<p>US President Joe Biden publicly acknowledged the existence of his seventh grandchild, a four-year-old girl fathered by his son, Hunter Biden, with Lunden Roberts in 2018.</p>

<p>In his statement, the President emphasised the importance of fostering a positive relationship in the best interests of their granddaughter, Navy, while respecting her privacy, as reported by the Associated Press.</p>

<h2><strong>A family matter, not political</strong></h2>

<p>President Biden underscored that the situation was a family matter, not a political issue.</p>

<p>He expressed that his wife, Jill, and himself only wanted what was best for all of their grandchildren, including Navy, highlighting the significance of family bonds in his public persona.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-admits-receiving-664k-from-company-backed-by-chinese-communist-party-620344">Hunter Biden admits receiving $664K from company backed by Chinese Communist Party</a></p>

<h2><strong>Hunter Biden's paternity confirmed</strong></h2>

<p>DNA testing confirmed Hunter Biden's paternity after Lunden Roberts filed for child support.</p>

<p>The two parties recently resolved the outstanding child support matters. In his 2021 memoir, Hunter revealed that his encounter with Roberts occurred during a period of intense addiction to alcohol and drugs, including crack cocaine, explaining the circumstances surrounding Navy's birth.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Indian student found starving &amp; abandoned in Chicago; woman's mother writes to Jaishankar</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-indian-student-found-starving-abandoned-in-chicago-womans-mother-writes-to-jaishankar-619823/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Presidential criticism and silence explained</strong></h2>

<p>Despite his commitment to family, President Biden faced criticism from political rivals and pundits for not acknowledging his granddaughter publicly until now.</p>

<p>Reports suggest that he refrained from making statements during the legal proceedings, taking cues from his son, Hunter. The President's approach aimed to respect the privacy of the family during this sensitive period.</p>

<p>People Magazine first reported President Biden's public acknowledgement of his granddaughter, Navy. The statement serves to shed light on the family's efforts to navigate the complexities of their situation while preserving their granddaughter's privacy.</p>

<p>In this statement, President Biden demonstrated his commitment to family values and emphasised the importance of nurturing a healthy relationship for the benefit of his granddaughter, Navy. The acknowledgement also allowed for a candid reflection on past struggles while underlining the significance of family matters in the President's public image.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


US President Joe Biden publicly acknowledged the existence of his seventh grandchild, a four-year-old girl fathered by his son, Hunter Biden, with Lunden Roberts in 2018.

US President Joe Biden publicly acknowledged the existence of his seventh grandchild, a four-year-old girl fathered by his son, Hunter Biden, with Lunden Roberts in 2018. In his statement, the President emphasised the importance of fostering a positive relationship in the best interests of their granddaughter, Navy, while respecting her privacy, as reported by the Associated Press. A family matter, not political President Biden underscored that the situation was a family matter, not a political issue. He expressed that his wife, Jill, and himself only wanted what was best for all of their grandchildren, including Navy, highlighting the significance of family bonds in his public persona. Also read | Hunter Biden admits receiving $664K from company backed by Chinese Communist Party Hunter Biden's paternity confirmed DNA testing confirmed Hunter Biden's paternity after Lunden Roberts filed for child support. The two parties recently resolved the outstanding child support matters. In his 2021 memoir, Hunter revealed that his encounter with Roberts occurred during a period of intense addiction to alcohol and drugs, including crack cocaine, explaining the circumstances surrounding Navy's birth. Also watch | US: Indian student found starving & abandoned in Chicago; woman's mother writes to Jaishankar Presidential criticism and silence explained Despite his commitment to family, President Biden faced criticism from political rivals and pundits for not acknowledging his granddaughter publicly until now. Reports suggest that he refrained from making statements during the legal proceedings, taking cues from his son, Hunter. The President's approach aimed to respect the privacy of the family during this sensitive period. People Magazine first reported President Biden's public acknowledgement of his granddaughter, Navy. The statement serves to shed light on the family's efforts to navigate the complexities of their situation while preserving their granddaughter's privacy. In this statement, President Biden demonstrated his commitment to family values and emphasised the importance of nurturing a healthy relationship for the benefit of his granddaughter, Navy. The acknowledgement also allowed for a candid reflection on past struggles while underlining the significance of family matters in the President's public image. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US President Biden acknowledges seventh grandchild for the first time

<p>In a notable move, President Joe Biden announced on Friday (July 21) that he has invited CIA Director William Burns to join the cabinet, elevating the spymaster's position and acknowledging his significant contributions to the administration.</p>

<p>President Biden commended Burns for providing unequivocal and strategic analysis, placing the safety and security of the American people at the forefront, reported AFP.</p>

<p>The CIA, under Burns' leadership, has adopted a clear-eyed, long-term approach in addressing critical national security challenges, ranging from Russia's aggression against Ukraine to managing responsible competition with China and dealing with emerging technology's opportunities and risks.</p>

<p>As a result of Biden's action, Burns will serve alongside his immediate senior, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, as well as other department secretaries.</p>

<p>This inclusion marks a symbolic gesture, reminiscent of the time when CIA directors held cabinet positions before the establishment of the Director of National Intelligence in 2005.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-president-biden-chooses-female-admiral-to-lead-us-navy-618286">In a first, President Biden chooses female admiral to lead US Navy</a></p>

<h2><strong>A career diplomat leading the CIA</strong></h2>

<p>Burns, a seasoned diplomat with prior experience as the US ambassador to Russia, assumed the leadership of the Central Intelligence Agency in 2021.</p>

<p>Since then, he has played a pivotal role in navigating the strained relationship between Washington and Moscow, particularly during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Amidst rising tensions, Burns flew to Moscow weeks before the invasion to forewarn Russian officials about the US's knowledge of their invasion plans and the potential consequences of such actions.</p>

<p>Additionally, as concerns mounted over the Wagner private military group's brief rebellion against Moscow and its implications for global security, Burns engaged in extensive discussions with Sergei Naryshkin, the foreign intelligence chief of the SVR.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US trade watchdog withdraws case against Microsoft</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-trade-watchdog-withdraws-case-against-microsoft-618030/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Responding to the invitation, Burns expressed his honour, stating that the inclusion of the Central Intelligence Agency in the cabinet acknowledges the agency's indispensable role in safeguarding national security on a daily basis.</p>

<p><em>(With input from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


In a notable move, President Joe Biden announced on Friday (July 21) that he has invited CIA Director William Burns to join the cabinet, elevating the spymaster's position and acknowledging his significant contributions to the administration.

In a notable move, President Joe Biden announced on Friday (July 21) that he has invited CIA Director William Burns to join the cabinet, elevating the spymaster's position and acknowledging his significant contributions to the administration. President Biden commended Burns for providing unequivocal and strategic analysis, placing the safety and security of the American people at the forefront, reported AFP. The CIA, under Burns' leadership, has adopted a clear-eyed, long-term approach in addressing critical national security challenges, ranging from Russia's aggression against Ukraine to managing responsible competition with China and dealing with emerging technology's opportunities and risks. As a result of Biden's action, Burns will serve alongside his immediate senior, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, as well as other department secretaries. This inclusion marks a symbolic gesture, reminiscent of the time when CIA directors held cabinet positions before the establishment of the Director of National Intelligence in 2005. Also read | In a first, President Biden chooses female admiral to lead US Navy A career diplomat leading the CIA Burns, a seasoned diplomat with prior experience as the US ambassador to Russia, assumed the leadership of the Central Intelligence Agency in 2021. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in navigating the strained relationship between Washington and Moscow, particularly during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Amidst rising tensions, Burns flew to Moscow weeks before the invasion to forewarn Russian officials about the US's knowledge of their invasion plans and the potential consequences of such actions. Additionally, as concerns mounted over the Wagner private military group's brief rebellion against Moscow and its implications for global security, Burns engaged in extensive discussions with Sergei Naryshkin, the foreign intelligence chief of the SVR. Also watch | US trade watchdog withdraws case against Microsoft Responding to the invitation, Burns expressed his honour, stating that the inclusion of the Central Intelligence Agency in the cabinet acknowledges the agency's indispensable role in safeguarding national security on a daily basis. (With input from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

President Biden elevates CIA Director William Burns to cabinet position

<p>President Joe Biden made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing his nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the head of the US Navy. If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will become the first woman to hold this esteemed position and also serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the US military.</p>

<h2><strong>Admiral Lisa Franchetti's remarkable career</strong></h2>

<p>With an illustrious career spanning 38 years as a commissioned officer, Admiral Franchetti's nomination is a testament to her dedication and exceptional service to the nation. She currently serves as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and holds the prestigious rank of four-star admiral, becoming only the second woman in US Navy history to achieve this distinction, as reported by AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>A trailblazing journey</strong></h2>

<p>Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has commanded various surface vessels, showcasing her leadership prowess. She has held key roles, including commander of a guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and two carrier strike groups. Her expertise extends to global affairs, having served as the deputy commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-classified-documents-case-trail-set-for-may-20-2024-months-before-us-prez-polls-618231">Donald Trump classified documents case trial set for May 20, months before US prez polls</a></p>

<p>If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will not only make history as the first woman to lead the Navy but will also become the first woman to serve on the esteemed Joint Chiefs of Staff. This milestone marks a significant step towards greater gender equality and representation at the highest levels of the US military.</p>

<h2><strong>Uncertain Senate confirmation amid political obstruction</strong></h2>

<p>While Admiral Mike Gilday's four-year term as head of the Navy is nearing its completion, there is uncertainty surrounding Admiral Franchetti's Senate confirmation. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville's objections to over 200 senior military nominations have created delays in the confirmation process, citing opposition to the Pentagon's assistance to troops seeking reproductive health care in locations where it is not readily available.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden's call for swift confirmation</strong></h2>

<p>In response to the political obstruction, President Biden has criticised Senator Tuberville's actions, emphasising the urgency of approving these nominations. Delaying confirmation poses risks, especially during times of evolving security environments and intense global competition. It threatens the nation's ability to maintain the status of the United States Armed Forces as the world's greatest fighting force.</p>

<p>In the event that Admiral Franchetti is not confirmed before Admiral Gilday's departure, she will still assume the role in her capacity as his deputy. A similar situation has been witnessed in the Marine Corps, where General Eric Smith, the assistant commandant, has been nominated to lead the service but has yet to be confirmed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Blackstone achieves feat amid slowdown in global deals</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blackstone-achieves-feat-amid-slowdown-in-global-deals-618115/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Aside from the Navy, other top military officers are also set to leave their positions in the coming months, including Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley. These transitions further highlight the significance of Admiral Franchetti's nomination and the importance of a smooth and efficient confirmation process.</p>

<p>President Biden's nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti as the potential head of the US Navy marks a historic moment for gender equality and female representation in the US military.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


President Joe Biden made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing his nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the head of the US Navy. If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will become the first woman to hold this esteemed position and also serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the US military.

President Joe Biden made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing his nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the head of the US Navy. If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will become the first woman to hold this esteemed position and also serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the US military. Admiral Lisa Franchetti's remarkable career With an illustrious career spanning 38 years as a commissioned officer, Admiral Franchetti's nomination is a testament to her dedication and exceptional service to the nation. She currently serves as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and holds the prestigious rank of four-star admiral, becoming only the second woman in US Navy history to achieve this distinction, as reported by AFP. A trailblazing journey Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has commanded various surface vessels, showcasing her leadership prowess. She has held key roles, including commander of a guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and two carrier strike groups. Her expertise extends to global affairs, having served as the deputy commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development. Also read | Donald Trump classified documents case trial set for May 20, months before US prez polls If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will not only make history as the first woman to lead the Navy but will also become the first woman to serve on the esteemed Joint Chiefs of Staff. This milestone marks a significant step towards greater gender equality and representation at the highest levels of the US military. Uncertain Senate confirmation amid political obstruction While Admiral Mike Gilday's four-year term as head of the Navy is nearing its completion, there is uncertainty surrounding Admiral Franchetti's Senate confirmation. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville's objections to over 200 senior military nominations have created delays in the confirmation process, citing opposition to the Pentagon's assistance to troops seeking reproductive health care in locations where it is not readily available. Biden's call for swift confirmation In response to the political obstruction, President Biden has criticised Senator Tuberville's actions, emphasising the urgency of approving these nominations. Delaying confirmation poses risks, especially during times of evolving security environments and intense global competition. It threatens the nation's ability to maintain the status of the United States Armed Forces as the world's greatest fighting force. In the event that Admiral Franchetti is not confirmed before Admiral Gilday's departure, she will still assume the role in her capacity as his deputy. A similar situation has been witnessed in the Marine Corps, where General Eric Smith, the assistant commandant, has been nominated to lead the service but has yet to be confirmed. Also watch | Blackstone achieves feat amid slowdown in global deals Aside from the Navy, other top military officers are also set to leave their positions in the coming months, including Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley. These transitions further highlight the significance of Admiral Franchetti's nomination and the importance of a smooth and efficient confirmation process. President Biden's nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti as the potential head of the US Navy marks a historic moment for gender equality and female representation in the US military. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In a first, President Joe Biden chooses a female admiral to lead US Navy

<p>US President Joe Biden had to skip Tuesday’s NATO dinner with other world leaders because of ongoing workload issues, the White House said.</p>

<p>According to FoxNews, Biden had RSVP'd “no” to NATO summit dinner with others, making it the third time for him to skip dinner with world leaders during an international trip.</p>

<p>The White House said the US president has four full days of work ahead of him, and he will also be delivering a speech, hence he could not attend the dinner.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Biden will be meeting Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky after the conclusion of the NATO-Ukraine council meeting.</p>

<p>The bilateral meeting will take place at 3.45 pm (local time) in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.</p>

<p>This comes days after Biden said that Ukraine cannot join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in the current timeframe and its bid is contingent upon ending the war with Russia.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden against Ukraine joining NATO</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to CNN ahead of his NATO trip, Biden had said that it was “premature" to allow Ukraine to join the alliance in the middle of a war and that the process could take place only after a peace agreement with Russia was in place.</p>

<p>Biden added that the US and its NATO allies would continue to back President Volodymyr Zelensky by providing the necessary military aid that is needed to end the war.</p>

<p>“I don’t think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war," Biden said.</p>

<p>“For example, if you did that, then, you know – and I mean what I say – we’re determined to commit every inch of territory that is NATO territory. It’s a commitment that we’ve all made no matter what. If the war is going on, then we’re all in war. We’re at war with Russia, if that were the case,"&nbsp;the US president added.</p>

<p>Biden’s concerns stem from the fact that Ukraine joining NATO would bring all the member alliance closer to the war with Russia due to a clause in its charter.</p>

<p>Article 5 of NATO's charter states that if one member is attacked, it is deemed to be an assault on all and hence all others must come to its defence.</p>

<h2><strong>Understands concerns raised on NATO bid:&nbsp;Zelensky </strong></h2>

<p>During a press conference at the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, Zelensky addressed the concerns raised by some people over Kyiv joining NATO, saying that "nobody is willing to have a world war".</p>

<p>He agreed that Ukraine cannot be a member of the alliance while a war is going on within its border. But, he adds, "signals are important".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


US President Joe Biden had to skip Tuesday’s NATO dinner with other world leaders because of ongoing workload issues, the White House said. According to FoxNews, Biden had RSVP'd “no” to NATO summit dinner with others, making it the third time for him to skip dinner with world leaders during an international trip.

US President Joe Biden had to skip Tuesday’s NATO dinner with other world leaders because of ongoing workload issues, the White House said. According to FoxNews, Biden had RSVP'd “no” to NATO summit dinner with others, making it the third time for him to skip dinner with world leaders during an international trip. The White House said the US president has four full days of work ahead of him, and he will also be delivering a speech, hence he could not attend the dinner. Meanwhile, Biden will be meeting Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky after the conclusion of the NATO-Ukraine council meeting. The bilateral meeting will take place at 3.45 pm (local time) in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. This comes days after Biden said that Ukraine cannot join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in the current timeframe and its bid is contingent upon ending the war with Russia. Biden against Ukraine joining NATO Speaking to CNN ahead of his NATO trip, Biden had said that it was “premature" to allow Ukraine to join the alliance in the middle of a war and that the process could take place only after a peace agreement with Russia was in place. Biden added that the US and its NATO allies would continue to back President Volodymyr Zelensky by providing the necessary military aid that is needed to end the war. “I don’t think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war," Biden said. “For example, if you did that, then, you know – and I mean what I say – we’re determined to commit every inch of territory that is NATO territory. It’s a commitment that we’ve all made no matter what. If the war is going on, then we’re all in war. We’re at war with Russia, if that were the case," the US president added. Biden’s concerns stem from the fact that Ukraine joining NATO would bring all the member alliance closer to the war with Russia due to a clause in its charter. Article 5 of NATO's charter states that if one member is attacked, it is deemed to be an assault on all and hence all others must come to its defence. Understands concerns raised on NATO bid: Zelensky During a press conference at the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, Zelensky addressed the concerns raised by some people over Kyiv joining NATO, saying that "nobody is willing to have a world war". He agreed that Ukraine cannot be a member of the alliance while a war is going on within its border. But, he adds, "signals are important". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US President Joe Biden skipped NATO dinner meet due to ‘hectic workload’: Report

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidud245bXCpON2" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A couple of weeks after comparing Xi Jinping to 'dictators', US President Joe Biden has revealed that he warned the Chinese president of getting too close with Russia. In an interview with CNN, Biden said that he told Xi following his meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin that Beijing needs to "be careful" as it relies on Western investments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I said: This is not a threat. This is an observation. Since Russia went into Ukraine, 600 American corporations have pulled out of Russia," said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And you have told me that your economy depends on investment from Europe and the United States. And be careful. Be careful," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quizzed what Xi said in response to the veiled threat, Biden said: "He listened, and he didn't...argue. And if you notice, he has not gone full-bore in on Russia. So, I think there's a way we can work through this."</p>

<p>Notably, it was in March earlier this year that Xi and Putin met each other when the former visited Moscow on a two-day trip. The two talked about close bilateral cooperation while criticising the West for prolonging the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden's statement comes at a time when US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is currently in Beijing on a four-day trip to seemingly repair the broken ties. During one of her addresses in China,&nbsp;Yellen said complete decoupling of the US and Chinese economies was "impossible".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We seek to diversify, not to decouple. A decoupling of the world's two largest economies would be destabilising for the global economy," Yellen told representatives of US businesses at a session hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing.</p>

<p>"And it would be virtually impossible to undertake."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yellen-stresses-importance-of-us-china-ties-says-decoupling-economies-impossible-612979"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Yellen criticises China's 'punitive' measures against US companies, but says decoupling 'impossible'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Not Biden's first attack on Xi&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, during a political fundraiser in California, Biden compared Xi to 'dictators' while delivering an unscripted address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full of spy equipment in it is he didn’t know it was there. No, I’m serious. That’s what’s a great embarrassment for dictators, when they didn’t know what happened,” said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Xi Jinping sees red as US&nbsp;aims to curtail technology investment in China | Yellen in Beijing</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-6="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/xi-jinping-sees-red-as-us-aims-to-curtail-technology-investment-in-china-yellen-in-beijing-612917/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yellen-stresses-importance-of-us-china-ties-says-decoupling-economies-impossible-612979#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>The statement riled up the Chinese side which slammed Biden saying it was an “open political provocation”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The remarks seriously contradict basic facts, seriously violate diplomatic etiquette, and seriously infringe on China’s political dignity,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A couple of weeks after comparing Xi Jinping to 'dictators', US President Joe Biden has revealed that he warned the Chinese president of getting too close with Russia.

