A defiant President Donald Trump predicted Thursday he "will win," after the Democratic Speaker of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-abused-power-us-house-to-draft-impeachment-charges-against-him-nancy-pelosi-266490">House of Representatives gave the greenlight for impeachment</a>.

"The good thing is that the Republicans have NEVER been more united. We will win!" Trump tweeted.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier asked her party to draft articles of impeachment based on allegations that Trump abused his office by pressuring Ukraine into a scheme to embarrass one of his main opponents for reelection next year.

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....This will mean that the beyond important and seldom used act of Impeachment will be used routinely to attack future Presidents. That is not what our Founders had in mind. The good thing is that the Republicans have NEVER been more united. We will win!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1202606537342160896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While impeachment is expected to pass in the Democratic-led House, the Senate is held by a Republican majority and would likely acquit the US president as his 2020 reelection campaign gathers pace.

Trump tweeted that the "Radical Left Democrats have just announced that they are going to seek to Impeach me over NOTHING."

Echoing a frequent Republican argument, he said that the "important and seldom used act of Impeachment will be used routinely to attack future Presidents. That is not what our Founders had in mind."

A defiant President Donald Trump predicted Thursday he "will win," after the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives gave the greenlight for impeachment.

A defiant President Donald Trump predicted Thursday he "will win," after the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives gave the greenlight for impeachment. "The good thing is that the Republicans have NEVER been more united. We will win!" Trump tweeted. Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier asked her party to draft articles of impeachment based on allegations that Trump abused his office by pressuring Ukraine into a scheme to embarrass one of his main opponents for reelection next year. ....This will mean that the beyond important and seldom used act of Impeachment will be used routinely to attack future Presidents. That is not what our Founders had in mind. The good thing is that the Republicans have NEVER been more united. We will win! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2019 × While impeachment is expected to pass in the Democratic-led House, the Senate is held by a Republican majority and would likely acquit the US president as his 2020 reelection campaign gathers pace. Trump tweeted that the "Radical Left Democrats have just announced that they are going to seek to Impeach me over NOTHING." Echoing a frequent Republican argument, he said that the "important and seldom used act of Impeachment will be used routinely to attack future Presidents. That is not what our Founders had in mind."

'Will win' impeachment fight: US President Donald Trump

US&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday said she has instructed the House Judiciary panel to draft articles of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-lawyer-giuliani-back-in-ukraine-as-impeachment-probe-escalates-266286">impeachment against President Donald Trump</a>.

"The president's actions have seriously violated the constitution," Pelosi told reporters.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a statement early Thursday on the status of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, one day after the House Judiciary Committee began weighing potential charges against the Republican president.

The Democratic-led panel on Wednesday heard from four legal experts as US lawmakers considered whether Trump's efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival rose to the level of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-willing-to-compromise-us-security-impeachment-hearing-chair-266274">impeachable offenses</a>.

The hearing came after the House Intelligence panel this week submitted findings from its inquiry into Trump's push for Kiev to launch an investigation related to former US Vice President Joe Biden, a top contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. He also wanted Ukraine to look into the discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 election.

Democrats have accused Trump of abusing his power by withholding $391 million in security aid to Ukraine - a US ally facing Russian aggression - to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to announce the investigation.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

The House may vote by year's end on formal impeachment charges known as articles of impeachment, but Democrats, who control the chamber, say no decision has been made at this point on the specific charges.

Those charges could include abuse of power, bribery, obstruction of Congress and obstruction of justice.

Judiciary panel Democrats on Wednesday also said they may look beyond Trump's relations with Ukraine to include Trump's earlier alleged efforts to impede former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into his 2016 campaign's relations with Russia, but they stopped short of saying that could trigger a separate charge.

If the House votes to impeach Trump, the Republican-led Senate would hold a trial to decide whether to remove the president from office.

Trump's fellow Republicans in both the House and the Senate have stood by the president.

"If it does come to us, I think it will be along party lines," Republican Senator Rand Paul told Fox News in an interview on Thursday, adding that the "frivolous and partisan" effort could harm vulnerable Democrats in the November election.

&nbsp;

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday said she has instructed the House Judiciary panel to draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. "The president's actions have seriously violated the constitution," Pelosi told reporters.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday said she has instructed the House Judiciary panel to draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. "The president's actions have seriously violated the constitution," Pelosi told reporters. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a statement early Thursday on the status of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, one day after the House Judiciary Committee began weighing potential charges against the Republican president. The Democratic-led panel on Wednesday heard from four legal experts as US lawmakers considered whether Trump's efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival rose to the level of impeachable offenses. The hearing came after the House Intelligence panel this week submitted findings from its inquiry into Trump's push for Kiev to launch an investigation related to former US Vice President Joe Biden, a top contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. He also wanted Ukraine to look into the discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 election. Democrats have accused Trump of abusing his power by withholding $391 million in security aid to Ukraine - a US ally facing Russian aggression - to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to announce the investigation. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. The House may vote by year's end on formal impeachment charges known as articles of impeachment, but Democrats, who control the chamber, say no decision has been made at this point on the specific charges. Those charges could include abuse of power, bribery, obstruction of Congress and obstruction of justice. Judiciary panel Democrats on Wednesday also said they may look beyond Trump's relations with Ukraine to include Trump's earlier alleged efforts to impede former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into his 2016 campaign's relations with Russia, but they stopped short of saying that could trigger a separate charge. If the House votes to impeach Trump, the Republican-led Senate would hold a trial to decide whether to remove the president from office. Trump's fellow Republicans in both the House and the Senate have stood by the president. "If it does come to us, I think it will be along party lines," Republican Senator Rand Paul told Fox News in an interview on Thursday, adding that the "frivolous and partisan" effort could harm vulnerable Democrats in the November election.

Trump abused power, US House to draft impeachment charges against him: Nancy Pelosi

Should US&nbsp;President Donald Trump call North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "Rocket Man" again, that would represent a "very dangerous challenge" reminiscent of two years ago, a senior North Korean official warned on Thursday.

Choe Son Hui, who was quoted by state-run KCNA news agency, was referring to a time when tensions between when Washington and Pyongyang ran high.

Trump said on Tuesday he still had confidence in the North Korean leader but noted that Kim "likes sending rockets up".

"...That's why I call him Rocket Man," Trump told reporters at a NATO meeting in London.

Breaking a month-long lull in missile tests, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-test-fires-rockets-in-thanksgiving-reminder-of-year-end-deadline-for-us-265157">North Korea fired two short range projectiles into the sea</a> off its east coast last week in what appeared to be the latest try out of its new multiple rocket launchers, South Korea's military said.

The test-firing came as the clock ticks down on the year-end deadline that Pyongyang had given the United States to show flexibility in their stalled denuclearisation talks.

It also coincided with the US Thanksgiving holiday and took place one day before the second anniversary of the North's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting the US mainland.

US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun said the year-end deadline was an artificial one, but could mean a return to "provocative" steps that preceded the past two years of diplomacy.

US President Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election next year, has repeatedly pointed to Kim's suspension of long-range missile and nuclear bomb tests as a major achievement of his engagement with North Korea.

Should US President Donald Trump call North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "Rocket Man" again, that would represent a "very dangerous challenge" reminiscent of two years ago, a senior North Korean official warned on Thursday.

Should US President Donald Trump call North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "Rocket Man" again, that would represent a "very dangerous challenge" reminiscent of two years ago, a senior North Korean official warned on Thursday. Choe Son Hui, who was quoted by state-run KCNA news agency, was referring to a time when tensions between when Washington and Pyongyang ran high. Trump said on Tuesday he still had confidence in the North Korean leader but noted that Kim "likes sending rockets up". "...That's why I call him Rocket Man," Trump told reporters at a NATO meeting in London. Breaking a month-long lull in missile tests, North Korea fired two short range projectiles into the sea off its east coast last week in what appeared to be the latest try out of its new multiple rocket launchers, South Korea's military said. The test-firing came as the clock ticks down on the year-end deadline that Pyongyang had given the United States to show flexibility in their stalled denuclearisation talks. It also coincided with the US Thanksgiving holiday and took place one day before the second anniversary of the North's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting the US mainland. US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun said the year-end deadline was an artificial one, but could mean a return to "provocative" steps that preceded the past two years of diplomacy. US President Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election next year, has repeatedly pointed to Kim's suspension of long-range missile and nuclear bomb tests as a major achievement of his engagement with North Korea.

'Very dangerous challenge' if Trump calls Kim 'Rocket Man' again: North Korea

Democrats accused President Donald Trump of a readiness to sell out US national security to bolster his 2020 reelection effort as hearings opened Wednesday to draw up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-impeachment-report-to-be-released-tuesday-adam-schiff-266202">impeachment charges against the US leader</a>.

But in a fiery start to the House Judiciary Committee's review of the evidence, Republicans countered that Democrats were trying to reverse the 2016 election that brought Trump to power and were pushing towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-us-public-opinion-has-evolved-on-impeachment-of-trump-266209">impeachment</a> without due process.

Trump "directly and explicitly invited foreign interference in our elections," said House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler, referring to Trump's effort to get dirt on his Democratic rivals from Ukraine.

"He used the powers of his office to try to make it happen. He sent his agents to make clear that this is what he wanted and demanded," Nadler said.&nbsp;

"He was willing to compromise our security and his office for personal, political gain."

Doug Collins, the senior Republican on the panel, countered with the suggestion the hearing was a partisan political effort to undermine a democratically elected president.

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"We're having a factless impeachment," he said, rejecting the final report on the investigation of Trump released on Tuesday.

"We have just a deep-seated hatred of a man who came to the White House and did what he said he was going to do," Collins said, referring to Trump.

"This is not an impeachment. This is just a simple railroad job. And today's is a waste of time."

On Tuesday, congressional Democrats made a forceful case that Trump should be removed from office for abusing his powers by pressuring Ukraine for dirt on a Democratic election rival.

The final report on the House Intelligence Committee's probe, led by lawmaker Adam Schiff, concluded that "the president placed his personal political interests above the national interests of the United States, sought to undermine the integrity of the US presidential election process and endangered US national security."

The report is expected to form the basis for the Judiciary Committee to draw up formal charges -- articles of impeachment -- that could include bribery, abuse of power, obstruction and contempt of Congress.

Kicking of the next phase of impeachment, four constitutional scholars were called to testify Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee in the first of a series of hearings to establish the gravity of Trump's alleged crimes.

In London for a NATO summit, President Donald Trump slammed the Democratic report presenting the case for his impeachment as a "joke" and lambasted his opponents for proceeding with hearings during his trip.

"What they are doing is a very bad thing for our country," Trump said when asked about the report. "It's a joke."

Democrats reportedly aim to have articles of impeachment presented for a vote to the entire House of Representatives before Christmas on December 25.

If they pass as expected, Trump would then stand trial for removal in the Republican-controlled Senate, where he is expected to be exonerated.

Democrats accused President Donald Trump of a readiness to sell out US national security to bolster his 2020 reelection effort as hearings opened Wednesday to draw up impeachment charges against the US leader.

Democrats accused President Donald Trump of a readiness to sell out US national security to bolster his 2020 reelection effort as hearings opened Wednesday to draw up impeachment charges against the US leader. But in a fiery start to the House Judiciary Committee's review of the evidence, Republicans countered that Democrats were trying to reverse the 2016 election that brought Trump to power and were pushing towards impeachment without due process. Trump "directly and explicitly invited foreign interference in our elections," said House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler, referring to Trump's effort to get dirt on his Democratic rivals from Ukraine. "He used the powers of his office to try to make it happen. He sent his agents to make clear that this is what he wanted and demanded," Nadler said. "He was willing to compromise our security and his office for personal, political gain." Doug Collins, the senior Republican on the panel, countered with the suggestion the hearing was a partisan political effort to undermine a democratically elected president. × "We're having a factless impeachment," he said, rejecting the final report on the investigation of Trump released on Tuesday. "We have just a deep-seated hatred of a man who came to the White House and did what he said he was going to do," Collins said, referring to Trump. "This is not an impeachment. This is just a simple railroad job. And today's is a waste of time." On Tuesday, congressional Democrats made a forceful case that Trump should be removed from office for abusing his powers by pressuring Ukraine for dirt on a Democratic election rival. The final report on the House Intelligence Committee's probe, led by lawmaker Adam Schiff, concluded that "the president placed his personal political interests above the national interests of the United States, sought to undermine the integrity of the US presidential election process and endangered US national security." The report is expected to form the basis for the Judiciary Committee to draw up formal charges -- articles of impeachment -- that could include bribery, abuse of power, obstruction and contempt of Congress. Kicking of the next phase of impeachment, four constitutional scholars were called to testify Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee in the first of a series of hearings to establish the gravity of Trump's alleged crimes. In London for a NATO summit, President Donald Trump slammed the Democratic report presenting the case for his impeachment as a "joke" and lambasted his opponents for proceeding with hearings during his trip. "What they are doing is a very bad thing for our country," Trump said when asked about the report. "It's a joke." Democrats reportedly aim to have articles of impeachment presented for a vote to the entire House of Representatives before Christmas on December 25. If they pass as expected, Trump would then stand trial for removal in the Republican-controlled Senate, where he is expected to be exonerated.

Trump 'willing to compromise US security': Impeachment hearing chair

US Democrats presented a&nbsp;forceful&nbsp;case&nbsp;for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/witnesses-named-for-trump-impeachment-hearing-in-united-states-house-265830">impeaching and removing President Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;from office Tuesday in a&nbsp;report&nbsp;detailing "overwhelming evidence" of misconduct in office and obstruction.

