United Parcel Service and FedEx on Friday shot down social media calls that they step in to deliver mail-in ballots from the US Postal Service, which is warning states of potentially "significant" delays.

"State ballots must be postmarked to be considered valid and only the USPS has lawful postmarking status. Therefore UPS, FedEx and other private parties cannot technically be involved in shipping ballots," UPS told Reuters in a statement.

"FedEx does accept individual ballots, and we advise that customers planning to return their ballots via FedEx should closely review their state's guidelines on absentee voting and deadlines for ballots or related election documents," FedEx said.

Republican President Donald Trump on Thursday said he opposed providing funds for the struggling Postal Service for mail voting, which is expected to surge to 50% as the coronavirus pandemic rages ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election.

The Postal Service said on Friday it has written to 46 states and the District of Columbia warning there is a significant risk voters will not have enough time to complete and return their ballots.

In a viral Twitter post on Thursday, author and radio host David Rothkopf said there was a "big opportunity" for UPS and FedEx to deliver ballots for free. "You'll overnight become the most beloved and respected organization in America," he wrote.

Various laws and regulations for the most part prohibit private delivery companies from handling mail-in and absentee ballots, the companies and experts told Reuters. Exceptions include deliveries deemed "extremely urgent" by statute and deliveries on the day of and afternoon prior to election day.

In some states, collection would be prohibited because it would be considered "ballot harvesting," said Tammy Patrick, a former Arizona election official and senior advisor to the Democracy Fund foundation.

There are other hurdles that those companies, already coping with a pandemic-related surge in e-commerce shipments, would have to overcome.

For example, the Postal Service touches every US mailbox six days a week. Private companies visit only when they have a delivery or an pre-arranged pickup - and they do not have blanket coverage in rural areas.

Amazon.com's upstart delivery service has also been floated as an alternative. That service does not do residential pickups.

Representatives from Amazon and the Postal Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
"Establishing a protocol of how they would collect the ballots would be a challenge," Patrick said.

Domestic costs would skyrocket since delivery firms charge significantly more for deliveries than the price of a 55-cent stamp, which is the cost to return many ballots.

And, international costs would be "astronomical," Patrick said.&nbsp;

United Parcel Service and FedEx on Friday shot down social media calls that they step in to deliver mail-in ballots from the US Postal Service, which is warning states of potentially "significant" delays.

United Parcel Service and FedEx on Friday shot down social media calls that they step in to deliver mail-in ballots from the US Postal Service, which is warning states of potentially "significant" delays. "State ballots must be postmarked to be considered valid and only the USPS has lawful postmarking status. Therefore UPS, FedEx and other private parties cannot technically be involved in shipping ballots," UPS told Reuters in a statement. "FedEx does accept individual ballots, and we advise that customers planning to return their ballots via FedEx should closely review their state's guidelines on absentee voting and deadlines for ballots or related election documents," FedEx said. Republican President Donald Trump on Thursday said he opposed providing funds for the struggling Postal Service for mail voting, which is expected to surge to 50% as the coronavirus pandemic rages ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election. The Postal Service said on Friday it has written to 46 states and the District of Columbia warning there is a significant risk voters will not have enough time to complete and return their ballots. In a viral Twitter post on Thursday, author and radio host David Rothkopf said there was a "big opportunity" for UPS and FedEx to deliver ballots for free. "You'll overnight become the most beloved and respected organization in America," he wrote. Various laws and regulations for the most part prohibit private delivery companies from handling mail-in and absentee ballots, the companies and experts told Reuters. Exceptions include deliveries deemed "extremely urgent" by statute and deliveries on the day of and afternoon prior to election day. In some states, collection would be prohibited because it would be considered "ballot harvesting," said Tammy Patrick, a former Arizona election official and senior advisor to the Democracy Fund foundation. There are other hurdles that those companies, already coping with a pandemic-related surge in e-commerce shipments, would have to overcome. For example, the Postal Service touches every US mailbox six days a week. Private companies visit only when they have a delivery or an pre-arranged pickup - and they do not have blanket coverage in rural areas. Amazon.com's upstart delivery service has also been floated as an alternative. That service does not do residential pickups. Representatives from Amazon and the Postal Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment. "Establishing a protocol of how they would collect the ballots would be a challenge," Patrick said. Domestic costs would skyrocket since delivery firms charge significantly more for deliveries than the price of a 55-cent stamp, which is the cost to return many ballots. And, international costs would be "astronomical," Patrick said.

UPS, FedEx warn they cannot carry ballots like US Postal Service

In his campaign tirade against presumptive opponent Joe Biden, the incumbent US president, Donald Trump, has amplified a fringe legal theory critics decry as racist.

Trump said he had heard that Democratic vice-presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris does not meet the requirements to serve the White House.

Former US President Barack Obama was also hit by a birther movement, where his opponents questioned about the origin of his birth.

Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, 55-year-old California senator, Harris, was named by Joe Biden as his vice-presidential running mate on Tuesday.

The conspiracy theory about Harris started following a Newsweek Op-Ed by Dr John Eastman, who ran in the Republican primary to be California's attorney general in 2010. Eastman, who lost the race to Harris, a Democrat, said that there are some questions about the eligibility for the position. The theory was also circulated on social media.

The Biden campaign called opinion piece racist.

"I just heard that. I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements and by the way the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump said in response to a question during a press conference at the White House.

Trump did not give his opinion on it but acknowledged that he has heard about such claims circulating on social media that Harris is not eligible to be the president of the United States.

Harris was born on October 20, 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica.

If elected in the November presidential elections, Harris would be second in line of succession after Biden, who is the Democratic party's presidential nominee.

As per the Constitution, the president needs to be born in the United States.

Harris is the first black, and first Indian-American and African-American to be selected for this second highest elected office in the country.

Trump said, "I would have assumed the Democrats would have check that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president but that's a very serious -- you are saying that they are saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country."

"I just heard about it. I will take a look," Trump said responding to another question.

In his campaign tirade against presumptive opponent Joe Biden, the incumbent US president, Donald Trump, has amplified a fringe legal theory critics decry as racist.

In his campaign tirade against presumptive opponent Joe Biden, the incumbent US president, Donald Trump, has amplified a fringe legal theory critics decry as racist. Trump said he had heard that Democratic vice-presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris does not meet the requirements to serve the White House. Former US President Barack Obama was also hit by a birther movement, where his opponents questioned about the origin of his birth. Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, 55-year-old California senator, Harris, was named by Joe Biden as his vice-presidential running mate on Tuesday. The conspiracy theory about Harris started following a Newsweek Op-Ed by Dr John Eastman, who ran in the Republican primary to be California's attorney general in 2010. Eastman, who lost the race to Harris, a Democrat, said that there are some questions about the eligibility for the position. The theory was also circulated on social media. The Biden campaign called opinion piece racist. "I just heard that. I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements and by the way the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump said in response to a question during a press conference at the White House. Trump did not give his opinion on it but acknowledged that he has heard about such claims circulating on social media that Harris is not eligible to be the president of the United States. Harris was born on October 20, 1964, at Oakland in California. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in India, while her father, Donald J Harris, moved to the US from Jamaica. If elected in the November presidential elections, Harris would be second in line of succession after Biden, who is the Democratic party's presidential nominee. As per the Constitution, the president needs to be born in the United States. Harris is the first black, and first Indian-American and African-American to be selected for this second highest elected office in the country. Trump said, "I would have assumed the Democrats would have check that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president but that's a very serious -- you are saying that they are saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country." "I just heard about it. I will take a look," Trump said responding to another question.

Trump stokes birtherism conspiracy theory about Kamala Harris

United States President Donald Trump has blocked Democrats' effort to include funds for the US Postal Service and election infrastructure in a new coronavirus relief bill. This is being considered as a move to block more Americans from voting by mail during the pandemic.

Congressional Democrats accused Republican Trump of trying to damage the struggling Postal Service to improve his chances of being re-elected as opinion polls show him trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

Trump has been railing against mail-in ballots for months as a possible source of fraud, although millions of Americans - including much of the military - have cast absentee ballots by mail for years without such problems. He said his negotiators have resisted Democrats' calls for additional money to help prepare for presidential, congressional and local voting during a pandemic that has killed more than 165,000 Americans and presented logistical challenges to organising as large an event as the November 3 elections.

"The items are the post office and the $3.5 billion for mail-in voting," Trump told Fox Business Network, saying Democrats want to give the post office $25 billion. "If we don't make the deal, that means they can't have the money, that means they can't have universal mail-in voting."

Trump later said at a news briefing that if a deal was reached that included postal funding, he would not veto it.

The amount of money in question is less than 1% of either party's current proposed aid package for Americans struggling because of the pandemic. Senate Republicans have floated a $1 trillion response while the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed a $3 trillion bill in May.

The White House negotiating team of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has not met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in six days.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday said the Republican-controlled Senate was leaving Washington until September, unless there was a coronavirus relief agreement that required a vote. 
"I’m still hoping that we’ll have some kind of bipartisan agreement here sometime in the coming weeks," he told reporters.

Democrats have cried foul, accusing Trump and his party of trying to make it harder for Americans to vote, as experts said concern about catching COVID-19 could keep up to half of the electorate from voting in person. 
"Pure Trump. He doesn't want an election," Biden said, when asked about Trump's comments before a campaign appearance.

Roughly one in four US voters cast ballots by mail in 2016, and Trump has voted by mail. Trump has also criticized state efforts to make voting by mail more widely available, saying without evidence it could lead to widespread fraud. Evidence shows mail voting is as secure as any other method.

United States President Donald Trump has blocked Democrats' effort to include funds for the US Postal Service and election infrastructure in a new coronavirus relief bill.

United States President Donald Trump has blocked Democrats' effort to include funds for the US Postal Service and election infrastructure in a new coronavirus relief bill. This is being considered as a move to block more Americans from voting by mail during the pandemic. Congressional Democrats accused Republican Trump of trying to damage the struggling Postal Service to improve his chances of being re-elected as opinion polls show him trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Trump has been railing against mail-in ballots for months as a possible source of fraud, although millions of Americans - including much of the military - have cast absentee ballots by mail for years without such problems. He said his negotiators have resisted Democrats' calls for additional money to help prepare for presidential, congressional and local voting during a pandemic that has killed more than 165,000 Americans and presented logistical challenges to organising as large an event as the November 3 elections. "The items are the post office and the $3.5 billion for mail-in voting," Trump told Fox Business Network, saying Democrats want to give the post office $25 billion. "If we don't make the deal, that means they can't have the money, that means they can't have universal mail-in voting." Trump later said at a news briefing that if a deal was reached that included postal funding, he would not veto it. The amount of money in question is less than 1% of either party's current proposed aid package for Americans struggling because of the pandemic. Senate Republicans have floated a $1 trillion response while the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed a $3 trillion bill in May. The White House negotiating team of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has not met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in six days. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday said the Republican-controlled Senate was leaving Washington until September, unless there was a coronavirus relief agreement that required a vote. "I’m still hoping that we’ll have some kind of bipartisan agreement here sometime in the coming weeks," he told reporters. Democrats have cried foul, accusing Trump and his party of trying to make it harder for Americans to vote, as experts said concern about catching COVID-19 could keep up to half of the electorate from voting in person. "Pure Trump. He doesn't want an election," Biden said, when asked about Trump's comments before a campaign appearance. Roughly one in four US voters cast ballots by mail in 2016, and Trump has voted by mail. Trump has also criticized state efforts to make voting by mail more widely available, saying without evidence it could lead to widespread fraud. Evidence shows mail voting is as secure as any other method.

Ahead of presidential election, Trump holds up coronavirus aid to block funding for mail-in voting

US President Donald Trump has said he intends to deliver his Republican nomination acceptance speech from the White House.

Having won the GOP primaries with historic margins, he will formally be nominated by the party through its virtual convention later this month.

Both the Democratic convention, where his challenger Joe Biden, 77, would be formally nominated on August 20, and the Republican convention will be held online. Biden is scheduled to deliver his nomination acceptance speech from Delaware.

"I'll probably be giving my speech at the White House because it is a great place. It's a place that makes me feel good, it makes the country feel good," Trump told The New York Post, on Thursday, and added it would also be easy for law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service.

"We'd do it possibly outside on one of the lawns, we have various lawns, so we could have it outside in terms of the China virus."

When asked if he had formally accepted the Republican nomination for president with a crowd of supporters, he said that "we could have quite a group of people. It's very big, a very big lawn. We could have a big group of people".

The convention was initially scheduled to be held in Charlotte in North Carolina but was later moved to Jacksonville in Florida, only to be cancelled again because of rising cases of the novel coronavirus.

According to The Hill, Trump originally suggested the idea of making the speech at the White House earlier this month, saying that was "probably" where he would give it.

But the announcement sparked a backlash from critics and some Republicans.

US President Donald Trump has said he intends to deliver his Republican nomination acceptance speech from the White House. Having won the GOP primaries with historic margins, he will formally be nominated by the party through its virtual convention later this month.

