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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 22) told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to make a deal and end this "ridiculous war" now or face taxes, tariffs, and sanctions, adding that "We can do it the easy way or the hard way".&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, a senior Hezbollah leader, was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his residence in the Machghara area of Lebanon&rsquo;s western Bekaa district on Tuesday (Jan 21) night.
In other news, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Janata Dal (United), also known as JD(U), fired its Manipur unit chief Kshetrimayum&nbsp;Biren Singh on Wednesday (Jan 22) who claimed that the party withdrew support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the Indian state of Manipur.
Click on the headlines to read more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-this-ridiculous-war-now-trump-warns-putin-or-else-face-tariffs-sanctions-8645201">'STOP this ridiculous war now': Trump warns Putin or else face tariffs, sanctions</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/8CA5Nw2FifWVO67mOTgK.png" alt=" Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) ">
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 22) told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to make a deal and end this "ridiculous war" now or face taxes, tariffs, and sanctions, adding that "We can do it the easy way or the hard way".&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sheikh-muhammad-ali-hamadi-top-hezbollah-leader-shot-dead-in-lebanon-reports-8645035">Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, top Hezbollah leader, shot dead in Lebanon: Reports</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/kze40TK0OLWOM4aulkhL.png" alt=" Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, top Hezbollah leader, shot dead in Lebanon: Reports Photograph: (X@JasonMBrodsky) ">
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Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, a senior Hezbollah leader, was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his residence in the Machghara area of Lebanon&rsquo;s western Bekaa district on Tuesday (Jan 21) night.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-jdu-withdraws-support-from-bjp-govt-in-indias-manipur-8643882">Nitish Kumar's JD(U) fires Manipur unit chief who claimed party withdrew support to BJP govt in state</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/fvM3wdhEYUJ3VHike9w4.png" alt=" File photo of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. Photograph: (PTI) ">
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Janata Dal (United), also known as JD(U), fired its Manipur unit chief Kshetrimayum&nbsp;Biren Singh on Wednesday (Jan 22) who claimed that the party withdrew support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the Indian state of Manipur.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/former-uk-pm-rishi-sunak-embarks-on-new-career-path-with-oxford-and-stanford-fellowships-8644338">Former UK PM Rishi Sunak embarks on new career path with Oxford and Stanford fellowships</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/8SGlkYec0VsEdmyMa82m.png" alt=" Former UK PM Rishi Sunak embarks on new career path with Oxford and Stanford fellowships Photograph: (Reuters) " style="width: 1280px;">
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced significant new career moves, including joining Oxford&rsquo;s Blavatnik School of Government and Stanford University&rsquo;s Hoover Institution. The former leader revealed on Tuesday (Jan 21) that he will be participating in both institutions as part of their distinguished fellowship programmes, marking a new chapter after his tenure as prime minister.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-captures-before-and-after-satellite-images-of-maha-kumbh-mela-2025-site-8644606">ISRO captures before-and-after satellite images of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/M69YBdpXxZq0Ur8Yie1X.png" alt=" ISRO releases Maha Kumbh satellite images Photograph: (National Remote Sensing Centre(NRSC), ISRO) ">
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has captured detailed satellite images of the ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/maha-kumbh" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Maha Kumbh</a>&nbsp;2025, the world's largest religious gathering, in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-maoist-leader-chalapathi-killed-by-indian-security-forces-who-was-he-8644315">Top Maoist leader Chalapathi killed by Indian security forces. Who was he?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/g1SNB2SeLkpHJXBMvz5w.png" alt=" A representative image of Maoists in Chhattisgarh. Photograph: (Agencies) ">
Ramachandra Reddy, popularly known as Chalapathi, was a top Maoist leader who&nbsp;was recently killed&nbsp;by Indian security forces during a gunfight at the Chattisgarh-Odisha border.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-state-rubio-meets-s-jaishankar-commits-to-strengthening-ties-with-india-8643530">US Secretary of State Rubio meets S Jaishankar, commits to strengthening ties with India</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x348/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/38a9eb89-622.png">
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with his US counterpart Marco Rubio on Monday (Jan 21) in the first bilateral meeting hours after the Secretary of State assumed office.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeju-air-crash-south-korea-to-change-concrete-barriers-at-some-airports-in-wake-of-tragedy-8644989">Jeju Air crash: South Korea to change concrete barriers at some airports in wake of tragedy</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/oiLwjSVzWqVBHB2a5wao.png" alt=" The Jeju Air crash on December 29 killed 179 people. Photograph: (Reuters) ">
South Korean authorities said on Wednesday they will change the concrete barriers used for navigation at some airports across the country after the Jeju Air crash that left 179 people dead.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-t20i-arshdeep-singh-becomes-indias-highest-t20i-wicket-taker-and-goes-past-yuzvendra-chahal-8645090">IND vs ENG, 1st T20I: Arshdeep Singh becomes India's highest T20I wicket-taker and goes past.....</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/4QC8hNkTVvqTqjRLJnUs.png" alt=" IND vs ENG 1st T20I: Arshdeep Singh becomes India's highest wicket-taker Photograph: (BCCI) ">India pacer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/arshdeep-singh" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Arshdeep Singh</a>&nbsp;became the highest wicket taker for India in the T20Is, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal. Arshdeep, who now has 97 T20I wickets, reached the milestone during the IND vs ENG 1st T20I in Kolkata on Wednesday (Jan 22).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/saif-ali-khan-stabbing-case-intruder-stabbed-actor-to-free-himself-from-his-grip-recounted-chilling-details-to-cops-8645063">Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: Intruder stabbed actor to free himself from his grip, recounts chilling details to cops</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/19/HlhUlgEbv5GcPcxXEgBU.jpg" alt=" Saif Ali Khan attack: Mumbai police apprehend the main accused Photograph: (Agencies) ">
The Bangladeshi intruder, who broke into Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's home on January 16 to attempt robbery, has recounted chilling details to the Mumbai police of the fateful night. The attacker, identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir&nbsp; revealed that he stabbed Saif to free himself from his tight grip.&nbsp;
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Here are today's top 10 news across the world.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 22) told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to make a deal and end this "ridiculous war" now or face taxes, tariffs, and sanctions, adding that "We can do it the easy way or the hard way". Meanwhile, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, a senior Hezbollah leader, was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his residence in the Machghara area of Lebanon’s western Bekaa district on Tuesday (Jan 21) night. In other news, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party, the Janata Dal (United), also known as JD(U), fired its Manipur unit chief Kshetrimayum Biren Singh on Wednesday (Jan 22) who claimed that the party withdrew support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the Indian state of Manipur. Click on the headlines to read more 'STOP this ridiculous war now': Trump warns Putin or else face tariffs, sanctions US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 22) told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to make a deal and end this "ridiculous war" now or face taxes, tariffs, and sanctions, adding that "We can do it the easy way or the hard way". Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, top Hezbollah leader, shot dead in Lebanon: Reports Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, a senior Hezbollah leader, was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his residence in the Machghara area of Lebanon’s western Bekaa district on Tuesday (Jan 21) night. Nitish Kumar's JD(U) fires Manipur unit chief who claimed party withdrew support to BJP govt in state Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party, the Janata Dal (United), also known as JD(U), fired its Manipur unit chief Kshetrimayum Biren Singh on Wednesday (Jan 22) who claimed that the party withdrew support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the Indian state of Manipur. Former UK PM Rishi Sunak embarks on new career path with Oxford and Stanford fellowships Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced significant new career moves, including joining Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government and Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. The former leader revealed on Tuesday (Jan 21) that he will be participating in both institutions as part of their distinguished fellowship programmes, marking a new chapter after his tenure as prime minister. ISRO captures before-and-after satellite images of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has captured detailed satellite images of the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025, the world's largest religious gathering, in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. Top Maoist leader Chalapathi killed by Indian security forces. Who was he? Ramachandra Reddy, popularly known as Chalapathi, was a top Maoist leader who was recently killed by Indian security forces during a gunfight at the Chattisgarh-Odisha border. US Secretary of State Rubio meets S Jaishankar, commits to strengthening ties with India India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with his US counterpart Marco Rubio on Monday (Jan 21) in the first bilateral meeting hours after the Secretary of State assumed office. Jeju Air crash: South Korea to change concrete barriers at some airports in wake of tragedy South Korean authorities said on Wednesday they will change the concrete barriers used for navigation at some airports across the country after the Jeju Air crash that left 179 people dead. IND vs ENG, 1st T20I: Arshdeep Singh becomes India's highest T20I wicket-taker and goes past..... India pacer Arshdeep Singh became the highest wicket taker for India in the T20Is, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal. Arshdeep, who now has 97 T20I wickets, reached the milestone during the IND vs ENG 1st T20I in Kolkata on Wednesday (Jan 22). Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: Intruder stabbed actor to free himself from his grip, recounts chilling details to cops The Bangladeshi intruder, who broke into Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's home on January 16 to attempt robbery, has recounted chilling details to the Mumbai police of the fateful night. The attacker, identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir revealed that he stabbed Saif to free himself from his tight grip.

Top 10 world news: Trump warns Putin to end Ukraine war; Top Hezbollah leader shot dead, and more

US President Donald Trump issued a warning to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Jan 22), telling him to make a deal for ending the ongoing "ridiculous war" now or face high taxes, tariffs, and sanctions, while adding, "We can do it the easy way or the hard way."&nbsp;
Reiterating what he has always been saying, Trump said, "Let&rsquo;s get this war, "which never would have started if I were President, over with."&nbsp;
In a Truth Social post, Trump stressed, "I'm not looking to hurt Russia," adding, "I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin - and this despite the Radical Left&rsquo;s Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX. We must never forget that Russia helped us win the Second World War, losing almost 60,000,000 lives in the process."
<figure class="image"><img alt="Donald Trump's post on Truth Social " src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/454x445/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/hDBw35FVuYzwGTww3Q4O.png" style="width: 454px;">
<figcaption>Donald Trump's post on Truth Social Photograph: (Truth Social )</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>'Doing a very big favour on Russia'</h2>
He further said that he would be going to do a "very big FAVOR" on Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin.
"Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT&rsquo;S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don&rsquo;t make a &ldquo;deal,&rdquo; and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries," he posted.&nbsp;
Trump added, "We can do it the easy way, or the hard way - and the easy way is always better. It&rsquo;s time to &ldquo;MAKE A DEAL.&rdquo; NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!"
Trump had previously promised a quick resolution to the conflict soon after taking office.&nbsp;
Although Moscow has been sceptical of Trump&rsquo;s promises, it expressed its willingness to engage with the incoming administration for a resolution that ends the war with Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine war is on the verge of completing three years in February, having started with Moscow's invasion on Feb 24, 2022 in what it called "special military operation".
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Reiterating what he has always been saying, US President Donald Trump said, let’s get this war over with, "which never would have started if I were President." 

US President Donald Trump issued a warning to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Jan 22), telling him to make a deal for ending the ongoing "ridiculous war" now or face high taxes, tariffs, and sanctions, while adding, "We can do it the easy way or the hard way." Reiterating what he has always been saying, Trump said, "Let’s get this war, "which never would have started if I were President, over with." In a Truth Social post, Trump stressed, "I'm not looking to hurt Russia," adding, "I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin - and this despite the Radical Left’s Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX. We must never forget that Russia helped us win the Second World War, losing almost 60,000,000 lives in the process." Donald Trump's post on Truth Social Photograph: (Truth Social ) 'Doing a very big favour on Russia' He further said that he would be going to do a "very big FAVOR" on Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin. "Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don’t make a “deal,” and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries," he posted. Trump added, "We can do it the easy way, or the hard way - and the easy way is always better. It’s time to “MAKE A DEAL.” NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!" Trump had previously promised a quick resolution to the conflict soon after taking office. Although Moscow has been sceptical of Trump’s promises, it expressed its willingness to engage with the incoming administration for a resolution that ends the war with Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine war is on the verge of completing three years in February, having started with Moscow's invasion on Feb 24, 2022 in what it called "special military operation". (With inputs from agencies)

'STOP this ridiculous war now or else face high tariffs, sanctions': Trump warns Putin

Thousands of refugees who were approved to travel to the US before a January 27 deadline suspending the US's refugee resettlement programme, have had their plans cancelled by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/trump-0" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a>'s administration.&nbsp;
These refugees are now stranded at different locations in the world.&nbsp;
The officials have been directed to stop the refugee referral process overseas and to halt the Biden administration programme that allowed private US citizens to sponsor refugees.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-inauguration-heres-a-low-down-of-the-executive-orders-trump-signed-on-day-1-in-white-house-8640978" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump inauguration: Here's a low down of the executive orders Trump signed on Day 1 in White House</a>
<h2>'Suspended until further notice'</h2>
Associated Press reviewed an email on Wednesday by the US agency overseeing refugee processing and arrival, which told the staff and stakeholders that &ldquo;refugee arrival to the United States have been suspended until further notice&rdquo;.
Donald Trump signed the suspension in an executive order on Monday (Jan 20) after the swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;
This has left open the possibility that people who had undergone the lengthy process to be approved as refugees and permitted to come to the US, and had flights booked before that deadline, might still be able to get in under the wire.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-to-pull-us-out-of-world-health-organization-who-8639655" rel="dofollow">Trump signs executive order to pull US out of World Health Organization</a>
&ldquo;All previously scheduled travel of refugees to the United States is being cancelled, and no new travel bookings will be made. RSCs should not request travel for any additional refugee cases at this time,&rdquo; CNN reported, citing a State Department memo.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Additionally, all refugee case processing and pre-departure activities are also suspended. RSCs and IOM should not move refugees to transit centers in anticipation of travel and should halt all pre-departure activities for refugee cases. No new referrals should be made into the USRAP,&rdquo; the memo added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-to-delay-tiktok-ban-in-us-8639173" rel="dofollow">Trump signs executive order to delay TikTok ban in US by 75 days</a>
However, there have been exceptions made for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, including those who worked for the US abroad, allowing them to travel.&nbsp;
Moreover, refugees who are already within the US will also continue to receive support services.&nbsp;
People who are majorly affected include more than 1,600 Afghans who have been cleared to resettle in the US as part of the programme set by the Biden administration after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.&nbsp;
However, it is unclear yet what prompted Trump's administration to change.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Officials have been directed to stop the refugee referral process overseas and to halt the Biden administration programme that allowed private US citizens to sponsor refugees. 