Immediately dismissed by the White House as the product of a "one-sided sham process," the House Intelligence Committee&nbsp;report&nbsp;accused&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;of subverting national security as he pressured Ukraine for dirt on a Democratic election rival.

Behind closed doors late Tuesday, the Democratic-led panel voted 13 to 9, along strict party lines as expected, to officially adopt and issue the&nbsp;report&nbsp;to the House Judiciary Committee, which is tasked with drafting articles of&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;against&nbsp;the president.

The 300-page document, meant to serve as the basis for the charges&nbsp;against&nbsp;Trump, also mapped out in detail what it called an unparalleled effort of obstruction, including witness intimidation, to stifle the investigation into&nbsp;Trump's Ukraine scheme.

"The president placed his personal political interests above the national interests of the United States, sought to undermine the integrity of the US presidential election process, and endangered US national security," said the final&nbsp;report&nbsp;on the Intelligence Committee's investigation.

"President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and his senior officials may see nothing wrong with using the power of the office of the president to pressure a foreign country to help the president's reelection campaign," it said.

"However, the Founding Fathers prescribed a remedy for a chief executive who places his personal interests above those of the country:&nbsp;impeachment."

Watch: Donald Trump impeachment hearings set for December 4

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'The president's dirty work'&nbsp;

The&nbsp;report, the product of a rapid-fire probe sparked by a whistleblower's complaint in August, mapped out a months-long scheme by&nbsp;Trump, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and senior diplomats to pressure Ukraine's president into investigating Joe Biden, the current favourite to win the Democratic 2020 White House nomination.

Trump&nbsp;also pressured President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate a "conspiracy theory" that it was Ukraine, and not Russia, that interfered in the 2016 US election, to benefit the Democrats.

In both cases, the&nbsp;report&nbsp;said,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;conditioned nearly $400 million in US military aid and a high-profile summit with Zelensky on Kiev opening the investigations.

Democrat&nbsp;Adam Schiff, the head of the House Intelligence Committee, said the White House demands left Ukraine, which is under constant threat from Russia-backed rebels, vulnerable as&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;sought help for his 2020 reelection.

"This&nbsp;report&nbsp;chronicles a scheme by the president of the United States to coerce an ally, Ukraine, that is at war with an adversary, Russia, into doing the president's dirty work," he told reporters.

'Ramblings of a basement blogger'

Secondly, the&nbsp;report&nbsp;said,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;actively sought to obstruct the congressional probe, refusing to provide documents to investigators, preventing witnesses from appearing, and threatening some of those who did appear.

"Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;is the first president in the history of the United States to seek to completely obstruct an&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;inquiry undertaken by the House of Representatives," it said.

"President&nbsp;Trump's ongoing effort to thwart Congress'&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;power risks doing grave harm to the institution of Congress."

In London for a NATO summit,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;again accused the Democrats of playing a political game.

"The&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;is a hoax. It's turned out to be a hoax. It's done for purely political gain," he said.

His spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham doubled down in dismissing both the&nbsp;report&nbsp;and Schiff's investigation.&nbsp;

"At the end of a one-sided sham process, Chairman Schiff and the Democrats utterly failed to produce any evidence of wrongdoing by President&nbsp;Trump," she said in a statement.

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;"reads like the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-set-the-stage-for-trump-impeachment-with-key-hearing-265798">ramblings of a basement blogger</a> straining to prove something when there is evidence of nothing."

Impeachment&nbsp;before Christmas?

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;is expected to form the basis for the Judiciary Committee to draw up formal charges, or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-does-the-impeachment-of-a-us-president-work-265766">articles of&nbsp;impeachment</a>, in the coming weeks.

If, as expected, the articles are passed by the Democratic-led House, the&nbsp;case&nbsp;will go to the Republican-controlled Senate for trial in January.

The Judiciary panel, which begins meeting Wednesday, has set no formal timeframe.

But Democrats aim to hold a full House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;vote before the body goes on break for Christmas, December 25.&nbsp;

Schiff said that while the Judiciary Committee meets, his panel could continue investigating other angles of the Ukraine scheme, including whether&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;actually began much earlier to pressure Zelensky's predecessor Petro Poroshenko for the investigations, and whether some members of Congress were involved.

But he stressed the need to move quickly, accusing&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;of seeking election help not only from Ukraine but Russia and China.

"There is I think grave risk to the country with waiting until we have every last fact when we already know enough about the president's misconduct to make a responsible judgement," Schiff said.

US Democrats presented a forceful case for impeaching and removing President Donald Trump from office Tuesday in a report detailing "overwhelming evidence" of misconduct in office and obstruction.

US Democrats presented a forceful case for impeaching and removing President Donald Trump from office Tuesday in a report detailing "overwhelming evidence" of misconduct in office and obstruction. Immediately dismissed by the White House as the product of a "one-sided sham process," the House Intelligence Committee report accused Trump of subverting national security as he pressured Ukraine for dirt on a Democratic election rival. Behind closed doors late Tuesday, the Democratic-led panel voted 13 to 9, along strict party lines as expected, to officially adopt and issue the report to the House Judiciary Committee, which is tasked with drafting articles of impeachment against the president. The 300-page document, meant to serve as the basis for the charges against Trump, also mapped out in detail what it called an unparalleled effort of obstruction, including witness intimidation, to stifle the investigation into Trump's Ukraine scheme. "The president placed his personal political interests above the national interests of the United States, sought to undermine the integrity of the US presidential election process, and endangered US national security," said the final report on the Intelligence Committee's investigation. "President Trump and his senior officials may see nothing wrong with using the power of the office of the president to pressure a foreign country to help the president's reelection campaign," it said. "However, the Founding Fathers prescribed a remedy for a chief executive who places his personal interests above those of the country: impeachment." Watch: Donald Trump impeachment hearings set for December 4 'The president's dirty work' The report, the product of a rapid-fire probe sparked by a whistleblower's complaint in August, mapped out a months-long scheme by Trump, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and senior diplomats to pressure Ukraine's president into investigating Joe Biden, the current favourite to win the Democratic 2020 White House nomination. Trump also pressured President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate a "conspiracy theory" that it was Ukraine, and not Russia, that interfered in the 2016 US election, to benefit the Democrats. In both cases, the report said, Trump conditioned nearly $400 million in US military aid and a high-profile summit with Zelensky on Kiev opening the investigations. Democrat Adam Schiff, the head of the House Intelligence Committee, said the White House demands left Ukraine, which is under constant threat from Russia-backed rebels, vulnerable as Trump sought help for his 2020 reelection. "This report chronicles a scheme by the president of the United States to coerce an ally, Ukraine, that is at war with an adversary, Russia, into doing the president's dirty work," he told reporters. 'Ramblings of a basement blogger' Secondly, the report said, Trump actively sought to obstruct the congressional probe, refusing to provide documents to investigators, preventing witnesses from appearing, and threatening some of those who did appear. "Donald Trump is the first president in the history of the United States to seek to completely obstruct an impeachment inquiry undertaken by the House of Representatives," it said. "President Trump's ongoing effort to thwart Congress' impeachment power risks doing grave harm to the institution of Congress." In London for a NATO summit, Trump again accused the Democrats of playing a political game. "The impeachment is a hoax. It's turned out to be a hoax. It's done for purely political gain," he said. His spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham doubled down in dismissing both the report and Schiff's investigation. "At the end of a one-sided sham process, Chairman Schiff and the Democrats utterly failed to produce any evidence of wrongdoing by President Trump," she said in a statement. The report "reads like the ramblings of a basement blogger straining to prove something when there is evidence of nothing." Impeachment before Christmas? The report is expected to form the basis for the Judiciary Committee to draw up formal charges, or articles of impeachment, in the coming weeks. If, as expected, the articles are passed by the Democratic-led House, the case will go to the Republican-controlled Senate for trial in January. The Judiciary panel, which begins meeting Wednesday, has set no formal timeframe. But Democrats aim to hold a full House impeachment vote before the body goes on break for Christmas, December 25. Schiff said that while the Judiciary Committee meets, his panel could continue investigating other angles of the Ukraine scheme, including whether Trump actually began much earlier to pressure Zelensky's predecessor Petro Poroshenko for the investigations, and whether some members of Congress were involved. But he stressed the need to move quickly, accusing Trump of seeking election help not only from Ukraine but Russia and China. "There is I think grave risk to the country with waiting until we have every last fact when we already know enough about the president's misconduct to make a responsible judgement," Schiff said.

Democrat report makes forceful impeachment case against Trump

A 300-page report containing 100-hours of testimony is released by Democrats on Donald Trump, Report to go next to the house judiciary committee

US: Democrats release impeachment report on  Donald Trump

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-impeachment-inquiry-what-happens-next-264911">Congressional panel</a> will begin drawing up charges against President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-2020-us-presidential-election-trump-accused-google-of-very-illegal-acts-241344">Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday as the likelihood grows of his becoming only the third US leader ever impeached.

However, Trump's attorney signalled on Sunday night that the White House won't send anyone to the hearings, at least not right away.

"We cannot fairly be expected to participate in a hearing while the witnesses are yet to be named and while it remains unclear whether the Judiciary Committee will afford the President a fair process through additional hearings," White House counsel Pat Cipollone wrote in a letter to Jerry Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

But Cipollone also did not rule out White House participation in the hearings entirely, instead requesting further details from Nadler on how the inquiry will be conducted and saying he will give him an answer by next Friday.

Trump has been unable to quash allegations in the House of Representatives investigation that he illegally sought help from Ukraine to obtain dirt on his domestic political rivals, including possible 2020 challenger Joe Biden.

Nadler's committee meets on Wednesday to begin determining whether the evidence compiled in the investigative phase of the process meets the constitutional impeachment standard of "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanours."

The committee is expected to consider at least four counts, or articles of impeachment, including abuse of power, bribery, contempt of Congress and obstruction of justice.

"The president has accepted or enlisted foreign nations to interfere in our upcoming elections," said House impeachment leader Adam Schiff, a Democrat, in a November 25 statement.

"This is an urgent matter that cannot wait if we are to protect the nation's security and the integrity of our elections."

Trump and Republicans continue to brand the accusations and process as a political "witch hunt."

"This is a complete American waste of time," said Doug Collins, who as the leading Republican on the Judiciary Committee will lead that party's counterattack. He appeared on "Fox News Sunday."

Impeachment vote by year-end

The inquiry could go fast -- Democrats reportedly want to have the entire House vote on impeachment before the end of the year.

They are confident that they have strong evidence that Trump committed impeachable offenses, despite the White House blocking the testimony of top presidential aides and refusing to hand over subpoenaed documents.

That refusal has angered Democrats.

"We're not going to play games with them," Val Demings, a Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee, told ABC on Sunday. "They need to respond to the request for documents and obey those lawful subpoenas."

Trump is alleged to have withheld military aid for Ukraine -- desperately sought by Kiev amid the ongoing border conflict against pro-Russian separatists -- as well as a desired high-profile summit with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In exchange, Trump wanted Kiev to open investigations into Biden and a widely discredited theory that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 US elections on Democrats's behalf.

If the articles of impeachment are passed by the Democratic-controlled House as expected, Trump would go on trial in January in the Senate for removal from office.

Given Republican control of that chamber and the high hurdle of a two-thirds majority needed to convict, the president would very likely be cleared.

Still, Democrats see the process as important in reinforcing the rule of law and pushing back against a powerful president seen as showing little respect for Congress's powers.

Trump won't take part

Nadler had last week invited Trump and his attorneys to take part in the first hearing on Wednesday, an invitation which Cipollone declined. 
"It is too late to cure the profound procedural deficiencies that have tainted this entire inquiry," Cipollone wrote in reply.

"Nevertheless, if you are serious about conducting a fair process going forward, and in order to protect the rights and privileges of the President, we may consider participating in future Judiciary Committee proceedings if you afford the Administration the ability to do so meaningfully," he added.

But Nadler has said that Trump's ability to participate could depend on whether he continues to refuse to make witnesses and documents available.

One Republican on the committee, Tom McClintock, told Fox that he believed top Trump aides "absolutely" should testify.

Democrats want to hear from former national security adviser John Bolton, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. All three should have direct knowledge of Trump's actions toward Ukraine.

So far they have refused to testify, claiming "absolute immunity" as confidants of the president.

Collins tried to turn the tables on Democrats, saying Republicans want Schiff, the House impeachment manager, to testify. "If he chooses not to," he added, "then I really question his veracity."&nbsp;

Led by Nadler, Trump's longtime nemesis, the televised hearings -- set to open at 10:00 am (1500 GMT) Wednesday -- are expected to be fiery. 
With national elections less than one year away, Democrats need to convince Americans that impeaching Trump is justified and necessary.

Presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar, appearing Sunday on NBC, described the Ukraine affair in dramatic terms as "a global Watergate" -- going beyond the scope of the scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon.

Republicans, for their part, aim to show the exercise as a political attack on Trump.&nbsp;

"He did nothing improper," Collins said. "There is nothing here that the president did wrong."

A Congressional panel will begin drawing up charges against President Donald Trump on Wednesday as the likelihood grows of his becoming only the third US leader ever impeached.