US President Donald Trump has said he intends to deliver his Republican nomination acceptance speech from the White House. Having won the GOP primaries with historic margins, he will formally be nominated by the party through its virtual convention later this month. Both the Democratic convention, where his challenger Joe Biden, 77, would be formally nominated on August 20, and the Republican convention will be held online. Biden is scheduled to deliver his nomination acceptance speech from Delaware. "I'll probably be giving my speech at the White House because it is a great place. It's a place that makes me feel good, it makes the country feel good," Trump told The New York Post, on Thursday, and added it would also be easy for law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service. "We'd do it possibly outside on one of the lawns, we have various lawns, so we could have it outside in terms of the China virus." When asked if he had formally accepted the Republican nomination for president with a crowd of supporters, he said that "we could have quite a group of people. It's very big, a very big lawn. We could have a big group of people". The convention was initially scheduled to be held in Charlotte in North Carolina but was later moved to Jacksonville in Florida, only to be cancelled again because of rising cases of the novel coronavirus. According to The Hill, Trump originally suggested the idea of making the speech at the White House earlier this month, saying that was "probably" where he would give it. But the announcement sparked a backlash from critics and some Republicans.

Trump plans to give Republican nomination acceptance speech from White House

Social media platforms stepped up fight against misinformation on the US elections, with Facebook starting a hub to help users with poll-related resources and Twitter expanding rules against misinformation on mail-in ballots and early voting.

The move comes as online social networks have been drawing flak for what has been called a lax approach to fake news reports and misinformation campaigns, which many believe affected the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.

Twitter's move will involve coming up with new policies "that emphasise accurate information about all available options to vote, including by mail and early voting."

"We're focused on empowering every eligible person to register and vote through partnerships, tools and new policies," Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, Twitter's vice president for public policy in the Americas, told Reuters in an email.

Facebook, meanwhile, launched a Voting Information Center to help users with accurate and easy-to-find information about voting wherever they live.

The company said in a blog it was also speaking with officials about misinformation surrounding election results as an emerging threat.

Twitter said it would roll out measures on new tools, policies and voting resources in the next month. It is exploring how to expand its "civic integrity policies" to address mischaracterisations of mail-in voting and other procedures. 
The finer details of the step are still being finalised.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that voting by mail, which is expected to increase dramatically due to the coronavirus outbreak, is susceptible to large-scale fraud.

The process is not new in the United States — nearly one in four voters cast 2016 presidential ballots that way. 
Many experts have said that routine methods and the decentralized nature of US elections make it very hard to interfere with mailed ballots.

Social media platforms stepped up fight against misinformation on the US elections, with Facebook starting a hub to help users with poll-related resources and Twitter expanding rules against misinformation on mail-in ballots and early voting.

Social media platforms stepped up fight against misinformation on the US elections, with Facebook starting a hub to help users with poll-related resources and Twitter expanding rules against misinformation on mail-in ballots and early voting. The move comes as online social networks have been drawing flak for what has been called a lax approach to fake news reports and misinformation campaigns, which many believe affected the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Twitter's move will involve coming up with new policies "that emphasise accurate information about all available options to vote, including by mail and early voting." "We're focused on empowering every eligible person to register and vote through partnerships, tools and new policies," Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, Twitter's vice president for public policy in the Americas, told Reuters in an email. Facebook, meanwhile, launched a Voting Information Center to help users with accurate and easy-to-find information about voting wherever they live. The company said in a blog it was also speaking with officials about misinformation surrounding election results as an emerging threat. Twitter said it would roll out measures on new tools, policies and voting resources in the next month. It is exploring how to expand its "civic integrity policies" to address mischaracterisations of mail-in voting and other procedures. The finer details of the step are still being finalised. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that voting by mail, which is expected to increase dramatically due to the coronavirus outbreak, is susceptible to large-scale fraud. The process is not new in the United States — nearly one in four voters cast 2016 presidential ballots that way. Many experts have said that routine methods and the decentralized nature of US elections make it very hard to interfere with mailed ballots.

Facebook, Twitter step up fight against misinformation on US elections

The historian, who has the knack of accurately predicting the future, has issued his verdict for 2020.

American University Professor Allan Lichtman is famous for accurately predicting the winner of every US presidential election since 1984, and according to him, this year, Joe Biden will defeat the incumbent president, Donald Trump.

Lichtman uses a system, he created of 13 "keys", which decides who will win the White House. In 2016, Lichtman was one of the few forecasters who said Trump would be the next president.&nbsp;

Surprisingly, he also predicted that Trump would be impeached. He now foresees a Biden victory in November.

"The keys predict that Trump will lose the White House," Lichtman says in a New York Times video op-ed released on Wednesday and in an interview with CNN released on Saturday.

The "13 keys" in his system include factors such as the economy, incumbency, social unrest and scandals, as well as the candidates' personal charisma.

Lichtman, however, considers it as a close contest, and notes that there are extraordinary factors that could still alter the outcome. According to his system, seven of the 13 keys favour Biden and six favour Trump.

Lichtman says Biden has the edge, "in light of the coronavirus pandemic and the national movement of protests against police brutality and systematic racism."

Lichtman has used the key system to forecast the winner of each race since Ronald Reagan's reelection victory in 1984.&nbsp;

The only one time there was a lapse in his judgement was back in 2000. He has predicted that Al Gore would win the election. Gore won the popular vote, but lost the presidency to George W Bush after the Supreme Court ruled to stop the recount for Florida's electoral votes. Lichtman still stands by validity of his prediction.

The historian, who has the knack of accurately predicting the future, has issued his verdict for 2020. American University Professor Allan Lichtman is famous for accurately predicting the winner of every US presidential election since 1984, and according to him, this year, Joe Biden will defeat the incumbent president, Donald Trump.

The historian, who has the knack of accurately predicting the future, has issued his verdict for 2020. American University Professor Allan Lichtman is famous for accurately predicting the winner of every US presidential election since 1984, and according to him, this year, Joe Biden will defeat the incumbent president, Donald Trump. Lichtman uses a system, he created of 13 "keys", which decides who will win the White House. In 2016, Lichtman was one of the few forecasters who said Trump would be the next president. Surprisingly, he also predicted that Trump would be impeached. He now foresees a Biden victory in November. "The keys predict that Trump will lose the White House," Lichtman says in a New York Times video op-ed released on Wednesday and in an interview with CNN released on Saturday. The "13 keys" in his system include factors such as the economy, incumbency, social unrest and scandals, as well as the candidates' personal charisma. Lichtman, however, considers it as a close contest, and notes that there are extraordinary factors that could still alter the outcome. According to his system, seven of the 13 keys favour Biden and six favour Trump. Lichtman says Biden has the edge, "in light of the coronavirus pandemic and the national movement of protests against police brutality and systematic racism." Lichtman has used the key system to forecast the winner of each race since Ronald Reagan's reelection victory in 1984. The only one time there was a lapse in his judgement was back in 2000. He has predicted that Al Gore would win the election. Gore won the popular vote, but lost the presidency to George W Bush after the Supreme Court ruled to stop the recount for Florida's electoral votes. Lichtman still stands by validity of his prediction.

Professor, who accurately predicted every US election since 1984, says Biden will beat Trump

The US intelligence has assessed that&nbsp;Russia, China and Iran will all try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with Beijing&nbsp;"preferring" an outcome where President Donald Trump is not reelected in November and Moscow working to "denigrate" former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid.

In an unusual public statement, William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Centre, said the three countries were using online disinformation and other means to try to influence voters, stir up disorder and undermine American voters' confidence in the democratic process.

Evanina said in a statement on Friday: "We assess that China prefers that President Trump -- whom Beijing sees as unpredictable -- does not win reelection."

Evanina's assessment comes two days after the release of a new report from the State Department that accused Russia of conducting a sophisticated disinformation and propaganda campaign, which uses a variety of approaches including Kremlin-aligned news sites to promote their agenda.

In a nutshell, Evanina's statement&nbsp;put two of the biggest American adversaries on opposite sides of the election: Russia for Trump and China for Biden.

"China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China's interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China," Evanina added.

"We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia 'establishment.' This is consistent with Moscow's public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration's policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia."&nbsp;

According to CNN, Evanina also stated that Iran is seeking to "undermine US democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country."

The statement from the top counterintelligence official is also the clearest the intelligence community has been in suggesting Russia prefers one candidate over the other in the 2020 race.

In response, Trump appeared reluctant to accept the intelligence community findings. He, when asked, said, "It could be. I mean it could be, very much."

"I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody's been tougher on Russia -- ever," Trump said, adding later, "the last thing that Russia wants, and China wants, and Iran wants is for Donald Trump to win."

Evanina used "denigrate" to denote what Russia wanted. It is the word the intelligence community used in its 2017 assessment citing Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" aimed at harming Hillary Clinton.

US intelligence officials presented information to lawmakers and presidential campaigns.

An official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told CNN that there's "no particular rank or order by which the threat actors are listed" in Evanina's statement.

The Biden and Trump campaigns responded to the news of Evanina's warning by volleying attacks at one another.

The Biden campaign's foreign policy adviser, Tony Blinken, accused Trump of having "publically and repeatedly invited, emboldened, and even tried to coerce foreign interference in American elections."

Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed the administration has held Moscow accountable and is "tougher on Russia than any administration in history," also attacking Obama's former national security adviser Susan Rice, who is a potential running mate for Biden.

Many officials who oversee US election technology and outside security experts now worry less about hacking in the elections than about misinformation and logistics such as a shortage of poll workers and slowdowns at the US postal service.

The US intelligence has assessed that Russia, China and Iran will all try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with Beijing "preferring" an outcome where President Donald Trump is not reelected in November and Moscow working to "denigrate" former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid.

The US intelligence has assessed that Russia, China and Iran will all try to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with Beijing "preferring" an outcome where President Donald Trump is not reelected in November and Moscow working to "denigrate" former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid. In an unusual public statement, William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Centre, said the three countries were using online disinformation and other means to try to influence voters, stir up disorder and undermine American voters' confidence in the democratic process. Evanina said in a statement on Friday: "We assess that China prefers that President Trump -- whom Beijing sees as unpredictable -- does not win reelection." Evanina's assessment comes two days after the release of a new report from the State Department that accused Russia of conducting a sophisticated disinformation and propaganda campaign, which uses a variety of approaches including Kremlin-aligned news sites to promote their agenda. In a nutshell, Evanina's statement put two of the biggest American adversaries on opposite sides of the election: Russia for Trump and China for Biden. "China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China's interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China," Evanina added. "We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia 'establishment.' This is consistent with Moscow's public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration's policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia." According to CNN, Evanina also stated that Iran is seeking to "undermine US democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country." The statement from the top counterintelligence official is also the clearest the intelligence community has been in suggesting Russia prefers one candidate over the other in the 2020 race. In response, Trump appeared reluctant to accept the intelligence community findings. He, when asked, said, "It could be. I mean it could be, very much." "I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody's been tougher on Russia -- ever," Trump said, adding later, "the last thing that Russia wants, and China wants, and Iran wants is for Donald Trump to win." Evanina used "denigrate" to denote what Russia wanted. It is the word the intelligence community used in its 2017 assessment citing Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" aimed at harming Hillary Clinton. US intelligence officials presented information to lawmakers and presidential campaigns. An official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told CNN that there's "no particular rank or order by which the threat actors are listed" in Evanina's statement. The Biden and Trump campaigns responded to the news of Evanina's warning by volleying attacks at one another. The Biden campaign's foreign policy adviser, Tony Blinken, accused Trump of having "publically and repeatedly invited, emboldened, and even tried to coerce foreign interference in American elections." Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed the administration has held Moscow accountable and is "tougher on Russia than any administration in history," also attacking Obama's former national security adviser Susan Rice, who is a potential running mate for Biden. Many officials who oversee US election technology and outside security experts now worry less about hacking in the elections than about misinformation and logistics such as a shortage of poll workers and slowdowns at the US postal service.

China wants Trump to lose election, Russia working to insult Biden, US intel says

US Republican President Donald Trump has said that his Democratic opponent in November's election, Joe Biden, is "against God". With Trump trailing Biden in four recent polls in Ohio, the president is fighting to win voters in the traditional swing state as the coronavirus pandemic threatens his chances of a second term.

To this end, in a campaign-style speech at a Whirlpool plant in Clyde, Ohio, Trump said: "He's against God."

"He's following the radical-left agenda: take away your guns, destroy your Second Amendment, no religion, no anything, hurt the Bible, hurt God," Trump had said about Biden in his Cleveland speech.&nbsp;

The Second Amendment of the US Constitution gives Americans the right to keep and bear arms.

Trump did not explain what he meant. His accusation, though, could solidify support from his party's sizable conservative Christian bloc and also damage voters' view of Biden, the first Catholic Vice President in US history.

John Kennedy was the first and only Catholic elected President when he won in 1960.

In a statement on Thursday night, Biden said Trump's attack was "shameful" and that faith had been the bedrock foundation of his life.

"President Trump’s comments reveal more about him than they do about anyone else. They show us a man willing to stoop to any low for political gain, and someone whose actions are completely at odds with the values and teachings that he professes to believe in," Biden said.

More than three-fourths of Americans practice Christianity or another religion, according to the Pew Research Center. Trump has been hurt politically by his response to the coronavirus pandemic that has recently killed on average more than 1,000 Americans each day.

While he speaks very little about his own Presbyterian faith and rarely attends church, Trump works closely with evangelical Christians and puts their causes of restricting abortion and preserving gun ownership at the top of his policy agenda.

