A coalition of 16 US&nbsp;states led by California sued President Donald Trump and top members of his administration on Monday to block his decision to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-emergency-declaration-sparks-protests-outside-white-house-198188">declare a national emergency</a> to obtain funds for building a wall along the US-Mexico border.

The lawsuit filed in US&nbsp;District Court for the Northern District of California came after Trump invoked emergency powers on Friday to help build the wall that was his signature 2016 campaign promise.

Trump's order would allow him to spend on the wall money that Congress appropriated for other purposes. Congress declined to fulfil his request for $5.7 billion to help build the wall this year.

"Today, on Presidents Day, we take President Trump to court to block his misuse of presidential power," California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement.

"We’re suing President Trump to stop him from unilaterally robbing taxpayer funds lawfully set aside by Congress for the people of our states. For most of us, the office of the presidency is not a place for theatre," added Becerra, a Democrat.

The White House declined to comment on the filing.

In a budget deal passed by Congress to avert a second government shutdown, nearly $1.4 billion was allocated toward border fencing. Trump's emergency order would give him an additional $6.7 billion beyond what lawmakers authorized.

Three Texas landowners and an environmental group filed the first lawsuit against Trump's move on Friday, saying it violated the Constitution and would infringe on their property rights.

The legal challenges could slow Trump's efforts to build the wall, which he says is needed to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The lawsuits could end up at the conservative-leaning US&nbsp;Supreme Court.

Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and Michigan joined California in the lawsuit.

The states said Trump's order would cause them to lose millions of dollars in federal funding for national guard units dealing with counter-drug activities and redirection of funds from authorized military construction projects would damage their economies.

In television interviews on Sunday and Monday, Becerra said the lawsuit would use Trump's own words against him as evidence that there was no national emergency to declare.

Trump said on Friday he did not need to make the emergency declaration but wanted to speed the process of building the wall. That comment could undercut the government's legal argument.

"By the president’s own admission, an emergency declaration is not necessary," the states said in the lawsuit. "The federal government’s own data prove there is no national emergency at the southern border that warrants the construction of a wall."

A coalition of 16 US states led by California sued President Donald Trump and top members of his administration on Monday to block his decision to declare a national emergency to obtain funds for building a wall along the US-Mexico border.

A coalition of 16 US states led by California sued President Donald Trump and top members of his administration on Monday to block his decision to declare a national emergency to obtain funds for building a wall along the US-Mexico border. The lawsuit filed in US District Court for the Northern District of California came after Trump invoked emergency powers on Friday to help build the wall that was his signature 2016 campaign promise. Trump's order would allow him to spend on the wall money that Congress appropriated for other purposes. Congress declined to fulfil his request for $5.7 billion to help build the wall this year. "Today, on Presidents Day, we take President Trump to court to block his misuse of presidential power," California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. "We’re suing President Trump to stop him from unilaterally robbing taxpayer funds lawfully set aside by Congress for the people of our states. For most of us, the office of the presidency is not a place for theatre," added Becerra, a Democrat. The White House declined to comment on the filing. In a budget deal passed by Congress to avert a second government shutdown, nearly $1.4 billion was allocated toward border fencing. Trump's emergency order would give him an additional $6.7 billion beyond what lawmakers authorized. Three Texas landowners and an environmental group filed the first lawsuit against Trump's move on Friday, saying it violated the Constitution and would infringe on their property rights. The legal challenges could slow Trump's efforts to build the wall, which he says is needed to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The lawsuits could end up at the conservative-leaning US Supreme Court. Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and Michigan joined California in the lawsuit. The states said Trump's order would cause them to lose millions of dollars in federal funding for national guard units dealing with counter-drug activities and redirection of funds from authorized military construction projects would damage their economies. In television interviews on Sunday and Monday, Becerra said the lawsuit would use Trump's own words against him as evidence that there was no national emergency to declare. Trump said on Friday he did not need to make the emergency declaration but wanted to speed the process of building the wall. That comment could undercut the government's legal argument. "By the president’s own admission, an emergency declaration is not necessary," the states said in the lawsuit. "The federal government’s own data prove there is no national emergency at the southern border that warrants the construction of a wall."

Coalition of US states sue Trump administration in showdown over border wall funds

US President Donald Trump said Monday a top Justice official's reported discussions about invoking the Constitution to remove him from office were part of an "illegal and treasonous" push against him.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein raised the possibility of removing the president in 2017 after Trump fired FBI director James Comey, according to Andrew McCabe, who replaced Comey as the bureau's acting director.

McCabe and Rosenstein "look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.....," Trump said in a series of tweets.

"This was the illegal and treasonous 'insurance policy' in full action!"

Trump has often attacked the federal investigations into his campaign's links to Russia as a "witch hunt" aimed at sabotaging his presidency.

The "insurance policy" he cited refers to an ambiguous text message a top FBI investigator sent to his lover in August 2016 that alludes to their concerns about then-candidate Trump, which the president often points to as evidence of a "deep state" conspiracy against him.&nbsp;

"I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andy’s office — that there’s no way he gets elected — but I'm afraid we can’t take that risk," the investigator, Peter Strzok, wrote. "It’s like an insurance policy in the unlikely event you die before you're 40."

Comey firing

Trump abruptly fired Comey May 9, 2017, as pressure rose over the Russia investigation, setting off alarm bells in the FBI and Justice Department.

According to McCabe, in a lengthy interview that aired Sunday on CBS's "60 Minutes," Rosenstein brought up the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution, which provides for the removal of a sitting president for incapacity.

"Rod raised the issue and discussed it with me in the context of thinking about how many other cabinet officials might support such an effort," said McCabe, who has a book coming out, "The Threat."

Rosenstein even pondered wearing a wire to secretly record his conversations with the president, he said.

The deputy attorney general, who remains in office but no longer supervises the Russia investigation, appears never to have acted on those ideas.

"But what I can say is the deputy attorney general was definitely very concerned about the president, about his capacity and about his intent at that point in time," McCabe said.

McCabe himself was fired in March 2018 for "lack of candour" in an internal investigation into the FBI's handling of a 2016 probe into Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

In the interview, McCabe also touched on Trump's inclination to believe Russian President Vladimir Putin over what his own intelligence services are telling him.

He recounts a meeting he did not attend but was witnessed by another FBI agent, in which Trump reportedly said he did not believe North Korea had missiles capable of reaching the United States because Putin had told him that.

"Intelligence officials in the briefing responded that that was not consistent with any of the intelligence our government possesses," McCabe said. "To which the president replied, 'I don't care. I believe Putin.'"

US President Donald Trump said Monday a top Justice official's reported discussions about invoking the Constitution to remove him from office were part of an "illegal and treasonous" push against him.

US President Donald Trump said Monday a top Justice official's reported discussions about invoking the Constitution to remove him from office were part of an "illegal and treasonous" push against him. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein raised the possibility of removing the president in 2017 after Trump fired FBI director James Comey, according to Andrew McCabe, who replaced Comey as the bureau's acting director. McCabe and Rosenstein "look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.....," Trump said in a series of tweets. "This was the illegal and treasonous 'insurance policy' in full action!" Trump has often attacked the federal investigations into his campaign's links to Russia as a "witch hunt" aimed at sabotaging his presidency. The "insurance policy" he cited refers to an ambiguous text message a top FBI investigator sent to his lover in August 2016 that alludes to their concerns about then-candidate Trump, which the president often points to as evidence of a "deep state" conspiracy against him. "I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andy’s office — that there’s no way he gets elected — but I'm afraid we can’t take that risk," the investigator, Peter Strzok, wrote. "It’s like an insurance policy in the unlikely event you die before you're 40." Comey firing Trump abruptly fired Comey May 9, 2017, as pressure rose over the Russia investigation, setting off alarm bells in the FBI and Justice Department. According to McCabe, in a lengthy interview that aired Sunday on CBS's "60 Minutes," Rosenstein brought up the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution, which provides for the removal of a sitting president for incapacity. "Rod raised the issue and discussed it with me in the context of thinking about how many other cabinet officials might support such an effort," said McCabe, who has a book coming out, "The Threat." Rosenstein even pondered wearing a wire to secretly record his conversations with the president, he said. The deputy attorney general, who remains in office but no longer supervises the Russia investigation, appears never to have acted on those ideas. "But what I can say is the deputy attorney general was definitely very concerned about the president, about his capacity and about his intent at that point in time," McCabe said. McCabe himself was fired in March 2018 for "lack of candour" in an internal investigation into the FBI's handling of a 2016 probe into Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. In the interview, McCabe also touched on Trump's inclination to believe Russian President Vladimir Putin over what his own intelligence services are telling him. He recounts a meeting he did not attend but was witnessed by another FBI agent, in which Trump reportedly said he did not believe North Korea had missiles capable of reaching the United States because Putin had told him that. "Intelligence officials in the briefing responded that that was not consistent with any of the intelligence our government possesses," McCabe said. "To which the president replied, 'I don't care. I believe Putin.'"

Trump calls discussions about removing him 'treasonous'

US Senator Bernie Sanders has recorded a video announcing a 2020 run for president, Politico reported Saturday, an indication that he plans to enter the already crowded field of candidates.

But it still remains unclear when or if the video will be released, according to Politico, which previously reported that the senator from Vermont's team has been conducting interviews to fill top staff positions.

Sanders, a 77-year-old independent who caucuses with Democrats, made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2016, losing out to Hillary Clinton, who was in turn defeated by Donald Trump.

Like Trump, Sanders was an outsider when the 2016 presidential primaries began, but came close to pulling off an upset over Clinton.

He garnered passionate support among young liberals with his calls for universal health care, a $15 minimum wage and free public university education.

Sanders served in the House until 2006 when he was elected to the US Senate. He was re-elected in 2012 and 2018.

While Sanders remains popular among many Democrats, some in the party have questioned whether their champion this time around should be a septuagenarian white man.

US Senator Bernie Sanders has recorded a video announcing a 2020 run for president, Politico reported Saturday, an indication that he plans to enter the already crowded field of candidates.

US Senator Bernie Sanders has recorded a video announcing a 2020 run for president, Politico reported Saturday, an indication that he plans to enter the already crowded field of candidates. But it still remains unclear when or if the video will be released, according to Politico, which previously reported that the senator from Vermont's team has been conducting interviews to fill top staff positions. Sanders, a 77-year-old independent who caucuses with Democrats, made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2016, losing out to Hillary Clinton, who was in turn defeated by Donald Trump. Like Trump, Sanders was an outsider when the 2016 presidential primaries began, but came close to pulling off an upset over Clinton. He garnered passionate support among young liberals with his calls for universal health care, a $15 minimum wage and free public university education. Sanders served in the House until 2006 when he was elected to the US Senate. He was re-elected in 2012 and 2018. While Sanders remains popular among many Democrats, some in the party have questioned whether their champion this time around should be a septuagenarian white man.

Bernie Sanders recorded presidential campaign video: Report

President Donald Trump on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-will-declare-an-emergency-on-us-mexico-border-197666">declared a national emergency</a> in a bid to fund his promised wall at the US-Mexico border without congressional approval, an action Democrats vowed to challenge as a violation of the US&nbsp;Constitution.

The Republican president's move circumventing Congress represented a new approach to a 2016 presidential campaign pledge to halt the flow of immigrants into the country, which Trump maintains spreads crime and drugs.

He was also expected later on Friday to sign a bipartisan government spending bill Congress approved on Thursday that would prevent another partial government shutdown by funding several agencies that otherwise would have closed on Saturday.

Trump made no direct mention in his Rose Garden comments of the funding bill, which represents a legislative defeat for him since it contains no money for his proposed wall - the focus of weeks of conflict between him and Democrats in Congress.

Trump's demand that Congress provide him with $5.7 billion in wall funding as part of legislation to fund the agencies triggered a historic, 35-day December-January government shutdown that damaged the US&nbsp;economy and his opinion poll numbers.

By reorienting his wall-funding quest toward a legally uncertain strategy based on declaring a national emergency, Trump now risks plunging into a lengthy battle with Democrats and dividing his fellow Republicans.

Fifteen Democrats in the Republican-controlled Senate introduced legislation on Thursday to prevent the transfer of funds from accounts Trump likely would target to pay for the wall.

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate's top Democrat, swiftly responded to Trump's declaration.

"The president's actions clearly violate the Congress’s exclusive power of the purse, which our Founders enshrined in the Constitution," they said in a statement. "The Congress will defend our constitutional authorities in the Congress, in the courts, and in the public, using every remedy available.”

New York state's attorney general, Letitia James, said her office would also challenge Trump in court.

"We won't stand for this abuse of power &amp; will fight back with every legal tool at our disposal," James wrote on Twitter.

The president acknowledged that his order would face a lengthy legal fight. "We'll win in the Supreme Court," Trump predicted.

Legal experts said the Trump administration may prevail.

The National Emergencies Act of 1976 gives the president broad leeway to declare an emergency. The law also includes a mechanism for Congress to oppose such a declaration.

If Congress fails to vote down Trump’s declaration of an emergency, said law professors Jonathan Turley of Georgetown University and William Banks of Syracuse University, courts will be reluctant to substitute their national security judgment for those of Congress and the president.

President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency in a bid to fund his promised wall at the US-Mexico border without congressional approval, an action Democrats vowed to challenge as a violation of the US Constitution.

President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency in a bid to fund his promised wall at the US-Mexico border without congressional approval, an action Democrats vowed to challenge as a violation of the US Constitution. The Republican president's move circumventing Congress represented a new approach to a 2016 presidential campaign pledge to halt the flow of immigrants into the country, which Trump maintains spreads crime and drugs. He was also expected later on Friday to sign a bipartisan government spending bill Congress approved on Thursday that would prevent another partial government shutdown by funding several agencies that otherwise would have closed on Saturday. Trump made no direct mention in his Rose Garden comments of the funding bill, which represents a legislative defeat for him since it contains no money for his proposed wall - the focus of weeks of conflict between him and Democrats in Congress. Trump's demand that Congress provide him with $5.7 billion in wall funding as part of legislation to fund the agencies triggered a historic, 35-day December-January government shutdown that damaged the US economy and his opinion poll numbers. By reorienting his wall-funding quest toward a legally uncertain strategy based on declaring a national emergency, Trump now risks plunging into a lengthy battle with Democrats and dividing his fellow Republicans. Fifteen Democrats in the Republican-controlled Senate introduced legislation on Thursday to prevent the transfer of funds from accounts Trump likely would target to pay for the wall. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate's top Democrat, swiftly responded to Trump's declaration. "The president's actions clearly violate the Congress’s exclusive power of the purse, which our Founders enshrined in the Constitution," they said in a statement. "The Congress will defend our constitutional authorities in the Congress, in the courts, and in the public, using every remedy available.” New York state's attorney general, Letitia James, said her office would also challenge Trump in court. "We won't stand for this abuse of power & will fight back with every legal tool at our disposal," James wrote on Twitter. The president acknowledged that his order would face a lengthy legal fight. "We'll win in the Supreme Court," Trump predicted. Legal experts said the Trump administration may prevail. The National Emergencies Act of 1976 gives the president broad leeway to declare an emergency. The law also includes a mechanism for Congress to oppose such a declaration. If Congress fails to vote down Trump’s declaration of an emergency, said law professors Jonathan Turley of Georgetown University and William Banks of Syracuse University, courts will be reluctant to substitute their national security judgment for those of Congress and the president.

