Right-wing US radio host Larry Elder said on Thursday (Oct 27) he was suspending his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and endorsing former President Donald Trump.

Right-wing US radio host Larry Elder said on Thursday (Oct 27) he was suspending his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and endorsing former President Donald Trump. Elder, who joined the race in April, failed to gain enough support to qualify for the Republican Party's candidate debates. Watch: US economy: Blockbuster Q3 numbers × "As I look at the path forward, and after careful consideration and consultation with my campaign team, I have made the difficult decision to suspend my campaign," Elder said in a statement posted on X. Also read: ‘Need to have dialogue,’ China’s Wang Yi tells US as he lays groundwork for Xi-Biden meet Elder urged his supporters to unite behind Trump, the Republican front-runner, to beat Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election. Trump's other challengers for the Republican nomination include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Senator Tim Scott, former biotechnology investor and executive Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Vice President Mike Pence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: Radio host Larry Elder ends his presidential bid, endorses Trump instead

Former United States President and Republican Donald Trump signed up for the New Hampshire presidential primary on Monday (Oct 23) becoming the first person who has served as a president to file such paperwork in person more than once.&nbsp;

Trump also spoke about who he thinks should be the next speaker of the US House of Representatives after Jim Jordan wrapped up his failed bid to take the job on Friday (Oct 20), prompting at least nine new candidates to sign up ahead of a new selection process this week.&nbsp;

<h2>Trump in New Hampshire</h2>

As per Reuters, the US presidential hopeful ahead of the elections next year, was welcomed amid cheers in the US state as he filed for the presidential primary.&nbsp;

During the 2016 race after Trump had signed up on the first day of the filing period, he sent Vice President Mike Pence to file his paperwork for the 2020 contest in line with the tradition of other incumbents who asked their surrogates to finish the paperwork.&nbsp;

“Vote for Trump and solve your problems,” he wrote on the commemorative poster at the statehouse in the city of&nbsp;Concord that all the candidates are asked to sign, as per the Associated Press.

According to the AP, candidates this year have until October 27 to officially sign up and dozens of White House hopefuls are expected to do so in the upcoming days.&nbsp;

Notably, while Trump had won both the 2016 and 2020 Republican primaries in New Hampshire, he lost the state in both general elections.

<h2>About the Speaker race</h2>

When asked if he would endorse Republican Representative Tom Emmer’s bid as the House of Representatives speaker, Trump said Emmer called him up asking for his support as well as others who were vying for the position.&nbsp;

He added, “Well, we’re looking at a lot of people and, you know, I’m sort of trying to stay out of that as much as possible, but they’ll get it straightened out.”&nbsp;

He also took a shot at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis while touting his wide lead in current New Hampshire polls. Trump said that support for DeSantis in the US state has dropped significantly.

“I think DeSantis is really going down it looks like. I just looked at a poll that came out and he was in third place and he's another one where, as I call him Ron Desanctimonious, he was in fifth place.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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Former United States President and Republican Donald Trump signed up for the New Hampshire presidential primary on Monday (Oct 23) becoming the first person who has served as a president to file such paperwork in person more than once.

Former United States President and Republican Donald Trump signed up for the New Hampshire presidential primary on Monday (Oct 23) becoming the first person who has served as a president to file such paperwork in person more than once. Trump also spoke about who he thinks should be the next speaker of the US House of Representatives after Jim Jordan wrapped up his failed bid to take the job on Friday (Oct 20), prompting at least nine new candidates to sign up ahead of a new selection process this week. Trump in New Hampshire As per Reuters, the US presidential hopeful ahead of the elections next year, was welcomed amid cheers in the US state as he filed for the presidential primary. During the 2016 race after Trump had signed up on the first day of the filing period, he sent Vice President Mike Pence to file his paperwork for the 2020 contest in line with the tradition of other incumbents who asked their surrogates to finish the paperwork. “Vote for Trump and solve your problems,” he wrote on the commemorative poster at the statehouse in the city of Concord that all the candidates are asked to sign, as per the Associated Press. According to the AP, candidates this year have until October 27 to officially sign up and dozens of White House hopefuls are expected to do so in the upcoming days. Notably, while Trump had won both the 2016 and 2020 Republican primaries in New Hampshire, he lost the state in both general elections. About the Speaker race When asked if he would endorse Republican Representative Tom Emmer’s bid as the House of Representatives speaker, Trump said Emmer called him up asking for his support as well as others who were vying for the position. He added, “Well, we’re looking at a lot of people and, you know, I’m sort of trying to stay out of that as much as possible, but they’ll get it straightened out.” He also took a shot at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis while touting his wide lead in current New Hampshire polls. Trump said that support for DeSantis in the US state has dropped significantly. “I think DeSantis is really going down it looks like. I just looked at a poll that came out and he was in third place and he's another one where, as I call him Ron Desanctimonious, he was in fifth place.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US presidential election: Trump files for New Hampshire primary ahead of campaign rally

Robert F. Kennedy Jr has officially announced that he will be running in the upcoming United States presidential election as an independent and dropped his Democratic primary bid, on Monday (Oct 9).

The 69-year-old longtime environmental lawyer, anti-vaccine activist and a reported conspiracy theorist had previously said that he would run for the Democratic nomination for president, being the only one to challenge incumbent President Joe Biden for the nomination in his re-election bid.&nbsp;

“I’m here to declare myself an independent candidate for president of the United States. I’m here to join you in making a new declaration of independence for our entire nation,” said Kennedy, in a speech in the city of Philadelphia. &nbsp;

Robert F Kennedy Jr belongs to one of the most famous Democratic families in American politics and spent the last six months running for the Democratic presidential nomination.&nbsp;

However, he was said to have been running a longshot primary bid in the Democratic party and has better favourability ratings among Republicans. So far, Biden and his allies have dismissed Kennedy’s primary bid as unserious.&nbsp;

<h2>Kennedy family ‘denounces’ his candidacy&nbsp;</h2>

While the 69-year-old has long said that he is a Democrat and frequently invoked the names of his late father, US Senator Robert F Kennedy, and his uncle President John F Kennedy on the campaign trails, he has recently said to be building close relations with right-wing figures.&nbsp;

He also made an appearance on a channel run by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who lied about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and later acknowledged that the massacre had occurred after facing multiple lawsuits by the victims’ families and is now being asked to pay <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sandy-hook-defamation-infowars-alex-jones-ordered-to-pay-usd-473-million-533137">millions of dollars</a> in damages.&nbsp;

After the announcement, the Kennedy family released a joint statement saying that they “denounce” Robert’s candidacy and called it “deeply saddening”.&nbsp;

“The decision of our brother Bobby to run as a third party candidate against Joe Biden is dangerous to our country,” said the Kennedy family, in a statement. “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgement.” 
It added, “Today’s announcement is deeply saddening for us. We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for the country.”&nbsp;

Recent polls have also indicated that far more Republicans have a favourable opinion of Kennedy than Democratic party supporters.&nbsp;

The 69-year-old who had first announced that he was running against Biden for the Democratic nomination in April, has been polling at an average of 15 per cent among Democrats nationwide, according to a report by the Guardian.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr has officially announced that he will be running in the upcoming United States presidential election as an independent and dropped his Democratic primary bid, on Monday (Oct 9).

Robert F. Kennedy Jr has officially announced that he will be running in the upcoming United States presidential election as an independent and dropped his Democratic primary bid, on Monday (Oct 9). The 69-year-old longtime environmental lawyer, anti-vaccine activist and a reported conspiracy theorist had previously said that he would run for the Democratic nomination for president, being the only one to challenge incumbent President Joe Biden for the nomination in his re-election bid. “I’m here to declare myself an independent candidate for president of the United States. I’m here to join you in making a new declaration of independence for our entire nation,” said Kennedy, in a speech in the city of Philadelphia. Robert F Kennedy Jr belongs to one of the most famous Democratic families in American politics and spent the last six months running for the Democratic presidential nomination. However, he was said to have been running a longshot primary bid in the Democratic party and has better favourability ratings among Republicans. So far, Biden and his allies have dismissed Kennedy’s primary bid as unserious. Kennedy family ‘denounces’ his candidacy While the 69-year-old has long said that he is a Democrat and frequently invoked the names of his late father, US Senator Robert F Kennedy, and his uncle President John F Kennedy on the campaign trails, he has recently said to be building close relations with right-wing figures. He also made an appearance on a channel run by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who lied about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and later acknowledged that the massacre had occurred after facing multiple lawsuits by the victims’ families and is now being asked to pay millions of dollars in damages. After the announcement, the Kennedy family released a joint statement saying that they “denounce” Robert’s candidacy and called it “deeply saddening”. “The decision of our brother Bobby to run as a third party candidate against Joe Biden is dangerous to our country,” said the Kennedy family, in a statement. “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgement.” It added, “Today’s announcement is deeply saddening for us. We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for the country.” Recent polls have also indicated that far more Republicans have a favourable opinion of Kennedy than Democratic party supporters. The 69-year-old who had first announced that he was running against Biden for the Democratic nomination in April, has been polling at an average of 15 per cent among Democrats nationwide, according to a report by the Guardian. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Robert F Kennedy Jr announces bid to run for White House as an independent, abandons Democratic primary bid

A majority of American voters ahead of the 2024 presidential elections have expressed concerns over the incumbent United States President Joe Biden’s age while in former President Donald Trump’s case, it’s the multiple civil and criminal trials he is facing, found a new national NBC News poll, on Sunday (September 24).&nbsp;

The poll also suggests that the Democrat incumbent president and Republican frontrunner might already be deadlocked in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/should-joe-biden-and-donald-trump-retire-from-politics-636094">hypothetical rematch</a> over a year prior to the actual election.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden’s age concerns voters</h2>

The NBC News poll conducted between Sept 15 and 19 found a combined 74 per cent of registered voters have major concerns that Biden at the age of 80 does not have the necessary mental and physical health to be president for a second term.

“I know that he’s 80. I know that 80-year-olds are perfectly capable. I worry more about Biden’s physical health. He seems a little bit feeble and this job does take a toll,” Mary Lyon (53), a Democrat from Arizona told NBC News.&nbsp;

The incumbent president’s job disapproval rating is the highest since he took office, with a staggering 56 per cent disapproving of his administration and 41 per cent approving, reported NBC News.&nbsp;

The poll also found that only 37 per cent of registered voters approve of Biden’s handling of the economy while 59 per cent disapprove. At least 53 per cent of voters also disapprove of his foreign policy and 41 per cent approve.&nbsp;

Nearly six in 10 Democratic primary voters said that they want a Democratic candidate to challenge Biden for the party nomination in 2024.&nbsp;

<h2>What about Trump?</h2>

Trump, who is in the midst of&nbsp;several indictments and is the first sitting or&nbsp;former president to have his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-significance-of-donald-trump-mugshot-629224">mugshot </a>taken,&nbsp;is in the lead for the GOP presidential contest by more than 40 points.

The NBC News poll found that he is still the top pick among 59 per cent of national Republican primary voters while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gets support from 16 per cent, followed by former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley at seven per cent.&nbsp;

The polls also show that Trump’s many legal woes have had little to no effect on his approval as the share of GOP primary voters who believe Trump should continue to be the Republican Party’s leader has increased from 49 per cent in June to 58 per cent now.&nbsp;

However, the NBC News poll also found that 62 per cent have either major concerns (52 per cent) or moderate concerns (10 per cent) about the former president facing multiple criminal and civil trials for alleged wrongdoing which includes his efforts to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-indicted-over-efforts-to-subvert-2020-elections-621512">overturn the 2020 presidential election</a>.

<h2>Biden vs Trump</h2>

Notably, Biden’s net favourability rating (39 per cent positive and 49 per cent negative) is higher than Trump’s (35 per cent positive and 54 per cent negative), according to the NBC News poll.&nbsp;

The poll also found that in the case of a Biden vs Trump hypothetical matchup, 58 per cent of Biden voters said their vote is more against Trump than for Biden. However, 57 per cent of Trump voters say their vote is more for Trump than against Biden. 
 
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A majority of American voters ahead of the 2024 presidential elections have expressed concerns over the incumbent United States President Joe Biden’s age while in former President Donald Trump’s case, it’s the multiple civil and criminal trials he is facing, found a new national NBC News poll, on Sunday (September 24).

A majority of American voters ahead of the 2024 presidential elections have expressed concerns over the incumbent United States President Joe Biden’s age while in former President Donald Trump’s case, it’s the multiple civil and criminal trials he is facing, found a new national NBC News poll, on Sunday (September 24). The poll also suggests that the Democrat incumbent president and Republican frontrunner might already be deadlocked in a hypothetical rematch over a year prior to the actual election. Biden’s age concerns voters The NBC News poll conducted between Sept 15 and 19 found a combined 74 per cent of registered voters have major concerns that Biden at the age of 80 does not have the necessary mental and physical health to be president for a second term. “I know that he’s 80. I know that 80-year-olds are perfectly capable. I worry more about Biden’s physical health. He seems a little bit feeble and this job does take a toll,” Mary Lyon (53), a Democrat from Arizona told NBC News. The incumbent president’s job disapproval rating is the highest since he took office, with a staggering 56 per cent disapproving of his administration and 41 per cent approving, reported NBC News. The poll also found that only 37 per cent of registered voters approve of Biden’s handling of the economy while 59 per cent disapprove. At least 53 per cent of voters also disapprove of his foreign policy and 41 per cent approve. Nearly six in 10 Democratic primary voters said that they want a Democratic candidate to challenge Biden for the party nomination in 2024. What about Trump? Trump, who is in the midst of several indictments and is the first sitting or former president to have his mugshot taken, is in the lead for the GOP presidential contest by more than 40 points. The NBC News poll found that he is still the top pick among 59 per cent of national Republican primary voters while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gets support from 16 per cent, followed by former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley at seven per cent. The polls also show that Trump’s many legal woes have had little to no effect on his approval as the share of GOP primary voters who believe Trump should continue to be the Republican Party’s leader has increased from 49 per cent in June to 58 per cent now. However, the NBC News poll also found that 62 per cent have either major concerns (52 per cent) or moderate concerns (10 per cent) about the former president facing multiple criminal and civil trials for alleged wrongdoing which includes his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Biden vs Trump Notably, Biden’s net favourability rating (39 per cent positive and 49 per cent negative) is higher than Trump’s (35 per cent positive and 54 per cent negative), according to the NBC News poll. The poll also found that in the case of a Biden vs Trump hypothetical matchup, 58 per cent of Biden voters said their vote is more against Trump than for Biden. However, 57 per cent of Trump voters say their vote is more for Trump than against Biden. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Majority of Americans concerned over Biden’s age and Trump’s lawsuits ahead of 2024 elections: Poll

Former United States Donald Trump was formally arrested on Thursday (August 24) on racketeering and conspiracy charges in relation to his effort to overturn the 2020 election in the state of Georgia and while he has repeatedly maintained his innocence and decried a “travesty of justice,” his campaign has other priorities.&nbsp;

Shortly after Trump’s historic mug shot was released to the public, his 2024 presidential campaign site released a line of merchandise featuring his booking photo.

<h2>#TrumpMugShot merchandise</h2>

In the most recent addition to many ‘firsts’ Trump, on Thursday, became the first sitting or former president to suffer the fate of having to pose for a prison mugshot.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/surrenders-arrested-released-donald-trump-slams-travesty-of-justice-after-georgia-arrest-628936">Surrenders! Arrested! Released! Donald Trump slams 'travesty of justice' after Georgia arrest</a>

This was after he surrendered at an Atlanta jail and was booked on more than a dozen felony charges stemming from his efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat in Georgia.

While Trump&nbsp;is trying to prove that he is innocent the White House hopeful’s campaign did not leave this opportunity to cash in on Trump’s historic mugshot and released a line of T-shirts and other merchandise with his booking photo.&nbsp;

The range of products included T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts for $34, a $25 coffee mug and $15 beer Koozies. The tagline under Trump’s mugshot also read “NEVER SURRENDER!” in all caps. 
 
