Donald Trump held an early lead in Iowa's first-in-the-nation Republican nominating contest on Monday, according to an Edison Research entrance poll. Iowa has been an uneven predictor of who will ultimately lead Republicans into the general election.

Easy win for Ex-US President Donald Trump in Iowa

On Monday, when the Midwestern state kicks off the 2024 White House nomination race with its caucuses, farmers from Iowa have decided to choose Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over frontrunner and former president Donald Trump. Watch this report for more details.

Iowa Presidential nominee selection: Voters venture into sub-zero temperatures | World News | WION

Race to the White House 2024: Iowa caucus Republican's first political contest of 2024

Race to White House 2024: Iowa caucus crucial in Presidential race, voters to choose party's nominee

US: Farmers in Iowa have dumped Donald Trump for Ron DeSantis

Former US President Donald Trump mocked the current President Joe Biden's age with a satirical video in what he portrayed as a retirement home advertisement. The 30-second clip, shared on Instagram and Truth Social, shows the White House as a senior living facility with the 81-year-old Biden as its primary resident.

Joe Biden is aged 81 and is set to go to polls later this year to claim another term as the US president in the White House.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-road-for-vivek-ramaswamy-republican-leader-remained-absent-from-gop-debate-679149">End of road for Vivek Ramaswamy? Republican leader remained absent from GOP debate</a>

Biden's age has become a point of concern among voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election, given his noticeable slips, falls, and gaffes during his tenure as the US president.&nbsp;

The video, titled 'White House Senior Living,' portrays the White House as a vibrant facility offering various activities, professional care, and exquisite homemade meals.&nbsp;

The narrator quips, "Our residents feel right at home," as the camera zooms in on the White House, followed by footage of a seemingly ill-focused Biden.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Rewind 2023: This year saw Trump rising from the ashes

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-rewind-2023-this-year-saw-trump-rising-from-the-ashes-673475/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The clip humorously includes scenes of Biden at the beach and First Lady Jill Biden assisting him with his jacket, all set against an uplifting background music.&nbsp;

A TV interview snippet then captures Biden admitting to indulging in Italian food and, notably, his fondness for chocolate chip ice cream.

<h2>Questions on Joe Biden's age</h2>

Despite the light-hearted tone of the video, concerns about Biden's age persist.&nbsp;

An August poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that 77 per cent of US&nbsp;adults, including 69 per cent of Democrats, viewed Biden as too old to effectively serve for four more years. In contrast, a Monmouth University poll in October indicated that 48 per cent of voters felt the same about Trump.

As the 2024 election season heats up, the debate over the impact of age on presidential hopefuls continues to be a key point of discussion among voters and political observers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US President Donald Trump mocked the current President Joe Biden's age with a satirical video in what he portrayed as a retirement home advertisement. The 30-second clip, shared on Instagram and Truth Social, shows the White House as a senior living facility with the 81-year-old Biden as its primary resident.

Former US President Donald Trump mocked the current President Joe Biden's age with a satirical video in what he portrayed as a retirement home advertisement. The 30-second clip, shared on Instagram and Truth Social, shows the White House as a senior living facility with the 81-year-old Biden as its primary resident. Joe Biden is aged 81 and is set to go to polls later this year to claim another term as the US president in the White House. Also read | End of road for Vivek Ramaswamy? Republican leader remained absent from GOP debate Biden's age has become a point of concern among voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election, given his noticeable slips, falls, and gaffes during his tenure as the US president. The video, titled 'White House Senior Living,' portrays the White House as a vibrant facility offering various activities, professional care, and exquisite homemade meals. The narrator quips, "Our residents feel right at home," as the camera zooms in on the White House, followed by footage of a seemingly ill-focused Biden. Also watch | WION Rewind 2023: This year saw Trump rising from the ashes × The clip humorously includes scenes of Biden at the beach and First Lady Jill Biden assisting him with his jacket, all set against an uplifting background music. A TV interview snippet then captures Biden admitting to indulging in Italian food and, notably, his fondness for chocolate chip ice cream. Questions on Joe Biden's age Despite the light-hearted tone of the video, concerns about Biden's age persist. An August poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that 77 per cent of US adults, including 69 per cent of Democrats, viewed Biden as too old to effectively serve for four more years. In contrast, a Monmouth University poll in October indicated that 48 per cent of voters felt the same about Trump. As the 2024 election season heats up, the debate over the impact of age on presidential hopefuls continues to be a key point of discussion among voters and political observers. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump mocks Biden with 'White House Senior Living' campaign video

Controversy over US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's health continues and it's not going away. It has put the White House also in a very tight spot after days of uproar among lawmakers. On Tuesday US officials disclosed that Austin was getting treated for prostate cancer and is recovering well.

US: Republican's call for Llyod Austin's resignation, White House to probe his hospitalisation

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has courted controversy for hiding his medical condition from the White House amid the delicate geopolitical landscape involving the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war. There have been calls for his resignation from critics who say the senior government official violated the law by failing to report his hospitalisation to his bosses. The incident soon snowballed into a so-called transparency scandal.

<h2>What did Austin do?</h2>

Austin, 70, was hospitalised on New Year's Day (Jan 1) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre&nbsp;due to complications from an elective medical procedure.

Surprisingly, the Pentagon did not make any official announcement until four days later while waiting to notify other top government officers about Austin's absence.&nbsp;

During the period, Austin was away from action, and some of his powers were transferred&nbsp;to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

However, even she was not informed that his boss had been hospitalised until two days later.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the doctors say?</h2>

Austin was attended to by a team of doctors who later released a medical bulletin informing about his medical history for the last month.

The doctors clarified that prior to the New Year's Day admission to ICU, Austin had undergone minor surgery on December 22 after early detection of prostate cancer in routine screening.&nbsp;

"As part of Secretary Austin's routinely recommended health screening, he has undergone regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) surveillance. Changes in his laboratory evaluation in early December 2023 identified prostate cancer which required treatment," read the statement issued by&nbsp;Dr John Maddox, Trauma Medical Director, and Dr Gregory Chesnut, Center for Prostate Disease Research of the Murtha Cancer Center Director, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.&nbsp;

"On December 22, 2023, after consultation with his medical team, he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a prostatectomy to treat and cure prostate cancer," it added.&nbsp;

After the procedure, Austin recovered without event and returned home the next morning. However, complications soon emerged and evaluation revealed that abdominal fluid collection was impairing the function of his small intestines.&nbsp;

"This resulted in the back up of his intestinal contents which was treated by placing a tube through his nose to drain his stomach. The abdominal fluid collections were drained by non-surgical drain placement."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-admitted-to-intensive-care-for-complications-from-prostate-cancer-surgery-678419">Also read |&nbsp;US Defence Secy Lloyd Austin was admitted to ICU for complications from prostate cancer surgery</a>

<h2 data-testid="paragraph-20">Was Austin ever unconscious?</h2>

According to the Pentagon, Austin arrived at the hospital after booking an ambulance in a conscious state. He was later admitted to ICU where he underwent the aforementioned procedures.

The Pentagon clarified that Austin was in a significant amount of pain but did not say if the painkiller medicines he had taken altered his judgment.&nbsp;

<h2>What should have Austin done?</h2>

Whatever medical condition a senior government official of the stature of Austin goes through, the protocol mandates that they inform the public of planned medical absences ahead of time.

Additionally, they should identify the associates who would be filling in for them.&nbsp;

Legally speaking, Austin may have violated internal&nbsp;US Department of Defense protocols.

According to legal experts, the law is largely procedural and does not spell out any penalties for lapses.&nbsp;

Being the secretary of defence, Austin is required to be available at a moment's notice to answer any national security crisis.

However, his absence put the country in danger - a mistake that could have been easily avoided.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austins-secret-hospitalization-all-you-need-to-know-677912">Watch |&nbsp;US defense secretary Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalization: All you need to know</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austins-secret-hospitalization-all-you-need-to-know-677912/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>What did the White House say?</h2>

The White House on Monday (Jan 8) said that Austin would be continuing in his job, adding there was no plan for anything else.

Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said,&nbsp;"There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job."&nbsp;

However, the DoD was conducting a full review of the incident to determine how future lapses could be prevented.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-will-stay-in-job-says-white-house-678203">Also read |&nbsp;US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will stay in job, says White House</a>

<h2>Will&nbsp;Pentagon intervene?</h2>

"We are considering the impact of any statutory reporting requirements and will provide updates as appropriate,"&nbsp;Chief Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters.

Ryder further said the reporting requirements being examined would not just involve Congress. "It's to Congress, the White House or anyone else," he said.

<h2>What is prostate cancer?</h2>

Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer among American men, and impacts 1 in every 8 men - and 1 in every 6 African-American men - during their lifetime.

Despite the frequency of prostate cancer, discussions about screening, treatment, and support are often deeply personal and private ones. Early screening is important for detection and treatment of prostate cancer and people should talk to their doctors to see what screening is appropriate for them.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has courted controversy for hiding his medical condition from the White House amid the delicate geopolitical landscape involving the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has courted controversy for hiding his medical condition from the White House amid the delicate geopolitical landscape involving the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war. There have been calls for his resignation from critics who say the senior government official violated the law by failing to report his hospitalisation to his bosses. The incident soon snowballed into a so-called transparency scandal. What did Austin do? Austin, 70, was hospitalised on New Year's Day (Jan 1) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre due to complications from an elective medical procedure. Surprisingly, the Pentagon did not make any official announcement until four days later while waiting to notify other top government officers about Austin's absence. During the period, Austin was away from action, and some of his powers were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. However, even she was not informed that his boss had been hospitalised until two days later. What did the doctors say? Austin was attended to by a team of doctors who later released a medical bulletin informing about his medical history for the last month. The doctors clarified that prior to the New Year's Day admission to ICU, Austin had undergone minor surgery on December 22 after early detection of prostate cancer in routine screening. "As part of Secretary Austin's routinely recommended health screening, he has undergone regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) surveillance. Changes in his laboratory evaluation in early December 2023 identified prostate cancer which required treatment," read the statement issued by Dr John Maddox, Trauma Medical Director, and Dr Gregory Chesnut, Center for Prostate Disease Research of the Murtha Cancer Center Director, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. "On December 22, 2023, after consultation with his medical team, he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a prostatectomy to treat and cure prostate cancer," it added. After the procedure, Austin recovered without event and returned home the next morning. However, complications soon emerged and evaluation revealed that abdominal fluid collection was impairing the function of his small intestines. "This resulted in the back up of his intestinal contents which was treated by placing a tube through his nose to drain his stomach. The abdominal fluid collections were drained by non-surgical drain placement." Also read | US Defence Secy Lloyd Austin was admitted to ICU for complications from prostate cancer surgery Was Austin ever unconscious? According to the Pentagon, Austin arrived at the hospital after booking an ambulance in a conscious state. He was later admitted to ICU where he underwent the aforementioned procedures. The Pentagon clarified that Austin was in a significant amount of pain but did not say if the painkiller medicines he had taken altered his judgment. What should have Austin done? Whatever medical condition a senior government official of the stature of Austin goes through, the protocol mandates that they inform the public of planned medical absences ahead of time. Additionally, they should identify the associates who would be filling in for them. Legally speaking, Austin may have violated internal US Department of Defense protocols. According to legal experts, the law is largely procedural and does not spell out any penalties for lapses. Being the secretary of defence, Austin is required to be available at a moment's notice to answer any national security crisis. However, his absence put the country in danger - a mistake that could have been easily avoided. Watch | US defense secretary Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalization: All you need to know × What did the White House say? The White House on Monday (Jan 8) said that Austin would be continuing in his job, adding there was no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job." However, the DoD was conducting a full review of the incident to determine how future lapses could be prevented. Also read | US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will stay in job, says White House Will Pentagon intervene? "We are considering the impact of any statutory reporting requirements and will provide updates as appropriate," Chief Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters. Ryder further said the reporting requirements being examined would not just involve Congress. "It's to Congress, the White House or anyone else," he said. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer among American men, and impacts 1 in every 8 men - and 1 in every 6 African-American men - during their lifetime. Despite the frequency of prostate cancer, discussions about screening, treatment, and support are often deeply personal and private ones. Early screening is important for detection and treatment of prostate cancer and people should talk to their doctors to see what screening is appropriate for them. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | The secret hospitalisation of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

Controversy erupted over U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's delayed disclosure of his hospitalisation last week. Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers questioned the communication breakdown and asked why key figures like president Joe Biden as well as Deputy Defence Secretary Kathleen Hicks were not immediately informed about Austin's hospitalisation. Watch this video for more.

Gravitas: Biden kept in the dark about US Defence Secretary's hospitalisation | Scandal erupts

The Republicans have been asking United States President Joe Biden to sack Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin after he took several days to disclose a hospitalisation, but the White House on Monday (Jan 8) rejected all such calls.&nbsp;

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters travelling with Biden aboard Air Force One that "the president has complete confidence, continues to have confidence in Secretary Austin".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"The number one thing is we want to see him get well and back at the Pentagon," Jean-Pierre added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-committees-recommend-holding-hunter-biden-in-contempt-of-congress-677931">House committees recommend holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress</a>&nbsp;

After reports emerged that Biden and the White House were unaware for several days that Austin had been hospitalised for an unspecified medical condition last week, Republicans have called for his resignation.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, during the same briefing, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Biden believed Austin had done an "amazing job" and respected Austin for "taking ownership" of the row.

"There are no plans or anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job and continue the leadership that has been exhibited," Kirby said.&nbsp;

"We'll do what's akin to a hot wash and try to see if processes and procedures need to be changed at all or modified, so that we can learn from this," Kirby said, further adding that Austin had resumed his duties.&nbsp;

Kirby informed that Austin was working from the Walter Reed military hospital in the Washington suburbs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alaska-airlines-boeing-737s-cockpit-voice-recorder-data-erased-says-us-ntsb-677903">Alaska Airlines Boeing 737’s cockpit voice recorder data erased, says US NTSB</a>&nbsp;

Watch: Netizens divided over US President Biden's new video&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netizens-divided-over-us-president-bidens-new-video-677988/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>What happened to Austin?&nbsp;</h2>

On Friday evening, the Pentagon announced that the 70-year-old had been hospitalised four days prior "for complications following a recent elective medical procedure".&nbsp;

It was said to be a breach of standard protocol at a time when the United States was embroiled in the Middle East crisis.&nbsp;

"I recognise I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better," Austin said in a statement on Saturday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Sunday released new details about Austin's health, saying that he had a medical procedure on December 22, went home a day later, and was admitted to intensive care on January 1 when he began experiencing severe pain.&nbsp;

The Republicans have been asking United States President Joe Biden to sack Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin after he took several days to disclose a hospitalisation, but the White House on Monday (Jan 8) rejected all such calls.

The Republicans have been asking United States President Joe Biden to sack Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin after he took several days to disclose a hospitalisation, but the White House on Monday (Jan 8) rejected all such calls. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters travelling with Biden aboard Air Force One that "the president has complete confidence, continues to have confidence in Secretary Austin". "The number one thing is we want to see him get well and back at the Pentagon," Jean-Pierre added. Also read: House committees recommend holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress After reports emerged that Biden and the White House were unaware for several days that Austin had been hospitalised for an unspecified medical condition last week, Republicans have called for his resignation. Meanwhile, during the same briefing, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Biden believed Austin had done an "amazing job" and respected Austin for "taking ownership" of the row. "There are no plans or anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job and continue the leadership that has been exhibited," Kirby said. "We'll do what's akin to a hot wash and try to see if processes and procedures need to be changed at all or modified, so that we can learn from this," Kirby said, further adding that Austin had resumed his duties. Kirby informed that Austin was working from the Walter Reed military hospital in the Washington suburbs. Also read: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737’s cockpit voice recorder data erased, says US NTSB Watch: Netizens divided over US President Biden's new video × What happened to Austin? On Friday evening, the Pentagon announced that the 70-year-old had been hospitalised four days prior "for complications following a recent elective medical procedure". It was said to be a breach of standard protocol at a time when the United States was embroiled in the Middle East crisis. "I recognise I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better," Austin said in a statement on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Sunday released new details about Austin's health, saying that he had a medical procedure on December 22, went home a day later, and was admitted to intensive care on January 1 when he began experiencing severe pain.

