democrats are all set for upcoming US elections as their convention ended with fanfare and fireworks. The highlights of Day 4 was the acceptance speech given by now presidential nominee Joe Biden. Biden talked about his vision for America and also seized the opportunity to hit out at US President Donald Trump. He also spoke on the coronavirus pandemic that has worst impacted the US. Biden also talked about the economic crisis and the called for racial justice, promising to be the "generation that finally wipes out the stain of racism from our national character". Also read | Joe Biden's elusive quest for 'Biden from Mumbai' continues After the speech, Biden and Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris greeted a crowd in Delaware, where they were joined by their partners. Biden's message to the voters was to unite in the "love for each other". Also read | When Joe Biden fought for segregationists After the end of Democrats convention, now all eyes are on the Republican event where Donald Trump will be nominated as the presidential candidate. The Republican Convention will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina. and the theme of the event is "Honouring the Great American Story". However, the last few stories on Trump have spelt trouble. Firstly, Trump's tax records may soon be out in the open. This could also open a pandora's box on the hush money pay-off case involving pornstar Stormy Daniels. In another development, Trump's former White House strategist Steve Bannon was arrested on Thursday on charges of fraud. Trump called Bannon's arrest as a "sad" event. Meanwhile, Trump wanted to block critics to access his Twitter feed. This despite the fact that a Federal Appeals Court ruled last year that Trump uses his personal account for official announcements and blocking users could lead to the violation of the first amendment, which guarantees freedom of expression and press. The US president has now moved to the Supreme Court over this issue, arguing that his Twitter handle is his personal property, independent of the presidential office. Our suggestion to Trump would be: Read the Federal Appeal Court's rule again.

As Democratic Convention ends, all eyes set on Trump's nomination amid tax ruling and more

Former President of the United States Barack Obama launched a blistering attack on President Donald Trump on Wednesday and urged Americans to elect Democrat Joe Biden in November to end the chaos he said had been created during the four years of Trump’s presidency.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-responds-to-barack-obama-criticism-calls-him-terrible-president-321788">Also read: Trump responds to Barack Obama criticism, calls him ‘terrible’ president</a> 
 
Barack Obama accused Donald Trump of treating the US presidency like "one more reality show", in a withering speech to the Democratic convention accusing his successor of unleashing America's "worst impulses" and treating the presidency like a reality show "to get the attention he craves." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-democrats-pick-biden-indian-americans-emerge-as-vital-vote-bank-in-us-elections-321766">Also read: As Democrats pick Biden, Indian-Americans emerge as vital vote bank in US elections</a>

The former president also warned the voters of America that the future of American democracy is on the line in the race between Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

Obama said that his Republican successor "hasn't grown into the job because he can't". 
 
“This administration has shown it will tear our democracy down if that’s what it takes to win,” Obama said. “So we have to get busy building it up – by pouring all our effort into these 76 days, and by voting like never before.”

Barack Obama asked Americans to remember their own important role in protecting and strengthening the country’s democracy.

“No single American can fix this country alone. Not even a president,” Obama said. “It requires an active and informed citizenry. So I am also asking you to believe in your own ability – to embrace your own responsibility as citizens – to make sure that the basic tenets of our democracy endure.

“Because that’s what at stake right now. Our democracy.” he said. 
 
Biden, 77, leads Trump, 74, in national opinion polls heading into back-to-back convention weeks for the two political parties. Trump will be formally nominated for a second term at next week’s Republican National Convention, which also has been scaled back due to coronavirus concerns.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former President of the United States Barack Obama launched a blistering attack on President Donald Trump on Wednesday and urged Americans to elect Democrat Joe Biden in November to end the chaos he said had been created during the four years of Trump’s presidency.