<img alt="Trump campaign " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59763c0f-2a66-4ac7-ba59-404961e800f8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20%286%29_2.png" /> 
 
This was hours after the former president did in fact surrender at an Atlanta jail before being released on a $200,000 bond.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-surrenders-at-atlanta-jail-becomes-first-ex-us-president-with-a-mugshot-628944">Another first for Trump as he becomes first US president, former or sitting, to have a mug shot</a>

<h2>‘Free Trump Merch!’</h2>

Meanwhile, the former president’s son, Donald Trump Jr. took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and announced a ‘Free Trump Collection’. This collection of merchandise that included mugs, t-shirts and posters also featured his father’s mugshot with the text ‘FREE TRUMP’ in all caps.&nbsp;

Some other variations included the text: ‘WANTED 2024 FOR FOUR MORE YEARS’.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-prodigal-son-returns-as-trump-is-back-to-twitter-transformed-as-x-will-he-get-the-same-oxygen-629187">The prodigal son returns: As Trump is back to Twitter transformed as X, will he get the same oxygen?</a> 
 
The announcement and the link to the website were posted along with the caption, “Free Trump Merch! To be clear all profits from this on my Web Store are going to be donated to the Legal Defense Fund to fight the tyranny &amp; insanity we’re seeing before us.”&nbsp;

He added, “Unlike many, I won’t try to profit from this but will do what I can to help.”&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Free Trump Merch! To be clear all profits from this on my Web Store are going to be donated to the Legal Defense Fund to fight the tyranny &amp; insanity we’re seeing before us. Unlike many, I won’t try to profit from this but will do what I can to help. <a href="https://t.co/qUQDGg2wAB">https://t.co/qUQDGg2wAB</a> <a href="https://t.co/dm6wL3Mf29">pic.twitter.com/dm6wL3Mf29</a>
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1694892935077040387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
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Former United States Donald Trump was formally arrested on Thursday (August 24) on racketeering and conspiracy charges in relation to his effort to overturn the 2020 election in the state of Georgia and while he has repeatedly maintained his innocence and decried a “travesty of justice,” his campaign has other priorities.

Former United States Donald Trump was formally arrested on Thursday (August 24) on racketeering and conspiracy charges in relation to his effort to overturn the 2020 election in the state of Georgia and while he has repeatedly maintained his innocence and decried a “travesty of justice,” his campaign has other priorities. Shortly after Trump’s historic mug shot was released to the public, his 2024 presidential campaign site released a line of merchandise featuring his booking photo. #TrumpMugShot merchandise In the most recent addition to many ‘firsts’ Trump, on Thursday, became the first sitting or former president to suffer the fate of having to pose for a prison mugshot. ALSO READ | Surrenders! Arrested! Released! Donald Trump slams 'travesty of justice' after Georgia arrest This was after he surrendered at an Atlanta jail and was booked on more than a dozen felony charges stemming from his efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat in Georgia. While Trump is trying to prove that he is innocent the White House hopeful’s campaign did not leave this opportunity to cash in on Trump’s historic mugshot and released a line of T-shirts and other merchandise with his booking photo. The range of products included T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts for $34, a $25 coffee mug and $15 beer Koozies. The tagline under Trump’s mugshot also read “NEVER SURRENDER!” in all caps. This was hours after the former president did in fact surrender at an Atlanta jail before being released on a $200,000 bond. ALSO READ | Another first for Trump as he becomes first US president, former or sitting, to have a mug shot ‘Free Trump Merch!’ Meanwhile, the former president’s son, Donald Trump Jr. took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and announced a ‘Free Trump Collection’. This collection of merchandise that included mugs, t-shirts and posters also featured his father’s mugshot with the text ‘FREE TRUMP’ in all caps. Some other variations included the text: ‘WANTED 2024 FOR FOUR MORE YEARS’. ALSO READ | The prodigal son returns: As Trump is back to Twitter transformed as X, will he get the same oxygen? The announcement and the link to the website were posted along with the caption, “Free Trump Merch! To be clear all profits from this on my Web Store are going to be donated to the Legal Defense Fund to fight the tyranny & insanity we’re seeing before us.” He added, “Unlike many, I won’t try to profit from this but will do what I can to help.” Free Trump Merch! To be clear all profits from this on my Web Store are going to be donated to the Legal Defense Fund to fight the tyranny & insanity we’re seeing before us. Unlike many, I won’t try to profit from this but will do what I can to help. https://t.co/qUQDGg2wAB pic.twitter.com/dm6wL3Mf29 — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 25, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Donald Trump’s campaign team is now selling merchandise featuring his ‘historic’ mugshot

Vivek Ramaswamy, a multimillionaire former biotech executive, called the climate change a 'hoax' as GOP candidates on Thursday (August 24) argued over global warming and other climate-related issues during the first Republican debate.&nbsp;

Ramaswamy said, "I'm the only candidate on stage who isn't bought and paid for, so I can say this. Climate change is a hoax… The reality is more people are dying of bad climate change policies than they are of actual climate change."&nbsp;

Climate change is evident in the form of long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, mainly caused by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-republican-presidential-debate-live-8-gop-biggies-take-centrestae-while-trump-skips-primary-628516">First Republican presidential debate LIVE</a>

Amid urgent calls for global support to tackle the issues, the crowd booed Ramaswamy's remarks. He was slammed by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who compared the entrepreneur to ChatGPT and former President Obama.&nbsp;

The 38-year-old Ramaswamy was born in Ohio to immigrant parents from southern India. He was raised in the Hindu faith by his parents but went to a Catholic high school. He earned a biology degree at Harvard University before moving on to Yale Law School.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tucker-carlson-interview-former-prez-justifies-skipping-republican-debate-628548">Trump-Tucker Carlson interview: Former prez justifies skipping Republican debate</a>&nbsp;

He has been criticised also as he has become a fierce conservative. In his 2021 bestseller 'Woke, Inc.', Ramaswamy decries&nbsp;decisions by some big companies to base business strategy around social justice and climate change concerns and lambasts&nbsp;"wokeism" as an insidious influence on hard work, capitalism, religious faith and patriotism.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Gov. called for China and India to cut emissions. She said, "First of all, we do care about clean air, clean water. We want to see that taken care of, but there is a right way to do it. The right way is first of all, yes, is climate change real? Yes, it is. But if you want to go and really change the environment, we need to start telling China and India that they have to lower their emissions."&nbsp;

Watch this report&nbsp;

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<h2>Ramaswamy on the Ukraine war&nbsp;</h2>

Ramaswamy also said that if he was elected president, he would not support an increase in aid to Ukraine and called US support of Ukraine "disastrous". He added that the resources that are going to Kyiv should instead be used domestically.&nbsp;

He said: "This is disastrous we are protecting against an invasion across somebody else's border when we should use those same military resources to prevent the invasion across our southern border here in the United States of America."&nbsp;

His comments were slammed by Haley, who said she would support more funding for the war in Ukraine. "He wants to hand Ukraine to Russia. He wants to let China eat Taiwan. He wants to go and stop funding Israel. You don't do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends," she said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Vivek Ramaswamy, a multimillionaire former biotech executive, called the climate change a 'hoax' as GOP candidates on Thursday (August 24) argued over global warming and other climate-related issues during the first Republican debate.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a multimillionaire former biotech executive, called the climate change a 'hoax' as GOP candidates on Thursday (August 24) argued over global warming and other climate-related issues during the first Republican debate. Ramaswamy said, "I'm the only candidate on stage who isn't bought and paid for, so I can say this. Climate change is a hoax… The reality is more people are dying of bad climate change policies than they are of actual climate change." Climate change is evident in the form of long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, mainly caused by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels. First Republican presidential debate LIVE Amid urgent calls for global support to tackle the issues, the crowd booed Ramaswamy's remarks. He was slammed by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who compared the entrepreneur to ChatGPT and former President Obama. The 38-year-old Ramaswamy was born in Ohio to immigrant parents from southern India. He was raised in the Hindu faith by his parents but went to a Catholic high school. He earned a biology degree at Harvard University before moving on to Yale Law School. Also read: Trump-Tucker Carlson interview: Former prez justifies skipping Republican debate He has been criticised also as he has become a fierce conservative. In his 2021 bestseller 'Woke, Inc.', Ramaswamy decries decisions by some big companies to base business strategy around social justice and climate change concerns and lambasts "wokeism" as an insidious influence on hard work, capitalism, religious faith and patriotism. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Gov. called for China and India to cut emissions. She said, "First of all, we do care about clean air, clean water. We want to see that taken care of, but there is a right way to do it. The right way is first of all, yes, is climate change real? Yes, it is. But if you want to go and really change the environment, we need to start telling China and India that they have to lower their emissions." Watch this report × Ramaswamy on the Ukraine war Ramaswamy also said that if he was elected president, he would not support an increase in aid to Ukraine and called US support of Ukraine "disastrous". He added that the resources that are going to Kyiv should instead be used domestically. He said: "This is disastrous we are protecting against an invasion across somebody else's border when we should use those same military resources to prevent the invasion across our southern border here in the United States of America." His comments were slammed by Haley, who said she would support more funding for the war in Ukraine. "He wants to hand Ukraine to Russia. He wants to let China eat Taiwan. He wants to go and stop funding Israel. You don't do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends," she said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

GOP debate: Vivek Ramaswamy calls climate change a 'hoax', aid to Ukraine 'disastrous'

Elon Musk took to his social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, and endorsed the Indian-American entrepreneur and United States presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy twice in a single day for the upcoming 2024 elections, on Friday (August 18).&nbsp;

<h2>‘Very promising candidate’</h2>

Musk responded to a clip of Ramaswamy, shared on X after his appearance on Tucker Carlson’s online show with the caption, “Vivek Ramaswamy is the youngest Republican presidential candidate ever. He’s worth listening to.” To which the Tesla CEO responded by saying “He is a very promising candidate”.&nbsp; 
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He is a very promising candidate <a href="https://t.co/bEQU8L21nd">https://t.co/bEQU8L21nd</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1692283370779361696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>‘States his beliefs clearly’</h2>

It was just hours after the first endorsement that the second one followed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-presidential-candidate-vivek-ramaswamy-accepts-bitcoin-as-campaign-donation-594852">Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy accepts Bitcoin as campaign donation</a>

In a post on X, Ramaswamy laid out his beliefs in 10 points – “God is real. There are two genders. Human flourishing requires fossil fuels. Reverse racism is racism. An open border is no border. Parents determine the education of their children. The nuclear family is the greatest form of governance known to mankind. Capitalism lifts people out of poverty. There are three branches of the U.S. government, not four. The U.S. Constitution is the strongest guarantor of freedoms in history.”&nbsp;

Reposting the presidential candidate’s post, Musk wrote, “He states his beliefs clearly.”

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He is a very promising candidate <a href="https://t.co/bEQU8L21nd">https://t.co/bEQU8L21nd</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1692283370779361696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>GOP race</h2>

Ramaswamy has been inching closer to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the number two spot in the Republican presidential field. However, former President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gop-silence-is-deafening-vivek-ramaswamy-calls-for-support-against-trumps-possible-indictment-573479">Donald Trump</a> has managed to maintain his position as the Republican frontrunner.&nbsp;

The Tesla CEO’s support also comes ahead of a Republican-leaning enclave in Atlanta, in the US state of Georgia, in an otherwise Democratic-dominated city.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/who-is-vivek-ramaswamy-all-about-the-indian-american-entrepreneur-in-the-us-presidential-bid-2024-564670">Who is Vivek Ramaswamy? All about the Indian-American entrepreneur in the 2024 US presidential bid</a>

DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Tim Scott (South Carolina), and former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley are set to appear at the event on Friday. Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie and Ramaswamy will speak on Saturday (August 19).

Ramaswamy along with Haley and Hirsh Vardhan Singh is among the three Indian-Americans contesting against Trump for the White House in January.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Elon Musk took to his social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, and endorsed the Indian-American entrepreneur and United States presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy twice in a single day for the upcoming 2024 elections, on Friday (August 18).

Elon Musk took to his social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, and endorsed the Indian-American entrepreneur and United States presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy twice in a single day for the upcoming 2024 elections, on Friday (August 18). ‘Very promising candidate’ Musk responded to a clip of Ramaswamy, shared on X after his appearance on Tucker Carlson’s online show with the caption, “Vivek Ramaswamy is the youngest Republican presidential candidate ever. He’s worth listening to.” To which the Tesla CEO responded by saying “He is a very promising candidate”. He is a very promising candidate https://t.co/bEQU8L21nd — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 17, 2023 × ‘States his beliefs clearly’ It was just hours after the first endorsement that the second one followed. ALSO READ | Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy accepts Bitcoin as campaign donation In a post on X, Ramaswamy laid out his beliefs in 10 points – “God is real. There are two genders. Human flourishing requires fossil fuels. Reverse racism is racism. An open border is no border. Parents determine the education of their children. The nuclear family is the greatest form of governance known to mankind. Capitalism lifts people out of poverty. There are three branches of the U.S. government, not four. The U.S. Constitution is the strongest guarantor of freedoms in history.” Reposting the presidential candidate’s post, Musk wrote, “He states his beliefs clearly.” He is a very promising candidate https://t.co/bEQU8L21nd — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 17, 2023 × GOP race Ramaswamy has been inching closer to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the number two spot in the Republican presidential field. However, former President Donald Trump has managed to maintain his position as the Republican frontrunner. The Tesla CEO’s support also comes ahead of a Republican-leaning enclave in Atlanta, in the US state of Georgia, in an otherwise Democratic-dominated city. ALSO READ | Who is Vivek Ramaswamy? All about the Indian-American entrepreneur in the 2024 US presidential bid DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Tim Scott (South Carolina), and former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley are set to appear at the event on Friday. Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie and Ramaswamy will speak on Saturday (August 19). Ramaswamy along with Haley and Hirsh Vardhan Singh is among the three Indian-Americans contesting against Trump for the White House in January. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Very promising candidate’: Musk endorses Vivek Ramaswamy’s US presidential bid twice in a day

United States President Joe Biden launched his re-election campaign a few weeks ago with a video in which he said that the country is at a crossroads in the 2024 election.

But, the Democratic Party, on the other hand, needs to be convinced that he is the best candidate they have. As the nation looks for the right candidate, a familiar name might come up.&nbsp;

In a report published on Thursday (August 10) by The Telegraph, the former first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, could be that name... and Biden might bow out.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-sold-his-father-as-the-brand-to-oligarchs-house-oversight-gop-claims-624111">Hunter Biden sold his father as `the brand` to oligarchs, House Oversight memo claims</a>&nbsp;

Critics have highlighted issues with Biden, one of which is the increasing incidence of his gaffes. In the latest episode, he mistakenly referred to the Grand Canyon as one of the "nine" wonders of the world. The fuss around his health has been a massive issue.&nbsp;

The incident happened when he was giving a speech at the Red Butte Airfield in Arizona, close to the Grand Canyon, where he focused on his administration's climate and conservation initiatives.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-appointee-delaware-attorney-david-weiss-declared-as-special-counsel-in-biden-case-624683">Trump appointee Delaware Attorney David Weiss declared as special counsel in Hunter Biden case</a>&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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Will she, or will she not... it's a matter of speculation at this moment, but in an interview, she has previously denied any desire to seek candidacy.&nbsp;

A Fox report in May mentioned that former White House and Pentagon official Douglas MacKinnon said if not Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats could look to a past superstar.&nbsp;

A report by Politico this year stated that Biden faces doubt from some "high-level Democrats". The report read: "High-level Democrats are rallying to President Biden's reelection, not because they think it's in the best interest of the country to have an 82-year-old start a second term but because they fear the potential alternative: the nomination of Kamala Harris and election of Donald Trump."&nbsp;

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United States President Joe Biden launched his re-election campaign a few weeks ago with a video in which he said that the country is at a crossroads in the 2024 election.

United States President Joe Biden launched his re-election campaign a few weeks ago with a video in which he said that the country is at a crossroads in the 2024 election. But, the Democratic Party, on the other hand, needs to be convinced that he is the best candidate they have. As the nation looks for the right candidate, a familiar name might come up. In a report published on Thursday (August 10) by The Telegraph, the former first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, could be that name... and Biden might bow out. Also read: Hunter Biden sold his father as `the brand` to oligarchs, House Oversight memo claims Critics have highlighted issues with Biden, one of which is the increasing incidence of his gaffes. In the latest episode, he mistakenly referred to the Grand Canyon as one of the "nine" wonders of the world. The fuss around his health has been a massive issue. The incident happened when he was giving a speech at the Red Butte Airfield in Arizona, close to the Grand Canyon, where he focused on his administration's climate and conservation initiatives. Also read: Trump appointee Delaware Attorney David Weiss declared as special counsel in Hunter Biden case Watch this report: × Will she, or will she not... it's a matter of speculation at this moment, but in an interview, she has previously denied any desire to seek candidacy. A Fox report in May mentioned that former White House and Pentagon official Douglas MacKinnon said if not Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats could look to a past superstar. A report by Politico this year stated that Biden faces doubt from some "high-level Democrats". The report read: "High-level Democrats are rallying to President Biden's reelection, not because they think it's in the best interest of the country to have an 82-year-old start a second term but because they fear the potential alternative: the nomination of Kamala Harris and election of Donald Trump." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Will Michelle Obama run for US President in 2024 elections?

It's not just Trump vs Biden, these are the contenders in 2024 United States presidential election race

A US federal judge on Friday (July 21) set May 20, 2024, trial date for the case against Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents, months before the US presidential election.