A Congressional panel will begin drawing up charges against President Donald Trump on Wednesday as the likelihood grows of his becoming only the third US leader ever impeached. However, Trump's attorney signalled on Sunday night that the White House won't send anyone to the hearings, at least not right away. "We cannot fairly be expected to participate in a hearing while the witnesses are yet to be named and while it remains unclear whether the Judiciary Committee will afford the President a fair process through additional hearings," White House counsel Pat Cipollone wrote in a letter to Jerry Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. But Cipollone also did not rule out White House participation in the hearings entirely, instead requesting further details from Nadler on how the inquiry will be conducted and saying he will give him an answer by next Friday. Trump has been unable to quash allegations in the House of Representatives investigation that he illegally sought help from Ukraine to obtain dirt on his domestic political rivals, including possible 2020 challenger Joe Biden. Nadler's committee meets on Wednesday to begin determining whether the evidence compiled in the investigative phase of the process meets the constitutional impeachment standard of "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanours." The committee is expected to consider at least four counts, or articles of impeachment, including abuse of power, bribery, contempt of Congress and obstruction of justice. "The president has accepted or enlisted foreign nations to interfere in our upcoming elections," said House impeachment leader Adam Schiff, a Democrat, in a November 25 statement. "This is an urgent matter that cannot wait if we are to protect the nation's security and the integrity of our elections." Trump and Republicans continue to brand the accusations and process as a political "witch hunt." "This is a complete American waste of time," said Doug Collins, who as the leading Republican on the Judiciary Committee will lead that party's counterattack. He appeared on "Fox News Sunday." Impeachment vote by year-end The inquiry could go fast -- Democrats reportedly want to have the entire House vote on impeachment before the end of the year. They are confident that they have strong evidence that Trump committed impeachable offenses, despite the White House blocking the testimony of top presidential aides and refusing to hand over subpoenaed documents. That refusal has angered Democrats. "We're not going to play games with them," Val Demings, a Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee, told ABC on Sunday. "They need to respond to the request for documents and obey those lawful subpoenas." Trump is alleged to have withheld military aid for Ukraine -- desperately sought by Kiev amid the ongoing border conflict against pro-Russian separatists -- as well as a desired high-profile summit with President Volodymyr Zelensky. In exchange, Trump wanted Kiev to open investigations into Biden and a widely discredited theory that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 US elections on Democrats's behalf. If the articles of impeachment are passed by the Democratic-controlled House as expected, Trump would go on trial in January in the Senate for removal from office. Given Republican control of that chamber and the high hurdle of a two-thirds majority needed to convict, the president would very likely be cleared. Still, Democrats see the process as important in reinforcing the rule of law and pushing back against a powerful president seen as showing little respect for Congress's powers. Trump won't take part Nadler had last week invited Trump and his attorneys to take part in the first hearing on Wednesday, an invitation which Cipollone declined. "It is too late to cure the profound procedural deficiencies that have tainted this entire inquiry," Cipollone wrote in reply. "Nevertheless, if you are serious about conducting a fair process going forward, and in order to protect the rights and privileges of the President, we may consider participating in future Judiciary Committee proceedings if you afford the Administration the ability to do so meaningfully," he added. But Nadler has said that Trump's ability to participate could depend on whether he continues to refuse to make witnesses and documents available. One Republican on the committee, Tom McClintock, told Fox that he believed top Trump aides "absolutely" should testify. Democrats want to hear from former national security adviser John Bolton, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. All three should have direct knowledge of Trump's actions toward Ukraine. So far they have refused to testify, claiming "absolute immunity" as confidants of the president. Collins tried to turn the tables on Democrats, saying Republicans want Schiff, the House impeachment manager, to testify. "If he chooses not to," he added, "then I really question his veracity." Led by Nadler, Trump's longtime nemesis, the televised hearings -- set to open at 10:00 am (1500 GMT) Wednesday -- are expected to be fiery. With national elections less than one year away, Democrats need to convince Americans that impeaching Trump is justified and necessary. Presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar, appearing Sunday on NBC, described the Ukraine affair in dramatic terms as "a global Watergate" -- going beyond the scope of the scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon. Republicans, for their part, aim to show the exercise as a political attack on Trump. "He did nothing improper," Collins said. "There is nothing here that the president did wrong."

Trump impeachment: Congressional panel to begin drawing up charges against US President

The President of the United States Donald Trump has posted a picture of his head photoshopped on Rocky Balboa — the iconic character from Sylvester Stallone's Rocky series. Leaving twitter baffled, and the tweet viral.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/11nzKwOCtU">pic.twitter.com/11nzKwOCtU</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1199718185865535490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The original image of this tweet is an advertisement for the 1982 film "Rocky III" starring Sylvester Stallone, who played Balboa in several films.

The tweeted photo of a hunky Trump drew instant and sustained mockery online, as well as retweets from the president's admirers, who enjoy the way he has brought showmanship into the White House.

"Now we know what they did to him at that mysterious doctor’s visit?" quipped NBC News anchor Andrea Mitchell over the faked Trump boxer. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

The President of the United States Donald Trump has posted a picture of his head photoshopped on Rocky Balboa — the iconic character from Sylvester Stallone's Rocky series.

The President of the United States Donald Trump has posted a picture of his head photoshopped on Rocky Balboa — the iconic character from Sylvester Stallone's Rocky series. Leaving twitter baffled, and the tweet viral. pic.twitter.com/11nzKwOCtU — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2019 × The original image of this tweet is an advertisement for the 1982 film "Rocky III" starring Sylvester Stallone, who played Balboa in several films. The tweeted photo of a hunky Trump drew instant and sustained mockery online, as well as retweets from the president's admirers, who enjoy the way he has brought showmanship into the White House. "Now we know what they did to him at that mysterious doctor’s visit?" quipped NBC News anchor Andrea Mitchell over the faked Trump boxer. (With inputs from AFP)

US President Donald Trump tweets an image of himself as Rocky Balboa

Trump impeachment row: Next phase of hearings on December 4th. Watch video to know more.

Trump impeachment row: Next phase of hearings on December 4th

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pelosi-says-trump-has-admitted-to-bribery-as-impeachment-probe-intensifies-262171">US&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi</a> said on Thursday there was clear evidence <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-behaviour-worse-than-nixon-head-of-impeachment-probe-263752">President Donald Trump</a> had used his office for personal gain and undermined national security, but that no final impeachment decision had been made as House Democrats continued their impeachment inquiry into the Republican president.

Pelosi, speaking at her weekly press conference, reiterated that it was up to the House Intelligence Committee to determine how to proceed with the investigation as lawmakers continued to gather facts and hear from witnesses.

"The evidence is clear ... that the president has used his office for his own personal gain and in doing so undermined the national security," she told reporters. "He has violated his oath of office."

The Democrat-led House Intelligence Committee on Thursday was conducting its fifth and final scheduled day of public hearings in the impeachment inquiry centered on Trump's request in a July 25 phone call that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy conduct probes of Trump's political rivals.

The inquiry is also examining whether Trump's withholding of $391 million in security aid to Ukraine was meant to pressure Zelenskiy to undertake the investigations. 
Trump has denied wrongdoing.

The inquiry could lead the House to approve formal charges against Trump, known as articles of impeachment.

The Republican-controlled Senate would then hold a trial on whether to remove him from office, although few Republican senators have been critical of Trump so far.

Asked by a reporter whether the House was now ready to advance articles of impeachment against Trump, Pelosi said, "We haven't made any decision."

The nation's leading Democrat also left open the possibility of additional hearings by the House Intelligence Committee or the interviewing of additional witnesses.

"We are not finished yet. The day is not over and you never know what testimony of one person may lead to the need for testimony of another," Pelosi said.

She again issued an invitation to Trump to come forward, saying, "if you have any information that is exculpatory ... because it seems as if the facts are uncontested to what happened. Now if you have contrary, if you have reason to convince people that something was different, under oath, please let us know."&nbsp;

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday there was clear evidence President Donald Trump had used his office for personal gain and undermined national security, but that no final impeachment decision had been made as House Democrats continued their impeachment inquiry into the Republican president.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday there was clear evidence President Donald Trump had used his office for personal gain and undermined national security, but that no final impeachment decision had been made as House Democrats continued their impeachment inquiry into the Republican president. Pelosi, speaking at her weekly press conference, reiterated that it was up to the House Intelligence Committee to determine how to proceed with the investigation as lawmakers continued to gather facts and hear from witnesses. "The evidence is clear ... that the president has used his office for his own personal gain and in doing so undermined the national security," she told reporters. "He has violated his oath of office." The Democrat-led House Intelligence Committee on Thursday was conducting its fifth and final scheduled day of public hearings in the impeachment inquiry centered on Trump's request in a July 25 phone call that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy conduct probes of Trump's political rivals. The inquiry is also examining whether Trump's withholding of $391 million in security aid to Ukraine was meant to pressure Zelenskiy to undertake the investigations. Trump has denied wrongdoing. The inquiry could lead the House to approve formal charges against Trump, known as articles of impeachment. The Republican-controlled Senate would then hold a trial on whether to remove him from office, although few Republican senators have been critical of Trump so far. Asked by a reporter whether the House was now ready to advance articles of impeachment against Trump, Pelosi said, "We haven't made any decision." The nation's leading Democrat also left open the possibility of additional hearings by the House Intelligence Committee or the interviewing of additional witnesses. "We are not finished yet. The day is not over and you never know what testimony of one person may lead to the need for testimony of another," Pelosi said. She again issued an invitation to Trump to come forward, saying, "if you have any information that is exculpatory ... because it seems as if the facts are uncontested to what happened. Now if you have contrary, if you have reason to convince people that something was different, under oath, please let us know."

Pelosi says evidence is clear, Trump used office for personal gain

President Donald Trump's love for sharpie scrawl. Watch video to know more.

President Donald Trump's love for sharpie scrawl

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-respond-sceptically-to-trumps-willingness-to-testify-during-impeachment-hearings-263050">Donald Trump's</a> doctor issued a report Monday on the US president's health after a "routine, planned" check-up, saying that contrary to some reports he had not suffered any chest pain.

Trump, 73, spent just over an hour on Saturday having "examinations, labs and discussions" at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre&nbsp;in Washington, presidential physician Sean Conley said in a statement issued by the White House.

"Despite some of the speculation, the President has not had any chest pain, nor was he evaluated or treated for any urgent or acute issues," Conley said.

"Specifically, he did not undergo any specialised cardiac or neurologic evaluations."

Some Washington reports suggested that the checkup was unscheduled and had been triggered by Trump suffering chest discomfort.

"Due to scheduling uncertainties, the trip was kept off the record," Conley said in the statement, which added details of the president's cholesterol results.

At Trump's last routine examination in February, Conley declared him to be in "very good health."

Watch: Democrats dubious as Trump dangles impeachment offer

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/democrats-dubious-as-trump-dangles-impeachment-testimony-offer-263027/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strongly-considering-to-testify-in-impeachment-probe-tweets-trump-262993">Trump</a>, who has confounded health experts with his penchant for junk food and avoidance of strenuous exercise, weighed 110 kg&nbsp;at that time.

White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham on Saturday said Trump took advantage of a free weekend to complete portions of his annual physical before "a very busy 2020" when he faces a tough re-election race.

In 2018, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-interested-in-meaningless-talks-just-so-trump-can-boast-north-korea-262928">Trump's</a> then-chief physician, Ronny Jackson, held an unusually detailed press conference in which he declared Trump to have "incredibly good genes."

Soon afterwards, Trump appointed him to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, before Jackson withdrew his name from consideration.

Donald Trump's doctor issued a report Monday on the US president's health after a "routine, planned" check-up, saying that contrary to some reports he had not suffered any chest pain.

Donald Trump's doctor issued a report Monday on the US president's health after a "routine, planned" check-up, saying that contrary to some reports he had not suffered any chest pain. Trump, 73, spent just over an hour on Saturday having "examinations, labs and discussions" at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Washington, presidential physician Sean Conley said in a statement issued by the White House. "Despite some of the speculation, the President has not had any chest pain, nor was he evaluated or treated for any urgent or acute issues," Conley said. "Specifically, he did not undergo any specialised cardiac or neurologic evaluations." Some Washington reports suggested that the checkup was unscheduled and had been triggered by Trump suffering chest discomfort. "Due to scheduling uncertainties, the trip was kept off the record," Conley said in the statement, which added details of the president's cholesterol results. At Trump's last routine examination in February, Conley declared him to be in "very good health." Watch: Democrats dubious as Trump dangles impeachment offer Trump, who has confounded health experts with his penchant for junk food and avoidance of strenuous exercise, weighed 110 kg at that time. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham on Saturday said Trump took advantage of a free weekend to complete portions of his annual physical before "a very busy 2020" when he faces a tough re-election race. In 2018, Trump's then-chief physician, Ronny Jackson, held an unusually detailed press conference in which he declared Trump to have "incredibly good genes." Soon afterwards, Trump appointed him to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, before Jackson withdrew his name from consideration.

Donald Trump's doctor dismisses 'speculation' of chest pain

Democrats responded sceptically on Monday to President Donald Trump's declaration that he might be willing to testify in his impeachment inquiry and also said they were examining the truthfulness of his testimony in the Russia 2016 election interference probe.

Democrats dubious as Trump dangles impeachment testimony offer

President Donald Trump on Friday sought to bolster his case that he did nothing wrong in Ukraine by releasing the reconstruction of a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which they exchanged little more than pleasantries.