Thousands of refugees who were approved to travel to the US before a January 27 deadline suspending the US's refugee resettlement programme, have had their plans cancelled by President Donald Trump's administration. These refugees are now stranded at different locations in the world. The officials have been directed to stop the refugee referral process overseas and to halt the Biden administration programme that allowed private US citizens to sponsor refugees. Also read: Donald Trump inauguration: Here's a low down of the executive orders Trump signed on Day 1 in White House 'Suspended until further notice' Associated Press reviewed an email on Wednesday by the US agency overseeing refugee processing and arrival, which told the staff and stakeholders that “refugee arrival to the United States have been suspended until further notice”. Donald Trump signed the suspension in an executive order on Monday (Jan 20) after the swearing-in ceremony. This has left open the possibility that people who had undergone the lengthy process to be approved as refugees and permitted to come to the US, and had flights booked before that deadline, might still be able to get in under the wire. Also read: Trump signs executive order to pull US out of World Health Organization “All previously scheduled travel of refugees to the United States is being cancelled, and no new travel bookings will be made. RSCs should not request travel for any additional refugee cases at this time,” CNN reported, citing a State Department memo. “Additionally, all refugee case processing and pre-departure activities are also suspended. RSCs and IOM should not move refugees to transit centers in anticipation of travel and should halt all pre-departure activities for refugee cases. No new referrals should be made into the USRAP,” the memo added. Also read: Trump signs executive order to delay TikTok ban in US by 75 days However, there have been exceptions made for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, including those who worked for the US abroad, allowing them to travel. Moreover, refugees who are already within the US will also continue to receive support services. People who are majorly affected include more than 1,600 Afghans who have been cleared to resettle in the US as part of the programme set by the Biden administration after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. However, it is unclear yet what prompted Trump's administration to change. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump administration cancels travel plans for thousands of refugees approved to resettle in US

Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, a senior Hezbollah leader, was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his residence in the Machghara area of Lebanon&rsquo;s western Bekaa district on Tuesday (Jan 21) night.
The assailants, reportedly driving two separate vehicles, shot Hamadi six times before fleeing the scene, as reported by the Times Of Israel.
<h2>Authorities launch investigation &nbsp;</h2>
Lebanese authorities have initiated a probe into the killing, with initial investigations pointing to a long-standing family feud.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-were-wrong-that-day-convicted-us-capitol-rioter-refused-to-take-trumps-pardon-8644746">'We were wrong that day': Convicted US Capitol rioter refuses Trump's pardon</a>
<h2>Hamadi's controversial history &nbsp;</h2>
Hamadi was a fugitive with a notorious past, wanted by the FBI for his role in the 1985 hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 847. During the hijacking, 153 passengers and crew were held hostage, and an American citizen was tortured and killed. This placed Hamadi on the FBI&rsquo;s most-wanted list for decades. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/prince-harry-settles-lawsuit-against-murdochs-uk-tabloids-8644926">Prince Harry settles lawsuit against Murdoch's UK tabloids</a>
The killing of Hamadi comes just days before the 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah expires on January 26. According to the agreement, Israel must pull out its troops from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah is to retreat north of the Litani River. &nbsp;
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-working-on-second-phase-of-gaza-hostage-ceasefire-deal-report-8644060"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-working-on-second-phase-of-gaza-hostage-ceasefire-deal-report-8644060">Trump administration working on second phase of Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal: Report</a>
The ceasefire, which was agreed upon on November 27, required Hezbollah to give up its weapons in southern Lebanon, and Israel was supposed to withdraw its forces within 60 days, handing over control to the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers. &nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-captures-before-and-after-satellite-images-of-maha-kumbh-mela-2025-site-8644606">ISRO captures before-and-after satellite images of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site</a>
However, Israel has only left two towns and continues airstrikes on Hezbollah positions, claiming the group is hiding weapons and attempting rocket launches to avoid their destruction.
(With inputs from agencies)

world | Middle East: Lebanese authorities have initiated a probe into the killing, with initial investigations pointing to a long-standing family feud. Officials have ruled out any political motive for the assassination. 

Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, a senior Hezbollah leader, was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his residence in the Machghara area of Lebanon’s western Bekaa district on Tuesday (Jan 21) night. The assailants, reportedly driving two separate vehicles, shot Hamadi six times before fleeing the scene, as reported by the Times Of Israel. Authorities launch investigation Lebanese authorities have initiated a probe into the killing, with initial investigations pointing to a long-standing family feud. Also Read | 'We were wrong that day': Convicted US Capitol rioter refuses Trump's pardon Hamadi's controversial history Hamadi was a fugitive with a notorious past, wanted by the FBI for his role in the 1985 hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 847. During the hijacking, 153 passengers and crew were held hostage, and an American citizen was tortured and killed. This placed Hamadi on the FBI’s most-wanted list for decades. Also Read | Prince Harry settles lawsuit against Murdoch's UK tabloids The killing of Hamadi comes just days before the 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah expires on January 26. According to the agreement, Israel must pull out its troops from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah is to retreat north of the Litani River. Also Read | Trump administration working on second phase of Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal: Report The ceasefire, which was agreed upon on November 27, required Hezbollah to give up its weapons in southern Lebanon, and Israel was supposed to withdraw its forces within 60 days, handing over control to the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers. Also Read | ISRO captures before-and-after satellite images of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site However, Israel has only left two towns and continues airstrikes on Hezbollah positions, claiming the group is hiding weapons and attempting rocket launches to avoid their destruction. (With inputs from agencies)

Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi, top Hezbollah leader, shot dead in Lebanon: Reports

A 26-year-old man in the United Kingdom (UK) has admitted to murdering his former girlfriend and her sister with a crossbow and their mother with a knife, British media reported on Wednesday (Jan 22).&nbsp;
Kyle Clifford changed his not-guilty pleas to the murders during an appearance via video link at Cambridge Crown Court.
He changed his pleas having denied murdering the three women during a hearing at the same court in December 2024.
<h2>Clifford admits to murder but denies rape charge</h2>
Clifford was accused of shooting his girlfriend Louise Hunt and her sister Hannah with a crossbow and stabbing their mother Carol during an attack at their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire on July 9 last year.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-crossbow-a-medieval-era-weapon-used-in-uk-triple-murder-740261" rel="dofollow">What is crossbow, a medieval-era weapon used in UK triple murder?</a>
The three women were the wife and daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt.
A report by BBC said that during the hearing, Clifford admitted to carrying out the murders but denied a charge of raping Louis.&nbsp;
He is due to stand trial on that charge at the same court later this year.
<h2>Victims found with serious injuries</h2>
Louise, Hanna, and Carol were found with serious injuries at their home on July 9, 2024. Police and ambulance crews tried to save the three women, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police launched a manhunt for Clifford before he was found injured in a cemetery in Enfield, north London. The man had shot himself in the chest with the crossbow.&nbsp;
The case renewed a debate in the UK about the laws governing the ownership of crossbows.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: In July 2024, Clifford was accused of shooting his girlfriend Louise Hunt and her sister Hannah with a crossbow and stabbing their mother Carol. 

A 26-year-old man in the United Kingdom (UK) has admitted to murdering his former girlfriend and her sister with a crossbow and their mother with a knife, British media reported on Wednesday (Jan 22). Kyle Clifford changed his not-guilty pleas to the murders during an appearance via video link at Cambridge Crown Court. He changed his pleas having denied murdering the three women during a hearing at the same court in December 2024. Clifford admits to murder but denies rape charge Clifford was accused of shooting his girlfriend Louise Hunt and her sister Hannah with a crossbow and stabbing their mother Carol during an attack at their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire on July 9 last year. Also read | What is crossbow, a medieval-era weapon used in UK triple murder? The three women were the wife and daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt. A report by BBC said that during the hearing, Clifford admitted to carrying out the murders but denied a charge of raping Louis. He is due to stand trial on that charge at the same court later this year. Victims found with serious injuries Louise, Hanna, and Carol were found with serious injuries at their home on July 9, 2024. Police and ambulance crews tried to save the three women, but they were pronounced dead at the scene. Police launched a manhunt for Clifford before he was found injured in a cemetery in Enfield, north London. The man had shot himself in the chest with the crossbow. The case renewed a debate in the UK about the laws governing the ownership of crossbows. (With inputs from agencies)

UK crossbow killings: Accused admits murdering woman and her daughters

South Korean authorities said on Wednesday they will change the concrete barriers used for navigation at some airports across the country after the Jeju Air crash that left 179 people dead.
The Boeing 737-800 was flying from Thailand to Muan in the southwest on December 29 carrying 181 passengers and crew when it belly-landed at Muan airport and exploded in a fireball after slamming into a concrete barrier.
It was the worst-ever aviation disaster on South Korean soil.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korea-to-upgrade-airport-navigation-systems-extends-muan-closure-to-january-19-after-jeju-air-crash-8619213" rel="dofollow">S Korea to upgrade airport navigation systems, extends Muan closure to Jan 19 after Jeju air crash</a>
South Korean and US investigators are still probing the cause of the crash, which prompted national mourning with memorials set up across the country.
Attention has focused on several possible causes, but questions have been raised about why the concrete barricade, known as a localiser and used to help planes navigate their landings, was at the end of the runway.
The Ministry of Land said in a statement that "a special safety inspection revealed that improvements are needed for localisers at seven airports around the country".&nbsp;
These include Muan and Jeju International Airport, a popular tourist hotspot and the country's second-largest airport after Incheon, which serves the capital Seoul.&nbsp;
The measures include "relocating the foundations underground and replacing them with lightweight steel structures".
Muan International Airport's existing concrete mounds will be removed entirely, and the localiser will be "reinstalled using breakable structures".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-look-at-the-last-moments-of-south-koreas-jeju-air-flight-that-killed-179-8585791" rel="dofollow">South Korea plane crash: A look at the last moments of the Jeju Air flight that killed 179</a>
"This measure prioritises actions requiring immediate attention," said Transport Minister Park Sang-woo.&nbsp;
"We plan to establish measures for bird strike prevention improvement and an aviation safety innovation plan through further investigations and reviews," he said.&nbsp;
At the moment of the accident, the pilot warned of a bird strike before pulling out of a first landing attempt. The plane crashed on its second attempt when the landing gear did not emerge.
Feathers were found in both engines, according to South Korean media reports, with a bird strike being examined as one possible cause.
According to the ministry, a comprehensive survey of bird-attracting facilities around airports began on Monday as part of the "bird strike prevention improvement plan".
The investigation was further clouded when the transport ministry said the black boxes holding the flight data and cockpit voice recorders for the crashed flight stopped recording four minutes before the disaster.
The land ministry said on Saturday that Muan airport's closure period had been extended three more months until April 18.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Muan International Airport's existing concrete mounds will be removed entirely and the localiser will be "reinstalled using breakable structures".

South Korean authorities said on Wednesday they will change the concrete barriers used for navigation at some airports across the country after the Jeju Air crash that left 179 people dead. The Boeing 737-800 was flying from Thailand to Muan in the southwest on December 29 carrying 181 passengers and crew when it belly-landed at Muan airport and exploded in a fireball after slamming into a concrete barrier. It was the worst-ever aviation disaster on South Korean soil. Also read | S Korea to upgrade airport navigation systems, extends Muan closure to Jan 19 after Jeju air crash South Korean and US investigators are still probing the cause of the crash, which prompted national mourning with memorials set up across the country. Attention has focused on several possible causes, but questions have been raised about why the concrete barricade, known as a localiser and used to help planes navigate their landings, was at the end of the runway. The Ministry of Land said in a statement that "a special safety inspection revealed that improvements are needed for localisers at seven airports around the country". These include Muan and Jeju International Airport, a popular tourist hotspot and the country's second-largest airport after Incheon, which serves the capital Seoul. The measures include "relocating the foundations underground and replacing them with lightweight steel structures". Muan International Airport's existing concrete mounds will be removed entirely, and the localiser will be "reinstalled using breakable structures". Also read | South Korea plane crash: A look at the last moments of the Jeju Air flight that killed 179 "This measure prioritises actions requiring immediate attention," said Transport Minister Park Sang-woo. "We plan to establish measures for bird strike prevention improvement and an aviation safety innovation plan through further investigations and reviews," he said. At the moment of the accident, the pilot warned of a bird strike before pulling out of a first landing attempt. The plane crashed on its second attempt when the landing gear did not emerge. Feathers were found in both engines, according to South Korean media reports, with a bird strike being examined as one possible cause. According to the ministry, a comprehensive survey of bird-attracting facilities around airports began on Monday as part of the "bird strike prevention improvement plan". The investigation was further clouded when the transport ministry said the black boxes holding the flight data and cockpit voice recorders for the crashed flight stopped recording four minutes before the disaster. The land ministry said on Saturday that Muan airport's closure period had been extended three more months until April 18. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Jeju Air crash: South Korea to change concrete barriers at some airports in wake of tragedy

One of the people who was imprisoned for taking part in the January 6 US Capital riots four years back, has refused a pardon from President Donald Trump, saying, "We were wrong that day."&nbsp;
This comes after Trump announced to pardon or commute the sentences of nearly 1,600 people involved in the attempt to violently overturn the 2020 election.&nbsp;
Pamela Hemphill pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in prison, and told BBC that there should be no pardons for the riot on January 6, 2021.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-grants-blanket-pardon-to-almost-all-involved-in-capitol-riots-8640896" rel="dofollow">Who were the Capitol riots accused that US President Trump granted pardon to?</a>
<h2>'Would insult rule of law'</h2>
"Accepting a pardon would only insult the Capitol police officers, the rule of law, and, of course, our nation," she said.
"I pleaded guilty because I was guilty, and accepting a pardon also would serve to contribute to their gaslighting and false narrative."
Hemphill was nicknamed the "Maga Granny" by social media users, in reference to Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mel-j-horne-man-arrested-for-trying-to-smuggle-machete-knives-into-us-capitol-ahead-of-trumps-visit-for-jimmy-carter-state-funeral-8603446" rel="dofollow">Man arrested for trying to smuggle machete, knives into US Capitol ahead of Trump visit</a>
She said that she saw the Trump government as trying to "Rewrite history and I don't want to be part of that."&nbsp;
"We were wrong that day, we broke the law - there should be no pardons," Hemphill told the BBC World Service's Newsday programme.
On Tuesday, Trump in a news conference at the White House said, "These people have already served years in prison, and they've served them viciously. It's a disgusting prison. It's been horrible. It's inhumane. It's been a terrible, terrible thing."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/january-6-four-years-apart-capitol-goes-from-chaos-to-calm-as-congress-certifies-trump-win-photos-8597194" rel="dofollow">January 6, four years apart: Capitol goes from chaos to calm as Congress certifies Trump win | Photos</a>
A report by the New York Times (NYT) said that the proclamation meant that everyone prosecuted by the Justice Department, from the plotters imprisoned for seditious conspiracy and felons convicted of assaulting cops to those who merely trespassed on the restricted grounds on January 6, 2021, would soon be released from incarceration if they were still in federal custody.
However, Trump's decision has drawn different reactions from some Republican politicians.&nbsp;
Senator Thom Tillis, a resident of North Carolina, said he "just can't agree" with the decision, adding that it "raises legitimate safety issues on Capitol Hill".&nbsp;
Another Republican US senator, James Lankford from Oklahoma, told CNN, "I think we need to continue to say we are a party of law and order."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-us-capitol-riot-anniversary-heres-what-happened-four-years-ago-8595915" rel="dofollow">On the US Capitol riot anniversary, here's what happened four years ago</a>
"I think if you attack a police officer, that's a very serious issue and they should pay a price for that," he added.&nbsp;
According to the proclamation, the 14 accused were identified as Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson, Thomas Caldwell, Jessica Watkins, Roberto Minuta, Edward Vallejo, David Moerschel, Joseph Hackett, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, Dominic Pezzola, and Jeremy Bertino.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Pamela Hemphill pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in prison, and she told BBC that there should be no pardons for the riot on January 6, 2021. 