After a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, killed 20 children in 2012, Biden pushed for some restrictions on gun ownership, but he has not called for confiscating firearms.

He has said he would seek to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, let people who own assault weapons sell them back voluntarily, and expand background checks.

US Republican President Donald Trump has said that his Democratic opponent in November's election, Joe Biden, is "against God". With Trump trailing Biden in four recent polls in Ohio, the president is fighting to win voters in the traditional swing state as the coronavirus pandemic threatens his chances of a second term.

US Republican President Donald Trump has said that his Democratic opponent in November's election, Joe Biden, is "against God". With Trump trailing Biden in four recent polls in Ohio, the president is fighting to win voters in the traditional swing state as the coronavirus pandemic threatens his chances of a second term. To this end, in a campaign-style speech at a Whirlpool plant in Clyde, Ohio, Trump said: "He's against God." "He's following the radical-left agenda: take away your guns, destroy your Second Amendment, no religion, no anything, hurt the Bible, hurt God," Trump had said about Biden in his Cleveland speech. The Second Amendment of the US Constitution gives Americans the right to keep and bear arms. Trump did not explain what he meant. His accusation, though, could solidify support from his party's sizable conservative Christian bloc and also damage voters' view of Biden, the first Catholic Vice President in US history. John Kennedy was the first and only Catholic elected President when he won in 1960. In a statement on Thursday night, Biden said Trump's attack was "shameful" and that faith had been the bedrock foundation of his life. "President Trump’s comments reveal more about him than they do about anyone else. They show us a man willing to stoop to any low for political gain, and someone whose actions are completely at odds with the values and teachings that he professes to believe in," Biden said. More than three-fourths of Americans practice Christianity or another religion, according to the Pew Research Center. Trump has been hurt politically by his response to the coronavirus pandemic that has recently killed on average more than 1,000 Americans each day. While he speaks very little about his own Presbyterian faith and rarely attends church, Trump works closely with evangelical Christians and puts their causes of restricting abortion and preserving gun ownership at the top of his policy agenda. After a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, killed 20 children in 2012, Biden pushed for some restrictions on gun ownership, but he has not called for confiscating firearms. He has said he would seek to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, let people who own assault weapons sell them back voluntarily, and expand background checks.

Trump says rival Biden opposes 'God and guns'; he responds

US President Donald Trump has said that a vaccine may be produced by the US presidential election on November 3. This indeed makes for a more optimistic timeline than given by his top infectious diseases doctor.

Trump was responding to a question by a radio talk show host on Thursday whether a vaccine could come by the election. He said, "I think in some cases, yes, possible before. But right around that time."

Trump said the vaccine would be ready "sooner than the end of the year. Could be much sooner."

"We have a lot of vaccines under study by the way. We look like we're going to be really good on vaccines and therapeutics also," he said.

A more careful note was sounded on Wednesday by Dr Anthony Fauci, a lead government official on the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Fauci said he was "cautiously optimistic" of success and that "somewhere towards the end of the year, the beginning of 2021, we will know whether they have a safe and effective vaccine."

The Trump administration is pouring federal funds into vaccine development, seen as the only way to stop the virus and end the mass shutdowns and social distancing that have crippled economies around the world.

US President Donald Trump has said that a vaccine may be produced by the US presidential election on November 3. This indeed makes for a more optimistic timeline than given by his top infectious diseases doctor.

US President Donald Trump has said that a vaccine may be produced by the US presidential election on November 3. This indeed makes for a more optimistic timeline than given by his top infectious diseases doctor. Trump was responding to a question by a radio talk show host on Thursday whether a vaccine could come by the election. He said, "I think in some cases, yes, possible before. But right around that time." Trump said the vaccine would be ready "sooner than the end of the year. Could be much sooner." "We have a lot of vaccines under study by the way. We look like we're going to be really good on vaccines and therapeutics also," he said. A more careful note was sounded on Wednesday by Dr Anthony Fauci, a lead government official on the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Fauci said he was "cautiously optimistic" of success and that "somewhere towards the end of the year, the beginning of 2021, we will know whether they have a safe and effective vaccine." The Trump administration is pouring federal funds into vaccine development, seen as the only way to stop the virus and end the mass shutdowns and social distancing that have crippled economies around the world.

Trump says US coronavirus vaccine 'possible' by November presidential election

US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka raised USD 4 million for his reelection campaign during a virtual event.

Approximately 100 people attended her first virtual fundraiser, held over Zoom.

Also, Trump briefly addressed the contributors after he telephoned his daughter during the event and she put the call on speakerphone.

The proceeds will be used to pay for field work and to highlight Trump's pro-worker agenda for voters.

Ivanka Trump plans to appear at another fundraiser next week in Wyoming.

She campaigned for her father's 2016 campaign, including before and after the birth of her third child. She works in the White House as an unpaid adviser to the president.

The USD 4 million raised Wednesday topped a recent online fundraiser for Joe Biden, Trump's likely Democratic opponent. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren netted USD 1.7 million at a virtual Biden fundraiser August 1.

US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka raised USD 4 million for his reelection campaign during a virtual event. Approximately 100 people attended her first virtual fundraiser, held over Zoom.

US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka raised USD 4 million for his reelection campaign during a virtual event. Approximately 100 people attended her first virtual fundraiser, held over Zoom. Also, Trump briefly addressed the contributors after he telephoned his daughter during the event and she put the call on speakerphone. The proceeds will be used to pay for field work and to highlight Trump's pro-worker agenda for voters. Ivanka Trump plans to appear at another fundraiser next week in Wyoming. She campaigned for her father's 2016 campaign, including before and after the birth of her third child. She works in the White House as an unpaid adviser to the president. The USD 4 million raised Wednesday topped a recent online fundraiser for Joe Biden, Trump's likely Democratic opponent. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren netted USD 1.7 million at a virtual Biden fundraiser August 1.

Ivanka raises $4M at fundraiser for President Donald Trump

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday offered a $10 million reward aimed at preventing foreign interference in the November presidential election.

The reward implies that the members of President Donald Trump's administration are taking election meddling seriously. The State Department has been accusing Russia of waging an increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaign.

The United States "is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, interferes with US elections by engaging in certain criminal cyber activities," Pompeo told reporters.

US intelligence concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to support Trump, especially through manipulation of social media, although it did not find that his campaign colluded with Moscow.

Trump has been outraged by the "Russia hoax" and in February removed the director of national intelligence over a briefing to lawmakers that found that Russia appeared to want Trump to win a new term on November 3.

Last month four top Democratic lawmakers with access to intelligence said they were "gravely concerned" about a new "foreign interference campaign," but their joint statement was notably not signed by members of Trump's Republican Party.

Trump at a 2018 joint press conference appeared to accept Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials of meddling. Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, in an explosive memoir wrote that the mogul believed that any talk of interference discredited his victory.

The State Department's Global Engagement Centre, which is in charge of studying and countering foreign propaganda, warned in a report on Wednesday that Russia has invested "massively" in disinformation efforts on the internet.

The report, which did not focus specifically on election meddling, said that Russia has relied on proxy voices to amplify messages that boost propaganda goals such as stirring up opposition to the United States.

On Twitter, material of the Strategic Culture Foundation and six similar sites was tweeted or retweeted 173,000 times from April through June, the study said.

Britain, not Russia, appeared to be the top source of Twitter activity involving the suspicious material, it said.

Russia has denied allegations of election meddling as well as charges led by Britain that Moscow is hacking coronavirus vaccine research.

Pompeo, for his part, has promoted a theory discounted by mainstream scientists that the new coronavirus came out of a Chinese laboratory.

(with inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday offered a $10 million reward aimed at preventing foreign interference in the November presidential election. The reward implies that the members of President Donald Trump's administration are taking election meddling seriously.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday offered a $10 million reward aimed at preventing foreign interference in the November presidential election. The reward implies that the members of President Donald Trump's administration are taking election meddling seriously. The State Department has been accusing Russia of waging an increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaign. The United States "is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, interferes with US elections by engaging in certain criminal cyber activities," Pompeo told reporters. US intelligence concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to support Trump, especially through manipulation of social media, although it did not find that his campaign colluded with Moscow. Trump has been outraged by the "Russia hoax" and in February removed the director of national intelligence over a briefing to lawmakers that found that Russia appeared to want Trump to win a new term on November 3. Last month four top Democratic lawmakers with access to intelligence said they were "gravely concerned" about a new "foreign interference campaign," but their joint statement was notably not signed by members of Trump's Republican Party. Trump at a 2018 joint press conference appeared to accept Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials of meddling. Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, in an explosive memoir wrote that the mogul believed that any talk of interference discredited his victory. The State Department's Global Engagement Centre, which is in charge of studying and countering foreign propaganda, warned in a report on Wednesday that Russia has invested "massively" in disinformation efforts on the internet. The report, which did not focus specifically on election meddling, said that Russia has relied on proxy voices to amplify messages that boost propaganda goals such as stirring up opposition to the United States. On Twitter, material of the Strategic Culture Foundation and six similar sites was tweeted or retweeted 173,000 times from April through June, the study said. Britain, not Russia, appeared to be the top source of Twitter activity involving the suspicious material, it said. Russia has denied allegations of election meddling as well as charges led by Britain that Moscow is hacking coronavirus vaccine research. Pompeo, for his part, has promoted a theory discounted by mainstream scientists that the new coronavirus came out of a Chinese laboratory. (with inputs from agencies)

US offers $10 million reward against election interference

The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month. This means the dramatically scaled-down Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be closed to the press.

A spokeswoman for the Republican National Convention cited the coronavirus as the reason.

Reporters will not be allowed on site as RNC delegates vote to formally nominate President Donald Trump as the 2020 Republican presidential nominee, but the vote will be livestreamed, the Republican official said.

Trump had earlier called off public components of the convention in Florida last month, citing spiking cases of the coronavirus across the country.

As many as 336 delegates are scheduled to gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 24 to formally vote to make Trump the GOP standard-bearer once more.

Some GOP delegations have raised logistical issues with travelling to either city, citing the increasing number of jurisdictions imposing mandatory quarantine orders on travellers returning from states experiencing surges in the virus.

The subset of delegates in Charlotte will be casting proxy votes on behalf of the more than 2,500 official delegates to the convention. Alternate delegates and guests have already been prohibited.

The proceedings on the Monday of the convention -- including the vote to formally nominate Trump -- will be live-streamed, according to a Republican official familiar with the plans.

It's being said if Trump goes to Charlotte, the expectation is that it will just be to thank the delegates in a private, closed press event.

The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month. This means the dramatically scaled-down Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be closed to the press.

The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month. This means the dramatically scaled-down Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be closed to the press. A spokeswoman for the Republican National Convention cited the coronavirus as the reason. Reporters will not be allowed on site as RNC delegates vote to formally nominate President Donald Trump as the 2020 Republican presidential nominee, but the vote will be livestreamed, the Republican official said. Trump had earlier called off public components of the convention in Florida last month, citing spiking cases of the coronavirus across the country. As many as 336 delegates are scheduled to gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 24 to formally vote to make Trump the GOP standard-bearer once more. Some GOP delegations have raised logistical issues with travelling to either city, citing the increasing number of jurisdictions imposing mandatory quarantine orders on travellers returning from states experiencing surges in the virus. The subset of delegates in Charlotte will be casting proxy votes on behalf of the more than 2,500 official delegates to the convention. Alternate delegates and guests have already been prohibited. The proceedings on the Monday of the convention -- including the vote to formally nominate Trump -- will be live-streamed, according to a Republican official familiar with the plans. It's being said if Trump goes to Charlotte, the expectation is that it will just be to thank the delegates in a private, closed press event.

Renomination of Trump to be held in private, GOP convention closed to press

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that members and staff would be required to wear masks in the House of Representatives during the coronavirus pandemic.

The move came after Republican Representative Louie Gohmert, who steadfastly refused to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic, said on Wednesday he had tested positive for COVID-19, leading at least three of his colleagues to say they would self-quarantine.

To this end, Pelosi said on the House floor that members would be allowed to remove their masks when addressing the chamber.

"The chair expects all members and staff to adhere to this requirement as a sign of respect for the health, safety and well-being of others present in the chamber and surrounding areas," Pelosi said on the House floor.

The House sergeant at arms said in a statement later on Wednesday that "all persons entering the House Office Buildings" should be wearing a face cover, with some exceptions including when a person is "eating, drinking or legally smoking."

Pelosi warned that she had the authority to ask the House sergeant at arms to remove a member from the floor for violating decorum, and "the chair views the failure to wear a mask as a serious breach of decorum."

She said masks would be available at entry points to the House for members who forget to bring them.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that members and staff would be required to wear masks in the House of Representatives during the coronavirus pandemic.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that members and staff would be required to wear masks in the House of Representatives during the coronavirus pandemic. The move came after Republican Representative Louie Gohmert, who steadfastly refused to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic, said on Wednesday he had tested positive for COVID-19, leading at least three of his colleagues to say they would self-quarantine. To this end, Pelosi said on the House floor that members would be allowed to remove their masks when addressing the chamber. "The chair expects all members and staff to adhere to this requirement as a sign of respect for the health, safety and well-being of others present in the chamber and surrounding areas," Pelosi said on the House floor. The House sergeant at arms said in a statement later on Wednesday that "all persons entering the House Office Buildings" should be wearing a face cover, with some exceptions including when a person is "eating, drinking or legally smoking." Pelosi warned that she had the authority to ask the House sergeant at arms to remove a member from the floor for violating decorum, and "the chair views the failure to wear a mask as a serious breach of decorum." She said masks would be available at entry points to the House for members who forget to bring them.