The growing impeachment case against Trump revolves around a later phone call in which the US president asks Zelensky for a "favour" by opening a corruption investigation allegedly aimed at embarrassing his possible 2020 Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Unlike that controversial discussion, which took place July 25, the newly released call, held three months earlier, contains no mention of the Biden family.

Instead, Trump congratulates the just elected Ukrainian president, who in turn tries to persuade his US counterpart to attend the upcoming inauguration.

Trump dangles out the possibility of a later Zelensky visit to the White House and says how much he admires Ukraine, referring to when he owned the Miss Universe franchise.

"When I owned Miss Universe, they always had great people," he said.

Although Trump called the April 21 phone log a "transcript," it is not a verbatim transcription made from a recording, but a reconstruction based on notes taken by staff in the room.

President Donald Trump on Friday sought to bolster his case that he did nothing wrong in Ukraine by releasing the reconstruction of a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which they exchanged little more than pleasantries.

President Donald Trump on Friday sought to bolster his case that he did nothing wrong in Ukraine by releasing the reconstruction of a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which they exchanged little more than pleasantries. The growing impeachment case against Trump revolves around a later phone call in which the US president asks Zelensky for a "favour" by opening a corruption investigation allegedly aimed at embarrassing his possible 2020 Democratic rival Joe Biden. Unlike that controversial discussion, which took place July 25, the newly released call, held three months earlier, contains no mention of the Biden family. Instead, Trump congratulates the just elected Ukrainian president, who in turn tries to persuade his US counterpart to attend the upcoming inauguration. Trump dangles out the possibility of a later Zelensky visit to the White House and says how much he admires Ukraine, referring to when he owned the Miss Universe franchise. "When I owned Miss Universe, they always had great people," he said. Although Trump called the April 21 phone log a "transcript," it is not a verbatim transcription made from a recording, but a reconstruction based on notes taken by staff in the room.

Donald Trump releases record of friendly first Zelensky call

US President Donald Trump impeachment public hearings to begin next week. To know more watch the video.

Trump Impeachment Inquiry: Public Hearings to start next week

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's suggestion that he could sign a trade <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-climate-agreement-us-should-take-more-responsibility-says-china-260120">deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping</a> in Iowa has set off a flurry of excitement in Muscatine, Iowa, a city on the banks of the Mississippi River that has hosted Xi twice since 1985.

Xi received a key to the 24,000-population city during his first visit, when he led an agricultural study group and stayed at the home of a local family. He also met and befriended then-governor Terry Branstad, who is now Trump's ambassador to Beijing.

Xi returned with much fanfare in 2012 as China's vice president, visiting that home and meeting with a dozen local "Old Friends" - people he had met in the 1980s.

Those were more hopeful times in US-China relations, before Trump kicked off a debilitating tit-for-tat tariff war, and the US&nbsp;Secretary of State declared Xi's ruling Communist Party "truly hostile to the United States and our values."

US&nbsp;and Chinese trade negotiators are now racing to complete the text of a "phase one" agreement that could defuse the 16-month trade war. Tariffs have had an outsized impact on farmers in Iowa, a big exporter of soybeans.

Trump last week said he hoped to sign the trade deal with Xi at a US&nbsp;site, perhaps in Iowa. The location is still in flux, but one Beijing official said Xi is willing to travel to the United States.

Chuck Grassley, the Iowa Republican who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, said Iowa would be a great place to sign the trade deal. "Farmers in particular have been hard hit by the trade war and deserve recognition for their sacrifice," he said.

Greg Jenkins, who heads the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the community was keen to host a Trump-Xi visit, but he had not been contacted by either side.

"It would be really appropriate to have that happen, given the long relationship we've had with China and President Xi," Jenkins said. The city's ties to China may have been an accident of history, but "people have worked awfully hard to ensure that it is retained."

This year, the Shanghai Symphony will perform a free concert for the people of Muscatine, the fifth year of such arrangements that help keep ties close, he said.

The split-level house that Xi first visited in Muscatine has been purchased by a Chinese businessman, and renamed the Sino-US&nbsp;Friendship House. It regularly draws visitors from China.

Lee Belfield, general manager of the 122-room Merrill Hotel which opened in Muscatine in 2017 in part with Chinese funds, said he would "bend over backwards to accommodate" any request to host the meeting.

'Iowa is important'

While Xi's historical ties to Muscatine might mean he would receive a particularly warm welcome, an Iowa signing would also be a politically-savvy move for Trump, trade experts said.

"Iowa is important. It's Trump country. It's the farm base," said Ralph Winnie, director of the China program at the Eurasia Center in Washington.

"The people are warm and hardworking, so they will be wonderful hosts and that's always key. When you go to China, you're treated as an honored guest, the Chinese will expect to be treated the same way when they come."

When the Chinese leader visited Iowa in 2012, he told the Muscatine Journal: "You were the first group of Americans I came into contact with. To me, you are America."

Steve Bradford, senior vice president at HNI Corp, a Muscatine-based Fortune 100 company that builds office furniture, said a US-China trade deal would help his company, no matter where it was signed.

"These tariffs have had a stifling effect on business. Removing them would benefit the US&nbsp;and China," he said. HNI employs about 4,000 people in Iowa, many of whom live in or near Muscatine, he said.

US President Donald Trump's suggestion that he could sign a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Iowa has set off a flurry of excitement in Muscatine, Iowa, a city on the banks of the Mississippi River that has hosted Xi twice since 1985.

US President Donald Trump's suggestion that he could sign a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Iowa has set off a flurry of excitement in Muscatine, Iowa, a city on the banks of the Mississippi River that has hosted Xi twice since 1985. Xi received a key to the 24,000-population city during his first visit, when he led an agricultural study group and stayed at the home of a local family. He also met and befriended then-governor Terry Branstad, who is now Trump's ambassador to Beijing. Xi returned with much fanfare in 2012 as China's vice president, visiting that home and meeting with a dozen local "Old Friends" - people he had met in the 1980s. Those were more hopeful times in US-China relations, before Trump kicked off a debilitating tit-for-tat tariff war, and the US Secretary of State declared Xi's ruling Communist Party "truly hostile to the United States and our values." US and Chinese trade negotiators are now racing to complete the text of a "phase one" agreement that could defuse the 16-month trade war. Tariffs have had an outsized impact on farmers in Iowa, a big exporter of soybeans. Trump last week said he hoped to sign the trade deal with Xi at a US site, perhaps in Iowa. The location is still in flux, but one Beijing official said Xi is willing to travel to the United States. Chuck Grassley, the Iowa Republican who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, said Iowa would be a great place to sign the trade deal. "Farmers in particular have been hard hit by the trade war and deserve recognition for their sacrifice," he said. Greg Jenkins, who heads the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the community was keen to host a Trump-Xi visit, but he had not been contacted by either side. "It would be really appropriate to have that happen, given the long relationship we've had with China and President Xi," Jenkins said. The city's ties to China may have been an accident of history, but "people have worked awfully hard to ensure that it is retained." This year, the Shanghai Symphony will perform a free concert for the people of Muscatine, the fifth year of such arrangements that help keep ties close, he said. The split-level house that Xi first visited in Muscatine has been purchased by a Chinese businessman, and renamed the Sino-US Friendship House. It regularly draws visitors from China. Lee Belfield, general manager of the 122-room Merrill Hotel which opened in Muscatine in 2017 in part with Chinese funds, said he would "bend over backwards to accommodate" any request to host the meeting. 'Iowa is important' While Xi's historical ties to Muscatine might mean he would receive a particularly warm welcome, an Iowa signing would also be a politically-savvy move for Trump, trade experts said. "Iowa is important. It's Trump country. It's the farm base," said Ralph Winnie, director of the China program at the Eurasia Center in Washington. "The people are warm and hardworking, so they will be wonderful hosts and that's always key. When you go to China, you're treated as an honored guest, the Chinese will expect to be treated the same way when they come." When the Chinese leader visited Iowa in 2012, he told the Muscatine Journal: "You were the first group of Americans I came into contact with. To me, you are America." Steve Bradford, senior vice president at HNI Corp, a Muscatine-based Fortune 100 company that builds office furniture, said a US-China trade deal would help his company, no matter where it was signed. "These tariffs have had a stifling effect on business. Removing them would benefit the US and China," he said. HNI employs about 4,000 people in Iowa, many of whom live in or near Muscatine, he said.

Trump-Xi meeting in Iowa would be poignant reminder of better US-China ties

In his Diwali message, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-validates-impeachment-enquiry-against-donald-trump-orders-mueller-document-release-258208">US President Donald Trump</a> described the festival as a "sacred period" and an "opportunity to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

Trump's presidential message on Diwali was released by the White House on its official website on Friday.&nbsp;

"As Diwali commences, Melania and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration," the statement read.&nbsp;

In his statement, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-cancels-times-post-258117">Trump</a> stated the significance of the festival in the United States and said that the festive period "throughout America is an important reminder of the significance of one of our nation’s core tenets — religious liberty".&nbsp;

Trump hoped this year's celebrations will bring "love, joy, and eternal peace" ensuring that his administration will continue&nbsp;to enable people of "all faiths to worship according to their beliefs and conscience".

During last year's Diwali celebrations at the White House, Trump joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators".

"I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said.

"So we're working and it's moving along. India is the world's largest democracy and the relationship between our two countries can act as a bulwark for freedom, prosperity and peace," he said as Indian-Americans at the White House applauded.&nbsp;

In his Diwali message, US President Donald Trump described the festival as a "sacred period" and an "opportunity to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

In his Diwali message, US President Donald Trump described the festival as a "sacred period" and an "opportunity to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance". Trump's presidential message on Diwali was released by the White House on its official website on Friday. "As Diwali commences, Melania and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration," the statement read. In his statement, Trump stated the significance of the festival in the United States and said that the festive period "throughout America is an important reminder of the significance of one of our nation’s core tenets — religious liberty". Trump hoped this year's celebrations will bring "love, joy, and eternal peace" ensuring that his administration will continue to enable people of "all faiths to worship according to their beliefs and conscience". During last year's Diwali celebrations at the White House, Trump joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators". "I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said. "So we're working and it's moving along. India is the world's largest democracy and the relationship between our two countries can act as a bulwark for freedom, prosperity and peace," he said as Indian-Americans at the White House applauded.

Diwali, throughout America, is an important reminder of religious liberty: Donald Trump

Rapper Kanye West on Thursday said he one day would helm the Oval Office, a left-field suggestion made during a lengthy interview that touched on subjects from porn to Donald Trump.

Hours before the long-anticipated, much-delayed release of his purported gospel album, the 42-year-old artist told Zane Lowe of Apple Music's Beats 1 show that his support for the current US president had been a way to razz Democrats.

"For the greatest artist in human existence to put a red hat on was God's practical joke to all liberals. Like, 'No! Not Kanye!'" said the performer, who has made a very public turn to Christianity in recent months.

West also said he would one day be commander-in-chief: "There will be a time when I will be the president of the US, and I will remember... any founder that didn't have the capacity to understand culturally what we were doing."

It was unclear to whom the artist was referring.

West said he asked his collaborators on his ninth studio album 'Jesus Is King'&nbsp;to abstain from premarital sex, also saying he suffered from a porn addiction he has since kicked.

"Some people drown themselves in drugs, and I drown myself in my addiction: sex," West said, explaining he discovered pornography at a young age and became addicted to sex after his mother died in 2007.

The artist known for missing his own deadlines then promised a 10th album, entitled 'Jesus Is Born,'&nbsp;would drop on Christmas.

With 'Jesus Is King,'&nbsp;set to drop overnight Friday, the Chicago-raised mercurial artist is expected to release music with a much stronger message of evangelical salvation than his past gospel-tinged work.

It follows a year that's seen West play minstrel, touring the country for impromptu "Sunday Service" performances, a concert series featuring gospel choirs and heavy Christian vibes.

He first publicly performed a Sunday Service at April 2019's Coachella festival, having previously held them only for select guests, mostly celebrities.

West's California preacher Adam Tyson recently said on a faith-focused podcast that the artist, who burst onto the scene in the early 2000s as a producer for rap titans like Jay Z, believes he has been "radically saved."

Rapper Kanye West on Thursday said he one day would helm the Oval Office, a left-field suggestion made during a lengthy interview that touched on subjects from porn to Donald Trump.

Rapper Kanye West on Thursday said he one day would helm the Oval Office, a left-field suggestion made during a lengthy interview that touched on subjects from porn to Donald Trump. Hours before the long-anticipated, much-delayed release of his purported gospel album, the 42-year-old artist told Zane Lowe of Apple Music's Beats 1 show that his support for the current US president had been a way to razz Democrats. "For the greatest artist in human existence to put a red hat on was God's practical joke to all liberals. Like, 'No! Not Kanye!'" said the performer, who has made a very public turn to Christianity in recent months. West also said he would one day be commander-in-chief: "There will be a time when I will be the president of the US, and I will remember... any founder that didn't have the capacity to understand culturally what we were doing." It was unclear to whom the artist was referring. West said he asked his collaborators on his ninth studio album 'Jesus Is King' to abstain from premarital sex, also saying he suffered from a porn addiction he has since kicked. "Some people drown themselves in drugs, and I drown myself in my addiction: sex," West said, explaining he discovered pornography at a young age and became addicted to sex after his mother died in 2007. The artist known for missing his own deadlines then promised a 10th album, entitled 'Jesus Is Born,' would drop on Christmas. With 'Jesus Is King,' set to drop overnight Friday, the Chicago-raised mercurial artist is expected to release music with a much stronger message of evangelical salvation than his past gospel-tinged work. It follows a year that's seen West play minstrel, touring the country for impromptu "Sunday Service" performances, a concert series featuring gospel choirs and heavy Christian vibes. He first publicly performed a Sunday Service at April 2019's Coachella festival, having previously held them only for select guests, mostly celebrities. West's California preacher Adam Tyson recently said on a faith-focused podcast that the artist, who burst onto the scene in the early 2000s as a producer for rap titans like Jay Z, believes he has been "radically saved."