Former President of the United States Barack Obama launched a blistering attack on President Donald Trump on Wednesday and urged Americans to elect Democrat Joe Biden in November to end the chaos he said had been created during the four years of Trump’s presidency. Also read: Trump responds to Barack Obama criticism, calls him ‘terrible’ president Barack Obama accused Donald Trump of treating the US presidency like "one more reality show", in a withering speech to the Democratic convention accusing his successor of unleashing America's "worst impulses" and treating the presidency like a reality show "to get the attention he craves." Also read: As Democrats pick Biden, Indian-Americans emerge as vital vote bank in US elections The former president also warned the voters of America that the future of American democracy is on the line in the race between Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Obama said that his Republican successor "hasn't grown into the job because he can't". “This administration has shown it will tear our democracy down if that’s what it takes to win,” Obama said. “So we have to get busy building it up – by pouring all our effort into these 76 days, and by voting like never before.” Barack Obama asked Americans to remember their own important role in protecting and strengthening the country’s democracy. “No single American can fix this country alone. Not even a president,” Obama said. “It requires an active and informed citizenry. So I am also asking you to believe in your own ability – to embrace your own responsibility as citizens – to make sure that the basic tenets of our democracy endure. “Because that’s what at stake right now. Our democracy.” he said. Biden, 77, leads Trump, 74, in national opinion polls heading into back-to-back convention weeks for the two political parties. Trump will be formally nominated for a second term at next week’s Republican National Convention, which also has been scaled back due to coronavirus concerns. (With inputs from agencies)

Barack Obama blasts Trump's 'reality show' presidency; presses fight for Biden

An Indian-origin student has joined Baltimore City Council president and mayoral candidate Brandon Scott to represent the US state of Maryland during the roll call at the 2020 Democratic National Convention that nominated Joe Biden as the party's presidential candidate.

During his brief appearance on Tuesday, Scott praised Biden for planning to increase the funding for public schools and historically Black colleges and universities.

Scott was joined by Biden delegate and college student Bianca Shah, CBS Baltimore reported.

"When Joe Biden rebuilds our middle class, he won't leave anyone behind," Shah said.

Biden will work to end racial discrimination, she said in the roll call segment broadcast on national television.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are so proud that Convention Delegate Bianca Shah and <a href="https://twitter.com/CouncilPresBMS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CouncilPresBMS</a> represented our great state of Maryland for the 2020 Democratic National Convention Roll Call ❤️🤍🖤💛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamMaryland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamMaryland</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DemConvention?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DemConvention</a> <a href="https://t.co/HEzzxI9h1J">pic.twitter.com/HEzzxI9h1J</a>
— Maryland Democratic Party (@mddems) <a href="https://twitter.com/mddems/status/1295903697063510017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The segment was recorded in front of a statue of Frederick Douglass, a social reformer who fought for the abolition of slavery.

The virtual convention, which was supposed to be held in Milwaukee until plans changed due to the coronavirus, kicked off on Monday night.

Scott then announced Maryland was awarding one vote to Bernie Sanders and 119 for Biden.

The roll call vote process is traditionally a long affair with each delegation in the convention arena going around and pledging delegates to candidates.

On Twitter, Scott wrote the election is about getting the country back on track and that the convention is one important step in getting there.

"I will recognise great Marylanders like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, and cast the delegates for the next President of the United States, Joe Biden," he added.

Tubman was an American political activist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends.

An Indian-origin student has joined Baltimore City Council president and mayoral candidate Brandon Scott to represent the US state of Maryland during the roll call at the 2020 Democratic National Convention that nominated Joe Biden as the party's presidential candidate.