Trump declares US-Mexico border emergency; Democrats protest

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-colombian-president-meet-over-venezuela-crisis-197229">President Donald Trump </a>on Wednesday was mum on whether the United States would deploy 5,000 troops to Colombia to exert more pressure on Venezuela's leftist government but said he had many options for securing regime change.

"Our militaries are very focused and working together. And let's see how it all turns out," Trump told reporters during a meeting with Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque at the White House's Oval Office.

"We're going to make things turn out well. That's what we do. We make things work."

One of the reporters asked Trump about the controversial phrase "5,000 troops to Colombia" that could be read on a legal pad that National Security Adviser John Bolton carried into a press briefing on new Venezuela sanctions late last month.

"You'll see," Trump merely said, having earlier stated that he never talks about troop deployments. "There are a number of different solutions, a number of different options. And we look at all options."

Asked if he has a plan B if Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro does not hand over power to the speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Juan Guaido, who in January proclaimed himself to be the country's legitimate head of state, Trump said he always has "plan B - and C, and D, and E, and F."

"I have great flexibility. I probably have more flexibility than any man that's ever been in this office."

The United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and France are among the countries that say Maduro's May 2018 re-election victory was a sham and have recognized Guaido as the interim president of oil-rich Venezuela.

"A lot of things are happening in Venezuela that people don't know about. And there's a lot of support for what we're doing ... tremendous support," Trump said.

"I have great respect for the man that most people, many people, think is the real president," Trump said about Guaido, though without mentioning him by name.

"He's very brave ... I've seen what's happened in the streets and I've seen what's happened with executions, so I really give him a lot of credit. And I think it's going to work out very well."

Referring to a plan to deliver US humanitarian aid via Colombia to Venezuela, which has been racked by longstanding shortages of basic goods and hyperinflation, Trump said Maduro was "making a terrible mistake" in using his military to attempt to stop those supplies from entering.

Maduro says the US - which stepped up its pressure on Venezuela by imposing severe sanctions it's oil industry late last month - is to blame for the country's economic woes and says the offer of humanitarian assistance is a pretext for a military invasion.

"They have to be able to let the food in. And in many cases, it's getting in. They blocked one of the bridges, but they haven't been able to block the others. They'd like to try," Trump said.

Asked whether the US would be prepared to offer Maduro amnesty if he relinquishes power, Trump said that option had not been considered.

Duque, for his part, said Maduro's refusal to allow the entry of humanitarian aid constituted a "crime against humanity."

"I am very happy that the diplomatic blockade is working like no time before it, and I think the days for this dictatorship are about to end. We have to continue working in those lines," the Colombian president said.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday was mum on whether the United States would deploy 5,000 troops to Colombia to exert more pressure on Venezuela's leftist government but said he had many options for securing regime change.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday was mum on whether the United States would deploy 5,000 troops to Colombia to exert more pressure on Venezuela's leftist government but said he had many options for securing regime change. "Our militaries are very focused and working together. And let's see how it all turns out," Trump told reporters during a meeting with Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque at the White House's Oval Office. "We're going to make things turn out well. That's what we do. We make things work." One of the reporters asked Trump about the controversial phrase "5,000 troops to Colombia" that could be read on a legal pad that National Security Adviser John Bolton carried into a press briefing on new Venezuela sanctions late last month. "You'll see," Trump merely said, having earlier stated that he never talks about troop deployments. "There are a number of different solutions, a number of different options. And we look at all options." Asked if he has a plan B if Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro does not hand over power to the speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Juan Guaido, who in January proclaimed himself to be the country's legitimate head of state, Trump said he always has "plan B - and C, and D, and E, and F." "I have great flexibility. I probably have more flexibility than any man that's ever been in this office." The United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and France are among the countries that say Maduro's May 2018 re-election victory was a sham and have recognized Guaido as the interim president of oil-rich Venezuela. "A lot of things are happening in Venezuela that people don't know about. And there's a lot of support for what we're doing ... tremendous support," Trump said. "I have great respect for the man that most people, many people, think is the real president," Trump said about Guaido, though without mentioning him by name. "He's very brave ... I've seen what's happened in the streets and I've seen what's happened with executions, so I really give him a lot of credit. And I think it's going to work out very well." Referring to a plan to deliver US humanitarian aid via Colombia to Venezuela, which has been racked by longstanding shortages of basic goods and hyperinflation, Trump said Maduro was "making a terrible mistake" in using his military to attempt to stop those supplies from entering. Maduro says the US - which stepped up its pressure on Venezuela by imposing severe sanctions it's oil industry late last month - is to blame for the country's economic woes and says the offer of humanitarian assistance is a pretext for a military invasion. "They have to be able to let the food in. And in many cases, it's getting in. They blocked one of the bridges, but they haven't been able to block the others. They'd like to try," Trump said. Asked whether the US would be prepared to offer Maduro amnesty if he relinquishes power, Trump said that option had not been considered. Duque, for his part, said Maduro's refusal to allow the entry of humanitarian aid constituted a "crime against humanity." "I am very happy that the diplomatic blockade is working like no time before it, and I think the days for this dictatorship are about to end. We have to continue working in those lines," the Colombian president said.

I have plan B, plan C and plan D on Venezuela, says Trump

US lawmakers reached a preliminary deal to provide some funding for President Donald Trump's Mexico border wall but waited Tuesday to see if he accepts the compromise and cancels a threatened government shutdown.

At nearly $1.4 billion for wall construction, the budget agreed by Republican and Democratic lawmakers was far less than the $5.7 billion that Trump wanted.

Trump has not given a definite answer, telling a crowd of supporters at a rally in the Texas frontier city of El Paso late Monday only that there was "probably some good news, but who knows?"

The money, along with other border security measures, was presented as a workable deal to satisfy both sides and allow Trump to shelve his threat to shut down swaths of government on Friday.

The funds would allow 55 miles of new walls along the border.

Hundreds of miles of barriers already run along the US-Mexican border but Trump says far more is needed to bring what he often calls an "invasion" of migrant criminals under control. Democrats say Trump vastly exaggerates the crime problem and uses the issue to whip up his right-wing voter base.

In December, Trump tried to pressure Congress into approving the $5.7 billion by refusing to sign off on funding swaths of government that have nothing to do with the wall, putting 800,000 jobs, from FBI agents to airport security, on hold for five weeks.

The Democrats refused to budge and Trump was forced into an embarrassing climbdown, allowing new negotiations to open with a new deadline of this Friday.

Republicans appear desperate to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-meet-on-border-security-scrambling-to-avert-shutdown-196776">avoid a second shutdown</a>.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the compromise deal was "certainly good news."

"It provides new funds for miles of new border barriers," he told senators. By approving this, the government could then work "with predictability and certainty."

Senator Chuck Schumer, the senior Democrat in the upper house, agreed.

"While the details are still being hammered out, the tentative agreement represents a path forward for our country, away from another round of fraught negotiations, up against a government funding cliff, away from a dreaded government shutdown," Schumer said.

Election ploy

Although there's little doubt that organized Mexican drug crime and people smugglers present a threat along the US border, Trump's fixation on wall building has polemicized Americans to the point where the left and right can barely discuss the issue.

For Trump, chants of "build the wall" were crucial to his surprise 2016 election victory. At the El Paso rally he introduced a new slogan for his coming 2020 reelection bid: "Finish the wall."

The thousands of devoted Trump fans, many of them wearing his red "Make America great again" campaign hats, cheered at the dire warnings about Mexican criminals and calls for bigger and longer walls.

"Walls save lives, walls save tremendous numbers of lives," Trump told them.

There was a counter-message a short distance from where Trump spoke when rising Democratic star Beto O'Rourke -- a possible challenger in 2020 -- held his own rally.

A former congressman who excited grassroots Democrats last November with an against-the-odds near upset of Republican Senator Ted Cruz, O'Rourke is from El Paso.

"Tonight, we will meet lies and hate with the truth and a positive, inclusive, ambitious vision for the future from the US-Mexico border," he said.

Trump dismissed O'Rourke as "a young man who's got very little going for himself except he's got a great first name."

Making fun of what he said was O'Rourke's much smaller crowd, Trump said: "That may be the end of his presidential bid."

&nbsp;

US lawmakers reached a preliminary deal to provide some funding for President Donald Trump's Mexico border wall but waited Tuesday to see if he accepts the compromise and cancels a threatened government shutdown.

US lawmakers reached a preliminary deal to provide some funding for President Donald Trump's Mexico border wall but waited Tuesday to see if he accepts the compromise and cancels a threatened government shutdown. At nearly $1.4 billion for wall construction, the budget agreed by Republican and Democratic lawmakers was far less than the $5.7 billion that Trump wanted. Trump has not given a definite answer, telling a crowd of supporters at a rally in the Texas frontier city of El Paso late Monday only that there was "probably some good news, but who knows?" The money, along with other border security measures, was presented as a workable deal to satisfy both sides and allow Trump to shelve his threat to shut down swaths of government on Friday. The funds would allow 55 miles of new walls along the border. Hundreds of miles of barriers already run along the US-Mexican border but Trump says far more is needed to bring what he often calls an "invasion" of migrant criminals under control. Democrats say Trump vastly exaggerates the crime problem and uses the issue to whip up his right-wing voter base. In December, Trump tried to pressure Congress into approving the $5.7 billion by refusing to sign off on funding swaths of government that have nothing to do with the wall, putting 800,000 jobs, from FBI agents to airport security, on hold for five weeks. The Democrats refused to budge and Trump was forced into an embarrassing climbdown, allowing new negotiations to open with a new deadline of this Friday. Republicans appear desperate to avoid a second shutdown. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the compromise deal was "certainly good news." "It provides new funds for miles of new border barriers," he told senators. By approving this, the government could then work "with predictability and certainty." Senator Chuck Schumer, the senior Democrat in the upper house, agreed. "While the details are still being hammered out, the tentative agreement represents a path forward for our country, away from another round of fraught negotiations, up against a government funding cliff, away from a dreaded government shutdown," Schumer said. Election ploy Although there's little doubt that organized Mexican drug crime and people smugglers present a threat along the US border, Trump's fixation on wall building has polemicized Americans to the point where the left and right can barely discuss the issue. For Trump, chants of "build the wall" were crucial to his surprise 2016 election victory. At the El Paso rally he introduced a new slogan for his coming 2020 reelection bid: "Finish the wall." The thousands of devoted Trump fans, many of them wearing his red "Make America great again" campaign hats, cheered at the dire warnings about Mexican criminals and calls for bigger and longer walls. "Walls save lives, walls save tremendous numbers of lives," Trump told them. There was a counter-message a short distance from where Trump spoke when rising Democratic star Beto O'Rourke -- a possible challenger in 2020 -- held his own rally. A former congressman who excited grassroots Democrats last November with an against-the-odds near upset of Republican Senator Ted Cruz, O'Rourke is from El Paso. "Tonight, we will meet lies and hate with the truth and a positive, inclusive, ambitious vision for the future from the US-Mexico border," he said. Trump dismissed O'Rourke as "a young man who's got very little going for himself except he's got a great first name." Making fun of what he said was O'Rourke's much smaller crowd, Trump said: "That may be the end of his presidential bid."

Trump mulls border wall deal ending threat to government

Border security talks between Republican and Democratic lawmakers seeking to avert another US&nbsp;government shutdown on Friday have broken down over immigration detention policies, a Republican senator said.

"The talks are stalled right now," Republican Senator Richard Shelby told "Fox News Sunday" after a dispute over immigrant detentions. He said he hoped negotiators would return to the table soon.

Efforts to resolve an impasse over border security funding extended into the weekend as a special congressional negotiating panel aimed to reach a deal by Monday, lawmakers and aides said.

Democratic Senator Jon Tester played down any breakdown in talks. "It is a negotiation. Negotiations seldom go smooth all the way through," he told the Fox program. He said he was hopeful a deal could be reached.

However, no further talks were scheduled, a source told Reuters on Sunday on condition of anonymity.

The group of 17 lawmakers are hoping to reach a deal to allow time for the legislation to pass the US House of Representatives and Senate and get to President Donald Trump by Friday when federal funding is due to expire.

Trump agreed on Jan. 25 to end a 35-day partial US government shutdown without getting the $5.7 billion he had demanded from Congress for a wall along the border with Mexico, handing a political victory to Democrats.

Instead, a three-week spending deal was reached with congressional leaders to give lawmakers time to resolve their disagreements about how to address security along the border.

One sticking point has been Democrats' demands for funding fewer detention beds for people detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) than the Trump administration seeks. Republicans want to increase the number as part of their drive to speed immigrant deportations.

Shelby said talks were suspended over the issue but he hoped negotiators would come back to the table soon.

"I am hoping we can get off the dime later in the day or the morning," he said. "We have some problems with the Democrats dealing with ICE detaining criminals ... They want a cap on them. We don't want a cap on that."

While a number of Republicans in Congress have made it clear they would not embrace another shutdown, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney said he could not rule it out.

"You absolutely cannot," Mulvaney, who is also Trump's acting chief of staff, told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. "Is a shutdown entirely off the table? The answer is no."

Border security talks between Republican and Democratic lawmakers seeking to avert another US government shutdown on Friday have broken down over immigration detention policies, a Republican senator said.

Border security talks between Republican and Democratic lawmakers seeking to avert another US government shutdown on Friday have broken down over immigration detention policies, a Republican senator said. "The talks are stalled right now," Republican Senator Richard Shelby told "Fox News Sunday" after a dispute over immigrant detentions. He said he hoped negotiators would return to the table soon. Efforts to resolve an impasse over border security funding extended into the weekend as a special congressional negotiating panel aimed to reach a deal by Monday, lawmakers and aides said. Democratic Senator Jon Tester played down any breakdown in talks. "It is a negotiation. Negotiations seldom go smooth all the way through," he told the Fox program. He said he was hopeful a deal could be reached. However, no further talks were scheduled, a source told Reuters on Sunday on condition of anonymity. The group of 17 lawmakers are hoping to reach a deal to allow time for the legislation to pass the US House of Representatives and Senate and get to President Donald Trump by Friday when federal funding is due to expire. Trump agreed on Jan. 25 to end a 35-day partial US government shutdown without getting the $5.7 billion he had demanded from Congress for a wall along the border with Mexico, handing a political victory to Democrats. Instead, a three-week spending deal was reached with congressional leaders to give lawmakers time to resolve their disagreements about how to address security along the border. One sticking point has been Democrats' demands for funding fewer detention beds for people detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) than the Trump administration seeks. Republicans want to increase the number as part of their drive to speed immigrant deportations. Shelby said talks were suspended over the issue but he hoped negotiators would come back to the table soon. "I am hoping we can get off the dime later in the day or the morning," he said. "We have some problems with the Democrats dealing with ICE detaining criminals ... They want a cap on them. We don't want a cap on that." While a number of Republicans in Congress have made it clear they would not embrace another shutdown, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney said he could not rule it out. "You absolutely cannot," Mulvaney, who is also Trump's acting chief of staff, told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. "Is a shutdown entirely off the table? The answer is no."