A couple of weeks after comparing Xi Jinping to 'dictators', US President Joe Biden has revealed that he warned the Chinese president of getting too close with Russia. In an interview with CNN, Biden said that he told Xi following his meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin that Beijing needs to "be careful" as it relies on Western investments. "I said: This is not a threat. This is an observation. Since Russia went into Ukraine, 600 American corporations have pulled out of Russia," said Biden. "And you have told me that your economy depends on investment from Europe and the United States. And be careful. Be careful," he added. Quizzed what Xi said in response to the veiled threat, Biden said: "He listened, and he didn't...argue. And if you notice, he has not gone full-bore in on Russia. So, I think there's a way we can work through this." Notably, it was in March earlier this year that Xi and Putin met each other when the former visited Moscow on a two-day trip. The two talked about close bilateral cooperation while criticising the West for prolonging the war in Ukraine. Biden's statement comes at a time when US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is currently in Beijing on a four-day trip to seemingly repair the broken ties. During one of her addresses in China, Yellen said complete decoupling of the US and Chinese economies was "impossible". "We seek to diversify, not to decouple. A decoupling of the world's two largest economies would be destabilising for the global economy," Yellen told representatives of US businesses at a session hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing. "And it would be virtually impossible to undertake." Also read | Yellen criticises China's 'punitive' measures against US companies, but says decoupling 'impossible' Not Biden's first attack on Xi Last month, during a political fundraiser in California, Biden compared Xi to 'dictators' while delivering an unscripted address. “The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full of spy equipment in it is he didn’t know it was there. No, I’m serious. That’s what’s a great embarrassment for dictators, when they didn’t know what happened,” said Biden. Watch | Xi Jinping sees red as US aims to curtail technology investment in China | Yellen in Beijing × The statement riled up the Chinese side which slammed Biden saying it was an “open political provocation”. “The remarks seriously contradict basic facts, seriously violate diplomatic etiquette, and seriously infringe on China’s political dignity,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Be careful...' Biden warned Xi Jinping on West's investments after meeting Putin

<p>United States President Joe Biden defended his decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, calling it a "very difficult decision". The bomb has a record of taking the lives of civilians.<br />
<br />
The president stated that it had taken him "a while to be convinced to do it", however, he decided because "the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition".<br />
<br />
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move, calling the aid package a “timely, broad and much-needed defence”, in a tweet and further thanked Biden for “decisive steps that bring Ukraine closer to victory over the enemy”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition?</a></p>

<p>“The expansion of Ukraine’s defence capabilities will provide new tools for the de-occupation of our land and bringing peace closer,” Zelensky wrote.</p>

<h2><strong>US decision to provide Kyiv cluster bombs criticised</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, a Moscow envoy slammed the decision taken by Washington, calling it "cynicism". "The cruelty and cynicism with which Washington has approached the issue of transferring lethal weapons to Kyiv is striking," said Anatoly Antonov, as quoted by Tass news agency.<br />
<br />
"Now, by the fault of the US, there will be a risk for many years that innocent civilians will be blown up by submunitions that have failed,” he added. More than 120 nations have banned cluster bombs.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, UN human rights office spokesperson Marta Hurtado said, "The use of such munitions should stop immediately and not be used in any place."<br />
<br />
Vice-chair of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition Governance Board Paul Hannon said, “The Biden administration’s decision to transfer cluster munitions will contribute to the terrible casualties being suffered by Ukrainian civilians both immediately and for years to come. Russia and Ukraine’s use of cluster munitions is adding to Ukraine’s already massive contamination from explosive remnants and landmines.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US Cluster Bombs for Ukraine: Months of internal debate concludes</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-cluster-bombs-for-ukraine-months-of-internal-debate-concludes-613081/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Biden's decision was also opposed by his own Democratic party. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, criticising the decision, said, “We have to be clear: if the US is going to be a leader on international human rights, we must not participate in human rights abuses.”<br />
<br />
“We can support the people of Ukraine in their freedom struggle, while also opposing violations of international law. In fact, the innocent victims of the cluster munitions will almost exclusively be Ukrainian civilians. Instead of dealing cluster munitions, we should be doing everything in our power to end their use,” she added.<br />
<br />
National security adviser Jake Sullivan, White House briefing, had stated that officials "recognise the cluster munitions create a risk of civilian harm" from unexploded bombs. "This is why we've deferred the decision for as long as we could,” he had said.&nbsp;</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>
</section>
</main>


United States President Joe Biden defended his decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, calling it a "very difficult decision". The bomb has a record of taking the lives of civilians.

United States President Joe Biden defended his decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, calling it a "very difficult decision". The bomb has a record of taking the lives of civilians. The president stated that it had taken him "a while to be convinced to do it", however, he decided because "the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move, calling the aid package a “timely, broad and much-needed defence”, in a tweet and further thanked Biden for “decisive steps that bring Ukraine closer to victory over the enemy”. ALSO READ | Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition? “The expansion of Ukraine’s defence capabilities will provide new tools for the de-occupation of our land and bringing peace closer,” Zelensky wrote. US decision to provide Kyiv cluster bombs criticised Meanwhile, a Moscow envoy slammed the decision taken by Washington, calling it "cynicism". "The cruelty and cynicism with which Washington has approached the issue of transferring lethal weapons to Kyiv is striking," said Anatoly Antonov, as quoted by Tass news agency. "Now, by the fault of the US, there will be a risk for many years that innocent civilians will be blown up by submunitions that have failed,” he added. More than 120 nations have banned cluster bombs. Meanwhile, UN human rights office spokesperson Marta Hurtado said, "The use of such munitions should stop immediately and not be used in any place." Vice-chair of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition Governance Board Paul Hannon said, “The Biden administration’s decision to transfer cluster munitions will contribute to the terrible casualties being suffered by Ukrainian civilians both immediately and for years to come. Russia and Ukraine’s use of cluster munitions is adding to Ukraine’s already massive contamination from explosive remnants and landmines.” WATCH | US Cluster Bombs for Ukraine: Months of internal debate concludes Biden's decision was also opposed by his own Democratic party. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, criticising the decision, said, “We have to be clear: if the US is going to be a leader on international human rights, we must not participate in human rights abuses.” “We can support the people of Ukraine in their freedom struggle, while also opposing violations of international law. In fact, the innocent victims of the cluster munitions will almost exclusively be Ukrainian civilians. Instead of dealing cluster munitions, we should be doing everything in our power to end their use,” she added. National security adviser Jake Sullivan, White House briefing, had stated that officials "recognise the cluster munitions create a risk of civilian harm" from unexploded bombs. "This is why we've deferred the decision for as long as we could,” he had said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden defends decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, says 'they are running out of ammunition'

<p>Joe Biden intends to nominate Elliott Abrams, a former Trump appointee with a controversial past, to the bipartisan US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.</p>

<p>The announcement was made alongside eight Republican picks for other boards and commissions, reported the Guardian. This move by Biden is seen as an attempt to reach out to neoconservatives, although it carries some risk.</p>

<h2><strong>Abrams' controversial background</strong></h2>

<p>Elliott Abrams, 75, has held senior positions in three Republican administrations and gained prominence as assistant secretary of state under Ronald Reagan.</p>

<p>However, his tenure was marred by the Iran-Contra affair, during which senior administration officials secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran and used the proceeds to support the Contras in Nicaragua.</p>

<p>Abrams pleaded guilty to charges of illegally withholding information from Congress related to his role in soliciting funds.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yellen-urges-for-us-china-cooperation-on-climate-finance-613332">Yellen urges for US-China cooperation on climate finance</a></p>

<h2><strong>Criticism for support of repressive regimes</strong></h2>

<p>Abrams has faced backlash for his support of the El Salvadoran government, which was responsible for a brutal massacre of civilians during the civil war.</p>

<p>Additionally, he backed US aid to Guatemalan military dictator Efraín Ríos Montt, who was later convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity.</p>

<p>These actions have led to accusations of complicity in genocide and distorting information to discredit accounts of atrocities.</p>

<h2><strong>Republican influence on nomination</strong></h2>

<p>It is believed that Congressional Republicans played a role in Biden's decision to nominate Abrams, as failure to do so could be seen as interference.</p>

<p>A White House official stated that it is standard for Republican leadership to put forward nominees for these commissions alongside Biden's own selections.</p>

<p>US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy has several vacant seats, indicating a missing piece in Biden's pledge to restore America's international image.</p>

<p>This issue of neglecting key posts, including the under-secretary job, has been a long-standing problem predating the current administration.</p>

<h2><strong>Abrams' previous roles</strong></h2>

<p>Abrams previously served as Trump's special envoy for Venezuela and was also appointed as special envoy to Iran. Although he was considered for the position of deputy secretary of state, his criticism of Trump during the campaign led to his exclusion from consideration.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US&nbsp;Destroys last of it's chemical weapons stockpile</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-destroys-last-of-its-chemical-weapons-stockpile-613371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Biden's nominees, including Abrams, will require Senate confirmation. However, recent picks have faced significant delays, exemplified by the prolonged confirmation process of Julie Su as the acting secretary of Labour.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Joe Biden intends to nominate Elliott Abrams, a former Trump appointee with a controversial past, to the bipartisan US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. The announcement was made alongside eight Republican picks for other boards and commissions, reported the Guardian.

Joe Biden intends to nominate Elliott Abrams, a former Trump appointee with a controversial past, to the bipartisan US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. The announcement was made alongside eight Republican picks for other boards and commissions, reported the Guardian. This move by Biden is seen as an attempt to reach out to neoconservatives, although it carries some risk. Abrams' controversial background Elliott Abrams, 75, has held senior positions in three Republican administrations and gained prominence as assistant secretary of state under Ronald Reagan. However, his tenure was marred by the Iran-Contra affair, during which senior administration officials secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran and used the proceeds to support the Contras in Nicaragua. Abrams pleaded guilty to charges of illegally withholding information from Congress related to his role in soliciting funds. Also read | Yellen urges for US-China cooperation on climate finance Criticism for support of repressive regimes Abrams has faced backlash for his support of the El Salvadoran government, which was responsible for a brutal massacre of civilians during the civil war. Additionally, he backed US aid to Guatemalan military dictator Efraín Ríos Montt, who was later convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity. These actions have led to accusations of complicity in genocide and distorting information to discredit accounts of atrocities. Republican influence on nomination It is believed that Congressional Republicans played a role in Biden's decision to nominate Abrams, as failure to do so could be seen as interference. A White House official stated that it is standard for Republican leadership to put forward nominees for these commissions alongside Biden's own selections. US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy has several vacant seats, indicating a missing piece in Biden's pledge to restore America's international image. This issue of neglecting key posts, including the under-secretary job, has been a long-standing problem predating the current administration. Abrams' previous roles Abrams previously served as Trump's special envoy for Venezuela and was also appointed as special envoy to Iran. Although he was considered for the position of deputy secretary of state, his criticism of Trump during the campaign led to his exclusion from consideration. Also watch | US Destroys last of it's chemical weapons stockpile Biden's nominees, including Abrams, will require Senate confirmation. However, recent picks have faced significant delays, exemplified by the prolonged confirmation process of Julie Su as the acting secretary of Labour. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden to nominate Elliott Abrams, controversial figure convicted in Iran-Contra, for key panel

In Pics | Revellers participate in Fourth of July events despite heat and downpours

<p>American President Joe Biden on Friday gifted a special ‘AI T-shirt’ to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What made it truly special for the Indo-US ties was the quote that it carried, was taken from PM Modi’s address to the joint session of the US Congress a day earlier in Washington DC. PM Modi, in his address, had hailed the "momentous development" in AI - America and India.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Joe Biden gifted a special T-Shirt to PM Narendra Modi with the PM's quote on AI.<br />
<br />
"In the past few years, there have been many advances in AI- Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there has been even more momentous development in another AI-… <a href="https://t.co/rx97EHZnMj">pic.twitter.com/rx97EHZnMj</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672330462621224961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"A lot has changed in the past seven years, but the commitment to deepen friendship between India and the US remains the same. In the era of AI [Artificial Intelligence], another AI (America-India) has seen even more momentous developments," PM Modi had said.</p>

<p>As soon as PM Modi made this remark in the US Congress, he received a standing ovation from the US lawmakers.</p>

<p>Enhancing the co-operation between US and India in the field of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence has been a great focus of PM Modi’s trip to the US.</p>

<p>During the course of the day, the prime minister engaged in meetings with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of prominent organisations such as FedEx, MasterCard, and Adobe. The discussions revolved around various technological sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), and focused on topics such as innovation, investment, and manufacturing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, the prime minister attended an official state luncheon hosted by US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.</p>

<p>At the event, President Joe Biden told PM Modi, “Our cooperation matters, not just for our own people but quite frankly to the whole world as our partnership is about more than the next breakthrough or the next deal as big as they may be. It is about tackling climate change, about exploring the universe, about lifting people out of poverty, preventing pandemics and giving our citizens real opportunity.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi state visit to the US: Rousing reception from US lawmakers</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-state-visit-to-the-us-rousing-reception-from-us-lawmakers-607990/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Earlier, at the 'Hi-tech Handshake' event held at the White House, President Biden emphasised the significance of technology cooperation in shaping the partnership between the United States and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, expressed his belief that the convergence of talent and technology ensures a brighter future.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-addresses-top-ceos-in-us-underlines-impact-of-indian-americans-at-luncheon-608004"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi addresses top CEOs in US, underlines impact of Indian-Americans at luncheon</strong></a></p>

<p>Furthermore, India's advancements in 5G and 6G technology, along with the US Next G alliance, will lead to the establishment of a new forum for public-private co-operation. Additionally, the United States is welcoming Indian participation in its "rip and replace" programme, which involves the removal of telecommunications equipment provided by untrusted vendors.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


American President Joe Biden on Friday gifted a special ‘AI T-shirt’ to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What made it truly special for the Indo-US ties was the quote that it carried, was taken from PM Modi’s address to the joint session of the US Congress a day earlier in Washington DC.

American President Joe Biden on Friday gifted a special ‘AI T-shirt’ to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What made it truly special for the Indo-US ties was the quote that it carried, was taken from PM Modi’s address to the joint session of the US Congress a day earlier in Washington DC. PM Modi, in his address, had hailed the "momentous development" in AI - America and India. #WATCH | US President Joe Biden gifted a special T-Shirt to PM Narendra Modi with the PM's quote on AI. "In the past few years, there have been many advances in AI- Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there has been even more momentous development in another AI-… pic.twitter.com/rx97EHZnMj — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023 × "A lot has changed in the past seven years, but the commitment to deepen friendship between India and the US remains the same. In the era of AI [Artificial Intelligence], another AI (America-India) has seen even more momentous developments," PM Modi had said. As soon as PM Modi made this remark in the US Congress, he received a standing ovation from the US lawmakers. Enhancing the co-operation between US and India in the field of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence has been a great focus of PM Modi’s trip to the US. During the course of the day, the prime minister engaged in meetings with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of prominent organisations such as FedEx, MasterCard, and Adobe. The discussions revolved around various technological sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), and focused on topics such as innovation, investment, and manufacturing. Subsequently, the prime minister attended an official state luncheon hosted by US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. At the event, President Joe Biden told PM Modi, “Our cooperation matters, not just for our own people but quite frankly to the whole world as our partnership is about more than the next breakthrough or the next deal as big as they may be. It is about tackling climate change, about exploring the universe, about lifting people out of poverty, preventing pandemics and giving our citizens real opportunity.” Watch: PM Modi state visit to the US: Rousing reception from US lawmakers × Earlier, at the 'Hi-tech Handshake' event held at the White House, President Biden emphasised the significance of technology cooperation in shaping the partnership between the United States and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, expressed his belief that the convergence of talent and technology ensures a brighter future. Also read: PM Modi addresses top CEOs in US, underlines impact of Indian-Americans at luncheon Furthermore, India's advancements in 5G and 6G technology, along with the US Next G alliance, will lead to the establishment of a new forum for public-private co-operation. Additionally, the United States is welcoming Indian participation in its "rip and replace" programme, which involves the removal of telecommunications equipment provided by untrusted vendors. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

T-shirt diplomacy: Biden gifts Modi special T-shirt with PM’s quote: ‘The future is AI - America and India’

<p>President Joe Biden reassured that any negative repercussions arising from his remarks&nbsp;of President Xi Jinping of China being a "dictator" would not compromise the recent diplomatic advancements made between Washington and Beijing, reported AFP.</p>

<p>“The answer to your question is no,” Biden said during a White House press conference on Thursday when asked if his comments were detrimental&nbsp;to US-China ties.</p>

<p>“I don’t think it’s had any real consequence,” Biden added.&nbsp;The president said he expects to meet with Xi “in the near term.”</p>

<p>On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy conveyed that Xie Feng, China's ambassador to the US, had expressed strong objections to high-ranking officials in the White House and State Department. According to a statement from Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu, the remarks were criticised as being incorrect, illogical, and lacking responsibility.<br />
<br />
Additionally, it was cautioned that the Chinese government would firmly retaliate and reject any form of political instigation against its top leader.</p>

<p>During a campaign fundraiser in California on Tuesday, President Biden made comments referring to China's leader as a "dictator." These remarks implied that the Chinese leader might have felt humiliated due to his alleged lack of knowledge regarding a Chinese spy balloon having crossed the United States in February.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/democracy-is-in-indias-dna-no-space-for-discrimination-says-pm-modi-on-minority-rights-607527">'Democracy is in India's DNA, no space for discrimination', says PM Modi on minority rights</a></p>

<p>“The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full spy gear is because he didn’t know was there,” Biden said.</p>

<p>“That’s great embarrassment for dictators, he didn’t know what happened. That wasn’t supposed to be going where it was,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the statement, Liu criticised Biden's remark&nbsp;as a "smear" that directly contradicts established facts, violates diplomatic norms, and encroaches upon China's political dignity.</p>

<p>“We urge the US&nbsp;side to immediately take earnest actions to undo the negative impact and honour its own commitments,” the Chinese spokesperson said. “Otherwise, it will have to bear all the consequences.”</p>

<h2><strong>Repercussions and contrasting views following Biden's remarks on China</strong></h2>

<p>President Biden's comments regarding China came just a few days after his top diplomat, Secretary of State Blinken, concluded meetings in Beijing, including a meeting with President Xi Jinping. During the meetings, Xi praised the visit, acknowledging progress and specific agreements reached, describing the outcome as positive.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Over 400 guests invited to the state dinner at the White House</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modis-us-visit-over-400-guests-invited-to-the-state-dinner-at-the-white-house-607519/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Shortly after the meetings, Blinken addressed reporters, highlighting the progress made and emphasising the mutual agreement to stabilise the relationship between the United States and China.</p>

<p>However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Chinese officials expressed strong disapproval of Biden's comments, stating that they contradict the commitments made by the US&nbsp;side and undermine mutual trust. The Chinese further described the nature and impact of Biden's remarks as highly negative.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


President Joe Biden reassured that any negative repercussions arising from his remarks of President Xi Jinping of China being a "dictator" would not compromise the recent diplomatic advancements made between Washington and Beijing, reported AFP.