White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack US Defence Secretary Austin

A driver was taken into custody after he crashed his vehicle into an exterior gate of the White House complex on Monday (Jan 8). The incident, confirmed by the Secret Service, transpired around 6 pm local time.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi in a statement said, that although the driver was under custody, the cause and manner of the incident were still being investigated.&nbsp;

"Shortly before 6 pm, a vehicle collided with an exterior gate on the White House complex.&nbsp;We are investigating the cause &amp; manner of the collision,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Guglielmi.

Notably, President Joe Biden was not in the White House at the time of the accident but it did cause traffic delays at 15th Street &amp; Pennsylvania Avenue.&nbsp;

A little over an hour after the incident, the Washington DC Police Department cleared the suspect's vehicle while lifting the traffic closures, informed Guglielmi.&nbsp;

In recent years, the White House has been extensively fortified by making the fence taller. In 2021, the National Park Service constructed a 13-foot fence with wider, stronger posts to deter jumpers and other public members from climbing over it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-biden-and-first-lady-safe-after-car-collides-with-motorcade-claims-white-house-wion-670971">Watch |&nbsp;US: Biden and First Lady safe after car collides with motorcade, claims White House</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-biden-and-first-lady-safe-after-car-collides-with-motorcade-claims-white-house-wion-670971/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Previous incident</h2>

The incident comes a few weeks after a Delaware man was charged for accidentally crashing into US President Joe Biden's motorcade.&nbsp;

The suspect was identified as James Cooper, 46, who was arrested by&nbsp;Secret Service before being released from custody. Cooper, however, was issued a summons to appear in court later and charged with&nbsp;driving under the influence of alcohol.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-rejects-republican-calls-for-biden-to-sack-austin-678005">Also read |&nbsp;White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack Austin</a>

"Following our investigation, Wilmington Police have determined that this was an accidental collision, and have charged the driver of the striking vehicle, a 46-year-old Wilmington man – with Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol and Inattentive Driving,” said a Wilmington Police Department spokesperson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Notably, Biden was discussing his poll numbers with reporters when Cooper's silver sedan with Delaware license plates slammed into the president's convoy just after 8 pm.

(With inputs from agencies)

A driver was taken into custody after he crashed his vehicle into an exterior gate of the White House complex on Monday (Jan 8). The incident, confirmed by the Secret Service, transpired around 6 pm local time.

A driver was taken into custody after he crashed his vehicle into an exterior gate of the White House complex on Monday (Jan 8). The incident, confirmed by the Secret Service, transpired around 6 pm local time. US Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi in a statement said, that although the driver was under custody, the cause and manner of the incident were still being investigated. "Shortly before 6 pm, a vehicle collided with an exterior gate on the White House complex. We are investigating the cause & manner of the collision," said Guglielmi. Notably, President Joe Biden was not in the White House at the time of the accident but it did cause traffic delays at 15th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue. A little over an hour after the incident, the Washington DC Police Department cleared the suspect's vehicle while lifting the traffic closures, informed Guglielmi. In recent years, the White House has been extensively fortified by making the fence taller. In 2021, the National Park Service constructed a 13-foot fence with wider, stronger posts to deter jumpers and other public members from climbing over it. Watch | US: Biden and First Lady safe after car collides with motorcade, claims White House × Previous incident The incident comes a few weeks after a Delaware man was charged for accidentally crashing into US President Joe Biden's motorcade. The suspect was identified as James Cooper, 46, who was arrested by Secret Service before being released from custody. Cooper, however, was issued a summons to appear in court later and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Also read | White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack Austin "Following our investigation, Wilmington Police have determined that this was an accidental collision, and have charged the driver of the striking vehicle, a 46-year-old Wilmington man – with Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol and Inattentive Driving,” said a Wilmington Police Department spokesperson. Notably, Biden was discussing his poll numbers with reporters when Cooper's silver sedan with Delaware license plates slammed into the president's convoy just after 8 pm. (With inputs from agencies)

Driver crashes into White House gate, taken into custody by Secret Service

According to two defence officials, the deputy secretary of defence did not even realize that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized when she started taking on some of his duties on January 2. Until Thursday, three days after the secretary checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications from an elective surgery, senior leaders, including Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, the Pentagon's second-in-command, were kept in the dark about Austin's actual location. As previously reported in news, Austin was hospitalized for three days before even the president learned of it.

Donald Trump calls for Lloyd Austin's removal over his secret hospitalisation

The White House said on Monday (Jan 8) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would stay in his job, adding there is no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job.

The White House said on Monday (Jan 8) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would stay in his job, adding there is no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job." Kirby said that President Joe Biden respected the fact that Austin took ownership of the lack of transparency but said that there would be a review of procedures in the wake of the incident. Kirby also said that there is an exception among members of Biden’s Cabinet that if one becomes hospitalised, “that will be notified up the chain of command.” What happened to Austin? Lloyd Austin, the Pentagon chief, was hospitalised on Jan 1 due to complications from an elective medical procedure. The Pentagon did not make any public announcement until four days later and also waited to notify other top government figures. Also read: White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack US Defence Secretary Austin On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder told journalists that Austin, 77, underwent an unspecified medical procedure on Dec 22 and was discharged the following day, but began experiencing "severe pain" on Jan 1 and was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed. Some of Austin's authorities were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks on Jan 2, but she was not told that he was hospitalised until two days later, Ryder said, the news agency AFP reported. The 77-year-old faced widespread criticism for waiting days to inform the White House and Congress about his hospitalisation, keeping key officials in the dark about his status amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and tensions in the Middle East. Republicans call for Austin's removal Some Republican lawmakers including former president Donald Trump called for Austin's resignation. In a social media post, Trump said that Austin “should be fired immediately for improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty.” Last Saturday, Austin said that he took "full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure," and admitted that he "could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed." (With inputs from agencies)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will stay in job, says White House

US's Lloyd Austin in hospital: Pentagon delays key communication to White House by 3 days

According to two defense officials, the deputy secretary of defense did not even realize that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized when she started taking on some of his duties on January 2. Until Thursday, three days after the secretary checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications from an elective surgery, senior leaders, including Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, the Pentagon's second-in-command, were kept in the dark about Austin's actual location. As previously reported by CNN, Austin was hospitalized for three days before even the president learned of it.

US defense secretary Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalization: All you need to know

White House not told for days defence secretary Lloyd Austin in hospital

As the countdown begins for the US Presidential race, trouble is mounting for Donald Trump. Now, Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to review Colorado ruling.

US: Former Pres Trump asks Supreme Court to review Colorado ruling, bars Trump from state's ballot

Donald Trump has scored a victory in his fight against challenges to his eligibility to run for the White House again when Michigan's top court declined to hear a case seeking to disqualify him from the state's presidential primary ballot.

US: Michigan Supreme Court will keep Donald Trump on 2024 primary ballot | World News | WION

Former US President Donald Trump's legal battle, wins Michigan state court battle

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said.

Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the late November truce. Current diplomatic efforts on a new truce have yielded little public progress so far.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-being-attacked-from-seven-sides-says-defence-minister-gallant-raises-fear-of-escalation-across-gulf-673851">Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf</a>

"The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens," the White House readout said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid.

The Qatari State News Agency said the emir received a phone call from Biden to discuss the latest developments and current joint mediation efforts for calming the situation in the besieged enclave to reach a permanent ceasefire.

US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said. Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the late November truce. Current diplomatic efforts on a new truce have yielded little public progress so far. Also read | Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf "The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens," the White House readout said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid. The Qatari State News Agency said the emir received a phone call from Biden to discuss the latest developments and current joint mediation efforts for calming the situation in the besieged enclave to reach a permanent ceasefire.

Biden, Qatar's Emir discuss Gaza hostages, boosting aid - White House

United States President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of American citizens convicted of using or possessing marijuana on certain federal lands. According to a report by the news agency Bloomberg on Friday (Dec 22), President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly a dozen non-violent drug offenders.