Congressional talks to avert shutdown stall over detention policies

India could lose a vital US&nbsp;trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said.

A move to withdraw the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) from India, the world’s largest beneficiary of a scheme that has been in force since the 1970s, would be the strongest punitive action since President Donald Trump took office in 2017 vowing to reduce the US&nbsp;deficit with large economies.

Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has courted foreign investment as part of his Make-in-India campaign to turn India into a manufacturing hub and deliver jobs to the millions of youth entering the workforce.

Trump, for his part, has pushed for US&nbsp;manufacturing to return home as part of his Make America Great Again campaign.

The trigger for the latest downturn in trade ties was India’s new rules on e-commerce that restrict the way Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027.

That, coming on top of a drive to force global card payments companies such as Mastercard and Visa to move their data to India and the imposition of higher tariffs on electronic products and smartphones, left a broader trade package the two sides were working on through last year in tatters.&nbsp;

The GSP was tied to the trade package and since that deal had slipped further away, the United States was considering withdrawing or scaling back the preferential arrangement, two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The US&nbsp;Trade Representative (USTR) was completing a review of India’s status as a GSP beneficiary and an announcement was expected over the next two weeks, the sources said.

“(The two sides) were trying to sort out the trade package, but were not able to actually finish the deal. In the meantime these other things, data localisation and e-commerce, have come along,” one of the sources said. “In a sense it’s like someone has rained on the parade.”

India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential.

US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is due in New Delhi next week where he is expected to raise concerns about the e-commerce policy and data localisation, officials said.

Various new policies

New Indian rules announced in December for the e-commerce sector banned companies such as Amazon and Flipkart from striking exclusive deals with sellers, restricted their ability to offer discounts and barred them from selling products via vendors in which they have an equity interest.

The move disrupted product listings on Amazon’s India website and forced it to change its business structures. Amazon and Walmart, as well as the US&nbsp;government, had lobbied against the move, Reuters reported earlier.

The new rules, coming ahead of a general election, were seen as a bid by Modi to placate small traders, who had for years complained about business practices of large e-commerce players.

They form a key voter base for Modi who is facing a tightening election in the next few months.

The idea of the policy was to foster healthy competition and promote India’s e-commerce, an Indian government official involved in trade issues said, defending the curbs on the big firms.

But companies disagree and decry such sudden policy changes.

“These types of actions can really put a negative view on India as an investment destination,” one of the sources said.

India last year also announced proposals to force foreign companies to store more of their user data locally, in a bid to better conduct legal investigations. US&nbsp;lobby groups had voiced concerns about those proposals too, saying they made it difficult for companies to do business in the country.

Possible India setback

If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small businesses such as jewellery, said one of the sources. The number of goods qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn.

There was no response to a request for comment from the USTR or the US&nbsp;Embassy. India’s trade ministry also did not answer questions emailed to them about trade differences with the United States.

But an Indian government official briefed on the trade discussions said the trade package under which the two sides were negotiating better access to each other’s farm and dairy markets was unlikely until the elections in India this spring.

Talks on US&nbsp;demands to relax India’s decision to cap prices of medical devices made in the United States had also got stuck, the official said.

“The list of grievances is getting bigger, now with e-commerce added in,” he said.

India fears Trump may demand a free trade agreement if both sides fail to reach a compromise on the trade package. Such a pact would mean zero tariffs for US&nbsp;goods arriving in India, further threatening local industry.

India could lose a vital US trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said.

India could lose a vital US trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said. A move to withdraw the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) from India, the world’s largest beneficiary of a scheme that has been in force since the 1970s, would be the strongest punitive action since President Donald Trump took office in 2017 vowing to reduce the US deficit with large economies. Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has courted foreign investment as part of his Make-in-India campaign to turn India into a manufacturing hub and deliver jobs to the millions of youth entering the workforce. Trump, for his part, has pushed for US manufacturing to return home as part of his Make America Great Again campaign. The trigger for the latest downturn in trade ties was India’s new rules on e-commerce that restrict the way Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027. That, coming on top of a drive to force global card payments companies such as Mastercard and Visa to move their data to India and the imposition of higher tariffs on electronic products and smartphones, left a broader trade package the two sides were working on through last year in tatters. The GSP was tied to the trade package and since that deal had slipped further away, the United States was considering withdrawing or scaling back the preferential arrangement, two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The US Trade Representative (USTR) was completing a review of India’s status as a GSP beneficiary and an announcement was expected over the next two weeks, the sources said. “(The two sides) were trying to sort out the trade package, but were not able to actually finish the deal. In the meantime these other things, data localisation and e-commerce, have come along,” one of the sources said. “In a sense it’s like someone has rained on the parade.” India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is due in New Delhi next week where he is expected to raise concerns about the e-commerce policy and data localisation, officials said. Various new policies New Indian rules announced in December for the e-commerce sector banned companies such as Amazon and Flipkart from striking exclusive deals with sellers, restricted their ability to offer discounts and barred them from selling products via vendors in which they have an equity interest. The move disrupted product listings on Amazon’s India website and forced it to change its business structures. Amazon and Walmart, as well as the US government, had lobbied against the move, Reuters reported earlier. The new rules, coming ahead of a general election, were seen as a bid by Modi to placate small traders, who had for years complained about business practices of large e-commerce players. They form a key voter base for Modi who is facing a tightening election in the next few months. The idea of the policy was to foster healthy competition and promote India’s e-commerce, an Indian government official involved in trade issues said, defending the curbs on the big firms. But companies disagree and decry such sudden policy changes. “These types of actions can really put a negative view on India as an investment destination,” one of the sources said. India last year also announced proposals to force foreign companies to store more of their user data locally, in a bid to better conduct legal investigations. US lobby groups had voiced concerns about those proposals too, saying they made it difficult for companies to do business in the country. Possible India setback If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small businesses such as jewellery, said one of the sources. The number of goods qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn. There was no response to a request for comment from the USTR or the US Embassy. India’s trade ministry also did not answer questions emailed to them about trade differences with the United States. But an Indian government official briefed on the trade discussions said the trade package under which the two sides were negotiating better access to each other’s farm and dairy markets was unlikely until the elections in India this spring. Talks on US demands to relax India’s decision to cap prices of medical devices made in the United States had also got stuck, the official said. “The list of grievances is getting bigger, now with e-commerce added in,” he said. India fears Trump may demand a free trade agreement if both sides fail to reach a compromise on the trade package. Such a pact would mean zero tariffs for US goods arriving in India, further threatening local industry.

India could lose vital US trade concession as Trump considers withdrawal of zero tariffs

US President Donald Trump and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blocks-pelosi-trip-as-tensions-mount-over-government-shutdown-191083">House Speaker Nancy Pelosi</a> have agreed Trump will give the annual State of the Union address on February 5, following her postponement of the event from Jan. 29 because of the partial government shutdown, a spokesman for Pelosi said on Monday.

In a letter to Trump posted by spokesman Drew Hammill on Twitter, Pelosi invited Trump to give the speech in the US House of Representatives. Democrat Pelosi had spoken with the Republican president and they had agreed on the date for the nationally televised address, the spokesman said.

The annual speech is given by the president to outline the administration's priorities for the coming year. The partial government shutdown ended on Friday after 35 days, paving the way for the speech to go ahead.

The White House had considered alternative venues than the House. It blocked a congressional delegation's trip to Afghanistan led by Pelosi. The Democrat held firm to her postponement and Trump said he would wait until the government had reopened.

US President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have agreed Trump will give the annual State of the Union address on February 5, following her postponement of the event from Jan.

US President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have agreed Trump will give the annual State of the Union address on February 5, following her postponement of the event from Jan. 29 because of the partial government shutdown, a spokesman for Pelosi said on Monday. In a letter to Trump posted by spokesman Drew Hammill on Twitter, Pelosi invited Trump to give the speech in the US House of Representatives. Democrat Pelosi had spoken with the Republican president and they had agreed on the date for the nationally televised address, the spokesman said. The annual speech is given by the president to outline the administration's priorities for the coming year. The partial government shutdown ended on Friday after 35 days, paving the way for the speech to go ahead. The White House had considered alternative venues than the House. It blocked a congressional delegation's trip to Afghanistan led by Pelosi. The Democrat held firm to her postponement and Trump said he would wait until the government had reopened.

Pelosi says Trump can give State of Union speech on February 5

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US&nbsp;news coverage for the past 24 hours.

BuzzFeed News reported late on Thursday that Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer who is slated to go to prison for lying to Congress and other crimes, told investigators working for Mueller that Trump had instructed him to lie about efforts to build a skyscraper in Moscow while he was running for president.

"BuzzFeed’s description of specific statements to the Special Counsel’s Office, and characterization of documents and testimony obtained by this office, regarding Michael Cohen’s Congressional testimony are not accurate," Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, said in the special counsel's first comment on a media report since its probe started 20 months ago.

While Carr did not directly address whether there was evidence that Trump directed Cohen to lie to Congress, he disputed portions of the story about how BuzzFeed corroborated the explosive allegations against Trump.

Citing information from two federal law enforcement officials, BuzzFeed said Cohen told the special counsel that after the 2016 presidential election Trump instructed him to tell Congress that negotiations over the Moscow project had ended earlier than they had in order to obscure Trump's involvement.

Carr's statement also appeared to dispute BuzzFeed's assertion that the special counsel learned about Trump's directive from interviews with employees of the Trump Organization, emails, text messages and other documents.

BuzzFeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith said in a statement: "We stand by the reporting and the sources who informed it, and we urge the Special Counsel to make clear what he's disputing."

After the BuzzFeed report was published on Thursday night, investigators in the US&nbsp;Senate and House of Representatives said they planned to investigate the allegations, while some Democrats described the report as a game-changer that, if true, could be grounds for impeaching the president.

Earlier on Friday, the White House said the story was false. "Look, that's absolutely ridiculous," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters.

David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor, said Mueller's decision to comment highlighted the significance of the allegations made in the BuzzFeed article and the attention it was getting in the media and among lawmakers.

"They are making a public comment to tell everyone to calm down," Weinstein said. "He doesn’t want people to think his silence is confirming the truthfulness of the report."

Trump said on Twitter that Cohen was lying to get less prison time. Trump's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, said in a statement that any suggestion that Trump told Cohen to lie is "categorically false."

Representatives for the Trump Organization did not respond to a request for comment on the BuzzFeed report.

Cohen, who once said he was so loyal to Trump that he would "take a bullet" for him, is scheduled to begin a three-year prison sentence in March after pleading guilty to charges including campaign finance violations, tax evasion and lying to Congress.

If Trump did tell Cohen to lie, that would constitute criminal activity, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat. He added that he would look into the matter.

"Directing a subordinate to lie to Congress is a federal crime," Nadler said on Twitter.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said the allegation that Trump may have directed Cohen to lie under oath "is among the most serious to date."

"We will do what's necessary to find out if it's true," Schiff, also a Democrat, said on Twitter.

Some Senate Intelligence Committee investigators hope to ask Cohen about the BuzzFeed report when he testifies behind closed doors in February, a committee source told Reuters. He also will face questions about it in testimony before the House Oversight Committee on February&nbsp;7.

Yet Mueller's move to push back on the BuzzFeed report could give some lawmakers pause, while also giving ammunition to allies of Trump in their efforts to criticize the media and in their calls for Mueller to complete his probe.

"Today's development only underscores the need for the special counsel to wrap this investigation up immediately," Republican Representative Mark Meadows said on Twittter. "The constant secrecy and breathless speculation helps no one."

"Seismic event"

Legal experts said the allegation, if true, exposed Trump to a new level of risk in an investigation that has already resulted in convictions of or guilty pleas from four former campaign aides, including ex-campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

If true, "it's a seismic event," Andy Wright, an associate White House counsel under former Democratic President Barack Obama, told Reuters.

Cohen, his left arm in a sling, did not comment as he entered his apartment building in New York on Friday. His adviser, Lanny Davis, also declined to comment to Reuters, and his lawyer, Guy Petrillo, did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump denounced Cohen as a "rat" after he began cooperating with investigators while Cohen, whose duties included making payoffs to two women who said they had affairs with Trump, said on Thursday he regretted giving "my blind loyalty to a man who doesn't deserve it."

Directing or encouraging someone to lie under oath is a crime known as subornation of perjury. The report also raises questions about obstruction of justice and conspiracy.

William Barr, Trump's nominee to be attorney general, said at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that a president would be committing obstruction if he directed a subordinate to lie under oath. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment.

While the Justice Department has previously concluded that a sitting president cannot be charged while in office, such an allegation, if found true, could fuel impeachment proceedings in Congress.

Trump repeatedly has denied collusion with Russia and slammed Mueller's investigation as a "witch hunt." Russia also has rejected US&nbsp;intelligence findings that Moscow interfered in US&nbsp;politics in the 2016 election in an effort to boost Trump.

Trump said during the presidential campaign that he had no ties or business dealings with Russia.

Democrats, who took over the US&nbsp;House of Representatives this month, have generally been cautious regarding any talk of impeachment to remove Trump from office although some rank-and-file members have pushed for such a resolution.

Impeachment proceedings would face an uphill battle in the Senate, where Trump's fellow Republicans have a majority.

BuzzFeed also reported that Cohen regularly updated Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. and his daughter Ivanka Trump, who is now a top White House adviser, about the Moscow project.

A spokesman for Abbe Lowell, a lawyer for Ivanka Trump, said she was minimally involved in the development. Trump Jr., who has also testified previously before Congress, in a Twitter post called&nbsp;the BuzzFeed report "fake news."