Kanye West claims he will one day be the US president

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-leader-kim-vows-to-clear-south-korea-relics-from-kumgang-resort-257625">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un</a> and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump continue to have close relations and trust, with Kim calling the relationship "special," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said on Thursday.

The statement comes after North Korea earlier this month broke off working-level talks with the <a href="http://wionews.om/world/united-states-wins-ownership-of-seized-north-korean-vessel-257411">United States</a> in Sweden, pushing denuclearisation negotiations back into limbo after what had been months of stalemate.

North Korea had cast the blame on the US, saying the other side's negotiators would not "give up their old viewpoint and attitude."

Kim Jong-un "said that the relationship between him and President Trump is special" a few days ago, according to the KCNA statement.

"I sincerely hope that a motive force to overcome all the obstacles between the DPRK and the US&nbsp;and to advance the bilateral relations in the better direction will be provided on the basis of the close relationship," the KCNA statement, under the name of Foreign Ministry adviser Kim Kye Gwan, said.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is North Korea's official name.

However, contrary to Trump, "Washington political circles and DPRK policymakers of the US&nbsp;administration are hostile to the DPRK for no reason, preoccupied with the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice." the statement said.

The statement said North Korea will see "how wisely the US&nbsp;will pass the end of the year."

North Korea's Kim Jong-un had earlier set an end-of-the-year deadline for denuclearisation talks with Washington.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump continue to have close relations and trust, with Kim calling the relationship "special," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said on Thursday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump continue to have close relations and trust, with Kim calling the relationship "special," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said on Thursday. The statement comes after North Korea earlier this month broke off working-level talks with the United States in Sweden, pushing denuclearisation negotiations back into limbo after what had been months of stalemate. North Korea had cast the blame on the US, saying the other side's negotiators would not "give up their old viewpoint and attitude." Kim Jong-un "said that the relationship between him and President Trump is special" a few days ago, according to the KCNA statement. "I sincerely hope that a motive force to overcome all the obstacles between the DPRK and the US and to advance the bilateral relations in the better direction will be provided on the basis of the close relationship," the KCNA statement, under the name of Foreign Ministry adviser Kim Kye Gwan, said. Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is North Korea's official name. However, contrary to Trump, "Washington political circles and DPRK policymakers of the US administration are hostile to the DPRK for no reason, preoccupied with the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice." the statement said. The statement said North Korea will see "how wisely the US will pass the end of the year." North Korea's Kim Jong-un had earlier set an end-of-the-year deadline for denuclearisation talks with Washington.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un and Trump have 'special' relationship: State media

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-international-monetary-fund-chief-lagarde-takes-swipe-at-trumps-twitter-habits-256970">US President Donald Trump</a> said on Saturday the next <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swift-backlash-as-donald-trump-picks-own-golf-resort-to-host-g7-256587">G7 summit</a> will not be at one of his own Florida golf clubs, reversing a decision that had sparked corruption accusations.

"Based on both Media &amp; Democrat Crazed and Irrational Hostility, we will no longer consider <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hopes-us-china-trade-deal-will-be-signed-by-middle-of-november-256808">Trump</a> National Doral, Miami, as the Host Site for the G-7 in 2020," the president tweeted.

"We will begin the search for another site, including the possibility of Camp David, immediately."

Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney had on Thursday announced that the south Florida venue was "the best place" among a dozen US locations considered for the June 10-12 gathering next year.

Critics said the move would violate both the foreign and domestic emoluments clauses that are designed to shield a US leader from outside influence.

On Friday, new legislation to block the plan was introduced by Democrats in Congress, who have already opened an impeachment investigation into allegations that the president pressured Ukraine into interfering on his behalf in the 2020 US election.

The bill, called "Trump's Heist Undermines the G-7 (THUG) Act," would have cut off all federal funding for the move, and require the White House to turn over all relevant documents that show how administration officials decided on Doral.

Trump National Doral is vital to his organization's finances and was once one of his biggest money-makers -- but it has been in steep decline, according to the Washington Post.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday the next G7 summit will not be at one of his own Florida golf clubs, reversing a decision that had sparked corruption accusations.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday the next G7 summit will not be at one of his own Florida golf clubs, reversing a decision that had sparked corruption accusations. "Based on both Media & Democrat Crazed and Irrational Hostility, we will no longer consider Trump National Doral, Miami, as the Host Site for the G-7 in 2020," the president tweeted. "We will begin the search for another site, including the possibility of Camp David, immediately." Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney had on Thursday announced that the south Florida venue was "the best place" among a dozen US locations considered for the June 10-12 gathering next year. Critics said the move would violate both the foreign and domestic emoluments clauses that are designed to shield a US leader from outside influence. On Friday, new legislation to block the plan was introduced by Democrats in Congress, who have already opened an impeachment investigation into allegations that the president pressured Ukraine into interfering on his behalf in the 2020 US election. The bill, called "Trump's Heist Undermines the G-7 (THUG) Act," would have cut off all federal funding for the move, and require the White House to turn over all relevant documents that show how administration officials decided on Doral. Trump National Doral is vital to his organization's finances and was once one of his biggest money-makers -- but it has been in steep decline, according to the Washington Post.

Trump says next G7 summit won't be at his Miami golf resort

Bizarre Statements, Controversial Policies, Unreliable Alliances: A Peep Into Trump's Tenure As U.S. President So Far In three months, U.S. President Donald Trump will complete three years of his tenure.

Gravitas: Donald Trump — A divisive & controversial presidency

Is There A Method To Trump's Madness? Does politics & diplomacy need Trump's disruption? Is there a method to the U.S. President's madness?

WION Edit: Donald Trump — Deal maker or disruptor?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-officials-not-aware-of-escape-of-islamic-state-extremists-mike-pence-leaving-for-turkey-in-24-hours-256166">US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence</a> and President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-lawyer-giuliani-was-paid-500000-to-work-for-company-run-by-arrested-ukrainian-american-businessman-256142">Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani</a> said on Tuesday they will not cooperate with a US&nbsp;House of Representatives <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-diplomat-testifies-at-house-impeachment-enquiry-on-trumps-ukraine-dealings-256157">impeachment enquiry</a>, prompting a leading Democrat to say that would strengthen the case against the president.

The Pentagon also said it would not comply with lawmakers' request for documents related to Trump's effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival, further illustrating Trump's determination to stonewall the Democratic-led impeachment effort, which threatens to consume his presidency.

"The evidence of obstruction of Congress continues to build," Democratic Representative Adam Schiff, one of the leaders of the impeachment effort, said at a news conference.

Other US&nbsp;government officials have not been as reluctant to cooperate.

A senior US&nbsp;diplomat, George Kent, said in closed-door testimony that he had been alarmed by efforts by Giuliani and others to pressure Ukraine, according to one lawmaker who heard his testimony.

"He was pretty detailed in talking about some of the shady characters Giuliani was dependent on for misinformation," Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly told reporters.

House Democrats are focussing on Trump's request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July 25 phone call to look into unsubstantiated allegations about Joe Biden, the former vice president and a leading contender to become the Democratic nominee to run against Trump in the November 2020 US&nbsp;presidential election.

If the Democratic-controlled House votes to approve articles of impeachment - formal charges - the Republican-controlled Senate would then hold a trial on whether to remove the president from office. Success is seen as unlikely at this point as few Republican senators have criticized Trump.

A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released on Tuesday found that 43 per cent US&nbsp;adults believe Trump should be impeached, and 42 per cent said he should not be impeached. Another 14 per cent said they were not sure.

Kent, who has spent much of his career fighting corruption in Ukraine and elsewhere, is the second career diplomat to testify as part of the probe after being subpoenaed. The White House and State Department had ordered them not to appear.

His testimony backed up accounts from other US&nbsp;government insiders who have said they were unnerved by Trump's efforts to pressure Ukraine.

Diplomats testify

Marie Yovanovitch, the former US&nbsp;ambassador to Ukraine, on Friday accused the Trump administration in the testimony of recalling her in May based on false claims.

Kent also said that a top White House official, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, picked the officials who would handle Ukraine policy after the sitting ambassador was abruptly recalled in May.

"Here is a senior State Department official responsible for six countries, one of which is Ukraine, who found himself outside of a parallel process that he felt was undermining 28 years of US&nbsp;policy in promoting the rule of law in Ukraine. And that was wrong. He used that word, 'wrong'," Connolly said of Kent.

Two of those officials, US&nbsp;ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland and Kurt Volker, a special representative for Ukraine, worked with Giuliani to pressure Ukrainian officials to launch investigations that could benefit Trump, according to communications provided to the committee.

Volker resigned his post in late September. Sondland is due to testify later in the week in response to a congressional subpoena.

Lawmakers on Monday heard from Fiona Hill, Trump's former Russia adviser, who said she and her then-boss, former national security adviser John Bolton, were also alarmed by the effort.

Hill told lawmakers that Bolton characterized Giuliani as "a hand grenade who is going to blow everybody up," according to two sources familiar with her testimony. A Bolton spokeswoman said he would have no comment on the testimony.

Giuliani had faced a Tuesday deadline to produce the requested documents. His lawyer, Jon Sale, said the documents were protected by legal principles that shield attorney-client communications and presidential communications.

"This appears to be an unconstitutional, baseless, and illegitimate 'impeachment inquiry,'" Sale wrote, echoing language the White House used last week.

Pence's lawyer, Matthew E. Morgan, also cited the White House's response, saying the House had not voted to authorise the inquiry.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said no vote is necessary.

"There is no requirement that we have a vote and so at this time we will not be having a vote," Pelosi told a news conference.

Hunter Biden denies wrongdoing

The investigation is focussed on the July call in which Trump pressed Zelenskiy to have Ukraine officials investigate Biden and his businessman son, Hunter Biden, who had been on the board of a Ukrainian energy company.

Hunter Biden, 49, denied doing anything improper in past work for the company but acknowledged he had benefited professionally from his father's political career in an interview with ABC News that aired on Tuesday.

Joe Biden has denied Trump's allegations of corruption.

Democrats have accused Trump of pressuring a vulnerable US&nbsp;ally to dig up dirt on Biden after withholding $391 million in US&nbsp;security aid intended to help combat Russian-backed separatists in the eastern part of Ukraine. Zelenskiy agreed to investigate. Trump eventually allowed aid.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and defended his request to Zelenskiy during the phone call, which prompted a formal whistleblower complaint by a person with a US&nbsp;intelligence agency.

US Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani said on Tuesday they will not cooperate with a US House of Representatives impeachment enquiry, prompting a leading Democrat to say that would strengthen the case against the president.

US Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani said on Tuesday they will not cooperate with a US House of Representatives impeachment enquiry, prompting a leading Democrat to say that would strengthen the case against the president. The Pentagon also said it would not comply with lawmakers' request for documents related to Trump's effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival, further illustrating Trump's determination to stonewall the Democratic-led impeachment effort, which threatens to consume his presidency. "The evidence of obstruction of Congress continues to build," Democratic Representative Adam Schiff, one of the leaders of the impeachment effort, said at a news conference. Other US government officials have not been as reluctant to cooperate. A senior US diplomat, George Kent, said in closed-door testimony that he had been alarmed by efforts by Giuliani and others to pressure Ukraine, according to one lawmaker who heard his testimony. "He was pretty detailed in talking about some of the shady characters Giuliani was dependent on for misinformation," Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly told reporters. House Democrats are focussing on Trump's request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July 25 phone call to look into unsubstantiated allegations about Joe Biden, the former vice president and a leading contender to become the Democratic nominee to run against Trump in the November 2020 US presidential election. If the Democratic-controlled House votes to approve articles of impeachment - formal charges - the Republican-controlled Senate would then hold a trial on whether to remove the president from office. Success is seen as unlikely at this point as few Republican senators have criticized Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released on Tuesday found that 43 per cent US adults believe Trump should be impeached, and 42 per cent said he should not be impeached. Another 14 per cent said they were not sure. Kent, who has spent much of his career fighting corruption in Ukraine and elsewhere, is the second career diplomat to testify as part of the probe after being subpoenaed. The White House and State Department had ordered them not to appear. His testimony backed up accounts from other US government insiders who have said they were unnerved by Trump's efforts to pressure Ukraine. Diplomats testify Marie Yovanovitch, the former US ambassador to Ukraine, on Friday accused the Trump administration in the testimony of recalling her in May based on false claims. Kent also said that a top White House official, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, picked the officials who would handle Ukraine policy after the sitting ambassador was abruptly recalled in May. "Here is a senior State Department official responsible for six countries, one of which is Ukraine, who found himself outside of a parallel process that he felt was undermining 28 years of US policy in promoting the rule of law in Ukraine. And that was wrong. He used that word, 'wrong'," Connolly said of Kent. Two of those officials, US ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland and Kurt Volker, a special representative for Ukraine, worked with Giuliani to pressure Ukrainian officials to launch investigations that could benefit Trump, according to communications provided to the committee. Volker resigned his post in late September. Sondland is due to testify later in the week in response to a congressional subpoena. Lawmakers on Monday heard from Fiona Hill, Trump's former Russia adviser, who said she and her then-boss, former national security adviser John Bolton, were also alarmed by the effort. Hill told lawmakers that Bolton characterized Giuliani as "a hand grenade who is going to blow everybody up," according to two sources familiar with her testimony. A Bolton spokeswoman said he would have no comment on the testimony. Giuliani had faced a Tuesday deadline to produce the requested documents. His lawyer, Jon Sale, said the documents were protected by legal principles that shield attorney-client communications and presidential communications. "This appears to be an unconstitutional, baseless, and illegitimate 'impeachment inquiry,'" Sale wrote, echoing language the White House used last week. Pence's lawyer, Matthew E. Morgan, also cited the White House's response, saying the House had not voted to authorise the inquiry. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said no vote is necessary. "There is no requirement that we have a vote and so at this time we will not be having a vote," Pelosi told a news conference. Hunter Biden denies wrongdoing The investigation is focussed on the July call in which Trump pressed Zelenskiy to have Ukraine officials investigate Biden and his businessman son, Hunter Biden, who had been on the board of a Ukrainian energy company. Hunter Biden, 49, denied doing anything improper in past work for the company but acknowledged he had benefited professionally from his father's political career in an interview with ABC News that aired on Tuesday. Joe Biden has denied Trump's allegations of corruption. Democrats have accused Trump of pressuring a vulnerable US ally to dig up dirt on Biden after withholding $391 million in US security aid intended to help combat Russian-backed separatists in the eastern part of Ukraine. Zelenskiy agreed to investigate. Trump eventually allowed aid. Trump has denied wrongdoing and defended his request to Zelenskiy during the phone call, which prompted a formal whistleblower complaint by a person with a US intelligence agency.