United States President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of American citizens convicted of using or possessing marijuana on certain federal lands. According to a report by the news agency Bloomberg on Friday (Dec 22), President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly a dozen non-violent drug offenders. "I exercised my authority under the Constitution to pardon individuals who committed or were convicted of the offence of simple possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act and section 48–904.01(d)(1) of the Code of the District of Columbia (D.C. Code)," Biden said in a statement. "As I have said before, convictions for simple possession of marijuana have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities," he added. "This pardon does not apply to individuals who were non-citizens not lawfully present in the United States at the time of their offence," the president further said in the statement. Sentences of 11 Americans shortened As per the Bloomberg report, the prison sentences of 11 Americans were shortened. These citizens were either serving decades-long or life sentences for non-violent drug offences. Speaking to the news agency, an official said that some people with crack cocaine convictions will have their sentences commuted, noting that powder cocaine offences tend to receive shorter punishments. Also read: US terrorist watchlist nearly doubled in just six years, says report Biden's decision applies to various federal lands including national parks, wildlife refuges and even the CIA. It covers only US citizens and does not include charges associated with distributing marijuana or driving while using it. As a presidential candidate in 2020, Biden vowed to broadly use the clemency powers of the presidency for non-violent crimes. Bloomberg reported that while some advocates argued that the president used those powers sparingly, he pardoned thousands of federal convictions for simple marijuana possession in 2022. In December 2022, Biden issued full pardons to six Americans including an 80-year-old woman. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Biden pardons thousands convicted of using or possessing marijuana

Colorado Supreme Court disqualifies Donald Trump from primary ballot for inciting 2021 Capitol attack. Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy has pledged to withdraw from the race until Trump is allowed. What's next for Republican poster boy Trump? Senior journalist, Ray Locker answers from Washington, D.C.

US: Donald Trump to run for President despite legal troubles?

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US on Monday (Dec 11), ahead of his last-ditch effort to convince US lawmakers to continue aid for Ukraine as the country fights off Russian invasion. The Ukrainian president was in Argentina over the weekend. In the US, he is due to address the National Defence University in Washington.

Zelensky is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on Tuesday at the White House. He will also meet leaders in the US Congress including the Republican leader of US House of Representatives. The mood within the Republican Party has swung against continuous aid to Ukraine and several lawmakers have expressed this opinion out loud in public.

Karine Jean Pierre, the White House press secretary said that visit from Zelenskt would “underscore the United States' unshakeable commitment" to Ukraine.

Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky to meet President Biden as war funding against Russia is decreasing

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-zelensky-to-meet-president-biden-as-war-funding-against-russia-is-decreasing-668364/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. After initial successes, Russian forces had to retreat from large swathes of land. The Western bloc, led primarily by the US poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military help to Ukraine due to which Ukrainian troops became better equipped.

However, Ukraine's much-anticipated counter-offensive has not yielded much in last few months due to which questions are being raised on the continued aid to Ukraine.

<h2>Support waning for continued aid</h2>

Just last week, Republican senators blocked a request from the White House for USD 106 billion in emergency aid mainly for Ukraine and Israel.

The Republican right-wing, under the influence of former US president Donald Trump has increasingly turned against continuing aid to Ukraine.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-injured-after-russian-strike-on-kyiv-biden-to-host-zelensky-at-white-house-amid-deadlock-on-aid-668361">At least 4 injured after Russian strike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at White House amid deadlock on aid</a>

"What's in America's best interest is to accept Ukraine is going to have to cede some territory to the Russians and we need to bring the war to a close," Senator JD Vance, a close Trump ally, said on Sunday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-putins-moscow-is-west-asias-dear-friend-668274">The Capitals: Putin's Moscow is West Asia's 'dear friend'</a>

He has said there shouldn't be a 'black check' to Ukraine.

"You need to articulate what the ambition is. What is $61 billion going to accomplish that $100 billion hasn't?" he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US on Monday (Dec 11), ahead of his last-ditch effort to convince US lawmakers to continue aid for Ukraine as the country fights off Russian invasion.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US on Monday (Dec 11), ahead of his last-ditch effort to convince US lawmakers to continue aid for Ukraine as the country fights off Russian invasion. The Ukrainian president was in Argentina over the weekend. In the US, he is due to address the National Defence University in Washington. Zelensky is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on Tuesday at the White House. He will also meet leaders in the US Congress including the Republican leader of US House of Representatives. The mood within the Republican Party has swung against continuous aid to Ukraine and several lawmakers have expressed this opinion out loud in public. Karine Jean Pierre, the White House press secretary said that visit from Zelenskt would “underscore the United States' unshakeable commitment" to Ukraine. Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky to meet President Biden as war funding against Russia is decreasing × Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. After initial successes, Russian forces had to retreat from large swathes of land. The Western bloc, led primarily by the US poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military help to Ukraine due to which Ukrainian troops became better equipped. However, Ukraine's much-anticipated counter-offensive has not yielded much in last few months due to which questions are being raised on the continued aid to Ukraine. Support waning for continued aid Just last week, Republican senators blocked a request from the White House for USD 106 billion in emergency aid mainly for Ukraine and Israel. The Republican right-wing, under the influence of former US president Donald Trump has increasingly turned against continuing aid to Ukraine. Also Read | At least 4 injured after Russian strike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at White House amid deadlock on aid "What's in America's best interest is to accept Ukraine is going to have to cede some territory to the Russians and we need to bring the war to a close," Senator JD Vance, a close Trump ally, said on Sunday. Also Read | The Capitals: Putin's Moscow is West Asia's 'dear friend' He has said there shouldn't be a 'black check' to Ukraine. "You need to articulate what the ambition is. What is $61 billion going to accomplish that $100 billion hasn't?" he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky arrives in US for last-ditch effort for more aid

The Department of Justice filed new criminal charges against US. President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, accusing him of failing to pay 1.4-million-dollars in taxes while spending millions of dollars on a lavish lifestyle. Biden was hit with three felony and six misdemeanour tax offences, according to an indictment filed in US district court in central california.

Biden son under legal & political scrutiny, to face up to 17 years in prison if convicted | Details

The White House on Thursday (Dec 7) urged India to hold accountable those behind the alleged plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader, which the US claims to have thwarted, even as it called New Delhi a strategic partner.

“India is a strategic partner. We’re deepening that strategic partnership. They’re a member of the Quad in the Pacific. We participate with them on a range of issues and we want to see that continue unabated. That said, at the same time, we certainly recognise the seriousness of these allegations,” National Security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at a White House news conference.

Kirby's was asked about the impact that the alleged foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun would have on bilateral ties.

“We want it fully investigated and those responsible to be held properly accountable,” he said.

“It’s under active investigation. We’ve said that we’re glad that our Indian counterparts are taking it seriously and doing that. We want those responsible for these attacks to be held fully accountable, but I won’t get ahead of an investigation that isn’t complete,” Kirby added.

Earlier, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer led a US delegation to India's capital New Delhi where he discussed forming an investigative panel to probe the murder plot against Pannun, the leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-holds-telephonic-discussion-with-netanyahu-emphasizes-on-critical-need-to-safeguard-civilians-667387">Biden underlines 'critical need to protect civilians' in call with Netanyahu</a>

"Mr Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," the White House said in a statement.

This came after New Delhi reiterated that it would be guided by the results of a high-level panel set up to probe the alleged murder plot.

'Matter of concern'

During a press conference, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), called the situation a "matter of concern". &nbsp;

“The nexus between organised crime, trafficking, gunrunning and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for the law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is for that reason that a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted and we will be guided by its results,” said the MEA spokesperson, in response to the question about the case.&nbsp;

<h2>FBI director to visit India amid probe</h2>

The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit' held in New Delhi, made a mention of an upcoming visit by the FBI director next week amid a US federal probe into the alleged plot to kill Pannun on American soil.

He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States. Four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week."

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House on Thursday (Dec 7) urged India to hold accountable those behind the alleged plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader, which the US claims to have thwarted, even as it called New Delhi a strategic partner.