An Indian-origin student has joined Baltimore City Council president and mayoral candidate Brandon Scott to represent the US state of Maryland during the roll call at the 2020 Democratic National Convention that nominated Joe Biden as the party's presidential candidate. During his brief appearance on Tuesday, Scott praised Biden for planning to increase the funding for public schools and historically Black colleges and universities. Scott was joined by Biden delegate and college student Bianca Shah, CBS Baltimore reported. "When Joe Biden rebuilds our middle class, he won't leave anyone behind," Shah said. Biden will work to end racial discrimination, she said in the roll call segment broadcast on national television. We are so proud that Convention Delegate Bianca Shah and @CouncilPresBMS represented our great state of Maryland for the 2020 Democratic National Convention Roll Call ❤️🤍🖤💛#TeamMaryland #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/HEzzxI9h1J — Maryland Democratic Party (@mddems) August 19, 2020 × The segment was recorded in front of a statue of Frederick Douglass, a social reformer who fought for the abolition of slavery. The virtual convention, which was supposed to be held in Milwaukee until plans changed due to the coronavirus, kicked off on Monday night. Scott then announced Maryland was awarding one vote to Bernie Sanders and 119 for Biden. The roll call vote process is traditionally a long affair with each delegation in the convention arena going around and pledging delegates to candidates. On Twitter, Scott wrote the election is about getting the country back on track and that the convention is one important step in getting there. "I will recognise great Marylanders like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, and cast the delegates for the next President of the United States, Joe Biden," he added. Tubman was an American political activist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends.

Indian-origin student represents Maryland during Democratic Convention

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will activate a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing UN sanctions on Iran, escalating a row with European allies that has huge repercussions for the Iranian nuclear deal.

Pompeo will travel to New York on Thursday to notify the United Nations Security Council that the US is triggering the so-called "snapback" procedure, which Britain, France and Germany say it doesn't have the right to do.

"It's a snapback, not uncommon," Trump told reporters, despite the contested measure having never been used before.

The move comes after the United States suffered a humiliating defeat at the Security Council last week when it failed to muster support for a resolution to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran.

"Snapback" aims to restore all international sanctions against Iran that were lifted as part of the 2015 accord with Tehran that sought to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

But it also threatens to torpedo the historic Iran nuclear deal that the US, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany signed with Tehran in 2015.

Trump withdrew the US from the agreement, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018 and introduced American sanctions on Iran as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Iranian regime.

Potential 'crisis'

Despite pulling out of the deal, America claims that, as a "participant" of the original agreement, it has the power to unilaterally reimpose UN sanctions on Iran.

A 2015 UN Security Council resolution ratifying the agreement negotiated by former president Barack Obama says participating states can unilaterally reinstall sanctions if Iran has failed to significantly comply with the accord.

The "snapback" procedure is supposed to lead to the re-establishment of sanctions after 30 days, without the possibility of Russia or China wielding their vetoes.

European countries on the Security Council contest the US' legal argument and fear that the return of sanctions will sink the nuclear deal, which they are battling to save.

"This will be (a) fully valid enforceable UN Security Council resolution. We have every expectation that it will be enforced just like every other UN Security Council resolution that is in place," Pompeo said.

Last week, only the Dominican Republic joined the United States in backing its call to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran that expires on October 18.

The embargo expires under the terms of JCPOA. Although European countries had expressed concern about the 13-year embargo expiring, their main focus is on preserving the nuclear accord.

The vote highlighted how isolated the US is over Iran at the UN.

Experts say the snapback threatens to plunge the Security Council into crisis.

"Most of the council will reject the US argument that it retains the right to trigger snapback despite leaving the JCPOA. They will write off this process as a sham," UN expert Richard Gowan told AFP.

"The real winners in this process will be China and Russia, who will argue that they are defending the UN from US unilateralism, while the Europeans distance themselves from Washington," added Gowan, who works at the International Crisis Group think-tank.

Pompeo is scheduled to meet UN chief Antonio Guterres at the latter's residence in New York around 2:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Thursday when they will discuss Iran.

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will activate a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing UN sanctions on Iran, escalating a row with European allies that has huge repercussions for the Iranian nuclear deal.