US House Speaker makes wearing masks mandatory for lawmakers and staff

US President Donald Trump's new tone on the coronavirus pandemic disappeared on Tuesday in a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert, and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories.

Trump, almost a week back, addressed national criticism of a leadership void in a crisis that has already killed nearly 150,000 Americans and wreaked havoc on the world's biggest economy. He admitted things were going to "get worse before they get better." He indicated he was embracing the science. He finally urged the wearing of masks.

But looks like all this was a short-lived affair. At a press conference in the White House on Tuesday, it was the old Trump in full display.

The president said it was unfair that the leading US infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci was more popular than him.

"Nobody likes me," he said.

He pushed his theory that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

And he praised Stella Immanuel, a doctor and preacher who believes in witchcraft and a plot being carried out to vaccinate people against being religious, calling her "spectacular."

To this end, Twitter took the rare step of removing clips tweeted by Trump from a video earlier deleted by Facebook in which Immanuel and a group of doctors told Americans that masks are unnecessary and that hydroxychloroquine can defeat the novel coronavirus.

Twitter said the video was "in violation of our COVID-19 misinformation policy."

Twitter also blocked Trump's son Don Jr -- a major player in the president's reelection campaign -- from tweeting for 12 hours after he uploaded a version of the video.

Trump has for months pushed the notion of hydroxychloroquine and says he took the drug for two weeks as a precaution, without suffering ill consequences. There is, however, currently no cure for the coronavirus. Also, a majority of medical authorities now have decided, after some initial debate, that hydroxychloroquine has no proven benefit for coronavirus patients and can be very harmful.

In his Twitter spree late Monday, the president also retweeted a growing right-wing conspiracy theory that Fauci helped push coronavirus to hurt Trump's reelection in November.

The tweet, shared by Trump to his 84 million followers, claimed that Immanuel is highlighting "what should be the biggest scandal in modern American history."

Trump also attacked Fauci by retweeting a comment on a podcast hosted by his former advisor Steve Bannon that Fauci "misled the American public on many issues."

Contary to this, however, Trump insisted on Tuesday at the press conference that he has "a very good relationship with Doctor Fauci."

US President Donald Trump's new tone on the coronavirus pandemic disappeared on Tuesday in a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert, and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories.

US President Donald Trump's new tone on the coronavirus pandemic disappeared on Tuesday in a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert, and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories. Trump, almost a week back, addressed national criticism of a leadership void in a crisis that has already killed nearly 150,000 Americans and wreaked havoc on the world's biggest economy. He admitted things were going to "get worse before they get better." He indicated he was embracing the science. He finally urged the wearing of masks. But looks like all this was a short-lived affair. At a press conference in the White House on Tuesday, it was the old Trump in full display. The president said it was unfair that the leading US infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci was more popular than him. "Nobody likes me," he said. He pushed his theory that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat COVID-19 patients. And he praised Stella Immanuel, a doctor and preacher who believes in witchcraft and a plot being carried out to vaccinate people against being religious, calling her "spectacular." To this end, Twitter took the rare step of removing clips tweeted by Trump from a video earlier deleted by Facebook in which Immanuel and a group of doctors told Americans that masks are unnecessary and that hydroxychloroquine can defeat the novel coronavirus. Twitter said the video was "in violation of our COVID-19 misinformation policy." Twitter also blocked Trump's son Don Jr -- a major player in the president's reelection campaign -- from tweeting for 12 hours after he uploaded a version of the video. Trump has for months pushed the notion of hydroxychloroquine and says he took the drug for two weeks as a precaution, without suffering ill consequences. There is, however, currently no cure for the coronavirus. Also, a majority of medical authorities now have decided, after some initial debate, that hydroxychloroquine has no proven benefit for coronavirus patients and can be very harmful. In his Twitter spree late Monday, the president also retweeted a growing right-wing conspiracy theory that Fauci helped push coronavirus to hurt Trump's reelection in November. The tweet, shared by Trump to his 84 million followers, claimed that Immanuel is highlighting "what should be the biggest scandal in modern American history." Trump also attacked Fauci by retweeting a comment on a podcast hosted by his former advisor Steve Bannon that Fauci "misled the American public on many issues." Contary to this, however, Trump insisted on Tuesday at the press conference that he has "a very good relationship with Doctor Fauci."

Trump back to his old ways; tweets and touts questionable coronavirus theories

Donald Trump has divulged details of a cognitive test he "aced" -- including a five-word memory challenge he said proved he had the "mental stamina" to lead the US.

"Person. Woman. Man Camera. TV," the US president recited as he revealed details of the much-discussed test to Fox TV on Wednesday.

"The last questions are much more difficult," he said in an interview on "Tucker Carlson Tonight", in which he repeatedly questioned the mental capacity of his Democratic rival Joe Biden.&nbsp;

"Like a memory question. It's like, you'll go: Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV," the president said. "So they say, 'Could you repeat that?' So I said, 'Yeah. It's: Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.'"

"Then, ten minutes, 15, 20 minutes later they say, 'Remember that first question... Give us that again."

"And you go: 'Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.'"

"And they say 'that's amazing. How did you do that?'"

"I do it because I have, like, a good memory," Trump continued. "Because I'm cognitively there."&nbsp;

In the interview Trump also called for his Democratic rival Joe Biden -- currently leading Trump in polls ahead of the November presidential election -- to take a similar test, because "something's going on."

"You need physical stamina," he said. "You need mental stamina... we have to be sharp... President Xi is sharp. President Putin is sharp. Erdogan is sharp."

The interview quickly drew ridicule on social media.

"i seriously cannot keep up," tweeted Sarah Cooper, a Trump impersonator who shot to fame with parodies of some of the US leader's greatest hits, including "How to Obamagate" and "How to strong death totals".&nbsp;

Cooper targeted Trump in a previous video "How to cognitive", in which she lampooned a previous interview he gave to Fox, where he professed to have "aced" an unspecified cognitive test.

Donald Trump has divulged details of a cognitive test he "aced" -- including a five-word memory challenge he said proved he had the "mental stamina" to lead the US.

Donald Trump has divulged details of a cognitive test he "aced" -- including a five-word memory challenge he said proved he had the "mental stamina" to lead the US. "Person. Woman. Man Camera. TV," the US president recited as he revealed details of the much-discussed test to Fox TV on Wednesday. "The last questions are much more difficult," he said in an interview on "Tucker Carlson Tonight", in which he repeatedly questioned the mental capacity of his Democratic rival Joe Biden. "Like a memory question. It's like, you'll go: Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV," the president said. "So they say, 'Could you repeat that?' So I said, 'Yeah. It's: Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.'" "Then, ten minutes, 15, 20 minutes later they say, 'Remember that first question... Give us that again." "And you go: 'Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.'" "And they say 'that's amazing. How did you do that?'" "I do it because I have, like, a good memory," Trump continued. "Because I'm cognitively there." In the interview Trump also called for his Democratic rival Joe Biden -- currently leading Trump in polls ahead of the November presidential election -- to take a similar test, because "something's going on." "You need physical stamina," he said. "You need mental stamina... we have to be sharp... President Xi is sharp. President Putin is sharp. Erdogan is sharp." The interview quickly drew ridicule on social media. "i seriously cannot keep up," tweeted Sarah Cooper, a Trump impersonator who shot to fame with parodies of some of the US leader's greatest hits, including "How to Obamagate" and "How to strong death totals". Cooper targeted Trump in a previous video "How to cognitive", in which she lampooned a previous interview he gave to Fox, where he professed to have "aced" an unspecified cognitive test.

Trump touts five-word memory test as showing he is 'cognitively there'

Joe Biden has referred to US President Donald Trump as the country's "first" racist president.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's comments came during a virtual town hall organised by the Service Employees International Union.

At the event, Biden blasted Trump and "his spread of racism" when a questioner complained of racism surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and mentioned the president referring to it as the "China virus."

"The way he deals with people based on the colour of their skin, their national origin, where they're from, is absolutely sickening," the former vice president said.&nbsp;

"No sitting president has ever done this. Never, never, never. No Republican president has done this. No Democratic president. We've had racists, and they've existed. They've tried to get elected president. He's the first one that has."&nbsp;

Biden also suggested that Trump is using race "as a wedge" to distract from his mishandling of the pandemic.

At a White House briefing later Wednesday, Trump responded to a question about Biden's comments by pointing to his administration's efforts passing criminal justice reform legislation and expanding opportunity zones, as well as the low unemployment numbers for minority groups before the coronavirus outbreak.

"I've done more for Black Americans than anybody with the possible of exception of Abraham Lincoln," the president said.

"Nobody has even been close."&nbsp;

Biden has vowed that, if elected, he will begin addressing institutional racism within his first 100 days of taking office.

This was not the first time he's suggested Trump's actions were racist. When Trump said last year that four Democratic congresswomen of color should "go back" to their countries, Biden called it a "flat, racist attack."

Biden has built his campaign around the election being a "battle for the soul of the nation" and says he felt compelled to run for president after he saw Trump respond to a deadly 2017 white supremacist attack on counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, by saying there were "some very fine people" on both sides.

Joe Biden has referred to US President Donald Trump as the country's "first" racist president. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's comments came during a virtual town hall organised by the Service Employees International Union.

Joe Biden has referred to US President Donald Trump as the country's "first" racist president. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's comments came during a virtual town hall organised by the Service Employees International Union. At the event, Biden blasted Trump and "his spread of racism" when a questioner complained of racism surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and mentioned the president referring to it as the "China virus." "The way he deals with people based on the colour of their skin, their national origin, where they're from, is absolutely sickening," the former vice president said. "No sitting president has ever done this. Never, never, never. No Republican president has done this. No Democratic president. We've had racists, and they've existed. They've tried to get elected president. He's the first one that has." Biden also suggested that Trump is using race "as a wedge" to distract from his mishandling of the pandemic. At a White House briefing later Wednesday, Trump responded to a question about Biden's comments by pointing to his administration's efforts passing criminal justice reform legislation and expanding opportunity zones, as well as the low unemployment numbers for minority groups before the coronavirus outbreak. "I've done more for Black Americans than anybody with the possible of exception of Abraham Lincoln," the president said. "Nobody has even been close." Biden has vowed that, if elected, he will begin addressing institutional racism within his first 100 days of taking office. This was not the first time he's suggested Trump's actions were racist. When Trump said last year that four Democratic congresswomen of color should "go back" to their countries, Biden called it a "flat, racist attack." Biden has built his campaign around the election being a "battle for the soul of the nation" and says he felt compelled to run for president after he saw Trump respond to a deadly 2017 white supremacist attack on counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, by saying there were "some very fine people" on both sides.

Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is considering four Black women to be the vice-president if he wins the presidential election to be held in November later this year.

Biden has been receiving extensive vetting briefings about each potential candidate.

Biden is considering a broad tier of candidates to be his running mate, after pledging earlier this year to pick a woman for the job. CNN previously reported that Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Rep. Val Demings of Florida, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Obama administration national security adviser Susan Rice and Rep. Karen Bass of California are among the Black women being considered.

"I am not committed to naming any (of the potential candidates), but the people I've named, and among them there are four Black women," Biden told MSNBC's Joy Reid on "The ReidOut."

He said he is getting a "two-hour vetting report" on each of his potential picks, and that he and his team have gone through "about four candidates" so far.

Biden has said he will name his vice presidential pick in early August, before the Democratic National Convention, which is set to take place August 17-20.

Countless factors will go into Biden's pick, but he has said he is looking for someone who is ready to be president at a "moment's notice".

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is considering four Black women to be the vice-president if he wins the presidential election to be held in November later this year.

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is considering four Black women to be the vice-president if he wins the presidential election to be held in November later this year. Biden has been receiving extensive vetting briefings about each potential candidate. Biden is considering a broad tier of candidates to be his running mate, after pledging earlier this year to pick a woman for the job. CNN previously reported that Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Rep. Val Demings of Florida, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Obama administration national security adviser Susan Rice and Rep. Karen Bass of California are among the Black women being considered. "I am not committed to naming any (of the potential candidates), but the people I've named, and among them there are four Black women," Biden told MSNBC's Joy Reid on "The ReidOut." He said he is getting a "two-hour vetting report" on each of his potential picks, and that he and his team have gone through "about four candidates" so far. Biden has said he will name his vice presidential pick in early August, before the Democratic National Convention, which is set to take place August 17-20. Countless factors will go into Biden's pick, but he has said he is looking for someone who is ready to be president at a "moment's notice".

Joe Biden is considering four Black women for vice-president

The Indian-American community could be "an absolute difference maker" in battleground states in the November 3 presidential elections, a top Democratic leader has said.

As a little over 100 days are left for the elections, both the Republican and the Democratic parties are making huge efforts to reach out to the small but influential Indian-American community in some of the key battleground states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Thomas Perez, chair of the Democratic National Committee, on Saturday said that Michigan has 125,000 Indian-American voters.