President Joe Biden reassured that any negative repercussions arising from his remarks of President Xi Jinping of China being a "dictator" would not compromise the recent diplomatic advancements made between Washington and Beijing, reported AFP. “The answer to your question is no,” Biden said during a White House press conference on Thursday when asked if his comments were detrimental to US-China ties. “I don’t think it’s had any real consequence,” Biden added. The president said he expects to meet with Xi “in the near term.” On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy conveyed that Xie Feng, China's ambassador to the US, had expressed strong objections to high-ranking officials in the White House and State Department. According to a statement from Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu, the remarks were criticised as being incorrect, illogical, and lacking responsibility. Additionally, it was cautioned that the Chinese government would firmly retaliate and reject any form of political instigation against its top leader. During a campaign fundraiser in California on Tuesday, President Biden made comments referring to China's leader as a "dictator." These remarks implied that the Chinese leader might have felt humiliated due to his alleged lack of knowledge regarding a Chinese spy balloon having crossed the United States in February. Also read | 'Democracy is in India's DNA, no space for discrimination', says PM Modi on minority rights “The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full spy gear is because he didn’t know was there,” Biden said. “That’s great embarrassment for dictators, he didn’t know what happened. That wasn’t supposed to be going where it was,” he added. In the statement, Liu criticised Biden's remark as a "smear" that directly contradicts established facts, violates diplomatic norms, and encroaches upon China's political dignity. “We urge the US side to immediately take earnest actions to undo the negative impact and honour its own commitments,” the Chinese spokesperson said. “Otherwise, it will have to bear all the consequences.” Repercussions and contrasting views following Biden's remarks on China President Biden's comments regarding China came just a few days after his top diplomat, Secretary of State Blinken, concluded meetings in Beijing, including a meeting with President Xi Jinping. During the meetings, Xi praised the visit, acknowledging progress and specific agreements reached, describing the outcome as positive. Also watch | Over 400 guests invited to the state dinner at the White House Shortly after the meetings, Blinken addressed reporters, highlighting the progress made and emphasising the mutual agreement to stabilise the relationship between the United States and China. However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Chinese officials expressed strong disapproval of Biden's comments, stating that they contradict the commitments made by the US side and undermine mutual trust. The Chinese further described the nature and impact of Biden's remarks as highly negative. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden says he sees 'no real consequence' to calling Xi a 'dictator', expects to meet him in 'near term'

<p>Indian PM Modi and US President Joe Biden will take limited questions from the press after delivering their remarks on Thursday, Reuters reported. White House officials are hailing this event as a “big deal” as the Indian leader visits the US in the capacity of a state guest for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White House national security spokesperson John Kirby was quoted by Reuters as saying that the White House understands the press conference is really a “big deal”.</p>

<p>"We are just grateful that Prime Minister Modi is participating in a press event at the end of the visit," Kirby said while adding, "We think that's important and we're glad he thinks that's important too."<br />
<br />
Kirby added that the format of the press conference will include one question from Indian media and one question from American media.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi to address joint session of US Congress</strong></h2>

<p>On June 22, PM Modi will get the honour to address a joint session of the US Congress for the second time. In early June, top lawmakers of the US from both Republican and Democratic parties extended an invitation letter to PM Modi urging him to address the Congress. The letter read, “Based on our shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity, the partnership between our two countries continues to grow.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian PM Modi invites US students to India as he kicks off official visit</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-invites-us-students-to-india-as-he-kicks-off-official-visit-607127/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Previously, PM Modi addressed the US Congress in 2016 during the Obama administration. The leader of the world’s largest democracy and the most-populous nation is visiting the US at a time when the tensions between US and China are at their peak. The US is trying hard to court India against China as New Delhi emerge as a key global player due to its rising economic power.</p>

<h2><strong>‘India a world player’</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday (US local time), US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said that India is a key global player and a net exporter of security and stability.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-yoga-is-accessible-to-all-free-from-patents-and-copyrights-607027"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi: Yoga is accessible to all, free from patents and copyrights&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>"They (India) are already exporting security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, and they are contributing to the Indo-Pacific Quad. We are participating with India in the I2U2. I think you understand that that's a multilateral arrangement for the Middle East. So India is a world player and a net exporter of security and stability," Kirby was quoted as saying by ANI.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian PM Modi and US President Joe Biden will take limited questions from the press after delivering their remarks on Thursday, Reuters reported. White House officials are hailing this event as a “big deal” as the Indian leader visits the US in the capacity of a state guest for the first time.

Indian PM Modi and US President Joe Biden will take limited questions from the press after delivering their remarks on Thursday, Reuters reported. White House officials are hailing this event as a “big deal” as the Indian leader visits the US in the capacity of a state guest for the first time. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby was quoted by Reuters as saying that the White House understands the press conference is really a “big deal”. "We are just grateful that Prime Minister Modi is participating in a press event at the end of the visit," Kirby said while adding, "We think that's important and we're glad he thinks that's important too." Kirby added that the format of the press conference will include one question from Indian media and one question from American media. PM Modi to address joint session of US Congress On June 22, PM Modi will get the honour to address a joint session of the US Congress for the second time. In early June, top lawmakers of the US from both Republican and Democratic parties extended an invitation letter to PM Modi urging him to address the Congress. The letter read, “Based on our shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity, the partnership between our two countries continues to grow.” Watch: Indian PM Modi invites US students to India as he kicks off official visit × Previously, PM Modi addressed the US Congress in 2016 during the Obama administration. The leader of the world’s largest democracy and the most-populous nation is visiting the US at a time when the tensions between US and China are at their peak. The US is trying hard to court India against China as New Delhi emerge as a key global player due to its rising economic power. ‘India a world player’ Earlier on Wednesday (US local time), US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said that India is a key global player and a net exporter of security and stability. Also read: PM Modi: Yoga is accessible to all, free from patents and copyrights "They (India) are already exporting security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, and they are contributing to the Indo-Pacific Quad. We are participating with India in the I2U2. I think you understand that that's a multilateral arrangement for the Middle East. So India is a world player and a net exporter of security and stability," Kirby was quoted as saying by ANI. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

PM Modi and President Biden to address joint press conference at White House

<p>Indian PM Narendra Modi reached the White House Wednesday evening (local time), where he was welcomed by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. India's NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Deputy Chief of Protocol Aseem Vohra are among&nbsp;the officials accompanying the Indian leader ahead of the state dinner.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden receive PM Modi at the White House in Washington DC.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModiUSVisit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModiUSVisit</a> <a href="https://t.co/lQLMD0d3rw">pic.twitter.com/lQLMD0d3rw</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1671667081090068481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President of the United States Joe Biden at The White House, in Washington, DC.<br />
<br />
(Source: Reuters) <a href="https://t.co/wEr57FS2NX">pic.twitter.com/wEr57FS2NX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1671664485894082560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The White House in a statement said that the US President Joe Biden looks forward to presenting PM Modi with an&nbsp;antique American book galley from the early 20th Century. President Biden will also gift PM Modi a vintage American camera, accompanied by an archival facsimile print of George Eastman’s Patent of the first Kodak camera, and a hardcover book of American wildlife photography. Jill Biden will gift PM Modi a signed, first edition copy of <em>Collected Poems of Robert Frost</em>.</p>

<h2><strong>Peacock: Inspiration for state dinner</strong></h2>

<p>White House social secretary Carlos Elizondo earlier said that the inspiration for the state dinner was&nbsp;India's national bird peacock.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian Flag, US Flag have been put in front of the white house as PM Modi's official state visit commences. <a href="https://t.co/6PQ9GbejJu">pic.twitter.com/6PQ9GbejJu</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1671667561761570819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Earlier in the day,&nbsp;US First Lady Jill Biden provided a preview of the highly anticipated state dinner honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a conversation with journalists, she revealed that the menu would feature an assortment of millet dishes, along with exquisite delicacies tailored to Prime Minister Modi's culinary preferences.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-indian-pm-narendra-modi-in-us-606482"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Former US NSA calls PM Modi a `global leader`</strong></a></p>

<p>The gastronomic extravaganza will commence with a tantalizing first course: a marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad accompanied by a refreshing compressed watermelon and tangy avocado sauce.</p>

<p>For the main course, guests will savour the flavours of stuffed portobello mushrooms and creamy saffron-infused risotto. This will be complemented by the sumac-roasted sea bass, which will be accompanied by a delectable lemon-dill yogurt sauce, adding a burst of zest to the dish.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi state visit to the US: Yoga accessible to all, free from patents &amp; copyrights</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-state-visit-to-the-us-yoga-accessible-to-all-free-from-patents-copyrights-607056/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>To further enhance the dining experience, the meal will be served with crisped millet cakes and summer squashes as delightful accompaniments, ensuring a delightful and memorable culinary affair for all attendees.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian PM Narendra Modi reached the White House Wednesday evening (local time), where he was welcomed by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. India's NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Deputy Chief of Protocol Aseem Vohra are among the officials accompanying the Indian leader ahead of the state dinner.

Indian PM Narendra Modi reached the White House Wednesday evening (local time), where he was welcomed by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. India's NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Deputy Chief of Protocol Aseem Vohra are among the officials accompanying the Indian leader ahead of the state dinner. VIDEO | US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden receive PM Modi at the White House in Washington DC.#PMModiUSVisit pic.twitter.com/lQLMD0d3rw — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 21, 2023 × #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President of the United States Joe Biden at The White House, in Washington, DC. (Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/wEr57FS2NX — ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2023 × The White House in a statement said that the US President Joe Biden looks forward to presenting PM Modi with an antique American book galley from the early 20th Century. President Biden will also gift PM Modi a vintage American camera, accompanied by an archival facsimile print of George Eastman’s Patent of the first Kodak camera, and a hardcover book of American wildlife photography. Jill Biden will gift PM Modi a signed, first edition copy of Collected Poems of Robert Frost. Peacock: Inspiration for state dinner White House social secretary Carlos Elizondo earlier said that the inspiration for the state dinner was India's national bird peacock. Indian Flag, US Flag have been put in front of the white house as PM Modi's official state visit commences. pic.twitter.com/6PQ9GbejJu — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 21, 2023 × Earlier in the day, US First Lady Jill Biden provided a preview of the highly anticipated state dinner honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a conversation with journalists, she revealed that the menu would feature an assortment of millet dishes, along with exquisite delicacies tailored to Prime Minister Modi's culinary preferences. Also read: Former US NSA calls PM Modi a `global leader` The gastronomic extravaganza will commence with a tantalizing first course: a marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad accompanied by a refreshing compressed watermelon and tangy avocado sauce. For the main course, guests will savour the flavours of stuffed portobello mushrooms and creamy saffron-infused risotto. This will be complemented by the sumac-roasted sea bass, which will be accompanied by a delectable lemon-dill yogurt sauce, adding a burst of zest to the dish. Watch: PM Modi state visit to the US: Yoga accessible to all, free from patents & copyrights × To further enhance the dining experience, the meal will be served with crisped millet cakes and summer squashes as delightful accompaniments, ensuring a delightful and memorable culinary affair for all attendees. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

PM Modi reaches White House for state dinner hosted by Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden

<p>A Russian court, on Thursday (June 22) rejected United States journalist Evan Gershkovich’s recent appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage. This comes nearly a month after Moscow extended his pre-trial detention for three more months until late August.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian court upholds Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention</strong></h2>

<p>“The appeal is rejected,” said the judge, as quoted by news agency AFP, after the short closed-door hearing. The Wall Street Journal reporter’s parents, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman, who left the Soviet Union for the US in 1979, were also in the court for the hearing on Thursday.</p>

<p>“The court considered the complaint brought by Gershkovich’s defence against the decision to extend his...detention, and ruled that the initial decision should be left unchanged and the complaint of the defendant’s defence should not be satisfied,” said the judge in Moscow court.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovich-us-journalist-arrested-in-russia-on-charges-of-espionage-denied-bail-583727">Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail</a></strong></p>

<p>Images show Gershkovich in blue jeans and a black T-shirt as he stood in a glass box when the journalists were briefly allowed to film him before the start of the proceedings. Russia has previously said that the sensitivity of espionage charges against Gershkovich means the trial must be held in private and court documents should not be made public.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Wrongfully detained’: US ambassador</strong></h2>

<p>“We were extremely disappointed by the denial of his appeal,” said US Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who was not allowed inside the courtroom but addressed the reporters outside the court in Moscow, on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “Despite Russian officials’ public assertions about Evan’s activities, let me reiterate the US government’s firm position: the charges against him are baseless.”</p>

<p>Similarly, the American newspaper has vehemently denied the accusations against Gershkovich while officials in Washington, including US President Joe Biden, have called for his release and called the charges against him “baseless”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-extends-wsj-journalist-evan-gershkovichs-detention-us-calls-for-immediate-release-595697">Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release</a></strong></p>

<p>“He’s an innocent journalist, who was carrying out journalistic activities and has been wrongfully detained. Such hostage diplomacy is unacceptable,” said the US ambassador.</p>

<h2><strong>The accusations and appeals</strong></h2>

<p>Gershkovich has been accused of collecting state secrets about the Russian industrial-military complex.&nbsp;Moscow claims&nbsp;to have caught him “red-handed” earlier this year in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the WSJ reporter is the first foreign journalist arrested on spying allegations since the collapse of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Gershkovich has denied the spying charges against him, if convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Last month (May 23), a Russian court extended the US journalist’s pre-trial detention till August 30.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-formally-charges-us-journalist-evan-gershkovich-with-espionage-580257">Moscow formally charges US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage</a></strong></p>

<p>The recent appeals by Gershkovich have been about his continued detention in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison ahead of his trial, for which no date has been set.</p>

<p>Gershkovich is currently being held at the Lefortovo prison along with others accused of treason and espionage in Moscow which in Soviet times was run by the KGB but is now operated by the Federal Penitentiary Service.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A Russian court, on Thursday (June 22) rejected United States journalist Evan Gershkovich’s recent appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage.

A Russian court, on Thursday (June 22) rejected United States journalist Evan Gershkovich’s recent appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage. This comes nearly a month after Moscow extended his pre-trial detention for three more months until late August. Russian court upholds Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention “The appeal is rejected,” said the judge, as quoted by news agency AFP, after the short closed-door hearing. The Wall Street Journal reporter’s parents, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman, who left the Soviet Union for the US in 1979, were also in the court for the hearing on Thursday. “The court considered the complaint brought by Gershkovich’s defence against the decision to extend his...detention, and ruled that the initial decision should be left unchanged and the complaint of the defendant’s defence should not be satisfied,” said the judge in Moscow court. ALSO READ | Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail Images show Gershkovich in blue jeans and a black T-shirt as he stood in a glass box when the journalists were briefly allowed to film him before the start of the proceedings. Russia has previously said that the sensitivity of espionage charges against Gershkovich means the trial must be held in private and court documents should not be made public. ‘Wrongfully detained’: US ambassador “We were extremely disappointed by the denial of his appeal,” said US Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who was not allowed inside the courtroom but addressed the reporters outside the court in Moscow, on Thursday. She added, “Despite Russian officials’ public assertions about Evan’s activities, let me reiterate the US government’s firm position: the charges against him are baseless.” Similarly, the American newspaper has vehemently denied the accusations against Gershkovich while officials in Washington, including US President Joe Biden, have called for his release and called the charges against him “baseless”. ALSO READ | Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release “He’s an innocent journalist, who was carrying out journalistic activities and has been wrongfully detained. Such hostage diplomacy is unacceptable,” said the US ambassador. The accusations and appeals Gershkovich has been accused of collecting state secrets about the Russian industrial-military complex. Moscow claims to have caught him “red-handed” earlier this year in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Notably, the WSJ reporter is the first foreign journalist arrested on spying allegations since the collapse of the Soviet Union. While Gershkovich has denied the spying charges against him, if convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Last month (May 23), a Russian court extended the US journalist’s pre-trial detention till August 30. ALSO READ | Moscow formally charges US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage The recent appeals by Gershkovich have been about his continued detention in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison ahead of his trial, for which no date has been set. Gershkovich is currently being held at the Lefortovo prison along with others accused of treason and espionage in Moscow which in Soviet times was run by the KGB but is now operated by the Federal Penitentiary Service. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich loses appeal against extended pre-trial detention

<p>Half of Americans believe US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, received preferential treatment from prosecutors who reached a deal that would allow the younger Biden to plead guilty to tax charges but avoid a gun-related conviction, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.</p>

<p>The two-day poll that closed on Wednesday showed Americans were divided along partisan lines in their views on the case, with 75 per cent&nbsp;of Republicans seeing preferential treatment compared with just 33 per cent&nbsp;of Democrats.</p>

<p>Most respondents said the case would not affect their likelihood of voting for the elder Biden next year when he is seeking re-election.<br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hunter Biden to plead guilty to tax crimes</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hunter-biden-to-plead-guilty-to-tax-crimes-607090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>US&nbsp;Attorney David Weiss, a federal prosecutor appointed by Republican former President Donald Trump, said on Tuesday that Hunter Biden, 53, has agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay income taxes and to enter into an agreement that could avert a conviction on a gun-related charge.</p>

<p>Trump and his Republican allies charged that the plea agreement amounted to special treatment for Biden's son. Weiss was one of a few Trump-appointed prosecutors that Biden asked to stay on after he took office in January 2021, to avoid the appearance of tampering in politically sensitive investigations.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-to-plead-guilty-on-two-misdemeanor-charges-on-july-26-607213">Hunter Biden to make court apperance on July 26 to plead guilty on misdemeanor charges</a></strong></p>

<p>The younger Biden has worked as a lobbyist, lawyer, consultant to foreign companies, investment banker and artist, and has publicly detailed his struggles with substance abuse.</p>

<p>He will make an initial appearance in federal court in Delaware on July 26, a court filing showed on Wednesday.</p>

<p>According to court filings, Hunter Biden received taxable income of more than $1.5 million in 2017 and in 2018 but did not pay income tax those years despite owing in excess of $100,000.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-year-long-hunter-biden-probe-nears-decision-what-is-the-controversy-588735">EXPLAINED | Four-year-long Hunter Biden probe nears decision on pressing charges. What is the controversy?</a></strong></p>

<p>He is also charged with unlawfully owning a firearm from roughly Oct. 12 to Oct 23, 2018, when he was using and addicted to a controlled substance. For that charge, he entered a pretrial diversion agreement, an alternative to prosecution that is sometimes used to allow defendants to avoid prison time or a criminal conviction.</p>

<p>The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,004 US&nbsp;adults nationwide and has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Half of Americans believe US President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, received preferential treatment from prosecutors who reached a deal that would allow the younger Biden to plead guilty to tax charges but avoid a gun-related conviction, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.