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will activate a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing UN sanctions on Iran, escalating a row with European allies that has huge repercussions for the Iranian nuclear deal. Pompeo will travel to New York on Thursday to notify the United Nations Security Council that the US is triggering the so-called "snapback" procedure, which Britain, France and Germany say it doesn't have the right to do. "It's a snapback, not uncommon," Trump told reporters, despite the contested measure having never been used before. The move comes after the United States suffered a humiliating defeat at the Security Council last week when it failed to muster support for a resolution to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran. "Snapback" aims to restore all international sanctions against Iran that were lifted as part of the 2015 accord with Tehran that sought to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. But it also threatens to torpedo the historic Iran nuclear deal that the US, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany signed with Tehran in 2015. Trump withdrew the US from the agreement, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018 and introduced American sanctions on Iran as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Iranian regime. Potential 'crisis' Despite pulling out of the deal, America claims that, as a "participant" of the original agreement, it has the power to unilaterally reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. A 2015 UN Security Council resolution ratifying the agreement negotiated by former president Barack Obama says participating states can unilaterally reinstall sanctions if Iran has failed to significantly comply with the accord. The "snapback" procedure is supposed to lead to the re-establishment of sanctions after 30 days, without the possibility of Russia or China wielding their vetoes. European countries on the Security Council contest the US' legal argument and fear that the return of sanctions will sink the nuclear deal, which they are battling to save. "This will be (a) fully valid enforceable UN Security Council resolution. We have every expectation that it will be enforced just like every other UN Security Council resolution that is in place," Pompeo said. Last week, only the Dominican Republic joined the United States in backing its call to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran that expires on October 18. The embargo expires under the terms of JCPOA. Although European countries had expressed concern about the 13-year embargo expiring, their main focus is on preserving the nuclear accord. The vote highlighted how isolated the US is over Iran at the UN. Experts say the snapback threatens to plunge the Security Council into crisis. "Most of the council will reject the US argument that it retains the right to trigger snapback despite leaving the JCPOA. They will write off this process as a sham," UN expert Richard Gowan told AFP. "The real winners in this process will be China and Russia, who will argue that they are defending the UN from US unilateralism, while the Europeans distance themselves from Washington," added Gowan, who works at the International Crisis Group think-tank. Pompeo is scheduled to meet UN chief Antonio Guterres at the latter's residence in New York around 2:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Thursday when they will discuss Iran.

US to impose UN sanctions 'snap back’ on Iran: Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday asked people to boycott buying Goodyear tyres and threatened to even change them from his limousine after a report said the company denied allowing its employees to wear Trump's campaign's caps.&nbsp;

Kansas-based broadcaster WIBW on Tuesday shared an image that allegedly showed Goodyear diversity training slideshow which called for not allowing clothing associated with conservative agenda, including Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) caps. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/billie-eilish-debuts-new-single-at-democratic-national-convention-says-donald-trump-is-destroying-america-321944">Billie Eilish debuts new single at Democratic National Convention, says 'Donald Trump is destroying America'</a>

"Don't buy GOODYEAR TIRES - They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS," Trump wrote on Twitter, adding that the company is "playing politics".&nbsp;

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Don’t buy GOODYEAR TIRES - They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS. Get better tires for far less! (This is what the Radical Left Democrats do. Two can play the same game, and we have to start playing it now!).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1296092859226042368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, Goodyear said that the widely shared image has not been created or sent by the company's corporate group.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-would-like-to-buy-f-35s-after-peace-accord-with-israel-trump-puts-fighter-jets-under-review-for-uae-321934">'They would like to buy F-35s': After peace accord with Israel, Trump puts fighter jets 'under review' for UAE</a>

According to Trump. it was "disgraceful" that Goodyear stops its staff from wearing attire in favour of 'Blue Lives Matter' movement that backs law enforcement, but allows support to the causes that are "Marxist" in nature.&nbsp;

In the image reported that of the training session, appropriate and inappropriate clothing was discussed, with 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride' given a thumbs up, while 'Blue Lives Matter' and 'MAGA Attire' were not.