"We lost Michigan by 10,700 votes in 2016," he said, referring to the loss of Hillary Clinton, the then Democratic presidential nominee at the hands of President Donald Trump.

"In Pennsylvania, (there are) 156,000 (Indian-American voters). We (Democratic party) lost (presidential elections in) Pennsylvania by 42-43,000 (votes). In Wisconsin (there are) 37,000 (Indian-Americans). We lost Wisconsin by 21,000 (votes) in 2016," said the head of the Democratic party.

"The Indian-American vote, the AAPI (Asian-American and Pacific Islanders) vote more broadly, can be an absolute difference maker (in the 2020 presidential elections)," Perez said at a virtual event "An Electorate Coming of Age: Indian Americans for Biden', jointly hosted by the South Asians for Biden along with AAPI Victory Fund and Indian-American Impact Fund.

"We are hustling to the finishing line" 108 days till the weekend. Think about those three states alone that I mentioned. The Indian-American votes alone can be the difference in moving forward," Perez said.

Shekar Narasimhan, chairman of AAPI Victory Fund, said that there are 1.3 million potential Indian-American voters in eight battle ground states of Arizona (66,000), Florida (193,000), Georgia (150,000), Michigan (125,000), North Carolina (111,000), Pennsylvania (156,000), Texas (475,000) and Wisconsin (37,000).

In 2016, Narasimhan said 77 per cent of the Indian-American voters polled in favour of Hillary.

"Today in all the polls and surveys, their favorability for Biden over Trump is 2.3 to one, (which) is very close to what it was then (in 2016: 2.4 to one)," he said, asserting that the party can aspire to get 75-80 per cent of the Indian-American votes, if they do the work.

There are 1.3 million Indian-American adult citizens, by definition, who are eligible to vote in these (eight battleground) states, he said.

"It is our goal to deliver one million to actually vote in by November 3, 2020 and vote for a Democrat candidate namely for Joe Biden," Narasimhan said, adding that the information is based on data and latest research prepared by data guru Karthik Ramakrishnan.

"There are sectors of the Indian-American community throughout our country, throughout our battleground states. And we want to make sure we're engaging and connecting directly with you all," senior advisor of "Biden for President' campaign Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in her address to the event attended by over 800 Indian-Americans from across the country.

Amit Jani, the national AAPI director for the Biden campaign, said that the Indian-American community has grown in size, influence and in political and civic involvement. More Indian-Americans are joining politics and government.

"The election in November for the president is going to be historic, and we really need the help and support from the Indian-American community to really make a difference," Jani added.

The Indian-American community could be "an absolute difference maker" in battleground states in the November 3 presidential elections, a top Democratic leader has said.

The Indian-American community could be "an absolute difference maker" in battleground states in the November 3 presidential elections, a top Democratic leader has said. As a little over 100 days are left for the elections, both the Republican and the Democratic parties are making huge efforts to reach out to the small but influential Indian-American community in some of the key battleground states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Thomas Perez, chair of the Democratic National Committee, on Saturday said that Michigan has 125,000 Indian-American voters. "We lost Michigan by 10,700 votes in 2016," he said, referring to the loss of Hillary Clinton, the then Democratic presidential nominee at the hands of President Donald Trump. "In Pennsylvania, (there are) 156,000 (Indian-American voters). We (Democratic party) lost (presidential elections in) Pennsylvania by 42-43,000 (votes). In Wisconsin (there are) 37,000 (Indian-Americans). We lost Wisconsin by 21,000 (votes) in 2016," said the head of the Democratic party. "The Indian-American vote, the AAPI (Asian-American and Pacific Islanders) vote more broadly, can be an absolute difference maker (in the 2020 presidential elections)," Perez said at a virtual event "An Electorate Coming of Age: Indian Americans for Biden', jointly hosted by the South Asians for Biden along with AAPI Victory Fund and Indian-American Impact Fund. "We are hustling to the finishing line" 108 days till the weekend. Think about those three states alone that I mentioned. The Indian-American votes alone can be the difference in moving forward," Perez said. Shekar Narasimhan, chairman of AAPI Victory Fund, said that there are 1.3 million potential Indian-American voters in eight battle ground states of Arizona (66,000), Florida (193,000), Georgia (150,000), Michigan (125,000), North Carolina (111,000), Pennsylvania (156,000), Texas (475,000) and Wisconsin (37,000). In 2016, Narasimhan said 77 per cent of the Indian-American voters polled in favour of Hillary. "Today in all the polls and surveys, their favorability for Biden over Trump is 2.3 to one, (which) is very close to what it was then (in 2016: 2.4 to one)," he said, asserting that the party can aspire to get 75-80 per cent of the Indian-American votes, if they do the work. There are 1.3 million Indian-American adult citizens, by definition, who are eligible to vote in these (eight battleground) states, he said. "It is our goal to deliver one million to actually vote in by November 3, 2020 and vote for a Democrat candidate namely for Joe Biden," Narasimhan said, adding that the information is based on data and latest research prepared by data guru Karthik Ramakrishnan. "There are sectors of the Indian-American community throughout our country, throughout our battleground states. And we want to make sure we're engaging and connecting directly with you all," senior advisor of "Biden for President' campaign Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in her address to the event attended by over 800 Indian-Americans from across the country. Amit Jani, the national AAPI director for the Biden campaign, said that the Indian-American community has grown in size, influence and in political and civic involvement. More Indian-Americans are joining politics and government. "The election in November for the president is going to be historic, and we really need the help and support from the Indian-American community to really make a difference," Jani added.

Indian-American voters could make huge difference in battleground states: Top Democratic leader

US federal law enforcement officers are swooping down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect monuments in the country.

Several videos posted online show camouflage-clad officers without clear identification badges using force and unmarked vehicles to transport arrested protesters.

A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokeswoman said on Friday agents had been deployed to Portland to support a newly launched US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unit, tasked with enforcing last month’s executive order from Republican President Donald Trump to protect federal monuments and buildings.

The agents had been trained for operations “in chaotic environments.”

In addition to Border Patrol agents, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are helping DHS’s Federal Protective Service, which provides security for federal buildings, ICE said.

Media reports said federal agents had arrested 13 people, but there was no immediate confirmation from the authorities.

Demonstrators protesting against racism and police brutality gathered around the federal courthouse daily in Portland since the killing of African American George Floyd during a May 25 arrest in Minneapolis, with crowds at times exceeding 10,000. Portland police used tear gas on the protesters, some of whom sprayed graffiti on buildings, until Governor Brown in early July banned its use except in the case of riots.

One video posted online shows an officer bundling a protester into a dark minivan. The CBP spokeswoman said the agency had information that person was suspected of assaults against federal agents or destruction of federal property and “a large and violent mob” moved toward the agents once they approached the suspect.

Another video shows an officer shoving away medics trying to aid someone. And still another showed a protester bleeding profusely from his head after federal troops allegedly shot him with a weapon firing non-lethal munition.

To this end, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the US Marshals Service “will be conducting a full investigation” into the shooting.

US federal law enforcement officers are swooping down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect monuments in the country.

US federal law enforcement officers are swooping down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect monuments in the country. Several videos posted online show camouflage-clad officers without clear identification badges using force and unmarked vehicles to transport arrested protesters. A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokeswoman said on Friday agents had been deployed to Portland to support a newly launched US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unit, tasked with enforcing last month’s executive order from Republican President Donald Trump to protect federal monuments and buildings. The agents had been trained for operations “in chaotic environments.” In addition to Border Patrol agents, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are helping DHS’s Federal Protective Service, which provides security for federal buildings, ICE said. Media reports said federal agents had arrested 13 people, but there was no immediate confirmation from the authorities. Demonstrators protesting against racism and police brutality gathered around the federal courthouse daily in Portland since the killing of African American George Floyd during a May 25 arrest in Minneapolis, with crowds at times exceeding 10,000. Portland police used tear gas on the protesters, some of whom sprayed graffiti on buildings, until Governor Brown in early July banned its use except in the case of riots. One video posted online shows an officer bundling a protester into a dark minivan. The CBP spokeswoman said the agency had information that person was suspected of assaults against federal agents or destruction of federal property and “a large and violent mob” moved toward the agents once they approached the suspect. Another video shows an officer shoving away medics trying to aid someone. And still another showed a protester bleeding profusely from his head after federal troops allegedly shot him with a weapon firing non-lethal munition. To this end, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the US Marshals Service “will be conducting a full investigation” into the shooting.

US cracks down on Portland protesters after Trump order to protect monuments

Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, if elected to power in the November elections, will help shape international bodies like the United Nations so that India get a permanent seat on the Security Council, a former top American diplomat has said.

India has been pushing for reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council, stating that its composition doesn't reflect the current realities and is not representative enough.

The UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent members -- the US, the UK, France, Russia and China. China is the only permanent member of the UNSC which is opposed to India's inclusion into the powerful grouping. Half of the 10 non-permanent members are elected every year for a two-year term. India, along with Mexico and Ireland, has been recently elected a non-permanent member for a two-year term starting January 1, 2021.

"There's no question that under his (Biden) leadership, he would help shape international institutions like the UN to give India a (permanent) seat on the Security Council, he would fulfil its (India) status as a major defence partner," former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Saturday.

"He (Biden) would work together with India to keep our citizens collectively safe. That means standing up against cross-border terrorism and standing with India when its neighbours attempt to change the status quo," he added.

Verma, an Indian-American who was US ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017, joined three other prominent Indian-Americans to make a strong pitch for the small but highly influential community to support and vote for Biden in the US presidential elections.

The 77-year-old former US vice president is set to be formally nominated by the Democratic Party in August. He will challenge 74-year-old incumbent President Donald Trump, a Republican in the November 3 presidential elections.

Verma, Biden Unity Task Force Economic Policy advisor Sonal Shah, former US surgeon general Vivek Murthy and Centre for American Progress Action Fund CEO Neera Tanden in their address to a virtual event argued that over the past several decades, Biden has a proven track record of being the best friend of Indians and Indian-Americans, be it as a Senator from Delaware or as a vice president under the Obama administration.

"There's no question president Biden would build a more inclusive, tolerant just and fair administration that would take US-India relations to new heights," Verma said at the event -- 'An Electorate Coming of Age: Indian Americans for Biden Community Town Hall'.

He urged the Indian-American community to make Biden's dream of making India and the US the two closet nations in the world a reality.

"I can confidently say, there would have been no US India Civil Nuclear Deal but for Joe Biden," Verma said.

"In 2006, I remember the remarks he made where he said, 'My dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States. If that occurs, the world will be safer.' Think about that for a second. He made those remarks in 2006. And here we are, it's 2020. Let's make Joe Biden's dream a reality. That only becomes a reality if he becomes president," he said.

In her address, Neera Tanden urged Indian-Americans to take steps every day over the next three-and-a-half months to ensure that Biden becomes the president.

Sonal Shah said she will vote for Biden as she wants a country that is open to people like her, to her friends, to her colleagues and to everyone else.

"We are not just immigrants, we are not just people sitting on the side, we are part of that American fabric and welcome us to help create that fabric because we've been lucky enough to be able to do that. But it took people like Joe Biden to allow us and help us participate and give us those chances. We've benefited from that. So now I vote because I believe he is the right person, and we can build that country together with him," she said.

According to Dr Murthy, Biden's recognition and appreciation for immigrants and for communities like Indian-Americans is forming an incredibly important part of the backbone of the United States of America.

"This is a moment for our country when leadership matters, when values matter. When we go to the voting booth, as we think about how to build support for the candidate that will best reflect our vision and our hopes and our dreams. Let's lead with our values. Let's vote for the person who understands us," he said at the event organised jointly by the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for Biden, the AAPI Victory Fund and South Asians for Biden.

Later in a statement, Ajay Jain Bhutoria, who is on National Finance Committee for Biden, said, "Most Indian-Americans would say without hesitation that Biden would be a better president and world leader and better for India on all counts."

"The choice is clear for voting in November 2020. The choice is even clearer for Indo Americans and South Asians. Biden is the best answer for India and Indian-Americans. The Indian community sees him as one of 'our' leaders," he said.

Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, if elected to power in the November elections, will help shape international bodies like the United Nations so that India get a permanent seat on the Security Council, a former top American diplomat has said.

Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, if elected to power in the November elections, will help shape international bodies like the United Nations so that India get a permanent seat on the Security Council, a former top American diplomat has said. India has been pushing for reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council, stating that its composition doesn't reflect the current realities and is not representative enough. The UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent members -- the US, the UK, France, Russia and China. China is the only permanent member of the UNSC which is opposed to India's inclusion into the powerful grouping. Half of the 10 non-permanent members are elected every year for a two-year term. India, along with Mexico and Ireland, has been recently elected a non-permanent member for a two-year term starting January 1, 2021. "There's no question that under his (Biden) leadership, he would help shape international institutions like the UN to give India a (permanent) seat on the Security Council, he would fulfil its (India) status as a major defence partner," former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Saturday. "He (Biden) would work together with India to keep our citizens collectively safe. That means standing up against cross-border terrorism and standing with India when its neighbours attempt to change the status quo," he added. Verma, an Indian-American who was US ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017, joined three other prominent Indian-Americans to make a strong pitch for the small but highly influential community to support and vote for Biden in the US presidential elections. The 77-year-old former US vice president is set to be formally nominated by the Democratic Party in August. He will challenge 74-year-old incumbent President Donald Trump, a Republican in the November 3 presidential elections. Verma, Biden Unity Task Force Economic Policy advisor Sonal Shah, former US surgeon general Vivek Murthy and Centre for American Progress Action Fund CEO Neera Tanden in their address to a virtual event argued that over the past several decades, Biden has a proven track record of being the best friend of Indians and Indian-Americans, be it as a Senator from Delaware or as a vice president under the Obama administration. "There's no question president Biden would build a more inclusive, tolerant just and fair administration that would take US-India relations to new heights," Verma said at the event -- 'An Electorate Coming of Age: Indian Americans for Biden Community Town Hall'. He urged the Indian-American community to make Biden's dream of making India and the US the two closet nations in the world a reality. "I can confidently say, there would have been no US India Civil Nuclear Deal but for Joe Biden," Verma said. "In 2006, I remember the remarks he made where he said, 'My dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States. If that occurs, the world will be safer.' Think about that for a second. He made those remarks in 2006. And here we are, it's 2020. Let's make Joe Biden's dream a reality. That only becomes a reality if he becomes president," he said. In her address, Neera Tanden urged Indian-Americans to take steps every day over the next three-and-a-half months to ensure that Biden becomes the president. Sonal Shah said she will vote for Biden as she wants a country that is open to people like her, to her friends, to her colleagues and to everyone else. "We are not just immigrants, we are not just people sitting on the side, we are part of that American fabric and welcome us to help create that fabric because we've been lucky enough to be able to do that. But it took people like Joe Biden to allow us and help us participate and give us those chances. We've benefited from that. So now I vote because I believe he is the right person, and we can build that country together with him," she said. According to Dr Murthy, Biden's recognition and appreciation for immigrants and for communities like Indian-Americans is forming an incredibly important part of the backbone of the United States of America. "This is a moment for our country when leadership matters, when values matter. When we go to the voting booth, as we think about how to build support for the candidate that will best reflect our vision and our hopes and our dreams. Let's lead with our values. Let's vote for the person who understands us," he said at the event organised jointly by the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for Biden, the AAPI Victory Fund and South Asians for Biden. Later in a statement, Ajay Jain Bhutoria, who is on National Finance Committee for Biden, said, "Most Indian-Americans would say without hesitation that Biden would be a better president and world leader and better for India on all counts." "The choice is clear for voting in November 2020. The choice is even clearer for Indo Americans and South Asians. Biden is the best answer for India and Indian-Americans. The Indian community sees him as one of 'our' leaders," he said.

Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat

US President Donald Trump's White House has -- in a break with the tradition -- removed the portraits of two recent presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, from the building's entrance hall.

The two paintings were moved from the Grand Foyer&nbsp;to the Old Family Dining Room. Trump would have seen the two portraits on a daily basis in their previous position.

In its report, CNN described the old room as "a small, rarely used room that is not seen by most visitors." It is mainly used to store tablecloths and furniture.

In place of those pictures, there now hang pictures of William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901, and of Theodore Roosevelt, his vice president who succeeded him upon his death.

It's a White House tradition that the presidents who served most recently get prominent placement in the Grand Foyer so their portraits are seen at events -- but the new portraits are those of presidents who served more than a 100 years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dissecting-trump-and-his-behaviour-as-president-of-united-states-313532">Also read |&nbsp;Dissecting Trump and his behaviour as President of United States</a>

Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton said in his recently published book that Trump "despised" both Bush and Bush's father. &nbsp;

Hillary Clinton, wife of the former president and former Secretary of State, became an object of Trump's ire when she ran against him in 2016, and has been a frequent critic of his leadership.

CNN said the portraits had been moved within the last week.

A portrait of Barack Obama, the president who preceded Trump, had not even been put in the room for display.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-surges-trump-escalates-conflict-with-fauci-313876">Also read |&nbsp;As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci</a>

US President Donald Trump's White House has -- in a break with the tradition -- removed the portraits of two recent presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, from the building's entrance hall.

US President Donald Trump's White House has -- in a break with the tradition -- removed the portraits of two recent presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, from the building's entrance hall. The two paintings were moved from the Grand Foyer to the Old Family Dining Room. Trump would have seen the two portraits on a daily basis in their previous position. In its report, CNN described the old room as "a small, rarely used room that is not seen by most visitors." It is mainly used to store tablecloths and furniture. In place of those pictures, there now hang pictures of William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901, and of Theodore Roosevelt, his vice president who succeeded him upon his death. It's a White House tradition that the presidents who served most recently get prominent placement in the Grand Foyer so their portraits are seen at events -- but the new portraits are those of presidents who served more than a 100 years ago. Also read | Dissecting Trump and his behaviour as President of United States Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton said in his recently published book that Trump "despised" both Bush and Bush's father. Hillary Clinton, wife of the former president and former Secretary of State, became an object of Trump's ire when she ran against him in 2016, and has been a frequent critic of his leadership. CNN said the portraits had been moved within the last week. A portrait of Barack Obama, the president who preceded Trump, had not even been put in the room for display. Also read | As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci

Trump's White House breaks tradition; moves Bush, Clinton portraits to disused room

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he is getting intelligence briefings, and is told Russia continues to try to meddle in November's US election.

He also accused China of conducting activities designed for the US to lose confidence in the outcome of the 2020 election. He was addressing his supporters during an online fundraiser for his campaign.

Multiple US intelligence agencies found Russia acted to help Trump in the 2016 election, a charge Russia denies and which Trump has repeatedly labelled a "hoax."

"We know from before, and I guarantee you that I know now, because now I get briefings again. The Russians are still engaged in trying to delegitimize our electoral process. Fact," Biden said.

He warned that if Russia continued to interfere there would be "a real price to pay" if he wins the November election against Republican President Donald Trump.

Biden did not reveal when exactly he began receiving the intelligence briefings.

Biden has time and again criticised Trump over reports he does not read his intelligence briefings.

The former vice president under President Barack Obama said at a June 30 press conference he had not been offered a classified briefing and "may very well" ask for one in the aftermath of reports Trump did not act on intelligence reports that Russia had put bounties on US troops in Afghanistan.

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he is getting intelligence briefings, and is told Russia continues to try to meddle in November's US election.

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he is getting intelligence briefings, and is told Russia continues to try to meddle in November's US election. He also accused China of conducting activities designed for the US to lose confidence in the outcome of the 2020 election. He was addressing his supporters during an online fundraiser for his campaign. Multiple US intelligence agencies found Russia acted to help Trump in the 2016 election, a charge Russia denies and which Trump has repeatedly labelled a "hoax." "We know from before, and I guarantee you that I know now, because now I get briefings again. The Russians are still engaged in trying to delegitimize our electoral process. Fact," Biden said. He warned that if Russia continued to interfere there would be "a real price to pay" if he wins the November election against Republican President Donald Trump. Biden did not reveal when exactly he began receiving the intelligence briefings. Biden has time and again criticised Trump over reports he does not read his intelligence briefings. The former vice president under President Barack Obama said at a June 30 press conference he had not been offered a classified briefing and "may very well" ask for one in the aftermath of reports Trump did not act on intelligence reports that Russia had put bounties on US troops in Afghanistan.

Joe Biden warns of Russian election meddling after receiving intelligence briefings

A new book on US President Donald Trump written by his niece sold nearly a million copies on the first day it went on sale in the country. Mary is a psychologist whose father was Trump's oldest brother Fred.

Mary Trump's "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man" is billed as the first unflattering portrayal of the US president by a family insider. She, in the book accuses the president of hubris and ignorance, and says he fits the clinical criteria for being a narcissist.

The White House has dismissed the memoir as a "book of falsehoods".&nbsp;

The 950,000 copies sold Tuesday, including pre-orders as well as audio and digital versions, "is a company record" for the Simon &amp; Schuster publishing house, it said in a statement.

The president's younger brother Robert Trump went to court to try to block publication, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather's estate, but to no avail.

Simon &amp; Schuster has ordered more copies printed, which will bring the number to 1.15 million for the American market alone. The book also tops Amazon's sales charts in Canada and Australia.&nbsp;

A new book on US President Donald Trump written by his niece sold nearly a million copies on the first day it went on sale in the country. Mary is a psychologist whose father was Trump's oldest brother Fred.

A new book on US President Donald Trump written by his niece sold nearly a million copies on the first day it went on sale in the country. Mary is a psychologist whose father was Trump's oldest brother Fred. Mary Trump's "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man" is billed as the first unflattering portrayal of the US president by a family insider. She, in the book accuses the president of hubris and ignorance, and says he fits the clinical criteria for being a narcissist. The White House has dismissed the memoir as a "book of falsehoods". The 950,000 copies sold Tuesday, including pre-orders as well as audio and digital versions, "is a company record" for the Simon & Schuster publishing house, it said in a statement. The president's younger brother Robert Trump went to court to try to block publication, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather's estate, but to no avail. Simon & Schuster has ordered more copies printed, which will bring the number to 1.15 million for the American market alone. The book also tops Amazon's sales charts in Canada and Australia.

Trump niece's memoir sells nearly 1 mn copies on first day

United States President Donald Trump has announced a new head of his re-election campaign -- less than 16 weeks ahead of the November 3 presidential election.

"I am pleased to announce that Bill Stepien has been promoted to the role of Trump Campaign Manager," the president said in a Facebook post on Wednesday night.

Stepien, Trump's former second-in-command, replaces Brad Parscale as the president's campaign manager.

Stepien has previously worked for former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and has served as Trump's national field director in 2016.

"Brad Parscale, who has been with me for a very long time and has led our tremendous digital and data strategies, will remain in that role, while being a Senior Advisor to the campaign," Trump said.

"Both were heavily involved in our historic 2016 win, and I look forward to having a big and very important second win together," he added.

"This one should be a lot easier as our poll numbers are rising fast, the economy is getting better, vaccines and therapeutics will soon be on the way, and Americans want safe streets and communities!" Trump said.

Latest opinion polls show that Trump's Democratic rival Joe Biden is leading the national polls by more than eight percentage points.

Parscale ran Trump's digital advertising in the 2016 US presidential polls and was credited with helping bring about the Republican candidate's surprise victory.

United States President Donald Trump has announced a new head of his re-election campaign -- less than 16 weeks ahead of the November 3 presidential election. "I am pleased to announce that Bill Stepien has been promoted to the role of Trump Campaign Manager," the president said in a Facebook post on Wednesday night.

United States President Donald Trump has announced a new head of his re-election campaign -- less than 16 weeks ahead of the November 3 presidential election. "I am pleased to announce that Bill Stepien has been promoted to the role of Trump Campaign Manager," the president said in a Facebook post on Wednesday night. Stepien, Trump's former second-in-command, replaces Brad Parscale as the president's campaign manager. Stepien has previously worked for former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and has served as Trump's national field director in 2016. "Brad Parscale, who has been with me for a very long time and has led our tremendous digital and data strategies, will remain in that role, while being a Senior Advisor to the campaign," Trump said. "Both were heavily involved in our historic 2016 win, and I look forward to having a big and very important second win together," he added. "This one should be a lot easier as our poll numbers are rising fast, the economy is getting better, vaccines and therapeutics will soon be on the way, and Americans want safe streets and communities!" Trump said. Latest opinion polls show that Trump's Democratic rival Joe Biden is leading the national polls by more than eight percentage points. Parscale ran Trump's digital advertising in the 2016 US presidential polls and was credited with helping bring about the Republican candidate's surprise victory.

Under-fire Trump announces new campaign manager

As the United States gears up for presidential, congressional and local elections in November, let's analyse what does Joe Biden bring to the table besides the fact that he's not Donald Trump?.

The US president has failed miserably to deal with a global pandemic and the Trump administration is struggling to manage the worst economic crisis in 100 years. Trump has done little to end police brutality and racism.

Considering all these factors, Biden may seem like the better option. Although his current lead in opinion polls shouldn't be mistaken for evidence that he is the best man to lead America. Biden has an equally controversial past 
&nbsp; 
Joe Biden has been accused of participating in the demonization of the black community. In a 1993 speech, he warned of predators on the streets who were 'beyond the pale' and had to be taken off out of society. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/if-elected-joe-biden-will-clear-path-for-chinas-treacherous-agenda-292289">Also Read: If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda</a>

Biden has been accused of lying about his involvement in the civil rights movement. And he also played a leading role in inspiring congressional support for the invasion of Iraq.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-good-or-bad-for-india-313327/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least, eight women have alleged that Biden either touched them inappropriately or violated their personal space. These questionable acts have earned him the title of 'creepy Joe'.

Furthermore, Biden has been critical of the Indian government's decision like NRC and CAA. "These measures are inconsistent with the country's long tradition of secularism and with sustaining a multi-ethnic and multi-religious democracy," he said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/joe-biden-campaign-names-indian-american-as-digital-chief-of-staff-309835">Also Read: Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff</a>

However, Biden has repeatedly stressed that if elected he will move swiftly to lift Trump's suspension of H1b visas. He has also promised to adopt a more nuanced approach on Iran. Biden has repeatedly urged the Trump administration to relax these sanctions for the sake of other allies.

And hence, a Biden presidency may give India more space to deal with Iran.