The White House on Thursday (Dec 7) urged India to hold accountable those behind the alleged plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader, which the US claims to have thwarted, even as it called New Delhi a strategic partner. “India is a strategic partner. We’re deepening that strategic partnership. They’re a member of the Quad in the Pacific. We participate with them on a range of issues and we want to see that continue unabated. That said, at the same time, we certainly recognise the seriousness of these allegations,” National Security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at a White House news conference. Kirby's was asked about the impact that the alleged foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun would have on bilateral ties. “We want it fully investigated and those responsible to be held properly accountable,” he said. “It’s under active investigation. We’ve said that we’re glad that our Indian counterparts are taking it seriously and doing that. We want those responsible for these attacks to be held fully accountable, but I won’t get ahead of an investigation that isn’t complete,” Kirby added. Earlier, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer led a US delegation to India's capital New Delhi where he discussed forming an investigative panel to probe the murder plot against Pannun, the leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit. Also read: Biden underlines 'critical need to protect civilians' in call with Netanyahu "Mr Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," the White House said in a statement. This came after New Delhi reiterated that it would be guided by the results of a high-level panel set up to probe the alleged murder plot. 'Matter of concern' During a press conference, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), called the situation a "matter of concern". “The nexus between organised crime, trafficking, gunrunning and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for the law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is for that reason that a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted and we will be guided by its results,” said the MEA spokesperson, in response to the question about the case. FBI director to visit India amid probe The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit' held in New Delhi, made a mention of an upcoming visit by the FBI director next week amid a US federal probe into the alleged plot to kill Pannun on American soil. He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States. Four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week." (With inputs from agencies)

India a strategic partner but those behind Pannun 'murder plot' should be held accountable: White House

The suspect who fired at the officers as they were trying to execute a search warrant in Arlington, Virginia is believed to be dead, said the local police, on Tuesday (Dec 5). The statement comes a day after a house in the US county <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-house-explosion-rocks-virginia-neighbourhood-after-suspect-fires-flare-gun-666349">exploded</a> when it was surrounded by officers.&nbsp;

<h2>Suspect identified</h2>

The suspect who is believed to have fired the flare gun was identified as James Yoo, 56, by the Arlington County police chief, Andy Penn, on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 56-year-old, according to the police, is the owner of the duplex and the person who is believed to have fired a “flare-type gun” from inside the house more than 30 times.&nbsp;

The police were called around 4:45 pm (local time) on Monday after reports of a man firing a flare gun from inside the house located on the 800 block of North Burlington Street. It was after failed attempts to establish contact with Yoo, that police obtained a search warrant.&nbsp;

Around 8:30 pm (local time), as officers were attempting to execute the search warrant and tried to enter the home, multiple gunshots were fired from within the house, said Penn. Subsequently, the house exploded, the police chief added.&nbsp;

The officers in the vicinity escaped with minor injuries but no one was taken to the hospital. The police&nbsp;also evacuated nearby residents around 7:00 pm (local time), including people who lived in the other part of the duplex.&nbsp;

The fire was brought under control around 10:30 pm (local time), according to media reports. Nate Hiner, a spokesperson for the Arlington Fire Department, said that the fire officials do not know the cause of the explosion.&nbsp;

<h2>Yet to identify human remains</h2>

Penn said that investigators have not yet identified human remains found inside the home but “all factors point to that it’s this individual,” referring to Yoo.&nbsp;

Arlington County police spokesperson Ashley Savage said it was unclear what happened to the suspect who was inside the building during the blast. She also said that the police did not find any evidence that others were in the duplex but could not rule out the possibility.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-house-explosion-rocks-virginia-neighbourhood-after-suspect-fires-flare-gun-666349">Images and videos</a> of the incident show the moment the house burst into flames while police vehicles could be seen outside a brick house. The explosion was heard kilometres away and around 10 houses were damaged in the blast.&nbsp;

Carla Rodriguez of South Arlington, according to the Guardian, said that the blast was heard more than two miles (3.2 kilometres) away and she came to the scene. “I actually thought a plane exploded,” said Rodriguez.&nbsp;

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said federal agents and fire investigators were at the scene and assisting local authorities. A White House spokesperson, on Tuesday, also said that they are monitoring developments.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Concerning social media posts’</h2>

Media reports citing officials investigating the incident said Yoo had allegedly made “concerning social media posts” which included publicly posting grievances against multiple people in his life, including his neighbours and a former co-worker on LinkedIn.&nbsp;

According to the Associated Press, the 56-year-old also filed four lawsuits between 2018 and 2022 against his ex-wife, younger sister, a moving company, and the New York Supreme Court. All the cases were dismissed.&nbsp;

Yoo also repeatedly contacted the FBI “over a number of years,” through phone calls, online tips, and letters to file complaints, said Washington Field Office Assistant Director David Sundberg, as per USA Today.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The suspect who fired at the officers as they were trying to execute a search warrant in Arlington, Virginia is believed to be dead, said the local police, on Tuesday (Dec 5).

The suspect who fired at the officers as they were trying to execute a search warrant in Arlington, Virginia is believed to be dead, said the local police, on Tuesday (Dec 5). The statement comes a day after a house in the US county exploded when it was surrounded by officers. Suspect identified The suspect who is believed to have fired the flare gun was identified as James Yoo, 56, by the Arlington County police chief, Andy Penn, on Tuesday. The 56-year-old, according to the police, is the owner of the duplex and the person who is believed to have fired a “flare-type gun” from inside the house more than 30 times. The police were called around 4:45 pm (local time) on Monday after reports of a man firing a flare gun from inside the house located on the 800 block of North Burlington Street. It was after failed attempts to establish contact with Yoo, that police obtained a search warrant. Around 8:30 pm (local time), as officers were attempting to execute the search warrant and tried to enter the home, multiple gunshots were fired from within the house, said Penn. Subsequently, the house exploded, the police chief added. The officers in the vicinity escaped with minor injuries but no one was taken to the hospital. The police also evacuated nearby residents around 7:00 pm (local time), including people who lived in the other part of the duplex. The fire was brought under control around 10:30 pm (local time), according to media reports. Nate Hiner, a spokesperson for the Arlington Fire Department, said that the fire officials do not know the cause of the explosion. Yet to identify human remains Penn said that investigators have not yet identified human remains found inside the home but “all factors point to that it’s this individual,” referring to Yoo. Arlington County police spokesperson Ashley Savage said it was unclear what happened to the suspect who was inside the building during the blast. She also said that the police did not find any evidence that others were in the duplex but could not rule out the possibility. Images and videos of the incident show the moment the house burst into flames while police vehicles could be seen outside a brick house. The explosion was heard kilometres away and around 10 houses were damaged in the blast. Carla Rodriguez of South Arlington, according to the Guardian, said that the blast was heard more than two miles (3.2 kilometres) away and she came to the scene. “I actually thought a plane exploded,” said Rodriguez. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said federal agents and fire investigators were at the scene and assisting local authorities. A White House spokesperson, on Tuesday, also said that they are monitoring developments. ‘Concerning social media posts’ Media reports citing officials investigating the incident said Yoo had allegedly made “concerning social media posts” which included publicly posting grievances against multiple people in his life, including his neighbours and a former co-worker on LinkedIn. According to the Associated Press, the 56-year-old also filed four lawsuits between 2018 and 2022 against his ex-wife, younger sister, a moving company, and the New York Supreme Court. All the cases were dismissed. Yoo also repeatedly contacted the FBI “over a number of years,” through phone calls, online tips, and letters to file complaints, said Washington Field Office Assistant Director David Sundberg, as per USA Today. (With inputs from agencies)

Suspect who fired flare gun at officers in Virginia neighbourhood presumed dead: US police

With less than a year left for the United States presidential elections and a possible rematch between former President Donald Trump and incumbent Joe Biden, the stakes for the upcoming polls are high, and they are about to get much higher.&nbsp;

If you have been following the American media recently and noticed the sudden spike in the number of warnings that a second Trump presidency could lead the US – which often seemingly lectures other countries about upholding democratic values – into a dictatorship, by journalists, experts&nbsp;and lawmakers alike, you are not alone.&nbsp;

The twice-impeached former president who is currently the Republican frontrunner announced his bid for the White House late last year. Meanwhile, he has been busy keeping up with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-34-felony-charges-against-donald-trump-579366">many legal woes</a>, campaigning for the upcoming elections, and of course, making controversial statements.&nbsp;

<h2>‘I won’t be a dictator…except on day one’</h2>

The former president making controversial statements is nothing new, but this time around he seemingly confirmed his plans to turn America into an autocracy, which Democrats and even some Republicans have been warning about for months now.&nbsp;

Over the past few days, several prominent American media outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times and the Atlantic have also sounded the alarm that a second Trump presidency could turn the US into a dictatorship.&nbsp;

The Republican frontrunner appeared in a town hall-style event hosted by Fox News, on Tuesday (Dec 5) before a friendly audience in the US state of Iowa where the party’s nominating contest kicks off next month.&nbsp;

Trump, during the interview, was asked twice by host Sean Hannity to deny that he would abuse power to seek revenge on political opponents if re-elected and unsurprisingly he did not. &nbsp;

“You are promising America tonight you would never abuse power as retribution against anybody?” Hannity asked. To which Trump responded “No. No. Other than day one.”