Florida District Judge Aileen Cannon set the two-week trial period less than six months ahead of the November 2024 election, despite Trump’s lawyers pleading the court to hold off until elections are over due to his status as the presidential candidate.

The trial will take place in US District Court in Fort Pierce, Florida.

<h2>Dept of Justice wanted trial to begin early</h2>

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice had asked Canon to begin the hearing in December, but Trump’s lawyers argued that there was no need to set a date yet.

Initially, the court was looking to schedule August 14 as the trial date, but both the defence and prosecution objected to it saying that they needed more time to prepare, reports AP news agency.

On Friday, the judge, in her seven-page ruling, noted that both the prosecutors and the defendants agreed that the trial should be held later than its original August 14 start date.

<h2>Capitol riot probe: Donald Trump expects indictment</h2>

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But, she wrote, “As a preliminary matter, the Court rejects Defendants’ request to withhold setting of a schedule now.”

The DOJ’s proposal&nbsp;to start the trial in December,&nbsp;meanwhile, “is atypically accelerated and inconsistent with ensuring a fair trial,” she added.

“The Court finds that the interests of justice served by this continuance outweigh the best interest of the public and Defendants in a speedy trial,” Cannon wrote.

<h2>Trump pleaded not guilty</h2>

Last month, the former president pleaded not guilty to 37 criminal counts in connection with the retaining classified documents case after leaving the White House in 2021 and subsequent alleged efforts to conceal them from the government.

His valet and co-defendant Walt Nauta has also pleaded not guilty to six criminal charges.

It follows close on the heels of a separate New York trial for Trump on dozens of state charges of falsifying business records in connection with an alleged hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A US federal judge on Friday (July 21) set May 20, 2024, trial date for the case against Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents, months before the US presidential election.

A US federal judge on Friday (July 21) set May 20, 2024, trial date for the case against Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents, months before the US presidential election. Florida District Judge Aileen Cannon set the two-week trial period less than six months ahead of the November 2024 election, despite Trump’s lawyers pleading the court to hold off until elections are over due to his status as the presidential candidate. The trial will take place in US District Court in Fort Pierce, Florida. Dept of Justice wanted trial to begin early On Tuesday, the Department of Justice had asked Canon to begin the hearing in December, but Trump’s lawyers argued that there was no need to set a date yet. Initially, the court was looking to schedule August 14 as the trial date, but both the defence and prosecution objected to it saying that they needed more time to prepare, reports AP news agency. On Friday, the judge, in her seven-page ruling, noted that both the prosecutors and the defendants agreed that the trial should be held later than its original August 14 start date. Capitol riot probe: Donald Trump expects indictment But, she wrote, “As a preliminary matter, the Court rejects Defendants’ request to withhold setting of a schedule now.” The DOJ’s proposal to start the trial in December, meanwhile, “is atypically accelerated and inconsistent with ensuring a fair trial,” she added. “The Court finds that the interests of justice served by this continuance outweigh the best interest of the public and Defendants in a speedy trial,” Cannon wrote. Trump pleaded not guilty Last month, the former president pleaded not guilty to 37 criminal counts in connection with the retaining classified documents case after leaving the White House in 2021 and subsequent alleged efforts to conceal them from the government. His valet and co-defendant Walt Nauta has also pleaded not guilty to six criminal charges. It follows close on the heels of a separate New York trial for Trump on dozens of state charges of falsifying business records in connection with an alleged hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Donald Trump classified documents case trial set for May 20, months before US prez polls

Vivek Ramaswamy, a candidate for Republican presidential nomination, while speaking with WION correspondent Susan Tehrani, said, “The United States needs to re-enter the trade relationships with the allied nations in the Indo-Pacific in order to put ourselves in a position to actually decouple from China.” 
 
He added that if he gets the opportunity to become the next US president, he will focus on avoiding war with China over Taiwan while still deterring China from going after Taiwan.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-approval-rating-plummets-to-new-low-as-trump-gains-momentum-612215">Biden’s approval rating plummets to new low as Trump gains momentum</a>

“If China knows that India is on the US side and pro-Taiwan side respectively, that will erode Chinese President Xi Jinping's confidence in going after Taiwan. A strong India on the side of the US in a rock solid manner will hold China from winning the global semiconductor supply chain starting in Taiwan and will further erode Xi Jinping's confidence,” he said. 
 
Speaking about the future of US-India relations, Ramaswamy hinted that the two democracies are destined to become natural allies. Calling capitalism as the best system in the world for lifting people up from poverty, he appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for embracing the power of capitalism unapologetically and lifting people from poverty.

<h2>Reviving 'American Dream'</h2>

Talking with WION correspondent Susan Tehrani about his journey and why he decided to get in the race of presidential elections, Ramaswamy said, “I was born in this country; have lived full arc of American Dream. My parents came to this country with almost no money and I went on to create multi-billion dollar biotech companies that have developed life-saving medicines; management firms competing with the largest financial institutions in the world. That's been my version of the American Dream. I don't think that dream is still possible for the next generation of Americans who are taught to think of themselves as a victim of their genetics. I think it'll take my generation of Americans to revive the American Dream.” 
 
Speaking about his presidential candidature and how it is different from others, Ramaswamy said to WION, “People of my generation and younger, I think many of them don't see themselves as Republicans. Many Americans don't yet really know what they believe. They're stark hungry for a cause, purpose, meaning and identity. This is an opportunity to fill that void of purpose and meaning at the heart of young Americans, that is what I am trying to do in this campaign. I want us talking more about the value of each individual, the family, the nation, the God, the things that used to give us our sense of purpose.”

WATCH |&nbsp;US Elections: Former US VP Pence to announce White House bid

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Speaking about how his candidacy differs from that of Ron Desantis who also rallies against woke ideology, Ramaswamy said, “We are fundamentally different. I think Ron Desantis's vision is to defeat wokeness in America by whacking it and nailing it into the ground; to me, that's not a win. To me winning is to dilute the poison of the woke agenda to irrelevance by offering an alternative vision; a vision that means to be an American today. To me the opposite of being woke is being pro merit &amp; pro-free speech.” 
 
On not going after former US president Donald Trump, Ramaswamy stated, “As I mentioned earlier, I work on policy differences. That's not my style to shoot down other candidates. I am focused on where we are running as a country rather than criticising other candidates. My focus is on policy differences but that doesn't mean I don't respect the accomplishments of each of them including President Donald Trump as a president.”

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Vivek Ramaswamy, a candidate for Republican presidential nomination, while speaking with WION correspondent Susan Tehrani, said, “The United States needs to re-enter the trade relationships with the allied nations in the Indo-Pacific in order to put ourselves in a position to actually decouple from China.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a candidate for Republican presidential nomination, while speaking with WION correspondent Susan Tehrani, said, “The United States needs to re-enter the trade relationships with the allied nations in the Indo-Pacific in order to put ourselves in a position to actually decouple from China.” He added that if he gets the opportunity to become the next US president, he will focus on avoiding war with China over Taiwan while still deterring China from going after Taiwan. ALSO READ | Biden’s approval rating plummets to new low as Trump gains momentum “If China knows that India is on the US side and pro-Taiwan side respectively, that will erode Chinese President Xi Jinping's confidence in going after Taiwan. A strong India on the side of the US in a rock solid manner will hold China from winning the global semiconductor supply chain starting in Taiwan and will further erode Xi Jinping's confidence,” he said. Speaking about the future of US-India relations, Ramaswamy hinted that the two democracies are destined to become natural allies. Calling capitalism as the best system in the world for lifting people up from poverty, he appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for embracing the power of capitalism unapologetically and lifting people from poverty. Reviving 'American Dream' Talking with WION correspondent Susan Tehrani about his journey and why he decided to get in the race of presidential elections, Ramaswamy said, “I was born in this country; have lived full arc of American Dream. My parents came to this country with almost no money and I went on to create multi-billion dollar biotech companies that have developed life-saving medicines; management firms competing with the largest financial institutions in the world. That's been my version of the American Dream. I don't think that dream is still possible for the next generation of Americans who are taught to think of themselves as a victim of their genetics. I think it'll take my generation of Americans to revive the American Dream.” Speaking about his presidential candidature and how it is different from others, Ramaswamy said to WION, “People of my generation and younger, I think many of them don't see themselves as Republicans. Many Americans don't yet really know what they believe. They're stark hungry for a cause, purpose, meaning and identity. This is an opportunity to fill that void of purpose and meaning at the heart of young Americans, that is what I am trying to do in this campaign. I want us talking more about the value of each individual, the family, the nation, the God, the things that used to give us our sense of purpose.” WATCH | US Elections: Former US VP Pence to announce White House bid Speaking about how his candidacy differs from that of Ron Desantis who also rallies against woke ideology, Ramaswamy said, “We are fundamentally different. I think Ron Desantis's vision is to defeat wokeness in America by whacking it and nailing it into the ground; to me, that's not a win. To me winning is to dilute the poison of the woke agenda to irrelevance by offering an alternative vision; a vision that means to be an American today. To me the opposite of being woke is being pro merit & pro-free speech.” On not going after former US president Donald Trump, Ramaswamy stated, “As I mentioned earlier, I work on policy differences. That's not my style to shoot down other candidates. I am focused on where we are running as a country rather than criticising other candidates. My focus is on policy differences but that doesn't mean I don't respect the accomplishments of each of them including President Donald Trump as a president.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US, allied nations should re-enter trade ties to decouple from China: Vivek Ramaswamy

Former Congressman of the US state of Texas, Will Hurd,&nbsp;on Thursday (June 22) announced that he is running for the upcoming presidential elections. Hurd, a Republican and one-time Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, has been a fierce critic of Donald Trump.

As per media reports, Hurd would also become the first Texan with experience in elective office to enter the Republican primary and is hoping to be a more moderate alternative to the Republican primary field’s early front-runners. 'Hurd for America'&nbsp;submitted a candidacy filing with the Federal Election Commission, on Thursday.&nbsp;

<h2>Hurd announces his White House bid</h2>

The Texas lawmaker made the announcement on CBS Mornings where he made an appearance and said, “This morning I filed to be the Republican nominee for president of the United States.” The 45-year-old, who was the first elected to serve Texas’s 23rd Congressional District in 2014, has now entered the US presidential race with 11 other Republican candidates.&nbsp;

During the interview with CBS, Hurd said that he decided to run after he and his wife realised that “we live in complicated times".&nbsp;The Texas Republican also said issues related to education with low scores in maths, science and reading for students were also a factor in his decision, reported CBS.&nbsp;

In a video announcing his bid for the White House, Hurd said, “Our enemies plot, create chaos, and threaten the American Dream. At home, illegal immigration and fentanyl stream into our country. Inflation, still out of control. Crime and homelessness growing in our cities.”

He added, “President Biden can’t solve these problems — or won’t. And if we nominate a lawless, selfish, failed politician like Donald Trump — who lost the House, the Senate, and the White House — we all know Joe Biden will win again.”&nbsp;

Notably, while Hurd is a critic of Trump, he is also not a fan of Biden.&nbsp;Earlier this year, in an interview, he said that another election with the former and incumbent US presidents would be “the rematch from hell”.&nbsp;

Unlike most people from his party, Hurd joins former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson in his willingness to criticise Trump.&nbsp;

The former president continues to be a popular figure among GOP voters with the latest poll by CBS showing that he leads the crowded field of 11 with 62 per cent support among likely Republican primary voters.&nbsp;

Speaking about his other 2024 Republican contenders, during the interview, Hurd also said, “I’m not satisfied with the field as it stands right now. No one is taking on Trump effectively, or presenting a vision for the future.” Furthermore, the former Texas lawmaker also said that he believes the “Republican Party can be the party that talks about the future, not the past.”&nbsp;

<h2>Will Hurd: From politician, CIA officer to the White House?</h2>

The 45-year-old was first elected to serve Texas’s 23rd Congressional District nearly a decade ago. He represented the state of Texas in Congress between 2015 and 2021, becoming the chamber’s only Black Republican during his final two years in office. Born and raised in San Antonio Texas, Hurd is a child of a White mother and a Black father.

Hurd graduated from Texas A&amp;M University with a degree in computer science in 2000 after which he immediately joined the US intelligence agency CIA. Hurd reportedly served as an undercover CIA officer in the Middle East and South Asia as well as on the House Intelligence Committee.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The self-described “dark horse” candidate has been viewed as a moderate on a number of issues. In 2017, he voted against a Republican-led effort to repeal the nation’s health care law, enacted under former US President Barack Obama. 
 
He was also the only Republican in the House from a border district and called the southern “border crisis” a “myth,” while opposing Trump's border wall and supporting citizenship for young undocumented immigrants under the DREAMers programme.&nbsp;

In 2020, Hurd chose not to seek reelection to the House to “pursue opportunities outside the halls of Congress to solve problems at the nexus between technology and national security.” Notably, most of Hurd’s career has been focused on cybersecurity issues. 
 
However, in 2019, he was reportedly removed as a&nbsp;keynote speaker at a&nbsp;cybersecurity conference because of his past support for Republican-led legislation&nbsp;on&nbsp;abortion restrictions and&nbsp;a bill which would provide financial&nbsp;support for&nbsp;women wanting to pursue&nbsp;science, technology, engineering and maths fields.&nbsp;

Since leaving Congress in 2019, he also worked&nbsp;as a managing director at Allen &amp; Company, served as a board member for OpenAI, as well as&nbsp;trustee of the German Marshall Fund, according to Hurd website.&nbsp;

Aside from Trump, the other Republicans who have announced their bid for the White House include – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Tim Scott (South Carolina), former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, radio host Larry Elder and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.

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Former Congressman of the US state of Texas, Will Hurd, on Thursday (June 22) announced that he is running for the upcoming presidential elections. Hurd, a Republican and one-time Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, has been a fierce critic of Donald Trump.

Former Congressman of the US state of Texas, Will Hurd, on Thursday (June 22) announced that he is running for the upcoming presidential elections. Hurd, a Republican and one-time Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, has been a fierce critic of Donald Trump. As per media reports, Hurd would also become the first Texan with experience in elective office to enter the Republican primary and is hoping to be a more moderate alternative to the Republican primary field’s early front-runners. 'Hurd for America' submitted a candidacy filing with the Federal Election Commission, on Thursday. Hurd announces his White House bid The Texas lawmaker made the announcement on CBS Mornings where he made an appearance and said, “This morning I filed to be the Republican nominee for president of the United States.” The 45-year-old, who was the first elected to serve Texas’s 23rd Congressional District in 2014, has now entered the US presidential race with 11 other Republican candidates. During the interview with CBS, Hurd said that he decided to run after he and his wife realised that “we live in complicated times". The Texas Republican also said issues related to education with low scores in maths, science and reading for students were also a factor in his decision, reported CBS. In a video announcing his bid for the White House, Hurd said, “Our enemies plot, create chaos, and threaten the American Dream. At home, illegal immigration and fentanyl stream into our country. Inflation, still out of control. Crime and homelessness growing in our cities.” He added, “President Biden can’t solve these problems — or won’t. And if we nominate a lawless, selfish, failed politician like Donald Trump — who lost the House, the Senate, and the White House — we all know Joe Biden will win again.” Notably, while Hurd is a critic of Trump, he is also not a fan of Biden. Earlier this year, in an interview, he said that another election with the former and incumbent US presidents would be “the rematch from hell”. Unlike most people from his party, Hurd joins former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson in his willingness to criticise Trump. The former president continues to be a popular figure among GOP voters with the latest poll by CBS showing that he leads the crowded field of 11 with 62 per cent support among likely Republican primary voters. Speaking about his other 2024 Republican contenders, during the interview, Hurd also said, “I’m not satisfied with the field as it stands right now. No one is taking on Trump effectively, or presenting a vision for the future.” Furthermore, the former Texas lawmaker also said that he believes the “Republican Party can be the party that talks about the future, not the past.” Will Hurd: From politician, CIA officer to the White House? The 45-year-old was first elected to serve Texas’s 23rd Congressional District nearly a decade ago. He represented the state of Texas in Congress between 2015 and 2021, becoming the chamber’s only Black Republican during his final two years in office. Born and raised in San Antonio Texas, Hurd is a child of a White mother and a Black father. Hurd graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in computer science in 2000 after which he immediately joined the US intelligence agency CIA. Hurd reportedly served as an undercover CIA officer in the Middle East and South Asia as well as on the House Intelligence Committee. The self-described “dark horse” candidate has been viewed as a moderate on a number of issues. In 2017, he voted against a Republican-led effort to repeal the nation’s health care law, enacted under former US President Barack Obama. He was also the only Republican in the House from a border district and called the southern “border crisis” a “myth,” while opposing Trump's border wall and supporting citizenship for young undocumented immigrants under the DREAMers programme. In 2020, Hurd chose not to seek reelection to the House to “pursue opportunities outside the halls of Congress to solve problems at the nexus between technology and national security.” Notably, most of Hurd’s career has been focused on cybersecurity issues. However, in 2019, he was reportedly removed as a keynote speaker at a cybersecurity conference because of his past support for Republican-led legislation on abortion restrictions and a bill which would provide financial support for women wanting to pursue science, technology, engineering and maths fields. Since leaving Congress in 2019, he also worked as a managing director at Allen & Company, served as a board member for OpenAI, as well as trustee of the German Marshall Fund, according to Hurd website. Aside from Trump, the other Republicans who have announced their bid for the White House include – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Tim Scott (South Carolina), former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, radio host Larry Elder and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Who is Will Hurd? Ex-CIA officer, Former Texas lawmaker announces 2024 US presidential bid

Ex-US President Donald Trump has been a figure unlike any other in the nation's history. From his initial days in Washington, he has made headlines with his statements. Is Trump the victim of a witch-hunt or is he reaping what he had sown? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Trump the victim of a witch-hunt?