One of the people who was imprisoned for taking part in the January 6 US Capital riots four years back, has refused a pardon from President Donald Trump, saying, "We were wrong that day." This comes after Trump announced to pardon or commute the sentences of nearly 1,600 people involved in the attempt to violently overturn the 2020 election. Pamela Hemphill pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in prison, and told BBC that there should be no pardons for the riot on January 6, 2021. Also read: Who were the Capitol riots accused that US President Trump granted pardon to? 'Would insult rule of law' "Accepting a pardon would only insult the Capitol police officers, the rule of law, and, of course, our nation," she said. "I pleaded guilty because I was guilty, and accepting a pardon also would serve to contribute to their gaslighting and false narrative." Hemphill was nicknamed the "Maga Granny" by social media users, in reference to Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. Also read: Man arrested for trying to smuggle machete, knives into US Capitol ahead of Trump visit She said that she saw the Trump government as trying to "Rewrite history and I don't want to be part of that." "We were wrong that day, we broke the law - there should be no pardons," Hemphill told the BBC World Service's Newsday programme. On Tuesday, Trump in a news conference at the White House said, "These people have already served years in prison, and they've served them viciously. It's a disgusting prison. It's been horrible. It's inhumane. It's been a terrible, terrible thing." Also read: January 6, four years apart: Capitol goes from chaos to calm as Congress certifies Trump win | Photos A report by the New York Times (NYT) said that the proclamation meant that everyone prosecuted by the Justice Department, from the plotters imprisoned for seditious conspiracy and felons convicted of assaulting cops to those who merely trespassed on the restricted grounds on January 6, 2021, would soon be released from incarceration if they were still in federal custody. However, Trump's decision has drawn different reactions from some Republican politicians. Senator Thom Tillis, a resident of North Carolina, said he "just can't agree" with the decision, adding that it "raises legitimate safety issues on Capitol Hill". Another Republican US senator, James Lankford from Oklahoma, told CNN, "I think we need to continue to say we are a party of law and order." Also read: On the US Capitol riot anniversary, here's what happened four years ago "I think if you attack a police officer, that's a very serious issue and they should pay a price for that," he added. According to the proclamation, the 14 accused were identified as Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson, Thomas Caldwell, Jessica Watkins, Roberto Minuta, Edward Vallejo, David Moerschel, Joseph Hackett, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, Dominic Pezzola, and Jeremy Bertino. (With inputs from agencies)

'We were wrong that day': Convicted US Capitol rioter refuses Trump's pardon

The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said on Wednesday that the bloc must heed US President Donald Trump's demand to spend more on defence, as she issued a stark warning over the threat from Russia.
"President Trump is right to say that we don't spend enough. It's time to invest," Kallas said, adding that the United States must remain Europe's "strongest ally".&nbsp;
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-working-on-second-phase-of-gaza-hostage-ceasefire-deal-report-8644060"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-working-on-second-phase-of-gaza-hostage-ceasefire-deal-report-8644060">Trump administration working on second phase of Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal: Report</a>
"President Trump is right to say that we don't spend enough. It's time to invest," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a keynote speech at a conference in Brussels. "The United States, they are our strongest ally, and must remain so."
"The EU's message to the US is clear, we must do more for our own defence and shoulder a fair share of responsibility for Europe's security," she said.
EU countries have increased their military budgets since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
But politicians acknowledge they will have to go further as they struggle to match Moscow's vast military output.
"Russia poses an existential threat to our security today, tomorrow and for as long as we under-invest in our defence," said Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia.
"Many of our national intelligence agencies are giving us the information that Russia could test EU's readiness to defend itself in three to five years. Who else are we listening to?"
The leader of Poland, which spends proportionally more on defence than any NATO ally, urged fellow EU states to take seriously Trump's call to up the spending target to five percent of GDP from two percent.
"This is a time when Europe cannot afford to save on security," said Tusk, whose country took over the EU's rotating presidency this month.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | US must remain EU's 'strongest ally', says European Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, adding that Trump is right that EU doesn't 'spend enough' on defence

The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said on Wednesday that the bloc must heed US President Donald Trump's demand to spend more on defence, as she issued a stark warning over the threat from Russia. "President Trump is right to say that we don't spend enough. It's time to invest," Kallas said, adding that the United States must remain Europe's "strongest ally". Also Read | Trump administration working on second phase of Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal: Report "President Trump is right to say that we don't spend enough. It's time to invest," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a keynote speech at a conference in Brussels. "The United States, they are our strongest ally, and must remain so." "The EU's message to the US is clear, we must do more for our own defence and shoulder a fair share of responsibility for Europe's security," she said. EU countries have increased their military budgets since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. But politicians acknowledge they will have to go further as they struggle to match Moscow's vast military output. "Russia poses an existential threat to our security today, tomorrow and for as long as we under-invest in our defence," said Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia. "Many of our national intelligence agencies are giving us the information that Russia could test EU's readiness to defend itself in three to five years. Who else are we listening to?" The leader of Poland, which spends proportionally more on defence than any NATO ally, urged fellow EU states to take seriously Trump's call to up the spending target to five percent of GDP from two percent. "This is a time when Europe cannot afford to save on security," said Tusk, whose country took over the EU's rotating presidency this month. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

EU’s Kaja Kallas urges action on defence spending, says US must remain 'strongest ally'

The highest-earning internet creator and YouTube star, MrBeast, has officially joined a bid to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tiktok" rel="dofollow">TikTok</a>'s US operations amid the ongoing row between China-based social media app TikTok and the US.&nbsp;
This comes as the renewed 75-day time limit ticks down on TikTok to find a non-Chinese owner or will have to face a ban in America.&nbsp;
MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, joined tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, the founder of the online HR company employer.com, to make an all-cash offer for the social video app&rsquo;s American unit.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-backs-elon-musk-as-potential-buyer-for-tiktok-amid-ongoing-us-ban-threat-8642536" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok</a>
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that he was open to the US tech billionaires Elon Musk and Larry Ellison buying TikTok in the US.
The US law firm Paul Hastings announced Donaldson's bid in a statement issued on Tuesday, stating that Tinsley was leading an investor group comprising &ldquo;institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals&rdquo; but Donaldson was the only publicly named member of the group.
However, the statement did not reveal the size of the all-cash bid, but Trump put a value of $1 trillion (&pound;811 billion) on the app on Tuesday.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-to-delay-tiktok-ban-in-us-8639173" rel="dofollow">Trump signs executive order to delay TikTok ban in US by 75 days</a>
Earlier also, MrBeast has shown interest in acquiring TikTok in a number of social media posts.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll buy TikTok so it doesn&rsquo;t get banned," MrBeast said in a post on X on January 13. In another post, he said that he had been talking to a &ldquo;bunch of billionaires&rdquo; about a bid.
MrBeast, who has a fan base of 346 million followers on YouTube, was the world&rsquo;s most successful internet creator last year, earning USD 85 million, according to Forbes.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-returns-in-us-thanks-trump-for-clarity-and-assurance-on-delaying-federal-ban-8635954" rel="dofollow"> TikTok returns in US, thanks Trump for 'clarity' and assurance on delaying federal ban</a>
Trump on Tuesday expressed openness to his close ally tech billionaire Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, saying, "I would be if he wanted to buy it."
Moreover, the US President on Monday also proposed alternative solutions, including a 50-50 partnership between ByteDance and "the United States." However, he provided no specifics on how such an arrangement would operate, according to an AFP report.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: MrBeast joined tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, the founder of the online HR company employer.com, to make an all-cash offer for the social video app’s American unit.

The highest-earning internet creator and YouTube star, MrBeast, has officially joined a bid to buy TikTok's US operations amid the ongoing row between China-based social media app TikTok and the US. This comes as the renewed 75-day time limit ticks down on TikTok to find a non-Chinese owner or will have to face a ban in America. MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, joined tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, the founder of the online HR company employer.com, to make an all-cash offer for the social video app’s American unit. Also read: Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that he was open to the US tech billionaires Elon Musk and Larry Ellison buying TikTok in the US. The US law firm Paul Hastings announced Donaldson's bid in a statement issued on Tuesday, stating that Tinsley was leading an investor group comprising “institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals” but Donaldson was the only publicly named member of the group. However, the statement did not reveal the size of the all-cash bid, but Trump put a value of $1 trillion (£811 billion) on the app on Tuesday. Also read: Trump signs executive order to delay TikTok ban in US by 75 days Earlier also, MrBeast has shown interest in acquiring TikTok in a number of social media posts. “I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned," MrBeast said in a post on X on January 13. In another post, he said that he had been talking to a “bunch of billionaires” about a bid. MrBeast, who has a fan base of 346 million followers on YouTube, was the world’s most successful internet creator last year, earning USD 85 million, according to Forbes. Also read: TikTok returns in US, thanks Trump for 'clarity' and assurance on delaying federal ban Trump on Tuesday expressed openness to his close ally tech billionaire Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, saying, "I would be if he wanted to buy it." Moreover, the US President on Monday also proposed alternative solutions, including a 50-50 partnership between ByteDance and "the United States." However, he provided no specifics on how such an arrangement would operate, according to an AFP report. (With inputs from agencies)

YouTuber MrBeast joins bid to buy TikTok's US operations amid 75-day deadline

US President Donald Trump's billionaire ally Elon Musk stirred a major controversy on Monday (Jan 20) over his gesture, which many said resembled a Nazi salute.
While addressing the supporters of the Republican leader at the Capital One arena, the Tesla CEO pounded his chest and raised his right arm in the air while thanking Trump&rsquo;s supporters.
The salute kicked up a row in Trump's UN ambassador pick confirmation hearing as well where she seemingly defended the Tesla CEO over the gesture and denied that Musk gave a 'Nazi' salute.
&ldquo;What do you think of Elon Musk, perhaps the president&rsquo;s most visible adviser, doing two &lsquo;Heil Hitler&rdquo; salutes last night at the president&rsquo;s televised rally?&rdquo; Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy asked Stefanik.&nbsp;
&ldquo;No, Elon Musk did not do those salutes,&rdquo; Stefanik answered. &ldquo;I was not at the rally, but I can tell you I&rsquo;ve been at many rallies with Elon Musk, who loves to cheer when President Trump says &lsquo;We need to send our U.S. space programme to Mars.&rsquo;&rdquo;&nbsp;
&ldquo;Elon Musk is a visionary,&rdquo; Stefanik continued. &ldquo;That is simply not the case. The American people are smart, they see through it, they support Elon Musk.&rdquo;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-nazi-salute-elon-musk-stirs-massive-controversy-during-speech-following-trump-inauguration-8639007">Also read: A Nazi salute? Elon Musk stirs massive controversy during speech following Trump inauguration</a>
<h2>Musk reacts to salute row</h2>
After the billionaire's 'Nazi' salute went viral on Monday, he said his rivals needed "better dirty" tricks.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m67txr1d-jurk6lxq-dividm19">
Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The &ldquo;everyone is Hitler&rdquo; attack is sooo tired 😴 <a href="https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0">https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1881536518206218445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Reactions on social media</h2>
Users on social media criticised Musk, the world's richest man, for his "autocratic tendencies".
"He's such a weird man, why put him in front of a crowd just take his money and keep him in the back," one user wrote.
"I'm totally shocked by Musk's autocratic tendencies, as well as his support for imperious politicians both here and abroad," a second user commented.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: During his speech, Musk pounded his chest and raised his right arm in the air while thanking Trump’s supporters. The gesture, his critics said, resembled a Nazi salute.

US President Donald Trump's billionaire ally Elon Musk stirred a major controversy on Monday (Jan 20) over his gesture, which many said resembled a Nazi salute. While addressing the supporters of the Republican leader at the Capital One arena, the Tesla CEO pounded his chest and raised his right arm in the air while thanking Trump’s supporters. The salute kicked up a row in Trump's UN ambassador pick confirmation hearing as well where she seemingly defended the Tesla CEO over the gesture and denied that Musk gave a 'Nazi' salute. “What do you think of Elon Musk, perhaps the president’s most visible adviser, doing two ‘Heil Hitler” salutes last night at the president’s televised rally?” Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy asked Stefanik. “No, Elon Musk did not do those salutes,” Stefanik answered. “I was not at the rally, but I can tell you I’ve been at many rallies with Elon Musk, who loves to cheer when President Trump says ‘We need to send our U.S. space programme to Mars.’” “Elon Musk is a visionary,” Stefanik continued. “That is simply not the case. The American people are smart, they see through it, they support Elon Musk.” Also read: A Nazi salute? Elon Musk stirs massive controversy during speech following Trump inauguration Musk reacts to salute row After the billionaire's 'Nazi' salute went viral on Monday, he said his rivals needed "better dirty" tricks. Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The “everyone is Hitler” attack is sooo tired 😴 https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025 Reactions on social media Users on social media criticised Musk, the world's richest man, for his "autocratic tendencies". "He's such a weird man, why put him in front of a crowd just take his money and keep him in the back," one user wrote. "I'm totally shocked by Musk's autocratic tendencies, as well as his support for imperious politicians both here and abroad," a second user commented. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump UN Ambassador pick Elise Stefanik slams Musk 'Nazi salute' allegations

US President Donald Trump's administration has begun working on the second phase of the Gaza <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">ceasefire-hostage deal </a>between Israel and Hamas, The Times of Israel reported, citing a Politico report.
The officials and advisers to Trump's Republican Party said that they worked with the former President Joe Biden's administration, but admitted that it will not be easy to push the phased agreement through.&nbsp;
<h2>'End of beginning'</h2>
&ldquo;What Biden left us with is the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end,&rdquo; one official told Politico.&nbsp;
The officials further said that US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and newly confirmed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will start working on the ceasefire almost immediately.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-90-palestinian-prisoners-hamas-releases-3-hostages-in-landmark-gaza-ceasefire-8636229" rel="dofollow">Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners, Hamas releases 3 hostages in landmark Gaza ceasefire</a>
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said he is considering visiting the Middle East, though not immediately, as he reiterated his administration's role in reaching the hostage-ceasefire deal.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re thinking about going to the Middle East &mdash; not yet,&rdquo; Trump told reporters on his second day in office.
Trump's Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed on Monday that he plans to travel to the Gaza Strip to oversee the implementation of the three-phase agreement.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-second-term-america-first-and-transactional-politics-8643207" rel="dofollow">Trump&rsquo;s second term: 'America first' and transactional politics</a>
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "both President Trump and Biden gave full backing to Israel's right to return to fighting, if Israel comes to the conclusion that negotiations on Phase B are futile. I really appreciate it.&rdquo;
On Monday, the Israel Prison Service said that it released 90 Palestinian prisoners as a part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement that came into effect on Sunday (Jan 19).&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-army-says-attacks-continue-in-gaza-ceasefire-still-not-in-effect-8634550" rel="dofollow"> Israel army says attacks continue in Gaza, ceasefire still not in effect</a>
It came after Hamas handed over three Israeli hostages in the first exchange under a much-awaited truce deal, which is aimed at ending the 15-month war in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Officials and advisers to the Republican Party said that they worked with Biden's administration but admitted that it will not be easy to push the phased agreement through. 