The former president has faced growing Democratic criticism for his rhetoric which included him saying that he would target political rivals, while referring to them as “vermin”, if he wins a second term, for what he has repeatedly argued are politically motivated prosecutions against him. 
 
On “day one” the Republican said he would use his presidential powers to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling.&nbsp;

Hannity also asked Trump if he “in any way” had “any plans whatsoever, if reelected president, to abuse power, to break the law to use the government to go after people.” To which replied by saying “You mean like they’re using right now?”&nbsp;

Ironically, the former president’s remarks came a month before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-can-be-sued-for-jan-6-riots-us-court-665328">January 6</a>. On that day, in 2021, Trump, who served as the president between 2017 and 2021, refused to concede that he lost the 2020 election to Biden, and spread false claims that the election was stolen from him.&nbsp;

The claims and conspiracy fuelled a deadly insurrection by Trump supporters at the US Capitol who even threatened to “hang” former Vice President Mike Pence to stop him from certifying Biden’s win.

The Democrat White House hopeful’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez was quick to respond and released a statement as soon as the event finished.&nbsp;

“Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he will do if he’s re-elected and tonight he said he will be a dictator on day one. Americans should believe him.”

The incumbent president has repeatedly warned that his predecessor is a threat to democracy and if he wins a second term, it could lead to an unprecedented and dangerous age of American autocracy.&nbsp;

During a campaign event, Biden even cited Trump as one of the reasons he is running for office at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-joe-bidens-age-in-focus-yet-again-as-us-prez-celebrates-81st-birthday-ahead-of-2024-elections-660845">age of 81</a>. “If Trump wasn’t running, I’m not sure I’d be running. But we cannot let him win.”

He also said the former president’s increasingly violent language on the campaign trail including the use of the word “vermin” <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-not-sure-if-hed-be-seeking-reelection-next-year-if-not-for-rival-trump-666650">echoed</a> the language used in Nazi Germany.

<h2>‘Sleepwalking into dictatorship’</h2>

While scathing remarks from political opponents are unsurprising, people from Trump’s party have raised similar concerns.&nbsp;

Liz Cheney, who once served as chair of the House Republican Conference and whose opposition to Trump’s presidency alienated her from her party members, said she would prefer if Democrats won in the 2024 elections as she feared the US was “sleepwalking into dictatorship”.

In an interview with CBS, Cheney suggested that since the Republican congressional majority would blindly follow Trump, his second term in office would be a tangible “threat” to American democracy.&nbsp;

She also said how the US was “sort of sleepwalking into dictatorship” with Trump emerging as the Republican frontrunner and a clear favourite for the party’s presidential nomination.&nbsp;

Cheney, who also chaired the congressional probe of the attack on the Capitol, said a Trump dictatorship is a “very real threat” if he wins the upcoming election. So real that she is weighing a third-party presidential run of her own to try to stop him.

<h2>What about American media?</h2>

In an article written in The WaPo titled, “A Trump dictatorship is increasingly inevitable. We should stop pretending,” conservative commentator Robert Kagan compared the former president to the power-grabbing Roman emperor Julius Caesar&nbsp;

He also warned that if he came to it, not even the US Constitution and Supreme Court could prevent Trump being “president for life” if he wanted.

Meanwhile, the NYT, in a recent analysis wrote that a second term could unleash a “darker President Trump” worse than what he was during his first term.&nbsp;

The former president has repeatedly “spoken <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-alarmed-after-trump-practically-hugged-kim-minister-144120">admiringly</a> of autocrats for decades” and would likely follow their example, including employing loyalists in civil services and using the Justice Department to crack down on opponents, the Times noted.&nbsp;

The NYT also claimed that Trump and his allies are finding ways to use a radical interpretation of “unitary executive theory” that grants unprecedented power to the president arguing that he holds total control of the executive branch, and rejects constraints on presidential power.&nbsp;

The Atlantic magazine dedicated its entire January-February 2024 issue to what a Trump presidency would look like, with an editor’s note aptly titled, “A Warning.”

The special edition of the monthly magazine titled “If Trump Wins” includes two dozen articles about how the twice-impeached, four-time indicted Republican who is also facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-significance-of-donald-trump-mugshot-629224">90 criminal charges</a>, including some for attempting to overturn the results of the last election, would weaponise the government.&nbsp;

“We can’t participate in the normalization of Donald Trump,” Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic told CNN. Goldberg also spoke about how he believes “that a second Trump term poses a threat to the existence of America as we know it.”

<h2>An American autocracy?</h2>

From US lawmakers to the American media, together they paint a bleak picture of an angrier yet disciplined and organised Trump who would seek vengeance on his perceived enemies and try to stay in power beyond the two-term limit. &nbsp;

There was “no question” Trump would try to stay in office beyond 2028, said Cheney, calling the January 6 riot a mere “practice run”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

With less than a year left for the United States presidential elections and a possible rematch between former President Donald Trump and incumbent Joe Biden, the stakes for the upcoming polls are high, and they are about to get much higher.