The US president also spoke on the possibility of the replacement of Goodyear tyres for his limousine nicknamed "The Beast", saying "I would swap them out, based on what I heard. We will see what happens". &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday asked people to boycott buying Goodyear tyres and threatened to even change them from his limousine after a report said the company denied allowing its employees to wear Trump's campaign's caps.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday asked people to boycott buying Goodyear tyres and threatened to even change them from his limousine after a report said the company denied allowing its employees to wear Trump's campaign's caps. Kansas-based broadcaster WIBW on Tuesday shared an image that allegedly showed Goodyear diversity training slideshow which called for not allowing clothing associated with conservative agenda, including Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) caps. Also read | Billie Eilish debuts new single at Democratic National Convention, says 'Donald Trump is destroying America' "Don't buy GOODYEAR TIRES - They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS," Trump wrote on Twitter, adding that the company is "playing politics". Don’t buy GOODYEAR TIRES - They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS. Get better tires for far less! (This is what the Radical Left Democrats do. Two can play the same game, and we have to start playing it now!). — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2020 × However, Goodyear said that the widely shared image has not been created or sent by the company's corporate group. Also read | 'They would like to buy F-35s': After peace accord with Israel, Trump puts fighter jets 'under review' for UAE According to Trump. it was "disgraceful" that Goodyear stops its staff from wearing attire in favour of 'Blue Lives Matter' movement that backs law enforcement, but allows support to the causes that are "Marxist" in nature. In the image reported that of the training session, appropriate and inappropriate clothing was discussed, with 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride' given a thumbs up, while 'Blue Lives Matter' and 'MAGA Attire' were not. The US president also spoke on the possibility of the replacement of Goodyear tyres for his limousine nicknamed "The Beast", saying "I would swap them out, based on what I heard. We will see what happens".

'Don't buy Goodyear tyres,' says Trump after company bans MAGA caps

Joe Biden is now the official presidential candidate of the Democrats. The 77-year-old was formally nominated on Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention.

The event saw speeches by 17 rising stars of the party. Joe Biden's wife, Jill shared her husband's story. She said Biden leaned on faith to get through the hardest times. Elevator operator Jacquelyn Brittany had a powerful testimony for Biden's humanity. She said, "in the short time I spent with Joe Biden, I could tell he really saw me."

Former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, former president Bill Clinton were among the other speakers. The state of Maryland was represented by a 20-year-old Indian-American Bianca Shah. She is responsible for Biden campaign's outreach to South Asians picking her to represent Maryland was the campaign's gesture to accommodate minorities - Indian-Americans in particular.

As the race to the White House gains momentum, the Indian-Americans are emerging as one of the strongest vote banks in the US and it would be foolish to think that Indian-American vote bank was not kept in mind when Democrats nominated Kamala Harris as the VP pick.

Harris, on her part has left no stone unturned to celebrate her Indian roots. At least 10 Indian-Americans hold public offices in the United States and the number is unprecedented. Indian-Americans make up 1 per cent of the US population but they own 1/3rd of all Silicon Valley start-ups. Eight per cent of America's high-tech firms were founded by Indian-Americans.

Among all of America's fortune 500 companies, 2 per cent are led by Indian-Americans and&nbsp;examples include Mastercard, Microsoft, Alphabet, Adobe and IBM. One in every seven doctors in the US is of Indian descent. According to some estimates, half of America's motels are owned by Indian-Americans. They also happen to be very affluent. The median income of an Indian-American household is higher than that of other Asian communities.

There are around 1.8 million Indian-American voters in the US. Traditionally their the vote bank has leaned towards Democrats. In this election season too not much has changed. According to a recent survey, 65 per cent of Asian-Americans have decided to vote for Biden and 34 per cent support Trump. The remaining 1 per cent support other candidates.

The Indian-American vote bank could make a huge difference in the swing state of Texas. Their votes would also be significant in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. However, both Democrats and Republicans know that they cannot rely on estimates with parties going out of their way to woo Indian-Americans.

On August 4, the Trump campaign had announced the formation of a group called the "Hindu voices for Trump". Two days later, the Democratic National Convention organised an interfaith service representing Hindus with&nbsp;prominent leader Neelima Gonuguntla.