US President Donald Trump's administration has begun working on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, The Times of Israel reported, citing a Politico report. The officials and advisers to Trump's Republican Party said that they worked with the former President Joe Biden's administration, but admitted that it will not be easy to push the phased agreement through. 'End of beginning' “What Biden left us with is the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end,” one official told Politico. The officials further said that US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and newly confirmed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will start working on the ceasefire almost immediately. Also read: Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners, Hamas releases 3 hostages in landmark Gaza ceasefire Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said he is considering visiting the Middle East, though not immediately, as he reiterated his administration's role in reaching the hostage-ceasefire deal. “We’re thinking about going to the Middle East — not yet,” Trump told reporters on his second day in office. Trump's Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed on Monday that he plans to travel to the Gaza Strip to oversee the implementation of the three-phase agreement. Also read: Trump’s second term: 'America first' and transactional politics Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "both President Trump and Biden gave full backing to Israel's right to return to fighting, if Israel comes to the conclusion that negotiations on Phase B are futile. I really appreciate it.” On Monday, the Israel Prison Service said that it released 90 Palestinian prisoners as a part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement that came into effect on Sunday (Jan 19). Also read: Israel army says attacks continue in Gaza, ceasefire still not in effect It came after Hamas handed over three Israeli hostages in the first exchange under a much-awaited truce deal, which is aimed at ending the 15-month war in the besieged Palestinian enclave. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump administration working on second phase of Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal: Report

United States President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Jan 21) that he was discussing with his team imposing a 10 per cent tariff on imports from China, citing that Beijing was sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada.
He said that the duty could take effect as early as February 1.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re talking about a tariff of 10% on China based on the fact that they&rsquo;re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada,&rdquo; the president said, speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday evening.
"Probably February 1st is the date we're looking at," he said on being asked about the date the tariffs will be put in place.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-could-impose-sweeping-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-on-feb-1-ottawa-says-ready-to-respond-8639299">Also read: Trump could impose sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico on Feb 1, Ottawa says 'ready to respond'</a>
<h2>China says will 'defend national interest'</h2>
Responding to the tariff threats, China said that it will defend its "national interests".
"We have always believed that there are no winners in a trade war or a tariff war," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
She added that Beijing was "willing to maintain communication with the US, properly handle differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations".
Trump spoke to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping days before his swearing-in ceremony. During the telephonic conversation, they discussed trade, fentanyl, and ByteDance Ltd.&rsquo;s social media app, TikTok.
&ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t talk too much about tariffs, other than he knows where I stand,&rdquo; Trump said Tuesday.
&ldquo;Look, I put large tariffs on China. I&rsquo;ve taken in hundreds of billions of dollars. Until I was president, China never paid not 10 cents to the United States,&rdquo; he said.
<h2>Trump could impose sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico on Feb 1</h2>
Similar tariff threats were issued by Trump for Canada and Mexico on Monday (Jan 20)
The US president said that he was considering imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canada as well as Mexico with the possibility of implementation as early as February 1.
"We're thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada because they're allowing vast numbers of people&mdash;Canada's a very bad abuser also&mdash;vast numbers of people to come in, and fentanyl to come in," he said in the Oval Office as he signed an array of executive orders.
Trump reignited his tariff threats against Canada and Mexico, two major US trading partners, just hours after taking office. He accused them of failing to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the US.
Earlier on Monday, he pledged to "immediately begin the overhaul" of the US trade system "to protect American workers and families."
"Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens," Trump said in his inaugural address.
<h2>Canada says 'ready to respond'</h2>
Top Canadian ministers on Monday said their country is ready to respond if Trump goes ahead with his plan to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canada and Mexico on Feb 1.
Canadian Foreign Minister M&eacute;lanie Joly said they &ldquo;will continue to work on preventing tariffs&rdquo; but said they are also &ldquo;working on retaliation.&rdquo;
Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said that the US president can be unpredictable.
&ldquo;None of this should be surprising,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Our country is absolutely ready to respond to any one of these scenarios.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Responding to the tariff threats, China said that it will defend its "national interests". "We have always believed that there are no winners in a trade war or a tariff war," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

United States President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Jan 21) that he was discussing with his team imposing a 10 per cent tariff on imports from China, citing that Beijing was sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada. He said that the duty could take effect as early as February 1. “We’re talking about a tariff of 10% on China based on the fact that they’re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada,” the president said, speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday evening. "Probably February 1st is the date we're looking at," he said on being asked about the date the tariffs will be put in place. Also read: Trump could impose sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico on Feb 1, Ottawa says 'ready to respond' China says will 'defend national interest' Responding to the tariff threats, China said that it will defend its "national interests". "We have always believed that there are no winners in a trade war or a tariff war," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. She added that Beijing was "willing to maintain communication with the US, properly handle differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations". Trump spoke to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping days before his swearing-in ceremony. During the telephonic conversation, they discussed trade, fentanyl, and ByteDance Ltd.’s social media app, TikTok. “We didn’t talk too much about tariffs, other than he knows where I stand,” Trump said Tuesday. “Look, I put large tariffs on China. I’ve taken in hundreds of billions of dollars. Until I was president, China never paid not 10 cents to the United States,” he said. Trump could impose sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico on Feb 1 Similar tariff threats were issued by Trump for Canada and Mexico on Monday (Jan 20) The US president said that he was considering imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canada as well as Mexico with the possibility of implementation as early as February 1. "We're thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada because they're allowing vast numbers of people—Canada's a very bad abuser also—vast numbers of people to come in, and fentanyl to come in," he said in the Oval Office as he signed an array of executive orders. Trump reignited his tariff threats against Canada and Mexico, two major US trading partners, just hours after taking office. He accused them of failing to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the US. Earlier on Monday, he pledged to "immediately begin the overhaul" of the US trade system "to protect American workers and families." "Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens," Trump said in his inaugural address. Canada says 'ready to respond' Top Canadian ministers on Monday said their country is ready to respond if Trump goes ahead with his plan to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canada and Mexico on Feb 1. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said they “will continue to work on preventing tariffs” but said they are also “working on retaliation.” Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said that the US president can be unpredictable. “None of this should be surprising,” he said. “Our country is absolutely ready to respond to any one of these scenarios.” (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump says he's considering 10 per cent tariffs on imports from China, Beijing responds

US President Donald Trump pardoned the founder of the infamous dark web market Silk Road, Ross Ulbricht on Tuesday (Jan 21).
Ulbricht, who was incarcerated since 2013, was sentenced to life in prison in New York in 2015 on money laundering and narcotics charges. He was operating the underground drug market where drug dealers and others were engaged in the illegal trade of over $200 million using Bitcoin.
Trump announced his pardon on his Truth Social platform saying that he called Ulbricht's mother to inform her about it.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-grants-full-pardon-to-1500-jan-6-rioters-8639070" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump pardons 1,500 Jan 6 rioters, declares them political 'hostages'</a>
The president posted: &ldquo;I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross.&rdquo;
He added, &ldquo;The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!&rdquo;
Elon Musk also responded to Trump's post saying he was "honored to be in the Oval Office tonight when POTUS signed this.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I was honored to be in the Oval Office tonight when <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> signed this <a href="https://t.co/QeRn8XFqOj">https://t.co/QeRn8XFqOj</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1881928371179020516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-second-term-america-first-and-transactional-politics-8643207" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump&rsquo;s second term: 'America first' and transactional politics</a>
<h2>Who is Ross Ulbricht and what was he accused of?</h2>
Born on March 27, 1984, in Austin, Texas, Ross William Ulbricht, was a Boy Scout and attained the Eagle Scout rank. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Texas at Dallas on a full academic scholarship. He also received a scholarship to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he was enrolled in a master's degree programme in materials science and engineering.
Ulbricht developed a strong interest in libertarian economic theory and was influenced by Ludwig von Mises and agorism philosophy that advocates free-market principles.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-memecoins-spark-backlash-amid-crypto-chaos-8643061" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump memecoins spark backlash amid crypto chaos</a>
He launched the Silk Road in 2011, an online shopping mall, which allowed nearly 4,000 drug dealers to sell drugs on a massive scale to over 100,000 buyers in the US and international markets.
He ran the dark web platform until his arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2013, during which he collected $18 million in Bitcoins through commissions on a website containing thousands of listings under categories like &ldquo;Cannabis&rdquo;, &ldquo;Psychedelics&rdquo; and &ldquo;Stimulants&rdquo;, according to the Guardian. According to authorities, Ulbricht brokered over a million drug deals worth more than $183 million. Some people died due to the drugs bought on Silk Road, said prosecutors.
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<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2201_Manav_Speed_1130am/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2201_Manav_Speed_1130am.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=1101&amp;tags=tiktok us trump musk" title="Will Elon Musk buy TikTok?" id="PL_iframe_block-m67l1l7f-c6s9fbss-g02zb4l4"></iframe>
According to the court papers, the government said that Ulbricht left a blueprint that others followed to create sophisticated &ldquo;dark markets&rdquo; that cannot be traced easily, selling an even wider range of illicit items than available on the Silk Road.
In February 2015, he was sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of distributing drugs over the internet and conspiring to commit computer hacking and money laundering.
Ulbricht&rsquo;s pardon was praised by the Libertarian party, which supports the legalisation of drugs, and cryptocurrency advocates.
Trump earlier announced his plans to commute Ulbricht&rsquo;s sentence during a speech at the Libertarian National Convention in May 2024, which he fulfilled after assuming office.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | Ulbricht launched the Silk Road in 2011, an online shopping mall, which allowed nearly 4,000 drug dealers to sell drugs on a massive scale to over 100,000 buyers in the US and international markets.

US President Donald Trump pardoned the founder of the infamous dark web market Silk Road, Ross Ulbricht on Tuesday (Jan 21). Ulbricht, who was incarcerated since 2013, was sentenced to life in prison in New York in 2015 on money laundering and narcotics charges. He was operating the underground drug market where drug dealers and others were engaged in the illegal trade of over $200 million using Bitcoin. Trump announced his pardon on his Truth Social platform saying that he called Ulbricht's mother to inform her about it. Also read | Donald Trump pardons 1,500 Jan 6 rioters, declares them political 'hostages' The president posted: “I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross.” He added, “The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!” Elon Musk also responded to Trump's post saying he was "honored to be in the Oval Office tonight when POTUS signed this.” I was honored to be in the Oval Office tonight when @POTUS signed this https://t.co/QeRn8XFqOj — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 22, 2025 Also read | Trump’s second term: 'America first' and transactional politics Who is Ross Ulbricht and what was he accused of? Born on March 27, 1984, in Austin, Texas, Ross William Ulbricht, was a Boy Scout and attained the Eagle Scout rank. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Texas at Dallas on a full academic scholarship. He also received a scholarship to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he was enrolled in a master's degree programme in materials science and engineering. Ulbricht developed a strong interest in libertarian economic theory and was influenced by Ludwig von Mises and agorism philosophy that advocates free-market principles. Also read | Trump memecoins spark backlash amid crypto chaos He launched the Silk Road in 2011, an online shopping mall, which allowed nearly 4,000 drug dealers to sell drugs on a massive scale to over 100,000 buyers in the US and international markets. He ran the dark web platform until his arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2013, during which he collected $18 million in Bitcoins through commissions on a website containing thousands of listings under categories like “Cannabis”, “Psychedelics” and “Stimulants”, according to the Guardian. According to authorities, Ulbricht brokered over a million drug deals worth more than $183 million. Some people died due to the drugs bought on Silk Road, said prosecutors. Watch | Will Elon Musk buy TikTok? According to the court papers, the government said that Ulbricht left a blueprint that others followed to create sophisticated “dark markets” that cannot be traced easily, selling an even wider range of illicit items than available on the Silk Road. In February 2015, he was sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of distributing drugs over the internet and conspiring to commit computer hacking and money laundering. Ulbricht’s pardon was praised by the Libertarian party, which supports the legalisation of drugs, and cryptocurrency advocates. Trump earlier announced his plans to commute Ulbricht’s sentence during a speech at the Libertarian National Convention in May 2024, which he fulfilled after assuming office. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Ross Ulbricht, founder of dark web market Silk Road, pardoned by Trump?

Videos from US President Donald Trump's inauguration ball are doing rounds on social media where Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun can be seen raising pro-Khalistan slogans.
Pannun, the General Counsel for Sikhs For Justice, attended the official inaugural at The Liberty Ball. He was not invited to the mega event and reportedly bought the tickets through some contact.
The video shows Trump on stage with his wife and first lady Melania during the US president's inauguration inside Capitol Hill.
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🚨SHOCKING! Designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun seen shouting "Khalistan Zindabad" at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Pannun has issued several death threats to Indian diplomats and leaders, including threats of air-b0mbing. How such extremist can get&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/RBfLpyhL9r">pic.twitter.com/RBfLpyhL9r</a>
&mdash; The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehawkeyex/status/1881663375710822691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
As Trump took the oath of office and delivered his inaugural address, the crowd erupted in "USA, USA" chants. Meanwhile, Pannun countered with pro-Khalistan slogans and said 'Khalistan Zindabad'.
He also claims to be the "special guest of President Trump's official inaugural (The Liberty Ball)" in the videos that he has shared on his X handle.
<h2>Pannun's video raises alarm</h2>
His video has raised alarm on the internet as many social media users have expressed dismay over the fact that Pannun, who has issued several death threats to Indian diplomats and air-bombing threats, was allowed at the event where India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was also present along with other world leaders.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
SFJ General Counsel Pannun At Official Inaugural &ldquo;The Liberty Ball&rdquo; WELCOMED President Trump With KHALISTAN Zindabad. <a href="https://t.co/VQYqaTdAuH">pic.twitter.com/VQYqaTdAuH</a>
&mdash; Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (@SFJGenCounsel) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFJGenCounsel/status/1881559550928486905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Some of the users have also questioned the Indian as well as US governments for his presence at the mega event.
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🚨 President Trump&rsquo;s guest Pannun, a Most Wanted as per Modi&rsquo;s India. <a href="https://t.co/LVIzuFphgh">pic.twitter.com/LVIzuFphgh</a>
&mdash; Political Buzz (@Politicalbuzz77) <a href="https://twitter.com/Politicalbuzz77/status/1881566786375786811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Pannun threatened to attack PM Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath during Maha Kumbh 2025</h2>
Earlier in December, Pannun had released a video threatening to attack Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the Kumbh Mela 2025 which is being held in Prayagraj.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uapa-tribunal-upholds-ban-on-khalistani-terrorist-pannuns-sikhs-for-justice-8591013">Also read: India: UAPA Tribunal upholds ban on Khalistani terrorist Pannun's Sikhs For Justice</a>
He said his organisation, Sikhs For Justice, would take "revenge" for the encounter of three Khalistani terrorists and would launch attacks on January 14, January 29 and February 3 when both PM Modi and CM Yogi would be present in Prayagraj, threatening to make this Maha Kumbh, the last Maha Kumbh for the two leaders. &nbsp;
<h2>All about Gurpatwant Singh Pannun&nbsp;</h2>
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a prominent leader of the Khalistan separatist movement and holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.&nbsp;
His organisation, SFJ, has been demanding a separate Khalistan. In July 2020, Pannun was designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for his activities which promoted &ldquo;separatism and violence&rdquo;.&nbsp;
Multiple arrest warrants were also issued by the government of India against him and his properties were seized.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a prominent leader of the Khalistan separatist movement and holds dual citizenship of the United States and Canada.