Half of Americans believe US President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, received preferential treatment from prosecutors who reached a deal that would allow the younger Biden to plead guilty to tax charges but avoid a gun-related conviction, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found. The two-day poll that closed on Wednesday showed Americans were divided along partisan lines in their views on the case, with 75 per cent of Republicans seeing preferential treatment compared with just 33 per cent of Democrats. Most respondents said the case would not affect their likelihood of voting for the elder Biden next year when he is seeking re-election. WATCH | Gravitas: Hunter Biden to plead guilty to tax crimes US Attorney David Weiss, a federal prosecutor appointed by Republican former President Donald Trump, said on Tuesday that Hunter Biden, 53, has agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay income taxes and to enter into an agreement that could avert a conviction on a gun-related charge. Trump and his Republican allies charged that the plea agreement amounted to special treatment for Biden's son. Weiss was one of a few Trump-appointed prosecutors that Biden asked to stay on after he took office in January 2021, to avoid the appearance of tampering in politically sensitive investigations. ALSO READ | Hunter Biden to make court apperance on July 26 to plead guilty on misdemeanor charges The younger Biden has worked as a lobbyist, lawyer, consultant to foreign companies, investment banker and artist, and has publicly detailed his struggles with substance abuse. He will make an initial appearance in federal court in Delaware on July 26, a court filing showed on Wednesday. According to court filings, Hunter Biden received taxable income of more than $1.5 million in 2017 and in 2018 but did not pay income tax those years despite owing in excess of $100,000. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED | Four-year-long Hunter Biden probe nears decision on pressing charges. What is the controversy? He is also charged with unlawfully owning a firearm from roughly Oct. 12 to Oct 23, 2018, when he was using and addicted to a controlled substance. For that charge, he entered a pretrial diversion agreement, an alternative to prosecution that is sometimes used to allow defendants to avoid prison time or a criminal conviction. The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,004 US adults nationwide and has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Half of Americans think US President Joe Biden's son received special treatment, shows poll

<p>China hit back at&nbsp;US President Joe Biden on Wednesday after he called his counterpart Xi&nbsp;&nbsp;Jinping “a dictator during a fundraising event in California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hours later Biden's remarks, Beijing came out with a strong retort saying that&nbsp;his statements were absurd and an open provocation. The ti-for-tat comes at a time when both sides are working to lower tensions.</p>

<p>Expressing China’s strong dissatisfaction, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Biden’s comments seriously violated facts, diplomatic protocol and China’s political dignity.</p>

<p>“They’re an open political provocation,” she told a news conference.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden's remakrs</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, Biden further said that Xi was ‘very embarrassed’ when a Chinese spy balloon flying over sensitive American sites was shot down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, Biden’s remarks came just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the Chinese leader in order to ease tensions.</p>

<p>"The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two box cars full of spy equipment in it was he didn't know it was there," Biden said at the fundraiser.</p>

<p>"That's a great embarrassment for dictators. When they didn't know what happened. That wasn't supposed to be going where it was. It was blown off course," Biden added.</p>

<p>A suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over U.S. airspace in February. The shooting down of the balloon and mutual visits by U.S. and Taiwanese officials impacted U.S.-China tensions negatively.</p>

<p>Biden also said that China "has some real economic difficulties" right now as data shows that&nbsp;China's economy stumbled in May with industrial output and retail sales growth missing forecasts. The economic data reveals&nbsp;that Beijing needs to do more to shore up a shaky post-pandemic recovery.<br />
<br />
The unprecedented remark by Joe Biden is sure to trigger a fierce reaction from the Chinese authorities.</p>

<h2><strong>Blinken-Xi meeting</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Monday, Antony Blinken sat with Chinese President Xi Jinping for a 35-minute long meeting, in which both leaders reportedly ‘expressed willingness to talk.’ Xi also expressed the intention to follow through on the agreements reached between him and President Biden in Bali. Previous discussions between Blinken and Chinese officials had shown limited flexibility on various contentious issues, including trade, Taiwan, human rights, Chinese military activities in the South China Sea, and Russia's actions in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;World leaders lining up to meet Xi Jinping</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-leaders-lining-up-to-meet-xi-jinping-582656/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Xi mentioned that progress had been made and specific agreements had been reached on certain matters, though he did not provide further details. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and hoped that Blinken's visit would contribute positively to stabilising China-US relations.</p>

<h2><strong>Significance of Blinken’s visit to China</strong></h2>

<p>Blinken's visit marked the highest-level engagement between the US and China since President Biden assumed office and the first trip by a US Secretary of State to Beijing in five years. It is expected to pave the way for future mutual visits by senior officials from both countries, potentially leading to a meeting between Xi and Biden in the coming months.</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, Blinken held a three-hour meeting with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, according to a US official. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Blinken's visit coincided with a critical moment in China-US relations and called for a choice between dialogue or confrontation, cooperation or conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-meets-bill-gates-regards-him-as-old-friend-605165"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Xi Jinping meets Bill Gates, addresses him as an `old friend</strong></a></p>

<p>The ministry blamed the current strained relations on the US's flawed perception of China, leading to misguided policies. It urged the US to halt the decline in relations and take steps such as ending the "China threat theory," lifting unilateral sanctions against China, ceasing suppression of China's technological development, and refraining from interfering arbitrarily in China's internal affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


China hit back at US President Joe Biden on Wednesday after he called his counterpart Xi Jinping “a dictator during a fundraising event in California. Hours later Biden's remarks, Beijing came out with a strong retort saying that his statements were absurd and an open provocation.

China hit back at US President Joe Biden on Wednesday after he called his counterpart Xi Jinping “a dictator during a fundraising event in California. Hours later Biden's remarks, Beijing came out with a strong retort saying that his statements were absurd and an open provocation. The ti-for-tat comes at a time when both sides are working to lower tensions. Expressing China’s strong dissatisfaction, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Biden’s comments seriously violated facts, diplomatic protocol and China’s political dignity. “They’re an open political provocation,” she told a news conference. Biden's remakrs Earlier in the day, Biden further said that Xi was ‘very embarrassed’ when a Chinese spy balloon flying over sensitive American sites was shot down. Interestingly, Biden’s remarks came just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the Chinese leader in order to ease tensions. "The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two box cars full of spy equipment in it was he didn't know it was there," Biden said at the fundraiser. "That's a great embarrassment for dictators. When they didn't know what happened. That wasn't supposed to be going where it was. It was blown off course," Biden added. A suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over U.S. airspace in February. The shooting down of the balloon and mutual visits by U.S. and Taiwanese officials impacted U.S.-China tensions negatively. Biden also said that China "has some real economic difficulties" right now as data shows that China's economy stumbled in May with industrial output and retail sales growth missing forecasts. The economic data reveals that Beijing needs to do more to shore up a shaky post-pandemic recovery. The unprecedented remark by Joe Biden is sure to trigger a fierce reaction from the Chinese authorities. Blinken-Xi meeting Earlier on Monday, Antony Blinken sat with Chinese President Xi Jinping for a 35-minute long meeting, in which both leaders reportedly ‘expressed willingness to talk.’ Xi also expressed the intention to follow through on the agreements reached between him and President Biden in Bali. Previous discussions between Blinken and Chinese officials had shown limited flexibility on various contentious issues, including trade, Taiwan, human rights, Chinese military activities in the South China Sea, and Russia's actions in Ukraine. Watch: World leaders lining up to meet Xi Jinping × Xi mentioned that progress had been made and specific agreements had been reached on certain matters, though he did not provide further details. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and hoped that Blinken's visit would contribute positively to stabilising China-US relations. Significance of Blinken’s visit to China Blinken's visit marked the highest-level engagement between the US and China since President Biden assumed office and the first trip by a US Secretary of State to Beijing in five years. It is expected to pave the way for future mutual visits by senior officials from both countries, potentially leading to a meeting between Xi and Biden in the coming months. Earlier on Monday, Blinken held a three-hour meeting with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, according to a US official. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Blinken's visit coincided with a critical moment in China-US relations and called for a choice between dialogue or confrontation, cooperation or conflict. Also read: Xi Jinping meets Bill Gates, addresses him as an `old friend The ministry blamed the current strained relations on the US's flawed perception of China, leading to misguided policies. It urged the US to halt the decline in relations and take steps such as ending the "China threat theory," lifting unilateral sanctions against China, ceasing suppression of China's technological development, and refraining from interfering arbitrarily in China's internal affairs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

China hits back at Joe Biden for labelling Xi a 'dictator'

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Beijing on Sunday (June 18) amid deteriorating ties between China and the United States over spy balloons and escalating chip wars to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Officials in Washington said that the country’s top diplomat stressed the importance of keeping open lines of communication and held “candid, substantive, and constructive talks” during the first meeting with the Chinese foreign minister.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Candid’ talks between Blinken and Qin: US</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>“The secretary emphasized the importance of diplomacy and maintaining open channels of communication across the full range of issues to reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blinken-us-to-try-to-avoid-miscalculations-with-china-605762">Blinken: US to try to avoid miscalculations with China</a></strong></p>

<p>This came after Blinken, the highest-ranking US official to visit Beijing in nearly five years, spoke to the country’s foreign minister for nearly five and a half hours on the first day of his visit followed by a working dinner. Meanwhile, the Chinese FM has also agreed to pay a return visit to Washington upon Blinken’s invitation to “continue the discussions, and they agreed to schedule a reciprocal visit at a mutually suitable time.”</p>

<p>Miller also said that the US official “raised a number of issues of concern,” and “opportunities to explore cooperation on shared transnational issues with the (People’s Republic of China) PRC where our interests align”. Notably, Blinken’s visit was postponed after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over US airspace which sparked a row between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-ties-blinken-lands-in-beijing-ahead-of-modis-state-visit-to-the-us-growing-chip-wars-605641">US-China ties: Blinken lands in Beijing ahead of Modi's state visit to the US, growing chip wars</a></strong></p>

<p>The two diplomats have also agreed to work together to expand flights between the world’s two largest economies as the numbers have dropped following the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit also comes months after US President Joe Biden met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a Group of 20 (G20)&nbsp;summit in Bali, Indonesia.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US-China relations at ‘lowest point’: Beijin</strong>g</h2>

<p>Blinken and Qin did not address the press on the first day after the US official's arrival as they&nbsp;shook hands at the state guesthouse before their respective flags. According to the Chinese state-run broadcaster CCTV, Qin told Blinken that relations between Washington and Beijing “are at the lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic relations” over four decades ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blinken-in-beijing-blinken-meets-counterpart-over-hopes-to-improve-communication-prevent-conflict-605820">Blinken in Beijing: Blinken meets counterpart over hopes to improve communication &amp; prevent conflict</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, “This does not conform to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, nor does it meet the common expectations of the international community.” The Chinese FM also reportedly issued a warning on Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing. China recently held live-fire military drills after visits from Washington’s top officials to the island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Taiwan issue is the core of China’s core interests, the most important issue in China-US relations and the most prominent risk,” Qin told Washington’s top diplomat, as per the Chinese state media. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Blinken’s visit to Beijin</strong>g&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The US secretary of state is also scheduled for an extended discussion&nbsp;and additional talks with Qin, as well as China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, on Monday. However, it is not certain that Blinken&nbsp;will&nbsp;meet&nbsp;with the Chinese president.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/in-us-china-struggle-for-global-dominance-the-outcome-is-uncertain-580010">In US-China struggle for global dominance, the outcome is uncertain</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, the talks on Sunday have been described as useful by both China and US as Washington called them “candid, substantive, and constructive” while&nbsp;Chinese state media characterised them as “candid, in-depth and constructive.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, Qin greeted Blinken and his delegation at the door to a villa on the grounds of Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guest House. The US official will also hold a second day of meetings Monday and address reporters before leaving for Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Beijing on Sunday (June 18) amid deteriorating ties between China and the United States over spy balloons and escalating chip wars to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Beijing on Sunday (June 18) amid deteriorating ties between China and the United States over spy balloons and escalating chip wars to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Officials in Washington said that the country’s top diplomat stressed the importance of keeping open lines of communication and held “candid, substantive, and constructive talks” during the first meeting with the Chinese foreign minister. ‘Candid’ talks between Blinken and Qin: US “The secretary emphasized the importance of diplomacy and maintaining open channels of communication across the full range of issues to reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. ALSO WATCH | Blinken: US to try to avoid miscalculations with China This came after Blinken, the highest-ranking US official to visit Beijing in nearly five years, spoke to the country’s foreign minister for nearly five and a half hours on the first day of his visit followed by a working dinner. Meanwhile, the Chinese FM has also agreed to pay a return visit to Washington upon Blinken’s invitation to “continue the discussions, and they agreed to schedule a reciprocal visit at a mutually suitable time.” Miller also said that the US official “raised a number of issues of concern,” and “opportunities to explore cooperation on shared transnational issues with the (People’s Republic of China) PRC where our interests align”. Notably, Blinken’s visit was postponed after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over US airspace which sparked a row between the two countries. ALSO READ | US-China ties: Blinken lands in Beijing ahead of Modi's state visit to the US, growing chip wars The two diplomats have also agreed to work together to expand flights between the world’s two largest economies as the numbers have dropped following the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit also comes months after US President Joe Biden met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a Group of 20 (G20) summit in Bali, Indonesia. US-China relations at ‘lowest point’: Beijing Blinken and Qin did not address the press on the first day after the US official's arrival as they shook hands at the state guesthouse before their respective flags. According to the Chinese state-run broadcaster CCTV, Qin told Blinken that relations between Washington and Beijing “are at the lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic relations” over four decades ago. ALSO WATCH | Blinken in Beijing: Blinken meets counterpart over hopes to improve communication & prevent conflict He added, “This does not conform to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, nor does it meet the common expectations of the international community.” The Chinese FM also reportedly issued a warning on Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing. China recently held live-fire military drills after visits from Washington’s top officials to the island. “The Taiwan issue is the core of China’s core interests, the most important issue in China-US relations and the most prominent risk,” Qin told Washington’s top diplomat, as per the Chinese state media. Blinken’s visit to Beijing The US secretary of state is also scheduled for an extended discussion and additional talks with Qin, as well as China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, on Monday. However, it is not certain that Blinken will meet with the Chinese president. ALSO READ | In US-China struggle for global dominance, the outcome is uncertain Notably, the talks on Sunday have been described as useful by both China and US as Washington called them “candid, substantive, and constructive” while Chinese state media characterised them as “candid, in-depth and constructive.” On Sunday, Qin greeted Blinken and his delegation at the door to a villa on the grounds of Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guest House. The US official will also hold a second day of meetings Monday and address reporters before leaving for Washington. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US-China ties: Blinken, Qin hold ‘candid,’ ‘constructive’ talks, agree to meet again in Washington

<p>US President Joe Biden left many people puzzled and questioning his intent after he concluded his speech on Friday at the National Safer Communities Summit in Connecticut. Speaking before an audience of gun safety advocates and survivors of gun violence at the University of Hartford, Biden's closing remarks, "Alright? God save the Queen, man," triggered a wave of confusion and criticism on social media.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President Biden ends gun control speech in Connecticut by saying 'God save the Queen, man.'<a href="https://t.co/3jdKqarg9m">pic.twitter.com/3jdKqarg9m</a></p>
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1669831949991706625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>'God Save The Queen' trends on Twitter</strong></h2>

<p>Shortly after the speech, "God Save The Queen" began trending on Twitter as users sought to make sense of the president's remark. Some speculated whether Biden was referencing Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, who had passed away in September of the previous year. It's worth noting that President Biden attended the queen's funeral on September 19, leading to further speculation about a potential connection.</p>

<p>Todd Gillman, the White House correspondent for the Dallas Morning News, covered Biden's speech and admitted that he, along with other pool reporters present in the room, did not grasp the ‘intended’ meaning behind the phrase. Gillman shared his confusion on Friday, writing, "Several of you have asked me why he might have said that. I have no idea. Other poolers likewise have no idea."</p>

<h2><strong>Biden’s remarks on gun control measures</strong></h2>

<p>During his address, President Biden expressed his deep concern about the prevalent issue of gun violence in the United States, emphasising that it occurs "every damn day." He advocated for various gun control measures, including universal background checks and the banning of AR-15s. Biden made it clear that he remains steadfast and resolute in his commitment to combating gun violence, vowing to never yield on the issue.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/witness-us-president-joe-bidens-most-memorable-gaffes-447380"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Witness US President Joe Biden's most memorable gaffes</strong></a></p>

<p>Addressing the weariness felt by many individuals, the president empathised with the public, stating, "A lot of you are tired. You're tired. No, I get it. Try being 110 and doing it again." Biden added, "Whether you are Democrat or Republic we all want families to be safe. We all want to drop them off at a house of worship, a mall, a movie, a school door without worrying that's the last time we're ever see them."</p>

<p>As the online confusion continues, the intentions behind President Biden's closing remark remain a mystery.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US President Joe Biden left many people puzzled and questioning his intent after he concluded his speech on Friday at the National Safer Communities Summit in Connecticut.