Pence, Giuliani will not cooperate in US House impeachment inquiry

After pop icon, Rihanna, legendary actor Robert De Niro took a jab at US President Donald Trump addressing him as a 'dirty player'&nbsp;attempting to harm institutions in order to 'save himself'. 
 
Ahead of the international premiere of his upcoming film '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-irishman-new-trailer-ray-romano-brings-comic-element-in-martin-scorsese-directorial-252328">The Irishman</a>'&nbsp;at the BFI London Film Festival, De Niro took the stage and said, ''Today, everything's been turned upside-down because of Trump because he's such a dirty player."&nbsp; 
 
He added how strange it seems to him that the President is even 'getting away with it'. ''He won't get away with it forever, but he is getting away with saying these things about every institution," he added. 
 
Pressing on the need to protect the institutions plus 'the Fourth Estate, the press', the Oscar winner added, "he's trying to destroy them and for only one reason: to save himself. And we all know this". 
 
De Niro got deeper into politics criticising the Republicans who according to the actor, 'are just so afraid to do anything, to stand up'. 
 
While on his UK trip, the 76-year-old also gave an interview to the news agency, where he said that the US&nbsp;has 'a gangster president'&nbsp;adding, I can't wait to see him in jail. 
 
"His upcoming release 'The Irishman'&nbsp;is set to open on streaming service Netflix on November 27 and will be released in select UK cinemas on November 8.

pop icon Rihanna &nbsp;got candid about her views on the US President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/donald-trump-is-most-mentally-ill-human-being-in-america-rihanna-255023"> Donald Trump calling him an 'ill human'.</a>

After pop icon, Rihanna, legendary actor Robert De Niro took a jab at US President Donald Trump addressing him as a 'dirty player' attempting to harm institutions in order to 'save himself'.

After pop icon, Rihanna, legendary actor Robert De Niro took a jab at US President Donald Trump addressing him as a 'dirty player' attempting to harm institutions in order to 'save himself'. Ahead of the international premiere of his upcoming film 'The Irishman' at the BFI London Film Festival, De Niro took the stage and said, ''Today, everything's been turned upside-down because of Trump because he's such a dirty player." He added how strange it seems to him that the President is even 'getting away with it'. ''He won't get away with it forever, but he is getting away with saying these things about every institution," he added. Pressing on the need to protect the institutions plus 'the Fourth Estate, the press', the Oscar winner added, "he's trying to destroy them and for only one reason: to save himself. And we all know this". De Niro got deeper into politics criticising the Republicans who according to the actor, 'are just so afraid to do anything, to stand up'. While on his UK trip, the 76-year-old also gave an interview to the news agency, where he said that the US has 'a gangster president' adding, I can't wait to see him in jail. "His upcoming release 'The Irishman' is set to open on streaming service Netflix on November 27 and will be released in select UK cinemas on November 8. pop icon Rihanna got candid about her views on the US President Donald Trump calling him an 'ill human'.

Robert De Niro slams US President Donald Trump, calls him a dirty player

Donald Trump says he hopes to mediate between Turkey and the Kurds

Turkey's Syria Invasion: U.S. President Trump offers to mediate

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump that Kashmir is an internal matter of India and he need not interfere in it.

"This has been our consistent stand for years that we will not tolerate any kind of interference in Kashmir. If any country tried to speak on Kashmir, we said that it is our internal matter, be it American President or anyone else. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said clearly that Kashmir is our internal matter and you need not interfere," said Shah at an election rally.

Shah said the Congress and the NCP have opposed the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and in Maharashtra Assembly polls, the voters should ask them about their stand on Kashmir issue.

"In the integration of Kashmir with India, Article 370 was the biggest hurdle. In 70 years, no other Prime Minister showed the courage to abrogate Article 370 but Narendra Modi did it," he said.

"Congress Ghulam Nabi Azad said in Parliament that river of blood would flow in Kashmir if Article 370 is repealed. But I would like to share with you that not even a drop of blood was flown after Article 370 was revoked," added Shah.

"The Congress and the NCP opposed the abrogation of Article 370. When they come to you asking for votes, you should ask what is their stand on it," said Shah.

Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, divesting Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and bifurcating it into two UTs -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Maharashtra is scheduled to go to polls on October 21. The BJP is in alliance with the Shiv Sena. The Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the NCP.

The counting of votes will take place on October 24.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump that Kashmir is an internal matter of India and he need not interfere in it.

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump that Kashmir is an internal matter of India and he need not interfere in it. "This has been our consistent stand for years that we will not tolerate any kind of interference in Kashmir. If any country tried to speak on Kashmir, we said that it is our internal matter, be it American President or anyone else. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said clearly that Kashmir is our internal matter and you need not interfere," said Shah at an election rally. Shah said the Congress and the NCP have opposed the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and in Maharashtra Assembly polls, the voters should ask them about their stand on Kashmir issue. "In the integration of Kashmir with India, Article 370 was the biggest hurdle. In 70 years, no other Prime Minister showed the courage to abrogate Article 370 but Narendra Modi did it," he said. "Congress Ghulam Nabi Azad said in Parliament that river of blood would flow in Kashmir if Article 370 is repealed. But I would like to share with you that not even a drop of blood was flown after Article 370 was revoked," added Shah. "The Congress and the NCP opposed the abrogation of Article 370. When they come to you asking for votes, you should ask what is their stand on it," said Shah. Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, divesting Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and bifurcating it into two UTs -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Maharashtra is scheduled to go to polls on October 21. The BJP is in alliance with the Shiv Sena. The Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the NCP. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

PM Modi told Donald Trump not to interfere in Kashmir: Amit Shah

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-nothing-compromising-in-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253325">Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday angrily denounced an impeachment inquiry into his July telephone call with Ukraine's leader as Democratic lawmakers said they would subpoena White House records about the call.

At a joint news conference with Finland's president, a frustrated Trump blasted reporters who asked about the probe, which he called a hoax and a fraud, but said he would cooperate with the inquiry. "I always cooperate," he said.

His voice rising with anger, Trump lashed out at Reuters reporter Jeff Mason, who asked what he had wanted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to do when Trump brought up the business ties to Ukraine of Hunter Biden, son of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

"It's a whole hoax, and you know who's playing into the hoax? People like you and the fake news media that we have in this country," he retorted. He told the reporter not to be “rude” and repeatedly evaded the question.

Watch: Defiant Trump takes aim at journalist over Ukraine

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Trump suggested, however, that his objective was corruption in Ukraine, saying the United States gives the country a lot of money, and "I don't like giving money to a country that's that corrupt. ... I don't like being the sucker country."

The Democrats' subpoena request has the potential to become a flashpoint in the showdown between the Republican president and the Democratic-led House of Representatives.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a close ally of Trump, acknowledged earlier in the day during a trip to Italy that he had listened in on the call in which Trump asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden, a former U.S. vice president and a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

The call prompted the House to launch its impeachment inquiry last week. Pompeo's admission came a day after he objected to Democratic efforts as part of the impeachment inquiry to obtain depositions from five current and former State Department officials.

"We're not fooling around here, though. We don't want this to drag on months and months and months, which appears to be the administration's strategy," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, whose panel leads the inquiry, told a news conference alongside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings said he intended to subpoena the White House for the Ukraine-related records on Friday, the latest demand for evidence from an administration that has repeatedly resisted such efforts by Democrats.

Trump seemed to make light of the request, telling reporters that Pelosi "hands out subpoenas like they're cookies."

Schiff said Democrats were deeply concerned about the Trump administration's potential interference with witnesses, and that any such efforts by the president, Pompeo or others would be considered obstruction of justice.

The House launched its impeachment inquiry, which threatens Trump's presidency, following a complaint brought by a whistleblower within the US intelligence community over Trump's request to Zelenskiy.

The whistleblower provided an account of his concerns to a House Intelligence Committee aide before bringing his complaint, and some of that information was shared with Schiff, the New York Times reported, citing a spokesman for Schiff and current and former U.S. officials.

Trump said the newspaper's report showed that "Schiff is a fraud" and the president called it a "scandal" that Schiff had advance knowledge of the complaint. "He probably helped write it," Trump said, without offering evidence.

'Hard to imagine'

Trump made his request to Zelenskiy shortly after he had frozen nearly $400 million in aid to Ukraine. Zelenskiy agreed to the request on the call, and the aid was later provided.&nbsp;

Democrats have accused Trump of pressuring a vulnerable US ally to meddle in the 2020 election for his political benefit.

"It's hard to imagine a more corrupt course of conduct," Schiff said.

Scrutiny of Pompeo's role in the administration's interactions with Ukraine, including the recall of the U.S. ambassador to Kiev earlier this year, rose after the Wall Street Journal reported that the top US diplomat had listened in on the Trump-Zelenskiy call.

"I was on the phone call," Pompeo told reporters in Rome on Wednesday.

Pompeo sought to portray the call as proper, saying it was in the context of US policymaking in Ukraine, including "taking down the Russia threat," rooting out corruption in government and boosting the economy.

The Democratic chairmen of three House committees have accused Pompeo of intimidating witnesses and said he was considered "a fact witness" in the impeachment inquiry based on his role in Trump's call with Zelenskiy.

Pompeo said State Department employees had been contacted directly by lawmakers or their staff and told not to talk to the State Department's legal counsel. He has said, however, that he would cooperate with Congress.

Democratic-led committees previously subpoenaed Pompeo and Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, as well as documents.

According to a summary of the July call released by the White House, Trump asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden and his son Hunter in coordination with U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Giuliani. Hunter Biden had sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company that had been under investigation by Kiev.

Trump on Wednesday called Biden and his son Hunter "stone-cold crooked." The president has repeatedly accused the pair of wrongdoing without providing any evidence.

Biden shot back in remarks prepared for a speech in Reno, Nevada, on Wednesday night, accusing Trump of "abuse of power."

"Let me make something clear to Trump and his hatchet men and the special interests funding his attacks against me - I'm not going anywhere," Biden said, according to excerpts provided by his campaign.

The prospect that Trump solicited Ukraine's help against his potential challenger next year has infuriated Democrats, many of whom blame the loss of the 2016 presidential election on Russian interference. Moscow has denied interfering in that campaign.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he saw no evidence of pressure in Trump's July conversation with Zelenskiy and added that there was nothing wrong with the US president asking for an investigation into potential corruption.

US&nbsp;intelligence agencies and Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election with a scheme of hacking and propaganda to boost Trump's candidacy and disparage his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

Kurt Volker, who resigned last Friday as Trump's special representative for Ukraine, is scheduled to give a deposition to House staff on Thursday. Marie Yovanovitch, who was U.S. ambassador to Ukraine until she was abruptly recalled in May, has agreed to appear on Oct. 11. In his phone call with Zelenskiy, Trump called Yovanovitch "bad news."

Representative Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a letter to the panel's chairman, Eliot Engel, that Schiff lacked jurisdiction to investigate the State Department's conduct regarding Ukraine and demanded "equal representation and participation" for Republicans in questioning Volker.