Videos from US President Donald Trump's inauguration ball are doing rounds on social media where Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun can be seen raising pro-Khalistan slogans. Pannun, the General Counsel for Sikhs For Justice, attended the official inaugural at The Liberty Ball. He was not invited to the mega event and reportedly bought the tickets through some contact. The video shows Trump on stage with his wife and first lady Melania during the US president's inauguration inside Capitol Hill. 🚨SHOCKING! Designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun seen shouting "Khalistan Zindabad" at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Pannun has issued several death threats to Indian diplomats and leaders, including threats of air-b0mbing. How such extremist can get… pic.twitter.com/RBfLpyhL9r — The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) January 21, 2025 As Trump took the oath of office and delivered his inaugural address, the crowd erupted in "USA, USA" chants. Meanwhile, Pannun countered with pro-Khalistan slogans and said 'Khalistan Zindabad'. He also claims to be the "special guest of President Trump's official inaugural (The Liberty Ball)" in the videos that he has shared on his X handle. Pannun's video raises alarm His video has raised alarm on the internet as many social media users have expressed dismay over the fact that Pannun, who has issued several death threats to Indian diplomats and air-bombing threats, was allowed at the event where India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was also present along with other world leaders. SFJ General Counsel Pannun At Official Inaugural “The Liberty Ball” WELCOMED President Trump With KHALISTAN Zindabad. pic.twitter.com/VQYqaTdAuH — Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (@SFJGenCounsel) January 21, 2025 Some of the users have also questioned the Indian as well as US governments for his presence at the mega event. 🚨 President Trump’s guest Pannun, a Most Wanted as per Modi’s India. pic.twitter.com/LVIzuFphgh — Political Buzz (@Politicalbuzz77) January 21, 2025 Pannun threatened to attack PM Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath during Maha Kumbh 2025 Earlier in December, Pannun had released a video threatening to attack Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the Kumbh Mela 2025 which is being held in Prayagraj. Also read: India: UAPA Tribunal upholds ban on Khalistani terrorist Pannun's Sikhs For Justice He said his organisation, Sikhs For Justice, would take "revenge" for the encounter of three Khalistani terrorists and would launch attacks on January 14, January 29 and February 3 when both PM Modi and CM Yogi would be present in Prayagraj, threatening to make this Maha Kumbh, the last Maha Kumbh for the two leaders. All about Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a prominent leader of the Khalistan separatist movement and holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada. His organisation, SFJ, has been demanding a separate Khalistan. In July 2020, Pannun was designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for his activities which promoted “separatism and violence”. Multiple arrest warrants were also issued by the government of India against him and his properties were seized. (With inputs from agencies)

VIRAL VIDEO: Gurpatwant Pannun attends Donald Trump's inauguration, chants pro-Khalistan slogans

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 22) slammed the Bishop who mid-sermon during the traditional inaugural service lectured him about "mercy" for vulnerable groups, including immigrants and the LGBT community. &nbsp;
Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, the US President said that the Washington National Cathedral's Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde was a "nasty" Trump hater.
Labelling Budde a "Radical Left hard line Trump hater", Trump said her service was very boring and uninspiring and claimed that "she owes the public an apology!".
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113870397327465225/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h2>What did the bishop say to Trump?</h2>
On Tuesday (Jan 21), the Washington National Cathedral's Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde used the US president's traditional inaugural service to urge Trump to show "mercy" to vulnerable groups, including immigrants and the LGBT community. Her plea came as, on day one of office, Trump signed a slew of executive orders aimed at ending what the right-wing decries as "woke" culture.
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Speaking during the traditional prayer service that takes place on the morning after the Presidential inauguration, Budde called for Trump to have some "mercy".&nbsp;
"I ask you to have mercy, Mr President," the bishop said softly.
The Republican president, seated in the front pew alongside First Lady Melania Trump, appeared visibly displeased as Budde called for compassion. "There are gay and lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families," she said, highlighting the fears felt by many.&nbsp;
She also defended undocumented immigrants, describing them as essential workers who are "not criminals."&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-directs-all-federal-dei-staff-to-be-put-on-leave-8642539">Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave</a>
"The people who pick our farms and clean our office buildings, who labour in poultry farms and meat-packing plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals &mdash; they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation," she said, adding, "But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals."
<h2>Trump dismisses Bishop's plea</h2>
After the service, Trump dismissed the bishop's remarks, saying, "I didn't think it was a good service" and suggesting "They could do much better."
Watch what he said here:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
President Trump following National Prayer Service: "Not too exciting, was it. I didn't think it was a good service. No...They can do much better." <a href="https://t.co/iNpWGKaXhN">pic.twitter.com/iNpWGKaXhN</a>
&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881789668427006443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This unanticipated confrontation came as the newly inaugurated President of the United States (POTUS) repealed multiple Joe Biden-era executive orders promoting LGBTQ equality and issued an order decreeing the legality of only two genders.&nbsp;
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Trump, who during his campaign trail had vilified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government, in an executive order put the staff on paid leave. He also ordered that the Trump administration only use "clear and accurate language and policies that recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male".
Watch | US: Trump repeals rule allowing transgender troops to serve in military
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The new administration also pushed forward with controversial executive orders, including suspending the arrival of asylum seekers and expelling undocumented migrants.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | President Trump slammed Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde after she urged him to show mercy to vulnerable groups, including immigrants and the LGBT community, during a service.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 22) slammed the Bishop who mid-sermon during the traditional inaugural service lectured him about "mercy" for vulnerable groups, including immigrants and the LGBT community. Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, the US President said that the Washington National Cathedral's Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde was a "nasty" Trump hater. Labelling Budde a "Radical Left hard line Trump hater", Trump said her service was very boring and uninspiring and claimed that "she owes the public an apology!". What did the bishop say to Trump? On Tuesday (Jan 21), the Washington National Cathedral's Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde used the US president's traditional inaugural service to urge Trump to show "mercy" to vulnerable groups, including immigrants and the LGBT community. Her plea came as, on day one of office, Trump signed a slew of executive orders aimed at ending what the right-wing decries as "woke" culture. Also read | Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok Speaking during the traditional prayer service that takes place on the morning after the Presidential inauguration, Budde called for Trump to have some "mercy". "I ask you to have mercy, Mr President," the bishop said softly. The Republican president, seated in the front pew alongside First Lady Melania Trump, appeared visibly displeased as Budde called for compassion. "There are gay and lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families," she said, highlighting the fears felt by many. She also defended undocumented immigrants, describing them as essential workers who are "not criminals." Also read | Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave "The people who pick our farms and clean our office buildings, who labour in poultry farms and meat-packing plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals — they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation," she said, adding, "But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals." Trump dismisses Bishop's plea After the service, Trump dismissed the bishop's remarks, saying, "I didn't think it was a good service" and suggesting "They could do much better." Watch what he said here: President Trump following National Prayer Service: "Not too exciting, was it. I didn't think it was a good service. No...They can do much better." pic.twitter.com/iNpWGKaXhN — CSPAN (@cspan) January 21, 2025 This unanticipated confrontation came as the newly inaugurated President of the United States (POTUS) repealed multiple Joe Biden-era executive orders promoting LGBTQ equality and issued an order decreeing the legality of only two genders. Also read | Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life' Trump, who during his campaign trail had vilified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government, in an executive order put the staff on paid leave. He also ordered that the Trump administration only use "clear and accurate language and policies that recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male". Watch | US: Trump repeals rule allowing transgender troops to serve in military The new administration also pushed forward with controversial executive orders, including suspending the arrival of asylum seekers and expelling undocumented migrants. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump attacks Bishop Budde as 'Trump hater,' calls her 'nasty'

A huge fire at a popular ski resort in northern Turkey on Tuesday (Jan 21) claimed the lives of at least 76 people. The Grand Kartal Hotel was packed with people enjoying their winter holidays when fire broke out early in the morning.
<h2>Death toll rises</h2>
In a statement on Tuesday night, T&uuml;rkiye Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya updated the earlier death toll of 66 saying: "Unfortunately the number of dead is now 76". &nbsp;&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-resort-fire-66-killed-51-injured-after-flames-erupt-at-ski-resort-in-ankara-8641536">Turkey resort fire: 66 killed, 51 injured after flame engulfs 12-storey building</a>
The minister said that 52 of the victims have been identified, and the forensic experts are working to establish the identities of the rest. Bodies of the victims have been handed over to their families, he added.&nbsp;
Another 51 people were injured in the tragedy.
A total of 238 guests were staying at the hotel which stands at 2,000 metres above sea level.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-at-turkey-ski-resort-hotel-kills-10-injures-32-8640029">Fire at Turkey ski resort hotel kills 10, injures 32</a>
<h2>How did the fire start?</h2>
The tragedy struck the popular ski resort at peak season, which was almost full for the two-week winter break which began on Friday, just days before the fire.
Nine people have been arrested in connection with the blaze, said Yerlikaya, updating the earlier figure of four. The hotel owner, among others, is under investigation as investigators look into the cause of the fire, possible negligence and who was responsible.
Watch | Turkey Ski Resort fire: At least 76 killed
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2201_manav_TURKIYE_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2201_manav_TURKIYE_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=193&amp;tags=Turkey Ski Resort fire: At least 76 killed" title="Turkey Ski Resort fire: At least 76 killed" id="PL_iframe_block-m67hgdfr-o2uza8vh-ev75mbn4"></iframe>
As per reports, the fire might have started in the restaurant before quickly spreading through the hotel which was covered in wooden cladding. However, the cause has not been officially confirmed yet.
(With inputs from agencies)

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed a rise in the death toll, with forensic experts identifying victims and releasing bodies to families, as investigations into the blaze continue.

A huge fire at a popular ski resort in northern Turkey on Tuesday (Jan 21) claimed the lives of at least 76 people. The Grand Kartal Hotel was packed with people enjoying their winter holidays when fire broke out early in the morning. Death toll rises In a statement on Tuesday night, Türkiye Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya updated the earlier death toll of 66 saying: "Unfortunately the number of dead is now 76". Also read | Turkey resort fire: 66 killed, 51 injured after flame engulfs 12-storey building The minister said that 52 of the victims have been identified, and the forensic experts are working to establish the identities of the rest. Bodies of the victims have been handed over to their families, he added. Another 51 people were injured in the tragedy. A total of 238 guests were staying at the hotel which stands at 2,000 metres above sea level. Also read | Fire at Turkey ski resort hotel kills 10, injures 32 How did the fire start? The tragedy struck the popular ski resort at peak season, which was almost full for the two-week winter break which began on Friday, just days before the fire. Nine people have been arrested in connection with the blaze, said Yerlikaya, updating the earlier figure of four. The hotel owner, among others, is under investigation as investigators look into the cause of the fire, possible negligence and who was responsible. Watch | Turkey Ski Resort fire: At least 76 killed As per reports, the fire might have started in the restaurant before quickly spreading through the hotel which was covered in wooden cladding. However, the cause has not been officially confirmed yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey ski resort tragedy: Dealth toll from blaze rises to 76

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) said that he likes both sides of the debate on H-1B foreign guest workers' visas, stating that he appreciates how the visa programme gave an opportunity to "very competent people" to come to the country.
"I like both sides of the argument, but I also like very competent people coming into our country, even if that involves them training and helping other people that may not have the qualifications they do. But I don't want to stop -- and I'm not just talking about engineers, I'm talking about people at all levels," Trump said at the White House during a joint news conference with Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Open AI CEO Sam Altman.
Trump made the remarks upon being asked about the ongoing H-1B argument among his supporters.
While his confidants like Elon Musk support the visa programme as it brings qualified tech professionals into the country, his supporters argue that it takes away jobs from Americans.
"We want competent people coming into our country. And H-1B, I know the programme very well. I use the programme. Ma&icirc;tre d', wine experts, even waiters, high-quality waiters -- you've got to get the best people. People like Larry, he needs engineers, Masa also needs... They need engineers like nobody's ever needed them," the US president said.&nbsp;
"So, we have to have quality people coming in. Now by doing that, we're expanding businesses and that takes care of everybody. So I'm sort of on both sides of the argument, but what I really do feel is that we have to let really competent people, great people, come into our country. And we do that through the H-1B programme," he added.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-us-man-asks-indians-to-sign-petition-to-stop-spread-of-h1b-virus-8599073">Also read: VIDEO: US man asks Indians to sign petition to 'stop spread of H1B virus'</a>
<h2>'I've Always Liked H1-B', says Trump</h2>
Earlier in December, Trump praised the use of H-1B visas in an interview with the New York Post for bringing skilled foreign workers to the US, stating, &ldquo;I have always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. That&rsquo;s why we have them.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&ldquo;I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I&rsquo;ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It&rsquo;s a great programme,&rdquo; Trump said, echoing the views of Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Sriram Krishnan, and David Sacks.
The appointment of Sriram Krishnan as an AI advisor to Trump had sparked a division among the US president's supporters.
Critics argue the programme impacts American jobs, while others, including Elon Musk, have supported skilled immigration.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World news: Earlier in December, Trump praised the use of H-1B visas in an interview with the New York Post for bringing skilled foreign workers to the US, stating, “I have always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. That’s why we have them.” 