Miami GOP Mayor Francis Suarez has officially launched his presidential campaign for 2024, embarking on a challenging journey as a long-shot candidate. In a video released Thursday morning, Suarez announced his formal entry into the race, expressing his determination to fight for a better future for the nation's children.

Drawing inspiration from his father, Suarez proclaimed, "You get to choose your battles, and I am choosing the biggest one of my life. I'm going to run for president, not just for my children, but for yours as well. Let's grant them the future they deserve. It's time to take matters into our own hands. It's time to get things started."

Suarez is scheduled to address the public at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. In a recent appearance on Fox News, the mayor hinted at a "major announcement" in the upcoming weeks and emphasised that his speech at the Reagan Library is one that Americans should not miss.

<h2>Who is Mayor Francis Suarez?</h2>

Suarez, a Cuban American, is currently serving his second term as the mayor of Miami, Florida's second-most populous city. Until recently, he also held the position of president at the bipartisan US Conference of Mayors, showcasing his ability to work across party lines.

Before his official filing, a super PAC supporting Suarez released a two-minute video that praised his leadership in Miami while teasing his underdog bid for the White House. The video highlighted his approach to combating crime and his unwavering support for law enforcement.

<h2>Suarez faces an uphill battle</h2>

As the first major Hispanic candidate to enter the Republican race, Suarez faces an uphill battle in the primary. Former President Donald Trump, who resides in nearby Palm Beach, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis currently dominate the polls.

Watch:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiymNPQ-sX_AhXVbd4KHeYJCOwQtwJ6BAgHEAI" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKx_ohOCf2U" jsname="ACyKwe" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DzKx_ohOCf2U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiymNPQ-sX_AhXVbd4KHeYJCOwQtwJ6BAgHEAI">How's the grand old party presidential race playing out?</a>

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The primary field also includes notable figures such as former Vice President Mike Pence, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

<h2>A look at Francis Suarez’s political career</h2>

Before becoming mayor in 2017, Suarez served as a Miami city commissioner for eight years. His father, Xavier Suarez, was also a former mayor of Miami in the 1980s and 1990s, albeit with his victory in 1997 being overturned due to an investigation into voter fraud.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-chances-of-winning-republican-nomination-for-2024-election-high-poll-580067">Also read:&nbsp;Trump's chances of winning Republican nomination for 2024 election high: Poll</a>

As mayor, Suarez has been a driving force behind Miami's push for technological advancements, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He has actively promoted industries like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, envisioning Miami as the new Silicon Valley. Notably, he even extended an invitation to Elon Musk to relocate Twitter's headquarters to the city.

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Miami GOP Mayor Francis Suarez has officially launched his presidential campaign for 2024, embarking on a challenging journey as a long-shot candidate. In a video released Thursday morning, Suarez announced his formal entry into the race, expressing his determination to fight for a better future for the nation's children.

Miami GOP Mayor Francis Suarez has officially launched his presidential campaign for 2024, embarking on a challenging journey as a long-shot candidate. In a video released Thursday morning, Suarez announced his formal entry into the race, expressing his determination to fight for a better future for the nation's children. Drawing inspiration from his father, Suarez proclaimed, "You get to choose your battles, and I am choosing the biggest one of my life. I'm going to run for president, not just for my children, but for yours as well. Let's grant them the future they deserve. It's time to take matters into our own hands. It's time to get things started." Suarez is scheduled to address the public at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. In a recent appearance on Fox News, the mayor hinted at a "major announcement" in the upcoming weeks and emphasised that his speech at the Reagan Library is one that Americans should not miss. Who is Mayor Francis Suarez? Suarez, a Cuban American, is currently serving his second term as the mayor of Miami, Florida's second-most populous city. Until recently, he also held the position of president at the bipartisan US Conference of Mayors, showcasing his ability to work across party lines. Before his official filing, a super PAC supporting Suarez released a two-minute video that praised his leadership in Miami while teasing his underdog bid for the White House. The video highlighted his approach to combating crime and his unwavering support for law enforcement. Suarez faces an uphill battle As the first major Hispanic candidate to enter the Republican race, Suarez faces an uphill battle in the primary. Former President Donald Trump, who resides in nearby Palm Beach, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis currently dominate the polls. Watch: How's the grand old party presidential race playing out? × The primary field also includes notable figures such as former Vice President Mike Pence, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. A look at Francis Suarez’s political career Before becoming mayor in 2017, Suarez served as a Miami city commissioner for eight years. His father, Xavier Suarez, was also a former mayor of Miami in the 1980s and 1990s, albeit with his victory in 1997 being overturned due to an investigation into voter fraud. Also read: Trump's chances of winning Republican nomination for 2024 election high: Poll As mayor, Suarez has been a driving force behind Miami's push for technological advancements, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He has actively promoted industries like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, envisioning Miami as the new Silicon Valley. Notably, he even extended an invitation to Elon Musk to relocate Twitter's headquarters to the city. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Miami GOP Mayor Francis Suarez throws his hat into ring for 2024 presidential race

Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP presidential candidate, pledged to pardon former president Donald&nbsp;Trump if elected and challenged his rivals to do the same.

Ramaswamy declared that if he is elected president, he will pardon Trump facing federal charges at a news conference held on Monday&nbsp;at the Wilkie D&nbsp;Ferguson Jr&nbsp;US&nbsp;Courthouse in Miami, Florida, reports Fox News.&nbsp;

A federal grand jury&nbsp;indicted Trump on 37 counts connected to his retaining top&nbsp;secret materials after leaving office.&nbsp;

"The use of police force by a sitting US president against his chief political rival in the midst of a presidential election sets a dangerous precedent in our country," Ramaswamy said in a press release.

"No one is above the law: the US president shouldn’t be able to use the federal police to arrest his opponents," he continued.

"No one should be below the law either, yet there are now two standards of justice depending on your political viewpoints.&nbsp;That’s the single greatest threat to our constitutional republic today,"&nbsp;Ramaswamy added.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | India Vs Jack Dorsey: Is the Ex-Twitter CEO lying about threats from the Modi govt?

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<h2>Ramaswamy on Trump's indictment</h2>

Ramaswamy criticised the allegations against Trump in his letter and urged people to endorse his promise to pardon the previous leader if he were elected.

"If (former) President Trump is prosecuted in a manner that effectively prevents him from running, this will permanently damage public trust in our electoral process and our justice system," the letter reads.

"Whoever among us is elected, our job of reuniting the nation will become daunting – if not impossible," Ramaswamy wrote.

Every campaigner, Republican and Democrat, opposing Biden for president received a copy of the letter.

This week, Ramaswamy submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the White House and the Justice Department inquiring about communications on the second indictment of his GOP competitor, former president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-updates-uganda-travel-warning-over-anti-gay-law-603987">US updates Uganda travel warning over anti-gay law</a>

Ramaswamy said he made the request "to demand exactly&nbsp;what the White House communicated to Attorney General,&nbsp;Merrick Garland and&nbsp;Special Counsel,&nbsp;Jack Smith about the unprecedented indictment of a former US&nbsp;President &amp; Biden's disfavored opponent in this election."

"Every American deserves to know," Ramaswamy said ahead of a Tuesday press conference in Miami. "If the captured media fails to do its job, real leaders in this country need to step up and do it instead."&nbsp; 
 
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Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP presidential candidate, pledged to pardon former president Donald Trump if elected and challenged his rivals to do the same. Ramaswamy declared that if he is elected president, he will pardon Trump facing federal charges at a news conference held on Monday at the Wilkie D Ferguson Jr US Courthouse in Miami, Florida, reports Fox News.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP presidential candidate, pledged to pardon former president Donald Trump if elected and challenged his rivals to do the same. Ramaswamy declared that if he is elected president, he will pardon Trump facing federal charges at a news conference held on Monday at the Wilkie D Ferguson Jr US Courthouse in Miami, Florida, reports Fox News. A federal grand jury indicted Trump on 37 counts connected to his retaining top secret materials after leaving office. "The use of police force by a sitting US president against his chief political rival in the midst of a presidential election sets a dangerous precedent in our country," Ramaswamy said in a press release. "No one is above the law: the US president shouldn’t be able to use the federal police to arrest his opponents," he continued. "No one should be below the law either, yet there are now two standards of justice depending on your political viewpoints. That’s the single greatest threat to our constitutional republic today," Ramaswamy added. Also watch | Gravitas | India Vs Jack Dorsey: Is the Ex-Twitter CEO lying about threats from the Modi govt? Ramaswamy on Trump's indictment Ramaswamy criticised the allegations against Trump in his letter and urged people to endorse his promise to pardon the previous leader if he were elected. "If (former) President Trump is prosecuted in a manner that effectively prevents him from running, this will permanently damage public trust in our electoral process and our justice system," the letter reads. "Whoever among us is elected, our job of reuniting the nation will become daunting – if not impossible," Ramaswamy wrote. Every campaigner, Republican and Democrat, opposing Biden for president received a copy of the letter. This week, Ramaswamy submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the White House and the Justice Department inquiring about communications on the second indictment of his GOP competitor, former president Donald Trump. Also read | US updates Uganda travel warning over anti-gay law Ramaswamy said he made the request "to demand exactly what the White House communicated to Attorney General, Merrick Garland and Special Counsel, Jack Smith about the unprecedented indictment of a former US President & Biden's disfavored opponent in this election." "Every American deserves to know," Ramaswamy said ahead of a Tuesday press conference in Miami. "If the captured media fails to do its job, real leaders in this country need to step up and do it instead." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Ramaswamy vows to pardon Trump if elected, dares opponents to commit same

Former United States vice-president Mike Pence blasted his former boss and 2024 presidential election rival Donald Trump on many issues, including the former president describing Russia's Vladimir Putin as a "genius" for his invasion of Ukraine.

Former United States vice-president Mike Pence blasted his former boss and 2024 presidential election rival Donald Trump on many issues, including the former president describing Russia's Vladimir Putin as a "genius" for his invasion of Ukraine. Participating in a CNN town hall in Iowa on Wednesday night (June 7), Pence said, "I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal, and I know who needs to win the war in Ukraine." “And it’s the people fighting for their freedom and fighting to restore their national sovereignty in Ukraine. And America – it’s not our war, but freedom is our fight. And we need to give the people of Ukraine the ability to fight and defend their freedom,” Pence added. During the town hall, the former vice-president also expressed his views on abortion, and the First Step Act among other issues. Here's a look at the key takeaways: Pence urges DOJ not to indict Trump Pence urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) not to indict Trump, saying such a move would fuel division inside the US and send a terrible message to the wider world. Pence told CNN that the DOJ could resolve its investigation into Trump's potential mishandling of classified documents without resorting to an indictment, just as the department informed Pence's lawyer last week that there would be no charges brought in the case of classified documents discovered in his house. Also read | Trump lies about election, abortion, sexual abuse case at CNN town hall: A fact-check However, the CNN report said that in Pence's case, he immediately contacted the National Archives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to return his documents, while Trump resisted handing over his classified material and failed to return all classified documents after receiving a subpoena last May. Apart from criticising Trump for praising Putin for the Ukraine war, Pence hit out at his former boss over his efforts to overturn the 2020 US presidential election and the Capitol Hill riots. What did Pence say about abortion? Pence has been an anti-abortion advocate and during Wednesday's town hall, he made it clear that he would not deviate from this position. “I couldn’t be more proud to be vice president in an administration that appointed three of the justices that sent Roe v. Wade to the ash heap of history,” he said. On the question of a federal ban on abortion, Pence said he supported exceptions for rape, incest and danger to the life of the mother. Would 'take a step back' from First Step Act: Pence Pence also said he would "take a step back" from the Trump-era First Step Act- which cut unnecessarily long federal sentences and improved conditions in federal prisons. Under the act, thousands of federal inmates, most of them in prison for drug offences and weapons charges, were freed early either for good behaviour or through participation in rehabilitation programmes. “We need to get serious and tough on violent crime, and we need to give our cities and our states the resources to restore law and order to our streets. And I promise you, we’ll do that, if I’m your president,” Pence said. Asked about fellow Republican Ron DeSantis promising to repeal the act if elected president, Pence conceded that he would take a different approach than the First Step Act. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At CNN town hall, Pence criticises Trump for praising Putin: A look at key takeaways

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie has entered the fray to win Republican Party nomination to run in US Presidential Election 2024. Christie filed his paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday (June 6). This came ahead of a evening announcement planned in Manchester, New Hampshire. Media reports suggested that Christie presents a novel challenge to current frontrunner and former US president Donald Trump. Christie may be willing to land genuinely damaging blows on the former president.

Christie (60) is a Newark native and had come sixth in New Hampshire seven years ago. He eventually endorsed Trump and even served as a key advisor. The pair fell out over Trump's refusal to accept his 2020 election defeat.

<h2>First shots</h2>

Christie has already started taking shots at Trump. Last month, he said that Trump was "afraid" of debating against serious opponents. Trump has hinted that he may skip at least on of initial two Republican primary debates. He has expressed reluctance to share limelight with low-polling opponents.

"If he really cares about the country -- and I have deep questions about that -- but if he really cares about the country, then he's going to get up there, and he shouldn't be afraid," Christie told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.&nbsp;

Christie has attacked Trump on many issues in recent past and has highlighted the escalating criminal probes that are targetting him. Christie has trashed Trump's claims of election fraud and even called him "Putin's puppet".

"Because he will attack Trump relentlessly, Christie's campaign will get a ton of coverage in the mainstream press, which may help him do well in New Hampshire," said John Ellis, former head of Fox News Election Night Decision Desk. He was quoted by AFP.

Christie's entry into the ring has come just a day after former US vice president and Trump's former running mate Mike Pence filed paperwork to enter the growing list of candidates. Pence's entry has set stage for an unusual scene in which two running mates will be competing against each other.

The evangelical Christian plans an official campaign launch on Wednesday in the early voting state of Iowa — joining an already crowded field that includes Florida governor Ron DeSantis, being&nbsp;viewed as Trump's closest competitor.

Former governors Nikki Haley and Asa Hutchinson are also in the race, while North Dakota's chief executive Doug Burgam is due to announce his bid on Wednesday.&nbsp;

<h2>Trump is the current frontrunner</h2>

Polls are currently showing that Donald Trump has a clear lead on his rivals within the party. He leads Ron DeSantis, his closest rival, in excess of 30 points.

However, Trump is increasingly engulfed in multiple criminal investigations that have yielded dozens of felony charges in New York.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie has entered the fray to win Republican Party nomination to run in US Presidential Election 2024. Christie filed his paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday (June 6).

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie has entered the fray to win Republican Party nomination to run in US Presidential Election 2024. Christie filed his paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday (June 6). This came ahead of a evening announcement planned in Manchester, New Hampshire. Media reports suggested that Christie presents a novel challenge to current frontrunner and former US president Donald Trump. Christie may be willing to land genuinely damaging blows on the former president. Christie (60) is a Newark native and had come sixth in New Hampshire seven years ago. He eventually endorsed Trump and even served as a key advisor. The pair fell out over Trump's refusal to accept his 2020 election defeat. First shots Christie has already started taking shots at Trump. Last month, he said that Trump was "afraid" of debating against serious opponents. Trump has hinted that he may skip at least on of initial two Republican primary debates. He has expressed reluctance to share limelight with low-polling opponents. "If he really cares about the country -- and I have deep questions about that -- but if he really cares about the country, then he's going to get up there, and he shouldn't be afraid," Christie told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. Christie has attacked Trump on many issues in recent past and has highlighted the escalating criminal probes that are targetting him. Christie has trashed Trump's claims of election fraud and even called him "Putin's puppet". "Because he will attack Trump relentlessly, Christie's campaign will get a ton of coverage in the mainstream press, which may help him do well in New Hampshire," said John Ellis, former head of Fox News Election Night Decision Desk. He was quoted by AFP. Christie's entry into the ring has come just a day after former US vice president and Trump's former running mate Mike Pence filed paperwork to enter the growing list of candidates. Pence's entry has set stage for an unusual scene in which two running mates will be competing against each other. The evangelical Christian plans an official campaign launch on Wednesday in the early voting state of Iowa — joining an already crowded field that includes Florida governor Ron DeSantis, being viewed as Trump's closest competitor. Former governors Nikki Haley and Asa Hutchinson are also in the race, while North Dakota's chief executive Doug Burgam is due to announce his bid on Wednesday. Trump is the current frontrunner Polls are currently showing that Donald Trump has a clear lead on his rivals within the party. He leads Ron DeSantis, his closest rival, in excess of 30 points. However, Trump is increasingly engulfed in multiple criminal investigations that have yielded dozens of felony charges in New York. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Trump critic Chris Christie enters poll ring, files paperwork for White House bid 

Equating being "woke" to a "form of cultural Marxism" Florida governor&nbsp;Ron DeSantis has provided the world with his definition of the widely controversial word.&nbsp;

Recently, former US president Donald Trump remarked that he does not like the word "woke" because "half the people can't even define it". Building up on that, an NBC correspondent asked DeSantis for his definition of the word.