US President Joe Biden left many people puzzled and questioning his intent after he concluded his speech on Friday at the National Safer Communities Summit in Connecticut. Speaking before an audience of gun safety advocates and survivors of gun violence at the University of Hartford, Biden's closing remarks, "Alright? God save the Queen, man," triggered a wave of confusion and criticism on social media. President Biden ends gun control speech in Connecticut by saying 'God save the Queen, man.'pic.twitter.com/3jdKqarg9m — The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) June 16, 2023 × 'God Save The Queen' trends on Twitter Shortly after the speech, "God Save The Queen" began trending on Twitter as users sought to make sense of the president's remark. Some speculated whether Biden was referencing Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, who had passed away in September of the previous year. It's worth noting that President Biden attended the queen's funeral on September 19, leading to further speculation about a potential connection. Todd Gillman, the White House correspondent for the Dallas Morning News, covered Biden's speech and admitted that he, along with other pool reporters present in the room, did not grasp the ‘intended’ meaning behind the phrase. Gillman shared his confusion on Friday, writing, "Several of you have asked me why he might have said that. I have no idea. Other poolers likewise have no idea." Biden’s remarks on gun control measures During his address, President Biden expressed his deep concern about the prevalent issue of gun violence in the United States, emphasising that it occurs "every damn day." He advocated for various gun control measures, including universal background checks and the banning of AR-15s. Biden made it clear that he remains steadfast and resolute in his commitment to combating gun violence, vowing to never yield on the issue. Also read: Witness US President Joe Biden's most memorable gaffes Addressing the weariness felt by many individuals, the president empathised with the public, stating, "A lot of you are tired. You're tired. No, I get it. Try being 110 and doing it again." Biden added, "Whether you are Democrat or Republic we all want families to be safe. We all want to drop them off at a house of worship, a mall, a movie, a school door without worrying that's the last time we're ever see them." As the online confusion continues, the intentions behind President Biden's closing remark remain a mystery. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘God save the Queen, man,’ Biden leaves crowd puzzled with mysterious remarks, watch

In Pics | Biden hosts Juneteenth concert at the White House

<p>US President Joe Biden said on Thursday (June 8) that security risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be addressed. He was speaking at joint press conference with British PM Rishi Sunak.</p>

<p>"I don't think ever in the history of human endeavour has there been as fundamental potential technological change as is presented by artificial intelligence. It is staggering," said Biden.</p>

<p>PM Sunak said that that the US and the UK have agreed to work together on AI safety.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas | About Ducking Time: Apple to introduce AI-powered autocorrect</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-about-ducking-time-apple-to-introduce-ai-powered-autocorrect-601459/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Today, the President and I agreed to work together on AI safety," said Sunak.</p>

<p>Thursday's discussion between the two leaders had a focus on ensuring safety over AI and other technologies that are emerging, said Sunak. He said that Britain would host the first AI summit this year. The summit will see how the risks posed by AI can be tackled through global action.</p>

<p>"The UK looks forward to hosting the first global summit on AI safety later this year, so that we can seize the extraordinary possibilities of this new technological age, and do so with confidence," said Sunak.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-adopt-atlantic-declaration-to-tackle-emerging-global-threats-602333">US, UK adopt 'Atlantic Declaration' to tackle emerging global threats</a></strong></p>

<p>The last meeting between Biden and Sunak took place in Hiroshima, Japan last month at the Group of Seven (G7) summit. The two leaders also met in Belfast in April and before that in San Diego in March.</p>

<h2><strong>Supporting Ukraine for ‘as long as it takes’</strong></h2>

<p>During the joint press conference,&nbsp;Biden expressed confidence that the US will support Ukraine in its war with Russia for 'as long as it takes'. There has been some hesitation among US lawmakers of Republican Party about helping Ukraine in an indefinite manner.</p>

<p>"The fact of the matter is that I believe we'll have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes," said Biden.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained territorial gains in the first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattacks. Western countries, led by the US have poured in millions and millions of dollars for humanitarian as well as military help for Ukraine. This, among other factors, has been credited for Ukraine's success in defending its territory so far.</p>

<h2><strong>Sunak condemns France knife attack</strong></h2>

<p>At the press conference, PM Sunak condemned a knife attack in French Alps in a park that wounded four preschool children including one from the UK.</p>

<p>"All our thoughts are with those affected by this unfathomable attack, including a British child," Sunak said at the start of the news conference.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US President Joe Biden said on Thursday (June 8) that security risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be addressed. He was speaking at joint press conference with British PM Rishi Sunak.

US President Joe Biden said on Thursday (June 8) that security risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be addressed. He was speaking at joint press conference with British PM Rishi Sunak. "I don't think ever in the history of human endeavour has there been as fundamental potential technological change as is presented by artificial intelligence. It is staggering," said Biden. PM Sunak said that that the US and the UK have agreed to work together on AI safety. Gravitas | About Ducking Time: Apple to introduce AI-powered autocorrect × "Today, the President and I agreed to work together on AI safety," said Sunak. Thursday's discussion between the two leaders had a focus on ensuring safety over AI and other technologies that are emerging, said Sunak. He said that Britain would host the first AI summit this year. The summit will see how the risks posed by AI can be tackled through global action. "The UK looks forward to hosting the first global summit on AI safety later this year, so that we can seize the extraordinary possibilities of this new technological age, and do so with confidence," said Sunak. Also Read | US, UK adopt 'Atlantic Declaration' to tackle emerging global threats The last meeting between Biden and Sunak took place in Hiroshima, Japan last month at the Group of Seven (G7) summit. The two leaders also met in Belfast in April and before that in San Diego in March. Supporting Ukraine for ‘as long as it takes’ During the joint press conference, Biden expressed confidence that the US will support Ukraine in its war with Russia for 'as long as it takes'. There has been some hesitation among US lawmakers of Republican Party about helping Ukraine in an indefinite manner. "The fact of the matter is that I believe we'll have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes," said Biden. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained territorial gains in the first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattacks. Western countries, led by the US have poured in millions and millions of dollars for humanitarian as well as military help for Ukraine. This, among other factors, has been credited for Ukraine's success in defending its territory so far. Sunak condemns France knife attack At the press conference, PM Sunak condemned a knife attack in French Alps in a park that wounded four preschool children including one from the UK. "All our thoughts are with those affected by this unfathomable attack, including a British child," Sunak said at the start of the news conference. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

AI risks need to be addressed, says Biden in joint news conference with Sunak

<p>The United States and the United Kingdom on Thursday (June 8) struck a fresh strategic pact underlining the "special relationship" to tackle China, Russia and economic instability. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak adopted an "Atlantic Declaration" which is aimed at boosting industry ties on defence and renewable energy. The countries have come together in the face of growing competition from China.</p>

<p>Both leader met in a White House summit and discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Artificial Intelligence (AI) which has seen rapid development in recent months.</p>

<p>But Sunak came away empty-handed on Britain's ambitions for a post-Brexit free-trade agreement with Washington, settling instead to tack along with Biden's plan to craft a new green economy through vast industrial subsidies.</p>

<p>"We face new challenges to international stability -- from authoritarian states such as Russia and the People's Republic of China; disruptive technologies; non-state actors; and transnational challenges like climate change," the declaration read.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Does the US know how Kyiv is using their weapons? | Russia-Ukraine war</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/does-the-us-know-how-kyiv-is-using-their-weapons-russia-ukraine-war-602329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Biden said that the "special" transatlantic partnership was "in real good shape," giving a thumbs-up as he welcomed Sunak.</p>

<p>Leaders of both nations agreed that the world economy was going through biggest challenges since the Industrial Revolution. This is in part driven by AI, which is bringing doomsday warnings about sentient machines wiping out humanity unless there is a co-ordinated response from governments.</p>

<h2><strong>World's first AI summit</strong></h2>

<p>Sunak said that Biden supported his plan to bring together "likeminded" countries for the world's first AI summit in Britain this year. British PM also wants his country to host a future AI regulator.</p>

<p>Yet there are headwinds for Sunak's ambitions, with the United States and European Union already engaged in their own dialogue on an AI code of conduct as industry figures plead for regulation.</p>

<p>"One thing I'm confident won't change is the strength of our partnership, our friendship, and we will put our values front and centre, as we've always done, to deliver for the British and American people," he told Biden.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-panel-passes-legislation-to-strip-china-of-developing-status-602509">US Senate panel passes legislation to strip China of 'developing' status</a></strong></p>

<p>Sunak opined that the Atlantic Declaration will help tackle extreme instability in the energy markets caused by Russian actions. However, both US and the UK are reluctant to blame Moscow for destruction of a Ukraine dam this week.</p>

<p>Sunak's first White House summit was equally about re-forging personal relationships after Britain went through three prime ministers last year, and after Biden made clear his displeasure about its handling of Northern Ireland.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.  https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form  WATCH WION LIVE HERE  &lt;iframe allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; allowfullscreen=&quot;&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;350&quot; src=https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot; loading=”lazy”&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;">here</a>.</p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The United States and the United Kingdom on Thursday (June 8) struck a fresh strategic pact underlining the "special relationship" to tackle China, Russia and economic instability.

The United States and the United Kingdom on Thursday (June 8) struck a fresh strategic pact underlining the "special relationship" to tackle China, Russia and economic instability. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak adopted an "Atlantic Declaration" which is aimed at boosting industry ties on defence and renewable energy. The countries have come together in the face of growing competition from China. Both leader met in a White House summit and discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Artificial Intelligence (AI) which has seen rapid development in recent months. But Sunak came away empty-handed on Britain's ambitions for a post-Brexit free-trade agreement with Washington, settling instead to tack along with Biden's plan to craft a new green economy through vast industrial subsidies. "We face new challenges to international stability -- from authoritarian states such as Russia and the People's Republic of China; disruptive technologies; non-state actors; and transnational challenges like climate change," the declaration read. Watch | Does the US know how Kyiv is using their weapons? | Russia-Ukraine war × Biden said that the "special" transatlantic partnership was "in real good shape," giving a thumbs-up as he welcomed Sunak. Leaders of both nations agreed that the world economy was going through biggest challenges since the Industrial Revolution. This is in part driven by AI, which is bringing doomsday warnings about sentient machines wiping out humanity unless there is a co-ordinated response from governments. World's first AI summit Sunak said that Biden supported his plan to bring together "likeminded" countries for the world's first AI summit in Britain this year. British PM also wants his country to host a future AI regulator. Yet there are headwinds for Sunak's ambitions, with the United States and European Union already engaged in their own dialogue on an AI code of conduct as industry figures plead for regulation. "One thing I'm confident won't change is the strength of our partnership, our friendship, and we will put our values front and centre, as we've always done, to deliver for the British and American people," he told Biden. Also Read | US Senate panel passes legislation to strip China of 'developing' status Sunak opined that the Atlantic Declaration will help tackle extreme instability in the energy markets caused by Russian actions. However, both US and the UK are reluctant to blame Moscow for destruction of a Ukraine dam this week. Sunak's first White House summit was equally about re-forging personal relationships after Britain went through three prime ministers last year, and after Biden made clear his displeasure about its handling of Northern Ireland. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US, UK adopt 'Atlantic Declaration' to tackle emerging global threats

<p>United States President Joe Biden’s White House Pride Month event, which was expected to be the largest in the country’s history, was postponed from Thursday (June 8) until Saturday, said officials citing poor air quality due to the smoke drifting in from the wildfires in neighbouring Canada. This comes as the US president was expected to announce a number of steps to support the&nbsp;LGBTQ+ community.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the White House Pride Month event</strong></h2>

<p>The White House, in a statement, on Thursday said, “Today’s Pride event on the White House South Lawn will be postponed until Saturday based on the projected air quality in the region.” The event at&nbsp;the White House is expected to witness thousands of guests from across the country, including LGBTQ+ families and features&nbsp;Betty Who and Baltimore DJ Queen HD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Biden administration has said previously also that it is a deliberate move by the president, a Democrat, to contrast the Republicans and others who have targeted LGBTQ+ people. “This year we’re seeing a disturbing surge in violent threats against LGBTQ community organizations,” said domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pride-is-back-at-the-white-house-biden-says-signing-pulse-nightclub-bill-394105">'Pride is back at the White House,' Biden says, signing Pulse nightclub bill</a></strong></p>

<p>“In too many parts of our country, LGBTQ Americans are being targeted for who they are, and that, simply put, is discrimination,” she was quoted as saying by Reuters.<br />
<br />
Karine Jean-Pierre, the first openly gay White House press secretary,&nbsp;also spoke about how Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as well as their spouses are strong supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.</p>

<p>Jean-Pierre&nbsp;said that people need to know that the US president has “their back” and “will continue to fight for them. And that’s the message that we want to make sure that gets out there.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-holds-emergency-meeting-over-lgbtq-merchandise-relocates-pride-displays-report-595764">Target holds ‘emergency’ meeting, relocates LGBTQ merchandise from June Pride month displays: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, Biden’s own views about the LGBTQ+ community have evolved over the years in public life but his support as then-vice president in 2012 for same-sex marriage is seen as a turning point which was followed by then-President Barack Obama who publicly showed his support for gay marriage a few days later.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are Biden’s proposals for LGBTQ+ community?</strong></h2>

<p>In late 2022, Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law which would federally recognise same-sex marriage amid concerns that the Supreme Court could reverse its legal support of such relationships.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mid-term-elections-2022-in-a-first-lgbtq-candidates-to-contest-from-all-50-states-530616">US mid-term elections 2022: In a first, LGBTQ candidates to contest from all 50 states</a></strong><br />
<br />
Additionally, the upcoming proposals seem to largely counter the number of bills proposed and signed into law by Republican-led states which target transgender youth, ban books, and even stop teachers from discussing gender or sexuality with younger children. Recently, conservative lawmakers in several US states have also proposed or passed laws restricting drag performances.</p>

<p>The Biden administration is expected to announce a new coordinator in the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights which would help navigate the rise in book bans across the country. White House has previously said, such bans erode democracy and have an impact on LGBTQ kids as the books banned are about them, which could contribute to more&nbsp;stigma and lead to isolation.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tennessee-may-become-first-us-state-to-ban-drag-shows-565251">Tennessee may become first US state to ban drag shows in public, before kids&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The Department of Justice is expected to announce an expansion of its work with state and local law enforcement to protect the community. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services departments are expected to issue a new advisory for mental health care providers supporting transgender kids.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>LGBTQ+ state of emergency in the US</strong></h2>

<p>The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest advocacy organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals&nbsp;in the US, on Tuesday declared its first national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ individuals. The group cited hundreds of legislation in statehouses across the country which are aimed at regulating the lives of queer people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ugandas-anti-homosexuality-act-floridas-dont-say-gay-move-to-amplify-further-575136">After Uganda's anti-homosexuality act, Florida's 'don't say gay' move to amplify further</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, the organisation also released a guidebook which outlined laws it deems discriminatory in various states. The organisation said that it acted in response to an “unprecedented and dangerous” rise in anti-LGBTQ bills which were signed into law.</p>

<p>According to the HRC, more than 70 bills which they consider anti-LGBTQ were passed in statehouses this legislative session which is nearly double from last year. The organisation also said that at least 525 bills were introduced out of which 220 affect transgender people. “This is a full-out crisis for our communities that demands a concerted response,” the campaign’s president, Kelley Robinson told The Associated Press.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


United States President Joe Biden’s White House Pride Month event, which was expected to be the largest in the country’s history, was postponed from Thursday (June 8) until Saturday, said officials citing poor air quality due to the smoke drifting in from the wildfires in neighbouring Canada.

United States President Joe Biden’s White House Pride Month event, which was expected to be the largest in the country’s history, was postponed from Thursday (June 8) until Saturday, said officials citing poor air quality due to the smoke drifting in from the wildfires in neighbouring Canada. This comes as the US president was expected to announce a number of steps to support the LGBTQ+ community. About the White House Pride Month event The White House, in a statement, on Thursday said, “Today’s Pride event on the White House South Lawn will be postponed until Saturday based on the projected air quality in the region.” The event at the White House is expected to witness thousands of guests from across the country, including LGBTQ+ families and features Betty Who and Baltimore DJ Queen HD. The Biden administration has said previously also that it is a deliberate move by the president, a Democrat, to contrast the Republicans and others who have targeted LGBTQ+ people. “This year we’re seeing a disturbing surge in violent threats against LGBTQ community organizations,” said domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden. ALSO READ | 'Pride is back at the White House,' Biden says, signing Pulse nightclub bill “In too many parts of our country, LGBTQ Americans are being targeted for who they are, and that, simply put, is discrimination,” she was quoted as saying by Reuters. Karine Jean-Pierre, the first openly gay White House press secretary, also spoke about how Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as well as their spouses are strong supporters of the LGBTQ+ community. Jean-Pierre said that people need to know that the US president has “their back” and “will continue to fight for them. And that’s the message that we want to make sure that gets out there.” ALSO READ | Target holds ‘emergency’ meeting, relocates LGBTQ merchandise from June Pride month displays: Report Notably, Biden’s own views about the LGBTQ+ community have evolved over the years in public life but his support as then-vice president in 2012 for same-sex marriage is seen as a turning point which was followed by then-President Barack Obama who publicly showed his support for gay marriage a few days later. What are Biden’s proposals for LGBTQ+ community? In late 2022, Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law which would federally recognise same-sex marriage amid concerns that the Supreme Court could reverse its legal support of such relationships. ALSO READ | US mid-term elections 2022: In a first, LGBTQ candidates to contest from all 50 states Additionally, the upcoming proposals seem to largely counter the number of bills proposed and signed into law by Republican-led states which target transgender youth, ban books, and even stop teachers from discussing gender or sexuality with younger children. Recently, conservative lawmakers in several US states have also proposed or passed laws restricting drag performances. The Biden administration is expected to announce a new coordinator in the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights which would help navigate the rise in book bans across the country. White House has previously said, such bans erode democracy and have an impact on LGBTQ kids as the books banned are about them, which could contribute to more stigma and lead to isolation. ALSO READ | Tennessee may become first US state to ban drag shows in public, before kids The Department of Justice is expected to announce an expansion of its work with state and local law enforcement to protect the community. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services departments are expected to issue a new advisory for mental health care providers supporting transgender kids. LGBTQ+ state of emergency in the US The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest advocacy organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals in the US, on Tuesday declared its first national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ individuals. The group cited hundreds of legislation in statehouses across the country which are aimed at regulating the lives of queer people. ALSO READ | After Uganda's anti-homosexuality act, Florida's 'don't say gay' move to amplify further Additionally, the organisation also released a guidebook which outlined laws it deems discriminatory in various states. The organisation said that it acted in response to an “unprecedented and dangerous” rise in anti-LGBTQ bills which were signed into law. According to the HRC, more than 70 bills which they consider anti-LGBTQ were passed in statehouses this legislative session which is nearly double from last year. The organisation also said that at least 525 bills were introduced out of which 220 affect transgender people. “This is a full-out crisis for our communities that demands a concerted response,” the campaign’s president, Kelley Robinson told The Associated Press. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Biden’s Pride Month event postponed due to Canada wildfires’ smoke; to unveil several LGBTQ+ proposals

<p>One of the major US cities, New York, has been disrupted as&nbsp;millions of people were affected by a thick hazardous blanket of smoke which descended over the city&nbsp;due to the ongoing wildfires across the border in Canada.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of Thursday (June 8), local media reports said that the air quality in the city is the worst in decades which has affected flights to the NYC area and Philadelphia, as well as prompted the closure of some schools and sports and other events. It also led to cancellations of shows on Broadway.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How bad is the air quality in New York?</strong></h2>