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) said that he likes both sides of the debate on H-1B foreign guest workers' visas, stating that he appreciates how the visa programme gave an opportunity to "very competent people" to come to the country. "I like both sides of the argument, but I also like very competent people coming into our country, even if that involves them training and helping other people that may not have the qualifications they do. But I don't want to stop -- and I'm not just talking about engineers, I'm talking about people at all levels," Trump said at the White House during a joint news conference with Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Open AI CEO Sam Altman. Trump made the remarks upon being asked about the ongoing H-1B argument among his supporters. While his confidants like Elon Musk support the visa programme as it brings qualified tech professionals into the country, his supporters argue that it takes away jobs from Americans. "We want competent people coming into our country. And H-1B, I know the programme very well. I use the programme. Maître d', wine experts, even waiters, high-quality waiters -- you've got to get the best people. People like Larry, he needs engineers, Masa also needs... They need engineers like nobody's ever needed them," the US president said. "So, we have to have quality people coming in. Now by doing that, we're expanding businesses and that takes care of everybody. So I'm sort of on both sides of the argument, but what I really do feel is that we have to let really competent people, great people, come into our country. And we do that through the H-1B programme," he added. Also read: VIDEO: US man asks Indians to sign petition to 'stop spread of H1B virus' 'I've Always Liked H1-B', says Trump Earlier in December, Trump praised the use of H-1B visas in an interview with the New York Post for bringing skilled foreign workers to the US, stating, “I have always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. That’s why we have them.” “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great programme,” Trump said, echoing the views of Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Sriram Krishnan, and David Sacks. The appointment of Sriram Krishnan as an AI advisor to Trump had sparked a division among the US president's supporters. Critics argue the programme impacts American jobs, while others, including Elon Musk, have supported skilled immigration. (With inputs from agencies)

'I like both sides of argument on H-1B', says Donald Trump on visa programme

Attorneys general from 22 Democratic-leaning states sued President Donald Trump to block the executive order that would end birthright citizenship in the United States.
Two separate lawsuits were filed involving 22 states, including New York and California, a day later Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president on Monday (Jan 20). On his first day in office, Trump unveiled a barrage of executive orders, including those on immigration policies and citizenship.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-faces-rare-rebuke-as-bishop-budde-calls-him-out-mid-service-in-church-have-mercy-mr-president-8642621" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump faces rare rebuke as Bishop Budde lectures him in Church: 'Have mercy Mr President'</a>
Among the lengthy list of orders was an order which would eliminate more than a century-old automatic right of citizenship to anyone born on US soil regardless of their parent&rsquo;s status.&nbsp;
The order would prevent the federal government from issuing legal documents like passports and citizenship certificates to a child born in the country whose &ldquo;mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person&rsquo;s birth,&rdquo; according to the White House.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-willing-to-take-very-strong-response-against-trumps-tariff-threats-pm-trudeau-8642610" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Canada willing to take &lsquo;very strong&rsquo; response against Trump&rsquo;s tariff threats: PM Trudeau</a>
<h2>Democrat states block order</h2>
&ldquo;The President's executive order attempting to rescind birthright citizenship is blatantly unconstitutional and quite frankly, un-American,&rdquo; California Attorney General Rob Bonta said as he announced the suit.
&ldquo;We are asking a court to immediately block this order from taking effect and ensure that the rights of American-born children impacted by this order remain in effect while litigation proceeds.&nbsp;
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-backs-elon-musk-as-potential-buyer-for-tiktok-amid-ongoing-us-ban-threat-8642536" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank"> Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok</a>
&ldquo;The President has overstepped his authority by a mile with this order, and we will hold him accountable.&rdquo;
Two suits, including the California-led suit in Massachusetts federal court and the other in Washington state, have been filed, while other similar suits were filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups in New Hampshire.
<h2>US citizenship right</h2>
The citizenship right falls under the 14th Amendment of the country's constitution, which was adopted in the aftermath of the US Civil War.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-directs-all-federal-dei-staff-to-be-put-on-leave-8642539" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave</a>
The 14th Amendment states: &ldquo;All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.&rdquo;
If Trump&rsquo;s order stands, it will come into effect in 30 days from when he signed it. The president noted that it was likely it would face legal challenges.
&ldquo;I think we have good grounds, but you could be right. I mean, we'll find out,&rdquo; Trump said when asked about if there would be legal efforts to stop the order.
Watch | US President Donald Trump vows big reversals, big 'corrections' at inaugural address
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2201_manav_TRUMP_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2201_manav_TRUMP_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=273&amp;tags=wion, wion news, world news, world news latest, viral" title="US President Donald Trump vows big reversals, big 'corrections' at inaugural address " id="PL_iframe_block-m67fzfot-jq7hnzob-jgadne9g"></iframe>
Trump also wrongly said that the US is the only country that grants birthright citizenship. Many other countries, including Canada and Mexico, have similar citizenship rights.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | “The President's executive order attempting to rescind birthright citizenship is blatantly unconstitutional and quite frankly, un-American,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said as he announced the suit.

Attorneys general from 22 Democratic-leaning states sued President Donald Trump to block the executive order that would end birthright citizenship in the United States. Two separate lawsuits were filed involving 22 states, including New York and California, a day later Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president on Monday (Jan 20). On his first day in office, Trump unveiled a barrage of executive orders, including those on immigration policies and citizenship. Also read | Trump faces rare rebuke as Bishop Budde lectures him in Church: 'Have mercy Mr President' Among the lengthy list of orders was an order which would eliminate more than a century-old automatic right of citizenship to anyone born on US soil regardless of their parent’s status. The order would prevent the federal government from issuing legal documents like passports and citizenship certificates to a child born in the country whose “mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person’s birth,” according to the White House. Also read | Canada willing to take ‘very strong’ response against Trump’s tariff threats: PM Trudeau Democrat states block order “The President's executive order attempting to rescind birthright citizenship is blatantly unconstitutional and quite frankly, un-American,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said as he announced the suit. “We are asking a court to immediately block this order from taking effect and ensure that the rights of American-born children impacted by this order remain in effect while litigation proceeds. Also read | Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok “The President has overstepped his authority by a mile with this order, and we will hold him accountable.” Two suits, including the California-led suit in Massachusetts federal court and the other in Washington state, have been filed, while other similar suits were filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups in New Hampshire. US citizenship right The citizenship right falls under the 14th Amendment of the country's constitution, which was adopted in the aftermath of the US Civil War. Also read | Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave The 14th Amendment states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” If Trump’s order stands, it will come into effect in 30 days from when he signed it. The president noted that it was likely it would face legal challenges. “I think we have good grounds, but you could be right. I mean, we'll find out,” Trump said when asked about if there would be legal efforts to stop the order. Watch | US President Donald Trump vows big reversals, big 'corrections' at inaugural address Trump also wrongly said that the US is the only country that grants birthright citizenship. Many other countries, including Canada and Mexico, have similar citizenship rights. (With inputs from agencies)

Birthright citizenship row: 22 US states sue Trump to block order

US President Donald Trump stripped one of his most outspoken critics, John Bolton, of Secret Service protection.
Trump's administration has directed all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion staff to be put on leave as part of his executive order aimed at dismantling the programs across the federal government.
In other news, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned China against coercive actions in Asia during a Washington meeting with the Quad alliance.
Meanwhile, Trump expressed that he is 'open' to Elon Mask buying TikTok amid legal controversies surrounding the app.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-strips-vocal-critic-ex-adviser-john-bolton-of-secret-service-protection-you-cant-have-that-for-life-8642455" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/FOnerJ12Xqp3XxODrRRn.png" alt=" In response, Bolton, who faces the alleged threat of an Iranian assassination plot, said he was &quot;disappointed but not surprised&quot; by Trump's move. Photograph: (AFP) ">
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) stripped one of his most outspoken critics, John Bolton, of Secret Service protection, a move that may be seen as retribution for criticism. Addressing reporters, Trump said that Bolton, his former US National Security Adviser, no longer has the protection, because "you can't have that for life."&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-directs-all-federal-dei-staff-to-be-put-on-leave-8642539" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/RCMlvv38i8YWOpgwlXaN.jpg" alt=" Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave Photograph Photograph: (AFP) ">
Trump's administration has directed all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion staff to be put on paid leave, with plans to lay them off in the future, as stated in a memo from the Office of Personnel Management.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-warns-china-as-quad-nations-push-for-free-indo-pacific-8642469" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump's Secretary of State Rubio warns China as Quad nations push for free Indo-Pacific</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/SM74WJfuVtaHEXu2sn9Q.png" alt=" QUAD alliance representatives meet in Washington, 21 Jan 2025. Photograph: (DrSJaishankar/X) ">
Marco Rubio, the new US Secretary of State on Tuesday (Jan 21), a day after US President Donald Trump's inauguration, in a veiled but stark warning aimed at China warned against coercive actions in Asia.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-backs-elon-musk-as-potential-buyer-for-tiktok-amid-ongoing-us-ban-threat-8642536" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/21/i1g32CsE6Bo2sraVRAnV.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk Photograph: (Reuters) ">
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) expressed openness to his close ally tech billionaire Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, the Chinese-owned app embroiled in legal controversies. When asked by reporters if he would be open to Musk acquiring TikTok, Trump stated, "I would be if he wanted to buy it". Musk, who owns the social media platform X, is yet to comment on the possibility.
Watch | India prepares in full swing to celebrate 76th Republic day
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2201_manav_REPUBLIC_9AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2201_manav_REPUBLIC_9AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=232&amp;tags=wion, wion news, world news, world news latest, viral" title="India prepares in full swing to celebrate 76th Republic day" id="PL_iframe_block-m67eg0er-0uuqpxif-fodcw1iu"></iframe>

World | Start your morning informed with WION's concise news brief, offering the latest updates and insights to kickstart your day with the most important headlines.

US President Donald Trump stripped one of his most outspoken critics, John Bolton, of Secret Service protection. Trump's administration has directed all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion staff to be put on leave as part of his executive order aimed at dismantling the programs across the federal government. In other news, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned China against coercive actions in Asia during a Washington meeting with the Quad alliance. Meanwhile, Trump expressed that he is 'open' to Elon Mask buying TikTok amid legal controversies surrounding the app. Click on the headlines for more Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life' US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) stripped one of his most outspoken critics, John Bolton, of Secret Service protection, a move that may be seen as retribution for criticism. Addressing reporters, Trump said that Bolton, his former US National Security Adviser, no longer has the protection, because "you can't have that for life." Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave Trump's administration has directed all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion staff to be put on paid leave, with plans to lay them off in the future, as stated in a memo from the Office of Personnel Management. Trump's Secretary of State Rubio warns China as Quad nations push for free Indo-Pacific Marco Rubio, the new US Secretary of State on Tuesday (Jan 21), a day after US President Donald Trump's inauguration, in a veiled but stark warning aimed at China warned against coercive actions in Asia. Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) expressed openness to his close ally tech billionaire Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, the Chinese-owned app embroiled in legal controversies. When asked by reporters if he would be open to Musk acquiring TikTok, Trump stated, "I would be if he wanted to buy it". Musk, who owns the social media platform X, is yet to comment on the possibility. Watch | India prepares in full swing to celebrate 76th Republic day

Morning news brief: Quad warns China; US Federal DEI staff to be put on leave, and more

The head of Israel's military resigned on Tuesday, taking responsibility for its "failure" to stop Hamas's October 7 attack, days after a fragile truce took effect following 15 months of war in the Gaza Strip.
In his resignation letter, released by the army, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said he was stepping down "due to my acknowledgement of responsibility for the (military's) failure on October 7", but added that he was leaving at a time of "significant successes".
He acknowledged, however, that the goals of the Gaza war "have not all been achieved", adding the army would "continue to fight to further dismantle Hamas", bring back the hostages and enable Israelis displaced by militant attacks to return home.
Shortly after his announcement, Major General Yaron Finkelman also resigned. Finkelman headed Israel's southern military command, which is responsible for Gaza.
Hamas's attack, the deadliest in Israeli history, resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.
It sparked a war that has levelled much of Gaza and, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, killed 47,107, a majority of them civilians, figures the United Nations has said are reliable.
In a televised address hours after announcing his resignation, Halevi said Israel's campaign had killed "nearly 20,000 Hamas operatives".
The October 7 attack, which also saw 251 people taken hostage, traumatised Israelis and created an unprecedented crisis for the country's top leadership.
Ninety-one hostages remain in captivity, 34 of whom the military says are dead.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed early in the war to crush Hamas and to bring home all the hostages.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Tuesday called on Netanyahu to follow Halevi's example.
Saying he saluted the military chief for stepping down, Lapid added: "Now, it is time for them to take responsibility and resign -&ndash; the prime minister and his entire catastrophic government."
<h2>'Maintain this calm'</h2>
After months of fruitless negotiations, mediators Qatar and the United States announced a ceasefire that took effect Sunday, on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration as US president.&nbsp;
Trump, who claimed credit for the agreement, said he doubted the deal would hold as he took office for a historic second term.
"That's not our war; it's their war. But I'm not confident," he said.
However, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told the World Economic Forum on Tuesday that if Israel and Hamas acted "in good faith, this will last and hopefully... will lead to a permanent ceasefire".
Since the truce took effect, desperately needed humanitarian aid has begun to flow into Gaza, and Palestinians displaced by the war have headed back to their homes in devastated areas of the territory, hopeful the agreement would last.
Displaced Gazan Ghadeer Abdul Rabbo, 30, told AFP she hoped that "with or without Trump", the ceasefire would hold and world governments would help "maintain this calm, because we are afraid".
The truce has so far seen Israel and Hamas conduct one exchange of hostages for prisoners.
Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP that another four Israeli women hostages would be freed on Saturday in exchange for a second group of Palestinian prisoners.
<h2>'We will rebuild' </h2>
If all goes to plan, a total of 33 hostages will be returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinians during the 42-day first phase of the truce.
Over those six weeks, the parties are meant to negotiate a permanent ceasefire.
In the final phase, militants would return the bodies of dead hostages, while the reconstruction of Gaza would get under way.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Netanyahu by phone about the ceasefire on Tuesday, with both agreeing "that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security", according to a British readout of the conversation.
Starmer also told Netanyahu that Britain was "ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state".
The first day of the truce saw three Israeli hostages, all women, reunited with their families after more than 15 months in captivity. One of them, Emily Damari, was a British-Israeli dual national.
Hours later, 90 Palestinian prisoners were released from an Israeli jail.
The war has devastated much of the Gaza Strip and displaced the vast majority of its population of 2.4 million.
More than 900 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Monday, the United Nations said.
In Rafah in southern Gaza, Ismail Madi said that "we have endured immense hardships, but we will stay here. We will rebuild this place."
While there was quiet in Gaza, violence flared in the occupied West Bank, with the Israeli military launching a deadly operation in the area of Jenin, a bastion of Palestinian militancy.
The Palestinian health ministry, based in Ramallah, said the operation had killed 10 people.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Halevi's resignation comes after a fragile ceasefire, admitting military shortcomings but highlighting achievements in dismantling Hamas and addressing hostage situations.