Speaking at the sidelines of his Iowa campaign stop, the governor, who himself is often at the centre of controversies, said that the controversial term 'woke' is "basically a war on the truth".

The Florida governor is a Republican contender in the race for the White House. Alongside other major Republicans like Donald Trump and Nikki Haley, he is running in the next year's US Presidential Elections.

<h2>Ron DeSantis' definition of "Woke"</h2>

As per The Hill, Desantis said: "Look, we know what woke is, it's a form of cultural Marxism."

"It's about putting merit and achievement behind identity politics, and it's basically a war on the truth. And as that has infected institutions, and it has corrupted institutions."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nikki-haley-republican-presidential-candidate-criticises-trump-and-desantis-on-ukraine-war-600681">Presidential candidate Nikki Haley criticises fellow Republicans Trump and DeSantis over Ukraine war</a>

He further rallied the people and exclaimed that "you've got to be willing to fight the woke," adding that they have "done that in Florida, and we proudly consider ourselves the state where woke goes to die."

<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>

At the Westside Conservative Breakfast in Urbandale, Trump said that he didn't like the term "woke" because "half the people can’t even define it."

"I don't like the term 'woke' because I hear, 'Woke, woke, woke.' It's just a term they use, half the people can't even define it, they don’t know what it is," Trump said.

<h2>DeSantis' history with 'wokeness'</h2>

In recent years, DeSantis has adopted the idea of "wokeness" in his career and campaign.&nbsp;

Notoriously against the woke, he even established a law known as the "Stop WOKE Act".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/its-not-just-trump-vs-biden-these-are-the-contenders-in-2024-united-states-presidential-election-race-595746">It's not just Trump vs Biden, these are the contenders in 2024 United States presidential election race</a>

Here WOKE stands for "Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees," and the law as per The Hill is designed to combat "woke indoctrination" by businesses and schools in Florida.

The law prohibits instruction that could make anyone feel like they bear "personal responsibility" for historic wrongdoings because of their race, sex, religion or national origin.

However, the law faced challenges in the court. A federal judge blocked parts of the law saying that they infringe on and violate people's First Amendment rights of free speech and the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause for being impermissibly vague. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Equating being "woke" to a "form of cultural Marxism" Florida governor Ron DeSantis has provided the world with his definition of the widely controversial word. Recently, former US president Donald Trump remarked that he does not like the word "woke" because "half the people can't even define it".

Equating being "woke" to a "form of cultural Marxism" Florida governor Ron DeSantis has provided the world with his definition of the widely controversial word. Recently, former US president Donald Trump remarked that he does not like the word "woke" because "half the people can't even define it". Building up on that, an NBC correspondent asked DeSantis for his definition of the word. Speaking at the sidelines of his Iowa campaign stop, the governor, who himself is often at the centre of controversies, said that the controversial term 'woke' is "basically a war on the truth". The Florida governor is a Republican contender in the race for the White House. Alongside other major Republicans like Donald Trump and Nikki Haley, he is running in the next year's US Presidential Elections. Ron DeSantis' definition of "Woke" As per The Hill, Desantis said: "Look, we know what woke is, it's a form of cultural Marxism." "It's about putting merit and achievement behind identity politics, and it's basically a war on the truth. And as that has infected institutions, and it has corrupted institutions." Also read | Presidential candidate Nikki Haley criticises fellow Republicans Trump and DeSantis over Ukraine war He further rallied the people and exclaimed that "you've got to be willing to fight the woke," adding that they have "done that in Florida, and we proudly consider ourselves the state where woke goes to die." What did Trump say? At the Westside Conservative Breakfast in Urbandale, Trump said that he didn't like the term "woke" because "half the people can’t even define it." "I don't like the term 'woke' because I hear, 'Woke, woke, woke.' It's just a term they use, half the people can't even define it, they don’t know what it is," Trump said. DeSantis' history with 'wokeness' In recent years, DeSantis has adopted the idea of "wokeness" in his career and campaign. Notoriously against the woke, he even established a law known as the "Stop WOKE Act". Also read | It's not just Trump vs Biden, these are the contenders in 2024 United States presidential election race Here WOKE stands for "Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees," and the law as per The Hill is designed to combat "woke indoctrination" by businesses and schools in Florida. The law prohibits instruction that could make anyone feel like they bear "personal responsibility" for historic wrongdoings because of their race, sex, religion or national origin. However, the law faced challenges in the court. A federal judge blocked parts of the law saying that they infringe on and violate people's First Amendment rights of free speech and the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause for being impermissibly vague. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis equates 'woke' to 'form of cultural Marxism'

Former Republican Vice President Mike Pence is set to enter the race to get party nomination&nbsp;for US Presidential Elections 2024, reported Reuters citing two unnamed sources. According to the report, Pence will launch his campaign with a video and a speech in Iowa, an early nominating state.

Pence is a staunch social conservative. He was vice president during the tenure of former US president Donald Trump. Pence stood by Trump during his time in the office.&nbsp;

However, he has increasingly distanced himself from Trump after the latter's defeat in US Presidential Election 2020. Pence has maintained that Trump's encouragement of Capitol Hill rioters on January 6, 2021 put him and his family in danger.

Trump has already declared that he would seek to become president in 2024. Currently, he has a huge polling lead in a Republican field which now has six declared candidates. It is being believed that such a scenario is likely to splinter opposition to Trump.

Watch | Race for White House: Advantage Trump, but suburban women feel former President 'toxic'

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, 44, jumped into the contest last week and another high-profile Republican, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, is expected to join the race next week.

Nikki Haley, a former governor of South Carolina and Trump's first ambassador to the United Nations, is also seeking the Republican nomination, along with South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.

Tough work ahead for Pence

According to RealClearPolitics average of polls, Pence's polling average in the Republican field is less than 4 per cent as of June 1. Trump on the other hand, averages at 53 per cent.

Pence, although embracing many of Trump's policies, has chosen to portray himself as an even-keeled and consensus-oriented alternative.

He has also appealed more directly to the evangelical Christian community, having spent significant time in recent months touring mega-churches across the country.

The success of Pence's campaign will depend on how well he can attract supporters of Trump's policies who are put off by the former president's behaviour and rhetoric.

Pence - a former governor of Indiana and a one-time party leader in the U.S. House of Representatives - will also test voters' appetite for an establishment Republican in a party where voters have increasingly turned to outsiders.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Republican Vice President Mike Pence is set to enter the race to get party nomination for US Presidential Elections 2024, reported Reuters citing two unnamed sources.

Former Republican Vice President Mike Pence is set to enter the race to get party nomination for US Presidential Elections 2024, reported Reuters citing two unnamed sources. According to the report, Pence will launch his campaign with a video and a speech in Iowa, an early nominating state. Pence is a staunch social conservative. He was vice president during the tenure of former US president Donald Trump. Pence stood by Trump during his time in the office. However, he has increasingly distanced himself from Trump after the latter's defeat in US Presidential Election 2020. Pence has maintained that Trump's encouragement of Capitol Hill rioters on January 6, 2021 put him and his family in danger. Trump has already declared that he would seek to become president in 2024. Currently, he has a huge polling lead in a Republican field which now has six declared candidates. It is being believed that such a scenario is likely to splinter opposition to Trump. Watch | Race for White House: Advantage Trump, but suburban women feel former President 'toxic' × Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, 44, jumped into the contest last week and another high-profile Republican, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, is expected to join the race next week. Nikki Haley, a former governor of South Carolina and Trump's first ambassador to the United Nations, is also seeking the Republican nomination, along with South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. Tough work ahead for Pence According to RealClearPolitics average of polls, Pence's polling average in the Republican field is less than 4 per cent as of June 1. Trump on the other hand, averages at 53 per cent. Pence, although embracing many of Trump's policies, has chosen to portray himself as an even-keeled and consensus-oriented alternative. He has also appealed more directly to the evangelical Christian community, having spent significant time in recent months touring mega-churches across the country. The success of Pence's campaign will depend on how well he can attract supporters of Trump's policies who are put off by the former president's behaviour and rhetoric. Pence - a former governor of Indiana and a one-time party leader in the U.S. House of Representatives - will also test voters' appetite for an establishment Republican in a party where voters have increasingly turned to outsiders. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Former US VP Mike Pence to launch presidential campaign: Report

&nbsp;"I actually like Ron DeSantis a lot," Hillary Clinton reveals in a surprise online endorsement video. "He's just the kind of guy this country needs, and I really mean that."

Joe Biden finally lets the mask slip, unleashing a cruel rant at a transgender person. "You will never be a real woman," the president snarls.

Welcome to America's&nbsp;2024&nbsp;presidential race, where reality is up for grabs.

The Clinton and Biden deepfakes - realistic yet fabricated videos created by AI algorithms trained on copious online footage - are among thousands surfacing on social media, blurring fact and fiction in the polarized world of US&nbsp;politics.

While such synthetic media has been around for several years, it's been turbocharged over the past year by of a slew of new "generative AI" tools such as Midjourney that make it cheap and easy to create convincing deepfakes, according to Reuters interviews with about two dozen specialists in fields including AI, online misinformation and political activism.

"It's going to be very difficult for voters to distinguish the real from the fake. And you could just imagine how either Trump supporters or Biden supporters could use this technology to make the opponent look bad," said Darrell West, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation.

"There could be things that drop right before the election that nobody has a chance to take down."

Tools that can generate deepfakes are being released with few or imperfect guardrails to prevent harmful misinformation as the tech sector engages in an AI arms race, said Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center for Human Technology, a nonprofit that studies technology's impact on society.

Former President Donald Trump, who will vie with DeSantis and others for the Republican nomination to face Biden, himself shared a doctored video of CNN anchor Anderson Cooper earlier this month on his social media platform Truth Social.

"That was President Donald J. Trump ripping us a new asshole here on CNN's live presidential townhall," Cooper says in the footage, although the words don't match his lip movement.

CNN said the video was a deepfake. A representative for Trump didn't respond to a request for comment on the clip, which was still on his son Donald Jr's Twitter page this week.

While major social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have made efforts to prohibit and remove deepfakes, their effectiveness at policing such content varies.

<h2>Deepfake Pence, not Trump</h2>

There have been three times as many video deepfakes of all kinds and eight times as many voice deepfakes posted online this year compared to the same time period in 2022, according to DeepMedia, a company working on tools to detect synthetic media.

In total, about 500,000 video and voice deepfakes will be shared on social media sites globally in 2023, DeepMedia estimates. Cloning a voice used to cost $10,000 in server and AI-training costs up until late last year, but now startups offer it for a few dollars, it says.

No one is certain where the generative AI road leads or how to effectively guard against its power for mass misinformation, according to the people interviewed.

Industry leader OpenAI, which has changed the game in recent months with its release of ChatGPT and the updated model GPT-4, is itself grappling with the issue. CEO Sam Altman told Congress this month that election integrity was a "significant area of concern" and urged rapid regulation of the sector.

Unlike some smaller startups, OpenAI has taken steps to restrict use of its products in politics, according to a Reuters analysis of the terms of use of half a dozen leading companies offering generative-AI services.

The guardrails have gaps, though.

For example, OpenAI says it prohibits its image generator DALL-E from creating public figures - and indeed, when Reuters tried to create images of Trump and Biden, the request was blocked and a message appeared saying it "may not follow our content policy."

Yet Reuters was able to create images of at least a dozen other US&nbsp;politicians, including former Vice-President Mike Pence, who is also weighing a White House run for&nbsp;2024.

OpenAI also restricts any "scaled" usage of its products for political purposes. That bans use of its AI to send out mass personalized emails to constituents, for example.

The company, which is backed by Microsoft, explained its political policies to Reuters in an interview but didn't respond to further requests for comment around enforcement gaps in its policies, such as blocking image creation of politicians.

Several smaller startups have no explicit restrictions on political content.

Midjourney, which launched last year, is the leading player in AI-generated images, with 16 million users on its official Discord server. The app, which ranges from free to $60 a month depending on factors such as picture quantity and speed, is a favorite of AI designers and artists due to its ability to generate hyper-realistic images of celebrities and politicians, according to four AI researchers and creators interviewed.

Midjourney didn't respond to a request for comment for this article. During an online chat on Discord last week, CEO David Holz said the company would likely make changes ahead of the election to combat misinformation.

Midjourney wants to cooperate on an industry solution to enable traceability of AI-generated images with a digital equivalent of watermarking and would consider blocking images of political candidates, Holz added.

<h2>Republican AI-generated ad</h2>

Even as the industry wrestles with how to prevent misuse, some political players are themselves seeking to harness the power of generative AI to soup up campaigns.

So far, the only high-profile AI-generated political ad in the US was one published by the Republican National Committee in late April. The 30-second ad, which the RNC disclosed as being entirely generated by AI, used fake images to suggest a cataclysmic scenario should Biden be reelected, with China invading Taiwan and San Francisco being shut down by crime.

The RNC didn't respond to requests for comment on the ad or its wider use of AI. The Democratic National Committee declined to comment on its use of the technology.

Reuters polled all the Republican presidential campaigns on their use of AI. Most did not reply, although Nikki Haley's team said they were not using the technology and longshot candidate Perry Johnson's campaign said it was using AI for "copy generation and iteration," without giving further details.

The potential for generative AI to produce campaign emails, posts and adverts is irresistible for some activists who feel the low-cost tech could level the playing field in elections.

Even deep in rural Hillsdale, Michigan, machine intelligence is on the march.

Jon Smith, Republican chair for Michigan's 5th Congressional district, is holding several educational meetings so his allies can learn to use AI for social media and ad generation.

"AI helps us play against the big cats," he said. "I see the biggest upswing in the local races. Someone who is 65 years old, a farmer and county commissioner, he could easily be primaried by a younger cat using the technology."

Political consultancies are also seeking to harness AI, further muddying the line between real and unreal.

Numinar Analytics, a political data company that focuses on Republican clients, has begun experimenting with AI content generation for audio and images, as well as voice-generation to potentially create personalized messaging in a candidate's voice, founder Will Long said in an interview.

Democratic polling and strategy group Honan Strategy Group is meanwhile trying to develop an AI survey bot. It hopes to unroll a female bot in time for the 2023 municipal elections, CEO Bradley Honan said, citing research that both men and women are more likely to speak to a female interviewer. &nbsp;

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"I actually like Ron DeSantis a lot," Hillary Clinton reveals in a surprise online endorsement video. "He's just the kind of guy this country needs, and I really mean that.