Joe Biden is now the official presidential candidate of the Democrats. The 77-year-old was formally nominated on Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention.

Joe Biden is now the official presidential candidate of the Democrats. The 77-year-old was formally nominated on Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention. The event saw speeches by 17 rising stars of the party. Joe Biden's wife, Jill shared her husband's story. She said Biden leaned on faith to get through the hardest times. Elevator operator Jacquelyn Brittany had a powerful testimony for Biden's humanity. She said, "in the short time I spent with Joe Biden, I could tell he really saw me." Former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, former president Bill Clinton were among the other speakers. The state of Maryland was represented by a 20-year-old Indian-American Bianca Shah. She is responsible for Biden campaign's outreach to South Asians picking her to represent Maryland was the campaign's gesture to accommodate minorities - Indian-Americans in particular. As the race to the White House gains momentum, the Indian-Americans are emerging as one of the strongest vote banks in the US and it would be foolish to think that Indian-American vote bank was not kept in mind when Democrats nominated Kamala Harris as the VP pick. Harris, on her part has left no stone unturned to celebrate her Indian roots. At least 10 Indian-Americans hold public offices in the United States and the number is unprecedented. Indian-Americans make up 1 per cent of the US population but they own 1/3rd of all Silicon Valley start-ups. Eight per cent of America's high-tech firms were founded by Indian-Americans. Among all of America's fortune 500 companies, 2 per cent are led by Indian-Americans and examples include Mastercard, Microsoft, Alphabet, Adobe and IBM. One in every seven doctors in the US is of Indian descent. According to some estimates, half of America's motels are owned by Indian-Americans. They also happen to be very affluent. The median income of an Indian-American household is higher than that of other Asian communities. There are around 1.8 million Indian-American voters in the US. Traditionally their the vote bank has leaned towards Democrats. In this election season too not much has changed. According to a recent survey, 65 per cent of Asian-Americans have decided to vote for Biden and 34 per cent support Trump. The remaining 1 per cent support other candidates. The Indian-American vote bank could make a huge difference in the swing state of Texas. Their votes would also be significant in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. However, both Democrats and Republicans know that they cannot rely on estimates with parties going out of their way to woo Indian-Americans. On August 4, the Trump campaign had announced the formation of a group called the "Hindu voices for Trump". Two days later, the Democratic National Convention organised an interfaith service representing Hindus with prominent leader Neelima Gonuguntla.

As Democrats pick Biden, Indian-Americans emerge as vital vote bank in US elections

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said a massive shift to mail-in voting in the November presidential election could cause so many problems officials might have to re-do the vote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ball-is-now-in-russias-court-on-new-nuclear-arms-deal-united-states-321554">Also read | 'Ball is now in Russia's court' on new nuclear arms deal: United States</a> 
 
Trump has said repeatedly and without evidence that a shift to universal mail-in voting - something most states have not proposed doing - will lead to fraud in the November 3 election, when he faces Democratic challenger Joe Biden who currently holds a substantial lead in public opinion polls. 
 
Trump does not have the authority to reschedule an election. A national election "re-do" has never occurred in the more than 200 years the U.S. has held elections, including during the Civil War, the Great Depression and two world wars. 
 
"It will end up being a rigged election or they will never come out with an outcome," Trump told reporters on Tuesday. "They'll have to do it again, and nobody wants that." 
 
As much as half the ballots in the November election could be cast by mail due to America's coronavirus crisis, election experts say. That is up from about one in four ballots that were cast by mail in 2016. 
 
Trump himself votes by mail. 
 
As with other forms of voting, documented cases of mail-ballot fraud are extremely rare. But Trump on Tuesday repeated an allegation he has made in recent months that mail-in voting will lead to massive ballot fraud. 
 
US states run presidential elections and most only plan to mail absentee ballots for November's election to voters who request them. 
 