The head of Israel's military resigned on Tuesday, taking responsibility for its "failure" to stop Hamas's October 7 attack, days after a fragile truce took effect following 15 months of war in the Gaza Strip. In his resignation letter, released by the army, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said he was stepping down "due to my acknowledgement of responsibility for the (military's) failure on October 7", but added that he was leaving at a time of "significant successes". He acknowledged, however, that the goals of the Gaza war "have not all been achieved", adding the army would "continue to fight to further dismantle Hamas", bring back the hostages and enable Israelis displaced by militant attacks to return home. Shortly after his announcement, Major General Yaron Finkelman also resigned. Finkelman headed Israel's southern military command, which is responsible for Gaza. Hamas's attack, the deadliest in Israeli history, resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. It sparked a war that has levelled much of Gaza and, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, killed 47,107, a majority of them civilians, figures the United Nations has said are reliable. In a televised address hours after announcing his resignation, Halevi said Israel's campaign had killed "nearly 20,000 Hamas operatives". The October 7 attack, which also saw 251 people taken hostage, traumatised Israelis and created an unprecedented crisis for the country's top leadership. Ninety-one hostages remain in captivity, 34 of whom the military says are dead. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed early in the war to crush Hamas and to bring home all the hostages. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Tuesday called on Netanyahu to follow Halevi's example. Saying he saluted the military chief for stepping down, Lapid added: "Now, it is time for them to take responsibility and resign -– the prime minister and his entire catastrophic government." 'Maintain this calm' After months of fruitless negotiations, mediators Qatar and the United States announced a ceasefire that took effect Sunday, on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration as US president. Trump, who claimed credit for the agreement, said he doubted the deal would hold as he took office for a historic second term. "That's not our war; it's their war. But I'm not confident," he said. However, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told the World Economic Forum on Tuesday that if Israel and Hamas acted "in good faith, this will last and hopefully... will lead to a permanent ceasefire". Since the truce took effect, desperately needed humanitarian aid has begun to flow into Gaza, and Palestinians displaced by the war have headed back to their homes in devastated areas of the territory, hopeful the agreement would last. Displaced Gazan Ghadeer Abdul Rabbo, 30, told AFP she hoped that "with or without Trump", the ceasefire would hold and world governments would help "maintain this calm, because we are afraid". The truce has so far seen Israel and Hamas conduct one exchange of hostages for prisoners. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP that another four Israeli women hostages would be freed on Saturday in exchange for a second group of Palestinian prisoners. 'We will rebuild' If all goes to plan, a total of 33 hostages will be returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinians during the 42-day first phase of the truce. Over those six weeks, the parties are meant to negotiate a permanent ceasefire. In the final phase, militants would return the bodies of dead hostages, while the reconstruction of Gaza would get under way. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Netanyahu by phone about the ceasefire on Tuesday, with both agreeing "that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security", according to a British readout of the conversation. Starmer also told Netanyahu that Britain was "ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state". The first day of the truce saw three Israeli hostages, all women, reunited with their families after more than 15 months in captivity. One of them, Emily Damari, was a British-Israeli dual national. Hours later, 90 Palestinian prisoners were released from an Israeli jail. The war has devastated much of the Gaza Strip and displaced the vast majority of its population of 2.4 million. More than 900 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Monday, the United Nations said. In Rafah in southern Gaza, Ismail Madi said that "we have endured immense hardships, but we will stay here. We will rebuild this place." While there was quiet in Gaza, violence flared in the occupied West Bank, with the Israeli military launching a deadly operation in the area of Jenin, a bastion of Palestinian militancy. The Palestinian health ministry, based in Ramallah, said the operation had killed 10 people. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi resigns over failure to prevent Oct 7 Hamas attack

Donald Trump's second term as US president began with a flurry of sweeping policy decisions and a rare rebuke from the pulpit. On Tuesday (Jan 21), the Washington National Cathedral's Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde used the US president's traditional inaugural service to urge Trump to show "mercy" to vulnerable groups, including immigrants and the LGBT community. &nbsp;
This comes as on day one of office, Trump signed a slew of executive orders aimed at ending what the right-wing decries as "woke" culture.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-backs-elon-musk-as-potential-buyer-for-tiktok-amid-ongoing-us-ban-threat-8642536">Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok</a>
<h2>What did the bishop say to Trump?</h2>
As per an AFP report, speaking during the traditional prayer service that takes place on the morning after the Presidential inauguration, Budde called for Trump to have some "mercy".&nbsp;
"I ask you to have mercy, Mr President," the bishop said softly.
The Republican president, seated in the front pew alongside First Lady Melania Trump, appeared visibly displeased as Budde called for compassion. "There are gay and lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families," she said, highlighting the fears felt by many.&nbsp;
She also defended undocumented immigrants, describing them as essential workers who are "not criminals."&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-directs-all-federal-dei-staff-to-be-put-on-leave-8642539">Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave</a>
"The people who pick our farms and clean our office buildings, who labour in poultry farms and meat-packing plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals &mdash; they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation," she said, adding, "But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals."
<h2>Trump dismisses Bishop's plea</h2>
After the service, Trump dismissed the bishop's remarks, saying, "I didn't think it was a good service" and suggesting "They could do much better."
Watch what he said here:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
President Trump following National Prayer Service: "Not too exciting, was it. I didn't think it was a good service. No...They can do much better." <a href="https://t.co/iNpWGKaXhN">pic.twitter.com/iNpWGKaXhN</a>
&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881789668427006443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This unanticipated confrontation came as the newly inaugurated President of the United States (POTUS) repealed multiple Joe Biden-era executive orders promoting LGBTQ equality and issued an order decreeing the legality of only two genders.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-strips-vocal-critic-ex-adviser-john-bolton-of-secret-service-protection-you-cant-have-that-for-life-8642455" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life'</a>
Trump, who during his campaign trail had vilified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government, in an order ending them labelled them "immoral discrimination programs". He also ordered that the Trump administration only use "clear and accurate language and policies that recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male".
The new administration also pushed forward with controversial executive orders, including suspending the arrival of asylum seekers and expelling undocumented migrants.
Watch | US: Trump repeals rule allowing transgender troops to serve in military
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2101_WION_protest_1030pm/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2101_WION_protest_1030pm.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=145&amp;tags=us, united states, donald trump, transgender, transgender troops," title="US: Trump repeals rule allowing transgender troops to serve in military " id="PL_iframe_block-m67datn6-9693bj34-rzda1a4n"></iframe>
<h2>Who is Mariann Edgar Budde?</h2>
Mariann Edgar Budde is the first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She has been leading the diocese since 2011.
This is not the first time the bishop has spoken up against Trump. In 2020, during protests over the death of George Floyd, she wrote a scathing opinion piece criticising Trump's use of the Bible, which he held aloft at St. John&rsquo;s Church after officers used tear gas against protesters calling for racial justice in nearby Lafayette Square. She wrote that she was "outraged" and "horrified" that the Republican leader "used sacred symbols" while "espousing positions antithetical to the Bible."
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde urged President Trump to show mercy to vulnerable groups like immigrants and the LGBTQ community during the National Cathedral service.

Donald Trump's second term as US president began with a flurry of sweeping policy decisions and a rare rebuke from the pulpit. On Tuesday (Jan 21), the Washington National Cathedral's Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde used the US president's traditional inaugural service to urge Trump to show "mercy" to vulnerable groups, including immigrants and the LGBT community. This comes as on day one of office, Trump signed a slew of executive orders aimed at ending what the right-wing decries as "woke" culture. Also read | Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok What did the bishop say to Trump? As per an AFP report, speaking during the traditional prayer service that takes place on the morning after the Presidential inauguration, Budde called for Trump to have some "mercy". "I ask you to have mercy, Mr President," the bishop said softly. The Republican president, seated in the front pew alongside First Lady Melania Trump, appeared visibly displeased as Budde called for compassion. "There are gay and lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families," she said, highlighting the fears felt by many. She also defended undocumented immigrants, describing them as essential workers who are "not criminals." Also read | Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave "The people who pick our farms and clean our office buildings, who labour in poultry farms and meat-packing plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals — they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation," she said, adding, "But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals." Trump dismisses Bishop's plea After the service, Trump dismissed the bishop's remarks, saying, "I didn't think it was a good service" and suggesting "They could do much better." Watch what he said here: President Trump following National Prayer Service: "Not too exciting, was it. I didn't think it was a good service. No...They can do much better." pic.twitter.com/iNpWGKaXhN — CSPAN (@cspan) January 21, 2025 This unanticipated confrontation came as the newly inaugurated President of the United States (POTUS) repealed multiple Joe Biden-era executive orders promoting LGBTQ equality and issued an order decreeing the legality of only two genders. Also read | Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life' Trump, who during his campaign trail had vilified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government, in an order ending them labelled them "immoral discrimination programs". He also ordered that the Trump administration only use "clear and accurate language and policies that recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male". The new administration also pushed forward with controversial executive orders, including suspending the arrival of asylum seekers and expelling undocumented migrants. Watch | US: Trump repeals rule allowing transgender troops to serve in military Who is Mariann Edgar Budde? Mariann Edgar Budde is the first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She has been leading the diocese since 2011. This is not the first time the bishop has spoken up against Trump. In 2020, during protests over the death of George Floyd, she wrote a scathing opinion piece criticising Trump's use of the Bible, which he held aloft at St. John’s Church after officers used tear gas against protesters calling for racial justice in nearby Lafayette Square. She wrote that she was "outraged" and "horrified" that the Republican leader "used sacred symbols" while "espousing positions antithetical to the Bible." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump faces rare rebuke as Bishop Budde lectures him in Church: 'Have mercy Mr President'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has firmly warned against US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s plans to impose hefty tariffs on February 1, saying that Ottawa will respond with &ldquo;robust, rapid&rdquo; and &ldquo;very strong&rdquo; retaliatory measures.
Trudeau said on Tuesday (Jan 21) that Canada is ready to deploy measures against the tariffs scheme, according to a CBS report.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-could-impose-sweeping-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-on-feb-1-ottawa-says-ready-to-respond-8639299" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump could impose sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico on Feb 1, Ottawa says 'ready to respond'</a>
The Canadian PM&rsquo;s comments came hours after the new US president announced that he was planning to impose 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. Trump added that these plans may be effective from February 1.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada, because they're allowing vast numbers of people &ndash; Canada's a very bad abuser also &ndash; vast numbers of people to come in, and fentanyl to come in. I think we'll do it on February 1,&rdquo; the US president told reporters in the Oval Office after his inauguration on Monday (Jan 20).
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-mexico-opt-for-different-strategies-in-face-of-trump-threats-8642359" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Retaliation vs keeping it cool': Canada and Mexico opt for different strategies in face of Trump threats</a>
<h2>Canada &lsquo;ready for everything&rsquo;</h2>
During a special cabinet meeting in Montebello, Quebec, Trudeau said that he was unfazed by Trump&rsquo;s plans, saying he expects a great deal of &ldquo;uncertainty&rdquo; when dealing with this president.
&ldquo;We've been here before,&rdquo; he said. The Canadian PM added that Trump is a skilled negotiator who will &ldquo;do what he can to keep his negotiating partners a little off balance.&rdquo;
Trudeau further said that Canada is a good negotiator too and is &lsquo;willing to inflict economic pain on the US to get Trump to back down&rsquo;.
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-threatens-us-with-trump-tariffs-tax-says-ready-for-trade-war-over-proposed-25-tariffs-8631530" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank"> Canada threatens US with 'Trump tariffs tax,' says ready for 'trade war' over proposed 25% tariffs</a>
While Canada&rsquo;s priority is to prevent any tariffs altogether and build a &ldquo;very positive relationship with the US,&rdquo; the country will not allow it to be rolled over by Trump&rsquo;s threats, Trudeau said.
On Trump&rsquo;s remarks that the US does not need anything from Canada, Trudeau said that if the new president really wants to usher in a &ldquo;golden age of America&rdquo; as he said in his inaugural speech, he will need critical natural resources from Canada. This gives Canada some leverage, according to Trudeau.
Amid the threats, Trudeau said that Ottawa is prepared to enact severe measures, including a possible oil export ban, if other efforts don&rsquo;t work.
Watch | Justin Trudeau vows Canada will respond to Trump&rsquo;s tariffs
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&ldquo;Everything is on the table, and I support the principle of dollar-for-dollar matching tariffs,&rdquo; Trudeau said. &ldquo;It's something we're absolutely going to be looking at if they move forward.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We are prepared for every possible scenario,&rdquo; the Canadian PM asserted.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | “We've been here before,” he said. The Canadian PM added that Trump is a skilled negotiator who will “do what he can to keep his negotiating partners a little off balance.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has firmly warned against US President Donald Trump’s plans to impose hefty tariffs on February 1, saying that Ottawa will respond with “robust, rapid” and “very strong” retaliatory measures. Trudeau said on Tuesday (Jan 21) that Canada is ready to deploy measures against the tariffs scheme, according to a CBS report. Also read | Trump could impose sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico on Feb 1, Ottawa says 'ready to respond' The Canadian PM’s comments came hours after the new US president announced that he was planning to impose 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. Trump added that these plans may be effective from February 1. “We’re thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada, because they're allowing vast numbers of people – Canada's a very bad abuser also – vast numbers of people to come in, and fentanyl to come in. I think we'll do it on February 1,” the US president told reporters in the Oval Office after his inauguration on Monday (Jan 20). Also read | 'Retaliation vs keeping it cool': Canada and Mexico opt for different strategies in face of Trump threats Canada ‘ready for everything’ During a special cabinet meeting in Montebello, Quebec, Trudeau said that he was unfazed by Trump’s plans, saying he expects a great deal of “uncertainty” when dealing with this president. “We've been here before,” he said. The Canadian PM added that Trump is a skilled negotiator who will “do what he can to keep his negotiating partners a little off balance.” Trudeau further said that Canada is a good negotiator too and is ‘willing to inflict economic pain on the US to get Trump to back down’. Also read | Canada threatens US with 'Trump tariffs tax,' says ready for 'trade war' over proposed 25% tariffs While Canada’s priority is to prevent any tariffs altogether and build a “very positive relationship with the US,” the country will not allow it to be rolled over by Trump’s threats, Trudeau said. On Trump’s remarks that the US does not need anything from Canada, Trudeau said that if the new president really wants to usher in a “golden age of America” as he said in his inaugural speech, he will need critical natural resources from Canada. This gives Canada some leverage, according to Trudeau. Amid the threats, Trudeau said that Ottawa is prepared to enact severe measures, including a possible oil export ban, if other efforts don’t work. Watch | Justin Trudeau vows Canada will respond to Trump’s tariffs “Everything is on the table, and I support the principle of dollar-for-dollar matching tariffs,” Trudeau said. “It's something we're absolutely going to be looking at if they move forward.” “We are prepared for every possible scenario,” the Canadian PM asserted. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada willing to take ‘very strong’ response against Trump’s tariff threats: PM Trudeau