After Mueller's statement disputing the report, Trump Jr. called out the media and Schiff in a series of Twitter posts. "Hey Adam, turns out it was Full of Schiff!" he wrote.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US news coverage for the past 24 hours.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US news coverage for the past 24 hours. BuzzFeed News reported late on Thursday that Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer who is slated to go to prison for lying to Congress and other crimes, told investigators working for Mueller that Trump had instructed him to lie about efforts to build a skyscraper in Moscow while he was running for president. "BuzzFeed’s description of specific statements to the Special Counsel’s Office, and characterization of documents and testimony obtained by this office, regarding Michael Cohen’s Congressional testimony are not accurate," Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, said in the special counsel's first comment on a media report since its probe started 20 months ago. While Carr did not directly address whether there was evidence that Trump directed Cohen to lie to Congress, he disputed portions of the story about how BuzzFeed corroborated the explosive allegations against Trump. Citing information from two federal law enforcement officials, BuzzFeed said Cohen told the special counsel that after the 2016 presidential election Trump instructed him to tell Congress that negotiations over the Moscow project had ended earlier than they had in order to obscure Trump's involvement. Carr's statement also appeared to dispute BuzzFeed's assertion that the special counsel learned about Trump's directive from interviews with employees of the Trump Organization, emails, text messages and other documents. BuzzFeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith said in a statement: "We stand by the reporting and the sources who informed it, and we urge the Special Counsel to make clear what he's disputing." After the BuzzFeed report was published on Thursday night, investigators in the US Senate and House of Representatives said they planned to investigate the allegations, while some Democrats described the report as a game-changer that, if true, could be grounds for impeaching the president. Earlier on Friday, the White House said the story was false. "Look, that's absolutely ridiculous," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters. David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor, said Mueller's decision to comment highlighted the significance of the allegations made in the BuzzFeed article and the attention it was getting in the media and among lawmakers. "They are making a public comment to tell everyone to calm down," Weinstein said. "He doesn’t want people to think his silence is confirming the truthfulness of the report." Trump said on Twitter that Cohen was lying to get less prison time. Trump's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, said in a statement that any suggestion that Trump told Cohen to lie is "categorically false." Representatives for the Trump Organization did not respond to a request for comment on the BuzzFeed report. Cohen, who once said he was so loyal to Trump that he would "take a bullet" for him, is scheduled to begin a three-year prison sentence in March after pleading guilty to charges including campaign finance violations, tax evasion and lying to Congress. If Trump did tell Cohen to lie, that would constitute criminal activity, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat. He added that he would look into the matter. "Directing a subordinate to lie to Congress is a federal crime," Nadler said on Twitter. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said the allegation that Trump may have directed Cohen to lie under oath "is among the most serious to date." "We will do what's necessary to find out if it's true," Schiff, also a Democrat, said on Twitter. Some Senate Intelligence Committee investigators hope to ask Cohen about the BuzzFeed report when he testifies behind closed doors in February, a committee source told Reuters. He also will face questions about it in testimony before the House Oversight Committee on February 7. Yet Mueller's move to push back on the BuzzFeed report could give some lawmakers pause, while also giving ammunition to allies of Trump in their efforts to criticize the media and in their calls for Mueller to complete his probe. "Today's development only underscores the need for the special counsel to wrap this investigation up immediately," Republican Representative Mark Meadows said on Twittter. "The constant secrecy and breathless speculation helps no one." "Seismic event" Legal experts said the allegation, if true, exposed Trump to a new level of risk in an investigation that has already resulted in convictions of or guilty pleas from four former campaign aides, including ex-campaign chairman Paul Manafort. If true, "it's a seismic event," Andy Wright, an associate White House counsel under former Democratic President Barack Obama, told Reuters. Cohen, his left arm in a sling, did not comment as he entered his apartment building in New York on Friday. His adviser, Lanny Davis, also declined to comment to Reuters, and his lawyer, Guy Petrillo, did not respond to a request for comment. Trump denounced Cohen as a "rat" after he began cooperating with investigators while Cohen, whose duties included making payoffs to two women who said they had affairs with Trump, said on Thursday he regretted giving "my blind loyalty to a man who doesn't deserve it." Directing or encouraging someone to lie under oath is a crime known as subornation of perjury. The report also raises questions about obstruction of justice and conspiracy. William Barr, Trump's nominee to be attorney general, said at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that a president would be committing obstruction if he directed a subordinate to lie under oath. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment. While the Justice Department has previously concluded that a sitting president cannot be charged while in office, such an allegation, if found true, could fuel impeachment proceedings in Congress. Trump repeatedly has denied collusion with Russia and slammed Mueller's investigation as a "witch hunt." Russia also has rejected US intelligence findings that Moscow interfered in US politics in the 2016 election in an effort to boost Trump. Trump said during the presidential campaign that he had no ties or business dealings with Russia. Democrats, who took over the US House of Representatives this month, have generally been cautious regarding any talk of impeachment to remove Trump from office although some rank-and-file members have pushed for such a resolution. Impeachment proceedings would face an uphill battle in the Senate, where Trump's fellow Republicans have a majority. BuzzFeed also reported that Cohen regularly updated Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. and his daughter Ivanka Trump, who is now a top White House adviser, about the Moscow project. A spokesman for Abbe Lowell, a lawyer for Ivanka Trump, said she was minimally involved in the development. Trump Jr., who has also testified previously before Congress, in a Twitter post called the BuzzFeed report "fake news." After Mueller's statement disputing the report, Trump Jr. called out the media and Schiff in a series of Twitter posts. "Hey Adam, turns out it was Full of Schiff!" he wrote.

Mueller's office disputes report that Trump told Cohen to lie to Congress

US President Donald Trump said on Friday&nbsp;he will make a "major" announcement on Saturday at 3 pm&nbsp;EST (2000 GMT) on "the humanitarian crisis on our southern border" and the partial government shutdown, now in its 28th day.

Trump issued the statement on Twitter.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders declined to add details when she spoke briefly to reporters after Trump tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I will be making a major announcement concerning the Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border, and the Shutdown, tomorrow afternoon at 3 P.M., live from the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1086395559504764930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump's statement came as US&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused him of putting American troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicizing a planned congressional trip to the war-torn country.

The White House rejected Pelosi's charge of endangering troops and civilians.

The Republican Trump administration, which on Thursday had blocked Democrat Pelosi from making the trip to Afghanistan, on Friday slapped a blanket ban on all US&nbsp;congressional travel on government-owned or operated aircraft while the shutdown continues.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the administration was just trying to keep Pelosi in town so that negotiations could take place to try to end the partial shutdown, at four weeks already the longest in US&nbsp;history.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he will make a "major" announcement on Saturday at 3 pm EST (2000 GMT) on "the humanitarian crisis on our southern border" and the partial government shutdown, now in its 28th day.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he will make a "major" announcement on Saturday at 3 pm EST (2000 GMT) on "the humanitarian crisis on our southern border" and the partial government shutdown, now in its 28th day. Trump issued the statement on Twitter. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders declined to add details when she spoke briefly to reporters after Trump tweeted. I will be making a major announcement concerning the Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border, and the Shutdown, tomorrow afternoon at 3 P.M., live from the @WhiteHouse. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2019 × Trump's statement came as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused him of putting American troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicizing a planned congressional trip to the war-torn country. The White House rejected Pelosi's charge of endangering troops and civilians. The Republican Trump administration, which on Thursday had blocked Democrat Pelosi from making the trip to Afghanistan, on Friday slapped a blanket ban on all US congressional travel on government-owned or operated aircraft while the shutdown continues. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the administration was just trying to keep Pelosi in town so that negotiations could take place to try to end the partial shutdown, at four weeks already the longest in US history.

Will make 'major' announcement Saturday on government shutdown: Donald Trump

President Donald Trump has attributed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-republicans-oppose-border-emergency-as-shutdown-drags-on-190088">the partial government shutdown</a>, which is now into its 24th day, to the opposition Democrats who have blocked his proposal of $5.7 billion in Congressional funding to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

He also said that he will "never ever back down" when it comes to keeping the American people safe.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-hopes-for-imminent-end-to-us-government-shutdown-190082">The partial government shutdown</a>, which is the longest ever, has left more than 800,000 federal government workers out of work across the key departments.

"The government remains shut down for one reason and one reason only, the Democrats will not fund border security, our safety, our national security," Trump said on Monday while addressing to a rally of farmers in Louisiana.&nbsp;

Referring to his visit to the Mexico border last week, Trump said illegal aliens not only from Mexico but also from other nations enter the country from the southern border.&nbsp;

"People come from many countries. When I was at the wall the other day, Border Patrol said they have 150 people they caught that day who weren't from Mexico. I said that's a strange statement," he said.

"They said no, these are the people that weren't from Mexico and I was surprised. Three were from Pakistan, four from another Mideast, two Mideast countries and many were from other countries including China, countries all over the world.&nbsp;

"150 of the people, as he said, were not from Mexico. Now they caught, many, many more but that's 150 people coming from countries that you wouldn't believe," Trump said.

He said the Democrats will not approve the measures he needs to keep America safe.&nbsp;

"We can't do that. We can't do that because this is of paramount importance to our country and again, I could take it nice and easy. I could enjoy myself. I could relax. I have been in the White House because I think it's very important to be there," he said.

He alleged that the Democrat leaders went on a nice wonderful vacation over the weekend.

"They had a great time but I would have loved to have been with them. I didn't like the look of it. I would have loved to have been with them but we have a very big problem. This should have been done by other presidents just like the moving of the embassy to Jerusalem should have been done. It was promised by many other presidents," the US President said.

Trump insisted that the US needed a wall all around, all the length of the border.&nbsp;

"We have got to stop the drug packers bringing drugs to poison our people," he said, arguing that walls, as being said by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are not immoral.

"I've travelled around the world and the biggest wall I have ever seen is around the Vatican. Now you can't tell me that the wonderful priests and officials of the Roman Catholic church including the Pope are immoral. They have a wall. Why can't we?" he said.

Asserting that the defense of the nation is his highest and most important duty, Trump said when it comes to keeping the American people safe, he will never ever back down.

"I didn't need this fight. This is a real fight. We are dealing against people who think if they can stop me from building the wall again, we've already done a lot of work but they think that's a good thing for 2020 because they're not going to win.&nbsp;

"They think if they can't stop me from building the wall that's good. This is the reason why they don't want the wall built because they all know it works, they all approved it numerous times," he said.

The partial government shutdown, which is the longest ever, has left more than 800,000 federal government workers out of work across the key departments.

President Donald Trump has attributed the partial government shutdown, which is now into its 24th day, to the opposition Democrats who have blocked his proposal of $5.7 billion in Congressional funding to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. He also said that he will "never ever back down" when it comes to keeping the American people safe. The partial government shutdown, which is the longest ever, has left more than 800,000 federal government workers out of work across the key departments. "The government remains shut down for one reason and one reason only, the Democrats will not fund border security, our safety, our national security," Trump said on Monday while addressing to a rally of farmers in Louisiana. Referring to his visit to the Mexico border last week, Trump said illegal aliens not only from Mexico but also from other nations enter the country from the southern border. "People come from many countries. When I was at the wall the other day, Border Patrol said they have 150 people they caught that day who weren't from Mexico. I said that's a strange statement," he said. "They said no, these are the people that weren't from Mexico and I was surprised. Three were from Pakistan, four from another Mideast, two Mideast countries and many were from other countries including China, countries all over the world. "150 of the people, as he said, were not from Mexico. Now they caught, many, many more but that's 150 people coming from countries that you wouldn't believe," Trump said. He said the Democrats will not approve the measures he needs to keep America safe. "We can't do that. We can't do that because this is of paramount importance to our country and again, I could take it nice and easy. I could enjoy myself. I could relax. I have been in the White House because I think it's very important to be there," he said. He alleged that the Democrat leaders went on a nice wonderful vacation over the weekend. "They had a great time but I would have loved to have been with them. I didn't like the look of it. I would have loved to have been with them but we have a very big problem. This should have been done by other presidents just like the moving of the embassy to Jerusalem should have been done. It was promised by many other presidents," the US President said. Trump insisted that the US needed a wall all around, all the length of the border. "We have got to stop the drug packers bringing drugs to poison our people," he said, arguing that walls, as being said by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are not immoral. "I've travelled around the world and the biggest wall I have ever seen is around the Vatican. Now you can't tell me that the wonderful priests and officials of the Roman Catholic church including the Pope are immoral. They have a wall. Why can't we?" he said. Asserting that the defense of the nation is his highest and most important duty, Trump said when it comes to keeping the American people safe, he will never ever back down. "I didn't need this fight. This is a real fight. We are dealing against people who think if they can stop me from building the wall again, we've already done a lot of work but they think that's a good thing for 2020 because they're not going to win. "They think if they can't stop me from building the wall that's good. This is the reason why they don't want the wall built because they all know it works, they all approved it numerous times," he said.

Government shutdown because of opposition Democrats: US President Trump

White House slams New York Times report on FBI probing Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders.&nbsp;

Trump hinted at changes "that are soon coming" which will bring "both simplicity and certainty" to the stay of H1-B holders, "including a potential path to citizenship."

"We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the US," the tweet read.&nbsp;

Last month, the Trump administration proposed major changes to the H-1B application process with the aim of awarding the visa to the most skilled and highest paid foreign workers, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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H1-B holders in the United States can rest assured that changes are soon coming which will bring both simplicity and certainty to your stay, including a potential path to citizenship. We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1083705208834834433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Under a new proposed merit-based rule companies employing foreign workers on the H-1B visa - under the Congressional mandated annual caps -- would have to electronically register with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during a designated registration period.

The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 visas each fiscal year as mandated by the US Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap.&nbsp;

The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 each fiscal year as mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap.

According to the USCIS, between 2007 and 2017, it received the maximum number of 2.2 million H-1B petitions from high-skilled Indians, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

India was followed by China with 301,000 H-1B petitions during the same period.

(With inputs from PTI)

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders. Trump hinted at changes "that are soon coming" which will bring "both simplicity and certainty" to the stay of H1-B holders, "including a potential path to citizenship.

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders. Trump hinted at changes "that are soon coming" which will bring "both simplicity and certainty" to the stay of H1-B holders, "including a potential path to citizenship." "We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the US," the tweet read. Last month, the Trump administration proposed major changes to the H-1B application process with the aim of awarding the visa to the most skilled and highest paid foreign workers, news agency PTI reported. H1-B holders in the United States can rest assured that changes are soon coming which will bring both simplicity and certainty to your stay, including a potential path to citizenship. We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the U.S. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2019 × Under a new proposed merit-based rule companies employing foreign workers on the H-1B visa - under the Congressional mandated annual caps -- would have to electronically register with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during a designated registration period. The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 visas each fiscal year as mandated by the US Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap. The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 each fiscal year as mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap. According to the USCIS, between 2007 and 2017, it received the maximum number of 2.2 million H-1B petitions from high-skilled Indians, news agency PTI reported. India was followed by China with 301,000 H-1B petitions during the same period. (With inputs from PTI)

Want to encourage highly skilled people to pursue career in US: Trump tweets good news for H1-B holders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-and-pm-modi-discuss-trade-afghanistan-in-phone-call-white-house-188894">telephonic conversation last evening</a> in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US&nbsp;strategic partnership.

According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US&nbsp;and Japan."