"I actually like Ron DeSantis a lot," Hillary Clinton reveals in a surprise online endorsement video. "He's just the kind of guy this country needs, and I really mean that." Joe Biden finally lets the mask slip, unleashing a cruel rant at a transgender person. "You will never be a real woman," the president snarls. Welcome to America's 2024 presidential race, where reality is up for grabs. The Clinton and Biden deepfakes - realistic yet fabricated videos created by AI algorithms trained on copious online footage - are among thousands surfacing on social media, blurring fact and fiction in the polarized world of US politics. While such synthetic media has been around for several years, it's been turbocharged over the past year by of a slew of new "generative AI" tools such as Midjourney that make it cheap and easy to create convincing deepfakes, according to Reuters interviews with about two dozen specialists in fields including AI, online misinformation and political activism. "It's going to be very difficult for voters to distinguish the real from the fake. And you could just imagine how either Trump supporters or Biden supporters could use this technology to make the opponent look bad," said Darrell West, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation. "There could be things that drop right before the election that nobody has a chance to take down." Tools that can generate deepfakes are being released with few or imperfect guardrails to prevent harmful misinformation as the tech sector engages in an AI arms race, said Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center for Human Technology, a nonprofit that studies technology's impact on society. Former President Donald Trump, who will vie with DeSantis and others for the Republican nomination to face Biden, himself shared a doctored video of CNN anchor Anderson Cooper earlier this month on his social media platform Truth Social. "That was President Donald J. Trump ripping us a new asshole here on CNN's live presidential townhall," Cooper says in the footage, although the words don't match his lip movement. CNN said the video was a deepfake. A representative for Trump didn't respond to a request for comment on the clip, which was still on his son Donald Jr's Twitter page this week. While major social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have made efforts to prohibit and remove deepfakes, their effectiveness at policing such content varies. Deepfake Pence, not Trump There have been three times as many video deepfakes of all kinds and eight times as many voice deepfakes posted online this year compared to the same time period in 2022, according to DeepMedia, a company working on tools to detect synthetic media. In total, about 500,000 video and voice deepfakes will be shared on social media sites globally in 2023, DeepMedia estimates. Cloning a voice used to cost $10,000 in server and AI-training costs up until late last year, but now startups offer it for a few dollars, it says. No one is certain where the generative AI road leads or how to effectively guard against its power for mass misinformation, according to the people interviewed. Industry leader OpenAI, which has changed the game in recent months with its release of ChatGPT and the updated model GPT-4, is itself grappling with the issue. CEO Sam Altman told Congress this month that election integrity was a "significant area of concern" and urged rapid regulation of the sector. Unlike some smaller startups, OpenAI has taken steps to restrict use of its products in politics, according to a Reuters analysis of the terms of use of half a dozen leading companies offering generative-AI services. The guardrails have gaps, though. For example, OpenAI says it prohibits its image generator DALL-E from creating public figures - and indeed, when Reuters tried to create images of Trump and Biden, the request was blocked and a message appeared saying it "may not follow our content policy." Yet Reuters was able to create images of at least a dozen other US politicians, including former Vice-President Mike Pence, who is also weighing a White House run for 2024. OpenAI also restricts any "scaled" usage of its products for political purposes. That bans use of its AI to send out mass personalized emails to constituents, for example. The company, which is backed by Microsoft, explained its political policies to Reuters in an interview but didn't respond to further requests for comment around enforcement gaps in its policies, such as blocking image creation of politicians. Several smaller startups have no explicit restrictions on political content. Midjourney, which launched last year, is the leading player in AI-generated images, with 16 million users on its official Discord server. The app, which ranges from free to $60 a month depending on factors such as picture quantity and speed, is a favorite of AI designers and artists due to its ability to generate hyper-realistic images of celebrities and politicians, according to four AI researchers and creators interviewed. Midjourney didn't respond to a request for comment for this article. During an online chat on Discord last week, CEO David Holz said the company would likely make changes ahead of the election to combat misinformation. Midjourney wants to cooperate on an industry solution to enable traceability of AI-generated images with a digital equivalent of watermarking and would consider blocking images of political candidates, Holz added. Republican AI-generated ad Even as the industry wrestles with how to prevent misuse, some political players are themselves seeking to harness the power of generative AI to soup up campaigns. So far, the only high-profile AI-generated political ad in the US was one published by the Republican National Committee in late April. The 30-second ad, which the RNC disclosed as being entirely generated by AI, used fake images to suggest a cataclysmic scenario should Biden be reelected, with China invading Taiwan and San Francisco being shut down by crime. The RNC didn't respond to requests for comment on the ad or its wider use of AI. The Democratic National Committee declined to comment on its use of the technology. Reuters polled all the Republican presidential campaigns on their use of AI. Most did not reply, although Nikki Haley's team said they were not using the technology and longshot candidate Perry Johnson's campaign said it was using AI for "copy generation and iteration," without giving further details. The potential for generative AI to produce campaign emails, posts and adverts is irresistible for some activists who feel the low-cost tech could level the playing field in elections. Even deep in rural Hillsdale, Michigan, machine intelligence is on the march. Jon Smith, Republican chair for Michigan's 5th Congressional district, is holding several educational meetings so his allies can learn to use AI for social media and ad generation. "AI helps us play against the big cats," he said. "I see the biggest upswing in the local races. Someone who is 65 years old, a farmer and county commissioner, he could easily be primaried by a younger cat using the technology." Political consultancies are also seeking to harness AI, further muddying the line between real and unreal. Numinar Analytics, a political data company that focuses on Republican clients, has begun experimenting with AI content generation for audio and images, as well as voice-generation to potentially create personalized messaging in a candidate's voice, founder Will Long said in an interview. Democratic polling and strategy group Honan Strategy Group is meanwhile trying to develop an AI survey bot. It hopes to unroll a female bot in time for the 2023 municipal elections, CEO Bradley Honan said, citing research that both men and women are more likely to speak to a female interviewer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

2024 US Presidential election: Deepfake videos flood social media before poll

"I actually like Ron DeSantis a lot," Hillary Clinton reveals in a surprise online endorsement video. "He's just the kind of guy this country needs, and I really mean that."

Joe Biden finally lets the mask slip, unleashing a cruel rant at a transgender person. "You will never be a real woman," the president snarls.

Welcome to America's 2024 presidential race, where reality is up for grabs.

The Clinton and Biden deepfakes - realistic yet fabricated videos created by AI algorithms trained on copious online footage - are among thousands surfacing on social media, blurring fact and fiction in the polarized world of US&nbsp;politics.

While such synthetic media has been around for several years, it's been turbocharged over the past year by a slew of new "generative AI" tools such as Midjourney that make it cheap and easy to create convincing deepfakes, according to Reuters interviews with about two dozen specialists in fields including AI, online misinformation and political activism.

"It's going to be very difficult for voters to distinguish the real from the fake. And you could just imagine how either Trump supporters or Biden supporters could use this technology to make the opponent look bad," said Darrell West, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation.

"There could be things that drop right before the election that nobody has a chance to take down."

Tools that can generate deepfakes are being released with few or imperfect guardrails to prevent harmful misinformation as the tech sector engages in an AI arms race, said Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center for Human Technology, a nonprofit that studies technology's impact on society.

Former President Donald Trump, who will vie with DeSantis and others for the Republican nomination to face Biden, himself shared a doctored video of CNN anchor Anderson Cooper earlier this month on his social media platform Truth Social.

"That was President Donald J. Trump ripping us a new asshole here on CNN's live presidential townhall," Cooper says in the footage, although the words don't match his lip movement.

CNN said the video was a deepfake. A representative for Trump didn't respond to a request for comment on the clip, which was still on his son Donald Jr's Twitter page this week.

While major social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have made efforts to prohibit and remove deepfakes, their effectiveness at policing such content varies.

<h2>DEEPFAKE PENCE, NOT TRUMP</h2>

There have been three times as many video deepfakes of all kinds and eight times as many voice deepfakes posted online this year compared to the same time period in 2022, according to DeepMedia, a company working on tools to detect synthetic media.

In total, about 500,000 video and voice deepfakes will be shared on social media sites globally in 2023, DeepMedia estimates. Cloning a voice used to cost $10,000 in server and AI-training costs up until late last year, but now startups offer it for a few dollars, it says.

No one is certain where the generative AI road leads or how to effectively guard against its power for mass misinformation, according to the people interviewed.

Industry leader OpenAI, which has changed the game in recent months with its release of ChatGPT and the updated model GPT-4, is itself grappling with the issue. CEO Sam Altman told Congress this month that election integrity was a "significant area of concern" and urged rapid regulation of the sector.

Unlike some smaller startups, OpenAI has taken steps to restrict use of its products in politics, according to a Reuters analysis of the terms of use of half a dozen leading companies offering generative-AI services.

The guardrails have gaps, though.

For example, OpenAI says it prohibits its image generator DALL-E from creating public figures - and indeed, when Reuters tried to create images of Trump and Biden, the request was blocked and a message appeared saying it "may not follow our content policy."

Yet Reuters was able to create images of at least a dozen other US&nbsp;politicians, including former Vice-President Mike Pence, who is also weighing a White House run for 2024.

OpenAI also restricts any "scaled" usage of its products for political purposes. That bans use of its AI to send out mass personalized emails to constituents, for example.

The company, which is backed by Microsoft, explained its political policies to Reuters in an interview but didn't respond to further requests for comment around enforcement gaps in its policies, such as blocking image creation of politicians.

Several smaller startups have no explicit restrictions on political content.

Midjourney, which launched last year, is the leading player in AI-generated images, with 16 million users on its official Discord server. The app, which ranges from free to $60 a month depending on factors such as picture quantity and speed, is a favorite of AI designers and artists due to its ability to generate hyper-realistic images of celebrities and politicians, according to four AI researchers and creators interviewed.

Midjourney didn't respond to a request for comment for this article. During an online chat on Discord last week, CEO David Holz said the company would likely make changes ahead of the election to combat misinformation.

Midjourney wants to cooperate on an industry solution to enable traceability of AI-generated images with a digital equivalent of watermarking and would consider blocking images of political candidates, Holz added.

<h2>REPUBLICAN AI-GENERATED AD</h2>

Even as the industry wrestles with how to prevent misuse, some political players are themselves seeking to harness the power of generative AI to soup up campaigns.

So far, the only high-profile AI-generated political ad in the U.S. was one published by the Republican National Committee in late April. The 30-second ad, which the RNC disclosed as being entirely generated by AI, used fake images to suggest a cataclysmic scenario should Biden be reelected, with China invading Taiwan and San Francisco being shut down by crime.

The RNC didn't respond to requests for comment on the ad or its wider use of AI. The Democratic National Committee declined to comment on its use of the technology.

Reuters polled all the Republican presidential campaigns on their use of AI. Most did not reply, although Nikki Haley's team said they were not using the technology and longshot candidate Perry Johnson's campaign said it was using AI for "copy generation and iteration," without giving further details.

The potential for generative AI to produce campaign emails, posts and adverts is irresistible for some activists who feel the low-cost tech could level the playing field in elections.

Even deep in rural Hillsdale, Michigan, machine intelligence is on the march.

Jon Smith, Republican chair for Michigan's 5th Congressional district, is holding several educational meetings so his allies can learn to use AI for social media and ad generation.

"AI helps us play against the big cats," he said. "I see the biggest upswing in the local races. Someone who is 65 years old, a farmer and county commissioner, he could easily be primaried by a younger cat using the technology."

Political consultancies are also seeking to harness AI, further muddying the line between real and unreal.

Numinar Analytics, a political data company that focuses on Republican clients, has begun experimenting with AI content generation for audio and images, as well as voice generation to potentially create personalized messaging in a candidate's voice, founder Will Long said in an interview.

Democratic polling and strategy group Honan Strategy Group is meanwhile trying to develop an AI survey bot. It hopes to unroll a female bot in time for the 2023 municipal elections, CEO Bradley Honan said, citing research that both men and women are more likely to speak to a female interviewer. &nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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"I actually like Ron DeSantis a lot," Hillary Clinton reveals in a surprise online endorsement video. "He's just the kind of guy this country needs, and I really mean that." Joe Biden finally lets the mask slip, unleashing a cruel rant at a transgender person. "You will never be a real woman," the president snarls. Welcome to America's 2024 presidential race, where reality is up for grabs. The Clinton and Biden deepfakes - realistic yet fabricated videos created by AI algorithms trained on copious online footage - are among thousands surfacing on social media, blurring fact and fiction in the polarized world of US politics. While such synthetic media has been around for several years, it's been turbocharged over the past year by a slew of new "generative AI" tools such as Midjourney that make it cheap and easy to create convincing deepfakes, according to Reuters interviews with about two dozen specialists in fields including AI, online misinformation and political activism. "It's going to be very difficult for voters to distinguish the real from the fake. And you could just imagine how either Trump supporters or Biden supporters could use this technology to make the opponent look bad," said Darrell West, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation. "There could be things that drop right before the election that nobody has a chance to take down." Tools that can generate deepfakes are being released with few or imperfect guardrails to prevent harmful misinformation as the tech sector engages in an AI arms race, said Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center for Human Technology, a nonprofit that studies technology's impact on society. Former President Donald Trump, who will vie with DeSantis and others for the Republican nomination to face Biden, himself shared a doctored video of CNN anchor Anderson Cooper earlier this month on his social media platform Truth Social. "That was President Donald J. Trump ripping us a new asshole here on CNN's live presidential townhall," Cooper says in the footage, although the words don't match his lip movement. CNN said the video was a deepfake. A representative for Trump didn't respond to a request for comment on the clip, which was still on his son Donald Jr's Twitter page this week. While major social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have made efforts to prohibit and remove deepfakes, their effectiveness at policing such content varies. DEEPFAKE PENCE, NOT TRUMP There have been three times as many video deepfakes of all kinds and eight times as many voice deepfakes posted online this year compared to the same time period in 2022, according to DeepMedia, a company working on tools to detect synthetic media. In total, about 500,000 video and voice deepfakes will be shared on social media sites globally in 2023, DeepMedia estimates. Cloning a voice used to cost $10,000 in server and AI-training costs up until late last year, but now startups offer it for a few dollars, it says. No one is certain where the generative AI road leads or how to effectively guard against its power for mass misinformation, according to the people interviewed. Industry leader OpenAI, which has changed the game in recent months with its release of ChatGPT and the updated model GPT-4, is itself grappling with the issue. CEO Sam Altman told Congress this month that election integrity was a "significant area of concern" and urged rapid regulation of the sector. Unlike some smaller startups, OpenAI has taken steps to restrict use of its products in politics, according to a Reuters analysis of the terms of use of half a dozen leading companies offering generative-AI services. The guardrails have gaps, though. For example, OpenAI says it prohibits its image generator DALL-E from creating public figures - and indeed, when Reuters tried to create images of Trump and Biden, the request was blocked and a message appeared saying it "may not follow our content policy." Yet Reuters was able to create images of at least a dozen other US politicians, including former Vice-President Mike Pence, who is also weighing a White House run for 2024. OpenAI also restricts any "scaled" usage of its products for political purposes. That bans use of its AI to send out mass personalized emails to constituents, for example. The company, which is backed by Microsoft, explained its political policies to Reuters in an interview but didn't respond to further requests for comment around enforcement gaps in its policies, such as blocking image creation of politicians. Several smaller startups have no explicit restrictions on political content. Midjourney, which launched last year, is the leading player in AI-generated images, with 16 million users on its official Discord server. The app, which ranges from free to $60 a month depending on factors such as picture quantity and speed, is a favorite of AI designers and artists due to its ability to generate hyper-realistic images of celebrities and politicians, according to four AI researchers and creators interviewed. Midjourney didn't respond to a request for comment for this article. During an online chat on Discord last week, CEO David Holz said the company would likely make changes ahead of the election to combat misinformation. Midjourney wants to cooperate on an industry solution to enable traceability of AI-generated images with a digital equivalent of watermarking and would consider blocking images of political candidates, Holz added. REPUBLICAN AI-GENERATED AD Even as the industry wrestles with how to prevent misuse, some political players are themselves seeking to harness the power of generative AI to soup up campaigns. So far, the only high-profile AI-generated political ad in the U.S. was one published by the Republican National Committee in late April. The 30-second ad, which the RNC disclosed as being entirely generated by AI, used fake images to suggest a cataclysmic scenario should Biden be reelected, with China invading Taiwan and San Francisco being shut down by crime. The RNC didn't respond to requests for comment on the ad or its wider use of AI. The Democratic National Committee declined to comment on its use of the technology. Reuters polled all the Republican presidential campaigns on their use of AI. Most did not reply, although Nikki Haley's team said they were not using the technology and longshot candidate Perry Johnson's campaign said it was using AI for "copy generation and iteration," without giving further details. The potential for generative AI to produce campaign emails, posts and adverts is irresistible for some activists who feel the low-cost tech could level the playing field in elections. Even deep in rural Hillsdale, Michigan, machine intelligence is on the march. Jon Smith, Republican chair for Michigan's 5th Congressional district, is holding several educational meetings so his allies can learn to use AI for social media and ad generation. "AI helps us play against the big cats," he said. "I see the biggest upswing in the local races. Someone who is 65 years old, a farmer and county commissioner, he could easily be primaried by a younger cat using the technology." Political consultancies are also seeking to harness AI, further muddying the line between real and unreal. Numinar Analytics, a political data company that focuses on Republican clients, has begun experimenting with AI content generation for audio and images, as well as voice generation to potentially create personalized messaging in a candidate's voice, founder Will Long said in an interview. Democratic polling and strategy group Honan Strategy Group is meanwhile trying to develop an AI survey bot. It hopes to unroll a female bot in time for the 2023 municipal elections, CEO Bradley Honan said, citing research that both men and women are more likely to speak to a female interviewer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Deepfaking it: America's 2024 presidential election collides with AI boom

The Twitter Spaces team, which formerly had as many as 100 employees, has been reduced to "roughly three" individuals, as per an IANS report. The revelation&nbsp;comes after&nbsp;the technical "fiasco" during Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' 2024 US presidential election bid announcement on the social media platform this week.