<p>The Air Quality Index (AQI), as of Thursday morning, was reported to be 183 on a scale of 0-500, while it peaked on Wednesday afternoon at 405, which is the worst air quality on record for New York City. The previous record was 279 back in 1981.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as forest fires continue to rage in Canada with nearly 3.8 million hectares already burnt,&nbsp;prompting&nbsp;the evacuation&nbsp;of thousands of people across Canada while also covering several cities in the United States with a smoky haze.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New York state officials issued another Air Quality Health Advisory for Thursday for the entire state except for the northern region of the Adirondacks. “The air quality is forecasted to reach ‘Unhealthy’ AQI levels in NYC Metro, Long Island, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central &amp; Western NY,” said the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per data from the Switzerland-based IQAir, as of 11:00 am (local time), PM2.5 concentration was 19.8 times the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline value. However, no respite is expected any time soon as reports say the smoke is set to intensify in Canada’s Ottawa and Toronto, as well as several US cities including Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York, and so on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the air quality in many parts of the northeastern US as “unhealthy", particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. Speaking to BBC, Professor Matthew Adams, the director of the Centre of Urban Environments at the University of Toronto, noted the immediate effects of inhaling wildfire smoke.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This includes shortness of breath, elevated pulse, chest pain, and inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat, “On these elevated air pollution days, we’ll see an increased number of visits to the hospital,” Adams told BBC.</p>

<h2><strong>Thousands of flights delayed</strong></h2>

<p>The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;said that flights to NYC-area and Philadelphia airports have been delayed after the smoke reduced visibility. The agency also said that there were delays averaging 54 minutes at NYC’s LaGuardia Airport.&nbsp;This was after some flights were also halted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FAA also warned that further delays may also take place for flights going to Washington and Charlotte, North Carolina. Visibility issues also reportedly caused some delays at the Newark Liberty Airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, one of the biggest carriers in the US, United Airlines, said that it is waiving change fees and fare differences for passengers who have been forced to reschedule trips Thursday and Friday for cities impacted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Several schools across New York shut</strong></h2>

<p>According to local media reports, several schools in the NYC area were closed, as of Thursday. Meanwhile, NYC public schools announced that while schools will be open, all outdoor activities have been cancelled. “We urge everyone to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. All NYC Public Schools will be cancelling all outdoor activities today,” NYC Public Schools, said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Broadway shows cancelled, postponed</strong></h2>

<p>A report by NBC News New York said that Wednesday’s matinee performance on Broadway was cancelled 10 minutes after it started as Jodie Comer in the production of her one-woman show, ‘Prima Facie’, “had difficulty breathing due to the poor air quality in New York City because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also added that performances of ‘Camelot’ and ‘Hamilton’ were also postponed after producers raised concerns over the air quality.</p>

<h2><strong>NYC zoos and aquariums shut after drop in air quality</strong></h2>

<p>The four major zoos in NYC -&nbsp;Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo - as well as the NY Aquarium, were shut on Wednesday at 3:00 pm (local time), “out of concern for our staff, visitors and animals,” said the Bronx Zoo in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>MLB game postponed</h2>

<p>The Major League Baseball (MLB) match between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees was postponed on Wednesday night due to the poor air quality. However, the Yankees also announced it will be played on Thursday. However, reports suggest that the decision would depend on the air quality.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>New Yorkers advised to mask-up</strong></h2>

<p>New York Governor Kathy Hochul also announced that the state was making one million N95 masks available at state facilities. On Thursday, she also said air quality continues to be unhealthy in many areas of the state and asked people to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid strenuous activities to reduce negative health effects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If you must travel outdoors, high-quality masks help reduce exposure. Stay safe, New York,” said Hochul. This also comes a day after she said officials “highly recommend&nbsp;that outdoor activities be postponed or cancelled as we wait for safer air quality conditions.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US offers to help Canada with ‘historic’ wildfires</strong></h2>

<p>US President Joe Biden also offered Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “additional support to respond to the devastating and historic wildfires burning in Canada,” said the White House, after the two leaders spoke.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “The President has directed his team to deploy all available Federal firefighting assets that can rapidly assist in suppressing fires impacting Canadian and American communities. To date, the United States has deployed more than 600 US&nbsp;firefighters and support personnel, and other firefighting assets to respond to the fires.”</p>

<h2><strong>Weather to make matters worse</strong></h2>

<p>So far, officials not just in New York but several cities on the east coast have extended “Code Red” air quality alerts for the third day. The smoke from the wildfires in Canada also moved over to Greenland and Iceland, earlier this month, and is expected to reach Norway on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey, as per The Associated Press, also said that weather has also been a driving factor in the Canadian-American smokeout, which he attributed to a low-pressure system over Maine and Nova Scotia and “will probably be hanging around at least for the next few days.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Conditions are likely to remain unhealthy, at least until the wind direction changes or the fires get put out.&nbsp;However, considering that the fires are still raging and are really large,&nbsp;the advisory&nbsp;might continue for weeks."&nbsp;Ramsey&nbsp;added that “it’s really just going be all about the wind shift".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


One of the major US cities, New York, has been disrupted as millions of people were affected by a thick hazardous blanket of smoke which descended over the city due to the ongoing wildfires across the border in Canada.

One of the major US cities, New York, has been disrupted as millions of people were affected by a thick hazardous blanket of smoke which descended over the city due to the ongoing wildfires across the border in Canada. As of Thursday (June 8), local media reports said that the air quality in the city is the worst in decades which has affected flights to the NYC area and Philadelphia, as well as prompted the closure of some schools and sports and other events. It also led to cancellations of shows on Broadway. How bad is the air quality in New York? The Air Quality Index (AQI), as of Thursday morning, was reported to be 183 on a scale of 0-500, while it peaked on Wednesday afternoon at 405, which is the worst air quality on record for New York City. The previous record was 279 back in 1981. This comes as forest fires continue to rage in Canada with nearly 3.8 million hectares already burnt, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people across Canada while also covering several cities in the United States with a smoky haze. New York state officials issued another Air Quality Health Advisory for Thursday for the entire state except for the northern region of the Adirondacks. “The air quality is forecasted to reach ‘Unhealthy’ AQI levels in NYC Metro, Long Island, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central & Western NY,” said the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in a tweet. As per data from the Switzerland-based IQAir, as of 11:00 am (local time), PM2.5 concentration was 19.8 times the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline value. However, no respite is expected any time soon as reports say the smoke is set to intensify in Canada’s Ottawa and Toronto, as well as several US cities including Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York, and so on. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the air quality in many parts of the northeastern US as “unhealthy", particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. Speaking to BBC, Professor Matthew Adams, the director of the Centre of Urban Environments at the University of Toronto, noted the immediate effects of inhaling wildfire smoke. This includes shortness of breath, elevated pulse, chest pain, and inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat, “On these elevated air pollution days, we’ll see an increased number of visits to the hospital,” Adams told BBC. Thousands of flights delayed The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday said that flights to NYC-area and Philadelphia airports have been delayed after the smoke reduced visibility. The agency also said that there were delays averaging 54 minutes at NYC’s LaGuardia Airport. This was after some flights were also halted. The FAA also warned that further delays may also take place for flights going to Washington and Charlotte, North Carolina. Visibility issues also reportedly caused some delays at the Newark Liberty Airport. Meanwhile, one of the biggest carriers in the US, United Airlines, said that it is waiving change fees and fare differences for passengers who have been forced to reschedule trips Thursday and Friday for cities impacted. Several schools across New York shut According to local media reports, several schools in the NYC area were closed, as of Thursday. Meanwhile, NYC public schools announced that while schools will be open, all outdoor activities have been cancelled. “We urge everyone to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. All NYC Public Schools will be cancelling all outdoor activities today,” NYC Public Schools, said in a statement. Broadway shows cancelled, postponed A report by NBC News New York said that Wednesday’s matinee performance on Broadway was cancelled 10 minutes after it started as Jodie Comer in the production of her one-woman show, ‘Prima Facie’, “had difficulty breathing due to the poor air quality in New York City because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires.” The report also added that performances of ‘Camelot’ and ‘Hamilton’ were also postponed after producers raised concerns over the air quality. NYC zoos and aquariums shut after drop in air quality The four major zoos in NYC - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo - as well as the NY Aquarium, were shut on Wednesday at 3:00 pm (local time), “out of concern for our staff, visitors and animals,” said the Bronx Zoo in a statement. MLB game postponed The Major League Baseball (MLB) match between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees was postponed on Wednesday night due to the poor air quality. However, the Yankees also announced it will be played on Thursday. However, reports suggest that the decision would depend on the air quality. New Yorkers advised to mask-up New York Governor Kathy Hochul also announced that the state was making one million N95 masks available at state facilities. On Thursday, she also said air quality continues to be unhealthy in many areas of the state and asked people to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid strenuous activities to reduce negative health effects. “If you must travel outdoors, high-quality masks help reduce exposure. Stay safe, New York,” said Hochul. This also comes a day after she said officials “highly recommend that outdoor activities be postponed or cancelled as we wait for safer air quality conditions.” US offers to help Canada with ‘historic’ wildfires US President Joe Biden also offered Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “additional support to respond to the devastating and historic wildfires burning in Canada,” said the White House, after the two leaders spoke. It added, “The President has directed his team to deploy all available Federal firefighting assets that can rapidly assist in suppressing fires impacting Canadian and American communities. To date, the United States has deployed more than 600 US firefighters and support personnel, and other firefighting assets to respond to the fires.” Weather to make matters worse So far, officials not just in New York but several cities on the east coast have extended “Code Red” air quality alerts for the third day. The smoke from the wildfires in Canada also moved over to Greenland and Iceland, earlier this month, and is expected to reach Norway on Thursday. US National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey, as per The Associated Press, also said that weather has also been a driving factor in the Canadian-American smokeout, which he attributed to a low-pressure system over Maine and Nova Scotia and “will probably be hanging around at least for the next few days.” He added, “Conditions are likely to remain unhealthy, at least until the wind direction changes or the fires get put out. However, considering that the fires are still raging and are really large, the advisory might continue for weeks." Ramsey added that “it’s really just going be all about the wind shift". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Flight delays, closure of schools, zoos, even Broadway. How wildfires disrupted New York

<p>A woman who alleged that US President Joe Biden&nbsp;sexually assaulted her in 1993&nbsp;has sought Russian citizenship after defecting to the country. Ex-Senate staffer Tara Reade had made the accusations in 2020 when Biden was seeking a Democratic nomination for the president's post.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reade, in an interview with the Russian state media, appeared alongside&nbsp;Maria Butina, a Russian lawmaker, who was&nbsp;imprisoned in Washington in 2018 for being an&nbsp;alleged spy and said she&nbsp;feels right at home in Moscow&nbsp;after fleeing the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I got off the plane in Moscow, for the first time in a very long time I felt safe, and I felt heard and felt respected," said Reade, according to Sputnik News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m still kind of in a daze a bit but I feel very good. I feel very surrounded by protection and safety. And I just really so appreciate Maria and everyone who’s been giving me that at a time when it’s been very difficult to know if I’m safe or not," she added.</p>

<p>Reade requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant her citizenship, adding that she will remain a "good citizen".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'd like to apply for citizenship in Russia, from the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;I do promise to be a good citizen."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-the-us-prepared-to-fight-in-space-amid-threat-posed-by-provocative-russia-china-597928"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Is the U.S. prepared to fight in space amid threat posed by ‘provocative’ Russia &amp; China?</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-the-us-prepared-to-fight-in-space-amid-threat-posed-by-provocative-russia-china-597928/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>What were Reade's accusations?</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, in the run-up to the 2020 elections, Reade in an interview said the Democrat leader attempted to sexually assault her. Then a junior staffer, Reade was tasked with bringing Biden's gym bag to him in his Senate office when the incident occurred.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“l want to f— you,” the former staffer said Biden told her while pinning her up against the wall. She added that what happened next "happened very quickly".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-assault-accuser-calls-on-him-to-quit-us-presidential-race-297348"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Biden's assault accuser calls on him to quit US Presidential race&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>“I remember being pushed up against the wall. The first thought I had was ‘Where’s the bag?’ which is an absurd thought, but that’s what I thought,” she said.</p>

<p>“He had his hands underneath my clothes, and it happened all at once, so when I tell about it, it’s hard because so many things were happening at once, it’s like my brain was trying to catch up to what was happening."</p>

<p>However, Biden denied all the allegations saying the incident never happened.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is not true. I'm saying unequivocally it never, never happened," he said.</p>

<p>Reade said she filed a complaint after the alleged incident, but no record of it has been found.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A woman who alleged that US President Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993 has sought Russian citizenship after defecting to the country. Ex-Senate staffer Tara Reade had made the accusations in 2020 when Biden was seeking a Democratic nomination for the president's post.

A woman who alleged that US President Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993 has sought Russian citizenship after defecting to the country. Ex-Senate staffer Tara Reade had made the accusations in 2020 when Biden was seeking a Democratic nomination for the president's post. Reade, in an interview with the Russian state media, appeared alongside Maria Butina, a Russian lawmaker, who was imprisoned in Washington in 2018 for being an alleged spy and said she feels right at home in Moscow after fleeing the United States. "When I got off the plane in Moscow, for the first time in a very long time I felt safe, and I felt heard and felt respected," said Reade, according to Sputnik News. “I’m still kind of in a daze a bit but I feel very good. I feel very surrounded by protection and safety. And I just really so appreciate Maria and everyone who’s been giving me that at a time when it’s been very difficult to know if I’m safe or not," she added. Reade requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant her citizenship, adding that she will remain a "good citizen". "I'd like to apply for citizenship in Russia, from the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. I do promise to be a good citizen." WATCH | Is the U.S. prepared to fight in space amid threat posed by ‘provocative’ Russia & China? × What were Reade's accusations? Notably, in the run-up to the 2020 elections, Reade in an interview said the Democrat leader attempted to sexually assault her. Then a junior staffer, Reade was tasked with bringing Biden's gym bag to him in his Senate office when the incident occurred. “l want to f— you,” the former staffer said Biden told her while pinning her up against the wall. She added that what happened next "happened very quickly". ALSO READ | Biden's assault accuser calls on him to quit US Presidential race “I remember being pushed up against the wall. The first thought I had was ‘Where’s the bag?’ which is an absurd thought, but that’s what I thought,” she said. “He had his hands underneath my clothes, and it happened all at once, so when I tell about it, it’s hard because so many things were happening at once, it’s like my brain was trying to catch up to what was happening." However, Biden denied all the allegations saying the incident never happened. "It is not true. I'm saying unequivocally it never, never happened," he said. Reade said she filed a complaint after the alleged incident, but no record of it has been found. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden's sexual assault accuser calls on Putin for Russian citizenship after defecting

<p>The United States Secret Service has&nbsp;arrested a 19-year-old they believe might have “intentionally” crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House&nbsp;on Monday night (May 22). No injuries were reported following the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What we know about the incident</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, the incident occurred at around 10:00 pm (local time). The suspect was later identified as Sai Varshith Kandula from Chesterfield,&nbsp;a city in St. Louis County in the US state of Missouri, by the US Park Police, on Tuesday morning. He is of Indian origin.</p>

<p>"There were no injuries to any Secret Service or White House personnel and the cause and manner of the crash remain under investigation," said&nbsp;Guglielmi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The U-Haul truck’s driver crashed into a security barrier near the north side of Lafayette Square, said the Secret Service spokesperson. Images from the scene showed multiple police personnel, both from the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. The officials also searched the truck after the crash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Reuters witness said investigators found a Nazi flag which supposedly came from inside the truck. Media reports citing footage from WUSA-TV reported that police officers retrieved several items from the truck, including the flag, which were placed in evidence bags.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The footage also showed a box-type, U-Haul truck stopping alongside the steel barricades with multiple officers and a dog approaching the vehicle following the crash, reported Reuters.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A witness to the crash, Chris Zaboji, told Reuters, who also posted a clip of the incident, that the truck drove into the barricades. He also told the news agency that after crashing once, the driver hit the barriers a second time. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“I was walking home from my run on the mall and went through the barricade maybe 20 seconds before they hit the first time. After they rammed it the second time I decided it was time to get the hell out of there,” said Zaboji, on Twitter after posting the clip.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Charges against the suspect</h2>

<p>As per the preliminary investigation, the driver “may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square,” said Guglielmi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Guglielmi had also said that the US Park Police would file charges with investigative support from the Secret Service. According to Park Police, the suspect has been arrested on multiple charges – threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict harm on a president, vice president or member of their family; assault with a dangerous weapon; reckless driving; destruction of federal property; and trespassing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was not immediately clear where US President Joe Biden was at the time of the incident, but he had met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy at the White House earlier in the day to discuss the matter of the US debt ceiling.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The suspect was also interviewed by the&nbsp;Secret Service&nbsp;on Monday night, said a&nbsp;representative, adding that the ongoing probe is being coordinated by the FBI, Secret Service, and US Capitol Police.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
An official also told&nbsp;NBC News that the suspect made threatening statements about the White House and was quickly detained following the crash. As per media reports, a nearby hotel was also evacuated after the incident.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The United States Secret Service has arrested a 19-year-old they believe might have “intentionally” crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House on Monday night (May 22).