With less than a year left for the United States presidential elections and a possible rematch between former President Donald Trump and incumbent Joe Biden, the stakes for the upcoming polls are high, and they are about to get much higher. If you have been following the American media recently and noticed the sudden spike in the number of warnings that a second Trump presidency could lead the US – which often seemingly lectures other countries about upholding democratic values – into a dictatorship, by journalists, experts and lawmakers alike, you are not alone. The twice-impeached former president who is currently the Republican frontrunner announced his bid for the White House late last year. Meanwhile, he has been busy keeping up with his many legal woes, campaigning for the upcoming elections, and of course, making controversial statements. ‘I won’t be a dictator…except on day one’ The former president making controversial statements is nothing new, but this time around he seemingly confirmed his plans to turn America into an autocracy, which Democrats and even some Republicans have been warning about for months now. Over the past few days, several prominent American media outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times and the Atlantic have also sounded the alarm that a second Trump presidency could turn the US into a dictatorship. The Republican frontrunner appeared in a town hall-style event hosted by Fox News, on Tuesday (Dec 5) before a friendly audience in the US state of Iowa where the party’s nominating contest kicks off next month. Trump, during the interview, was asked twice by host Sean Hannity to deny that he would abuse power to seek revenge on political opponents if re-elected and unsurprisingly he did not. “You are promising America tonight you would never abuse power as retribution against anybody?” Hannity asked. To which Trump responded “No. No. Other than day one.” The former president has faced growing Democratic criticism for his rhetoric which included him saying that he would target political rivals, while referring to them as “vermin”, if he wins a second term, for what he has repeatedly argued are politically motivated prosecutions against him. On “day one” the Republican said he would use his presidential powers to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling. Hannity also asked Trump if he “in any way” had “any plans whatsoever, if reelected president, to abuse power, to break the law to use the government to go after people.” To which replied by saying “You mean like they’re using right now?” Ironically, the former president’s remarks came a month before January 6. On that day, in 2021, Trump, who served as the president between 2017 and 2021, refused to concede that he lost the 2020 election to Biden, and spread false claims that the election was stolen from him. The claims and conspiracy fuelled a deadly insurrection by Trump supporters at the US Capitol who even threatened to “hang” former Vice President Mike Pence to stop him from certifying Biden’s win. The Democrat White House hopeful’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez was quick to respond and released a statement as soon as the event finished. “Donald Trump has been telling us exactly what he will do if he’s re-elected and tonight he said he will be a dictator on day one. Americans should believe him.” The incumbent president has repeatedly warned that his predecessor is a threat to democracy and if he wins a second term, it could lead to an unprecedented and dangerous age of American autocracy. During a campaign event, Biden even cited Trump as one of the reasons he is running for office at the age of 81. “If Trump wasn’t running, I’m not sure I’d be running. But we cannot let him win.” He also said the former president’s increasingly violent language on the campaign trail including the use of the word “vermin” echoed the language used in Nazi Germany. ‘Sleepwalking into dictatorship’ While scathing remarks from political opponents are unsurprising, people from Trump’s party have raised similar concerns. Liz Cheney, who once served as chair of the House Republican Conference and whose opposition to Trump’s presidency alienated her from her party members, said she would prefer if Democrats won in the 2024 elections as she feared the US was “sleepwalking into dictatorship”. In an interview with CBS, Cheney suggested that since the Republican congressional majority would blindly follow Trump, his second term in office would be a tangible “threat” to American democracy. She also said how the US was “sort of sleepwalking into dictatorship” with Trump emerging as the Republican frontrunner and a clear favourite for the party’s presidential nomination. Cheney, who also chaired the congressional probe of the attack on the Capitol, said a Trump dictatorship is a “very real threat” if he wins the upcoming election. So real that she is weighing a third-party presidential run of her own to try to stop him. What about American media? In an article written in The WaPo titled, “A Trump dictatorship is increasingly inevitable. We should stop pretending,” conservative commentator Robert Kagan compared the former president to the power-grabbing Roman emperor Julius Caesar He also warned that if he came to it, not even the US Constitution and Supreme Court could prevent Trump being “president for life” if he wanted. Meanwhile, the NYT, in a recent analysis wrote that a second term could unleash a “darker President Trump” worse than what he was during his first term. The former president has repeatedly “spoken admiringly of autocrats for decades” and would likely follow their example, including employing loyalists in civil services and using the Justice Department to crack down on opponents, the Times noted. The NYT also claimed that Trump and his allies are finding ways to use a radical interpretation of “unitary executive theory” that grants unprecedented power to the president arguing that he holds total control of the executive branch, and rejects constraints on presidential power. The Atlantic magazine dedicated its entire January-February 2024 issue to what a Trump presidency would look like, with an editor’s note aptly titled, “A Warning.” The special edition of the monthly magazine titled “If Trump Wins” includes two dozen articles about how the twice-impeached, four-time indicted Republican who is also facing 90 criminal charges, including some for attempting to overturn the results of the last election, would weaponise the government. “We can’t participate in the normalization of Donald Trump,” Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic told CNN. Goldberg also spoke about how he believes “that a second Trump term poses a threat to the existence of America as we know it.” An American autocracy? From US lawmakers to the American media, together they paint a bleak picture of an angrier yet disciplined and organised Trump who would seek vengeance on his perceived enemies and try to stay in power beyond the two-term limit. There was “no question” Trump would try to stay in office beyond 2028, said Cheney, calling the January 6 riot a mere “practice run”. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Trump says he won’t be a dictator if he becomes president. American media, lawmakers say otherwise

In a letter to the house speaker, the director of the office of management and budget, Shalanda Young, warns time is rapidly running out to support Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion.

White house warns Putin could win if Ukraine aid dries up

The White House officials on Monday (Dec 5) warned congressional leaders that halting the military aid to Kyiv would let Russian President Vladimir Putin "prevail" in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"Congress has to decide whether to continue to support the fight for freedom in Ukraine as part of the 50-nation coalition that President (Joe) Biden has built or... ignore the lessons we've learned from history and let Putin prevail," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House.

"It is that simple. It is that stark a choice, and we hope that Congress on a bipartisan basis will make the right choice," he said.

US President Joe Biden's budget director, Shalanda Young, wrote a letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stating that if military assistance runs out, it would "kneecap" Ukraine's battle against Russia's invasion.

In October, Biden had asked for a massive $106 billion national security package, including military assistance for Ukraine and Israel's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas.

However, the grant has been embroiled in divisions on Capitol Hill.&nbsp;

"There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money -- and nearly out of time," wrote Young.&nbsp;

"I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine," she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-for-illegally-entering-waters-near-disputed-second-thomas-shoal-666058">China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near Second Thomas Shoal</a>

"Cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield, not only putting at risk the gains Ukraine has made but increasing the likelihood of Russian military victories."&nbsp;

<h2>'Biden administration failed to address concerns,' says Johnson</h2>

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Congress has so far approved more than $110 billion for Kyiv. However, after the Republicans took over the House from Democrats in January 2023, Congress has not approved any funds.

The House and Senate last approved $45 billion in military, financial and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as part of a broader annual spending bill passed in December 2022.

Speaker Johnson&nbsp;took to social media and said that the Biden administration "failed to substantively address" Republican concerns about Ukraine strategy.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Biden Administration has failed to substantively address any of my conference’s legitimate concerns about the lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine, a path to resolving the conflict, or a plan for adequately ensuring accountability for aid provided by American taxpayers.… <a href="https://t.co/nwthjRxqyP">https://t.co/nwthjRxqyP</a>
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1731689607803146328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"The Biden administration has failed to substantively address any of my conference's legitimate concerns about the lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine," Johnson said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday.

"We believe both issues can be agreed upon if Senate Democrats and the White House will negotiate reasonably," he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The White House officials on Monday (Dec 5) warned congressional leaders that halting the military aid to Kyiv would let Russian President Vladimir Putin "prevail" in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The White House officials on Monday (Dec 5) warned congressional leaders that halting the military aid to Kyiv would let Russian President Vladimir Putin "prevail" in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. "Congress has to decide whether to continue to support the fight for freedom in Ukraine as part of the 50-nation coalition that President (Joe) Biden has built or... ignore the lessons we've learned from history and let Putin prevail," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House. "It is that simple. It is that stark a choice, and we hope that Congress on a bipartisan basis will make the right choice," he said. US President Joe Biden's budget director, Shalanda Young, wrote a letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stating that if military assistance runs out, it would "kneecap" Ukraine's battle against Russia's invasion. In October, Biden had asked for a massive $106 billion national security package, including military assistance for Ukraine and Israel's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas. However, the grant has been embroiled in divisions on Capitol Hill. "There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money -- and nearly out of time," wrote Young. "I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine," she added. Also read: China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near Second Thomas Shoal "Cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield, not only putting at risk the gains Ukraine has made but increasing the likelihood of Russian military victories." 'Biden administration failed to address concerns,' says Johnson Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Congress has so far approved more than $110 billion for Kyiv. However, after the Republicans took over the House from Democrats in January 2023, Congress has not approved any funds. The House and Senate last approved $45 billion in military, financial and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as part of a broader annual spending bill passed in December 2022. Speaker Johnson took to social media and said that the Biden administration "failed to substantively address" Republican concerns about Ukraine strategy. The Biden Administration has failed to substantively address any of my conference’s legitimate concerns about the lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine, a path to resolving the conflict, or a plan for adequately ensuring accountability for aid provided by American taxpayers.… https://t.co/nwthjRxqyP — Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 4, 2023 × "The Biden administration has failed to substantively address any of my conference's legitimate concerns about the lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine," Johnson said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday. "We believe both issues can be agreed upon if Senate Democrats and the White House will negotiate reasonably," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ending US aid for Ukraine would allow Putin to prevail, warns White House

Shalanda Young, who is the White House budget chief, issued a warning to the US Congress on Monday (Dec 4) that failure to agree to fresh funds for Ukraine by the end of the year would impact Kyiv severely on the battlefield.&nbsp;

In a letter to the House Speaker, the Office of Management and Budget director said: "I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine."&nbsp; 
 
She further added that cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will "kneecap" Ukraine on the battlefield amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;