According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.”&nbsp;

The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US&nbsp;bilateral relations in 2019.&nbsp;

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PM Modi &amp; US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&amp;energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082456716510261248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The development comes a week after President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi</a> and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan."&nbsp;

The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however,&nbsp;it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities.

Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi".

India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington.

On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019.

During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership. According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US and Japan." According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.” The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US bilateral relations in 2019. PM Modi & US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019. — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019 × The development comes a week after President Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan." The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however, it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities. Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi". India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington. On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019. During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.

PM Modi, US President Trump discuss Indo-Pacific and Afghanistan in phone call

In a direct attack on Donald Trump, the former official photographer of Barack Obama on Sunday posted a picture of the former US President on Instagram with a caption "There once a wall here. It was torn down in 1989.''

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsTWka_lF4G/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">There once was a wall here. It was torn down in 1989. 😎 #throwshadethenvote</a>

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In his Instagram post the former photographer Pete Souza has compared the Berlin Wall with Trumps's incessant demand for the construction of the US Mexico border wall.

The post which has attracted over seventy thousand likes, shows Obama sitting beside the iconic Brandenberg Gate in Germany where the Berlin Wall once stood.

The Berlin wall which was built in 1961 demarcated East German with the West and prevented free movement between the two sides from 1961 to 1989 before being pulled down in 1992.

The post holds significance as it highlights the current American politics being ruled by "wall".

The United States has entered the third week of a partial government shutdown resulting from the dispute between Trump and Democrats that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers idled or without paychecks.

The conflict&nbsp;rose after the Democrats declined to approve the $5.6 billion fund that Trump has been demanding for the border wall.

Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs.

He has also threatened to declare a national emergency in the country in case his demands are not accepted.

Trump on Sunday proposed for a steel barrier between Mexico and US instead of concrete as a potential compromise with Democrats.

Thousands of federal workers are without work and paychecks since the US government shutdown. The shutdown has also been a factor in stock market volatility.

This is not the first time when Souza has targetted Trump through his Instagram post.&nbsp;

In his previous post, Souze had posted a picture captioned &nbsp;'a different kind of wall' and has garnered over ninety-nine thousand likes.

Here Obama can be seen painting on a wall with the caption 'wall of hope''

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQ0CSvl1m1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">A different kind of wall. 😎 #throwshadethenvote</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/petesouza/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Pete Souza</a> (@petesouza) on <time datetime="2019-01-05T18:20:08+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 5, 2019 at 10:20am PST</time>
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In a direct attack on Donald Trump, the former official photographer of Barack Obama on Sunday posted a picture of the former US President on Instagram with a caption "There once a wall here.

In a direct attack on Donald Trump, the former official photographer of Barack Obama on Sunday posted a picture of the former US President on Instagram with a caption "There once a wall here. It was torn down in 1989.'' View this post on Instagram There once was a wall here. It was torn down in 1989. 😎 #throwshadethenvote A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on Jan 6, 2019 at 10:00am PST × In his Instagram post the former photographer Pete Souza has compared the Berlin Wall with Trumps's incessant demand for the construction of the US Mexico border wall. The post which has attracted over seventy thousand likes, shows Obama sitting beside the iconic Brandenberg Gate in Germany where the Berlin Wall once stood. The Berlin wall which was built in 1961 demarcated East German with the West and prevented free movement between the two sides from 1961 to 1989 before being pulled down in 1992. The post holds significance as it highlights the current American politics being ruled by "wall". The United States has entered the third week of a partial government shutdown resulting from the dispute between Trump and Democrats that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers idled or without paychecks. The conflict rose after the Democrats declined to approve the $5.6 billion fund that Trump has been demanding for the border wall. Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs. He has also threatened to declare a national emergency in the country in case his demands are not accepted. Trump on Sunday proposed for a steel barrier between Mexico and US instead of concrete as a potential compromise with Democrats. Thousands of federal workers are without work and paychecks since the US government shutdown. The shutdown has also been a factor in stock market volatility. This is not the first time when Souza has targetted Trump through his Instagram post. In his previous post, Souze had posted a picture captioned 'a different kind of wall' and has garnered over ninety-nine thousand likes. Here Obama can be seen painting on a wall with the caption 'wall of hope'' View this post on Instagram A different kind of wall. 😎 #throwshadethenvote A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on Jan 5, 2019 at 10:20am PST ×

Obama's former photographer trolls Donald Trump over his 'wall' demand

Talks aimed at ending a partial US government shutdown which entered its third week on Saturday made little progress but were to continue on Sunday, President Donald Trump said.

An impasse with lawmakers over Trump's demand for billions of dollars to pay for a wall on the border with Mexico has shut 25 per cent of the government since December 22.

Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday met with representatives of Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Republican-controlled Senate, as well as Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives which since last Thursday is under Democratic control.

"VP&nbsp;Mike Pence and team just left the White House. Briefed me on their meeting with the Schumer/Pelosi representatives. Not much headway made today. Second meeting set for tomorrow," Trump said on Twitter.

Under the previous Republican-controlled Congress, the Senate unanimously passed a measure to fully fund the government until February 8, allowing more time for debate on issues including border security.&nbsp;

That measure was also under House consideration but Trump on December 20 reversed course and rejected it under pressure from ultraconservative lawmakers and media personalities.

While the US military and other major agencies are still fully funded, the impasse has left 800,000 government workers from other departments furloughed or working without pay.

Those on the job and not being paid include airline security officers from the Transportation Security Administration, FBI agents, and others.

The shutdown has left the Smithsonian museums, a major tourist draw, shuttered, garbage piling up at national parks, and workers concerned about paying their bills.

The shutdown has also been a factor in stock market volatility.

Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs.

"This is national security we're talking about," he said on Friday. 
&nbsp;

Talks aimed at ending a partial US government shutdown which entered its third week on Saturday made little progress but were to continue on Sunday, President Donald Trump said.

Talks aimed at ending a partial US government shutdown which entered its third week on Saturday made little progress but were to continue on Sunday, President Donald Trump said. An impasse with lawmakers over Trump's demand for billions of dollars to pay for a wall on the border with Mexico has shut 25 per cent of the government since December 22. Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday met with representatives of Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Republican-controlled Senate, as well as Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives which since last Thursday is under Democratic control. "VP Mike Pence and team just left the White House. Briefed me on their meeting with the Schumer/Pelosi representatives. Not much headway made today. Second meeting set for tomorrow," Trump said on Twitter. Under the previous Republican-controlled Congress, the Senate unanimously passed a measure to fully fund the government until February 8, allowing more time for debate on issues including border security. That measure was also under House consideration but Trump on December 20 reversed course and rejected it under pressure from ultraconservative lawmakers and media personalities. While the US military and other major agencies are still fully funded, the impasse has left 800,000 government workers from other departments furloughed or working without pay. Those on the job and not being paid include airline security officers from the Transportation Security Administration, FBI agents, and others. The shutdown has left the Smithsonian museums, a major tourist draw, shuttered, garbage piling up at national parks, and workers concerned about paying their bills. The shutdown has also been a factor in stock market volatility. Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs. "This is national security we're talking about," he said on Friday.

Trump says little progress as govt shutdown in third week

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered a rather stark take on the situation in war-wracked Syria, summing it up in two words -- "sand and death" -- while remaining vague about the timing of the withdrawal of US troops.

"So Syria was lost long ago. It was lost long ago. And besides that, I don't want -- we're talking about sand and death. That's what we're talking about," Trump said during a cabinet meeting.

"We're not talking about vast wealth. We're talking about sand and death."

On when US forces would leave Syria, Trump said: "I don't want to be in Syria forever."

But after saying troops would come home right away, and that the Islamic State group was defeated, he didn't give any specific timetable.

"I never said we are getting out overnight," Trump said.

"Oh, we're withdrawing," he added, saying only that it would happen "over a period of time."

On Monday, the Republican president said the United States was "slowly sending" troops home -- a markedly different tone than he used in his initial announcement of a withdrawal on December 19.

"Our boys, our young women, our men -- they're all coming back and they're coming back now," he said in a video message that day.

The United States has about 2,000 troops -- most of them special forces -- deployed in northern Syria to fight IS and reinforce anti-jihadist forces.

Top-ranking US military officials had repeatedly warned against a hasty retreat from Syria, which they say could leave the door open in Syria to allies of President Bashar al-Assad -- notably Russia and Iran.

Trump's defense secretary Jim Mattis resigned over the decision to leave Syria, as did the administration's special envoy to the anti-IS coalition, Brett McGurk.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered a rather stark take on the situation in war-wracked Syria, summing it up in two words -- "sand and death" -- while remaining vague about the timing of the withdrawal of US troops.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered a rather stark take on the situation in war-wracked Syria, summing it up in two words -- "sand and death" -- while remaining vague about the timing of the withdrawal of US troops. "So Syria was lost long ago. It was lost long ago. And besides that, I don't want -- we're talking about sand and death. That's what we're talking about," Trump said during a cabinet meeting. "We're not talking about vast wealth. We're talking about sand and death." On when US forces would leave Syria, Trump said: "I don't want to be in Syria forever." But after saying troops would come home right away, and that the Islamic State group was defeated, he didn't give any specific timetable. "I never said we are getting out overnight," Trump said. "Oh, we're withdrawing," he added, saying only that it would happen "over a period of time." On Monday, the Republican president said the United States was "slowly sending" troops home -- a markedly different tone than he used in his initial announcement of a withdrawal on December 19. "Our boys, our young women, our men -- they're all coming back and they're coming back now," he said in a video message that day. The United States has about 2,000 troops -- most of them special forces -- deployed in northern Syria to fight IS and reinforce anti-jihadist forces. Top-ranking US military officials had repeatedly warned against a hasty retreat from Syria, which they say could leave the door open in Syria to allies of President Bashar al-Assad -- notably Russia and Iran. Trump's defense secretary Jim Mattis resigned over the decision to leave Syria, as did the administration's special envoy to the anti-IS coalition, Brett McGurk.

Syria is 'sand and death': Donald Trump

President Donald Trump appeared to backtrack Monday on shock plans for an immediate pullout of US troops from Syria, but said his drive to end American involvement in wars made him a "hero."

The shift came a day after a senior Republican senator said Trump had promised to stay in Syria to finish the job of defeating the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS.

Trump had earlier stunned allies -- and prompted the resignation of his respected defense secretary, Jim Mattis -- by abruptly announcing that the jihadists were defeated and that US troops in Syria were ready to leave.

However, in a tweet early Monday, Trump seemed to signal a more cautious schedule for pulling out the troops, which provide crucial support to Kurdish and other local forces.

"We're slowly sending our troops back home to be with their families, while at the same time fighting ISIS remnants," Trump wrote.

In contrast to previously emphatic victory declarations, Trump said that "ISIS is mostly gone."

But reflecting his frustration at the outpouring of criticism over his Syria strategy, Trump lashed out at opponents and the media, saying that he should be given more credit.

"If anybody but Donald Trump did what I did in Syria, which was an ISIS loaded mess when I became President, they would be a national hero," Trump tweeted.

"The results are FAR BETTER than I ever said they were going to be! I campaigned against the NEVER ENDING WARS, remember!" he added.

Trump also wants to bring home about half of the 14,000 soldiers locked in a 17-year war against Afghanistan's Taliban guerrillas, although no formal announcement has been made.

In Syria, about 2,000 US soldiers operate alongside other foreign troops to assist local fighters battling Islamic State, a jihadist group that once held territory across much of Iraq and Syria and set up its own ultra-Islamist government.

Though much reduced, and forced into hiding, it is still believed to comprise thousands of guerrillas.

The US-led coalition launched its first raids against IS in September, 2014, more than two years before Trump won the US election. US-backed forces seized the jihadists' self-declared capital Raqa on October 17, 2017.

- Allies worried - 
Part of Trump's appeal in his surprise 2016 election victory was his promise to get the United States out of post-9/11 wars in the Middle East.

During a lightning visit to US troops based in Iraq last week, Trump said the United States would no longer be the world's "policeman".

"We're in countries that most people have never even heard about," he said, referring to US combat deployments, including in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

"We don't want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us," he said.

The view is popular with many Americans, but critics, including some of Washington's closest allies, say the United States cannot abandon its traditional leadership role.

"The impromptu announcement of the US withdrawal from (Syria) caused a lot of questions," French Defense Minister Florence Parly said Monday on a visit to French personnel stationed in Jordan. "Our priority is to continue until the end."

On Friday, Britain's foreign minister, Jeremy Hunt, was less diplomatic, telling Radio 4 that Trump "makes a specialty of talking in very black and white terms about what's happening in the world."

Those concerns are shared at the top of Trump's own Republican party.

Leading Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's principal allies in an increasingly unfriendly Congress, used lunch at the White House on Sunday to urge the president to reevaluate on Syria.

After two hours, he emerged, saying Trump "understands the need to finish the job."

"I think the president is committed to making sure when we leave Syria that ISIS is completely defeated," Graham said.

In response to the uproar, Trump national security advisor John Bolton will soon visit allies Turkey and Israel, which each have their own complex goals in Syria's multi-dimensional civil war.

President Donald Trump appeared to backtrack Monday on shock plans for an immediate pullout of US troops from Syria, but said his drive to end American involvement in wars made him a "hero.

President Donald Trump appeared to backtrack Monday on shock plans for an immediate pullout of US troops from Syria, but said his drive to end American involvement in wars made him a "hero." The shift came a day after a senior Republican senator said Trump had promised to stay in Syria to finish the job of defeating the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. Trump had earlier stunned allies -- and prompted the resignation of his respected defense secretary, Jim Mattis -- by abruptly announcing that the jihadists were defeated and that US troops in Syria were ready to leave. However, in a tweet early Monday, Trump seemed to signal a more cautious schedule for pulling out the troops, which provide crucial support to Kurdish and other local forces. "We're slowly sending our troops back home to be with their families, while at the same time fighting ISIS remnants," Trump wrote. In contrast to previously emphatic victory declarations, Trump said that "ISIS is mostly gone." But reflecting his frustration at the outpouring of criticism over his Syria strategy, Trump lashed out at opponents and the media, saying that he should be given more credit. "If anybody but Donald Trump did what I did in Syria, which was an ISIS loaded mess when I became President, they would be a national hero," Trump tweeted. "The results are FAR BETTER than I ever said they were going to be! I campaigned against the NEVER ENDING WARS, remember!" he added. Trump also wants to bring home about half of the 14,000 soldiers locked in a 17-year war against Afghanistan's Taliban guerrillas, although no formal announcement has been made. In Syria, about 2,000 US soldiers operate alongside other foreign troops to assist local fighters battling Islamic State, a jihadist group that once held territory across much of Iraq and Syria and set up its own ultra-Islamist government. Though much reduced, and forced into hiding, it is still believed to comprise thousands of guerrillas. The US-led coalition launched its first raids against IS in September, 2014, more than two years before Trump won the US election. US-backed forces seized the jihadists' self-declared capital Raqa on October 17, 2017. - Allies worried - Part of Trump's appeal in his surprise 2016 election victory was his promise to get the United States out of post-9/11 wars in the Middle East. During a lightning visit to US troops based in Iraq last week, Trump said the United States would no longer be the world's "policeman". "We're in countries that most people have never even heard about," he said, referring to US combat deployments, including in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. "We don't want to be taken advantage of any more by countries that use us," he said. The view is popular with many Americans, but critics, including some of Washington's closest allies, say the United States cannot abandon its traditional leadership role. "The impromptu announcement of the US withdrawal from (Syria) caused a lot of questions," French Defense Minister Florence Parly said Monday on a visit to French personnel stationed in Jordan. "Our priority is to continue until the end." On Friday, Britain's foreign minister, Jeremy Hunt, was less diplomatic, telling Radio 4 that Trump "makes a specialty of talking in very black and white terms about what's happening in the world." Those concerns are shared at the top of Trump's own Republican party. Leading Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's principal allies in an increasingly unfriendly Congress, used lunch at the White House on Sunday to urge the president to reevaluate on Syria. After two hours, he emerged, saying Trump "understands the need to finish the job." "I think the president is committed to making sure when we leave Syria that ISIS is completely defeated," Graham said. In response to the uproar, Trump national security advisor John Bolton will soon visit allies Turkey and Israel, which each have their own complex goals in Syria's multi-dimensional civil war.