The United States Secret Service has arrested a 19-year-old they believe might have “intentionally” crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House on Monday night (May 22). No injuries were reported following the incident. What we know about the incident According to the Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, the incident occurred at around 10:00 pm (local time). The suspect was later identified as Sai Varshith Kandula from Chesterfield, a city in St. Louis County in the US state of Missouri, by the US Park Police, on Tuesday morning. He is of Indian origin. "There were no injuries to any Secret Service or White House personnel and the cause and manner of the crash remain under investigation," said Guglielmi. The U-Haul truck’s driver crashed into a security barrier near the north side of Lafayette Square, said the Secret Service spokesperson. Images from the scene showed multiple police personnel, both from the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. The officials also searched the truck after the crash. A Reuters witness said investigators found a Nazi flag which supposedly came from inside the truck. Media reports citing footage from WUSA-TV reported that police officers retrieved several items from the truck, including the flag, which were placed in evidence bags. The footage also showed a box-type, U-Haul truck stopping alongside the steel barricades with multiple officers and a dog approaching the vehicle following the crash, reported Reuters. A witness to the crash, Chris Zaboji, told Reuters, who also posted a clip of the incident, that the truck drove into the barricades. He also told the news agency that after crashing once, the driver hit the barriers a second time. “I was walking home from my run on the mall and went through the barricade maybe 20 seconds before they hit the first time. After they rammed it the second time I decided it was time to get the hell out of there,” said Zaboji, on Twitter after posting the clip. Charges against the suspect As per the preliminary investigation, the driver “may have intentionally struck the security barriers at Lafayette Square,” said Guglielmi. Earlier, Guglielmi had also said that the US Park Police would file charges with investigative support from the Secret Service. According to Park Police, the suspect has been arrested on multiple charges – threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict harm on a president, vice president or member of their family; assault with a dangerous weapon; reckless driving; destruction of federal property; and trespassing. It was not immediately clear where US President Joe Biden was at the time of the incident, but he had met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy at the White House earlier in the day to discuss the matter of the US debt ceiling. The suspect was also interviewed by the Secret Service on Monday night, said a representative, adding that the ongoing probe is being coordinated by the FBI, Secret Service, and US Capitol Police. An official also told NBC News that the suspect made threatening statements about the White House and was quickly detained following the crash. As per media reports, a nearby hotel was also evacuated after the incident. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian-origin teen crashes into White House barriers, 'wanted to kill' Biden

<p>United States President Joe Biden "looks forward" to holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Hiroshima, stated the White House on Saturday, confirming the meeting of the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit.<br />
<br />
"It's a safe bet that President Biden will meet him," said National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan&nbsp;without giving more details on when the talks have been scheduled. "The president looks forward to the opportunity to be able to sit down face-to-face,” he added.<br />
<br />
The Ukrainian president was expected to reach Japan on Saturday after stopping in Saudi Arabia for the Arab summit, as per the local media. Apart from Biden, Zelensky will also hold talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-leaders-vow-to-starve-russian-war-machine-with-new-set-of-sanctions-594159">G7 leaders vow new set of tech, services sanctions to ‘starve Russian war machine’</a></p>

<p>Zelensky's surprise appearance at the meeting of the richest democracies of the world comes right after the announcement made by the White House that it would allow allied countries to provide Ukraine with US-built F-16 fighter aircraft.<br />
<br />
Ukraine had made several pleas for advanced planes to replace its war-battered and ageing Soviet-era fleet of fighter jets, however, Biden had previously stated that the United States would not allow transfers.<br />
<br />
Concerns were expressed by Washington regarding provoking Moscow and getting directly involved in the ongoing war.<br />
<br />
Sullivan said that transfers of F-16 would not upset the key balance that Washington wants in extending support to Ukraine "in a way that avoids World War III".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine to use F-16 warplanes only for defence: US</strong></h2>

<p>He stated that powerful warplanes would be used in the war only for defence.<br />
<br />
"The United States is not enabling or supporting attacks on Russian territory," he stated, adding that "the Ukrainians have consistently indicated that they are prepared to follow through on that."<br />
<br />
Further speaking about the criticism that the United States waited for too long before allowing allies to send F-16s to Ukraine, Sullivan said that planes are not needed by Ukrainians for an expected offensive aimed at driving Russians back in the coming weeks.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US makes accounting error of $3 billion as equipment sent to Ukraine overvalued</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-makes-and-accounting-error-of-3-billion-as-equipment-sent-to-ukraine-overvalued-594193/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><br />
He added that the F-16s and the training provided to pilots will be part of the Ukrainian air force’s long-term rebuilding.<br />
<br />
Sullivan said, "We've reached a moment where it's time to look down the road and to say 'What is Ukraine going to need... to be able to deter and defend against Russian aggression?'"<br />
<br />
"F-16s, fourth-generation fighter aircraft are part of that mix. The obvious first step there, is to do the training and then to work with allies, partners and the Ukrainians to determine how to do the actual provision points as we move forward,” he added.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


United States President Joe Biden "looks forward" to holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Hiroshima, stated the White House on Saturday, confirming the meeting of the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

United States President Joe Biden "looks forward" to holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Hiroshima, stated the White House on Saturday, confirming the meeting of the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit. "It's a safe bet that President Biden will meet him," said National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan without giving more details on when the talks have been scheduled. "The president looks forward to the opportunity to be able to sit down face-to-face,” he added. The Ukrainian president was expected to reach Japan on Saturday after stopping in Saudi Arabia for the Arab summit, as per the local media. Apart from Biden, Zelensky will also hold talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. ALSO READ | G7 leaders vow new set of tech, services sanctions to ‘starve Russian war machine’ Zelensky's surprise appearance at the meeting of the richest democracies of the world comes right after the announcement made by the White House that it would allow allied countries to provide Ukraine with US-built F-16 fighter aircraft. Ukraine had made several pleas for advanced planes to replace its war-battered and ageing Soviet-era fleet of fighter jets, however, Biden had previously stated that the United States would not allow transfers. Concerns were expressed by Washington regarding provoking Moscow and getting directly involved in the ongoing war. Sullivan said that transfers of F-16 would not upset the key balance that Washington wants in extending support to Ukraine "in a way that avoids World War III". Ukraine to use F-16 warplanes only for defence: US He stated that powerful warplanes would be used in the war only for defence. "The United States is not enabling or supporting attacks on Russian territory," he stated, adding that "the Ukrainians have consistently indicated that they are prepared to follow through on that." Further speaking about the criticism that the United States waited for too long before allowing allies to send F-16s to Ukraine, Sullivan said that planes are not needed by Ukrainians for an expected offensive aimed at driving Russians back in the coming weeks. WATCH | US makes accounting error of $3 billion as equipment sent to Ukraine overvalued He added that the F-16s and the training provided to pilots will be part of the Ukrainian air force’s long-term rebuilding. Sullivan said, "We've reached a moment where it's time to look down the road and to say 'What is Ukraine going to need... to be able to deter and defend against Russian aggression?'" "F-16s, fourth-generation fighter aircraft are part of that mix. The obvious first step there, is to do the training and then to work with allies, partners and the Ukrainians to determine how to do the actual provision points as we move forward,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

G7 Summit: Biden ‘looks forward’ to meeting Ukraine’s Zelensky, says White House

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Thursday arrived in Japan, where he greeted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida by saying, “When our countries stand together, we stand stronger”, which is a sign of how the national security and economic alliance between the two nations have grown.</p>

<p>The US president began his statement by noting that Kishida had stated during a January Washington visit that the countries are facing one of the “most complex” security environments in coming years. “I couldn’t agree with you more,” said Biden.</p>

<p>“We very much welcome that the co-operation has evolved in leaps and bounds,” Kishida said to Biden speaking about the relationship of Japan with the US in their meeting which was held ahead of the G7 summit that starts on Friday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-debt-limit-crisis-spooks-other-g7-member-nations-592544">US debt limit crisis spooks other G7 member nations</a></p>

<p>Hiroshima, the home city of the Kishida family, is hosting the gathering of G7 countries. With this, Hiroshima, where the first nuclear bomb was dropped by the United States in 1945 during World War II, carries newfound resonance.</p>

<p>The US, Japan and their allies have been working on strategies to deal with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as well as have been discussing the increased cadence of Iran’s nuclear programme and North Korea’s ballistic missile tests.</p>

<p>Biden is taking part in the series of discussions while parallelly managing the issue of the debt limit in the United States. The president decided to cut short his trip, which was earlier supposed to be eight-day long so that he can return to Washington at the earliest and avoid any catastrophic default in June which could ripple the global economy.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia-Ukraine war to be discussed in G7: White House</strong></h2>

<p>White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the invasion of Russia looms large, and it will be a significant issue of discussion during the G7 meetings.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Japan G7 summit: No nation wishes to strain ties with economic powerhouse China</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-g7-summit-no-nation-wishes-to-strain-ties-with-economic-powerhouse-china-593647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“There will be discussions about the battlefield,” said Sullivan aboard Air Force One, while emphasising that the G7 leaders would work to remove any possible loopholes in sanctions so that its effect can be maximised. “There’ll be discussions about the state of play on sanctions and the steps that the G-7 will collectively commit to on enforcement in particular,” he said.</p>

<p>Sullivan stated that Biden and Kishida are aiming towards advancing&nbsp;their relationship which has progressed at a good speed in the last two years “in every dimension, whether it’s the military dimension of the alliance, the economic dimension, the recently concluded agreement on clean energy, the work we’re doing together on economic security.”</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</section>
</main>


United States President Joe Biden on Thursday arrived in Japan, where he greeted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida by saying, “When our countries stand together, we stand stronger”, which is a sign of how the national security and economic alliance between the two nations have grown.

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday arrived in Japan, where he greeted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida by saying, “When our countries stand together, we stand stronger”, which is a sign of how the national security and economic alliance between the two nations have grown. The US president began his statement by noting that Kishida had stated during a January Washington visit that the countries are facing one of the “most complex” security environments in coming years. “I couldn’t agree with you more,” said Biden. “We very much welcome that the co-operation has evolved in leaps and bounds,” Kishida said to Biden speaking about the relationship of Japan with the US in their meeting which was held ahead of the G7 summit that starts on Friday. ALSO READ | US debt limit crisis spooks other G7 member nations Hiroshima, the home city of the Kishida family, is hosting the gathering of G7 countries. With this, Hiroshima, where the first nuclear bomb was dropped by the United States in 1945 during World War II, carries newfound resonance. The US, Japan and their allies have been working on strategies to deal with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as well as have been discussing the increased cadence of Iran’s nuclear programme and North Korea’s ballistic missile tests. Biden is taking part in the series of discussions while parallelly managing the issue of the debt limit in the United States. The president decided to cut short his trip, which was earlier supposed to be eight-day long so that he can return to Washington at the earliest and avoid any catastrophic default in June which could ripple the global economy. Russia-Ukraine war to be discussed in G7: White House White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the invasion of Russia looms large, and it will be a significant issue of discussion during the G7 meetings. WATCH | Japan G7 summit: No nation wishes to strain ties with economic powerhouse China “There will be discussions about the battlefield,” said Sullivan aboard Air Force One, while emphasising that the G7 leaders would work to remove any possible loopholes in sanctions so that its effect can be maximised. “There’ll be discussions about the state of play on sanctions and the steps that the G-7 will collectively commit to on enforcement in particular,” he said. Sullivan stated that Biden and Kishida are aiming towards advancing their relationship which has progressed at a good speed in the last two years “in every dimension, whether it’s the military dimension of the alliance, the economic dimension, the recently concluded agreement on clean energy, the work we’re doing together on economic security.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Biden holds talks with Japan’s PM Kishida ahead of G7 summit in Hiroshima

<p>US President Joe Biden has drawn criticism from a lawmaker of Northern Ireland's biggest pro-UK party on Thursday (May 11) over his contentious remarks. Biden has said that the purpose of his trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland was "to make sure... the Brits didn't screw around" with peace in Northern Ireland and "didn't walk away from their commitments".</p>

<p>The comments, relayed in a White House transcript, came as Biden addressed a Democratic party gathering in New York on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you believe that there should be a special relationship between the US and UK then at least show us some respect," said Sammy Wilson, Northern Irish lawmaker from the country's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). He was quoted by London's Evening Standard newspaper.</p>

<p>"It's unbelievable and frightening as well to think this is the man who is the leader of the free world," he added.</p>

<p>The DUP is a pro-UK party and wants Northern Ireland part of the UK. It is currently boycotting the region's power-sharing government over strong disagreements on post-Brexit trade.</p>

<p>A renegotiation of the trade protocol by the EU and UK -- labelled the Windsor Framework -- was largely aimed at remedying unionist concerns that it put Northern Ireland's position in the UK under threat.&nbsp;But the deal has so far been spurned by the DUP.</p>

<p>UK PM Rishi Sunak's spokesperson, when asked about Biden's remarks, said that the framework is "a culmination of substantive work between the UK and the EU".</p>

<p>"And at its heart the UK priority was always protecting the Good Friday Agreement," he told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under Sunak's predecessors Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, the UK's hardline tactics with the EU had drawn warnings from Washington that peace in Northern Ireland could be undermined.</p>

<p>Biden's words found backing from Mary Lou McDonald, president of the Sinn Fein party which wants Irish reunification.</p>

<p>The US position has consistently been "to oppose very vigorously anything that would threaten to undermine either the peace or the Good Friday Agreement", she said.</p>

<p>"So I think President Biden in his own way is simply reiterating a position which has been very clear for a long time."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US President Joe Biden has drawn criticism from a lawmaker of Northern Ireland's biggest pro-UK party on Thursday (May 11) over his contentious remarks. Biden has said that the purpose of his trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland was "to make sure.

US President Joe Biden has drawn criticism from a lawmaker of Northern Ireland's biggest pro-UK party on Thursday (May 11) over his contentious remarks. Biden has said that the purpose of his trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland was "to make sure... the Brits didn't screw around" with peace in Northern Ireland and "didn't walk away from their commitments". The comments, relayed in a White House transcript, came as Biden addressed a Democratic party gathering in New York on Wednesday. "If you believe that there should be a special relationship between the US and UK then at least show us some respect," said Sammy Wilson, Northern Irish lawmaker from the country's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). He was quoted by London's Evening Standard newspaper. "It's unbelievable and frightening as well to think this is the man who is the leader of the free world," he added. The DUP is a pro-UK party and wants Northern Ireland part of the UK. It is currently boycotting the region's power-sharing government over strong disagreements on post-Brexit trade. A renegotiation of the trade protocol by the EU and UK -- labelled the Windsor Framework -- was largely aimed at remedying unionist concerns that it put Northern Ireland's position in the UK under threat. But the deal has so far been spurned by the DUP. UK PM Rishi Sunak's spokesperson, when asked about Biden's remarks, said that the framework is "a culmination of substantive work between the UK and the EU". "And at its heart the UK priority was always protecting the Good Friday Agreement," he told reporters. Under Sunak's predecessors Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, the UK's hardline tactics with the EU had drawn warnings from Washington that peace in Northern Ireland could be undermined. Biden's words found backing from Mary Lou McDonald, president of the Sinn Fein party which wants Irish reunification. The US position has consistently been "to oppose very vigorously anything that would threaten to undermine either the peace or the Good Friday Agreement", she said. "So I think President Biden in his own way is simply reiterating a position which has been very clear for a long time." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Northern Ireland lawmaker slams Joe Biden’s remarks on the country

<p>United States President Joe Biden held a meeting with top lawmakers at the Oval Office, on Tuesday (May 9) in a bid to break a deadlock over raising the $31.4 trillion debt limit, as the country faces the risk of an unprecedented default. After the high-stakes meeting, Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that there was no new “movement” which&nbsp;essentially indicated that no agreement was reached.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting was also attended by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and the top Democrats in Congress, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that Washington could run short of cash to pay all of the government’s bills as soon as June without a debt limit increase. The top lawmakers will continue talks on Friday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>The high-stakes meet</strong><br />
<br />
The high-stakes meeting between lawmakers lasted about an hour, while the aides may continue negotiations as soon as Tuesday night on the federal budget. Biden called the meeting “productive” while McCarthy said, “I didn’t see any new movement”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Everyone in the meeting understood the risks of default,” said the US president, adding that the House speaker, during the meeting said, that the country will not default on its debt. “We need to take the threat of default off the table,” said Biden after the meeting, adding that default “is not an option”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>McCarthy, after the meeting talking to reporters and seemingly complaining about the US president said that Biden did not agree to talks until time was running out and, “That’s not a way to govern.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, Schumer, a Democrat, blamed McCarthy for refusing to take default off the table and that the House speaker was “greatly endangering America.” While Jeffries said Republicans had waited for weeks to publish a budget and that “extreme” Republicans “have indicated that they are willing to take us down the path of default.”</p>

<p>On the other hand, McConnell blamed Biden for not being serious about negotiations.</p>

<p><strong>What are Biden’s options now?</strong></p>

<p>According to reports, officials in the White House have discussed whether Biden has the authority to lift the debt limit by invoking the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, on his own. However, in an interview, last week the US president said that they are not there yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Republican-led House&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill, in April, that would raise the debt ceiling in exchange for budget cuts to healthcare for the poor, transportation, and so on. The bill would implement $4.5 trillion in spending cuts in exchange for a $1.5 trillion increase in the US debt limit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it is very unlikely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate while the White House has previously said that the president would veto the legislation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, as the speaker of the House McCarthy has primary control over US budget issues and Biden has said he would not accept these deep cuts, the impasse has raised the possibility of Congress and the White House overseeing the first national debt default.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Biden might cancel Asia trip</strong></p>

<p>After the meeting, Biden indicated that he might cancel his upcoming trip to Asia for Group of Seven (G7) meetings. When asked about the meetings, he said that it is “possible” that he would not make the trip, “If somehow we got down to the wire and still haven't resolved this... I would not go,” the US president told reporters, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Yellen’s warning</strong></p>

<p>In a letter addressed to the House speaker and other lawmakers&nbsp;earlier this month, Yellen had warned, “Our best estimate is that we will be unable to continue to satisfy all of the government's obligations by early June, and potentially as early as June 1, if Congress does not raise or suspend the debt limit before that time.”</p>

<p>She added, “It is impossible to predict with certainty the exact date when Treasury will be unable to pay the government’s bills, and I will continue to update Congress in the coming weeks as more information becomes available.”</p>

<p>Yellen has also recently&nbsp;said that unless Congress acts in the coming weeks, “financial and economic chaos would ensue.” If the debt ceiling is not raised or suspended by Congress the government risks defaulting on payment obligations which would have a significant impact on the US economy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


United States President Joe Biden held a meeting with top lawmakers at the Oval Office, on Tuesday (May 9) in a bid to break a deadlock over raising the $31.4 trillion debt limit, as the country faces the risk of an unprecedented default.