Bilateral relations are guided by national interest and not personal preference and whatever Joe Biden, the democrat, may have said, Biden, the presidential candidate has made it clear that India will be a priority.

As the United States gears up for presidential, congressional and local elections in November, let's analyse what does Joe Biden bring to the table besides the fact that he's not Donald Trump?

As the United States gears up for presidential, congressional and local elections in November, let's analyse what does Joe Biden bring to the table besides the fact that he's not Donald Trump?. The US president has failed miserably to deal with a global pandemic and the Trump administration is struggling to manage the worst economic crisis in 100 years. Trump has done little to end police brutality and racism. Considering all these factors, Biden may seem like the better option. Although his current lead in opinion polls shouldn't be mistaken for evidence that he is the best man to lead America. Biden has an equally controversial past Joe Biden has been accused of participating in the demonization of the black community. In a 1993 speech, he warned of predators on the streets who were 'beyond the pale' and had to be taken off out of society. Also Read: If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda Biden has been accused of lying about his involvement in the civil rights movement. And he also played a leading role in inspiring congressional support for the invasion of Iraq. At least, eight women have alleged that Biden either touched them inappropriately or violated their personal space. These questionable acts have earned him the title of 'creepy Joe'. Furthermore, Biden has been critical of the Indian government's decision like NRC and CAA. "These measures are inconsistent with the country's long tradition of secularism and with sustaining a multi-ethnic and multi-religious democracy," he said. Also Read: Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff However, Biden has repeatedly stressed that if elected he will move swiftly to lift Trump's suspension of H1b visas. He has also promised to adopt a more nuanced approach on Iran. Biden has repeatedly urged the Trump administration to relax these sanctions for the sake of other allies. And hence, a Biden presidency may give India more space to deal with Iran. Bilateral relations are guided by national interest and not personal preference and whatever Joe Biden, the democrat, may have said, Biden, the presidential candidate has made it clear that India will be a priority.

If elected, what does US presidential candidate Joe Biden bring for India?

United States President Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of criticism on his opponent in the presidential election to be held in November -- Joe Biden, turning the press conference into a campaign event.

In a long, disjointed monologue of almost an hour, Trump -- who is trailing Biden in the polls 110 days before the vote -- read out a long list of allegations against his rival, accusing him of drifting to the "radical left" and painting an apocalyptic picture of the US under his presidency.

He accused Biden of "fawning" over China and wanting to "kill" the US energy sector, said his policies would "demolish" the economy, and once again tried to implicate his son Hunter by alluding to his role on the board of a Ukrainian company accused of graft.&nbsp;

"Where is Hunter?" he asked.&nbsp;

Trump alternated his attacks with fulsome praise for what he sees as his own successes.

That included the wall built on part of the border with Mexico, which he claimed had helped to stem the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-unveils-2-trillion-climate-plan-in-new-contrast-with-trump-313335">Also read |&nbsp;Biden unveils $2 trillion climate plan in new contrast with Trump</a>

He also praised his own reaction to the global pandemic, claiming his administration's actions have saved "millions" of lives, despite the US remaining by far the most affected country in absolute terms.

When asked if he saw himself as an underdog, he said, "No, I don't."

Then, decrying the results of multiple national polls as "fake," he said "I think we have really good poll numbers."

"I think that the enthusiasm now is greater and maybe far greater than it was in 2016," he continued -- though he admitted that many voters "don't want to talk about it... and I fully understand that."

Even so, he claimed, "I think you have a silent majority the likes of which this country has never seen before. This is a very important election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-more-white-people-than-blacks-are-killed-by-us-police-313331">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says 'more white people' than Blacks are killed by US police</a>

"I think we have a great chance."

(with inputs from AFP)

United States President Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of criticism on his opponent in the presidential election to be held in November -- Joe Biden, turning the press conference into a campaign event.

United States President Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of criticism on his opponent in the presidential election to be held in November -- Joe Biden, turning the press conference into a campaign event. In a long, disjointed monologue of almost an hour, Trump -- who is trailing Biden in the polls 110 days before the vote -- read out a long list of allegations against his rival, accusing him of drifting to the "radical left" and painting an apocalyptic picture of the US under his presidency. He accused Biden of "fawning" over China and wanting to "kill" the US energy sector, said his policies would "demolish" the economy, and once again tried to implicate his son Hunter by alluding to his role on the board of a Ukrainian company accused of graft. "Where is Hunter?" he asked. Trump alternated his attacks with fulsome praise for what he sees as his own successes. That included the wall built on part of the border with Mexico, which he claimed had helped to stem the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States. Also read | Biden unveils $2 trillion climate plan in new contrast with Trump He also praised his own reaction to the global pandemic, claiming his administration's actions have saved "millions" of lives, despite the US remaining by far the most affected country in absolute terms. When asked if he saw himself as an underdog, he said, "No, I don't." Then, decrying the results of multiple national polls as "fake," he said "I think we have really good poll numbers." "I think that the enthusiasm now is greater and maybe far greater than it was in 2016," he continued -- though he admitted that many voters "don't want to talk about it... and I fully understand that." Even so, he claimed, "I think you have a silent majority the likes of which this country has never seen before. This is a very important election. Also read | Trump says 'more white people' than Blacks are killed by US police "I think we have a great chance." (with inputs from AFP)

Trailing in the polls, Trump targets Biden at White House press event

White House hopeful Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious, $2 trillion climate change plan that would revamp the US energy sector and seek to achieve carbon pollution-free power in just 15 years.

The clean energy proposal was fleshed out in a speech in Wilmington as the veteran Democrat drew a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump ahead of November's election by arguing that fighting climate change would be a massive job creator under a Biden administration.

Insisting that "there's no more consequential challenge" today than climate change, Biden pledged to spend $2 trillion over four years to promote his plan, a dramatic acceleration of the $1.7 trillion he had proposed to spend over 10 years &nbsp;during the primary race.

"Transforming the American electrical sector to produce power without producing carbon pollution... will be the greatest spurring of job creation and economic competitiveness in the 21st century," Biden said.&nbsp;

"That's why we're going to achieve a carbon pollution-free electric sector by the year 2035."

The plan also includes more ambitious goals than the proposal he released months ago when he ran as one of the more moderate Democrats in the party's nomination race.

By embracing some ideas of his progressive ex-rivals, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Biden appears intent on winning over progressive voters who might be wary of the former vice president's more centrist positions.

He reiterated that he would rejoin the Paris climate agreement that Trump quit in 2017, fund the construction of 1.5 million new energy efficient homes, upgrade appliance standards and prioritize renewable energy.

"We're not just going to tinker around the edges," Biden said.

"I know meeting the challenge will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jolt new life into our economy."

Biden said he would reverse some 100 steps by Trump to roll back environmental regulations.&nbsp;

He also recalled parts of his earlier climate proposal that would put the nation on the road to net zero emissions economy-wide no later than 2050.

EXTREME

Trump delivered a rebuttal hours later, accusing Biden of launching a "hard-left crusade against American energy" and pushing a platform "that would demolish the US economy."

"He wants no oil and gas," Trump said as he criticized Biden's plan to reduce carbon emissions.

One week earlier Biden unveiled a unity platform that incorporated positions from leftist Sanders, but Trump attacked it as "the most extreme platform of any major party nominee, by far, in American history."

Biden, who has refrained from campaigning publicly amid coronavirus outbreaks, berated Trump for failing to contain a pandemic which has killed 136,000 Americans, or set the right example by wearing a mask, something Trump finally did on Saturday.

"I'm glad he made the shift," Biden said of Trump appearing in a mask.

"But Mr President, it's not enough. We won't be able to turn the corner and get the American people back to work safely without presidential leadership."

Biden leads Trump on most issues, according to polling, but voters still see the president as stronger on steering the US economy.

White House hopeful Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious, $2 trillion climate change plan that would revamp the US energy sector and seek to achieve carbon pollution-free power in just 15 years.

White House hopeful Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious, $2 trillion climate change plan that would revamp the US energy sector and seek to achieve carbon pollution-free power in just 15 years. The clean energy proposal was fleshed out in a speech in Wilmington as the veteran Democrat drew a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump ahead of November's election by arguing that fighting climate change would be a massive job creator under a Biden administration. Insisting that "there's no more consequential challenge" today than climate change, Biden pledged to spend $2 trillion over four years to promote his plan, a dramatic acceleration of the $1.7 trillion he had proposed to spend over 10 years during the primary race. "Transforming the American electrical sector to produce power without producing carbon pollution... will be the greatest spurring of job creation and economic competitiveness in the 21st century," Biden said. "That's why we're going to achieve a carbon pollution-free electric sector by the year 2035." The plan also includes more ambitious goals than the proposal he released months ago when he ran as one of the more moderate Democrats in the party's nomination race. By embracing some ideas of his progressive ex-rivals, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Biden appears intent on winning over progressive voters who might be wary of the former vice president's more centrist positions. He reiterated that he would rejoin the Paris climate agreement that Trump quit in 2017, fund the construction of 1.5 million new energy efficient homes, upgrade appliance standards and prioritize renewable energy. "We're not just going to tinker around the edges," Biden said. "I know meeting the challenge will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jolt new life into our economy." Biden said he would reverse some 100 steps by Trump to roll back environmental regulations. He also recalled parts of his earlier climate proposal that would put the nation on the road to net zero emissions economy-wide no later than 2050. EXTREME Trump delivered a rebuttal hours later, accusing Biden of launching a "hard-left crusade against American energy" and pushing a platform "that would demolish the US economy." "He wants no oil and gas," Trump said as he criticized Biden's plan to reduce carbon emissions. One week earlier Biden unveiled a unity platform that incorporated positions from leftist Sanders, but Trump attacked it as "the most extreme platform of any major party nominee, by far, in American history." Biden, who has refrained from campaigning publicly amid coronavirus outbreaks, berated Trump for failing to contain a pandemic which has killed 136,000 Americans, or set the right example by wearing a mask, something Trump finally did on Saturday. "I'm glad he made the shift," Biden said of Trump appearing in a mask. "But Mr President, it's not enough. We won't be able to turn the corner and get the American people back to work safely without presidential leadership." Biden leads Trump on most issues, according to polling, but voters still see the president as stronger on steering the US economy.

Biden unveils $2 trillion climate plan in new contrast with Trump

United States President Donald Trump has, for the first time, confirmed the US conducted a covert cyberattack in 2018 against Russia's Internet Research Agency.

Trump gave the confirmation during an interview conducted by <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/07/10/trump-confirms-an-interview-us-cyberattack-russia/">the Washington Post's Marc A Thiessen</a>.

The said agency is a troll farm blamed by the US for helping to facilitate interference both in the 2016 presidential election and the 2018 midterms.

The Washington Post reports that during his interview Trump was asked if he had launched a cyberattack. He replied, "Correct."

Trump said then president Barack Obama in 2016 "knew before the election that Russia was playing around. Or, he was told. Whether or not it was so or not, who knows? And he said nothing. And the reason he said nothing was that he didn't want to touch it because he thought (Hillary Clinton) was winning because he read phony polls. So, he thought she was going to win. And we had the silent majority that said, 'No, we like Trump.' "

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-commutes-longtime-adviser-roger-stones-prison-sentence-312432">Also read |&nbsp;Trump commutes longtime adviser Roger Stone's prison sentence</a>

Trump said that unlike his predecessor, he acted on intelligence the US had about Russia's election interference by launching the cyberattack. He said the cyberattack was part of a broader policy to confront Russia.

The Washington Post had previously also -- in October 2018 -- reported there was a cyberattack. This is, however, the first official confirmation from Trump.

Trump also appeared to confirm that the US had conducted such a cyberattack against a Russian entity during the 2018 midterm elections in a June 2019 Fox News interview.

CNN also reported in October 2018 that the US military's Cyber Command had begun targetting Russian operatives believed to be attempting to influence the 2018 midterm elections as part of a broad effort in coordination with several government agencies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-going-to-be-bullied-or-threatened-by-the-president-experts-react-to-trumps-threats-of-reopening-us-schools-312427">Also read |&nbsp;Not going to be bullied or threatened by the President: Experts react to Trump's threats of reopening US schools</a>

Obama in December 2016 announced sanctions against Russia and expelled some Russian diplomats in retaliation for its interference in the US presidential election.

United States President Donald Trump has, for the first time, confirmed the US conducted a covert cyberattack in 2018 against Russia's Internet Research Agency. Trump gave the confirmation during an interview conducted by the Washington Post's Marc A Thiessen.