Trump appears to slow Syria troop pullout plan

US President Donald Trump targets FED amid market slump

US Democratic leaders charged Monday that President Donald Trump was "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-markets-slump-trump-calls-fed-only-problem-in-us-economy-186249">plunging the country into chaos</a>" with multiple crises and said he was offering no way to end a government shutdown.

Nancy Pelosi, who takes over next month as House speaker, and Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Republican-led Senate, complained that White House aides were giving inconsistent messages on what Trump would accept to restart the government.

"It's Christmas Eve and President Trump is plunging the country into chaos," the two said in a joint statement.

"The stock market is tanking and the president is waging a personal war on the Federal Reserve -- after he just fired the secretary of defense," they said.

They warned that they saw little solution to the three-day-old shutdown so long as Trump aligns himself with hard-right Republicans in the House of Representatives.&nbsp;

"The president wanted the shutdown, but he seems not to know how to get himself out of it," they said.

Trump has refused to sign a bill to authorize spending to keep the government functioning as he demands funding for a $5 billion wall on the Mexican border, a top election promise as he railed against unauthorized immigrants.

Trump has put off vacation plans in Florida due to the shutdown and has been frequently posting his thoughts on Twitter.

On Monday he attacked the Federal Reserve, which is traditionally shielded from political pressure, over a sharp downturn on the stock market and defended his decision to pull all US troops from Syria, which led to the resignation last week of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, often considered the most respected member of his cabinet.

US Democratic leaders charged Monday that President Donald Trump was "plunging the country into chaos" with multiple crises and said he was offering no way to end a government shutdown.

US Democratic leaders charged Monday that President Donald Trump was "plunging the country into chaos" with multiple crises and said he was offering no way to end a government shutdown. Nancy Pelosi, who takes over next month as House speaker, and Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Republican-led Senate, complained that White House aides were giving inconsistent messages on what Trump would accept to restart the government. "It's Christmas Eve and President Trump is plunging the country into chaos," the two said in a joint statement. "The stock market is tanking and the president is waging a personal war on the Federal Reserve -- after he just fired the secretary of defense," they said. They warned that they saw little solution to the three-day-old shutdown so long as Trump aligns himself with hard-right Republicans in the House of Representatives. "The president wanted the shutdown, but he seems not to know how to get himself out of it," they said. Trump has refused to sign a bill to authorize spending to keep the government functioning as he demands funding for a $5 billion wall on the Mexican border, a top election promise as he railed against unauthorized immigrants. Trump has put off vacation plans in Florida due to the shutdown and has been frequently posting his thoughts on Twitter. On Monday he attacked the Federal Reserve, which is traditionally shielded from political pressure, over a sharp downturn on the stock market and defended his decision to pull all US troops from Syria, which led to the resignation last week of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, often considered the most respected member of his cabinet.

'Trump is plunging the country into chaos'

President Donald Trump blasted the Federal Reserve on Monday, describing it as the "only problem" for the US&nbsp;economy, as top officials convened to discuss the growing rout in stock markets caused in part by the president's attacks on the central bank.

Stocks fell again on Monday amid concern about slowing economic growth, the government shutdown and reports that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-discussed-firing-us-federal-reserve-chairman-powell-report-185879">Trump had discussed firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell</a>, whom he has repeatedly criticised for raising interest rates.

US&nbsp;stocks have dropped sharply in recent weeks on concerns over weaker economic growth. The S&amp;P 500 index was on pace for its biggest percentage decline in December since the Great Depression.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The only problem our economy has is the Fed. They don’t have a feel for the Market, they don’t understand necessary Trade Wars or Strong Dollars or even Democrat Shutdowns over Borders. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who can’t score because he has no touch - he can’t putt!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1077231267559755776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet that did nothing to ease market concerns about the Fed's cherished independence, the Republican president laid the blame for economic headwinds firmly at the feet of the central bank.

"The only problem our economy has is the Fed. They don't have a feel for the market," Trump said on Twitter. "The Fed is like a powerful golfer who can't score because he has no touch - he can't putt!"

In addition to frequently criticising the Fed's rate hikes this year, Trump has gone after Powell several times, telling Reuters in August he was "not thrilled" with his own appointee. The Fed hiked interest rates again last week, as had been widely expected.

A crisis call on Monday between US&nbsp;financial regulators and the Treasury Department did more to rattle markets than to assure them.

All three major indexes ended down more than 2 percent on the day before the Christmas holiday. The S&amp;P 500 ended down about 19.8 percent from its Sept. 20 closing high, just shy of the 20 percent threshold that commonly defines a bear market.

Oil prices followed equities down, tumbling more than 6 percent to the lowest level in over a year.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin hosted a call with the president's Working Group on Financial Markets, a body known colloquially as the "Plunge Protection team," which normally only convenes during times of heavy market volatility.

Regulators on the call said they were not seeing anything out of the ordinary in financial markets during the recent sell-off and also discussed how they will continue critical operations during the partial government shutdown, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

On Sunday, Mnuchin made calls to top US&nbsp;bankers and got reassurances that banks were still able to make loans, the Treasury said.

Markets lower again

If Mnuchin’s efforts were meant to soothe markets, that was not evident on Monday.

"When the Dow is down 600 points it's hard to say it was a positive," said J.J. Kinahan, chief market strategist at TD Ameritrade in Chicago. "Although his intention was a very good one, the net feeling I think was, ‘Is there a bigger problem that we don't know about?’"

Representative Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, said in a statement that Trump and Mnuchin's actions "have been erratic and are creating uncertainty and instability in the markets."

Wall Street is closely following reports that Trump had privately discussed the possibility of firing Powell, who became the Fed chief early last February after being appointed by Trump and has continued the path of gradual rate hikes started by his predecessor, Janet Yellen.

Mnuchin said on Saturday that Trump told him he had "never suggested firing" Powell.

Still, just the public suggestion that Trump might try to interfere so deeply with the Fed was unsettling to financial markets that have long operated on the presumption of the US&nbsp;central bank's independence from political meddling.

Adding to the disquiet is the lack of clarity over whether Trump could in fact dismiss Powell.

Sarah Binder, a professor of political science at George Washington University, said it was “ambiguous legally” whether Trump could remove Powell from the chairman role.

The Federal Reserve Act is clear that Powell can only be removed from the Fed’s board of governors “for cause,” which is generally understood to mean malfeasance, rather than disagreements over interest rates, Binder said.

But it may be lawful for Trump to remove Powell from the chairman role, Binder said. When Congress last amended the statute in 1977, it did not address whether removal from the chairman role must be “for cause,” she said.

Troubles in Washington have escalated in recent days with a partial government shutdown that began on Saturday following an impasse in Congress over funds for a wall on the border with Mexico. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' resignation on Thursday after Trump's surprise decision to pull US&nbsp;troops out of Syria also unsettled investors.

But Mnuchin's response to the market concerns was seen as an overreaction in Wall Street circles.

"It seems unexpected, abrupt and unnecessary," said Michael Purves, chief global strategist at Weeden &amp; Co in Greenwich, Connecticut.

President Donald Trump blasted the Federal Reserve on Monday, describing it as the "only problem" for the US economy, as top officials convened to discuss the growing rout in stock markets caused in part by the president's attacks on the central bank.

President Donald Trump blasted the Federal Reserve on Monday, describing it as the "only problem" for the US economy, as top officials convened to discuss the growing rout in stock markets caused in part by the president's attacks on the central bank. Stocks fell again on Monday amid concern about slowing economic growth, the government shutdown and reports that Trump had discussed firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, whom he has repeatedly criticised for raising interest rates. US stocks have dropped sharply in recent weeks on concerns over weaker economic growth. The S&P 500 index was on pace for its biggest percentage decline in December since the Great Depression. The only problem our economy has is the Fed. They don’t have a feel for the Market, they don’t understand necessary Trade Wars or Strong Dollars or even Democrat Shutdowns over Borders. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who can’t score because he has no touch - he can’t putt! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 24, 2018 × In a tweet that did nothing to ease market concerns about the Fed's cherished independence, the Republican president laid the blame for economic headwinds firmly at the feet of the central bank. "The only problem our economy has is the Fed. They don't have a feel for the market," Trump said on Twitter. "The Fed is like a powerful golfer who can't score because he has no touch - he can't putt!" In addition to frequently criticising the Fed's rate hikes this year, Trump has gone after Powell several times, telling Reuters in August he was "not thrilled" with his own appointee. The Fed hiked interest rates again last week, as had been widely expected. A crisis call on Monday between US financial regulators and the Treasury Department did more to rattle markets than to assure them. All three major indexes ended down more than 2 percent on the day before the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500 ended down about 19.8 percent from its Sept. 20 closing high, just shy of the 20 percent threshold that commonly defines a bear market. Oil prices followed equities down, tumbling more than 6 percent to the lowest level in over a year. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin hosted a call with the president's Working Group on Financial Markets, a body known colloquially as the "Plunge Protection team," which normally only convenes during times of heavy market volatility. Regulators on the call said they were not seeing anything out of the ordinary in financial markets during the recent sell-off and also discussed how they will continue critical operations during the partial government shutdown, according to two sources familiar with the matter. On Sunday, Mnuchin made calls to top US bankers and got reassurances that banks were still able to make loans, the Treasury said. Markets lower again If Mnuchin’s efforts were meant to soothe markets, that was not evident on Monday. "When the Dow is down 600 points it's hard to say it was a positive," said J.J. Kinahan, chief market strategist at TD Ameritrade in Chicago. "Although his intention was a very good one, the net feeling I think was, ‘Is there a bigger problem that we don't know about?’" Representative Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, said in a statement that Trump and Mnuchin's actions "have been erratic and are creating uncertainty and instability in the markets." Wall Street is closely following reports that Trump had privately discussed the possibility of firing Powell, who became the Fed chief early last February after being appointed by Trump and has continued the path of gradual rate hikes started by his predecessor, Janet Yellen. Mnuchin said on Saturday that Trump told him he had "never suggested firing" Powell. Still, just the public suggestion that Trump might try to interfere so deeply with the Fed was unsettling to financial markets that have long operated on the presumption of the US central bank's independence from political meddling. Adding to the disquiet is the lack of clarity over whether Trump could in fact dismiss Powell. Sarah Binder, a professor of political science at George Washington University, said it was “ambiguous legally” whether Trump could remove Powell from the chairman role. The Federal Reserve Act is clear that Powell can only be removed from the Fed’s board of governors “for cause,” which is generally understood to mean malfeasance, rather than disagreements over interest rates, Binder said. But it may be lawful for Trump to remove Powell from the chairman role, Binder said. When Congress last amended the statute in 1977, it did not address whether removal from the chairman role must be “for cause,” she said. Troubles in Washington have escalated in recent days with a partial government shutdown that began on Saturday following an impasse in Congress over funds for a wall on the border with Mexico. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' resignation on Thursday after Trump's surprise decision to pull US troops out of Syria also unsettled investors. But Mnuchin's response to the market concerns was seen as an overreaction in Wall Street circles. "It seems unexpected, abrupt and unnecessary," said Michael Purves, chief global strategist at Weeden & Co in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Trump attacks US central bank, says it is 'only problem' in economy

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump met with Republican senators on Friday after threatening a "very long" government shutdown just hours ahead of a midnight deadline, demanding $5 billion for border wall funding and seeking to shift blame for a holiday showdown to Democrats.

There appeared to be little chance the Senate would go along with a bill passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday that would give Trump $5 billion toward building the wall on the Mexican border - one of the major themes of his presidency.

Republican Senator Richard Shelby said he doubted the issue would be resolved on Friday while John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said there may be room for compromise but that Trump was unlikely to go for any bill that does not include wall funding.

Another Republican senator, Bob Corker, bluntly said, "The $5 billion is not going to pass."

The Senate, where Republicans have only a 51-49 majority, already had approved funds for the government through February 8 but without money for the wall. On Thursday Trump pushed fellow Republicans in the House to use the short-term funding bill as leverage to force through the border wall money despite Democratic objections.

In a series of early-morning tweets on Friday, Trump urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to take up the amended bill from the House.

Last week Trump had said he would be "proud" to shut down the government over the issue of border security and "I'll be the one to shut it down." But on Friday he shifted the responsibility, saying on Twitter, "The Democrats now own the shutdown!"

"If the Dems vote no, there will be a shutdown that will last for a very long time," he said in another tweet.

"Senator Mitch McConnell should fight for the Wall and Border Security as hard as he fought for anything," Trump tweeted. "He will need Democrat votes, but as shown in the House, good things happen."

He also urged McConnell to use the "nuclear option" to force a Senate vote on legislation with a simple majority, rather than the standard "supermajority" of 60 votes. But there was not enough support among Republican senators to do so.

The threat of a US&nbsp;government shutdown, which would leave thousands of federal workers idled at Christmas, continued to fuel investor anxieties on Friday over the trajectory of global economic growth as world stocks extended a steep sell-off.

Tense times

The showdown added to tensions in Washington as lawmakers also grappled with Trump's sudden move to pull troops from Syria, which prompted Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to resign, and furthered concerns over the investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election that Trump won.

Three-quarters of government programs are fully funded through the end of the federal fiscal year next September 30, including those in the Defense Department, Labor Department and Health and Human Services.

But funding for other agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department and the Agriculture Department, is set to expire at midnight on Friday.

If the House measure is put to a vote in the Senate, Democrats have pledged to deny its passage.

The Senate was set to convene at noon EST (1700 GMT), and it remained unclear what would happen if the House measure fails there.