The impeachment probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate. Republicans, however, have shown little appetite for ousting him.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday angrily denounced an impeachment inquiry into his July telephone call with Ukraine's leader as Democratic lawmakers said they would subpoena White House records about the call.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday angrily denounced an impeachment inquiry into his July telephone call with Ukraine's leader as Democratic lawmakers said they would subpoena White House records about the call. At a joint news conference with Finland's president, a frustrated Trump blasted reporters who asked about the probe, which he called a hoax and a fraud, but said he would cooperate with the inquiry. "I always cooperate," he said. His voice rising with anger, Trump lashed out at Reuters reporter Jeff Mason, who asked what he had wanted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to do when Trump brought up the business ties to Ukraine of Hunter Biden, son of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. "It's a whole hoax, and you know who's playing into the hoax? People like you and the fake news media that we have in this country," he retorted. He told the reporter not to be “rude” and repeatedly evaded the question. Watch: Defiant Trump takes aim at journalist over Ukraine Trump suggested, however, that his objective was corruption in Ukraine, saying the United States gives the country a lot of money, and "I don't like giving money to a country that's that corrupt. ... I don't like being the sucker country." The Democrats' subpoena request has the potential to become a flashpoint in the showdown between the Republican president and the Democratic-led House of Representatives. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a close ally of Trump, acknowledged earlier in the day during a trip to Italy that he had listened in on the call in which Trump asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden, a former U.S. vice president and a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the 2020 presidential election. The call prompted the House to launch its impeachment inquiry last week. Pompeo's admission came a day after he objected to Democratic efforts as part of the impeachment inquiry to obtain depositions from five current and former State Department officials. "We're not fooling around here, though. We don't want this to drag on months and months and months, which appears to be the administration's strategy," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, whose panel leads the inquiry, told a news conference alongside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings said he intended to subpoena the White House for the Ukraine-related records on Friday, the latest demand for evidence from an administration that has repeatedly resisted such efforts by Democrats. Trump seemed to make light of the request, telling reporters that Pelosi "hands out subpoenas like they're cookies." Schiff said Democrats were deeply concerned about the Trump administration's potential interference with witnesses, and that any such efforts by the president, Pompeo or others would be considered obstruction of justice. The House launched its impeachment inquiry, which threatens Trump's presidency, following a complaint brought by a whistleblower within the US intelligence community over Trump's request to Zelenskiy. The whistleblower provided an account of his concerns to a House Intelligence Committee aide before bringing his complaint, and some of that information was shared with Schiff, the New York Times reported, citing a spokesman for Schiff and current and former U.S. officials. Trump said the newspaper's report showed that "Schiff is a fraud" and the president called it a "scandal" that Schiff had advance knowledge of the complaint. "He probably helped write it," Trump said, without offering evidence. 'Hard to imagine' Trump made his request to Zelenskiy shortly after he had frozen nearly $400 million in aid to Ukraine. Zelenskiy agreed to the request on the call, and the aid was later provided. Democrats have accused Trump of pressuring a vulnerable US ally to meddle in the 2020 election for his political benefit. "It's hard to imagine a more corrupt course of conduct," Schiff said. Scrutiny of Pompeo's role in the administration's interactions with Ukraine, including the recall of the U.S. ambassador to Kiev earlier this year, rose after the Wall Street Journal reported that the top US diplomat had listened in on the Trump-Zelenskiy call. "I was on the phone call," Pompeo told reporters in Rome on Wednesday. Pompeo sought to portray the call as proper, saying it was in the context of US policymaking in Ukraine, including "taking down the Russia threat," rooting out corruption in government and boosting the economy. The Democratic chairmen of three House committees have accused Pompeo of intimidating witnesses and said he was considered "a fact witness" in the impeachment inquiry based on his role in Trump's call with Zelenskiy. Pompeo said State Department employees had been contacted directly by lawmakers or their staff and told not to talk to the State Department's legal counsel. He has said, however, that he would cooperate with Congress. Democratic-led committees previously subpoenaed Pompeo and Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, as well as documents. According to a summary of the July call released by the White House, Trump asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden and his son Hunter in coordination with U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Giuliani. Hunter Biden had sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company that had been under investigation by Kiev. Trump on Wednesday called Biden and his son Hunter "stone-cold crooked." The president has repeatedly accused the pair of wrongdoing without providing any evidence. Biden shot back in remarks prepared for a speech in Reno, Nevada, on Wednesday night, accusing Trump of "abuse of power." "Let me make something clear to Trump and his hatchet men and the special interests funding his attacks against me - I'm not going anywhere," Biden said, according to excerpts provided by his campaign. The prospect that Trump solicited Ukraine's help against his potential challenger next year has infuriated Democrats, many of whom blame the loss of the 2016 presidential election on Russian interference. Moscow has denied interfering in that campaign. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he saw no evidence of pressure in Trump's July conversation with Zelenskiy and added that there was nothing wrong with the US president asking for an investigation into potential corruption. US intelligence agencies and Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election with a scheme of hacking and propaganda to boost Trump's candidacy and disparage his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton. Kurt Volker, who resigned last Friday as Trump's special representative for Ukraine, is scheduled to give a deposition to House staff on Thursday. Marie Yovanovitch, who was U.S. ambassador to Ukraine until she was abruptly recalled in May, has agreed to appear on Oct. 11. In his phone call with Zelenskiy, Trump called Yovanovitch "bad news." Representative Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a letter to the panel's chairman, Eliot Engel, that Schiff lacked jurisdiction to investigate the State Department's conduct regarding Ukraine and demanded "equal representation and participation" for Republicans in questioning Volker. The impeachment probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate. Republicans, however, have shown little appetite for ousting him.

US President Donald Trump slams impeachment probe as hoax as Democrats seek White House documents

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he wants and deserves to meet the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-white-house-intervened-after-trump-ukraine-call-252228">anonymous whistleblower</a> at the centre of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-caught-in-trump-row-says-nobody-can-pressure-me-251999">fast-moving scandal</a> that has triggered an impeachment probe against him.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/house-subpoenas-pompeo-for-ukraine-files-in-donald-trump-impeachment-probe-252546">whistleblower</a>, who could testify soon before Congress, fears for their safety if their identity is revealed, according to a lawyers' letter released by CBS News.

Battling the deepest crisis of his presidency, Trump in a series of tweets railed against accusations that he should be impeached for urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden, his potential 2020 White House challenger.

Watch: ''Greatest Scam in the history of American Politics'' says Donald Trump on Impeachment inquiry

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"Like every American, I deserve to meet my accuser, especially when this accuser, the so-called 'Whistleblower,' represented a perfect conversation with a foreign leader in a totally inaccurate and fraudulent way," Trump said.

Trump accused top Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff of lying to Congress last week about what Trump said to Zelensky in the July phone call.

"He wrote down and read terrible things, then said it was from the mouth of the President of the United States. I want Schiff questioned at the highest level for Fraud &amp; Treason," he wrote.

Trump's Republican aides have sought to turn the tables on Democrats pushing for his impeachment, insisting that the president was the true "whistleblower" as he had asked Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son for corruption.

"This individual is a saboteur trying to undermine a democratically elected government," Trump advisor Stephen Miller insisted on "Fox News Sunday."

"Getting to the bottom of a corruption scandal in Ukraine is in the American national interest."

Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani — who has emerged as his point man in the Ukraine scandal — led the charge along with Miller in combative Sunday talk show appearances.

Brandishing what he said were affidavits incriminating Biden's son Hunter over his work at a Ukrainian company, Giuliani said Trump was duty-bound to raise the issue with Kiev.

"If he hadn't asked them to investigate Biden, he would have violated the constitution," Giuliani told ABC's "This Week," charging that "Donald Trump was framed by the Democrats."

'Honor your oath'

The Democratic-led House of Representatives launched an official impeachment inquiry last week accusing Trump of a "mafia-like shakedown" of Zelensky aimed at damaging Biden.

Trump and his allies claim Biden, as Barack Obama's vice president, pressured Kiev to fire the country's top prosecutor to protect his son Hunter, who sat on the board of a gas company, Burisma Holdings, accused of corrupt practices.

Those allegations have largely been debunked and there has been no evidence of illegal conduct or wrongdoing in Ukraine by the Bidens.

But a transcript of the July call shows Trump pushing for Kiev to revisit the matter, saying both Giuliani and US Attorney General Bill Barr would be in touch.

For Democrats, that amounted to a smoking gun, leading Speaker Nancy Pelosi to finally approve an impeachment process she opposed as a risky distraction from the 2020 battle.

Pelosi on Sunday called for Trump to "speak the truth. Honour your oath of office to the Constitution of the United States."

"Don't make this any worse than it already is," she said.

Democrats have charged aggressively into the inquiry, ordering Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to turn over Ukraine-related documents and scheduling witness testimony.

On NBC's "Meet the Press," Schiff said he expected the whistleblower to testify "very soon" -- with all precautions taken to protect their identity.

'In harm's way'?

CBS News released a letter from the whistleblower's lawyers to the acting director of national intelligence expressing concern that their "client will be put in harm's way."

"We expect this situation to worsen and become even more dangerous," the letter said, calling for "appropriate resources to ensure their safety." 
Democrats have said articles of impeachment -- formal charges -- against Trump could be completed in as little as a month and swiftly voted on in the House, where the party has a majority.

The Biden campaign sent a letter Sunday to US TV networks to demanding they stop booking Giuliani for interviews, accusing him of "knowingly and willingly" lying.

Polls suggest public support is growing for the impeachment inquiry, with a new CBS survey showing 55 per cent of Americans -- and nine in 10 Democrats -- approve.

But even if impeachment is approved in the House, Trump would be tried in the Senate -- where, for the moment, he appears able to count on a Republican majority to prevent a conviction.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he wants and deserves to meet the anonymous whistleblower at the centre of the fast-moving scandal that has triggered an impeachment probe against him.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he wants and deserves to meet the anonymous whistleblower at the centre of the fast-moving scandal that has triggered an impeachment probe against him. The whistleblower, who could testify soon before Congress, fears for their safety if their identity is revealed, according to a lawyers' letter released by CBS News. Battling the deepest crisis of his presidency, Trump in a series of tweets railed against accusations that he should be impeached for urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden, his potential 2020 White House challenger. Watch: ''Greatest Scam in the history of American Politics'' says Donald Trump on Impeachment inquiry "Like every American, I deserve to meet my accuser, especially when this accuser, the so-called 'Whistleblower,' represented a perfect conversation with a foreign leader in a totally inaccurate and fraudulent way," Trump said. Trump accused top Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff of lying to Congress last week about what Trump said to Zelensky in the July phone call. "He wrote down and read terrible things, then said it was from the mouth of the President of the United States. I want Schiff questioned at the highest level for Fraud & Treason," he wrote. Trump's Republican aides have sought to turn the tables on Democrats pushing for his impeachment, insisting that the president was the true "whistleblower" as he had asked Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son for corruption. "This individual is a saboteur trying to undermine a democratically elected government," Trump advisor Stephen Miller insisted on "Fox News Sunday." "Getting to the bottom of a corruption scandal in Ukraine is in the American national interest." Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani — who has emerged as his point man in the Ukraine scandal — led the charge along with Miller in combative Sunday talk show appearances. Brandishing what he said were affidavits incriminating Biden's son Hunter over his work at a Ukrainian company, Giuliani said Trump was duty-bound to raise the issue with Kiev. "If he hadn't asked them to investigate Biden, he would have violated the constitution," Giuliani told ABC's "This Week," charging that "Donald Trump was framed by the Democrats." 'Honor your oath' The Democratic-led House of Representatives launched an official impeachment inquiry last week accusing Trump of a "mafia-like shakedown" of Zelensky aimed at damaging Biden. Trump and his allies claim Biden, as Barack Obama's vice president, pressured Kiev to fire the country's top prosecutor to protect his son Hunter, who sat on the board of a gas company, Burisma Holdings, accused of corrupt practices. Those allegations have largely been debunked and there has been no evidence of illegal conduct or wrongdoing in Ukraine by the Bidens. But a transcript of the July call shows Trump pushing for Kiev to revisit the matter, saying both Giuliani and US Attorney General Bill Barr would be in touch. For Democrats, that amounted to a smoking gun, leading Speaker Nancy Pelosi to finally approve an impeachment process she opposed as a risky distraction from the 2020 battle. Pelosi on Sunday called for Trump to "speak the truth. Honour your oath of office to the Constitution of the United States." "Don't make this any worse than it already is," she said. Democrats have charged aggressively into the inquiry, ordering Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to turn over Ukraine-related documents and scheduling witness testimony. On NBC's "Meet the Press," Schiff said he expected the whistleblower to testify "very soon" -- with all precautions taken to protect their identity. 'In harm's way'? CBS News released a letter from the whistleblower's lawyers to the acting director of national intelligence expressing concern that their "client will be put in harm's way." "We expect this situation to worsen and become even more dangerous," the letter said, calling for "appropriate resources to ensure their safety." Democrats have said articles of impeachment -- formal charges -- against Trump could be completed in as little as a month and swiftly voted on in the House, where the party has a majority. The Biden campaign sent a letter Sunday to US TV networks to demanding they stop booking Giuliani for interviews, accusing him of "knowingly and willingly" lying. Polls suggest public support is growing for the impeachment inquiry, with a new CBS survey showing 55 per cent of Americans -- and nine in 10 Democrats -- approve. But even if impeachment is approved in the House, Trump would be tried in the Senate -- where, for the moment, he appears able to count on a Republican majority to prevent a conviction.

Like every American, I deserve to meet my accuser: Donald Trump

The chairman of the US&nbsp;House Intelligence Committee said on Sunday Congress is determined to get access to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-rejects-trump-policy-of-expanded-deportation-252639">President Donald Trump</a>'s calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, citing concerns he may have jeopardized national security.

"I think the paramount need here is to protect the national security of the United States and see whether in the conversations with other world leaders and in particular with Putin that the president was also undermining our security in a way that he thought would personally benefit his campaign," Democrat Adam Schiff said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Following a whistleblower complaint that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-at-stake-like-never-before-trump-to-supporters-252638">Trump</a>, a Republican, solicited a political favor from Ukraine's president that could help him get re-elected, the lawmakers are investigating concerns that Trump's actions have jeopardized national security and the integrity of US&nbsp;elections.