A handful of states regularly hold elections with what is known as universal mail-in voting, in which every voter receives a ballot by mail. A few other states, including California and Nevada, plan to mail ballots to all voters for the November election due to the health crisis. 
 
"Absentee is great but universal is going to be a disaster," Trump said. 
 
Trump late last month floated the idea of delaying the election, a notion that was immediately dismissed by both Democrats and his fellow Republicans in Congress.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said a massive shift to mail-in voting in the November presidential election could cause so many problems officials might have to re-do the vote.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said a massive shift to mail-in voting in the November presidential election could cause so many problems officials might have to re-do the vote. Also read | 'Ball is now in Russia's court' on new nuclear arms deal: United States Trump has said repeatedly and without evidence that a shift to universal mail-in voting - something most states have not proposed doing - will lead to fraud in the November 3 election, when he faces Democratic challenger Joe Biden who currently holds a substantial lead in public opinion polls. Trump does not have the authority to reschedule an election. A national election "re-do" has never occurred in the more than 200 years the U.S. has held elections, including during the Civil War, the Great Depression and two world wars. "It will end up being a rigged election or they will never come out with an outcome," Trump told reporters on Tuesday. "They'll have to do it again, and nobody wants that." As much as half the ballots in the November election could be cast by mail due to America's coronavirus crisis, election experts say. That is up from about one in four ballots that were cast by mail in 2016. Trump himself votes by mail. As with other forms of voting, documented cases of mail-ballot fraud are extremely rare. But Trump on Tuesday repeated an allegation he has made in recent months that mail-in voting will lead to massive ballot fraud. US states run presidential elections and most only plan to mail absentee ballots for November's election to voters who request them. A handful of states regularly hold elections with what is known as universal mail-in voting, in which every voter receives a ballot by mail. A few other states, including California and Nevada, plan to mail ballots to all voters for the November election due to the health crisis. "Absentee is great but universal is going to be a disaster," Trump said. Trump late last month floated the idea of delaying the election, a notion that was immediately dismissed by both Democrats and his fellow Republicans in Congress.

Shift to mail-in voting could lead to re-do of November election: Donald Trump 

A former senior Trump administration official, Miles Taylor, has accused the US President Donald Trump of not taking national security issues seriously.

"What we saw week in and week out, for me, after two and a half years in that administration, was terrifying. We would go in to try to talk to him about a pressing national security issue -- cyberattack, terrorism threat -- he wasn't interested in those things. To him, they weren't priorities," Taylor says in a video produced by&nbsp;the group Republican Voters Against Trump.

Taylor, a longtime Republican,&nbsp;served as the&nbsp;chief of staff to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-will-accept-republican-nomination-live-from-the-white-house-321341">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump says will accept Republican nomination ‘live from the White House'</a>

In the video, he endorsed Joe Biden, who is contesting in the US Presidential elections 2020 against Donald Trump, and claimed the only reason behind his change of heart is that he thinks Biden will be able to protect the country, unlike Trump who, he claims, is "dangerous" for the country.&nbsp;

"Given what I have experienced in the administration, I have to support Joe Biden for president and even though I am not a Democrat, even though I disagree on key issues, I'm confident that Joe Biden will protect the country and I'm confident that he won't make the same mistakes as this President," he said.

In the video, Taylor accused trump of bias against California as it was not a "political base" for him. He claims Trump ordered FEMA to withhold the disaster funding for California, simply because the California-residents did not vote for him.

"He told us to stop giving money to people whose houses had burned down from a wildfire because he was so rageful that people in the state of California didn't support him and that politically it wasn't a base for him," Taylor said in the video.

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NEW: Testimonial ad from Trump's Former DHS Chief of Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/MilesTaylorUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MilesTaylorUSA</a>, declaring his support for Joe Biden and describing Trump's presidency as "terrifying" and "actively doing damage to our security." 
 