United States President Joe Biden held a meeting with top lawmakers at the Oval Office, on Tuesday (May 9) in a bid to break a deadlock over raising the $31.4 trillion debt limit, as the country faces the risk of an unprecedented default. After the high-stakes meeting, Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that there was no new “movement” which essentially indicated that no agreement was reached. The meeting was also attended by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and the top Democrats in Congress, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that Washington could run short of cash to pay all of the government’s bills as soon as June without a debt limit increase. The top lawmakers will continue talks on Friday. The high-stakes meet The high-stakes meeting between lawmakers lasted about an hour, while the aides may continue negotiations as soon as Tuesday night on the federal budget. Biden called the meeting “productive” while McCarthy said, “I didn’t see any new movement”. “Everyone in the meeting understood the risks of default,” said the US president, adding that the House speaker, during the meeting said, that the country will not default on its debt. “We need to take the threat of default off the table,” said Biden after the meeting, adding that default “is not an option”. McCarthy, after the meeting talking to reporters and seemingly complaining about the US president said that Biden did not agree to talks until time was running out and, “That’s not a way to govern.” Furthermore, Schumer, a Democrat, blamed McCarthy for refusing to take default off the table and that the House speaker was “greatly endangering America.” While Jeffries said Republicans had waited for weeks to publish a budget and that “extreme” Republicans “have indicated that they are willing to take us down the path of default.” On the other hand, McConnell blamed Biden for not being serious about negotiations. What are Biden’s options now? According to reports, officials in the White House have discussed whether Biden has the authority to lift the debt limit by invoking the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, on his own. However, in an interview, last week the US president said that they are not there yet. Republican-led House The Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill, in April, that would raise the debt ceiling in exchange for budget cuts to healthcare for the poor, transportation, and so on. The bill would implement $4.5 trillion in spending cuts in exchange for a $1.5 trillion increase in the US debt limit. However, it is very unlikely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate while the White House has previously said that the president would veto the legislation. Notably, as the speaker of the House McCarthy has primary control over US budget issues and Biden has said he would not accept these deep cuts, the impasse has raised the possibility of Congress and the White House overseeing the first national debt default. Biden might cancel Asia trip After the meeting, Biden indicated that he might cancel his upcoming trip to Asia for Group of Seven (G7) meetings. When asked about the meetings, he said that it is “possible” that he would not make the trip, “If somehow we got down to the wire and still haven't resolved this... I would not go,” the US president told reporters, as quoted by news agency AFP. Yellen’s warning In a letter addressed to the House speaker and other lawmakers earlier this month, Yellen had warned, “Our best estimate is that we will be unable to continue to satisfy all of the government's obligations by early June, and potentially as early as June 1, if Congress does not raise or suspend the debt limit before that time.” She added, “It is impossible to predict with certainty the exact date when Treasury will be unable to pay the government’s bills, and I will continue to update Congress in the coming weeks as more information becomes available.” Yellen has also recently said that unless Congress acts in the coming weeks, “financial and economic chaos would ensue.” If the debt ceiling is not raised or suspended by Congress the government risks defaulting on payment obligations which would have a significant impact on the US economy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Pres Biden, House Speaker McCarthy meeting on debt ceiling fails to break deadlock, threat of default looms

<p>US President Joe Biden announced Friday that Indian-American Neera Tanden, who currently serves as Senior Adviser to President Biden and Staff Secretary, will serve as top domestic policy adviser, replacing Susan Rice.</p>

<p>In a statement, President Biden said, “For over two years, Susan Rice has helped craft and implement my domestic policy agenda and our country owes a debt of gratitude for her history-making public service. I am pleased to announce that Neera Tanden will continue to drive the formulation and implementation of my domestic policy, from economic mobility and racial equity to health care, immigration, and education."</p>

<h2><strong>Neera Tanden, Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Adviser</strong></h2>

<p>Neera Tanden served in both the Obama and Clinton administrations, as well as presidential campaigns and think tanks. Most recently, Neera was the President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-grant-immunity-to-at-least-8-fake-electors-in-georgia-trump-probe-589425">Prosecutors grant immunity to at least eight 'fake electors' in Georgia Trump probe</a></p>

<p>Tanden previously served as senior adviser for health reform at the Department of Health and Human Services, working on President Obama’s health reform team in the White House.</p>

<p>Prior to that, she was the director of domestic policy for the Obama-Biden presidential campaign, and served as policy director for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign.</p>

<p>Neera served as senior adviser to the Chancellor of the New York City Schools and also served as Associate Director for Domestic Policy in the Clinton White House and Senior Policy Adviser to the First Lady. Neera received her Bachelor of Science from UCLA and her Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neo-nazi-symbols-fight-in-schoolyard-what-we-know-about-serbias-second-mass-shooting-589423">Neo-Nazi symbols, fight in schoolyard: What we know about Serbia’s second mass shooting</a></p>

<p>Biden said Tanden was a key architect of the Affordable Care Act and helped drive key domestic policies that became part of his agenda, including clean energy subsidies and sensible gun reform. Neera relied on some of the critical programmes while growing up that she will oversee as Domestic Policy Adviser.</p>

<p>"I know those insights will serve my administration and the American people well. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Neera in her new role," Biden&nbsp;added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tanden will be the first Asian-American to lead any of the three major White House policy councils in history.</p>

<p>The President also announced that Stefanie Feldman will serve as Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary. Additionally, Zayn Siddique will be promoted to Principal Deputy of the Domestic Policy Council.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Srinagar gears up to host G20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/srinagar-gears-up-to-host-g20-summit-inside-south-asia-part-2-589431/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Stef is one of my longest-serving and most trusted advisers. I asked Stef to join me from the White House to the University of Delaware, to my presidential campaign, and back to the White House because of her talent and tenacious pursuit of policies that make life better for hard-working Americans. I have now asked her to serve as Staff Secretary because I know I can trust her to ensure that I am equipped with the best advice and counsel.”</p>

<p>Stefanie Feldman has worked for President Biden for more than a decade. She currently serves as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Adviser to the White House Domestic Policy Adviser.</p>

<p>Previously, she served as the National Policy Director for the Biden-Harris presidential campaign, the inaugural Policy Director for the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy &amp; Administration, and in various policy roles in the White House Office of the Vice President during the Obama-Biden Administration.</p>

<p>She started her career as an intern in then-Vice President Biden’s domestic and economic policy office. She holds a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from Yale Law School.</p>

<p>Additionally, Zayn Siddique currently serves as Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Mobility and Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council. In this role, he leads White House policy development on issues including housing, child care, education, workforce, and agriculture. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, Siddique served as Senior Adviser to the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Bruce Reed. He also served as Chief of Staff for the Domestic and Economic Team for the Biden-Harris Transition and as a member of Vice President Harris’s prep team for the 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate.</p>

<p>Prior to the Administration, Siddique practiced constitutional and appellate law at a firm in New York City. He also served as a law clerk at all three levels of the federal court system, including to Justice Elena Kagan of the U.S. Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Originally from Bangladesh and raised in New York, Siddique is a graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


US President Joe Biden announced Friday that Indian-American Neera Tanden, who currently serves as Senior Adviser to President Biden and Staff Secretary, will serve as top domestic policy adviser, replacing Susan Rice.

US President Joe Biden announced Friday that Indian-American Neera Tanden, who currently serves as Senior Adviser to President Biden and Staff Secretary, will serve as top domestic policy adviser, replacing Susan Rice. In a statement, President Biden said, “For over two years, Susan Rice has helped craft and implement my domestic policy agenda and our country owes a debt of gratitude for her history-making public service. I am pleased to announce that Neera Tanden will continue to drive the formulation and implementation of my domestic policy, from economic mobility and racial equity to health care, immigration, and education." Neera Tanden, Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Adviser Neera Tanden served in both the Obama and Clinton administrations, as well as presidential campaigns and think tanks. Most recently, Neera was the President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Also Read | Prosecutors grant immunity to at least eight 'fake electors' in Georgia Trump probe Tanden previously served as senior adviser for health reform at the Department of Health and Human Services, working on President Obama’s health reform team in the White House. Prior to that, she was the director of domestic policy for the Obama-Biden presidential campaign, and served as policy director for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign. Neera served as senior adviser to the Chancellor of the New York City Schools and also served as Associate Director for Domestic Policy in the Clinton White House and Senior Policy Adviser to the First Lady. Neera received her Bachelor of Science from UCLA and her Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School. Also Read | Neo-Nazi symbols, fight in schoolyard: What we know about Serbia’s second mass shooting Biden said Tanden was a key architect of the Affordable Care Act and helped drive key domestic policies that became part of his agenda, including clean energy subsidies and sensible gun reform. Neera relied on some of the critical programmes while growing up that she will oversee as Domestic Policy Adviser. "I know those insights will serve my administration and the American people well. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Neera in her new role," Biden added. Tanden will be the first Asian-American to lead any of the three major White House policy councils in history. The President also announced that Stefanie Feldman will serve as Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary. Additionally, Zayn Siddique will be promoted to Principal Deputy of the Domestic Policy Council. Watch | Srinagar gears up to host G20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2 × "Stef is one of my longest-serving and most trusted advisers. I asked Stef to join me from the White House to the University of Delaware, to my presidential campaign, and back to the White House because of her talent and tenacious pursuit of policies that make life better for hard-working Americans. I have now asked her to serve as Staff Secretary because I know I can trust her to ensure that I am equipped with the best advice and counsel.” Stefanie Feldman has worked for President Biden for more than a decade. She currently serves as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Adviser to the White House Domestic Policy Adviser. Previously, she served as the National Policy Director for the Biden-Harris presidential campaign, the inaugural Policy Director for the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy & Administration, and in various policy roles in the White House Office of the Vice President during the Obama-Biden Administration. She started her career as an intern in then-Vice President Biden’s domestic and economic policy office. She holds a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from Yale Law School. Additionally, Zayn Siddique currently serves as Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Mobility and Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council. In this role, he leads White House policy development on issues including housing, child care, education, workforce, and agriculture. Previously, Siddique served as Senior Adviser to the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Bruce Reed. He also served as Chief of Staff for the Domestic and Economic Team for the Biden-Harris Transition and as a member of Vice President Harris’s prep team for the 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate. Prior to the Administration, Siddique practiced constitutional and appellate law at a firm in New York City. He also served as a law clerk at all three levels of the federal court system, including to Justice Elena Kagan of the U.S. Supreme Court. Originally from Bangladesh and raised in New York, Siddique is a graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: President Joe Biden appoints Indian-American Neera Tanden as domestic policy adviser

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (April 29) used the White House Correspondents' Dinner to highlight the free press and called for the release of journalists and citizens, who are detained abroad.</p>

<p>Biden said, "Let me start on a serious note, members of our administration are here to send a message to the country and, quite frankly, to the world. The free press is a pillar, maybe the pillar of a free society, not the enemy."</p>

<p>Biden mentioned the family of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, who was arrested in Russia last month after being&nbsp;accused of espionage, but US officials deny the allegations. A media campaign has also been launched, asking Russia to release him as soon as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agencies have reported that Gershkovich is the first known foreign journalist arrested in Russia on spying charges since the collapse of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden praised Gershkovich's courage and said, "Evan went to Russia to shed light on the darkness that you escaped from years ago." He noted that "tonight our message is this: journalism is not a crime". &nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden also noted that the authorities are "working every day to secure his release" and they are "looking at opportunities and tools to bring him home". The US president said, "We keep the faith."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ties between US and Russia have worsened in the past 12 months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this week, Russia said it had denied a consular visit to Gershkovich in retaliation for Washington not issuing visas to several Russian journalists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden also mentioned Debra Tice, who is the mother of Austin Tice, a journalist been held captive in Syria for more than 10 years. He said, "Evan and Austin should be released immediately, along with every American held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also mentioned basketball player Brittney Griner, who was released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap last year. Griner was also among the dinner's prominent attendees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also mentioned Paul Whelan, the former US marine who is presently held in Russia, and pledged to Whelan's family that he and his government would not relent until Whelan was released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the serious issues, Biden also told some jokes at the occasion, which was meant to celebrate the Constitution's First Amendment guarantees of free speech and to advocate for a free press worldwide. Biden made fun of his age as he said, "I believe in the First Amendment. Not just because my good friend Jimmy Madison wrote it."</p>

<p>He added,&nbsp;“Look, I get that age is a completely reasonable issue. It's in everybody's mind and by everyone, I mean the New York Times. Headline: ‘Biden's advanced age is a big issue. Trump's, however, is not’.”<i>&nbsp;</i></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (April 29) used the White House Correspondents' Dinner to highlight the free press and called for the release of journalists and citizens, who are detained abroad.

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (April 29) used the White House Correspondents' Dinner to highlight the free press and called for the release of journalists and citizens, who are detained abroad. Biden said, "Let me start on a serious note, members of our administration are here to send a message to the country and, quite frankly, to the world. The free press is a pillar, maybe the pillar of a free society, not the enemy." Biden mentioned the family of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, who was arrested in Russia last month after being accused of espionage, but US officials deny the allegations. A media campaign has also been launched, asking Russia to release him as soon as possible. News agencies have reported that Gershkovich is the first known foreign journalist arrested in Russia on spying charges since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Biden praised Gershkovich's courage and said, "Evan went to Russia to shed light on the darkness that you escaped from years ago." He noted that "tonight our message is this: journalism is not a crime". Biden also noted that the authorities are "working every day to secure his release" and they are "looking at opportunities and tools to bring him home". The US president said, "We keep the faith." Ties between US and Russia have worsened in the past 12 months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this week, Russia said it had denied a consular visit to Gershkovich in retaliation for Washington not issuing visas to several Russian journalists. Biden also mentioned Debra Tice, who is the mother of Austin Tice, a journalist been held captive in Syria for more than 10 years. He said, "Evan and Austin should be released immediately, along with every American held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad." He also mentioned basketball player Brittney Griner, who was released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap last year. Griner was also among the dinner's prominent attendees. He also mentioned Paul Whelan, the former US marine who is presently held in Russia, and pledged to Whelan's family that he and his government would not relent until Whelan was released. Apart from the serious issues, Biden also told some jokes at the occasion, which was meant to celebrate the Constitution's First Amendment guarantees of free speech and to advocate for a free press worldwide. Biden made fun of his age as he said, "I believe in the First Amendment. Not just because my good friend Jimmy Madison wrote it." He added, “Look, I get that age is a completely reasonable issue. It's in everybody's mind and by everyone, I mean the New York Times. Headline: ‘Biden's advanced age is a big issue. Trump's, however, is not’.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Journalism is not a crime’: Biden calls for release of journalists held around the world

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuideMmUhph0kUpk" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuideMmUhph0kUpk" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden made another gaffe during one of his public speeches while visiting the tornado-hit town of Rolling Fork in the northeastern state of Mississippi. Delivering a speech while addressing the community, Biden repeatedly referred to the town as ‘Rolling Stone’.<br />
<br />
Rolling Stone is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture, while&nbsp;The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962 and still counted among the most popular and enduring bands of the rock era.<br />
<br />
"We're not just here for today, I'm determined that we're going to leave nothing behind. We're going to get it done for you," said Biden in the speech, before adding, "I'm making sure you got a place to sleep, food to eat, helping you rebuild your lives in Rolling Stone."</p>

<p>Having committed the blunder once, Biden, seemingly unaware, repeated the gaffe and said, "The town of Rolling Stone will be back, and we'll be with you every step of the way."</p>

<p>It was only towards the end of his speech that the president, known to make&nbsp;frequent gaffes, realised his mistake and said, “What did I say, I said Rolling Fork. Rolling Stone. I got my mind going here.”&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Biden, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi:<br />
<br />
"The town of Rolling Stone will be back" <a href="https://t.co/oUlIFKP3Xd">pic.twitter.com/oUlIFKP3Xd</a></p>
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) <a href="https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/1641878658750074887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The small town of Rolling Fork was hit by a devastating EF4 tornado last Saturday, killing at least 25 people, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Winds up to 200 mph lashed the town which has a population of around 2,000, mostly comprising of the Black community.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/devasting-tornadoes-wreak-havoc-in-west-georgia-and-mississippi-576229" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Devasting tornadoes wreak havoc in West Georgia and Mississippi</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/devasting-tornadoes-wreak-havoc-in-west-georgia-and-mississippi-576229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Images of destruction released by news networks showed complete structures reduced to debris and automobiles toppled onto their sides.</p>

<p>“The west part of Rolling Fork is a residential area, and just a number of houses over there have been completely destroyed. Highway 61, where most of our businesses are, all of the businesses on 61 have been completely destroyed," Fred Miller, former Rolling Fork mayor was quoted as saying by FOX Weather.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, barely a week after the Mississippi tornado, twisters ravaged Little Rock city in the US state of Arkansas, injuring about 24 people so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akin to the tornado that hit Rolling Fork, the one in Little Rock also tore through residential areas causing destruction on an unimaginable scale.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


US President Joe Biden made another gaffe during one of his public speeches while visiting the tornado-hit town of Rolling Fork in the northeastern state of Mississippi.

US President Joe Biden made another gaffe during one of his public speeches while visiting the tornado-hit town of Rolling Fork in the northeastern state of Mississippi. Delivering a speech while addressing the community, Biden repeatedly referred to the town as ‘Rolling Stone’. Rolling Stone is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture, while The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962 and still counted among the most popular and enduring bands of the rock era. "We're not just here for today, I'm determined that we're going to leave nothing behind. We're going to get it done for you," said Biden in the speech, before adding, "I'm making sure you got a place to sleep, food to eat, helping you rebuild your lives in Rolling Stone." Having committed the blunder once, Biden, seemingly unaware, repeated the gaffe and said, "The town of Rolling Stone will be back, and we'll be with you every step of the way." It was only towards the end of his speech that the president, known to make frequent gaffes, realised his mistake and said, “What did I say, I said Rolling Fork. Rolling Stone. I got my mind going here.” Biden, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi: "The town of Rolling Stone will be back" pic.twitter.com/oUlIFKP3Xd — RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 31, 2023 × The small town of Rolling Fork was hit by a devastating EF4 tornado last Saturday, killing at least 25 people, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Winds up to 200 mph lashed the town which has a population of around 2,000, mostly comprising of the Black community. WATCH | Devasting tornadoes wreak havoc in West Georgia and Mississippi × Images of destruction released by news networks showed complete structures reduced to debris and automobiles toppled onto their sides. “The west part of Rolling Fork is a residential area, and just a number of houses over there have been completely destroyed. Highway 61, where most of our businesses are, all of the businesses on 61 have been completely destroyed," Fred Miller, former Rolling Fork mayor was quoted as saying by FOX Weather. On Friday, barely a week after the Mississippi tornado, twisters ravaged Little Rock city in the US state of Arkansas, injuring about 24 people so far. Akin to the tornado that hit Rolling Fork, the one in Little Rock also tore through residential areas causing destruction on an unimaginable scale. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Biden’s howler: Calls tornado-hit Mississippi town Rolling Stone instead of Rolling Fork

us-president-joe-biden

Us President Joe Biden, News on Us President Joe Biden, stories on Us President Joe Biden, articles on Us President Joe Biden, Us President Joe Biden stories at Wion, Us President Joe Biden news, Us President Joe Biden latest news

us president-joe-biden

US President Biden acknowledges seventh grandchild for the first time

President Biden elevates CIA Director William Burns to cabinet position

In a first, President Joe Biden chooses a female admiral to lead US Navy

US President Joe Biden skipped NATO dinner meet due to ‘hectic workload’: Report

'Be careful...' Biden warned Xi Jinping on West's investments after meeting Putin

Biden defends decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, says 'they are running out of ammunition'

Biden to nominate Elliott Abrams, controversial figure convicted in Iran-Contra, for key panel

In Pics | Revellers participate in Fourth of July events despite heat and downpours

T-shirt diplomacy: Biden gifts Modi special T-shirt with PM’s quote: ‘The future is AI - America and India’

Biden says he sees 'no real consequence' to calling Xi a 'dictator', expects to meet him in 'near term'

PM Modi and President Biden to address joint press conference at White House

PM Modi reaches White House for state dinner hosted by Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden

WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich loses appeal against extended pre-trial detention

WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich loses appeal against extended pre-trial detention

Half of Americans think US President Joe Biden's son received special treatment, shows poll

China hits back at Joe Biden for labelling Xi a 'dictator'

US-China ties: Blinken, Qin hold ‘candid,’ ‘constructive’ talks, agree to meet again in Washington

‘God save the Queen, man,’ Biden leaves crowd puzzled with mysterious remarks, watch

In Pics | Biden hosts Juneteenth concert at the White House

AI risks need to be addressed, says Biden in joint news conference with Sunak

US, UK adopt 'Atlantic Declaration' to tackle emerging global threats

US: Biden’s Pride Month event postponed due to Canada wildfires’ smoke; to unveil several LGBTQ+ proposals

Explained | Flight delays, closure of schools, zoos, even Broadway. How wildfires disrupted New York

Biden's sexual assault accuser calls on Putin for Russian citizenship after defecting