The intelligence committee has reached an agreement with the whistleblower to appear before the panel, Schiff told ABC's "This Week"

Lawmakers were working out logistics to protect the person's identity and also get security clearance for lawyers who will be representing the whistleblower. He hopes the whistleblower can appear very soon, Schiff said.

The whistleblower's complaint cited a telephone call in which Trump asked President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to launch an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Hunter Biden sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

Joe Biden is a leading candidate in the race to challenge Trump in the November 2020 presidential election.

The complaint said White House lawyers directed that an electronic summary of the call, which was released to the public on Wednesday, be moved from the place where such things are usually kept to a secret server reserved for covert matters.

"If those conversations with Putin or with other world leaders are sequestered in that same electronic file that is meant for covert action, not meant for this, if there's an effort to hide those and cover those up, yes we're determined to find out," Schiff said on NBC.

The chairman of the US House Intelligence Committee said on Sunday Congress is determined to get access to President Donald Trump's calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, citing concerns he may have jeopardized national security.

The chairman of the US House Intelligence Committee said on Sunday Congress is determined to get access to President Donald Trump's calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, citing concerns he may have jeopardized national security. "I think the paramount need here is to protect the national security of the United States and see whether in the conversations with other world leaders and in particular with Putin that the president was also undermining our security in a way that he thought would personally benefit his campaign," Democrat Adam Schiff said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Following a whistleblower complaint that Trump, a Republican, solicited a political favor from Ukraine's president that could help him get re-elected, the lawmakers are investigating concerns that Trump's actions have jeopardized national security and the integrity of US elections. The intelligence committee has reached an agreement with the whistleblower to appear before the panel, Schiff told ABC's "This Week" Lawmakers were working out logistics to protect the person's identity and also get security clearance for lawyers who will be representing the whistleblower. He hopes the whistleblower can appear very soon, Schiff said. The whistleblower's complaint cited a telephone call in which Trump asked President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to launch an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Hunter Biden sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company. Joe Biden is a leading candidate in the race to challenge Trump in the November 2020 presidential election. The complaint said White House lawyers directed that an electronic summary of the call, which was released to the public on Wednesday, be moved from the place where such things are usually kept to a secret server reserved for covert matters. "If those conversations with Putin or with other world leaders are sequestered in that same electronic file that is meant for covert action, not meant for this, if there's an effort to hide those and cover those up, yes we're determined to find out," Schiff said on NBC.

Democrats want access to Trump's phone calls with Russian President Putin, others

President Donald Trump told two Russian officials in a 2017 meeting that he was not concerned about Moscow's meddling in the US&nbsp;election, which prompted White House officials to limit access to the remarks, the Washington Post reported on Friday.

A summary of Trump's Oval Office meeting with Russia's foreign minister and its ambassador to the US&nbsp;was limited to a few officials in an attempt to keep the president's comments from being disclosed publicly, the Post said, citing former officials with knowledge of the matter.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

A whistleblower complaint about a July phone call in which Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden is at the heart of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives impeachment inquiry launched this week.

A member of the US&nbsp;intelligence community who filed the complaint against Trump said notes from other conversations the president had with foreign leaders had been placed on a highly classified computer system in a departure from normal practice in a bid to protect information that was politically sensitive, rather than sensitive for national security reasons.

Trump's 2017 meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ambassador Sergei Kislyak was already considered controversial after it was learned that Trump disclosed highly classified information about a planned Islamic State operation.

On election interference, Trump told Lavrov and Kislyak he was not concerned about Russian meddling because the United States did the same in other countries, the Post reported.

CNN, citing people familiar with the matter, said efforts to limit access to Trump's conversations with foreign leaders extended to phone calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway told reporters that procedures for handling records of Trump's conversations with world leaders had changed early in his tenure after calls with Mexico's president and Australia's prime minister were leaked.

President Donald Trump told two Russian officials in a 2017 meeting that he was not concerned about Moscow's meddling in the US election, which prompted White House officials to limit access to the remarks, the Washington Post reported on Friday.

President Donald Trump told two Russian officials in a 2017 meeting that he was not concerned about Moscow's meddling in the US election, which prompted White House officials to limit access to the remarks, the Washington Post reported on Friday. A summary of Trump's Oval Office meeting with Russia's foreign minister and its ambassador to the US was limited to a few officials in an attempt to keep the president's comments from being disclosed publicly, the Post said, citing former officials with knowledge of the matter. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. A whistleblower complaint about a July phone call in which Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden is at the heart of the US House of Representatives impeachment inquiry launched this week. A member of the US intelligence community who filed the complaint against Trump said notes from other conversations the president had with foreign leaders had been placed on a highly classified computer system in a departure from normal practice in a bid to protect information that was politically sensitive, rather than sensitive for national security reasons. Trump's 2017 meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ambassador Sergei Kislyak was already considered controversial after it was learned that Trump disclosed highly classified information about a planned Islamic State operation. On election interference, Trump told Lavrov and Kislyak he was not concerned about Russian meddling because the United States did the same in other countries, the Post reported. CNN, citing people familiar with the matter, said efforts to limit access to Trump's conversations with foreign leaders extended to phone calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway told reporters that procedures for handling records of Trump's conversations with world leaders had changed early in his tenure after calls with Mexico's president and Australia's prime minister were leaked.

Trump told Russians in 2017 he was not concerned about election meddling: Report

The Chinese government's top diplomat said on Friday that tariffs and trade disputes could plunge the world into recession and Beijing was committed to resolving them in a "calm, rational and cooperative manner."

In a blunt speech to the annual United Nations General Assembly, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "Erecting walls will not resolve global challenges, and blaming others for one's own problems does not work. The lessons of the Great Depression should not be forgotten."

Taking a clear swipe at US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who started a damaging trade war on China nearly 15 months ago, Wang added, without naming the US&nbsp;leader:

"Tariffs and provocation of trade disputes, which upset global industrial and supply chains, serve to undermine the multilateral trade regime and global economic and trade order.

"They may even plunge the world into recession."

In successive rounds of tit-for-tat tariffs, the United States and China have levied punitive duties on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods, roiling financial markets and threatening global growth.

A new round of high-level talks between the world's two largest economies is expected in Washington in the first half of October.

Wang's remarks, unusually pointed for a Chinese diplomat, coincided with word that the Trump administration is considering radical new financial pressure tactics on Beijing, including the possibility of delisting Chinese companies from US&nbsp;stock exchanges.

Sources told Reuters on Friday that the move would be part of a broader effort to limit US&nbsp;investments into Chinese companies, in part because of growing security concerns about their activities.

News of the potential restrictions on portfolio investments restrictions sent US&nbsp;stocks and oil prices lower on Friday on fears that US-China trade tensions would again escalate. An increase in US&nbsp;tariffs to 30% from 25% on $250 billion in Chinese imports is scheduled for Oct. 15 if no progress is made before then.

US&nbsp;and Chinese rhetoric on trade this week had seesawed between harsher and more conciliatory, with Trump issuing a sharp rebuke of China`s trade practices and state-led development model in his speech before the General Assembly on Tuesday, adding that he would not accept a "bad deal."

On the same day, Wang warned the United States not to interfere with China's sovereignty. But on Thursday he said China was willing to consider increased purchases of farm products and predicted that talks would lead to a resolution if both sides took more steps to improve goodwill.

Trump said on Wednesday a trade deal with China could come sooner than people think, and praised the Chinese purchases.

North Korea&nbsp;

At the United Nations, Wang also took aim at Trump`s policy on North Korea, in which groundbreaking talks between Pyongyang and Washington have stalled, largely over the US&nbsp;refusal to ease punishing sanctions.

Wang said it was necessary for the United Nations to consider invoking the rollback terms of North Korea-related sanctions resolutions "in the light of new developments" on the Korean Peninsula "to bolster the political settlement of the Peninsula issue."

He said "the realistic and viable way forward" was to promote "parallel progress in denuclearization and the establishment of a peace mechanism" to gradually build trust "through phased and synchronized actions."

Wang criticized the US&nbsp;withdrawal this year from a treaty governing intermediate range nuclear missiles, and said China was against the deployment of such missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

He said China would continue to take an active role in the international arms control process and added that it has initiated domestic legal procedures to join the Arms Trade Treaty.

Trump has said he intends to revoke the US&nbsp;signature to the treaty, which regulates the $70 billion global cross-border trade in conventional arms and seeks to keep weapons out of the hands of human rights abusers.

So far, 104 countries have joined the pact, which the General Assembly approved in 2013.

Wang reiterated comments made earlier in the week, stressing China's commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of another country, an apparent reference to Beijing's displeasure at criticism of its handling of protests in Hong Kong.

"On the international stage, we speak for justice and oppose hegemonism or bullying," Wang said.

Shortly before Wang's speech, China and Kiribati formally resumed diplomatic ties at a ceremony he presided over at the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

The move followed the Pacific island state's decision to ditch relations with Taiwan, which the United States supports with arms supplies and which Beijing considers a renegade province.

"I do believe that there is much to learn and gain from the People's Republic of China, and the re-establishment of our diplomatic relations is just the beginning," Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau said at the event.

The Solomon Islands and Kiribati are the latest countries to switch relations to China, leaving self-ruled Taiwan with formal ties to only 15 countries. 
&nbsp;

The Chinese government's top diplomat said on Friday that tariffs and trade disputes could plunge the world into recession and Beijing was committed to resolving them in a "calm, rational and cooperative manner.

The Chinese government's top diplomat said on Friday that tariffs and trade disputes could plunge the world into recession and Beijing was committed to resolving them in a "calm, rational and cooperative manner." In a blunt speech to the annual United Nations General Assembly, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "Erecting walls will not resolve global challenges, and blaming others for one's own problems does not work. The lessons of the Great Depression should not be forgotten." Taking a clear swipe at US President Donald Trump, who started a damaging trade war on China nearly 15 months ago, Wang added, without naming the US leader: "Tariffs and provocation of trade disputes, which upset global industrial and supply chains, serve to undermine the multilateral trade regime and global economic and trade order. "They may even plunge the world into recession." In successive rounds of tit-for-tat tariffs, the United States and China have levied punitive duties on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods, roiling financial markets and threatening global growth. A new round of high-level talks between the world's two largest economies is expected in Washington in the first half of October. Wang's remarks, unusually pointed for a Chinese diplomat, coincided with word that the Trump administration is considering radical new financial pressure tactics on Beijing, including the possibility of delisting Chinese companies from US stock exchanges. Sources told Reuters on Friday that the move would be part of a broader effort to limit US investments into Chinese companies, in part because of growing security concerns about their activities. News of the potential restrictions on portfolio investments restrictions sent US stocks and oil prices lower on Friday on fears that US-China trade tensions would again escalate. An increase in US tariffs to 30% from 25% on $250 billion in Chinese imports is scheduled for Oct. 15 if no progress is made before then. US and Chinese rhetoric on trade this week had seesawed between harsher and more conciliatory, with Trump issuing a sharp rebuke of China`s trade practices and state-led development model in his speech before the General Assembly on Tuesday, adding that he would not accept a "bad deal." On the same day, Wang warned the United States not to interfere with China's sovereignty. But on Thursday he said China was willing to consider increased purchases of farm products and predicted that talks would lead to a resolution if both sides took more steps to improve goodwill. Trump said on Wednesday a trade deal with China could come sooner than people think, and praised the Chinese purchases. North Korea At the United Nations, Wang also took aim at Trump`s policy on North Korea, in which groundbreaking talks between Pyongyang and Washington have stalled, largely over the US refusal to ease punishing sanctions. Wang said it was necessary for the United Nations to consider invoking the rollback terms of North Korea-related sanctions resolutions "in the light of new developments" on the Korean Peninsula "to bolster the political settlement of the Peninsula issue." He said "the realistic and viable way forward" was to promote "parallel progress in denuclearization and the establishment of a peace mechanism" to gradually build trust "through phased and synchronized actions." Wang criticized the US withdrawal this year from a treaty governing intermediate range nuclear missiles, and said China was against the deployment of such missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. He said China would continue to take an active role in the international arms control process and added that it has initiated domestic legal procedures to join the Arms Trade Treaty. Trump has said he intends to revoke the US signature to the treaty, which regulates the $70 billion global cross-border trade in conventional arms and seeks to keep weapons out of the hands of human rights abusers. So far, 104 countries have joined the pact, which the General Assembly approved in 2013. Wang reiterated comments made earlier in the week, stressing China's commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of another country, an apparent reference to Beijing's displeasure at criticism of its handling of protests in Hong Kong. "On the international stage, we speak for justice and oppose hegemonism or bullying," Wang said. Shortly before Wang's speech, China and Kiribati formally resumed diplomatic ties at a ceremony he presided over at the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. The move followed the Pacific island state's decision to ditch relations with Taiwan, which the United States supports with arms supplies and which Beijing considers a renegade province. "I do believe that there is much to learn and gain from the People's Republic of China, and the re-establishment of our diplomatic relations is just the beginning," Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau said at the event. The Solomon Islands and Kiribati are the latest countries to switch relations to China, leaving self-ruled Taiwan with formal ties to only 15 countries.

In swipe at Trump, China tells U.N. tariffs could plunge world into recession

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