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) expressed openness to his close ally tech billionaire Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, the Chinese-owned app embroiled in legal controversies. When asked by reporters if he would be open to Musk acquiring TikTok, Trump stated, "I would be if he wanted to buy it". Musk, who owns the social media platform X, is yet to comment on the possibility.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-warns-china-as-quad-nations-push-for-free-indo-pacific-8642469">Trump's Secretary of State Rubio warns China as Quad nations push for free Indo-Pacific</a>
TikTok is under pressure to comply with a US law demanding its parent company, ByteDance, sell its American operations or face a ban. Companies found in violation of the law risk fines of up to $5,000 per user. The legislation, driven by fears that Beijing could exploit the app for surveillance or influence, has raised significant bipartisan concern.
<h2>Trump and TikTok</h2>
One of Trump's initial actions after taking office for a second term was to pause enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days, giving TikTok more time to address the mandate. Despite the grace period, the law remains technically active.
Amid mounting uncertainty over TikTok's fate, Trump on Monday (Jan 20) also proposed alternative solutions, including a 50-50 partnership between ByteDance and "the United States." However, he provided no specifics on how such an arrangement would operate, reports AFP. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-strips-vocal-critic-ex-adviser-john-bolton-of-secret-service-protection-you-cant-have-that-for-life-8642455" aria-label="Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life'">Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life'</a>
TikTok briefly ceased US operations late Saturday as the divestment deadline approached, leaving millions of users without access. By Sunday, service resumed with assistance from Oracle, TikTok's US server provider. The app credited Trump's intervention for making the reversal possible.
Watch | Trump signs slew of executive orders on immigration, border security, TikTok | Gravitas
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2101_WION_trump_9pm/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2101_WION_trump_9pm.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=421&amp;tags=us, donald trump, trump, inauguration, trump inauguration, executive orders, gravitas," title="Trump signs slew of executive orders on immigration, border security, TikTok | Gravitas " id="PL_iframe_block-m67b9vq6-cf9gx5nu-8gp8b3qb"></iframe>
Despite this, the app remains unavailable on Apple and Google app stores, as the app stores have blocked new downloads and updates for existing users. &nbsp;
Reports last week suggested Chinese officials were considering selling TikTok&rsquo;s US operations to Musk's social media platform X. However, TikTok denied the claims, dismissing the speculation. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Explore Donald Trump's openness to Elon Musk's potential acquisition of TikTok amid ongoing legal challenges and concerns surrounding the app's operations.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) expressed openness to his close ally tech billionaire Elon Musk acquiring TikTok, the Chinese-owned app embroiled in legal controversies. When asked by reporters if he would be open to Musk acquiring TikTok, Trump stated, "I would be if he wanted to buy it". Musk, who owns the social media platform X, is yet to comment on the possibility. Also read | Trump's Secretary of State Rubio warns China as Quad nations push for free Indo-Pacific TikTok is under pressure to comply with a US law demanding its parent company, ByteDance, sell its American operations or face a ban. Companies found in violation of the law risk fines of up to $5,000 per user. The legislation, driven by fears that Beijing could exploit the app for surveillance or influence, has raised significant bipartisan concern. Trump and TikTok One of Trump's initial actions after taking office for a second term was to pause enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days, giving TikTok more time to address the mandate. Despite the grace period, the law remains technically active. Amid mounting uncertainty over TikTok's fate, Trump on Monday (Jan 20) also proposed alternative solutions, including a 50-50 partnership between ByteDance and "the United States." However, he provided no specifics on how such an arrangement would operate, reports AFP. Also read | Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life' TikTok briefly ceased US operations late Saturday as the divestment deadline approached, leaving millions of users without access. By Sunday, service resumed with assistance from Oracle, TikTok's US server provider. The app credited Trump's intervention for making the reversal possible. Watch | Trump signs slew of executive orders on immigration, border security, TikTok | Gravitas Despite this, the app remains unavailable on Apple and Google app stores, as the app stores have blocked new downloads and updates for existing users. Reports last week suggested Chinese officials were considering selling TikTok’s US operations to Musk's social media platform X. However, TikTok denied the claims, dismissing the speculation. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump says 'open' to Elon Musk buying TikTok

US President Donald Trump's administration issued a directive to put all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff on paid leave, with agencies developing plans to lay them off in the future, according to a memo from the Office of Personnel Management.
This move is part of Trump's executive order aimed at dismantling diversity and inclusion programmes across the federal government.
<h2>Trump fires first female Coast Guard chief, Admiral Linda Lee Fagan</h2>
This also comes after Trump dismissed Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, the head of the US Coast Guard, citing her excessive emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Fagan, who made history as the first woman to lead a branch of the US Armed Forces, was removed from her position on Tuesday. This comes after Trump said that he would eliminate DEI programmes across federal agencies.
<h2>The end of DEI programmes</h2>
Trump, who during his campaign trail had vilified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government, labelled them as "immoral discrimination programs" in an order signed to end them.
"The Biden Administration forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' (DEI), into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government, in areas ranging from airline safety to the military," read the order.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targets-woke-culture-reverses-biden-era-policies-on-gender-and-dei-enforces-legal-recognition-of-only-two-genders-male-and-female-8639296">Also read: Trump targets 'woke' culture, enforces legal recognition of only two genders &mdash; male and female</a>
<h2>Campaign promises fulfilled</h2>
During his campaign, Trump frequently demonized gender diversity, attacking transgender people &mdash; most notably transgender women in women's sports &mdash; and gender-affirming care for children.&nbsp; &nbsp; On Monday, Trump issued an executive order requiring US federal agencies to recognise only two genders &mdash; male and female- removing the option for any other gender identities.
According to Trump's gender order, federal agencies "shall take all necessary steps, as permitted by law, to end the Federal funding of gender ideology."
The Trump administration would only use "clear and accurate language and policies that recognize women are biologically female, and men are biologically male," said the order.
The US president also wiped out 78 executive orders, actions and presidential memoranda issued by his predecessor Joe Biden, including those that prevented "discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation," prejudice against LGBTQ Americans in education, as well as equity programmes for Black, Hispanic and Pacific Islander Americans.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trump's administration has directed all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion staff to be put on paid leave, with plans to lay them off in the future, as stated in a memo from the Office of Personnel Management.

US President Donald Trump's administration issued a directive to put all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff on paid leave, with agencies developing plans to lay them off in the future, according to a memo from the Office of Personnel Management. This move is part of Trump's executive order aimed at dismantling diversity and inclusion programmes across the federal government. Trump fires first female Coast Guard chief, Admiral Linda Lee Fagan This also comes after Trump dismissed Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, the head of the US Coast Guard, citing her excessive emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Fagan, who made history as the first woman to lead a branch of the US Armed Forces, was removed from her position on Tuesday. This comes after Trump said that he would eliminate DEI programmes across federal agencies. The end of DEI programmes Trump, who during his campaign trail had vilified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government, labelled them as "immoral discrimination programs" in an order signed to end them. "The Biden Administration forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' (DEI), into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government, in areas ranging from airline safety to the military," read the order. Also read: Trump targets 'woke' culture, enforces legal recognition of only two genders — male and female Campaign promises fulfilled During his campaign, Trump frequently demonized gender diversity, attacking transgender people — most notably transgender women in women's sports — and gender-affirming care for children. On Monday, Trump issued an executive order requiring US federal agencies to recognise only two genders — male and female- removing the option for any other gender identities. According to Trump's gender order, federal agencies "shall take all necessary steps, as permitted by law, to end the Federal funding of gender ideology." The Trump administration would only use "clear and accurate language and policies that recognize women are biologically female, and men are biologically male," said the order. The US president also wiped out 78 executive orders, actions and presidential memoranda issued by his predecessor Joe Biden, including those that prevented "discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation," prejudice against LGBTQ Americans in education, as well as equity programmes for Black, Hispanic and Pacific Islander Americans. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump administration directs all federal DEI staff to be put on leave

Marco Rubio, the new US Secretary of State on Tuesday (Jan 21), a day after US President Donald Trump's inauguration, in a veiled but stark warning aimed at China warned against coercive actions in Asia.&nbsp;
Rubio issued the warning during a Washington meeting with the so-called Quad alliance. Speaking alongside diplomats from Japan, India, and Australia, Rubio promised to work towards a "free and open Indo-Pacific," a phrase frequently used by US administrations for resisting China's territorial ambitions.
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<h2>Quad alliance</h2>
The four nations said they support a region "where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty and territorial integrity are upheld and defended."
"We also strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," the statement emphasised.
They also confirmed that they would work to hold a Quad summit &mdash; previously scheduled for this year in India &mdash; potentially marking Trump's first international visit in his new term.&nbsp;
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regaled the new US president with "Namaste Trump", a massive rally held in honour of the Republican president's first visit to India in February 2020.&nbsp;
<h2>The Taiwan commitment &nbsp;</h2>
As China's assertive claims in the South China Sea and beyond draw global criticism, Rubio in his confirmation hearing reiterated that he would work to deter any Chinese military aggression towards Taiwan &mdash; the self-ruled island Beijing considers part of its territory. &nbsp;
Trump, meanwhile, during his campaign, had caused concern by his remarks that Taiwan needs to pay the US "protection money". &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-mexico-opt-for-different-strategies-in-face-of-trump-threats-8642359">'Retaliation vs keeping it cool': Canada and Mexico opt for different strategies in face of Trump threats</a>
<h2>Rubio's revamping of the State Department</h2>
Rubio, a three-term senator, was unanimously confirmed by the Senate a day earlier. While addressing State Department employees, he, as per AFP, promised to protect American diplomats.
"There will be changes...But the changes are not meant to be destructive, they're not meant to be punitive," said the three-time Senator&nbsp;
"But we need to move faster than we ever have because the world is changing faster than we ever have," Rubio stated, flanked by his wife and children.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | In a meeting with Japan, India, and Australia, Rubio stresses upholding democratic values and territorial integrity, opposing any forceful status quo changes in Asia.

Marco Rubio, the new US Secretary of State on Tuesday (Jan 21), a day after US President Donald Trump's inauguration, in a veiled but stark warning aimed at China warned against coercive actions in Asia. Rubio issued the warning during a Washington meeting with the so-called Quad alliance. Speaking alongside diplomats from Japan, India, and Australia, Rubio promised to work towards a "free and open Indo-Pacific," a phrase frequently used by US administrations for resisting China's territorial ambitions. Also read | Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life' Quad alliance The four nations said they support a region "where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty and territorial integrity are upheld and defended." "We also strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," the statement emphasised. They also confirmed that they would work to hold a Quad summit — previously scheduled for this year in India — potentially marking Trump's first international visit in his new term. Also read | WATCH | Donald Trump, JD Vance attend interfaith service at Washington National Cathedral with family Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regaled the new US president with "Namaste Trump", a massive rally held in honour of the Republican president's first visit to India in February 2020. The Taiwan commitment As China's assertive claims in the South China Sea and beyond draw global criticism, Rubio in his confirmation hearing reiterated that he would work to deter any Chinese military aggression towards Taiwan — the self-ruled island Beijing considers part of its territory. Trump, meanwhile, during his campaign, had caused concern by his remarks that Taiwan needs to pay the US "protection money". Also read | 'Retaliation vs keeping it cool': Canada and Mexico opt for different strategies in face of Trump threats Rubio's revamping of the State Department Rubio, a three-term senator, was unanimously confirmed by the Senate a day earlier. While addressing State Department employees, he, as per AFP, promised to protect American diplomats. "There will be changes...But the changes are not meant to be destructive, they're not meant to be punitive," said the three-time Senator "But we need to move faster than we ever have because the world is changing faster than we ever have," Rubio stated, flanked by his wife and children. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's Secretary of State Rubio warns China as Quad nations push for free Indo-Pacific

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) stripped one of his most outspoken critics, John Bolton, of Secret Service protection, a move that may be seen as retribution for criticism. Addressing reporters, Trump said that Bolton, his former US National Security Adviser, no longer has the protection, because "you can't have that for life."&nbsp;
In response, Bolton, who faces the alleged threat of an Iranian assassination plot, said he was "disappointed but not surprised" by Trump's move.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-mexico-opt-for-different-strategies-in-face-of-trump-threats-8642359">'Retaliation vs keeping it cool': Canada and Mexico opt for different strategies in face of Trump threats</a>
<h2>Trump defends decision</h2>
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump defended the move while launching a verbal attack on Bolton who has been a vocal critic of the former president. Trump labelled him a "very dumb person" and a "stupid guy", claiming, "We're not going to have security on people for the rest of their lives. Why should we?"&nbsp;
"You can't have that for life."
Bolton, 76, served in Trump&rsquo;s administration during his first term.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marco-rubio-quad-us-secretary-of-state-quad-foreign-ministers-s-jaishankar-today-8642308">Marco Rubio's diplomatic debut: US Secretary of State to hold talks with QUAD foreign ministers</a>
"I thought he was a very dumb person, but I used him well because every time people saw me come into a meeting with John Bolton standing behind me, they thought that he'd attack them because he was a warmonger," quipped the US president.
Trump also revoked Bolton's security clearance, signing an executive order accusing the former aide of leaking "sensitive information drawn from his time in government" in his 2020 memoir, which was highly critical of Trump&rsquo;s administration.
<h2>John Bolton 'disappointed'</h2>
In a statement on social media platform X, Bolton referenced the ongoing threat against his life. He highlighted the Justice Department's 2022 charges against an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official accused of "attempting to hire a hit man to target me."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-trump-inauguration-trump-20-gulf-of-mexico-gofo-of-america-8642297">Explained: Trump wants to rename Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. Can he do that?</a>
"That threat remains today, as also demonstrated by the recent arrest of someone trying to arrange for President Trump's own assassination," he said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump has decided to terminate the protection previously provided by the United States Secret Service. Notwithstanding my criticisms of President Biden's national-security policies, he nonetheless made the decision to extend&hellip;
&mdash; John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1881782987966017553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bolton added that even though he was critical of President Joe Biden's national security policies, "he nonetheless made the decision to extend (Secret Service) protection to me in 2021." He contrasted the decisions made by the two presidents, and remarked, "The American people can judge for themselves which President made the right call." &nbsp;
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<h2>Iran threat&nbsp;</h2>
The State Department has offered a $20 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the alleged Iranian mastermind behind the plot to assassinate Bolton - a former US ambassador to the United Nations. US officials have also claimed that Iran has targeted Trump for assassination to avenge the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World news | Bolton, facing alleged Iranian assassination threats, expresses disappointment, contrasting Trump's decision with President Biden's previous extension of protection.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 21) stripped one of his most outspoken critics, John Bolton, of Secret Service protection, a move that may be seen as retribution for criticism. Addressing reporters, Trump said that Bolton, his former US National Security Adviser, no longer has the protection, because "you can't have that for life." In response, Bolton, who faces the alleged threat of an Iranian assassination plot, said he was "disappointed but not surprised" by Trump's move. Also read | 'Retaliation vs keeping it cool': Canada and Mexico opt for different strategies in face of Trump threats Trump defends decision Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump defended the move while launching a verbal attack on Bolton who has been a vocal critic of the former president. Trump labelled him a "very dumb person" and a "stupid guy", claiming, "We're not going to have security on people for the rest of their lives. Why should we?" "You can't have that for life." Bolton, 76, served in Trump’s administration during his first term. Also read | Marco Rubio's diplomatic debut: US Secretary of State to hold talks with QUAD foreign ministers "I thought he was a very dumb person, but I used him well because every time people saw me come into a meeting with John Bolton standing behind me, they thought that he'd attack them because he was a warmonger," quipped the US president. Trump also revoked Bolton's security clearance, signing an executive order accusing the former aide of leaking "sensitive information drawn from his time in government" in his 2020 memoir, which was highly critical of Trump’s administration. John Bolton 'disappointed' In a statement on social media platform X, Bolton referenced the ongoing threat against his life. He highlighted the Justice Department's 2022 charges against an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official accused of "attempting to hire a hit man to target me." Also read | Explained: Trump wants to rename Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. Can he do that? "That threat remains today, as also demonstrated by the recent arrest of someone trying to arrange for President Trump's own assassination," he said. I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump has decided to terminate the protection previously provided by the United States Secret Service. Notwithstanding my criticisms of President Biden's national-security policies, he nonetheless made the decision to extend… — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 21, 2025 Bolton added that even though he was critical of President Joe Biden's national security policies, "he nonetheless made the decision to extend (Secret Service) protection to me in 2021." He contrasted the decisions made by the two presidents, and remarked, "The American people can judge for themselves which President made the right call." Watch | US: Trump repeals rule allowing transgender troops to serve in military Iran threat The State Department has offered a $20 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the alleged Iranian mastermind behind the plot to assassinate Bolton - a former US ambassador to the United Nations. US officials have also claimed that Iran has targeted Trump for assassination to avenge the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump strips vocal critic, ex-adviser John Bolton of Secret Service protection: 'You can't have that for life'

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