United States President Donald Trump has, for the first time, confirmed the US conducted a covert cyberattack in 2018 against Russia's Internet Research Agency. Trump gave the confirmation during an interview conducted by the Washington Post's Marc A Thiessen. The said agency is a troll farm blamed by the US for helping to facilitate interference both in the 2016 presidential election and the 2018 midterms. The Washington Post reports that during his interview Trump was asked if he had launched a cyberattack. He replied, "Correct." Trump said then president Barack Obama in 2016 "knew before the election that Russia was playing around. Or, he was told. Whether or not it was so or not, who knows? And he said nothing. And the reason he said nothing was that he didn't want to touch it because he thought (Hillary Clinton) was winning because he read phony polls. So, he thought she was going to win. And we had the silent majority that said, 'No, we like Trump.' " Also read | Trump commutes longtime adviser Roger Stone's prison sentence Trump said that unlike his predecessor, he acted on intelligence the US had about Russia's election interference by launching the cyberattack. He said the cyberattack was part of a broader policy to confront Russia. The Washington Post had previously also -- in October 2018 -- reported there was a cyberattack. This is, however, the first official confirmation from Trump. Trump also appeared to confirm that the US had conducted such a cyberattack against a Russian entity during the 2018 midterm elections in a June 2019 Fox News interview. CNN also reported in October 2018 that the US military's Cyber Command had begun targetting Russian operatives believed to be attempting to influence the 2018 midterm elections as part of a broad effort in coordination with several government agencies. Also read | Not going to be bullied or threatened by the President: Experts react to Trump's threats of reopening US schools Obama in December 2016 announced sanctions against Russia and expelled some Russian diplomats in retaliation for its interference in the US presidential election.

Trump confirms US conducted cyberattack against Russia in 2018

Facebook Inc is considering imposing a ban on political ads on its network ahead of the November 3 elections in the United States.

Bloomberg News on Friday said the potential ban was only being discussed and had not been finalised.

The social media company has been under fire for its policy of exempting politicians’ ads and speech from fact-checking.&nbsp;

Last month Biden’s campaign published an open letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg calling for the company to fact-check politicians’ ads in the two weeks ahead of the election.

Facebook has drawn heat from employees and lawmakers in recent weeks over its decisions not to act on inflammatory posts by the president.

More than 900 advertisers have signed on to an ad boycott on Facebook, organised by civil rights groups to pressure the world’s largest social media network to take concrete steps to block hate speech and misinformation, in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody.

(with inputs from agencies)

Facebook Inc is considering imposing a ban on political ads on its network ahead of the November 3 elections in the United States. Bloomberg News on Friday said the potential ban was only being discussed and had not been finalised.

Facebook Inc is considering imposing a ban on political ads on its network ahead of the November 3 elections in the United States. Bloomberg News on Friday said the potential ban was only being discussed and had not been finalised. The social media company has been under fire for its policy of exempting politicians’ ads and speech from fact-checking. Last month Biden’s campaign published an open letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg calling for the company to fact-check politicians’ ads in the two weeks ahead of the election. Facebook has drawn heat from employees and lawmakers in recent weeks over its decisions not to act on inflammatory posts by the president. More than 900 advertisers have signed on to an ad boycott on Facebook, organised by civil rights groups to pressure the world’s largest social media network to take concrete steps to block hate speech and misinformation, in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody. (with inputs from agencies)

Facebook mulls ban on political ads ahead of US elections

Joe Biden unveiled a $700 billion plan Thursday to create jobs and invest in new technologies in an aggressive challenge to President Donald Trump on economic policy, as the warring sides clashed in key election battleground Pennsylvania.

The Democratic challenger presented his sweeping "Build Back Better" proposal, a contrast to Trump's "America first" agenda, during a speech at a metalworks plant in a swing state critical to either candidate's victory in November.

Vice President Mike Pence was simultaneously barnstorming Pennsylvania, defending his boss's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and assuring voters that Trump was best qualified to revive the sputtering economy.

Biden's manufacturing and innovation plan aims to bring back positions lost during the coronavirus pandemic, and create more than five million new jobs by investing in domestic production and research and shrinking foreign supply chains.&nbsp;

The multi-pronged approach also tightens "Buy America" guidelines, promotes new tax rules including hiking the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 21 percent, and expands union access to empower American workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-says-he-will-revoke-h-1b-visa-suspension-if-elected-us-president-310285">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden says he will revoke H-1B visa suspension, if elected US president</a>

"That's what my plan is, to build back better," Biden told ironworkers after touring their 101-year-old factory near Scranton, the blue-collar city where the former vice president grew up.

The goal, he said, is "to sharpen America's competitive edge" in new industries like battery technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies and clean energy. "That's the future."

Biden said he rejects the "defeatist view" that automation and globalization will sap well-paid US jobs.

"American manufacturing was the functioning arsenal of democracy in World War II, and has to be part of the engine of new prosperity in America now," he said.

Biden's plan to protect American workers underscores a recognition that, despite Trump's poor job approval numbers, voters still see him as stronger than Biden on handling the economy.

But Biden drew a sharp contrast with his billionaire rival, highlighting his working-class upbringing and even making a side-trip to his old Scranton neighbourhood.

Trump won in 2016 largely on the promise of bringing back lost manufacturing jobs.

Biden accused him of turning his back on the working class.

"Trump has simply given up," Biden said, adding that American families are "paying the price for this administration's incompetence."

While the president repeatedly invokes American business as a leading force in economic revival, Biden's plan relies on the federal government to "bolster American industrial and technological strength."&nbsp;

It proposes a $400 billion investment in domestic product procurement, and $300 billion for research and development as well as breakthrough technologies including reusable energy and electric vehicles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-natural-partners-boosting-ties-will-be-high-priority-if-voted-to-power-joe-biden-310125">Also read |&nbsp;India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden</a>

"This will be a mobilisation of R&amp;D and procurement investment in ways not seen since the Great Depression and World War II," Biden said.

ADMINISTRATION INCOMPETENCE

Pence's arrival in state signaled the White House's all-out fight for Pennsylvania, which flipped to Trump in 2016 but now leans towards Biden.

"I know, not far from here Joe Biden is at another company, talking about his plans for the economy going forward.&nbsp;And I think the choice has never been clearer for the American people," Pence told a roundtable in the town of Malvern.

Later in Philadelphia at a Fraternal Order of Police rally, he attacked "radical" leftists for "trying to smear police officers."

The remark reflected the intense debates over racial injustice and policing that have marked coast-to-coast protests following the police killing of African-American man George Floyd.

Trump's team also accused Biden of aligning with his progressive former campaign rival Bernie Sanders to unveil joint policy proposals Wednesday, including ambitious climate change mandates, that would plunge the country "into economic catastrophe."

Biden, meanwhile, savaged Trump for being woefully unprepared to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 133,000 Americans, and ignoring the plight of working-class families.

"He's exactly the wrong person to lead in this moment," Biden said.&nbsp;

Biden holds a sizeable 8.8 percent lead over Trump nationally, according to a RealClearPolitics poll aggregate.

The Democrat also leads in swing states that Trump won in 2016, including Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 
&nbsp;

Joe Biden unveiled a $700 billion plan Thursday to create jobs and invest in new technologies in an aggressive challenge to President Donald Trump on economic policy, as the warring sides clashed in key election battleground Pennsylvania.

Joe Biden unveiled a $700 billion plan Thursday to create jobs and invest in new technologies in an aggressive challenge to President Donald Trump on economic policy, as the warring sides clashed in key election battleground Pennsylvania. The Democratic challenger presented his sweeping "Build Back Better" proposal, a contrast to Trump's "America first" agenda, during a speech at a metalworks plant in a swing state critical to either candidate's victory in November. Vice President Mike Pence was simultaneously barnstorming Pennsylvania, defending his boss's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and assuring voters that Trump was best qualified to revive the sputtering economy. Biden's manufacturing and innovation plan aims to bring back positions lost during the coronavirus pandemic, and create more than five million new jobs by investing in domestic production and research and shrinking foreign supply chains. The multi-pronged approach also tightens "Buy America" guidelines, promotes new tax rules including hiking the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 21 percent, and expands union access to empower American workers. Also read | Joe Biden says he will revoke H-1B visa suspension, if elected US president "That's what my plan is, to build back better," Biden told ironworkers after touring their 101-year-old factory near Scranton, the blue-collar city where the former vice president grew up. The goal, he said, is "to sharpen America's competitive edge" in new industries like battery technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies and clean energy. "That's the future." Biden said he rejects the "defeatist view" that automation and globalization will sap well-paid US jobs. "American manufacturing was the functioning arsenal of democracy in World War II, and has to be part of the engine of new prosperity in America now," he said. Biden's plan to protect American workers underscores a recognition that, despite Trump's poor job approval numbers, voters still see him as stronger than Biden on handling the economy. But Biden drew a sharp contrast with his billionaire rival, highlighting his working-class upbringing and even making a side-trip to his old Scranton neighbourhood. Trump won in 2016 largely on the promise of bringing back lost manufacturing jobs. Biden accused him of turning his back on the working class. "Trump has simply given up," Biden said, adding that American families are "paying the price for this administration's incompetence." While the president repeatedly invokes American business as a leading force in economic revival, Biden's plan relies on the federal government to "bolster American industrial and technological strength." It proposes a $400 billion investment in domestic product procurement, and $300 billion for research and development as well as breakthrough technologies including reusable energy and electric vehicles. Also read | India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden "This will be a mobilisation of R&D and procurement investment in ways not seen since the Great Depression and World War II," Biden said. ADMINISTRATION INCOMPETENCE Pence's arrival in state signaled the White House's all-out fight for Pennsylvania, which flipped to Trump in 2016 but now leans towards Biden. "I know, not far from here Joe Biden is at another company, talking about his plans for the economy going forward. And I think the choice has never been clearer for the American people," Pence told a roundtable in the town of Malvern. Later in Philadelphia at a Fraternal Order of Police rally, he attacked "radical" leftists for "trying to smear police officers." The remark reflected the intense debates over racial injustice and policing that have marked coast-to-coast protests following the police killing of African-American man George Floyd. Trump's team also accused Biden of aligning with his progressive former campaign rival Bernie Sanders to unveil joint policy proposals Wednesday, including ambitious climate change mandates, that would plunge the country "into economic catastrophe." Biden, meanwhile, savaged Trump for being woefully unprepared to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 133,000 Americans, and ignoring the plight of working-class families. "He's exactly the wrong person to lead in this moment," Biden said. Biden holds a sizeable 8.8 percent lead over Trump nationally, according to a RealClearPolitics poll aggregate. The Democrat also leads in swing states that Trump won in 2016, including Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Challenging Trump on economy, Biden unveils $700 bn recovery plan

Facebook Inc on Wednesday removed 50 personal and professional pages connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime adviser Roger Stone, who is due to report to prison next week.

The social media platform said Stone and his associates, including a prominent supporter of the right-wing Proud Boys group in Stone’s home state of Florida, had used fake accounts and followers to promote Stone’s books and posts.

Facebook moved against Stone on the same day it took down accounts tied to employees of the family of Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro and two other networks connected to domestic political operations in Ecuador and Ukraine.

Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the removals were meant to show that artificially inflating engagement for political impact would be stopped, no matter how well connected the practitioners.

“It doesn’t matter what they’re saying, and it doesn’t matter who they are,” Gleicher told Reuters before the announcement on the company's blog bit.ly/2Z7QSzc. “We expect we’re going to see more political actors cross this line and use coordinated inauthentic behaviour to try to influence public debate.”

Facebook officials said they took down Stone’s personal Facebook and Instagram pages and his Stone Cold Truth Facebook page, which had 141,000 followers. A total of 54 Facebook accounts and 50 pages were removed for misbehaviour, including the creation of fake accounts. The accounts spent more than $300,000 on advertisements over the past few years, Facebook said.

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg was briefed on the actions beforehand, officials said.

The removals risk further angering Trump and other conservatives who accuse Facebook of suppressing right-wing voices. Facebook last month took down a Trump re-election ad that included a Nazi symbol, and it pledged to steer users to facts on voting when Trump, or anyone else, touches on the topic.

Facebook is under pressure from civil rights advocates and allied groups as well, and hundreds of advertisers have joined a boycott demanding the company crackdown on hateful and divisive messages.

Facebook Inc on Wednesday removed 50 personal and professional pages connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime adviser Roger Stone, who is due to report to prison next week.

Facebook Inc on Wednesday removed 50 personal and professional pages connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime adviser Roger Stone, who is due to report to prison next week. The social media platform said Stone and his associates, including a prominent supporter of the right-wing Proud Boys group in Stone’s home state of Florida, had used fake accounts and followers to promote Stone’s books and posts. Facebook moved against Stone on the same day it took down accounts tied to employees of the family of Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro and two other networks connected to domestic political operations in Ecuador and Ukraine. Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the removals were meant to show that artificially inflating engagement for political impact would be stopped, no matter how well connected the practitioners. “It doesn’t matter what they’re saying, and it doesn’t matter who they are,” Gleicher told Reuters before the announcement on the company's blog bit.ly/2Z7QSzc. “We expect we’re going to see more political actors cross this line and use coordinated inauthentic behaviour to try to influence public debate.” Facebook officials said they took down Stone’s personal Facebook and Instagram pages and his Stone Cold Truth Facebook page, which had 141,000 followers. A total of 54 Facebook accounts and 50 pages were removed for misbehaviour, including the creation of fake accounts. The accounts spent more than $300,000 on advertisements over the past few years, Facebook said. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg was briefed on the actions beforehand, officials said. The removals risk further angering Trump and other conservatives who accuse Facebook of suppressing right-wing voices. Facebook last month took down a Trump re-election ad that included a Nazi symbol, and it pledged to steer users to facts on voting when Trump, or anyone else, touches on the topic. Facebook is under pressure from civil rights advocates and allied groups as well, and hundreds of advertisers have joined a boycott demanding the company crackdown on hateful and divisive messages.

Facebook takes down accounts and pages of Trump ally Roger Stone