The Spaces team has been functioning without the majority of the "institutional knowledge it accumulated since Twitter added live audio conversations in 2021 to compete with then-hot Clubhouse," reported the&nbsp;Platformer.

"Practically no one remaining knows the current architecture in depth," one person wrote on a pseudonymous employee forum called Blind, reported the Business Standard.&nbsp;

<h2>Twitter Spaces crashed several times&nbsp;</h2>

The highly touted discussion between Ron DeSantis and Elon Musk on Twitter Spaces did not go as planned, as the social networking platform failed many times, ruining the announcement.&nbsp;

About 678,000 people tuned in to listen but Twitter crashed repeatedly, and Musk blamed it&nbsp;on the large number of listeners.&nbsp;

The Spaces session was ultimately restarted, with around 304,000 listeners.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, David Sacks, a venture capitalist and personal friend of Musk, sought to kick off the gathering. "We've got so many people here that I think we're kind of melting the servers," he explained.&nbsp;

Bryan Gryphon, DeSantis' campaign spokesman, stated on Twitter that the passion for DeSantis had "literally busted up the internet" and that the campaign had raised $1 million in an hour.

The hour-long interview on Twitter was aired without sound for significant sections of time, and thousands of individuals were either dropped or could not participate.

Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, who was hosting the chat, blamed the outages on servers not having enough capacity to handle the large number of individuals wanting to tune in.

Post launching another&nbsp;Spaces from the Twitter account of entrepreneur David Sacks, Musk apologised and said, “I think we’re definitely breaking new ground here. As far as I know, no major presidential candidate has ever announced candidacy on social media this way. So thank you for doing that.”

DeSantis will challenge Trump for the Republican nomination. However, he may have difficulties in the near future since he trails the former president in recent polls. &nbsp;

Musk stated a day before the formal declaration that they would be interviewing DeSantis because he has "quite an announcement to make," and that this will be the first time something like this has happened on social media.&nbsp;

Musk stated that he will not back any one candidate at this time, but he is "interested in X/Twitter being somewhat of a public town square."&nbsp;

The Twitter owner also stated that the real-time queries and answers will not be "scripted".&nbsp;

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The Twitter Spaces team, which formerly had as many as 100 employees, has been reduced to "roughly three" individuals, as per an IANS report. The revelation comes after the technical "fiasco" during Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' 2024 US presidential election bid announcement on the social media platform this week.

The Twitter Spaces team, which formerly had as many as 100 employees, has been reduced to "roughly three" individuals, as per an IANS report. The revelation comes after the technical "fiasco" during Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' 2024 US presidential election bid announcement on the social media platform this week. The Spaces team has been functioning without the majority of the "institutional knowledge it accumulated since Twitter added live audio conversations in 2021 to compete with then-hot Clubhouse," reported the Platformer. "Practically no one remaining knows the current architecture in depth," one person wrote on a pseudonymous employee forum called Blind, reported the Business Standard. Twitter Spaces crashed several times The highly touted discussion between Ron DeSantis and Elon Musk on Twitter Spaces did not go as planned, as the social networking platform failed many times, ruining the announcement. About 678,000 people tuned in to listen but Twitter crashed repeatedly, and Musk blamed it on the large number of listeners. The Spaces session was ultimately restarted, with around 304,000 listeners. On Wednesday, David Sacks, a venture capitalist and personal friend of Musk, sought to kick off the gathering. "We've got so many people here that I think we're kind of melting the servers," he explained. Bryan Gryphon, DeSantis' campaign spokesman, stated on Twitter that the passion for DeSantis had "literally busted up the internet" and that the campaign had raised $1 million in an hour. The hour-long interview on Twitter was aired without sound for significant sections of time, and thousands of individuals were either dropped or could not participate. Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, who was hosting the chat, blamed the outages on servers not having enough capacity to handle the large number of individuals wanting to tune in. Post launching another Spaces from the Twitter account of entrepreneur David Sacks, Musk apologised and said, “I think we’re definitely breaking new ground here. As far as I know, no major presidential candidate has ever announced candidacy on social media this way. So thank you for doing that.” DeSantis will challenge Trump for the Republican nomination. However, he may have difficulties in the near future since he trails the former president in recent polls. Musk stated a day before the formal declaration that they would be interviewing DeSantis because he has "quite an announcement to make," and that this will be the first time something like this has happened on social media. Musk stated that he will not back any one candidate at this time, but he is "interested in X/Twitter being somewhat of a public town square." The Twitter owner also stated that the real-time queries and answers will not be "scripted". WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Twitter Spaces team downsized from 100 to just three after DeSantis tech fiasco: Report

Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday (May 24) officially confirmed his 2024 US presidential bid. Papers filed with the Federal Election Commission showed that DeSantis has launched his challenge to Donald Trump for the party's 2024 White House nomination.

Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday (May 24) officially confirmed his 2024 US presidential bid. Papers filed with the Federal Election Commission showed that DeSantis has launched his challenge to Donald Trump for the party's 2024 White House nomination. He tweeted a video to make the announcement ahead of an audio interview on Twitter with its CEO, Elon Musk. DeSantis wrote: "I'm running for president to lead our Great American Comeback." In the video, he said, "We need the courage to lead and the strength to win. I'm Ron DeSantis, and I'm running for president to lead our great American comeback." "Government is not about entertainment, not about building a brand," DeSantis said, taking a veiled swipe at Trump, whom he quite expectedly never mentioned by name. “American decline is not inevitable — it is a choice. And we should choose a new direction — a path that will lead to American revitalization,” DeSantis said, racing through his conservative accomplishments. “We had a huge audience,” DeSantis said in a subsequent interview on Fox News when asked about the technical difficulties. “It was the biggest they ever had. It did break the Twitter space. We’re really excited about the enthusiasm.” Twitter crashes The highly-publicised interaction of Ron DeSantis with Elon Musk on Twitter Spaces didn't go as planned as the social media site crashed repeatedly, disrupting the plan for the announcement. About 678,000 people tuned in to listen as Twitter suffered repeated crashes, and Musk attributed the problems to the number of listeners. The Spaces session eventually resumed, reaching about 304,000 listeners. David Sacks, a venture capitalist and close friend of Musk, attempted to start the event on Wednesday. He said, "We've got so many people here that I think we are kind of melting the servers, which is a good sign." I’m running for president to lead our Great American Comeback. pic.twitter.com/YmkWkLaVDg — Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) May 24, 2023 × DeSantis’ campaign spokesman Bryan Griffin said on Twitter that the enthusiasm for DeSantis had “literally busted up the internet” and shared that the campaign raised $1 million within an hour. The Twitter broadcast of the hour-long interview lost sound for extended stretches and thousands of users were either dropped or were unable to join. Twitter owner Elon Musk, who was hosting the conversation, blamed the glitches on servers not having sufficient bandwidth for the huge number of people who were trying to tune in. After launching a second Spaces from the Twitter account of entrepreneur David Sacks, Musk apologised and said, “I think we’re definitely breaking new ground here. As far as I know, no major presidential candidate has ever announced candidacy on social media this way. So thank you for doing that.” DeSantis will take on Trump for the Republican nomination. However, it might face challenges in the near future as he trails the former president in recent polls. A day before the formal statement, Musk said that they will be interviewing DeSantis as he has "quite an announcement to make" and it will be the very first time that something like this is happening on social media. Musk said he won't endorse any particular candidate at this time, but he is "interested in X/Twitter being somewhat of a public town square". The Twitter CEO also noted that the real-time questions and answers will not be "scripted". Who is Ro DeSantis? DeSantis has an aggressive style of cultural conservatism and has created a national presence. The 44-year-old is quite a newcomer to US politics, having been elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 2012. In 2018, he was elected governor of Florida. He defeated Democratic candidate Charlie Crist last November by over 20 percentage points with 98 per cent of the projected vote counted. He has enraged Donald Trump, who dubbed him "Ron De-Sanctimonious". President Joe Biden referred to DeSantis as "Donald Trump incarnate" in his harshest remarks yet against the governor. Never Back Down, a pro-DeSantis political organisation, released a video to commemorate the announcement of the governor's November 2022 election victory speech, in which he declares that "Florida is where woke goes to die." "We chose facts over fear. We chose education over indoctrination. We weathered the storm," he says. "We fight the woke in the schools. We fight the woke in the corporations, we will never ever surrender to the woke mob. We will be courageous and we will never back down." Donald Trump targeted DeSantis for the glitchy launch on twitter and wrote on Truth Social: “Wow! The DeSanctus TWITTER launch is a DISASTER! His whole campaign will be a disaster. WATCH!” he wrote on his social media site. Other declared Republican candidates include Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Tim Scott, a U.S. senator from South Carolina. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Twitter stutters as Republican Ron DeSantis announces bid to enter 2024 presidential race

The Republican queue for securing a presidential nomination is getting congested with each passing day. While former president Donald Trump is currently leading the pack, many consider Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the dark horse who can take the fight to him and perhaps, stage an upset, if the stars align themselves perfectly.

The Republican queue for securing a presidential nomination is getting congested with each passing day. While former president Donald Trump is currently leading the pack, many consider Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the dark horse who can take the fight to him and perhaps, stage an upset, if the stars align themselves perfectly. DeSantis launched his 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday, vowing to lead Americans into a new era of success and fight for their freedoms. Within the GOP, despite Trump's larger-than-life image, DeSantis remains the best hope for anti-Trump forces. DeSantis’ rising profile among Republicans and fundraising skills make him one of the biggest threats to Trump who appears to be rattled by his presence. Both DeSantis and Trump have been at each other's throats ever since it was insinuated that they may have to share the gladiatorial stage. Trump has attacked the Florida governor by calling him 'meatball Ron', 'Ron DeSanctimonious' whilst implying that DeSantis may be hit with sexual assault allegations from both men and women. "I think if he runs, he could hurt himself very badly. I think the base would not like it - I don't think it would be good for the party," said Trump, when quizzed about DeSantis' nomination. ALSO READ | Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis to formally enter US presidential election race next week But who is DeSantis? After graduating from Yale University, DeSantis attended Harvard Law School. He graduated Juris Doctor cum laude in 2005. DeSantis joined the US Navy in 2004 and worked as a legal adviser to SEAL Team One. He did a stint in Iraq in 2007 before being appointed Special Assistant US attorney by the Department of Justice eight months later. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and has since steadily risen among the ranks. At one time, he was one of Trump's ardent followers, having been one of the founding leaders of the Freedom Caucus. However, with a presidential nomination on the line, both have turned into arch-enemies of sorts. Task remains uphill for DeSantis The task, though, is not straightforward for DeSantis. Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted this month showed Trump was backed by 49 per cent of Republicans and DeSantis 19 per cent. Any previous candidate attempting to secure a presidential nomination has not lost from this position — meaning Trump has the upper hand. To change the tide, DeSantis not only has to convince anti-Trump GOP lawmakers but also Trump supporters as well as maybe-Trumpers. Trump's aura may not be as strong as in 2016 Despite the flair and charm that Trump exhibits, he has two consecutive failed election campaigns on his resume. He lost the 2020 presidential elections and later cried wolf that the election was stolen from him. Two years later, Trump claimed there was a red wave across the country, only for Republicans to lose the Senate to the Democrats in the midterms. Poll analysts are of the view that Trump does not have a particular agenda going into the race. He is sitting on his past laurels and attempting to change the mind of voters who did not stay with him in 2020 by using his tried-and-tested tactics of excessive noise. Comparatively, DeSantis is regarded as an astute politician who has done the hard yards and knows how to grind out results. ALSO READ | Trump kicks off 2024 campaign targeting gender expression, Ron DeSantis DeSantis' popularity can be gauged by the fact that in an election where Trump's magic was a far cry, he won the Florida seat by a whopping margin of 1.5 million votes - the largest in the state in more than four decades. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has also thrown his weight behind him, saying that he would prefer to cast aside Trump in favour of DeSantis as the Republican party leader. Then there is the age issue that plays into DeSantis' hands. Trump will be 78 heading into the 2024 election and for all the stick current US President Joe Biden has got for his old age, not many would be willing to let Trump go easily either. DeSantis is young, and as many in political circles say, absolutely meticulous when it comes to seeing a policy to the end. WATCH | Trump attacks Biden after he announces 2024 re-election bid × DeSantis, the politician The dispute between DeSantis and Disney after the latter criticised the state's Parental Rights in Education Act, colloquially known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, has been one of the biggest launch pads for the Florida governor in the lead-up to the election. Taking on a 'woke' Disney has become one of the major poll planks for DeSantis. The Disney controversy has earned him points in the conservative circles and he is now doubling down on the issue to go for the jugular. However, Disney cancelling the $1 billion investment in Florida may have thrown a monkey wrench in DeSantis' plans. In order to bring his campaign back on track, election experts believe that DeSantis will have to either win in Iowa or New Hampshire. Though a win may not be enough to win a nomination, it is necessary to take the fight to the last day of primaries. The likes of Barack Obama and John McCain, who polled in the low 20s in the nomination race, managed to make a comeback after winning Iowa and New Hampshire respectively, back in the day. Many within the GOP, in hushed voices, say they are not confident that Trump is the right person to usher in the new Republican era. There is a clear consensus that DeSantis will be a far better and more effective branch leader. The result, however, will depend on how aggressive DeSantis plays after announcing the nomination because Trump will not be taking any prisoners. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Who is Ron DeSantis? All you need to know about Republican leader who joined White House race

Even though the US presidential election is more than a year away, the race to be a Democrat or Republican nominee is heating up. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis became the latest politician to announce his presidential run.

Even though the US presidential election is more than a year away, the race to be a Democrat or Republican nominee is heating up. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis became the latest politician to announce his presidential run. DeSantis, a Republican, will announce his presidential run on Wednesday (May 24) during a Twitter Spaces discussion with billionaire Elon Musk. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the event would be hosted at 6 pm ET (22.00 GMT) and the session will be moderated by tech entrepreneur David Sacks, a Musk confidant. This is the first time that such an announcement is being made on social media. This event has renewed a debate about Elon Musk's political leanings. It has also raised whether Twitter will no more be a neutral arbiter, and whether will it take sides with the DeSantis link. Is Elon Musk a Republican? For a long time, people have questioned Elon Musk's political views. Musk, the world's richest man and the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter, has had mixed political leanings. In the previous US presidential election in 2020, Musk said that he voted for Joe Biden. However, nearly two years later, Musk expressed support for the Republicans. His tweet from May 2022 is the proof, "In the past, I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division and hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.” This tweet came after months of criticising President Joe Biden, which included hammering of his flagship infrastructure and social spending bills for granting subsidies to the electric car industry and increasing the federal budget deficit, as per a report by The Independent on December 14 last year. Musk also called Biden a "damp sock puppet in human form" after the American president left Tesla out of a discussion regarding domestic electric vehicle (EV) production. In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican. Now, watch their dirty tricks campaign against me unfold … 🍿 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 18, 2022 × In June 2022, Musk revealed that he voted for Republican congressional candidate Maya Flores in a special election. Musk has had a tumultuous relationship with former US president and Republican Donald Trump. However, in recent times, there seems an improvement. Donald Trump lauded Musk's takeover of Twitter last year by saying the social media giant was "in sane hands." Musk, on the other hand, reinstated Trump's Twitter handle and told the Financial Times that the ban was a "morally bad decision" and foolish to the extreme. Trump was removed from Twitter following the 2021 Capitol Hill riots. The above details do point out that Musk has a Republican-leaning. But he said on Tuesday that he would not endorse any candidate at this time. "My preference and I think the preference of most Americans is really to have someone fairly normal in office. But I think we'd all be quite, quite happy with that, actually. You know, I think someone that is representative of the moderate views that I think most country holds, in reality," he told the Wall Street Journal. However, the story doesn't end here. Musk's support for DeSantis in 2024 On November 26 last year, nearly a month after he became the boss of Twitter, Musk tweeted that he was a significant supporter of the Obama-Biden presidency and "(reluctantly) voted for Biden over Trump." As a reminder, I was a significant supporter of the Obama-Biden presidency and (reluctantly) voted for Biden over Trump — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 26, 2022 × "But freedom of speech is the bedrock of a strong democracy and must take precedence. My preference for the 2024 presidency is someone sensible and centrist. I had hoped that would the case for the Biden administration, but have been disappointed so far," Musk added. On being asked if he would support Florida Governor Ron DeSantis if he ran for president, Musk replied, "Yes." This came months after Musk said that DeSantis would easily defeat Biden in the election. Twitter – an opportunity for DeSantis Though it is not yet known what exactly would Floridan Governor Ron DeSantis reveal in his announcement of his presidential run, the hosting of the event on Twitter spaces is an opportunity for the Republican. Firstly, Twitter has a vast number of active users which could potentially give DeSantis' campaign more publicity. And secondly, Elon Musk's fan base would add to the Florida Governor's popularity. And for his part, Musk sees the event as a coup, according to a report by BBC on Wednesday. Musk wants big moments like this to be broadcast live on Twitter and he is particularly interested in Twitter Spaces, where millions of people can tune into an interview. "We'll be interviewing Ron DeSantis, and he has quite an announcement to make and it will be the very first time that something like this is happening on social media and with real-time questions and answers, not scripted. So it's going to be live and let it rip. Let's see what happens," Musk told the WSJ on Tuesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Is Elon Musk a Republican? Will Twitter take sides with Ron DeSantis link?