A partial government shutdown could begin, with affected agencies limiting staff to those deemed "essential" to public safety. Such critical workers, including US&nbsp;border agents, and nonessential employees would not get paid until the dispute ends. National parks also would close unless the government declares them essential.

Alternatively, lawmakers could seek a solution that Trump finds acceptable, although it was unclear what that would be.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump was "not going to back down on this fight" and would stay in Washington rather than go to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the holidays as planned.

Asked how long any potential shutdown would last, Sanders said: "Let's hope that that doesn't have to happen."

Trump's border wall was a key campaign promise in the 2016 election, when he said it would be paid for by Mexico, and sees it as a winning issue for his 2020 re-election campaign.

Democratic US&nbsp;Senator Chris Coons on Friday said he hoped Trump would change course and support the Senate-passed bill, which includes funds for border security but not specifically for the wall.

"This is a fight more over message and the president trying to fulfil a campaign promise rather than substance," Coons told CNN in an interview on Friday.

US President Donald Trump met with Republican senators on Friday after threatening a "very long" government shutdown just hours ahead of a midnight deadline, demanding $5 billion for border wall funding and seeking to shift blame for a holiday showdown to Democrats.

US President Donald Trump met with Republican senators on Friday after threatening a "very long" government shutdown just hours ahead of a midnight deadline, demanding $5 billion for border wall funding and seeking to shift blame for a holiday showdown to Democrats. There appeared to be little chance the Senate would go along with a bill passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday that would give Trump $5 billion toward building the wall on the Mexican border - one of the major themes of his presidency. Republican Senator Richard Shelby said he doubted the issue would be resolved on Friday while John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said there may be room for compromise but that Trump was unlikely to go for any bill that does not include wall funding. Another Republican senator, Bob Corker, bluntly said, "The $5 billion is not going to pass." The Senate, where Republicans have only a 51-49 majority, already had approved funds for the government through February 8 but without money for the wall. On Thursday Trump pushed fellow Republicans in the House to use the short-term funding bill as leverage to force through the border wall money despite Democratic objections. In a series of early-morning tweets on Friday, Trump urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to take up the amended bill from the House. Last week Trump had said he would be "proud" to shut down the government over the issue of border security and "I'll be the one to shut it down." But on Friday he shifted the responsibility, saying on Twitter, "The Democrats now own the shutdown!" "If the Dems vote no, there will be a shutdown that will last for a very long time," he said in another tweet. "Senator Mitch McConnell should fight for the Wall and Border Security as hard as he fought for anything," Trump tweeted. "He will need Democrat votes, but as shown in the House, good things happen." He also urged McConnell to use the "nuclear option" to force a Senate vote on legislation with a simple majority, rather than the standard "supermajority" of 60 votes. But there was not enough support among Republican senators to do so. The threat of a US government shutdown, which would leave thousands of federal workers idled at Christmas, continued to fuel investor anxieties on Friday over the trajectory of global economic growth as world stocks extended a steep sell-off. Tense times The showdown added to tensions in Washington as lawmakers also grappled with Trump's sudden move to pull troops from Syria, which prompted Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to resign, and furthered concerns over the investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election that Trump won. Three-quarters of government programs are fully funded through the end of the federal fiscal year next September 30, including those in the Defense Department, Labor Department and Health and Human Services. But funding for other agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department and the Agriculture Department, is set to expire at midnight on Friday. If the House measure is put to a vote in the Senate, Democrats have pledged to deny its passage. The Senate was set to convene at noon EST (1700 GMT), and it remained unclear what would happen if the House measure fails there. A partial government shutdown could begin, with affected agencies limiting staff to those deemed "essential" to public safety. Such critical workers, including US border agents, and nonessential employees would not get paid until the dispute ends. National parks also would close unless the government declares them essential. Alternatively, lawmakers could seek a solution that Trump finds acceptable, although it was unclear what that would be. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump was "not going to back down on this fight" and would stay in Washington rather than go to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the holidays as planned. Asked how long any potential shutdown would last, Sanders said: "Let's hope that that doesn't have to happen." Trump's border wall was a key campaign promise in the 2016 election, when he said it would be paid for by Mexico, and sees it as a winning issue for his 2020 re-election campaign. Democratic US Senator Chris Coons on Friday said he hoped Trump would change course and support the Senate-passed bill, which includes funds for border security but not specifically for the wall. "This is a fight more over message and the president trying to fulfil a campaign promise rather than substance," Coons told CNN in an interview on Friday.

Trump meets Republican senators to thrash out wall-funding dilemma

US President Donald Trump on Friday said his budget chief, Mick Mulvaney, would take over as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-chief-of-staff-john-kelly-to-resign-report-182276">White House chief of staff </a>on a temporary basis after two prominent candidates for the job withdrew from consideration in the space of a week.

Mulvaney, a hard-charging conservative and former congressman who heads the White House Office of Management and Budget, will take over from John Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, who will step down from the top job in the West Wing in early January.

He will be the third man in Trump`s two years in office to take on what is seen as one of the most important jobs in Washington: the gatekeeper to the president charged with marshalling the resources of the office to carry out priorities.

Mulvaney will take the reins at a time when Republican Trump, weakened by Democrats winning control of the US House of Representatives in elections last month, grapples with investigations into his businesses and most controversial policies.

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For the record, there were MANY people who wanted to be the White House Chief of Staff. Mick M will do a GREAT job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1073737336935071744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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....I look forward to working with him in this new capacity as we continue to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! John will be staying until the end of the year. He is a GREAT PATRIOT and I want to personally thank him for his service!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1073703746432049153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management &amp; Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1073703744766922754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In addition, Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whether there was collusion between Trump`s 2016 election campaign team and Russian officials.

Hours before Trump announced his decision on Twitter, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had withdrawn.

Trump's first choice, Nick Ayers, had declined the position on Sunday. Ayers, a Republican strategist and chief of staff for Vice President Mike Pence, could not agree on terms for the job.

Mulvaney, who rose to prominence as a founder of the powerful House Freedom Caucus conservative voting bloc, also had been in the mix for the chief of staff job.

A White House official told reporters there was "no time limit" on his appointment.

"He`s the acting chief of staff, which means he’s the chief of staff. He got picked because the president liked him. They get along," the official said. 
Mulvaney`s experience as a lawmaker was the main factor, the official said.

Russ Vought, Mulvaney`s deputy in the budget office, will fill in for him, the official said.

This is not the first time Trump has turned to Mulvaney in a pinch.

Last November, he named Mulvaney the acting head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency that had been closely associated with former President Barack Obama’s tenure.

The appointment was fought in court, but Mulvaney prevailed and ran the agency until earlier this month when Trump’s official pick was confirmed by the US Senate.

Trump had been considering his son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer as possibilities to replace Kelly on a long-term basis, sources familiar with the situation said.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said his budget chief, Mick Mulvaney, would take over as White House chief of staff on a temporary basis after two prominent candidates for the job withdrew from consideration in the space of a week.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said his budget chief, Mick Mulvaney, would take over as White House chief of staff on a temporary basis after two prominent candidates for the job withdrew from consideration in the space of a week. Mulvaney, a hard-charging conservative and former congressman who heads the White House Office of Management and Budget, will take over from John Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, who will step down from the top job in the West Wing in early January. He will be the third man in Trump`s two years in office to take on what is seen as one of the most important jobs in Washington: the gatekeeper to the president charged with marshalling the resources of the office to carry out priorities. Mulvaney will take the reins at a time when Republican Trump, weakened by Democrats winning control of the US House of Representatives in elections last month, grapples with investigations into his businesses and most controversial policies. For the record, there were MANY people who wanted to be the White House Chief of Staff. Mick M will do a GREAT job! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 15, 2018 × ....I look forward to working with him in this new capacity as we continue to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! John will be staying until the end of the year. He is a GREAT PATRIOT and I want to personally thank him for his service! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 × I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 × In addition, Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whether there was collusion between Trump`s 2016 election campaign team and Russian officials. Hours before Trump announced his decision on Twitter, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had withdrawn. Trump's first choice, Nick Ayers, had declined the position on Sunday. Ayers, a Republican strategist and chief of staff for Vice President Mike Pence, could not agree on terms for the job. Mulvaney, who rose to prominence as a founder of the powerful House Freedom Caucus conservative voting bloc, also had been in the mix for the chief of staff job. A White House official told reporters there was "no time limit" on his appointment. "He`s the acting chief of staff, which means he’s the chief of staff. He got picked because the president liked him. They get along," the official said. Mulvaney`s experience as a lawmaker was the main factor, the official said. Russ Vought, Mulvaney`s deputy in the budget office, will fill in for him, the official said. This is not the first time Trump has turned to Mulvaney in a pinch. Last November, he named Mulvaney the acting head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency that had been closely associated with former President Barack Obama’s tenure. The appointment was fought in court, but Mulvaney prevailed and ran the agency until earlier this month when Trump’s official pick was confirmed by the US Senate. Trump had been considering his son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer as possibilities to replace Kelly on a long-term basis, sources familiar with the situation said.

Trump announces Mick Mulvaney as new acting White House chief of staff

Former US vice president Joe Biden has stoked speculation he may run for the White House in 2020 by saying he believes he is the "most qualified person" to be president.

Biden, 76, made the remarks on Monday night while in Montana during a stop on a tour to promote his 2017 book "Promise Me, Dad" about the death from brain cancer of his son Beau.

"I think I'm the most qualified person in the country to be president," a local newspaper, the Missoula Current, quoted Biden as saying.

"The issues that we face as a country today are the issues that I've worked on my whole life -– the plight of the middle class and foreign policy," he said.

Biden, who served for eight years as vice president to Democrat Barack Obama, said he would have to consult with his family before deciding whether to take on Republican Donald Trump two years from now.

"My family and I need to decide as a unit whether we're ready -- we do everything as a family," Biden said, adding that he would make a decision in the next six weeks to two months.

Biden, who served as a US senator from Delaware before becoming vice president, was asked whether his reputation for making "gaffes" could harm his prospects.

"I may be a gaffe machine, but my god, what a wonderful thing compared to a guy who can't tell the truth," he said in a reference to Trump.

"No one doubts what I say, the problem is I sometimes say all that I mean," Biden said. "The question is what kind of nation are we becoming?

"We can't have four more years."

Biden, should he decide to run, would be considered a strong candidate in what could be a crowded field seeking the 2020 Democratic nomination for president.

Former US vice president Joe Biden has stoked speculation he may run for the White House in 2020 by saying he believes he is the "most qualified person" to be president.

Former US vice president Joe Biden has stoked speculation he may run for the White House in 2020 by saying he believes he is the "most qualified person" to be president. Biden, 76, made the remarks on Monday night while in Montana during a stop on a tour to promote his 2017 book "Promise Me, Dad" about the death from brain cancer of his son Beau. "I think I'm the most qualified person in the country to be president," a local newspaper, the Missoula Current, quoted Biden as saying. "The issues that we face as a country today are the issues that I've worked on my whole life -– the plight of the middle class and foreign policy," he said. Biden, who served for eight years as vice president to Democrat Barack Obama, said he would have to consult with his family before deciding whether to take on Republican Donald Trump two years from now. "My family and I need to decide as a unit whether we're ready -- we do everything as a family," Biden said, adding that he would make a decision in the next six weeks to two months. Biden, who served as a US senator from Delaware before becoming vice president, was asked whether his reputation for making "gaffes" could harm his prospects. "I may be a gaffe machine, but my god, what a wonderful thing compared to a guy who can't tell the truth," he said in a reference to Trump. "No one doubts what I say, the problem is I sometimes say all that I mean," Biden said. "The question is what kind of nation are we becoming? "We can't have four more years." Biden, should he decide to run, would be considered a strong candidate in what could be a crowded field seeking the 2020 Democratic nomination for president.

Biden says he's 'most qualified' to be US president

Former US president George H.W. Bush passes away

&nbsp;

Former US president &nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bushs-single-white-house-term-shaped-us-history-for-decades-180657">George HW Bush</a>, who led US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, died on November 30 at the age of 94 on Saturday.

His death was announced in a statement issued by longtime spokesman Jim McGrath.&nbsp;

Following the leader's demise tributes poured in from various people.

In pics: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/former-us-president-george-hw-bush-dies-at-94-180671">Life and times of former US president George H W Bush</a>

<a>Here are excerpts of messages from the worlds of politics, business and Hollywood:</a>

'Best dad'&nbsp;

"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bushs-single-white-house-term-shaped-us-history-for-decades-180657">George HW Bush</a> was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for."

- His son, former president George W. Bush

'Faith, family and country'

"Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service."

-&nbsp;US President Donald Trump&nbsp;

An unlikely friendship

"I am profoundly grateful for every minute I spent with President Bush and will always hold our friendship as one of my life's greatest gifts."

- Former US president Bill Clinton, who defeated Bush in the 1992 election

'True partner'

"We had the chance to work together during the time of enormous changes. And this was a dramatic time which called for huge responsibility from everyone. The result was the end of the Cold War and the arms race... He was a true partner."

- Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev

- 'Noble, joyous calling' -

"George HW&nbsp;Bush's life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling. (...) It's a legacy of service that may never be matched, even though he'd want all of us to try."

- Former US president Barack Obama

'Example to us all'

"President George H.W. Bush's ethos of public service was the guiding thread of his life and an example to us all. (...) Today Britain remembers a great statesman and a true friend of our country."

- British Prime Minister Theresa May

'Lifelong friend'

"I feel privileged to have worked with him, and even more privileged that he became a lifelong friend. He was, quite simply, one of the most deep down decent people I have ever known."

- Former British prime minister John Major

'We will never forget'

"In 1989, at a time of upheaval and challenges, when the blocs were staggering and the decades-long confrontation was beginning to crumble, he bravely seized the opportunity to end the Cold War. He is among the architects of German unity. We will never forget that."

- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas

Strong backer of US-Europe alliance

"He was a world leader, who strongly supported the alliance with Europe. Our sympathy to his family and beloved ones."

- French President Emmanuel Macron

'One last flight'

"President Bush has left us for one last flight but his destination isn't unknown. He's flying into the arms of the love of his life, Barbara."

- Hollywood action hero and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

'Great American'

"We have lost a great American. Service defined President George HW&nbsp;Bush's life, and he taught all of us about leadership, sacrifice and decency."&nbsp;

- Apple CEO Tim Cook&nbsp;

Former US president George HW Bush, who led US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, died on November 30 at the age of 94 on Saturday. His death was announced in a statement issued by longtime spokesman Jim McGrath.