WATCH &amp; go to <a href="https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN">https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN</a> for more. <a href="https://t.co/iChqOdIIew">pic.twitter.com/iChqOdIIew</a>
— Republican Voters Against Trump (@RVAT2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/RVAT2020/status/1295428130170195968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He further accused Trump of planning to implement a 'zero-tolerance' immigration policy which laid down plans of separating migrant families.&nbsp;"He said he wanted to go further and have a deliberate policy of ripping children away from their parents to show those parents that they shouldn't come to the border in the first place."

He also claimed that if anyone in the White House protested against Trump's illegal actions, Trump simply reminded them of the&nbsp;"magical authorities" that a President can exercise.

"He was one of the most unfocused and undisciplined senior executives I have ever encountered," Taylor said. "I came away completely equipped based on firsthand experience that the President was ill-equipped and wouldn't become equipped to do his job effectively -- and what's worse, was actively doing damage to our national security."

However,&nbsp;White House adviser Jared Kushner, who is also Trump's son-in-law, dismissed all accusation by Taylor and said,&nbsp;"It makes a lot of sense to me that he's endorsing Joe Biden because when he was working at the Department of Homeland Security, no wall was built and the border was wide open. That's why the President changed up the team there."

A former senior Trump administration official, Miles Taylor, has accused the US President Donald Trump of not taking national security issues seriously. "What we saw week in and week out, for me, after two and a half years in that administration, was terrifying.

A former senior Trump administration official, Miles Taylor, has accused the US President Donald Trump of not taking national security issues seriously. "What we saw week in and week out, for me, after two and a half years in that administration, was terrifying. We would go in to try to talk to him about a pressing national security issue -- cyberattack, terrorism threat -- he wasn't interested in those things. To him, they weren't priorities," Taylor says in a video produced by the group Republican Voters Against Trump. Taylor, a longtime Republican, served as the chief of staff to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Also read: Donald Trump says will accept Republican nomination ‘live from the White House' In the video, he endorsed Joe Biden, who is contesting in the US Presidential elections 2020 against Donald Trump, and claimed the only reason behind his change of heart is that he thinks Biden will be able to protect the country, unlike Trump who, he claims, is "dangerous" for the country. "Given what I have experienced in the administration, I have to support Joe Biden for president and even though I am not a Democrat, even though I disagree on key issues, I'm confident that Joe Biden will protect the country and I'm confident that he won't make the same mistakes as this President," he said. In the video, Taylor accused trump of bias against California as it was not a "political base" for him. He claims Trump ordered FEMA to withhold the disaster funding for California, simply because the California-residents did not vote for him. "He told us to stop giving money to people whose houses had burned down from a wildfire because he was so rageful that people in the state of California didn't support him and that politically it wasn't a base for him," Taylor said in the video. NEW: Testimonial ad from Trump's Former DHS Chief of Staff @MilesTaylorUSA, declaring his support for Joe Biden and describing Trump's presidency as "terrifying" and "actively doing damage to our security." WATCH & go to https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN for more. pic.twitter.com/iChqOdIIew — Republican Voters Against Trump (@RVAT2020) August 17, 2020 × He further accused Trump of planning to implement a 'zero-tolerance' immigration policy which laid down plans of separating migrant families. "He said he wanted to go further and have a deliberate policy of ripping children away from their parents to show those parents that they shouldn't come to the border in the first place." He also claimed that if anyone in the White House protested against Trump's illegal actions, Trump simply reminded them of the "magical authorities" that a President can exercise. "He was one of the most unfocused and undisciplined senior executives I have ever encountered," Taylor said. "I came away completely equipped based on firsthand experience that the President was ill-equipped and wouldn't become equipped to do his job effectively -- and what's worse, was actively doing damage to our national security." However, White House adviser Jared Kushner, who is also Trump's son-in-law, dismissed all accusation by Taylor and said, "It makes a lot of sense to me that he's endorsing Joe Biden because when he was working at the Department of Homeland Security, no wall was built and the border was wide open. That's why the President changed up the team there."

'Joe Biden will protect the country': Former senior Trump administration official

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