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis will officially enter the 2024 US presidential race next week, media reports said citing sources familiar with the decision. It is highly anticipated that DeSantis will file paperwork declaring his candidacy on May 25, which would also coincide with a donor meeting in Miami.&nbsp;

The source familiar with the May 25 donor meeting confirmed that the invitation for the event states donors would be put to “work,” a clear indication to raise money for DeSantis’ election campaign. If sources are to be believed, DeSantis will have a more formal launch in the week of May 29.&nbsp;

<h2>Trump v/s DeSantis</h2>

DeSantis’ rising profile among Republicans and fundraising skills makes him one of the biggest threats to Trump, who in recent weeks has increased political attacks on the Florida governor on issues ranging from Ukraine to Florida’s economic record as well as personal attacks on DeSantis’ social skills and his dealings with state legislators.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-kamala-harris-woo-donors-for-presidential-election-2024-re-run-587819">Joe Biden, Kamala Harris woo donors for presidential election 2024 re-run</a>

These political attacks on DeSantis by Trump have resulted in a hit on DeSantis’ political standing in national polls. However, DeSantis and his advisers had hoped to use the legislature’s session as a facilitator to a campaign announcement and have successfully managed just that.&nbsp;

DeSantis’ insistence on staying out of the political race until the Florida legislature completed its spring session earlier this month had upset some high-profile Republican donors, who wanted him to jump in the race sooner rather than later to rebut Trump.

WATCH |&nbsp;Trump attacks Biden after he announces 2024 re-election bid

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His entry to the US presidential race will not only make him Trump’s biggest rival for the Republican nomination, but will also shake things up in a competition which has largely been one-sided so far. However, if Reuters/Ipsos polls are to be believed, former president Donald Trump maintains commanding lead in the 2024 Republican outreach and an undeniable hold in the Republican Party.&nbsp;

<h2>DeSantis’ growing profile</h2>

Several Republican lawmakers were able to deliver a horde of victories to DeSantis in the recent few months by expanding the state’s school voucher programme, prohibiting the use of public money in sustainable investing efforts, scrapping diversity programmes at public universities, allowing for the permit-less carry of concealed weapons and the most significant — ban on all abortions in the state.

DeSantis’ new political action committee, Never Back Down, aimed at raising unlimited funds, has been hiring staff in early voting states and running TV ads championing DeSantis and knocking Trump.

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Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis will officially enter the 2024 US presidential race next week, media reports said citing sources familiar with the decision.

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis will officially enter the 2024 US presidential race next week, media reports said citing sources familiar with the decision. It is highly anticipated that DeSantis will file paperwork declaring his candidacy on May 25, which would also coincide with a donor meeting in Miami. The source familiar with the May 25 donor meeting confirmed that the invitation for the event states donors would be put to “work,” a clear indication to raise money for DeSantis’ election campaign. If sources are to be believed, DeSantis will have a more formal launch in the week of May 29. Trump v/s DeSantis DeSantis’ rising profile among Republicans and fundraising skills makes him one of the biggest threats to Trump, who in recent weeks has increased political attacks on the Florida governor on issues ranging from Ukraine to Florida’s economic record as well as personal attacks on DeSantis’ social skills and his dealings with state legislators. ALSO READ | Joe Biden, Kamala Harris woo donors for presidential election 2024 re-run These political attacks on DeSantis by Trump have resulted in a hit on DeSantis’ political standing in national polls. However, DeSantis and his advisers had hoped to use the legislature’s session as a facilitator to a campaign announcement and have successfully managed just that. DeSantis’ insistence on staying out of the political race until the Florida legislature completed its spring session earlier this month had upset some high-profile Republican donors, who wanted him to jump in the race sooner rather than later to rebut Trump. WATCH | Trump attacks Biden after he announces 2024 re-election bid × His entry to the US presidential race will not only make him Trump’s biggest rival for the Republican nomination, but will also shake things up in a competition which has largely been one-sided so far. However, if Reuters/Ipsos polls are to be believed, former president Donald Trump maintains commanding lead in the 2024 Republican outreach and an undeniable hold in the Republican Party. DeSantis’ growing profile Several Republican lawmakers were able to deliver a horde of victories to DeSantis in the recent few months by expanding the state’s school voucher programme, prohibiting the use of public money in sustainable investing efforts, scrapping diversity programmes at public universities, allowing for the permit-less carry of concealed weapons and the most significant — ban on all abortions in the state. DeSantis’ new political action committee, Never Back Down, aimed at raising unlimited funds, has been hiring staff in early voting states and running TV ads championing DeSantis and knocking Trump. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis to formally enter US presidential election race next week

US President Joe Biden launched his re-election bid on Tuesday with a promise to protect American liberties from "extremists". Former President Donald Trump also released a video response to Biden's announcement and warned that Biden has brought the world to the brink of World War III.

Trump attacks Biden after he announces 2024 re-election bid

Four people, including a child, were shot dead inside a home in Florida. As per reports, the suspect shot three victims inside a home, before getting shot down by the police, who were responding to a domestic violence report early Sunday morning.

As per the AP news agency, officers heard gunshots inside the home. Soon after the suspect exited and shot at officers around 2.25 am, the Orlando Police Department said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-spike-in-us-gun-violence-florida-teacher-asks-students-to-write-their-own-obituaries-gets-fired-580690">Amid spike in US gun violence, Florida teacher asks students to write their own obituaries; gets fired</a>

Inside the home, police found three gunshot victims, including one child. The victims were transported to the hospital where they died of their injuries, said the Orlando police.&nbsp;The suspect too died of injuries after being transported to the hospital. Identities of the suspect and the three victims are yet to be released.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amidst-increasing-mass-shootings-florida-allows-concealed-guns-without-permit-in-public-579113">Amidst increasing mass shootings, Florida allows concealed guns without permit in public</a>

AP reports that the two unidentified officers involved in the shooting were not injured and have been placed on administrative leave.

This comes as Florida recently allowed&nbsp;residents to carry concealed guns without a permit.&nbsp;Starting July 1, Floridians who legally own a gun will be able to carry it without requiring a permit, i.e., carrying a concealed weapon in public will now no longer require any training or background checks.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Four people, including a child, were shot dead inside a home in Florida. As per reports, the suspect shot three victims inside a home, before getting shot down by the police, who were responding to a domestic violence report early Sunday morning.

Four people, including a child, were shot dead inside a home in Florida. As per reports, the suspect shot three victims inside a home, before getting shot down by the police, who were responding to a domestic violence report early Sunday morning. As per the AP news agency, officers heard gunshots inside the home. Soon after the suspect exited and shot at officers around 2.25 am, the Orlando Police Department said in a statement. Also read | Amid spike in US gun violence, Florida teacher asks students to write their own obituaries; gets fired Inside the home, police found three gunshot victims, including one child. The victims were transported to the hospital where they died of their injuries, said the Orlando police. The suspect too died of injuries after being transported to the hospital. Identities of the suspect and the three victims are yet to be released. Also read | Amidst increasing mass shootings, Florida allows concealed guns without permit in public AP reports that the two unidentified officers involved in the shooting were not injured and have been placed on administrative leave. This comes as Florida recently allowed residents to carry concealed guns without a permit. Starting July 1, Floridians who legally own a gun will be able to carry it without requiring a permit, i.e., carrying a concealed weapon in public will now no longer require any training or background checks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Three including a child killed in Florida home shooting, assailant shot by cops

A school teacher in Florida, United States, has been fired for asking students to write their own obituaries. Jeffrey Keene, the dismissed teacher, taught psychology at Dr Phillips high school in the Orlando area. As per a Guardian report, the assignment didn't have malicious intent, rather the teacher just wanted his students to reflect on their own lives as they participate in an active shooter drill. In Florida, a state that in recent days has been plagued by mass shootings, preparations for gun attacks have become commonplace.

Keene had assigned his 11th and 12th-grade students to write their biographical obituaries. As per the 63-year-old teacher, while giving them the assignment, he told the students, "This isn't a way to upset you or anything like that."

Talking to NBC News, Keene said "It wasn't to scare them or make them feel like they were going to die, but just to help them understand what’s important in their lives and how they want to move forward with their lives and how they want to pursue things in their journey."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amidst-increasing-mass-shootings-florida-allows-concealed-guns-without-permit-in-public-579113">Amidst increasing mass shootings, Florida allows concealed guns without permit in public</a>

Keene, who had been hired in January and was still in his probationary period, was fired&nbsp;by the end of the day.&nbsp;He has no recourse to reverse the termination.

"If you can't talk real to them, then what's happening in this environment?" he said, adding, "in my mind, I've done nothing wrong."

Vowing to not change his teaching methods, Keene said that he hopes to find another job.

"I don't think I did anything incorrectly," Keene said. "I know hindsight is 20/20, but I honestly didn't think a 16, 17, 18-year-old would be offended or upset by talking about something we're already talking about."

However, a representative for the Orange County School District labelled the assignment "inappropriate".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-from-nashville-to-sandy-hook-deadliest-us-school-shootings-which-shook-the-world-576769">In Pics | From Nashville to Sandy Hook, deadliest US school shootings which shook the world</a>

Talking to NBC, the district spokesperson said, "Dr Phillips High School families were informed that a teacher gave an inappropriate assignment about school violence. Administration immediately investigated and the probationary employee has been terminated."

In Governor Ron DeSantis' Florida, carrying a concealed weapon in public without a permit has been made legal. This, as per experts, can potentially lead to an exponential increase in shootings and gun violence, that has in recent years claimed the lives of many. Among the most heart-wrenching and notorious massacres that Florida has witnessed are the 2016 Pulse nightclub in Orlando and the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland shooting.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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A school teacher in Florida, United States, has been fired for asking students to write their own obituaries. Jeffrey Keene, the dismissed teacher, taught psychology at Dr Phillips high school in the Orlando area.

A school teacher in Florida, United States, has been fired for asking students to write their own obituaries. Jeffrey Keene, the dismissed teacher, taught psychology at Dr Phillips high school in the Orlando area. As per a Guardian report, the assignment didn't have malicious intent, rather the teacher just wanted his students to reflect on their own lives as they participate in an active shooter drill. In Florida, a state that in recent days has been plagued by mass shootings, preparations for gun attacks have become commonplace. Keene had assigned his 11th and 12th-grade students to write their biographical obituaries. As per the 63-year-old teacher, while giving them the assignment, he told the students, "This isn't a way to upset you or anything like that." Talking to NBC News, Keene said "It wasn't to scare them or make them feel like they were going to die, but just to help them understand what’s important in their lives and how they want to move forward with their lives and how they want to pursue things in their journey." Also read | Amidst increasing mass shootings, Florida allows concealed guns without permit in public Keene, who had been hired in January and was still in his probationary period, was fired by the end of the day. He has no recourse to reverse the termination. "If you can't talk real to them, then what's happening in this environment?" he said, adding, "in my mind, I've done nothing wrong." Vowing to not change his teaching methods, Keene said that he hopes to find another job. "I don't think I did anything incorrectly," Keene said. "I know hindsight is 20/20, but I honestly didn't think a 16, 17, 18-year-old would be offended or upset by talking about something we're already talking about." However, a representative for the Orange County School District labelled the assignment "inappropriate". Also read | In Pics | From Nashville to Sandy Hook, deadliest US school shootings which shook the world Talking to NBC, the district spokesperson said, "Dr Phillips High School families were informed that a teacher gave an inappropriate assignment about school violence. Administration immediately investigated and the probationary employee has been terminated." In Governor Ron DeSantis' Florida, carrying a concealed weapon in public without a permit has been made legal. This, as per experts, can potentially lead to an exponential increase in shootings and gun violence, that has in recent years claimed the lives of many. Among the most heart-wrenching and notorious massacres that Florida has witnessed are the 2016 Pulse nightclub in Orlando and the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland shooting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid spike in US gun violence, Florida teacher asks students to write their own obituaries; gets fired

Even as the United States reels under the burden of copious amounts of mass shootings and deaths due to firearms, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill, allowing residents to carry concealed guns without a permit. The bill as per ABC News gives the Republican a legislative victory as he prepares to run for US president next year. The governor reportedly signed the bill in a private ceremony in his ceremony.&nbsp;

Starting July 1, Floridians who legally own a gun will be able to carry it without requiring a permit. This means that training and background checks will no longer be necessary for carrying a concealed weapon in public.

DeSantis'&nbsp;office in a public comment said that "Constitutional Carry is in the books."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-from-nashville-to-sandy-hook-deadliest-us-school-shootings-which-shook-the-world-576769">In Pics | From Nashville to Sandy Hook, deadliest US school shootings which shook the world</a>

The bill comes five years after the then-governor Rick Scott, a Republican, signed a bill imposing gun restrictions in the state. This step was taken after 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz on February 14, 2018, opened fire on students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the Miami suburban town of Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people including students and faculty.

Reacting to DeSantis'&nbsp;bill, Fred Guttenberg, father of Jaime, a 14-year-old girl who was killed in the high school shooting, said "I am pissed."

Addressing reporters during an online news conference, he said: "I will chase him down across the state as well as possibly across the country ... because Ron DeSantis today put his signature to a bill that guarantees there will be more Jaimes."

"Somebody in Florida may die ... because of this legislation. That will be because of you, Ron DeSantis," he said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-nashville-shooter-audrey-hale-makes-up-for-an-extremely-rare-assailant-576900">In Pics | From Nashville to Sandy Hook, deadliest US school shootings which shook the world</a>

Referring to the Florida Governor's signing of the bill behind closed doors, he added, "I understand why you hid today ... You are a weak, pathetic, small-minded individual."

Along the political lines, reactions were divided. While Republicans applauded the bill and said that "law-abiding" citizens should have the right to protect themselves, Democrats and gun safety advocates booed the decision. They say that the decision will make the law more dangerous and will potentially lead to mass shootings like the massacre at the 2016 Pulse nightclub in Orlando and the one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. 
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(With inputs from agencies)

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Even as the United States reels under the burden of copious amounts of mass shootings and deaths due to firearms, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill, allowing residents to carry concealed guns without a permit.

Even as the United States reels under the burden of copious amounts of mass shootings and deaths due to firearms, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill, allowing residents to carry concealed guns without a permit. The bill as per ABC News gives the Republican a legislative victory as he prepares to run for US president next year. The governor reportedly signed the bill in a private ceremony in his ceremony. Starting July 1, Floridians who legally own a gun will be able to carry it without requiring a permit. This means that training and background checks will no longer be necessary for carrying a concealed weapon in public. DeSantis' office in a public comment said that "Constitutional Carry is in the books." Also read | In Pics | From Nashville to Sandy Hook, deadliest US school shootings which shook the world The bill comes five years after the then-governor Rick Scott, a Republican, signed a bill imposing gun restrictions in the state. This step was taken after 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz on February 14, 2018, opened fire on students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the Miami suburban town of Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people including students and faculty. Reacting to DeSantis' bill, Fred Guttenberg, father of Jaime, a 14-year-old girl who was killed in the high school shooting, said "I am pissed." Addressing reporters during an online news conference, he said: "I will chase him down across the state as well as possibly across the country ... because Ron DeSantis today put his signature to a bill that guarantees there will be more Jaimes." "Somebody in Florida may die ... because of this legislation. That will be because of you, Ron DeSantis," he said. Also read | In Pics | From Nashville to Sandy Hook, deadliest US school shootings which shook the world Referring to the Florida Governor's signing of the bill behind closed doors, he added, "I understand why you hid today ... You are a weak, pathetic, small-minded individual." Along the political lines, reactions were divided. While Republicans applauded the bill and said that "law-abiding" citizens should have the right to protect themselves, Democrats and gun safety advocates booed the decision. They say that the decision will make the law more dangerous and will potentially lead to mass shootings like the massacre at the 2016 Pulse nightclub in Orlando and the one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amidst increasing mass shootings, Florida allows concealed guns without permit in public

Former US President Donald Trump has kicked off 2024 presidential campaign with rally in Waco, Texas. During the rally, Trump touted his accomplishments, discussed plans for the upcoming election and slammed the ongoing investigations against him.

Donald Trump kicks-off rallies for 2024 US Presidential race