Former US president George HW Bush, who led US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, died on November 30 at the age of 94 on Saturday. His death was announced in a statement issued by longtime spokesman Jim McGrath. Following the leader's demise tributes poured in from various people. In pics: Life and times of former US president George H W Bush Here are excerpts of messages from the worlds of politics, business and Hollywood: 'Best dad' "George HW Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for." - His son, former president George W. Bush 'Faith, family and country' "Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service." - US President Donald Trump An unlikely friendship "I am profoundly grateful for every minute I spent with President Bush and will always hold our friendship as one of my life's greatest gifts." - Former US president Bill Clinton, who defeated Bush in the 1992 election 'True partner' "We had the chance to work together during the time of enormous changes. And this was a dramatic time which called for huge responsibility from everyone. The result was the end of the Cold War and the arms race... He was a true partner." - Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev - 'Noble, joyous calling' - "George HW Bush's life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling. (...) It's a legacy of service that may never be matched, even though he'd want all of us to try." - Former US president Barack Obama 'Example to us all' "President George H.W. Bush's ethos of public service was the guiding thread of his life and an example to us all. (...) Today Britain remembers a great statesman and a true friend of our country." - British Prime Minister Theresa May 'Lifelong friend' "I feel privileged to have worked with him, and even more privileged that he became a lifelong friend. He was, quite simply, one of the most deep down decent people I have ever known." - Former British prime minister John Major 'We will never forget' "In 1989, at a time of upheaval and challenges, when the blocs were staggering and the decades-long confrontation was beginning to crumble, he bravely seized the opportunity to end the Cold War. He is among the architects of German unity. We will never forget that." - German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas Strong backer of US-Europe alliance "He was a world leader, who strongly supported the alliance with Europe. Our sympathy to his family and beloved ones." - French President Emmanuel Macron 'One last flight' "President Bush has left us for one last flight but his destination isn't unknown. He's flying into the arms of the love of his life, Barbara." - Hollywood action hero and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger 'Great American' "We have lost a great American. Service defined President George HW Bush's life, and he taught all of us about leadership, sacrifice and decency." - Apple CEO Tim Cook

Tributes pour in for former US president George HW Bush

In pics: Life and times of former US president George H W Bush

US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed support for India's fight against terrorism and remembered those who lost their lives in the ghastly Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008.&nbsp;

In a tweet, the US President noted that the "US stands with the people of India in their quest for justice," adding that terrorists will never "come close to winning."

"On the ten-year anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the US&nbsp;stands with the people of India in their quest for justice. The attack killed 166 innocents, including six Americans. We will never let terrorists win, or even come close to winning!," his tweet read.&nbsp;

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On the ten-year anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the U.S. stands with the people of India in their quest for justice. The attack killed 166 innocents, including six Americans. We will never let terrorists win, or even come close to winning!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1067142262545674240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The United States Monday announced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416">a $5 million reward</a> for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired, aided or abetted the 2008 Mumbai attack.

The Trump Administration announced this major reward (of more than Rs 35 crore) on the 10th anniversary of the terror attack in which 10-Pakistan based LeT terrorists went on a shooting rampage in India's financial hub killing 166 people, including six Americans.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Monday welcomed the statement made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of &nbsp;Mumbai terror attacks and called upon Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of the crime.

''I welcome the statement made by US Secretary of State Mr Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks calling upon Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack. I urge Pakistan to heed the call of international community and fulfil it's its international obligations by implementing sanctions against those responsible for this historic act of terror,'' said the statement tweeted by EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar attributed to the external affairs minister.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed support for India's fight against terrorism and remembered those who lost their lives in the ghastly Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008.

US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed support for India's fight against terrorism and remembered those who lost their lives in the ghastly Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008. In a tweet, the US President noted that the "US stands with the people of India in their quest for justice," adding that terrorists will never "come close to winning." "On the ten-year anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the US stands with the people of India in their quest for justice. The attack killed 166 innocents, including six Americans. We will never let terrorists win, or even come close to winning!," his tweet read. On the ten-year anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the U.S. stands with the people of India in their quest for justice. The attack killed 166 innocents, including six Americans. We will never let terrorists win, or even come close to winning! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 26, 2018 × The United States Monday announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired, aided or abetted the 2008 Mumbai attack. The Trump Administration announced this major reward (of more than Rs 35 crore) on the 10th anniversary of the terror attack in which 10-Pakistan based LeT terrorists went on a shooting rampage in India's financial hub killing 166 people, including six Americans. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Monday welcomed the statement made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks and called upon Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of the crime. ''I welcome the statement made by US Secretary of State Mr Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks calling upon Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack. I urge Pakistan to heed the call of international community and fulfil it's its international obligations by implementing sanctions against those responsible for this historic act of terror,'' said the statement tweeted by EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar attributed to the external affairs minister.

US stands with India in its quest for justice: Trump on 26/11

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted to Donald Trump's latest tirade on Islamabad. In a series of tweets, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf chief stated that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror."

Khan's comments came after US President tweeted out slamming Pakistan for not doing "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/pakistan-knew-bin-laden-was-there-but-didnt-do-a-damn-thing-says-donald-trump-178108">a damn thing</a>" for America in curbing terrorism. &nbsp;

Trump's remark angered Pak leaders, including the Prime Minister who launched a scathing attack on the US President stating that "record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan."

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Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war &amp; over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1064482777054220289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's Prime Minister said "Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties" by participating in US war against terror, "over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion," Khan tweeted out.&nbsp;

"Our tribal areas were devastated and millions of people were uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground and air communications (GLOCs/ALOCs). Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?" Khan's tweet read.&nbsp;

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3. Our tribal areas were devastated &amp; millions of ppl uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. 4. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground &amp; air communications(GLOCs/ALOCs).Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1064483393335898113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pak Prime Minister added that the United States is making Pakistan "a scapegoat of their failures." He asked Washington to "do a serious assessment" on why Taliban is stronger than &nbsp;ever "despite 140,000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops and reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan."

Khan's remarks came shortly after his Human Rights Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-trumps-tirade-against-pakistan-shows-he-suffers-from-perpetual-historic-amnesia-minister-178210">Shireen Mazari slammed US President</a> Donald Trump saying he "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

"Trump's tirade against Pak and his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc," Mazari tweeted.

The developments come after a high-level meeting at Pakistan's foreign office after comments of US President.

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Trump, on Sunday, defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.&nbsp;

The US president in an interview to FOX had slammed Pakistan due terror inaction and justified aid cut. He had said,"And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year . ... [bin Laden] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year -- which we don’t give them anymore, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us."

The relationship between the 2 former allies have deteriorated and it believed it beyond the point of return. US President Donald Trump didn't also call Imran Khan after being elected a PM of Pakistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had visited for few hours after Imran Khan took oath and has been asking Pakistan to do more on the issue terror.

The development comes even has ties been US and Pakistan's arch-rival India has increased. Indian PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of 13th east Asia summit and discussed terror. PM Modi is likely to meet US President Trump on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina later this month.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted to Donald Trump's latest tirade on Islamabad. In a series of tweets, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf chief stated that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted to Donald Trump's latest tirade on Islamabad. In a series of tweets, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf chief stated that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror." Khan's comments came after US President tweeted out slamming Pakistan for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism. Trump's remark angered Pak leaders, including the Prime Minister who launched a scathing attack on the US President stating that "record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan." Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war & over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan's Prime Minister said "Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties" by participating in US war against terror, "over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion," Khan tweeted out. "Our tribal areas were devastated and millions of people were uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground and air communications (GLOCs/ALOCs). Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?" Khan's tweet read. 3. Our tribal areas were devastated & millions of ppl uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. 4. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground & air communications(GLOCs/ALOCs).Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices? — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018 × Pak Prime Minister added that the United States is making Pakistan "a scapegoat of their failures." He asked Washington to "do a serious assessment" on why Taliban is stronger than ever "despite 140,000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops and reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan." Khan's remarks came shortly after his Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari slammed US President Donald Trump saying he "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" "Trump's tirade against Pak and his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc," Mazari tweeted. The developments come after a high-level meeting at Pakistan's foreign office after comments of US President. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × Trump, on Sunday, defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. The US president in an interview to FOX had slammed Pakistan due terror inaction and justified aid cut. He had said,"And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year . ... [bin Laden] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year -- which we don’t give them anymore, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us." The relationship between the 2 former allies have deteriorated and it believed it beyond the point of return. US President Donald Trump didn't also call Imran Khan after being elected a PM of Pakistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had visited for few hours after Imran Khan took oath and has been asking Pakistan to do more on the issue terror. The development comes even has ties been US and Pakistan's arch-rival India has increased. Indian PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of 13th east Asia summit and discussed terror. PM Modi is likely to meet US President Trump on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina later this month.

Pak lost over $123 bn by joining US war on terror; aid received was minuscule: Imran Khan on Trump's tirade

An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-under-pressure-from-melania-to-fire-top-aide-source-177177">Melania Trump demanded her sacking</a>, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections.

Melania Trump made the extremely rare demand for deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel to be fired on Tuesday, saying "she no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House."

The protocol-busting move followed a falling out that press leaks say was partly linked to a dispute over seating arrangements on the plane that took the first lady for a tour of African countries in October. Ricardel was also reportedly blamed for negative news coverage of Melania Trump.

The first lady got her way Wednesday when presidential spokeswoman Sarah Sanders announced that Ricardel "departs the White House to transition to a new role within the Administration."

The start to the second half of Donald Trump's first term is enveloped in gloom as the president surveys the damage from the midterms, tension with some of America's closest allies, and now turmoil inside the administration.

On Wednesday, he was quoted by right-wing website The Daily Caller saying that a wider reshuffle is coming.

"A lot of people want to come in, a lot of politicians who have had very successful careers want to come in," he said.

'Adult in the room'

The biggest name on the chopping block, according to multiple US media reports, is chief of staff John Kelly.

A retired Marine Corps general, he has often been referred to as "the adult in the room" during Trump's drama-prone administration, even if critics say he has done little to temper the president's most damaging outbursts.

Now Kelly's days are numbered, according to the unconfirmed but mounting leaks to US media.

His position, tenuous for months, has been undermined further by reports that he also clashed with Melania Trump -- a relatively backstage first lady who has rarely made her influence so obviously felt as this week.

Melania Trump was angry that Kelly had refused to promote some of her aides, reports say.

Nick Ayers, a 36-year-old chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence and renowned political consultant, is reportedly high on the list to replace Kelly.

Another expected reshuffle casualty is Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, a Kelly ally who oversees the politically sensitive task of carrying out Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration.

Trump told The Daily Caller he'll make "a decision on homeland shortly."

Among Nielsen's critics has been National Security Adviser John Bolton, who last month was widely reported to have erupted in a shouting match with Kelly right outside the Oval Office over her performance. 

Clouds gather over Trump

Donald Trump has been in a funk since last week's midterms which saw Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives, ending the Republicans' dominance of both chambers of Congress.

While the Republicans held their Senate majority, the Democratic win means the president will for the first time face an opposition that has teeth.

Democrats vow to use their control of powerful House oversight committees to go after Trump's nebulous personal finances and to protect an explosive probe into whether his 2016 election campaign colluded with Russian agents.

Pressure is mounting from the probe, as the special counsel Robert Mueller digs ever more deeply into the president's inner circle.

When Trump suddenly replaced his attorney general Jeff Sessions last week with a fierce critic of the Russia investigation, Matthew Whitaker, critics accused him of violating the constitution.

The Department of Justice ruled on Wednesday that Whitaker's appointment is in fact constitutional, but this will do little to calm claims that Trump's real goal is to defang the Russia probe, which he describes as "a witch hunt."

Abroad, there's no respite for the real estate billionaire either.

A weekend trip to Paris for World War I commemorations was marred by a row with President Emmanuel Macron. Trump mockingly referred to Germany's invasions of France during the two world wars, while also berating America's European allies in NATO over their defense spending.

The other main takeaway from Trump's trip was a PR blunder when the White House canceled his plan to visit an American military cemetery due to rain grounding the presidential helicopter.

An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections.

An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections. Melania Trump made the extremely rare demand for deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel to be fired on Tuesday, saying "she no longer deserves the honour of serving in this White House." The protocol-busting move followed a falling out that press leaks say was partly linked to a dispute over seating arrangements on the plane that took the first lady for a tour of African countries in October. Ricardel was also reportedly blamed for negative news coverage of Melania Trump. The first lady got her way Wednesday when presidential spokeswoman Sarah Sanders announced that Ricardel "departs the White House to transition to a new role within the Administration." The start to the second half of Donald Trump's first term is enveloped in gloom as the president surveys the damage from the midterms, tension with some of America's closest allies, and now turmoil inside the administration. On Wednesday, he was quoted by right-wing website The Daily Caller saying that a wider reshuffle is coming. "A lot of people want to come in, a lot of politicians who have had very successful careers want to come in," he said. 'Adult in the room' The biggest name on the chopping block, according to multiple US media reports, is chief of staff John Kelly. A retired Marine Corps general, he has often been referred to as "the adult in the room" during Trump's drama-prone administration, even if critics say he has done little to temper the president's most damaging outbursts. Now Kelly's days are numbered, according to the unconfirmed but mounting leaks to US media. His position, tenuous for months, has been undermined further by reports that he also clashed with Melania Trump -- a relatively backstage first lady who has rarely made her influence so obviously felt as this week. Melania Trump was angry that Kelly had refused to promote some of her aides, reports say. Nick Ayers, a 36-year-old chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence and renowned political consultant, is reportedly high on the list to replace Kelly. Another expected reshuffle casualty is Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, a Kelly ally who oversees the politically sensitive task of carrying out Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. Trump told The Daily Caller he'll make "a decision on homeland shortly." Among Nielsen's critics has been National Security Adviser John Bolton, who last month was widely reported to have erupted in a shouting match with Kelly right outside the Oval Office over her performance. Clouds gather over Trump Donald Trump has been in a funk since last week's midterms which saw Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives, ending the Republicans' dominance of both chambers of Congress. While the Republicans held their Senate majority, the Democratic win means the president will for the first time face an opposition that has teeth. Democrats vow to use their control of powerful House oversight committees to go after Trump's nebulous personal finances and to protect an explosive probe into whether his 2016 election campaign colluded with Russian agents. Pressure is mounting from the probe, as the special counsel Robert Mueller digs ever more deeply into the president's inner circle. When Trump suddenly replaced his attorney general Jeff Sessions last week with a fierce critic of the Russia investigation, Matthew Whitaker, critics accused him of violating the constitution. The Department of Justice ruled on Wednesday that Whitaker's appointment is in fact constitutional, but this will do little to calm claims that Trump's real goal is to defang the Russia probe, which he describes as "a witch hunt." Abroad, there's no respite for the real estate billionaire either. A weekend trip to Paris for World War I commemorations was marred by a row with President Emmanuel Macron. Trump mockingly referred to Germany's invasions of France during the two world wars, while also berating America's European allies in NATO over their defense spending. The other main takeaway from Trump's trip was a PR blunder when the White House canceled his plan to visit an American military cemetery due to rain grounding the presidential helicopter.

President Trump fires senior advisor criticised by first lady Melania

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Coalition of US states sue Trump administration in showdown over border wall funds