Since the war started last year on February 24, the US has sent more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including humanitarian aid, financial, and military support.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-for-illegally-entering-waters-near-disputed-second-thomas-shoal-666058">China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near disputed Second Thomas Shoal</a>&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden in October asked Congress to approve $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel, and $9.15 billion for humanitarian aid in the two countries and the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

The Biden Administration has also said that the process of sending aid to war-ravaged Ukraine has helped the US states, primarily Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Texas.&nbsp;

But the request has not been approved as the Congress has been paralysed for months by Republican infighting, with hard-right lawmakers particularly opposing any further assistance for Kyiv as the war drags on.&nbsp;

When new Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson took office in October after his predecessor Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a right-wing coup, the main focus of the Congress was to avert a chaotic government shutdown, which they did over the Thanksgiving holiday in November.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bodies-of-five-recovered-from-the-crashed-us-military-osprey-aircraft-off-japanese-coast-666074">Bodies of five recovered from the crashed US military Osprey aircraft off Japanese coast</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russian forces intensify attack on Ukraine&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russian-forces-intensify-attack-on-ukraine-665487/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Young's warning&nbsp;</h2>

The deal to keep the lights on until mid-January left out aid to America's key allies. In her letter, Young said that by that time it would be too late and funds for Ukraine would have already dried up.&nbsp;

"There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money -- and nearly out of time," Young wrote.&nbsp;

She underlined that if the US fails to agree more funding, it would increase the chance of Russian military victories. It will also put Ukraine's gains so far at risk.&nbsp;

"This isn't a next year problem. The time to help a democratic Ukraine fight against Russian aggression is right now. It is time for Congress to act," she wrote.

This comes amid Ukraine's desperate calls for more foreign aid. Meanwhile, Russian forces have stepped up attacks in the east after holding back Kyiv's much-vaunted counteroffensive.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Shalanda Young, who is the White House budget chief, issued a warning to the US Congress on Monday (Dec 4) that failure to agree to fresh funds for Ukraine by the end of the year would impact Kyiv severely on the battlefield.

Shalanda Young, who is the White House budget chief, issued a warning to the US Congress on Monday (Dec 4) that failure to agree to fresh funds for Ukraine by the end of the year would impact Kyiv severely on the battlefield. In a letter to the House Speaker, the Office of Management and Budget director said: "I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine." She further added that cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will "kneecap" Ukraine on the battlefield amid the ongoing war. Since the war started last year on February 24, the US has sent more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including humanitarian aid, financial, and military support. Also read: China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near disputed Second Thomas Shoal United States President Joe Biden in October asked Congress to approve $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel, and $9.15 billion for humanitarian aid in the two countries and the Gaza Strip. The Biden Administration has also said that the process of sending aid to war-ravaged Ukraine has helped the US states, primarily Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Texas. But the request has not been approved as the Congress has been paralysed for months by Republican infighting, with hard-right lawmakers particularly opposing any further assistance for Kyiv as the war drags on. When new Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson took office in October after his predecessor Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a right-wing coup, the main focus of the Congress was to avert a chaotic government shutdown, which they did over the Thanksgiving holiday in November. Also read: Bodies of five recovered from the crashed US military Osprey aircraft off Japanese coast Watch: Russian forces intensify attack on Ukraine × Young's warning The deal to keep the lights on until mid-January left out aid to America's key allies. In her letter, Young said that by that time it would be too late and funds for Ukraine would have already dried up. "There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money -- and nearly out of time," Young wrote. She underlined that if the US fails to agree more funding, it would increase the chance of Russian military victories. It will also put Ukraine's gains so far at risk. "This isn't a next year problem. The time to help a democratic Ukraine fight against Russian aggression is right now. It is time for Congress to act," she wrote. This comes amid Ukraine's desperate calls for more foreign aid. Meanwhile, Russian forces have stepped up attacks in the east after holding back Kyiv's much-vaunted counteroffensive. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

White House says time running out to support Ukraine's fight against Russia

The United States' National Christmas Tree on Tuesday (Nov 28)&nbsp;was knocked over as strong winds roared through the Washington area. The nearly 40-foot tree from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia fell over during a strong wind gust, said the National Park Service.

<h2>Is it salvageable?</h2>

Soon after the tree toppled over, The National Park Service said: "As the saying goes, 'the show must go on'". It also said that it was "looking at all possibilities to ensure a successful event this year". The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday (Nov 30).

The National Park Service spokesperson Jasmine Shanti in a statement said that a snapped cable was replaced, and the tree was set upright.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-shivers-as-cold-snap-tightens-grip-in-second-winter-without-russian-fuel-supplies-664102">Europe shivers as cold snap tightens grip, UK braces for 'hazardous conditions'</a>

"After assessing the tree's condition and replacing a snapped cable, the tree is now upright," she said.

On its website, the agency warned that for the Washington area, "occasional wind gusts to gale force" would be possible through Tuesday evening.

<h2>What is the National Christmas Tree?</h2>

The National Christmas Tree is a 100-year-old annual Christmas holiday tradition. Since 1923, every year, the US President in a ceremony lights the tree.&nbsp;

As per this year's schedule, the National Christmas Tree which is located in the White House's President Park will be lighted by President Joe Biden on November 30. From December 2nd till January 1st, the 40-foot tree will be available for public viewing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-gigi-hadid-retracts-post-says-palestinian-kids-should-have-same-rights-like-others-664137">Gigi Hadid retracts post, says 'Palestinian kids should have same rights like others'</a>

The tradition began on December 24, 1923, when the then President Calvin Coolidge lit a 48-foot balsam fir from Vermont that was erected in the middle of the Ellipse.

<h2>Is it a 100-year-old tree?</h2>

No, the tree was delivered to the White House Ellipse on November 14. Over the 100 years of this holiday tradition, the National Christmas Tree has been replaced many times.

The last one was planted in October 2021, but had to be taken down after it developed a fungal infection.

In the one century of this holiday tradition, at least three National Christmas trees have fallen victim to Washington's winds, reports The Daily Beast.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' National Christmas Tree on Tuesday (Nov 28) was knocked over as strong winds roared through the Washington area. The nearly 40-foot tree from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia fell over during a strong wind gust, said the National Park Service.

The United States' National Christmas Tree on Tuesday (Nov 28) was knocked over as strong winds roared through the Washington area. The nearly 40-foot tree from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia fell over during a strong wind gust, said the National Park Service. Is it salvageable? Soon after the tree toppled over, The National Park Service said: "As the saying goes, 'the show must go on'". It also said that it was "looking at all possibilities to ensure a successful event this year". The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday (Nov 30). The National Park Service spokesperson Jasmine Shanti in a statement said that a snapped cable was replaced, and the tree was set upright. Also read | Europe shivers as cold snap tightens grip, UK braces for 'hazardous conditions' "After assessing the tree's condition and replacing a snapped cable, the tree is now upright," she said. On its website, the agency warned that for the Washington area, "occasional wind gusts to gale force" would be possible through Tuesday evening. What is the National Christmas Tree? The National Christmas Tree is a 100-year-old annual Christmas holiday tradition. Since 1923, every year, the US President in a ceremony lights the tree. As per this year's schedule, the National Christmas Tree which is located in the White House's President Park will be lighted by President Joe Biden on November 30. From December 2nd till January 1st, the 40-foot tree will be available for public viewing. Also read | Gigi Hadid retracts post, says 'Palestinian kids should have same rights like others' The tradition began on December 24, 1923, when the then President Calvin Coolidge lit a 48-foot balsam fir from Vermont that was erected in the middle of the Ellipse. Is it a 100-year-old tree? No, the tree was delivered to the White House Ellipse on November 14. Over the 100 years of this holiday tradition, the National Christmas Tree has been replaced many times. The last one was planted in October 2021, but had to be taken down after it developed a fungal infection. In the one century of this holiday tradition, at least three National Christmas trees have fallen victim to Washington's winds, reports The Daily Beast. (With inputs from agencies)

Strong winds knock over the National Christmas Tree outside White House

white-house

White House, News on White House, stories on White House, articles on White House, White House stories at Wion, White House news, White House latest news

white house